What better place for grounds professionals to learn benchmark techniques, best
practices and strategic planning than one of the oldest cities in the country!
Colonial Williamsburg, Va., will play host for a historic opportunity for grounds professionals when the Professional Grounds Management Society presents its Spring Regional Seminar and Site Visit, April 8-9, 2013.
Attendees to the PGMS education program will explore the amazing green gardens of Colonial Williamsburg and tour the campus of the second-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, The College of William & Mary, in order to see what has been working for centuries on these landscapes.
In addition, educational seminars will provide a multidimensional learning opportunity and networking opportunities will allow attendees to learn from their fellow professionals in the industry.
There will be a walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg’s gardens and grounds that will offer historical background details, plant identification, landscape maintenance tasks and insight into the planning that goes on behind the scenes to meet guests’ expectations. For the College of William & Mary Campus Tour, Associate Director John McFarlane and his staff, who are responsible for maintaining 1,200 acres of land, gardens and wooded
areas that house over 200 buildings, will discuss how they preserve the campus grounds while creating and sustaining an environment that will attract and support students, staff and guests.
Among the education programs to be offered during this two-day event are:
- Container Gardening Ideas” presented by Colonial Williamsburg landscape staff members Laura Viancour and Rollin Woolley;
- “Successful Integrated Pest Management Programs” by Susan Dippre and Renee Hypes, Colonial Williamsburg staff members;
- “Native Plants in the Landscape” presented by Denise Greene, landscape designer and owner of Sassafras Farms; and
- "Customer Service with a Smile” presented by John Gordon, a local franchise owner of an award-winning Chick-fil-a.
Early registration is encouraged as this event is expected to be popular. Registration is open to both PGMS members and non-members. The early bird registration deadline is April 1, 2013.
For details and registration information please visit http://pgms.org/2013springregional/.
