May 2014
PLANT OF THE MONTH
MAINTENANCE FOCUS
WINTER KILL IN LAWNS
FEATURED PROJECT
  
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Dixie's Term as President Being Announced... Everywhere!
Excitement is growing as Dixie continues her term in 2014 as the Urban Ag Council of Georgia President. Here are some of the articles and features.


The May 2014
Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine is definitely THE Solterra Landscape issue. Page 16 has an article about Dixie and Urban Ag Council titled
Congratulations Dixie Speck; pages 38, 40 & 42 feature photographs from Solterra seasonal color projects; and page 45 includes our half page color ad. 
 

Atlanta Daybook featured a story. Read it here.


The March/April Urban Ag Council newsletter includes Dixie's Letter from the President on page 5 AND an article written by Dixie on pages 24 & 25 titled, Keeping Clients Happy: The Seven Habits of Growing Companies. Click here for the online version.

 
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Dixie was interviewed on the CAP Builder Talk Radio on the topic Grow Your Business With Mobile Apps and Social Media. Charlie Whitfield who created the Solterra app is also on the show. Listen to the archive.

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We love helping our community. 
Here are a few non-profit organizations that are supported by Solterra.

 


Leadership Sandy Springs  
 
 
Is Your Spring as Exciting as Ours???
Spring is always a busy time in the landscaping business, but we've been extra busy with our volunteer efforts for Volunteer for a Better Sandy Springs; assisting with the urban garden exhibit at the Garden Show in Buckhead; installing new projects; and managing the thrust of spring with cut backs, mowing, pruning, and planting seasonal color.

Solterra inspired Bocce Ball fever with our exhibit at the Spring Atlanta Home Show. We recently completed a new and expanded bocce ball court at Red Hare Brewery

No, we weren't just there for the beer, but it was ONLY good customer service that we lift a glass to help them celebrate the new bocce ball court!

Check out the links in the side bar for the media features as Dixie continues her term as President of the Urban Ag Council of Georgia. 


Scroll down to see May's PLANT OF THE MONTH, MAINTENANCE FOCUS, and the FEATURED PROJECT [part 3].

Peter and Dixie Thank you for your support, your confidence in us, and referrals to Solterra Landscape.

Peter and Dixie Speck

 


PLANT OF THE MONTH

Japanese Roof Irises Lend a Royal Air


Irises have a long history--over 500 years--of being enjoyed almost exclusively by those of royal heritage. The plants are available in several bloom colors, but are commonly seen in varying shades of royal purple. Discover an interesting tidbit you can use for your next trivia contest. Read more.

 

MAINTENANCE FOCUS
Damage from Winter's Cold

May is when we are managing the full thrust of spring. All lawn types are growing and needing mowing each visit. The shrubs are coming out of dormancy and need pruning. The weeds are germinating and growing aggressively.  

 

Our maintenance crews are
also working on cutting back the shrubs that were damaged by the cold. We've closely monitored how damaged plants have responded to the spring warm weather. Severely damaged plants that are not sprouting new growth are being cut back completely or removed. Other plants damaged by the cold are showing partial growth from the base. 

Hydrangeas and other plants that are marginal for this planting zone were especially hard hit from the January and February freezes, snow and ice.

Many damaged Hydrangeas are flushing out hard from the roots but do not show any life in the branches. This means that they will not flower this year, so we are cutting back the dead branches. 

FYI, you might be interested in this climate outlook for the growing season for 2104 and the upcoming winter of 2014/2015.  

 

If you have questions or concerns about any of your cold damaged plants, contact your Account Manager Jason or Brett.

 

Winter Kill in Lawns

We love our green lawns in Georgia and Solterra works hard to improve and maintain some of the best lawns in our area.  However, this past winter season has resulted in some "Winter Kill" in warm season grasses including Bermuda and Zoysia.  The pro-longed cool temps is also slowing down "green-up" this year.

If you are interested in understanding the details surrounding this years turf issues due to "Winter Kill" and slow "green-up", a just-released article from UGA's turf expert is available for your reading...READ MORE


FEATURED PROJECT
Phase 3: The Completed Courtyard
     
This month we feature the final phase of a client's courtyard project. As the weather warmed and the potential for frost was past, perennials were added, along with seasonal plants and flowers. The spring growth is rapidly filling in the lush greens, creating an inviting area for summer socializing and a soothing oasis for personal time communing with nature.


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