news from the garden

I 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 magnicent 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 denes 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 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, ofce
complexes, even AC units. It is easy to imagine the value of a tree far beyond the number of
board feet in both 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 scientic 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 scientic,
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 identies the number and species
of Lepidoptera that rely on certain tree Genera. The genus Quercus, or oak,
supports 543 different buttery 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 News
The 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 Certied
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 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 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.
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