s Georgia, Florida and Alabama mire deeper in water ownership legalities, lakes hit record low levels and a growing populace further strains available water supplies, one thing is certain: abundant water is but a memory. To the business owner, this can be devastating news, or, it can be a chance to reinvent your landscape. “Our gardens can be as good or better than they’ve always been,” says Mark Fockele. “The water shortage (and resulting outdoor water restrictions) will force us into more careful usage, whereas traditional landscaping practices will grow prohibitively expensive.” One of the best ways to reduce water needs (for now and later) is collecting and utilizing rainwater that falls on your property. With a cistern system, you can collect this water and redistribute it to areas of your garden or landscape that need it. Cistern-based water harvesting has been used for centuries around the world. “Until now, water was plentiful in the Southeast and we didn’t have to look for alternatives,” said Mark. Traditional practices, such as ‘throwing away’ rainwater in drain pipes, culverts, and stormwater systems and gullies is not The clear advantage COLLECTRAINWATERFORECONOMICALGARDENING ACommercial Awards, p.3 | A garden can be good for customers and employees, p .4 In this issue: Collect Rainwater, p.1 | Landscape Branding, p.3 | Spring Maintenance Tips, p.3 news from the garden ideas for Growing your Business spring 2009 w w w . F o c k e l e G a r d e n C o m p a n y . c o m “The Fockele Garden Company has made Lanier Village Estates into a showplace and has set a standard ofexcellence for other continued care retirement communities to set their sights on. Thank you for the personal attention you give to L VE. It has definitely made a d ifference in the curb appeal of that communit y.” Tom Strader, ACTS Life Retirement Communities continued on page 2 Employee spotlight Mariano, who has worked for The Fockele Garden Company for nine years, has filled many roles for the company in both the installation and maintenance departments. He currently works as a crew leader for the maintenance department. Mariano was born in Tuzantla, Mexico. His parents and two sisters still live there and he enjoys a trip home occasionally. His family’s house is a stone’s throw from a beautiful river. In his spare time, he enjoys studying English and uses a course on CD called, “English Without Barriers.” Mariano appreciates learning something new every day. Mariano, who was employed by another landscaping company for five years, likes working for The Fockele Garden Company because quality work is appreciated. He likes the fact that his good work is rewarded with opportunities to take on more responsibilities. Mariano Urquizacrew leaderAs part of the Anne’s Garden project at the Northeast Georgia Medical Center, The Fockele Garden Company installed a 10,000-gallon underground cistern.
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Hughes said. “It gives our stores a bet-ter appearance and makes them stand
out. Our stores are on major highways
and our overall look from the brick of
the building to the landscaping catche
people’s eye. When they see it, they
know it is City Plumbing.”
Consistency and quality are just a few
of the aspects that business owners
should consider when branding their
companies through their landscaping.
A well-maintained landscape makes a
positive first impression and can certainlyraise your company’s profile.
Landscape Branding: A Consistent Look
A few spring maintenance tips :
• Add fresh mulch or pine straw to your flower bed. It holdsmoisture, keeps soil temperatures more even and helpsprevent weeds.
• Fertilize your trees and shrubs with an appropriate fertilizer.
• Limb up your trees and do heavier shrubpruning to promote healthy growth.
• Spring blooming shrubs such as azaleas needto be pruned back after blooming is complete.
City Plumbing & Electrical Supply has used its
signature look in its six showroom stores.
• Lanier Village Estates, Merit Award for Commercial Landscape Management (PLANET Professional Landcare Network) & Grand Award for Landscape Maintenance(Georgia Green Industry Association)
• UHS-Pruitt Corporate Office, Distinction Award in Maintenance (Metro Atlanta Landscape and Turf Association)
• Peach State Bank, Distinction Award in Installation (Metro Atlanta Landscape and Turf Association)
• American Freedom Garden: Distinction Award in Installation (Metro Atlanta Landscape and Turf Association)