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ALCC awards
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The ELITE Awards
Landscape Construction Designscapes Colorado | An Eclectic Hideaway
Photo courtesy Designscapes Colorado he Centennial homeowners wanted to maximize lawn space for their active son, maintain privacy, install a Bali-inspired spa, T establish a place to grow their own vegetables, and make their upper-level garden attractive and usable.
An existing retaining wall was lowered from eight feet to five feet to both enhance sight lines and allow the patio area to feel open to the upper level landscape of native trees, vibrant shrubs and creeping perennials.
The design had to consider the upper neighbor’s mountain view, which meant trees selected for the client’s upper garden would not compromise the neighbor’s view when mature but also provide adequate privacy for the client. Views from the kitchen and living room are now framed by trees, boulder outcroppings, flowering shrubs and perennials, drawing you out to use the spa and fire pit.
Maintenance Weisburg Landscape Maintenance | La Bellezza at Peregrine HOA
Photo courtesy Weisburg Landscape Management he Weisburg team has managed this Colorado Springs property since 2008. They have improved the property each T year by implementing changes in design and practices, including regular, detailed reporting to the HOA. Plant selection was and continues to be a critical piece to success, as the property faces challenges with wildlife—deer have eaten “deer-proof” plantings, and rabbits devour the bluegrass.
The company’s base contract includes standard weekly services (mowing, selective pruning, weeding), as well as aeration, weed/feed, deadheading and irrigation checks, activation and winterization. Summer/fall pruning, cleanups and winter inspections are billed separately for time and materials for better tracking.
During the annual inspection, an HOA rep, property manager, builder rep and a Weisburg staff member walk the entire property, identifying what worked and what didn’t. Based on the outcome, Weisburg makes recommendations for improvements.
he goal of the project in Fort Collins was to create a backyard retreat that was both rustic and formal, suitable for outdoor famT ily get-togethers as well as large parties. Design challenges included scaling the dominance of the two-story house to lawn level. Three timber pergolas and large patios at different levels appropriately carried out the height transition.
Another design challenge was integrating four exit doors to the backyard, each elevated three feet above grade, into the new outdoor space without restricting flow and ease of movement through the landscape.
Multiple patios radiate from the central focal point of the outdoor kitchen, creating an open flow between gathering areas. For some seclusion, a pergola covers the hot tub patio. A granite boulder water feature is situated so that the water sound can be heard from all surrounding patios. Design/Build Project Budget under $150k Zak George Landscaping | Jordan Retreat
Photo courtesy Zak George Landscaping
Lindgren Landscape & Irrigation, Inc. received The ELITE Award for Design/ Build for budget $150,000+ for Fossil Lake Ranch Estate, Fort Collins.
The design challenge was to anchor a sprawling home to a large corner lot while creating intimacy in a yard that is visible from the street. The client wanted to create an oasis for outdoor living—a place where their active, young children and dog could play and they could entertain guests. They wanted a mature, sophisticated landscape to complement the traditional-style home.
The smaller backyard became a courtyard and retreat for dining and entertaining, with several hardscape elements and plants to create privacy. Tall hedges, a brick-walled fireplace and trees created screening. A water feature adds to the ambience, and pavers complement the color palette of the home. The water feature required complex plumbing and filtration that were built into the wall systems and hidden from view. Design/Build Project Budget $150,000+ Lindgren Landscape & Irrigation, Inc. | Fossil Lake Ranch Estate
Photo courtesy Lindgren Landscape & Irrigation, Inc.
Use of Color | Judges’ Choice Sustainable Landscapes-Colorado | Streets at Southglenn
Photo courtesy Sustainable Landscapes - Colorado, LLC he immense scope of the plantings at Streets of Southglenn includes 13,000 square feet of annual and perennial beds, 400 hangT ing baskets and 40 containers. The client wants the floral program to create an ambience that gives shoppers, diners and visitors a “sense of arrival,” and the theme must change each year to create a sense of anticipation.
The company’s soil preparation and fertility practices promote faster growth to quickly fill in planting gaps of 9-18 inches—a plus for property owner. Hydrozones were a must, and appropriate irrigation technology reduced water waste and optimized plant health, but could not give the appearance of overwatering. Hanging baskets and containers were watered by hand every day by a small crew. Both the annual and perennial selections support pollinators.
Use of Color | People’s Choice Environmental Designs, Inc. | Candelas
Photo courtesy Environmental Designs, Inc. he customer wanted high-impact curb appeal at both entry monuments to this new housing development close to the former T
Rocky Flats nuclear plant. Environmental Designs overcame poor public image by showing that the area could be beautified and environmentally suitable for life. Water conservation, preserving native plant diversity and enhancing wildlife habitat were the goals.
Nearly 7,000 annuals and perennials were planted in this high-plains eco-region with low precipitation and high winds. Challenges of the site were overcome with soil modifications, careful plant selection for beneficial wildlife, including perennials for pollinators, and avoiding overplanting to reduce water waste.
Centerra Metro District has worked closely with Environmental Designs, Inc. (EDI) since 2015 to fully repair and maintain their irrigation systems. In 2017, Centerra contracted with EDI to perform detailed irrigation management services.
Before 2015, the irrigation system was in a state of disrepair and was highly inefficient. In four years, EDI has successfully brought Centerra’s systems back to original specifications and increased efficiency through smart irrigation technology. This has brought savings of well over five million gallons of water per year in 2017 and 2018, which represents a 24 percent decrease in consumption from the city-mandated budget. Irrigation Management Environmental Designs, Inc. | Centerra Metropolitan District
Photo courtesy Environmental Designs, Inc.
ith continued development in Doug- las County, BestYard.com identified a need for landscape contractors: a facilW ity that meets strict zoning requirements, where they could rent space and safely store equipment needed to run their businesses.
After a 10-year rezoning effort, BestYard offers the first outdoor storage yard for multiple landscape contractors in Douglas County. The 7.5-acre facility is screened from public view with 5-foot landscape berms and 6 to 10-foot fencing, and is landscaped with grasses, 70 trees and 350 shrubs. There are front and rear detention ponds to hold and filter water runoff to meet Colorado water quality and environmental standards. This zoning, with visual and audio screening, provides landscape contractors a haven to conduct operations without being in violation of zoning laws.
The site provides on-site offices, storage sheds, space for trucks and equipment, dumpsters and more to support efficient business operations. By locating their base of operations alongside colleagues, tenants can share client referrals, ideas, knowledge and equipment. Innovation BestYard.com | Landscape Contractor Storage Yard
Photo courtesy Bestyard.com
Community Stewardship Environmental Designs, Inc. | International Hearing Dog
International Hearing Dog, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that pairs trained shelter dogs with hearing impaired people. They needed new outdoor space in which to train dogs as well as space to display donor bricks. With vendor donations, along with employee volunteers and resources from Environmental Designs, the company was able to provide International Hearing Dog with both the new training space and the donor brick area—pro bono.
Photo courtesy International Hearing Dog, Inc.
Customer Service BrightView | Customer Service
Photo courtesy BrightView B rightView was nominated by customers for their award. Clients praised their professionalism, quick response time, and knowledgeable and committed staff. The Front
Range team prides itself on building and maintaining trust-based professional relationships by actively listening to customers’ landscape goals and offering honest recommendations based on what is best for their landscape.
Continuous improvement and innovation help the company achieve client goals. When new opportunities arise to do jobs more efficiently, by making adjustments to current programs or through the use of new technology, large-scale training of employees is conducted.
BrightView asks for feedback on an ongoing basis and makes adjustments when clients aren’t happy. If a client surveyed says they are less than moderately satisfied, they are flagged for follow up by account or branch managers to determine how to improve client service satisfaction.
From timely execution of daily tasks to implementing improvement initiatives, Katie Moore takes a proactive approach to her work. She is able to balance the daily ‘tyranny of the urgent’ with long-term strategic initiatives while maintaining a contagious sense of humor.
Coworkers agree that her presence lightens up any room no matter how challenging the issues may be. She also works outside the office to earn related certifications and take continuing education classes.
Moore juggles many roles at Native Edge
Landscapes, Inc. under the official title of safety coordinator and HR manager. Her accomplishments as safety coordinator have created a more safety-conscious company culture that has positively impacted the company’s bottom line as the company’s EMOD (Experience Modification rating) improved by over 20 percent in just the last year.
As HR manager, Moore’s accomplishments have helped streamline people processes and systems and improved overall employee engagement and retention of key personnel. MVP Katie Moore | Native Edge Landscapes, Inc.
2019
Awards
Fossil Lake Ranch Estate is a grand landscape and hardscape installation for a private residence. The homeowner wanted the lush scape melded seamlessly with their meticulously maintained historic house in Denver. Singing Hills transformed a turf-heavy front yard and a cramped backyard into a garden oasis with lots of room for entertaining guests. Project challenges included drainage and access issues to the yard, as well as constructing new retaining walls and patio areas that needed to look as if they had always been integral to the historic property. Material selection and researching historic installation created a stunning result true to the historic nature of the property.
look of Cherry Creek on this corner lot in Fort
Collins. They also have two young children, a dog and love to entertain. The front yard area was softened with rolling contours, and details break up and add interest to the expanse of concrete driveway. The courtyard in the back was designed to be a cozy retreat incorporating a fireplace and walls as well as tall hedges for privacy. Through careful design and scrupulous implementation,
Lindgren brought to life a landscape that meets
he homeowners wanted a landscape where they could entertain and enjoy their garden all while making sure the new landT the family’s desire to play and entertain. Landscape Construction Singing Hills Landscape, Inc. | Kearney Street Colonial Revival
Community Stewardship High Country Landscape | Climbin’ for the Kiddos!
atrick O’Meara, owner at High Country Landscape, Ltd., also uses his status as an ISA certified arborist to raise awareness about P the landscape industry and safe arborist practices by volunteering at schools and charities, and for
TV appearances.
He also donates his time and services to The
Gathering Place, a shelter for abused women, by trimming and pruning trees on their children’s playground. O’Meara also provides his tree work services as silent auction items. Bids have earned several hundred dollars for the charity. He hopes his work results in greater awareness of safer arborist practices and inspires others to help in their own communities.
Maintenance Lifescape Colorado | High Style in The Pines
Homeowners wanted a strong “wow” factor on their large, exposed and severely sloped lot in Castle Pines, which had been vacant for several years allowing severe weed then became a tribute to him, and a sanctuary for his grieving widow. Bright color contrasts, meticulous order, vibrant growth and highly personalized service are critical to success. Several sentimental items are incorporated in the landscape including a rock fountain with antiquated systems that was revived by Lifescapes. An Austrian pine given to the wife by the husband’s company was planted and thrives within a birch tree grove. Welcoming pink and white Sunpatiens provide feminine beauty at the home entrance. The boxwoods, spiral topiaries and hydrangeas are obsessively manicured for an orderly and thriving appearance.
growth. The Lifescape team is in constant attack mode with weed seed in beds, turf and natural areas. For steep slopes, the team developed specialized equipment to nurture and maintain the native turf while decreasing erosion. Nature trails surrounding the entertaining area are maintained carefully, cleared just enough to feel like Colorado hiking trails. Proper pruning and tree care help preserve many native trees critical to privacy and composition of design. Smart irrigation ensures early green up to bring landscape back to life in spring and adjusts watering daily. Frequent hail storms require constant hail remediation tech
ifescape did the design/build for this custom home in Denver and during that time, the hus- band passed away tragically. The landscape L niques.
Maintenance Lifescape Colorado | Sentimental Serenity
Use of Color Tree of Life Landscapes | Arabesque
For their renovated landscape, owners of this modern Boulder home wanted a plant palette suitable to Colorado’s dry climate and one that would be compelling year-round.
Tree of Life Landscapes redesigned the front entrance to their home using granite boulders, stone steps, and full xeric plantings that focused on warm colors. Year-round interest was found in contrasting textures and seed heads, and grasses as a backdrop to the drama of the colors. The colors change throughout the growing season as each area comes to life. Even in the winter, plantings have textural and color interest that is not reliant on evergreens. Homeowners got what they wanted: a garden full of color and life that respects the constraints of Colorado’s climate.
Design/Build Project Budget $150,000+ Lifescape Colorado | A Twist of Sophistication
he empty-nest homeowners’ vision for this Broomfield property was a clean, con temporary style combined with the functionT space that was connected to the lower rec room inside the home. Rustic pavers throughout the space allow the kids to move safely between the indoor game room and pool, as adults prepare lunch in the outdoor barbecue area. Near the pool, a staircase leads guests to a tranquil area of the landscape where family and guests can relax and admire the rustic retaining wall filled with native Colorado plantings. The space is the perfect Mediterranean-style destination for both adult entertainment and a kid paradise.
ality to accommodate small intimate gatherings as well as larger parties. The compact courtyard area between the main house and guest house is a hub for activities in the pool, fire pit area, spa, outdoor kitchen, dining and living room. They envisioned art throughout the courtyard space, including a custom water feature and sculptural features designed and built by Lifescape Colorado. The surrounding landscape complements the home’s modern architectural style, and trails and paths lead guests around the property. A blend of native turf created a lush green landscape without
erched on top of a steep hillside, the chal- lenge of the landscape for this Golden home was to create an inviting outdoor living P high water use. Design/Build Project Budget $150,000+ Designscapes Colorado | Front Range Rustic
Design/Build Project Budget under $150k Native Edge Landscapes, Inc. | Boulder County Modern Residence
Homeowners of wanted to establish a comfortable outdoor living area in a rural setting. But they also wanted to introduce a formal front entry with a water feature and linear planting design, which Native Edge designed and built. An added adventure was designing for an active family, and, yes, chickens.
In contrast to the formal front, the design of the back and side yards reflect the rural setting with an extensive chicken coop planted with native fruit-bearing shrubs and fruit trees creating a southern border. Western views of the foothills can be enjoyed over a foreground of lawn. The relationship of interior living space and the exterior patio and fire pit make outdoor living easy and essential.
The ELITE Awards Finalists Design/Build Project Budget under $150k TLC Gardens created an outdoor environment to match the Frank Lloyd Wright inteTLC Gardens, LLC | Willow Sanctuary rior style and the contemporary architecture of ing experience for the homeowners, including a firepit, fire place and grill area. The covered area and patios provide plenty of room for guests.
Sunflower dealt with a grading and draining challenge by creating a retaining wall and using some of the existing boulders. Unfortunately, the drainage ran through the heart of the outdoor space.
The team took advantage of this challenge to create a dry creek bed to carry out the drainage. The dry creek bed flowed through the paver walkways in two spots and large flat stones, used as bridges, helped bring the design together, exceding homeowner expectations. MVP
Steve Bugas | BrightView making him the guy other employees approach with questions.
He is known as the “village caretaker” by his branch’s longest-standing client, Founders Village in Castle Rock. Along with managing the property, Bugas has collaborated with Eccles Design Inc. on a maintenance program that ensures the greatest plant health and appearance of the community, while coming in under the Town of Castle Rock’s water budget year after year. His work ethic and the amount of work he does are unparalleled. this Boulder home. The design preserved and illuminated a stunning, mature willow tree while providing a pattern layout that separates public and private spaces and mirrors the home’s interior. TLC Gardens and their subcontractors incorporated landscape elements including: a stone water feature tied to master bedroom Photo courtesy TLC Gardens. LLC bedroom sun lounge with privacy screens; steel panel lighted accent for outdoor entertaining; all season plantings fitting each micro-climate area; a high efficiency irrigation system, and low voltage landscape lighting. After completion, the outdoor spaces were seamlessly tied to the view corridors of the home.
he Black Forest homeowners wanted usable spaces for entertaining large groups. This project provided the total outdoor livT
Design/Build Project Budget under $150k Sunflower Landscapes | Wildroot
Steve Bugas exemplifies doing quality work and doing it the right way. He achieves and maintains safety levels, and his seemingly limitless source of landscape knowledge benefits the entire team,
most detailed and unique set of services Brightview encounters on a views; a custom deck; an integrated spa; master
MVP Mike Moore | Diggable Designs
Mike Moore organized a volunteer effort at Green Mountain High School for the past three years as part of the ALCC’s annual Day of Service. Denver chapter volunteers created an outdoor learning lab by transforming an unused grassy area into a place where students can learn landscape skills by doing them. Moore led planning for the project, working with staff, volunteers, suppliers and school faculty. His company also provides support after the initial project, helping finish up work that didn’t get completed on the project day.
Green Mountain faculty member Courtney Mayo, who heads the landscape program, said Mike’s dedication to this project has been unmatched. He has continually gone above and beyond by donating his time and knowledge. Moore has inspired both students and other landscape companies, through his volunteer efforts.
Native Edge Lanscapes, Inc. had a water problem! While maintaining this Boulder residence, they noticed plants were not safety program while performing their other duties. Their EMOD (experience modification rating) was up over one, and they encountered several severe on-the-job injuries. Timberline needed a solution. The company created a safety committee and a new full-time position for a safety coordinator. The results of work by the committee and the safety coordinator have reduced the EMOD rating by nearly half and saved over $30,000 in premiums. Timberline has used the savings to provide further training, and host safety celebrations and drawings for prizes for employees. Employees are better able to work safely, and customer service is enhanced.
being watered properly because water was not coming out of the sprinklers. A 14-foot tall wall separating the garden area from the primary water source had sunk, crushing the original pipe. Native Edge’s solution was both functional and attractive: a working trellis made of copper pipe. The copper trellis blended with the surrounding design and décor of this multi-million-dollar home. This innovative solution met homeowner irrigation needs, offered a growth opportunity within the company, broadened employee skills sets and empowered employees to come up with
ith explosive growth at Timberline over the last few years, current staff was no longer able to effectively run a W solutions to problems presented on the job.
Innovation Timberline Landscaping, Inc. | Safety Program
Innovation Tree of Life Landscape | Griffis Union Station
At Griffis Union Station apartment complex adjacent to Denver’s River North (RiNo) area, the landscape was suffering from long-term overuse by dogs. The smell of pet urine was prominent upon leaving the building, most existing plants had died and residents were no longer using the outdoor spaces. In the courtyard, Tree of Life Landscapes designed and fabricated steel fences that matched established architecture and provided barriers to dog damage to the new plantings. In the central open area, Tree of Life installed urine-resistant Dog Tuff™ grass along with creating a fenced reflection garden beneath established Redbud trees. Now plants thrive, dogs play and people gather in garden spaces away from dogs.
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ALCC Volunteer Service Awards
his year, the Bob Cannon Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Becky Garber-Godi, who has served ALCC and the Colorado green industry in many capacities. She has been involved T with ALCC since the 1980s, when she worked with then-executive-director John Duke as the organization grew from 35 members to over 300.
Garber-Godi influenced a large part of that growth—sometimes in the background, other times leading the charge. While ALCC staff and directors have come and gone, she has been a consistent part of the family, either as staff or as an employee of an ALCC member company. She has the unique experience of working with every executive director or CEO in the association’s history.
On ALCC staff, she has worn many hats, running the certification testing program in the early 2000s, taking the helm at Colorado Green magazine, managing public relations efforts, and building the Landscape Career Pathways program.
The length and depth of her experience give her an exceptional ability to facilitate making connections between industry professionals that benefit not only the individuals but the industry as a whole. Whether she is connecting a supplier with a teacher who is building a learning area for students or pairing a rookie business owner with an experienced mentor, her dedication, thoroughness, extensive knowledge, and ability to build relationships have helped many in the industry find success.
John Duke, Becky Garber-Godi and John McMahon
Haugen receives Outlook Award
he Outlook Emerging Leader Award recognizes an “up and comer” in the landscape industry and in ALCC. The award acknowledges an individual under 40 years old who has made a T significant contribution to the industry and to ALCC.
This year’s recipient Eric Haugen, from LandCare Management in Arvada, became involved in ALCC as a young man and credits a meeting with former ALCC Board President, the late Todd Williams, with inspiring him to volunteer in the industry and further his own professional development. His career motto is to “never stop learning,” and he continues to do so while he serves the industry.
Haugen is a Landscape Industry Certified Technician and encourages his staff to pursue certification. Certification is part of his company mission—not just as a marketing tool—but as a way to increase the quality of services and the confidence of his staff. His goal is to overcome the perception that landscaping is a “nonprofessional” industry.
He serves on the ProGreen EXPO board of directors and became the current board chairman in 2018. The position is another learning experience in the art of leadership and he, no doubt, will use those skills t o benefit the industry in years to come.
Alderman is Stanley Brown Award recipient
he recipient of the Stanley Brown Associate Member Distinguished Service Award must be an associate member leader who has helped make the industry more professional, is known for T outstanding association service and has been a loyal supporter of ALCC and Colorado’s landscape industry. John Alderman, owner of DBC Irrigation Supply, Denver, received the award this year for his tireless efforts to move the industry forward.
Through DBC, Alderman supports the growth of the green industry in Colorado in myriad ways: volunteering at Arvada West to plan outdoor learning areas for the Landscape Career Pathways program, hosting Irrigation Boot Camp at his facility, and encouraging staff to volunteer as he does. He believes it is “important to give back to an industry that has provided so much” to him, his immediate family and to the whole DBC family.
Other DBC employees follow Alderman’s lead. In Colorado Springs, DBC worked with the local school district and Timberline Landscaping Inc. to create the industry’s first high school internships. The company also supports ALCC Day of Service projects, which have helped improve Landscape Career Pathways programs by putting students side-by-side with professionals.
Alderman’s also serves on the board of Colorado Garden Foundation, which provides grants and scholarships for horticulture in the state. ALCC partnered with the Foundation to provide nearly $25,000 in grants that will help Career Pathways high schools.
John Alderman with Stanley Brown, Jr.
Kimberly Jewell and John McMahon
he John Garvey Person of the Year Award recognizes a person who went the extra mile to complete a project or solve a problem. Kimberly Jewell, GroundMasters and Snow ManageT ment Services, took home the honor this year for her advocacy work on behalf of those who provide snow management.
Jewell saw a problem with the way snow management contacts are written: much of the liability and risk laid with the snow removal contractor and very little with the property owner. This moved her to become involved in 2018 efforts to pursue legislation in Colorado that would indemnify snow and ice management firms. She worked as a member of both ALCC and ASCA (Accredited Snow Contractors Association) to influence legislators to pass the Snow Removal Liability Limitations Act
Without her, this legislation would likely not have been approved. She spearheaded the efforts—mobilizing competitors and other companies to bring the cause of snow service companies to the statehouse. As a result of this legislation, snow management companies no longer bear the burden of liability when it comes to contracts. Jewell also helped educate ALCC and ASCA members about the legislation and how to modify contracts by participating in an ALCC/ASCA seminar last summer.
Jewell considers her work on the snow removal liability legislation the best thing she’s ever done in her career, as it helps the whole snow management industry. She enjoys volunteering her time and believes life’s lessons come not only by learning but by “doing.”
