Colorado Green Now

The latest ALCC news, including Colorado Green NOW articles, legislative updates, and programming announcements. 

Matt Akabane brings 35 years' experience to Hughes Landscaping Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Matt Akabane, operations manager at Hughes Landscaping, Inc., Parker, recently moved to Parker from California with the hope of applying his extensive knowledge of plants and trees to landscapes in Colorado. He and his family were attracted to the state for its scenery, culture and lifestyle.

Akabane grew up in his father’s landscape business, working along with his brother and mother. His father, who immigrated from Tokyo, was a Bonsai specialist. “My father taught me about designs and creativity” Akabane shares. “He always said to make sure plants have dimension, vibrant color at different times of the year, and balance.”

After attending California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo, Akabane continued to work in the family business where he operated the retail, and landscape and maintenance divisions. He credits his experience in this business with gaining his extensive knowledge of plants and trees that enables him to create beautiful landscapes. He has designed more than 2,500 projects for clients, friends and companies.

After 40 years of providing quality plants and knowledge to the community, the family sold the land and business in 2019, prompting Akabane to consider new options.


Adopting another ‘family’ – family business that is

With Hughes Landscaping, Akabane is working for another family-owned and operated business. Hughes Landscaping has been in business since 1988, installing landscapes and providing the year-round maintenance services to sustain their beauty.

Coming from the industry, Akabane’s 35 years’ experience seemed like a great fit for owners Angie and Kurt Hughes, who thought his skills were well-suited for the company’s landscape division where Akabane could help with design and sales. He began his work at Hughes Landscaping in July 2022.

“I love what I do and wanted to get back into landscaping and create beautiful landscapes for clients,” he says. He now realizes that the Hughes family owns and operates other businesses including Pine Lane Nursery, Bonnie Blues Wedding Venue, and The Sod Guy, now in Parker and Colorado Springs.

“I want Hughes Landscaping to be a household name and for people who need landscape design or installation to think about Hughes Landscaping first for consultations, professional designs, installation, irrigation, hardscapes and maintenance. Visit www.hugheslandscapinginc.com to learn more.

 

 

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Legislative Wins

Women In Green Committee update

 
Women in Green Committee update Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, August 22, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Women in Green committee hosts inspiring speaker & What's next

“We’re sprouting,” claim those on ALCC’s Women in Green (WIG) committee. WIG continued their momentum with a second networking event in late April 

Megan Townsend, COO and Co-Founder of Altitude Arborist in Broomfield, was the guest speaker. Townsend presented a condensed version of her presentation, How to take 50 vacation days a year. Charlene Chacon, WIG committee member and residential team manager at Designscapes Colorado, Inc. shares, “Megan was very inspirational as a business owner, mom, and someone who knows what it is like to be a woman in the landscape industry. 


This event had a great turnout including several students from CSU’s Design and Contracting program. Event sponsors Ewing Irrigation &Landscape Supply and Designscapes Colorado, not only sponsored but also were represented by women in attendance 

What's next?

Join ALCC's Women in Green Committee for A Networking Luncheon Event!

Date: Tuesday, September 19
Time:  11:30- 1:00 PM
Location: Fisk Lawnscapes
7135 Templeton Gap Road
Colorado Springs, CO 80923 

The Women in Green networking series is designed to celebrate women's contributions to the industry while creating a space for women in landscaping to come together, network, and acknowledge the unique attributes and skills that women bring to the industry. 

This event is designed for women working in any role within the green industry. Dress is casual, please come as you are. Boxed lunch will be provided. Las hispanohablantes son bienvenidas!

Register and watch for new event postings on alcc.com/events-calendar.  

 
Why the Urban Landscape Conservation Task Force? Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, August 08, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

The following is a statement from Kat Weismiller, deputy section chief for Colorado Water Conservation Board’s Water Supply Planning Section. 

The Urban Landscape Conservation Task Force (CWCB) was created to help the state think about how we, at CWCB, build and support climate-appropriate landscapes. Colorado is getting warmer with projections of up to 4.2oF (2.3oC) warmer by 2050.  

We live in a semi-arid state and are heavily dependent on annual snowmelt and runoff from the mountains to the plains for our water supply. Colorado averages only 17 inches per year of precipitation with high variability across the state. Climate change is making our water supply more variable, and less dependable and predictable. As a result of climate change and longer term aridification, we are increasingly weighing the value trade-offs regarding water use and how we want to allocate it across competing community needs like economic development, housing, parks, river health, recreation and more. Outdoor water use, including the functionality and aesthetic design of urban landscapes, is at the crux of this discussion. Irrigation of outdoor landscapes accounts for 40-50% of Colorado’s municipal water demand. The 2023 Colorado Water Plan notes the need for “transformative landscape change” water conscious and attractive urban landscapes that can be sustained on as little as one-day per week watering. Though past water conservation measures have decreased statewide per capita water use by 5% between 2008 and 2015, we have a long way to go to meet the ambitious goals of the Water Plan. 

Water-wise landscaping and land use practices can play a critical role in providing substantial and permanent water savings while minimizing water waste in Colorado communities. Urban water conservation requires water providers and other groups to work together in ways that extend beyond turf removal to advance the broader concept of landscape transformation to provide lasting water savings, while sustaining healthy communities.  

The Task Force arose at the direction of the Governor who charged CWCB with facilitating a task force discussion to evaluate the best practices for advancing outdoor water conservation. Recognizing that this topic is critical, and several efforts are currently underway to find policy solutions and best practices for urban landscapes, the Task Force plans to offer leadership and guidance at the state level by exploring where there are both opportunities and challenges for achieving sustained outdoor water savings. The Task Force will look into ways of implementing practical landscaping changes that increase water use efficiency and achieve sustained water savings, while supporting vibrant and beautiful communities.  

The 21-member task force includes eight water utilities, two water conservation and/or conservancy districts, two environmental nongovernmental organization representatives, and several single seats including a seat dedicated to the landscaping industry filled by ALCC president, John McMahon. McMahon will represent ALCC membership interests in these critical conversations. The team aim plans to meet four times in 2023, aiming to wrap-up provide a set of concepts to be considered by January 2024.  

 
 
Lifescape designs patios with superb views Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, August 08, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Staying nimble was the constant challenge for the Lifescape Colorado team as they navigated this project’s evolving commercial codes for rooftop outdoor living spaces. “The final outcome of this rooftop double-patio project with its outdoor living amenities and beautiful plants is impressive,says Mike Ransom, project manager. “The plants are like the frosting on the cake.” Of course, as with most complex projects, the beauty and functionality mask the behind-the-scenes challenges. As Rachelle Folsom, Lifescape marketing director noted, “The plant design had to address many challenges not related to the beauty of the finished project, yet many of the solutions enhanced the beauty. 

Commitment to communication 

A complex mix of people and organizations were involved in creating the evolving design, submitting permits and researching codes, as well providing input for ideas to modify designs to meet approval and codes. Players included the homeowners, general contractor, Lifescape team – including the landscape architect, Ariel Gelman, who partnered with Lifescape the builder and builder subcontractors, the city and more.  

“The commitment of the diverse team to coordinate communication through multiple means – email, phone, in person – was crucial to project success,” shares Ransom. “Issues were resolved as quickly as possible. I give credit to all the players. People had their tasks and deadlines they made it happen!” He likens the coordination to an ant farm. Everyone knew their role and what to do, and were committed to the same outcome. 

Penthouse neighbors shared a goal 

Owners of both penthouse condos shared the vision of creating “a crown jewel of mountain, stadium and city views from this new condo tower,” according to Folsom. Since owners of both units were Lifescape clients, they and the Lifescape landscape professionals were excited to team up and turn a 600 square foot space into an overall 2,200+ square foot container landscape with seating areas, outdoor cooking areas, firepits and the desired views.  

Almost weekly, new, updated presentation materials kept clients informed of evolving code changes to help them understand both the limitations of some design components, but more importantly, the possibilities and options for overcoming the limitations. Throughout ongoing design tweaks, the clients came to trust the Lifescape team’s expertise and understanding of the complexities they were working through.  

Plant selection and other rooftop challenges 

Plants were container-based and there were weight restrictions and city ordinances. Much of the plant material used in the design was dictated by multiple and evolving codes for rooftop landscapes. Of course, all plants – tree, perennials and annuals – had to be hardy enough to withstand conditions including harsh winds at the top of a 14-story building, as well as provide beauty and vibrancy. The design also needed to address codes and ordinances including solar reflection, night sky requirements, permeable ground, and weight restrictions.  

Getting supplies to the roof required ongoing coordination. Whereas some material could be brought up the service elevator to 14th floor and taken up the stairway to the roof, containers and trees has to be craned to the roof. 

Creating cohesion with two designs 

Though the singular vision of creating “the view was shared by the two homeowners, they had differing goals for their separate spaces. The spaces have a “cohesive aesthetic thread” beyond the mountain and city views. They both have containers filled with plants and blooms, and some hardy trees chosen to create shade. 

A four-foot wall of metal containers with boxwoods creates a natural privacy screen, yet the spaces can be connected, if desired. 

Riding the wave of challenge 

When Ransom, who has been in the industry of a long time, reflects on this project, he says, “I loved it! There were new challenges for all. We need to ride the waves of challenge, not fight them. It’s how we learn the possibilities.” 

Lifescape Colorado received ALCC’s Gold ELITE Award for Residential Plant Design for this project, Rooftop Doubleheader. 

 
ALCC awards 2023 student scholarships Email
Written by Colorado Green Now   
Tuesday, August 08, 2023 12:00 AM

Colorado Green Now

Each year Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC) grants scholarships to students pursuing careers in the green industry who attend Front Range Community College (FRCC), Colorado State University (CSU) or University of Colorado.  


Ben Stickland received the JBK Scholarship in 2023. Ben Stickland is a junior at CSU, double majoring in horticulture with a specialization in landscape design and contracting and environmental horticulture with a floriculture concentration. He hopes one day to own a business using locally sourced materials and native plants to design sustainable landscapes.  

Ciera Clawson received the Todd Williams Memorial Scholarship in 2023. Ciera is a sophomore at CSU, majoring in horticulture with a specialization in landscape design and contracting. Ciera is a member of the SOLDAC organization (Student Organization for Landscape Design and Contracting) and recently competed with the CSU team at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition. She is interested in working with sustainable landscapes in the future.  

Stephanie Fewsmith received the Tom Trench Memorial Scholarship in 2023. Stephanie attends FRCC majoring in horticulture. After moving of from the nonprofit sector and overcoming health challenges, Stephanie is pursuing a new career in horticulture focusing on growing food and sustainability.  

Olivia Mosbarger received an ALCC scholarship. She is a sophomore at CSU majoring in horticulture, with a specialization in landscape design and contracting. She competed with the CSU team at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition earlier this year. Olivia is interested in a career in landscape management and design.  

Emily Beeson also received an ALCC scholarship. She is a graduate student in the landscape architecture program at the University of Colorado-Denver. She would like to pursue a career in sustainable landscape architecture.  

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