Green Escapes Gardening LLC
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About the Owner
My name is Shere Hanlon and I established Green Escapes Gardening LLC in 2011. I enjoy tailoring a site to one's needs and, whenever possible, working in harmony with the environment. My passion for gardening started in high school when our neighbor left part of their field unplanted so our family could grow vegetables. I have enjoyed learning about plants ever since. After obtaining a Bachelor of Science, I had some fantastic and diverse work experiences that helped shape my skills today. I taught math (Orchard Lake St. Mary's, go Eaglets!) and even worked in a corporate setting. In the end, I went back to school for my original interest in Horticulture/Landscape Design and started Green Escapes Gardening. My husband, son, and I live in Pittsfield Township with our dog, chickens, and gardens.
Plant Health Care (PHC) Practices
Working with Green Escapes Gardening means your gardeners implement Plant Health Care techniques to maintain or improve your landscape using the most cost-effective and environmentally sensitive practices possible. The goal is to have an environment that will be conducive to a healthy plant that can then go through its full life cycle and add value to your outdoor experience and environment. The care of each living organism, including turf, can affect the health of other plants in that landscape.
Effective examples of Plant Health Care:
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ï‚·Mulch for plant health and less weeds
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ï‚·Proper mulch depth around trees
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ï‚·Mitigating soil compaction
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ï‚·Correct irrigation cycles and water placement
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ï‚·Establishing and maintaining soil microbes
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Right plant in the right place
Association of Professional Gardeners
Your gardeners are members of the Association of Professional Gardeners, a local association for:
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Establishing and maintaining standards of professionalism and integrity for members and their businesses.
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Providing networking opportunities and education for professionally employed members.
Education
You will be able to work together with an owner that has real-world and classroom education in science and horticulture, specifically:
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Bachelor of Science
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Associate in Horticulture and Landscape Design: 51+ credit hours (17 semester-long classes)
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Courses Taken:
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Introduction to Ornamental Horticulture
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Plant Identification
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Flowering Annuals and Perennials
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Soil and Soil Fertility
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Landscape Construction – Irrigation (yes an entire semester on irrigation you read correctly lol)
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Landscape Construction – Hard Structures
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Field Project (Obtained Pesticide Applicator License)
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History of Landscape Architecture (personal favorite!)
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Garden Design and Maintenance
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Introduction to Landscape Planning
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Landscape Design Solutions
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Advanced Landscape Planning
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Insect Pests and Diseases
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Plant Health Care
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Plant Science
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Turf Grass Management (Sounds boring, but was so beneficial)
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Nursery Practices (not babies, plants!)
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Landscape Design Presentation
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Computer Aided Design
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Advanced Field Project
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Master Gardener
The MSU Extension Master Gardener Program provides a 13-week horticulture training followed by annual volunteer hours. After this course, I furthered the education and obtained a degree in horticulture and started the business. Although I am no longer certified, it was an excellent program that was a stepping stone in my path.
Insurance and Workers Comp
Green Escapes Gardening LLC carries liability insurance and workers comp. Copies available upon request.