Groundwork Nov Dec 2022

DECEMBER

JANUARY

2022 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Paul Jester—President

J&G Landscape Design, Inc.—(301) 476-7600

Aaron Raines—Immediate Past President

Live Green Landscape Associates, LLC —(443) 763-8580

Ron Rubin—Vice President SavATree—(703) 625-4400

Jeff Rossen—Secretary/Treasurer JRossen Landscape—(703) 327-2284

DIRECTORS

Matt Glover, CLT

Wray Brothers Landscapes—(301) 906-1571

Zack Kline A.I.R.—(240) 772-1639

Robert Lehnhoff Lehnhoff’s Supply—(443) 921-5789

Kristen Mowery

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.—(240) 508-8056

Scott Pickett, CLT, CPH

Live Green Landscape Associates, LLC—(410) 833-9640

Barry Schneider Surrounds, Inc.—(703) 906-7600

Jeff Waters SiteOne Landscape Supply—(240) 375-7470

LCA STAFF

Matt Coffindaffer, MBA, CAE, Executive Director Kimani Grandy, Marketing Specialist

Victoria Baltz, Production/Project Coordinator Barbara Bienkowski, CEM, Exhibits/Sponsorship Manager

Tim Foley, Member Services and Meetings Specialist

Dawn Rosenfeld, Director of Accounting Services Deryck White, Website Manager

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Copyright © 2022: Landscape Contractors Association, MD•DC•VA. Reproduction of any material allowed only with prior written permission from LCA. LCA’s core purpose is to advance the success of its members and provide a community for green industry professionals.

A Final Message from the Boardroom

2022 President

Happy Holidays! As 2022 and my tenure as LCA President concludes, I want to thank all our members and volunteers who have worked hard to make LCA a valuable resource within our industry. It has been a challenging couple of years stemming from a worldwide pandemic, but we have made it through and are striving to bounce back better than ever, becoming a resource for each of our members to ensure each of you can be the industry leaders and gold standard of the landscape industry.

As leaders of the industry, our community is full of people who consistently show excellent examples of professionalism, design, and craftsmanship within our field. We recently had the opportunity and honor to acknowledge some of these members and projects at the LCA Annual Networking Dinner and Awards Celebration. As always, it is incredible to see the fantastic projects that our industry is involved with and being able to chat with the teams and individuals involved to take those projects from concept to reality. In addition to the company and project awards, we were excited to announce merit awards to emerging and veteran leaders within the industry. It is great to see the commitment to excellence span through different eras and generations of

landscapers. These awards truly highlight the dedication that each of you aspire to being the best in the industry and LCA is here to help you achieve those goals moving forward.

As we look to the future, we welcomed the incoming LCA President Ron Rubin and our new Secretary/ Treasurer Zack Kline to the stage to highlight the goals and direction of LCA in the coming years. In addition to incorporating more networking and educational events, we want to stay at the forefront of the sustainability movement and make sure our members are informed and educated in all aspects of this movement. This starts with an understanding of sustainability to implement the practices into our designs and embracing new technology such as battery powered tools and robotic mowers. While we know that these ideas may take a while to fully implement, it is important to stay on top of these new trends, especially as they work to help improve the quality of the environment and habitat for the wildlife and people who live and work within it.

On behalf of LCA, I want to thank each of our members and encourage you to continue your involvement within the association. We have many exciting ideas and events

coming up to continue showing that we are the best in the industry. I want to extend our congratulations to each of the 2022 Award Winners, I cannot wait to see the submittals and projects in years to come.

I also want to congratulate our 2023 slate for the board of directors. I am thrilled to continue working with them in a new role for the upcoming year. I like to think that my work as president leaves LCA in a positive place and sets the association up for long term success. I know we have great leaders on the board and within the association to keep the momentum going. I would also like to extend a thanks to Management Solutions Plus, who helps to manage LCA and make our visions and goals for the association a reality. I have truly enjoyed my time as LCA President and want to thank all of you for your continued commitment and investment to LCA. I wish you all much success in 2023 and a wonderful holiday season.

Happy Holidays, Paul Jester, PLA, ASLA LCA President 2022

Paul Jester, PLA, ASLA

The Magnolia for That Tight Spot—Magnolia ‘Butterflies’

By Joel Hafner, Fine Earth Landscape, Inc.

When clients ask for a tree that stays small, can grow in full sun or part shade, and provides a beautiful flower, many of us in the industry automatically start thinking that Styrax, dogwood cultivars, crape myrtle, or even a redbud might fit the bill. However, another option has gained popularity over the last decade and is being propagated and planted more readily in the industry—Magnolia ‘Butterflies’

Magnolia ‘Butterflies’ is a cross between Magnolia acuminata, the seed parent, and Magnolia denudata, the pollen parent. What came out of this cross is a magnolia that Michael Dirr claims is superior to all other yellow flowering magnolia.

The cultivar ‘Butterflies’ is a small tree that can grow 15’ to 20’ tall with a spread of 10’ to 15’. It is deciduous and typically will start flowering in late March to early April. The showy flowers are born on naked stems and, when fully open, according to Dirr, give the appearance of canaries perched on the stems. The flowers have six to nine tepals (I have seen articles where it is stated that the tepals can range all the way up to 16) and are 3” to

Cross between Magnolia acuminata, the seed parent, and Magnolia denudata, the pollen parent.

4” across with a tulip form. The flowers are fragrant and have the aroma of lemon by this author’s nose. While the flowers are beautiful, they are short lived, lasting from a week to a week and a half. The tree typically grows as an upright, single stem plant but can be found in shrub form as well with a multi-stem growth habit. Once the tepals fall off the flowers, the tree will begin to show foliage. Once fully emerged, leaves are dark green, roughly 8” long, and have a cuspidate tip on an oblong leaf. The leaves stay attractive all summer, but the fall color is nominal at best with a gray-brownish hue. Bark is smooth and gray like most magnolia species, and with its silvery, silky buds in fall through winter, the tree maintains an attractive appearance through the winter months. While the tree can produce fruit, it usually doesn’t since insects rarely pollinate its flowers. If you do get lucky and have fruit, it will be reddish-green once mature.

While I have observed few pests on my specimen, the Missouri botanical garden reported that the tree can get leaf spots, anthracnose, canker, dieback, and powdery mildew. These combined with insect issues of weevils, snails, scale, and thrips can lead to potential problems, although for the most part, ‘Butterflies’ is considered free of problems in most instances. The only time these can be a bigger issue is if the tree is planted in areas of extreme drought or constant saturation, or in polluted soil. Keep this in mind when planting to position it in well drained, slightly acid soil.

Finally, care must be taken when transplanting since the tree tends to have a fleshy type root system. Transplanting is best done in early spring, being careful not to site the tree too low. This condition is almost always a death sentence for the tree and/or will cause pest or disease breakouts. Overall, this small tree has low maintenance needs and is tolerant to air pollution. The tree is an excellent specimen as an accent plant or hedge that will provide a spring blast of yellow color and will fit in those tight landscapes or small gardens.

2022 Excellence in Landscape Awards

Fine Earth Landscape

A Lush Oasis

Residential Maintenance DECADE AWARD

We have cared for this property for nearly two decades. The property is professionally manicured on a weekly basis throughout the growing season, including bed care/weeding, pruning and property cleanup to remove debris. All the shrubs are hand pruned in a horticulturally correct manner. Shears are never used. Thousands of annuals are planted every season, and fertilizer is applied to improve their quality to give the property the extra colorful pop over the summer months. The turf is trimmed and edged on a weekly basis and fertilized twice a year after a soil sample analysis. The turf is treated monthly for weeds and is then core aerated and overseeded every fall to promote healthy turf growth.

Photo credit: Plants Nouveau

LCA Annual Networking Dinner and Awards Celebration

November 3, 2022

Bethesda Marriott | Bethesda, Maryland

Heritage Awards

Hardesty Residence Outdoor Living Area/Design Build

About eight years ago, our maintenance clients realized their teenage children were growing up quickly. The desire to spend more time outdoors together with the family prompted them to hire our team to design and build a backyard entertaining environment complete with a pool, spa, grilling area, ample patio space with a fire pit, and a lower “soccer” field. In a very small rear yard, our design team was able to create a beautifully appealing linear layout that met all of their requests.

Blythewood Residence Outdoor Living Area

This stone manor home, originally constructed in the 1910s, is located near the center of Baltimore, Maryland. Bordering on a restoration project, careful detailing and effort was practiced to preserve the authenticity of the space while creating and connecting to newer elements. The house and stonework were carefully preserved during the construction of a pool/ poolhouse, sports court, and formal lawn. Artificially weathered and oversized stepping stones were used to connect the different spaces, as well as a classic and timeless planting scheme anchored in hydrangeas, geraniums, and deutzias. An enticing glimpse of the rear stone façade and authentic white lattice work can be seen from the road, but the grandeur of the formal lawn and deutzia hillside can only be experienced by invited guests.

Kane Landscapes, Inc.

Pinehurst Landscape Company

Grand Awards

Colao & Peter

A Modern Twist on a Middleburg Historic Home Total Residential Contracting/Design Build

This was a very unique project comprising a 17th century home combined with a modern addition and structures, including a portico and a pool house. We created a private entrance gate with a circular driveway leading up to the home; renovated the in-ground swimming pool; and installed a Japanese Garden, masonry walls, steps and walkways, and plantings throughout the property. As our passion is creating “resort-like spaces” this played a substantial role in the design as we aimed to create defined spaces that felt like a personal oasis for the client, whether they are entertaining a group of people or casually relaxing at their home. We incorporated a variety of materials, finishes, and landscape lighting that we felt would complement each other while also being cautious to not over design in order to retain the existing natural and minimal aesthetic.

Colao & Peter

Oakton Oasis Backyard Renovation Craftsmanship/Design Build

We were brought on to this project because the client was not completely satisfied with an existing pool, spa, and pool deck. The site felt dull and outdated. Our goal for this project was to create a space that the family was excited about and wanted to use, whether they were enjoying a relaxing day at home or having groups of people over to entertain. To achieve the look we were going for, we removed the existing pool deck, added limestone paving and a raised limestone patio to house the spa, added a bluestone border to the pool deck and bluestone caps for all of the masonry walls, incorporated automatic fire bowls for visual interest and a modern flair, updated existing walkways, added landscape lighting, and incorporated a new planting plan for the space.

Grow Landscapes, Inc. Great Falls Retreat Outdoor Living Area

This Great Falls project includes a semi-inground pool, monolith water feature, pavilion with wood-burning fireplace, retaining walls, and patios. Highlights include the exceptional craftmanship of the stone work, featuring thick building stone throughout as well as the dense perennial plantings. The overall feel is one of restful seclusion despite the near proximity of neighbors. The homeowners recently shared that they use the space daily in all but the bitterest of cold weather and that the project has added to their lives in ways that far exceed what they expected.

Jennifer Connoley Landscape Design

Fabulous

Farmhouse, Full Property Landscape Design

Total Residential Contracting/Design Build

This renovated circa 1910 historic home has old charm with a modern farmhouse feel. The project included the demolition of an old chicken coop, outhouse, and porches and the installation of new stone porches, a screened porch, a stone patio, an outdoor kitchen, a pergola, a kitchen garden, a stormwater retention area, a front walk, parking areas, paths, and redesigned fencing. The outdoor kitchen was inspired by the client’s passion for their Greek heritage. We selected stone that closely resembles the pizza oven built by their grandfather in Greece. An open spit was incorporated for slow roasting lamb, rustic cedar was used for the pergola, and forged historic replica iron fixtures adorn the wooden cabinetry for an authentic feel

Jennifer Connoley Landscape Design

Urban Oasis, Outdoor Entertaining Area, Landscape and Hardscape Outdoor Living Area/Design Build

The project involved demolishing an existing porch and pillar and installing a stone porch, brick steps, a stone dining patio, a stone raised bed, a brick firepit area, a drainage infrastructure, a custom water feature, sod, landscaping, and lighting. From wide wraparound steps and traditional stone and brick masonry to a simplistic wooden trellis, the combination of materials provides a timeless elegance. Mature trees and additional screening plants outside the existing fence help to create intimacy within the space. A blend of traditional, noninvasive landscaping and native plants was used to provide colorful, textural, all-season appeal.

David’s Nursery Exmore, VA • 757-442-7000

Homestead Gardens Davidsonville, MD • 443-607-1919

Latham’s Nursery Monroe, NC • 800-481-8768

Quality Greenhouse & Perennial Farm Dillsburg, PA • 717-432-8900

Sepers Nursery Newfield, NJ • 856-691-0597

Zirkle’s Nursery Bridgeton, NJ • 856-207-3548

Grand Awards

Live Green Landscape Associates, LLC

Anne Arundel Community College

Commercial Landscape Installation

The client wanted to take their community college campus and revamp it into a universitylevel campus experience while successfully melding the new design with the existing landscapes. This also included adding a new state-of-the-art health-life sciences facility. The new hardscape included 25,000 square feet of regular and permeable paving, 10 unique precast concrete walls, and five vertical precast concrete weir walls for bioretention ponds. The final planting plan includes 320 trees; 2,300 shrubs; 3,300 groundcover plants, perennials, and grasses; 30,000 square feet of sod; and 20,000 square feet of meadow seed mix. The site also includes picnic tables, trash receptacles, benches, 200 tons of river gravel, and 59 boulders in various sizes.

Live Green Landscape Associates, LLC

Baltimore City Courtyard

Commercial

Landscape Installation

The client’s intent to bring to life a 1930s apartment complex was achieved through two main courses of action. First, to reimagine a rooftop courtyard attached to the complex through an elaborate, intimate, and active garden for the residents and adjacent restaurant patrons. Second, to repair the rooftop of a parking garage structure that was built in the late 1950s. This included the removal of the existing rooftop garden, repairing the deteriorating understructure, and waterproofing the rooftop. Original landscape installation plans were reimagined in the true creative vision of the owner through revamping elevations and completely changing the plant palette as well as modifying the scope to create an adaptable design that would allow for future garden additions.

Live Green Landscape Associates, LLC

Rash Field Park

Commercial Landscape Installation

The client came looking to finally redesign a park and create a place that could be used for the enjoyment of all ages and backgrounds. This involved designing for different demographics of people who are interested in art, culture, and urban nature as well as health and wellness. The site is in one of the highest pedestrian trafficked areas in Baltimore and was designed to be a destination park open for use of the community. Our involvement in the project involved 5,000 cubic yards of soil imported to the site, 285 square feet of sand, 1,170 square feet of custom artificial turf, and 5,025 square feet of wood fiber mulch to ensure proper drainage; biodiverse planting; and rain gardens designed to control the city runoff into the harbor.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Dunkirk Residence

Residential Maintenance

Our garden and turf care teams have been maintaining this garden since it was renovated five years ago. The turf is mowed weekly, with careful attention to some marginally draining areas after a heavy rain. Leaf litter is heavy in the fall and often requires two visits in one week during November. Shaded turf areas are seeded throughout the year to maintain a healthy, lush, green lawn. Annuals are rotated four times a year within the landscape. The client entertains often throughout the summer, and our crews are asked on short notice to prepare the property for outdoor gatherings. Our maintenance team is proud to offer a diversity of services that keep this property tidy, clean, and healthy throughout the year.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Easton Residence

Total Residential Contracting

The house was under construction, and the expansion brought it to the existing driveway. It was important to create space between the house and drive with an arrival area, but still easy to maneuver. Drainage was a big issue because everything was flat. We drained everything to a catch basin, then extended the drain to a more effective and concealed location. We located the pool near an existing shed. We enhanced the shed to be a small but very attractive and usable pool house. Although the pool is in the front side yard, it is separated from the driveway and entrance by a hedge of osmanthus and is hidden from view. On the back foundation terraces facing the river, we included seat walls to bring some dimension to the spaces.

Grand Awards

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Great Falls Property

Total Residential Contracting

We were called in to renovate the entire front yard of this 25-year-old home. Overgrown shrubs and too many trees were overwhelming the property and obstructing the views. Our scope of work entailed cleaning up and removing existing plant material; constructing a new arrival court, brick wing wall, and pier to set off the parking area while creating a screen for the garbage and recycling bins; renovating the front steps; installing a pre-cast border around a lawn panel; and installing new plantings. Our team created a new outdoor pool terrace featuring a renovated pool, extended flagstone pool deck, outdoor fireplace, grill counter, and detailed brick inlays. The existing pergola was rebuilt with synthetic material.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Great Falls Residence Outdoor Living Area

This existing client wanted to replace their old synthetic deck, stairs, and gazebo with masonry patios and a new covered and screened pavilion while incorporating the existing masonry fireplace. They asked that the new work blend seamlessly with our original masonry installations from a decade ago. The exterior space is now more functional, with designated areas for grilling, dining, and entertaining, and a new patio for the fireplace. The design of the new covered screened pavilion echoes the arches in both the architecture of the home and the covered pergola we installed in a previous phase. The larger pavilion accommodates family gatherings and dinner parties comfortably and is a welcome addition to the property.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

McLean Residence Outdoor Living Area

Our team of designers and craftsman were asked to create a functional and colorful “She Shed” garden for this McLean, Virginia, home. The comprehensive project required a collaborative effort among our design team, masons, carpenters, and landscape technicians. We built the infrastructure and performed the masonry work, carpentry, and landscape planting. The project is a totally functional fruit and vegetable producing outdoor living space constructed within a natural landscape. Our crews worked as a team to create this unique garden space. Hand-chiseled stone, solid cedar fencing, precision craftsmanship, and careful attention to plant selections make this a beautiful and luxurious outdoor space.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Mill Creek Residence Outdoor Living Area

The client called us after several companies told them it was impossible to fit a swimming pool on the property. As new homeowners, they wanted their outdoor space to have lots of amenities and be used multi-season. Their wish list included generous space for parties and entertaining, a pool, a water feature, an outdoor fireplace, a grill station and counter, a covered area for relaxing and watching sports, and last but not least, an outdoor shower. With three children under 5, all having varying levels of swim experience, we designed a pool with safe entry and use for all ages and development levels. This busy family utilizes their outdoor living spaces for a wide range of activities.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc. Riverview

Total Residential Contracting

Our client asked us to install a landscape plan developed by a local landscape architect. As we began the project, the client quickly deviated from the plan and asked us to implement his new ideas for the property. Our masons and landscape crews worked with the builder and the homeowner to create a beautifully landscaped waterfront estate property. Our scope of work included masonry subcontractor management, irrigation, and drainage, along with plantings and turf throughout the 12-acre estate. The highlight of the project was successfully transplanting a 24-inch caliper willow oak from our nursery to the front entry of the home.

Grand Awards

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Seneca Residence Outdoor Living Area

The client called us to correct the drainage in the rear yard and enlarge the screened porch. The old brick fireplace was given a new look and life with a full stone veneer. Retractable screens were installed and make this covered space flexible and usable throughout the seasons. Drainage was addressed with a stone retaining wall and extensive French drain system. The pool deck was removed and a concrete base, topped with colorful travertine stone, replaces the original concrete paver patio. Plantings are geared towards the summer months. Color is provided with flowering trees, shrubs and perennials, with Crape Myrtle, Black-eyed Susan, Purple Cone Flower, Summer Phlox, and Blue Mist Shrub being the most prevalent.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Walker Road Residence

Residential Maintenance

We have been maintaining this 30-year-old Great Falls, Virginia, home since 2018, when our firm constructed the travertine walks and patios, a solid cedar pergola, outdoor kitchen, pool, and granite cobblestone bordered drive and installed the flowering ornamental plantings throughout the property. Our maintenance responsibilities are comprehensive and include weekly mowing, turf and plant health care, seasonal color rotation, and several “party setup” events during the summer.

Pinehurst Landscape Company

Millero Residence

Total Residential Contracting/Design

Build

The initial consultation for this project began just after the client had fully renovated the interior of this mid-century rancher. The client’s goal was to create a new entrance that reflected the minimalistic and contemporary style of the interior. A new stepping stone path was created leading from the driveway parking area towards the front door, where the same porcelain paver material was used to create a landing. Steel edging and gravel were used to connect the exterior lines of the house. The large monochromatic exterior walls of the house were perfect backdrops to frame select specimens, completing the gravel gardens. We constructed a timber wall with a broad set of lawn stairs leading down to a sloping lawn. We graded the lawn to allow for two terraces, one for dining and one for a firepit.

Planted Earth Landscaping, Inc.

Baltimore Residence

Total Residential Contracting

This property was a blank slate, with new construction finishing just prior to kickoff. Aside from the pool, we managed the full scope of exterior construction from masonry and carpentry to planting and gas lines. The transformation was evident on a daily basis for almost six months of installation.

Planted Earth Landscaping, Inc.

Owings Mills Residence Residential Maintenance

This property came to us as a pre-existing install, with a well-established landscape in need of proper maintenance and care.

2023 | IN-PERSON

Pesticide and Fertilizer Applicator Recertification Conference

In-person conference details coming soon!

Visit www.lcamddcva.org for the most up to date information.

Sponsor the Recertification Conference

Reserve your sponsorship at LCA’s 2023 Pesticide and Fertilizer Applicator Recertification Conference to gain visibility for your company and promote your products or services to conference attendees.

Sponsorship Opportunity:

There’s no better way to reach your target market than meeting face-to-face with prospective customers. Raise your visibility, meet your potential clients, and demonstrate your support for LCA!

Includes:

• One (1) 6’x30’ table with two (2) chairs.

• One (1) complimentary registration.

• Logo on slide during welcome remarks.

• Listing in LCA Gram – LCA Newsletter and promotional emails.

• Listing in GROUNDWORK, LCA’s bi-monthly publication.

• Logo on the LCA website in conjunction with the meeting.

• Mention on LCA’s Facebook and LinkedIn sites.

• Attendee list for post-conference follow-up (provided registrant has opted in).

To reserve your sponsorship, please contact Barbara Bienkowski, bbienkowski@msp-amc.com, (240) 404-6481.

2023 Credits

Credits for multiple categories from Maryland, Virginia, the District of Columbia, Delaware, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania for pesticide and fertilizer applicators as well as for BCMAs and LIC technicians are applied for and will be posted on the LCA website when approved.

Grand Awards

Ruppert Landscape

Georgetown University Law Center

Commercial Maintenance

Central to Georgetown Law’s mission of educating exceptional lawyers is the philosophy of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, helping students forge a path to leadership that balances personal success and career achievement. To that end, we were entrusted to maintain a landscape that reflects the proud history and prestige of this institution while balancing the need for peaceful, reflective outdoor space for students and faculty to study, relax, and connect with their peers. We helped achieve this goal through a high standard of maintenance, which includes flower beds, trees, pots, and turf, including care of 2,200+ annuals, approximately 700 perennials/grasses/shrubs, 1.5 acres of turf, 15,300+ square feet of bed space, and over 50 trees, as well as managing the irrigation system.

Ruppert Landscape

“In America: Remember” Special Events

“In America: Remember” was a public art installation commemorating all Americans who have died due to COVID-19. In September 2021, 693,000 white flags were installed on 20 acres of the National Mall for two weeks, creating a national opportunity to reflect upon the enormous toll of the pandemic. Local DC artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg, who conceptualized and executed the event, reached out to us to request aid in installing the flags, and we offered to perform the work at no cost. This was the second installation of “In America” for which we volunteered to assist. We had over 200 team members from nine offices in six states working throughout the three-day install.

Ruppert Landscape

Norfolk Southern Headquarters Commercial Landscape Installation

Located on a 3-acre site in Midtown Atlanta, Norfolk Southern’s high-performance headquarters has been designed as an efficient, next-generation urban campus that reimagines the employee work environment and experience. The client’s intent for the project was to create a headquarters where employees don’t just work—they thrive. The project included the installation of 685 cubic yards of concrete flatwork; 21,500 square feet of pavers; 1545 linear feet of granite curbing; an irrigation system; 5,153 square feet of rubberized play areas; 9,615 square feet of artificial turf; 5,900 tons of drainage stone; 87,500 square feet of GR30 retention cup panels and geotextile filter fabric; 6,900 cubic yards of soil; 87 large caliper trees; 2,800 shrubs; 16,400 perennials; and site amenities such as decorative fencing, fitness equipment, and playground equipment.

Ruppert Landscape

Riverwood

Commercial Maintenance

Situated just off the Chattahoochee River, Riverwood comprises two LEED-certified office buildings with spectacular city views. The property is expected to be the Class A office standard for sophistication and style in the Northwest/ Cumberland area. The owner/property management company wanted to enhance the 35-year-old landscape, addressing some challenges with its plant palette while providing the same high-class, full-service feeling that tenants experience inside the buildings. The maintenance of the site includes care of 2,500 annuals, 200 perennials/grasses/shrubs, 3 acres of turf, and 50 trees as well as mulching, edging, turf management, pruning, mowing, irrigation, and several significant enhancements to help augment the site’s visual appeal.

Ruppert Landscape

Robinson Landing

Commercial Landscape Installation

Robinson Landing is a luxury condominium project located in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. This mixed-use renewal project was designed to breathe new life into the two-acre, multiparcel site by incorporating three key elements: 26 four-story townhomes, 3 five-story multifamily buildings, and 10,000 square feet of restaurant and commercial space. The overall scope of this project included excavating 425 cubic yards of soil; installing 70 silva cells, 122 tons of stone, 460 tons of sand, 2,066 cubic yards of soil, 49,000 square feet of soil fabric, 96,425 square feet of pavers, and 38,000 square feet of concrete; performing masonry, including granite veneer and coping on all walls and stair treads; installing drainage and irrigation; and installing over $1.4 million in site amenities.

Grand Awards

Sisson Landscapes

A Formal Great Falls Landscape Outdoor Living Area/Design Build

The client recently moved to Great Falls, Virginia, and was enthusiastic about having additional space to develop a more elaborate garden. We designed a formal garden, consisting of four levels: an upper lawn terrace, boxwood hedging, a perennial border, and a European beech hedge to separate the space from the other areas in the garden. The lawn terrace also featured a reflecting pool. Steps lead down to a second terrace featuring an Armillary sphere and a pea gravel walkway flanked by Annabelle hydrangeas, and then to a parterre garden filled with heirloom roses and boxwood hedging. A central fountain and two arbors also complement the space. A lower lawn area includes a pergola sitting off in the distance.

Surrounds Landscape Architecture & Construction

Fox Creek Farm

Outdoor Living Area/Design Build

We installed a new rear area entertainment space, including an entry gate with wall and stoop at the garage; bluestone walkways and patios; a covered terrace and porch off the rear of the home; an outdoor pool; a prefab spa; surrounding masonry walls, steps, and patios; landscape, lighting; and drainage.

Distinction Awards

Colao & Peter

Lodge Style Sanctuary

Outdoor Living Area/Design Build

As a design build firm, it is a very common request that we not only create high-end outdoor living environments but also create projects that complement the architectural style of the home. That was exactly our goal for this project. The home demonstrated a rustic, lodge style that included natural stone veneer throughout, so we wanted to bring in materials like boulders, natural stone steps, and wild flowers. Our scope of work included a pool and spa, fire pit, multiple patio spaces, steps and walkways, and plantings throughout the property. When designing the pool, we added the spa above for the purpose of creating multiple destinations and locating it closer to the house. We also added a stone veneer bond beam wall to hold up the grade above and incorporated sheer descent water features that flow into the pool for added visual interest and a serene aesthetic.

D. A. Dunlevy

Luxurious Pavilion for Complete Outdoor Living

Outdoor Living Area/Design Build

Our clients dreamt of an add-on to serve as a relaxing outdoor retreat or welcoming gathering point. The open layout, exposed beams, tongue-in-groove ceiling, and elegant drop-down lighting all contribute to a kinship with the natural environment. A fireplace creates a cozy, luxury getaway. The rustic reclaimed barn wood mantel set on stone corbels adds depth to the feature and grounds the above-mounted outdoor television. Elegant lighting, outdoor heaters, and ceiling fans all extend the comfort and enjoyment of the space. The fully customized outdoor kitchen features a large grill, sink, refrigerator, ice maker, wine cooler, and storage vaults set within the natural stone walls and granite countertops. Overall, the design resulted in a structure so attuned to its surrounds that it feels like it was always meant to be there.

Distinction Awards

Ed Ball Landscape Architecture Transformative Outdoor Living Design Outdoor Living Area/Design Build

The goal of this project was to create a more open property by redefining pedestrian access to the property through a direct front formal walkway from the street, along with a secondary informal walkway to the front of the house. We regraded the front of the property for proper drainage and redesigned the plantings by layering the plantings and curved planting beds to create horizontal and vertical motion. The new garage and house were separate structures, and we created a larger pergola to unify the two structures as one, adding layered plant materials, a flagstone walkway, and vines. The fire pit area and outdoor kitchen were nestled to one side of the property, creating three unique outdoor rooms.

J&G Landscape Design

Country

Living in Clarksville

Front Residential Planting and Entranceway

The client tastefully and completely transformed their ranch-style home using a rusticmodern touch throughout. Our goal was to integrate the landscaping into this theme for a cohesive-looking project. The client maintains a fresh look by rotating annuals and site furnishings seasonally.

J&G Landscape Design

Historical Home in D.C.

Front Residential Planting and Entranceway

Working with the homeowners of this historical home, we were able to create a new entry to their home and landscape. A new retaining wall allowed for a larger front lawn separated from the public sidewalk and a new larger driveway to create safe access from a busy road. The redesigned front walkway allows for an easy approach to the home and access between the front door and driveway. The larger stone stoop and walkway allows for a great greeting and gathering space, and the new plantings complement the architecture of the home.

Kane Landscapes, Inc.

Duncan Residence

Outdoor

Living Area/Design Build

The client hired our company to transform the entire property a few years after their custom home was completed. The goals included re-creating the approach to the home to ensure the driveway and landscape would fit with the architecture and allow the house to “stand out” in the neighborhood, as well as allow better circulation of vehicles. The client also desired a revision to the “ho-hum” pool environment that would allow outdoor entertaining for both intimate and large-scale occasions. Our company was responsible for all outside work, including the design, the demolition of the existing driveway, and all hardscapes.

Live Green Landscape Associates, LLC Pollard Residence

Outdoor Living Area/Design Build

When travel restrictions were first enacted for COVID-19, the client wanted to bring the experience of a mountainside resort to their own backyard. Our team designed a refreshed and expanded backyard space. This included a custom wood-burning fireplace and a custom pavilion. The fireplace was constructed out of a granite stone veneer with a custom bluestone color chimney and we subcontracted the pavilion, which included a fan, lighting, and infrared heaters. This space was intended to have the warmth of an indoor living room while being able to have a beautiful natural edge and provide the outdoor airflow capabilities to negate fear for everyone’s health and safety during the pandemic.

Distinction Awards

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

A Pasadena Residence

Front Residential Planting and Entranceway

The client wanted his summer home on the Chesapeake Bay to have a South Florida vibe. A sleek entry court with crisp lines was key. As a performance car enthusiast, our client wanted his guests to arrive and park their imported classics in a space that fit with the high-end vehicles in which they arrived. A wow factor utilizing titanium white concrete and highend synthetic turf provided the perfect look. To tie the arrival court in with the garden, low stone walls repeated the look of the home’s foundation and allowed the expanse of parking to be screened upon arrival. Plantings were incorporated to add needed privacy, architectural interest, and platforms for an impressive night lighting effect.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Bozman Residence Residential Maintenance

We were contacted by this homeowner after an existing client recommended us for boxwood care and total property maintenance. The property had boxwood blight that decimated their formal garden and surrounding plantings. They needed a redesign and a plan to keep the remaining boxwood healthy going forward. We visit the property weekly to mow and tend to the landscape, with large scale monthly visits to inspect and maintain the plantings with detailed care. We redesigned the formal garden using alternatives for boxwood and kept the formal colonial style. We have added and switched out plantings around the entire property.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Edgewater Residence Outdoor Living Area

The new homeowners of this property inherited dated, nonfunctional outdoor living spaces. Our work included installing new pool coping and repairing the automatic cover, now with a stone cover box. Interior renovations included gutting the basement to make an entertaining haven for “College Football Saturdays,” which the clients host regularly. Because the impervious surface allowance was maxed out before we arrived on the project, our carpenters built a ground-level Ipe deck to create an allowable surface for an entrance and a seating area for the new basement. The plantings are deer resistant and focused on blooming in the summer months.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Glen Mill Residence Outdoor Living Area

The client wanted a covered outdoor space for multi-season use. The backyard they inherited had nice features, but they were fragmented, with multiple styles—from farmhouse to neoclassical to contemporary to rustic—and disjointed. A multi-level pool deck and pool were in place, but they disliked the sunken classical garden and Victorian pergola. Our scope of work included removing the ornate pergola and building an outdoor living area that included the potential for three or four season use, a large screen TV for viewing sports and Friday night movies, counterspace for serving food and drinks, storage, overhead heaters, a maintenancefree fireplace, and room for comfortable furniture.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

St. Michaels Residence

Front Residential Planting and Entranceway

Our company installed the front entranceway project more than 10 years ago. Correcting drainage issues, creating an inviting entrance, and finding a way to reduce the impervious surface so that a future swimming pool and backyard improvements will be feasible when desired were the client’s main focus. Our crews replaced the asphalt circular driveway with a gravel driveway and car court. The sub-base consists of a geo grid and aggregate, allowing for a turf-covered driveway, which reduces impervious materials and simplifies the design. The Ipe boardwalk to the front door leads to the vase fountain aligned on the axis of the walk, which extends to a landing leading to the front door.

Distinction Awards

Planted Earth Landscaping, Inc.

Alexandria

Residence

Residential Maintenance

We installed this garden during spring 2020. Located in Old Town Alexandria, this new garden introduces nature to the urban setting.

Planted Earth Landscaping, Inc.

Great Falls Residence

Total Residential Contracting

A circular entrance leads toward the grandeur front entry of this Colorado Mountain Lodgestyle residence with heavily vegetated herbaceous and understory tree plantings. Along the drive toward the rear outdoor living areas there is an asphalt basketball court. Through the rear gate, a playground for the children is in view. The path opens up to a pool with an organic feel, complete with fireplace terrace, flagstone paths, and a river gravel stream sending filtered water directly into the pool. Beyond the pool berm is a fenced-in vegetable garden with raised cedar planters and gravel paths. Below the pool berm is a full acre of manicured lawn for play and entertainment.

Planted Earth Landscaping, Inc.

McLean Residence

Total Residential Contracting

This project was a new home build from the ground up. We were contracted by the builder to install the garden and plantings. There was a great combination of masonry with our planting and grading, and the inground pool made for perfect outdoor spaces on the property.

Rossen Landscape

Foxhall Village Residence

Outdoor Living Area/Design Build

The client wanted to add a pool and entertainment spaces in their backyard. They wanted a clean and modern landscape. We designed and constructed a backyard living space with a pool, patio, pavilion, gas fireplace, pergola, and outdoor kitchen.

Rossen Landscape

Wilson Lane Residence

Outdoor Living Area/Design Build

This project is a new-build residence with an existing pool, which the client wanted to renovate and expand to include a spa and shallow splash area. They wanted a larger pool, pergola, and kitchen/bar areas to be able to entertain guests. The client was also particular about the planting design; they liked Southwest-style plantings and could not have anything with profuse blooms because of a bee allergy. We designed a brand new backyard living area from scratch with a large pool, pergola, outdoor kitchen, fireplace, patios, lawn areas, and plantings.

Distinction Awards

Sisson Landscapes

The Hidden Monk’s Garden in the District Outdoor Living Area/Design Build

This garden is inspired by the Monk’s Garden at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston. The original garden featured sinewy paths of charcoal brick pavers winding throughout stands of grey birch and paperbark maple, creating a space to meander and contemplate. In our case, the idea was to create an outlook from a new home addition that would remind the client of the garden that they loved. Creating a meandering path on a small site like this would require curves of such a tight radius that brick pavers would not serve. Instead we went with 4-inch x 4-inch charcoal cobbles, and instead of the grey birch, which do not do well in our area, we substituted Himalayan birch. At the ground plane, perennials with chartreuse foliage also pop against the charcoal cobbles, and provide a variety of textures.

Wheat’s Custom Lawn and Landscaping

A Private Residence in Chevy Chase, Maryland Outdoor Living Area/Design Build

Tasked with integrating an existing pool shell into an intimate backyard garden setting, we utilized modern cues from the home’s architecture to create an outdoor living oasis that relies heavily on design principles of form, color, texture, and height. We provided soil improvements, grading, drainage materials, decorative stone, vegetation, metal edging work, irrigation, and LED lighting to achieve our collective vision and goal.

Honorable Mention Awards

J&G Landscape Design

Waterfront Residence in Annapolis Front Residential Planting and Entranceway Working side-by-side with a builder, this new home construction allowed for great opportunities to create a wonderful landscape entry experience. A permeable paver driveway creates a grand approach and entry to the home while managing stormwater on site. A new flagstone walkway creates a beautiful greeting and gathering space. The new plantings reflect the architecture and experience of waterfront living. The open lawn area creates a buffer between the public sidewalk and private residence.

Jennifer Horn Landscape Architecture

Falls Church Hybrid Total Residential Contracting/Design Build

The goal of this design was to connect a traditional home on the Falls Church streetscape with a more casual “workshop” in the rear of the property. Perhaps most importantly, they wanted a space for croquet and other lawn sports. We created a large sports lawn to connect the house with the workshop and shored up the grade with seemingly endless mountain boulders.

Honorable Mention Awards

Live Green Landscape Associates, LLC Olek Residence Craftsmanship

The client requested a garden with native plantings with formal traditional accents as well as a clear entryway. While our company was not the designer of the project, we were able to bring it to life with our installation of boulders, river rock, and cedar woodworking. Our entryway features a wrought iron handrail attached to a contemporary composite decking bridge that is led by special multi-colored bluestone pavers. The bridge entryway gives the garden a more defined sense of space. Once inside the garden, you will find a small seating area, a dark cobblestone lining to emphasize the transition from gravel and mulch, and planter boxes for an herb and vegetable garden. And at the edge of the planting beds, a custom-built shed rests like an old English cottage.

Live Green Landscape Associates, LLC Silcott Residence Total Residential Contracting/Design Build

The clients frequently host gatherings at the home and were looking to create an outdoor area sufficient for entertaining. The main spaces were designed as two outdoor rooms to invite guests to gather. This included a circular firepit area as well as the pool area. Our team worked with their pool area by adding bluestone accents to the space and recapping it. The walkways are paved with 2,000 square feet of bluestone on a cement footer. The pavers were then cut in a curvilinear design to soften the harsh edges of the home. The paths efficiently meander through the property to allow guests to enjoy the entire space.

McHale Landscape Design, Inc.

Bethesda Residence Residential Maintenance

The first thing we did was resolve a major drainage issue along the front of the property, adding a berm and planting screening material. The charming pool house was in disrepair and moldy. We demolished the original retaining walls, created a drainage solution for the area, and rebuilt the walls; renovated the pool house; expanded the existing patio; built the pergola, raised garden, and grill cabinet; and replanted the back garden. Our maintenance responsibilities include weekly mowing, turf, and plant health care; four seasonal color rotations; and gutter cleaning. Pruning is also a huge component of this maintenance program. Using IPM strategies and being proactive keeps the ornamental trees, shrubs, and perennials healthy and happy.

Pinehurst Landscape Company

The Courtyard at Boordy Vineyards Commercial Landscape Installation/Design Build

We were approached by the owners of Boordy Vineyards, who wanted to revitalize the primary entrance to their barns and tasting room. The original concept was exposed aggregate courtyard with a tumbled bluestone circle in the middle where they would set their firepit. The client wanted the materials to reflect the agricultural character and age of the surrounding barns and the farm as a whole. We ultimately selected tumbled bluestone set in a herringbone pattern for the field of the courtyard surrounded by a granite paver border. Two walkways were built using patterned bluestone to match the existing terrace.

Rossen Landscape Woodland Falls Residence Outdoor Living Area/Design Build

The client’s intent was to enhance their existing pool deck area by adding a pavilion with a wood-burning fireplace and an outdoor kitchen for relaxing and entertaining.

Design By Rembrandt Landscapes

Modernizing Design Workflows with Technology

Presented by Eric Gilbey, PLA of Vectorworks

January 18, 2023 • NOON – 1:30 PM

Join us for this live, interactive webinar as we kick off LCA educational programming for 2023. Learn how current software can be utilized to create, analyze, and present documents that result in smarter workflows, increased opportunities for collaboration, and a more informed final design product.

Participants will:

• Learn where technology opportunities exist to support design workflows, whether transitioning from hand drawing or finding ways to merge innovation with traditional design workflows.

• Learn how to supplement design technology offerings to expand an already existing digital design workflow and offer more comprehensive design services.

• Understand how integrating 3D modeling with 2D design extends the benefits beyond documentation.

1 CEU credit: Certification Program – Landscape Technician or Business Manager (Exterior) from National Association of Landscape Professionals.

1.5 CEU credit: Association of Professional Landscape Designers.

General Information

• Scan the QR-code below or go to www.lcamddcva.org/page/Adv_Exhib_Spons for current Media Kit.

• Signed contract must accompany ad copy. Artwork can be changed monthly, provided contract is paid in full.

When change of artwork is not received by artwork closing date, publisher reserves right to print ad from previous issue.

• There are no refunds of advertising payments.

• Payment is due with signed contract and artwork by final closing date for each issue.

Publisher Indemnities: Publisher reserves the right to mark “advertisement” on copy that readers might confuse with editorial content and to refuse copy that offends good taste or takes unfair competitive advantage. No rebates made for errors in key numbers or for omissions or errors in Advertisers Index.

Classified Advertising

Classified ads are a great way to find new employees, announce business opportunities, or buy and sell equipment. Payment must accompany copy.

Number of Words LCA Members NonMembers

Up to 200 words $50 $125

Each additional 100 words thereafter $25 $40

Advertising on the Web

Banner advertising is available to members only on the website Display Advertising Deadline January/February 2023 Issue: Tuesday, January 3, 2023

Contact BBienkowski@msp-amc.com for information.