news from the gardenI d e a s f o r G r o w i n g y o u r G a r d e n fall 2014

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

WHAT IS THE VALUE OF A TREE?A tree that grows to maturity, uncrowded by other trees, is magnifi cent to behold in its perfect natural shape. Huge old trees that grow within a forest, reaching to the sky for sunlight, provide a physical presence that defi nes the structure of the forest and elicits feelings of awe in all who spend time there. The tree species of our native forests are among the most diverse and grand of the temperate zones throughout the world.

The value of a tree has historically been determined in economic terms such as the quantity of timber that could be cut and milled; the quantity of pulpwood and fi rewood harvested; the bark that could be stripped and used for everything from medicines to garden mulch; even the nuts that could be gathered.

The long, hot days of late summer dramatically demonstrate other values associated with this highly important plant type of our geographic region. The difference in air temperature on a hot day between standing on exposed pavement and standing under a shade tree is remarkable. Spend a few minutes and experiment with this variation. Then think about applying this experience to urban streets and sidewalks, houses, patios, parking lots, playgrounds, offi ce complexes, even AC units. It is easy to imagine the value of a tree far beyond the number of board feet in both fi nancial and energy savings. Beyond individual experience, charts and graphs that illustrate these correlations are readily available.

Just as importantly, the value of a tree can be measured in the amount of carbon it can sequester and the amount of oxygen it can produce; the quantities of air and water that can be cleansed; the amount of soil that the roots can stabilize and prevent from eroding. Incredible high dollar values have been attached to each of these basic ecosystem services by numerous scientifi c researchers.

Quercus palustris (Pin Oak)

This large oak tree near the Gainesville Civic Center, allowed to grow in its natural shape, is a good place to experience the power of natures air conditioners.

Donald Culross Peattie, in his book

A Natural History of Trees of

Eastern and Central North America

wrote about our native forest

trees and the many ways humans

have relied on and later exploited

the perceived limitlessness of this

resource. There is not another

book on trees to be found in which

the interested reader can discover

this rich combination of scientifi c,

descriptive texts, illuminated by

the commercial, historical, and

even legendary background facts.

(Donald Wyman in his preface to

second edition, 1963)

In this issue: Employee News p.3

PLANET and Urban Ag Awards p.3

Pope Family Garden p.4

continued on page 2

More recently, the therapeutic value of trees has been emphasized. Frequent media topics include the effect that trees (and nature in general) can have by increasing feelings of well-being in humans who spend time in nature. Many studies have been devised to measure and assign values to the positive healing effect that nature can have on a patients general condition, lessened healing times and reduced medication use, just to name a few examples.

Beyond solely human considerations, trees are a valuable resource for the animal kingdom. In his fascinating book Bringing Nature Home, Doug Tallamy cites a compilation of studies that identifi es the number and species of Lepidoptera that rely on certain tree Genera. The genus Quercus, or oak, supports 543 different butterfl y and moth species alone. Oaks are but one of the many types of trees found in local forests.

Planting trees now is a gift to future generations of humans, plants, and animals.

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now ~ African Proverb.

Tree planting season is almost here.

Forests and trees provide a place to explore, learn and experience a sense of peace and wellbeing, even if only through a window.

continued from p.1

The Fockele Garden Company has been honored by two national organizations for its maintenance work at Magnolia Trace, an ACTS community in Huntsville, Ala.

The Fockele Garden Company earned the 2013 Grand Award from PLANET and a Grand Award from the Urban Ag Council. The company has installed and maintained gardens throughout the 43-acre Magnolia Trace property since 2009.

The Grand Award is the top award designation for both PLANET the Urban Ag Council.

The Fockele Garden Company Earns PLANET and Urban Ag Award for Magnolia Trace

Employee NewsThe Fockele Garden Company recently made appointments to three positions.

Erin E. White comes to the company as a Landscape Designer, Nathan

Ausborn was promoted to Maintenance Manager and Jason Sparks has been

named Installation Manager.

White has 14 years of experience in residential and commercial design and

sustainable landscape practices. In her new position, she will work with both

residential and commercial customers to design landscapes and oversee

installation of the projects.

Over the last 14 years, White has held landscape design positions with

companies in Atlanta and Nashville, Tenn. She holds a bachelors degree in

Landscape Architecture from the University of Georgia.

Ausborn joined The Fockele Garden Company in 2012 and was named

maintenance manager in 2013. He has worked for nearly 15 years in the

landscape industry and also has experience in golf course irrigation and

maintenance and sports turf management.

Ausborn has a Georgia Pesticide Applicators license; a Level 1-A Blue Card

from the Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission; and is a Certifi ed

Turfgrass Professional from the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET)

and the University of Georgia.

Sparks oversees installation for our residential and commercial clients. He

has 13 years of experience in maintenance for residential and commercial

properties and golf courses. Sparks has a strong background in irrigation

system installation and is licensed by the state in commercial pesticide

application. He earned a degree in Turfgrass Management from North

Georgia Technical College in 2001.

Jason Sparks, left, Erin White and Nathan Ausborn recently took on new responsibilities with the company.

Pope Family Garden Designed to Have Terrarium Feel

The centerpiece fountain features sculpted calla lilies.

The Northeast Georgia Medical Center recently dedicated the Pope Family Garden, which was designed and built by The Fockele Garden Company.

The Pope Family Garden is the fourth garden developed by The Fockele Garden Company at NGMC. Since 2009, Fockele has built Annes Garden, the Wilheit-Keys Peace Garden, and Nells Prayer Garden all totally funded through philanthropic gifts.

The therapeutic garden is accessed from the Women and Childrens Pavilion located in the South Patient Tower. A centerpiece fountain of sculptured calla lilies is surrounded by benches, tables, and chairs for adults and children. Small animal sculptures are hidden among the garden plants, and are the quest of a game to search for the animals.

The surrounding buildings enclose the garden and create the climate of a ter-rarium. Exotic plants thrive here, and visitors enjoy a space that is protected from wind, and where they can fi nd shade under the mature bigleaf magnolias, or beneath the planted arbor. The enclosure also secures the garden for parents and their children, allowing them to enjoy a safe space to relax and play.

The terrarium-like setting and atmosphere drove the design, said Mark Fockele, co-owner of The Fockele Garden Company. It called for lush vegetation particularly plants with big, bold dramatic foliage.

The garden has layers of planting, from the ground to the tree tops. The forty-foot magnolia trees were planted over fi ve years ago by The Fockele Garden Company during the hospital renovation phase, at a time when most of the garden details were still conceptual. There are over 75 species in the garden.

located in the South Patient Tower. A centerpiece fountain of sculptured calla

P.O. Box 671 | Gainesville, GA 30503 | p: 770.532.7117 | f: 770.532.7245 | www.FockeleGardenCompany.com

Owners : Mark Fockele and Julie Evans

Year Founded : 1990 | Employees : 42

Business Breakdown : 60% design/build, 40% maintenance

Customer Breakdown : Mix of residential and commercial