June 2006


HERE COMES THE SUN!
~ MICHAEL LACKEY

It's hard to believe that summer is upon us again, time to get out of the shade and into the sun! Sun tolerant plants play an essential part to any landscape, plants that will not only flourish with color but will also thrive in full sun. As with most people, I do have my favorites!


Crape Myrtle

First are two trees, the Crepe Myrtle and the Saucer Magnolia. Crepe Myrtle flowers come in many different colors. These trees can be used as a specimen tree or in groupings, and can be pruned to control size or left to grow naturally with periodic selective pruning.


Saucer Magnolia

The Saucer Magnolia can also be used as a specimen tree or in groupings, but will need space for mature growth. This Magnolia has grand flowers and is best suited for areas away from structures, being used as backdrops or accents.


Butterfly Bush

Two shrubs sure to add color to any landscape are the Butterfly Bush and the Knockout Rose. The Butterfly Bush is nice because it attracts - guess what? - butterflies! It is a very informal plant that can be pruned to control shape and size but is best left to grow naturally with flowers not cut off.


Knockout Rose

The Knockout Rose is fast becoming a favorite for homeowners and professionals alike and is much more resistant to insects and disease than the traditional Rose.


Creeping Thyme

Last are two perennial herbs that are fun and easy to grow. Creeping Thyme and Rosemary can be used in landscape and as cuttings for the kitchen. Both herbs are informal and will spread so allow for growth or use in planters near a door for easy access. These herbs can easily be divided and shared with family, friends or neighbors for years to come.


Rosemary

If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance.
~ Bern Williams

Thank You!

OLM is proud of its relationship with each and every one of the companies we work with! Here is a sample of OLM's clients and the year we began working together:

  • The Village of Baytowne Wharf (FL) - since 2002
  • Cobb's Landing (FL) - since 1998
  • The Estates of Russell Creek, CMA (TX) - since 2005
  • Concourse, Cousins Properties (GA) - since 1994
  • Jordan Creek Town Center, General Growth (IA) - since 2004
  • Deerbrook Mall, RREEF (IL) - since 2004
  • Huntcrest, MD Hodges (GA) - since 1999

If you would like to see your company and/or property listed in future issues of The Grapevine, just send a note to newsletter@olminc.com. Thank you to all of OLM's clients - we appreciate you!

Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it.
~ Russel Baker

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Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.
~ John Lubbock

 

   

OUR FAVORITE LANDSCAPE "GOTCHAS" and how to prevent them!

1. "Oh, you wanted us to do that?" A good pre-bid meeting along with good standards and specifications eliminates this question.

2. "We didn't include treating for that turf weed." There will always be some level of turf weeds. In wet years, along with irrigation run to excess, Nutsedge and Clover happen. In dry years there will be other weeds. If you want a quality lawn make sure the landscape contractor knows that he is expected to control weeds.

3. "Some of our equipment got stolen while on your property and you need to pay us to replace the equipment." Double-check the landscape contractor's insurance policy and the verbiage of your contract specifications before signing.

4. "Even though it died while we were maintaining it, I think you (the Owner) should pay us to replace it." Check your contract for warranties and responsibilities for plant loss.

5. "We don't do maintenance on irrigation systems." If the landscaper is not controlling the system then who is? Clarify this in your contract.

6. "Trash removal was not included in our bid price. We can do it for an additional fee." Using standardized specifications will make all bids "apples to apples" with no guesswork.

7. "We miscounted the amount of pinestraw and/or mulch we needed to cover your site." With everyone looking at the same thing during the pre-bid meeting it is the responsibility of the contractor to measure and get it right.

8. "We don't treat for that kind of insect / fungus / disease." These issues are ever-changing along with the climate, and need to be adjusted accordingly and included in the contract.

9. "We need/had to put in more seasonal color due to the size of the plants/for proper spacing." Putting in place specifications for size, spacing, and quality of seasonal color will assure that this is never heard.

10. "That's not in our contract." Using OLM to create specifications and a contract unique to your property is the best prevention of ever hearing that statement again!

That beautiful season the Summer! Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light;
and the landscape Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Need help? Have questions? Whether it concerns home or at work, contact OLM by phone, e-mail or fax and we will be glad to assist!

What is one to say about June, the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade.
~ Gertrude Jekyll, On Gardening

Contact us:

OLM, Inc.
975 Cobb Place Blvd.
Suite 304
Kennesaw, GA 30144

Call us: (770) 420-0900

E-mail: newsletter@olminc.com
Online: www.olminc.com