Wow!

These pictures were taken about 3 weeks apart - these planters look amazing!

Beautiful Containers

Here are some beautiful and unique containers Lauren has been working on at a new property. 

Flower Installations

Our crews have been hard at work installing the flowers that we had delivered back in May. Check out their progress!

Pruning: What and When is it Done?

Hard to believe June is almost over, which means it's time to start thinking about mid-summer pruning. So what is mid-summer pruning and why do you need to do it? And furthermore, what are the different kinds of pruning that need to take place throughout the year? I asked Lauren for clarification.

Backyard Play Area

If you have kids, you most likely have a play area in your yard. So how do you make a fun and functional area for your kids while maintaining the landscape? From our experience, here are the things to consider:

Flower delivery!

Lauren received a large shipment of flowers at the shop on Wednesday. Before she installed them all, she shared with us a little about what she ordered and how she’ll use them.

Selecting a Landscape Contractor for Homeowners

Yesterday we gave tips for selecting a landscape contractor for condos and homeowner associations, but what if you are a homeowner looking for help in the yard?

Did you know that landscaping will add 7-15% to the value of your home? On average, this signifies 100% to 200% return on landscaping investments! Landscape projects can be complex, expansive and expensive, so hiring the right firm is essential. But what are the steps to choosing the right company? We’ve outlined them below:

Rejuvenating Your Existing Landscape

Not looking for a huge outdoor overhaul this year? Here are a few simple ideas to update your yard.

Overgrown Landscapes
Are your trees and shrubs becoming overgrown or in need of a little TLC? You’ll be surprised what a few hours of appropriate pruning can do to rejuvenate your existing landscape! Not only are you bringing your landscape back to proportion with your home, but you’re also increasing the health and vitality of the plant material with just a little extra attention.

Before and after a dormant pruning

 
More ideas after the jump...

Enhancements

Take a look at a couple recent TGK projects.

Deck Planting

Before:

Design:

After:

Click the link below to see one more great TGK project!

Certifications and Accreditations

At The GroundsKeeper, education and industry involvement are key parts of our employees’ roles. Enhancements Manager Lauren Conroy holds the most certifications on staff and hopes to add another credit to her name in the very near future. So what does it all mean to Lauren and ultimately to her customers? Read on to find out.

“I initially received my MCH accreditation while working at a nursery when I was younger because I love plants! I quickly realized how important education and certifications are to maintaining your position in the industry. It also prepares you for greater job responsibility, strengthens your skills and knowledge, and demonstrates your commitment to your profession.

Although all my credentials are important and valuable to my role at The GroundsKeeper, Inc., my Design Certificate (CLD) is the most important to me. I received it through the Landscape Institute at Harvard University after college and it was a great experience. Aside from my CLD, my Massachusetts Certification for both Horticulture and Landscape Professional allow me to be knowledgeable in shrub care, hardscape features, and most importantly, safety! In addition, they all combine to give me the confidence needed to pursue anything in the landscape industry.

To become accredited, there is usually a written exam and often additional time or experience requirements that you must complete. To become a Mass Certified Landscape Professional, you have to pass a test that covers everything from safety to proper walkway construction, and tree and shrub identification. However, it doesn’t end there! Every year, there is required association involvement to keep your accreditation. This includes trade shows and meetings where we continue to learn about landscape, horticultural and design topics such as the Asian Long Horned Beetle and water conservation.

Next, I’m working to become a Massachusetts Certified Arborist (MCA). This accreditation is through the Massachusetts Arborist Association (MAA), and addresses various topics such as tree and soil biology, arboriculture safety, proper pruning techniques, disease and insect identification, and tree and shrub installation and identification. This accreditation will allow me to become more familiar with the tree care industry so The GroundsKeeper, Inc. can really handle all realms of the landscape!

For the customer, these various accreditations show how serious we are about industry involvement and continued education. We know it is important to stay on the cutting edge of developments, issues, techniques and new products.”

In addition to her CLD, MCH and MCLP, Lauren also holds a Pesticide License and is one of four Certified Snow Professionals on staff at The GroundsKeeper, Inc. Visit http://www.groundsinc.com/ for more information on our services.