By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Just as painters create masterpieces with oil on canvas, Riderwood’s grounds staff create theirs with the flora and fauna of the landscape. Recently, the community received the annual Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) Green Industry Contribution Award and the Landscape Contractors Association’s (LCA) Heritage Award.

Benefiting the community
Both awards recognize Riderwood’s commitment to creating beautiful  surroundings with expertly maintained lawns, trees, annuals, gardens, and flower beds for community members.

“Quality landscaping and conservation efforts play a key role at Riderwood and its overall strategy to provide an attractive lifestyle for its residents,” says Jack Vargo, grounds supervisor.

Marie Grisham, who enjoys the landscaping from her home, agrees. “I have a beautiful bay window in my apartment home, and I love to sit in front of it and write,” she says. “The grounds are so beautiful and well-maintained. It is certainly a big benefit of living here at Riderwood.”

And the winner is …
Professional landscapers throughout the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area have also taken notice of the well-cultivated grounds. The PLANET Green Industry Contribution Award recognizes the community for its commitment to using professional, contracted services for quality interior plantscaping, landscaping, or lawn care, while consistently creating a greater appreciation of landscaping.

TruGreen LandCare, which has partnered with Riderwood for the last five years, nominated Erickson for the award and noted the local campus’ quality landscape as well as its high level of pedestrian traffic on miles of walking paths and nature trails, neighborhoods that have their own landscaping themes, scenic ponds with swans and other wildlife, beautiful rose gardens, and a well maintained golf course green.