Film competition to raise awareness about water conservation
As part of its initiative to increase awareness about water conservation, Rain Bird is sponsoring a film competition for filmmakers and irrigation professionals to showcase their skills. The Intelligent Use of Water film competition seeks short films of 1 to 20 minutes in actual or excerpted run time that focus on the subject of water conservation.
Submissions may include narrative, documented, animated, experimental and/or student-made productions that explore ideas and approaches for efficient and intelligent management and use of water. Landscape architects, contractors and others in the irrigation industry are encouraged to submit films for the competition. These irrigation professionals can draw on their experiences to provide thought-provoking perspectives on water conservation.
Films should be in English and may be submitted on DVD/VHS or electronically through the competition Web site at this site. All entries must be submitted on DVD or VHS in NTSC format or as a .mov, .wmv or .mpg file and received no later than August 15 for consideration.
Finalists will attend a screening event September 30 in Los Angeles at the LA Arboretum, where winners will be announced and awarded cash prizes of $6,000 for the judge’s selected winner and $3,000 for the audience’s selection.
~ Lori Creel
Husqvarna, Hocking College develop landscaping curriculum
To address dealers’ concerns about the nationwide need for educated landscape professionals and service technicians in the green industry, Husqvarna is working with Hocking College to develop a landscape management curriculum. The company will also provide financial support and scholarships for the program, which offers education in both project management and fleet management/service.
To kick off the program, Husqvarna will coordinate a “train the trainer” event at Hocking College July 24-25. Created for vocational instructors, the “train the trainer” program provides both classroom and hands-on training for small engine service. Participants will receive an instructor’s guide and a Husqvarna 455 Rancher chain saw for teardown demonstrations.
The new degree program, with an 18-month accelerated curriculum, begins this fall and is open for registration. For information, contact J.R. Blackburn at (740) 753-7045.
Novalis creates new plant program for small spaces
Novalis has added more than 300 plant varieties geared specifically toward “small spaces and special places” to its “Plants that Work” brand. The new products, “Plants that Work in Nooks and Crannies,” feature small-stature plants bred for multiple uses and small-scale applications in a range of garden environments.
Each plant variety in the collection grows to no more than 12 inches tall. Plants were chosen from various regions to provide a wide selection for optimum performance across USDA Hardiness Zones 3-10. The program includes multiple plant options for sun and shade locations of landscapes.
According to Novalis, these low-maintenance plants work well for landscape applications such as pathways, mixed containers, rock gardens, water ponds, terraces, green roofs, rock walls and patios. The Nooks and Crannies program provides solutions for gardening in compact spaces in a range of options for color, texture, foliage and effect. The plants, which are suited to various regions, are available in eight-pack trays.
~ Lori Creel
Clippings
Aqua 2007 partners with Genesis 3 Design Group
Aqua 2007 has entered a partnership agreement with Genesis 3 Design Group, an international resource for waterscape design, for the 2007 Aqua Show Conference Program’s educational lineup. The Aqua Show will be held Nov. 12-16 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. Participants who register for any of the Genesis 3 Design School courses will receive bonus admission to Aqua Show events, including admission to the Expo, the Industry Celebration and a choice of Aqua seminars on Thursday and Friday. The deadline for discount registration pricing is Oct. 1.
Stihl helps fund lawn care rebate program
To help provide an incentive for Louisville, Kentucky’s lawn maintenance companies to decrease air pollution, Stihl and distributor Bryan Equipment Sales are donating $10,000 to the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District’s Lawn Care Rebate program. The money donated will be used to offer lawn-maintenance professionals rebates of $50 per unit to trade in their old trimmers and backpack blowers for new, low-emission 4-MIX trimmers and backpack blowers.
Vermeer to acquire 50 percent of Wildcat
As part of its effort to expand its equipment offering in the composting industry, Vermeer intends to acquire a 50 percent share of Wildcat Manufacturing, a leading manufacturer of compost turners, trommel screens and green waste sorting equipment. There are no plans for changes within either of the companies at this time, though Vermeer will assume management responsibility for Wildcat.
DryJect Web site features aeration demonstration
DryJect, manufacturer of patented technology for soil aeration of sports fields and landscaped areas, has updated its www.dryjet.com Web site to include information about the benefits of aeration as well as a “one-hour challenge.” The one-hour video demonstrates how the DryJect service works on a 6,200-square-foot golf green, which DryJect aerates, amends and makes playable in one hour.
