EXTRAORDINARY ENVIRONMENTS by H&G
This video is fast-paced and powerful. My intention in making it was to show the breadth and creative depth of the projects we have had the privilege to work on here at Hertzler & George. But more than the projects themselves, I hope to convey the talent of the committed members of the H&G team that bring these projects to life. They are the real story.
Joe Hertzler
JUNE 2008
TIPS FOR USING THE FLICKR SITE
1 - Use the groupings along the right side of the home page, i.e. “Projects,” to see pictures grouped into relevant catagories.
2 - In the Search box at the top, enter a term like “wood” to see photos that pertain to your specific search criteria.
3 - Use the “Slideshow” feature for the best viewing.
4 - Come back regularly. We are adding pictures to the site almost daily.
We are glad you are interested in working with Hertzler & George. Let me give you a brief overview of how we begin a project.
THE FIRST MEETING
Your first meeting with us will be at our office. This gives you a chance to see our operation from the inside out and to meet the members of the team, including our landscape architect, Phillip Merritt. I will walk you through our approach to a design/build project, review other projects we have done that are similar to yours, and discuss the design fees involved.
The goal of this initial meeting is to arrive at an Agreement for Preliminary Design and Budgeting. With this agreement and a retainer, we can begin working on your project.
You’re just getting started, so click the link below to read about the homework you have to do before you come ....
Design/Build, also known as SINGLE-SOURCE responsibility, is an interactive effort in which the client and all company team members—from craftsmen to foremen to crew to designer—are involved in the building process from the start and work as a single entity under contract with the owner. It can produce significant cost and resource savings by:
Letter from a client:
“ Joe: Thanks for the great service! The design is amazing and we can’t wait to see it built.”
D.&C. J.
Fords Colony
Williamsburg
NOVEMBER 2008
Good design does not stop at the property line. A well-designed landscape integrates with surrounding landscapes and with the greater the region. One key to achieving this integration is to allow the landscape to vary with the seasons. Too often we see landscapes that are overly dependent on evergreens. Evergreens can keep the landscape static throughout the year and, at worst, make it stick out like a sore thumb.
Playing to - and encouraging - seasonal variation can be used to great advantage. Below are some plants we’ve found that will bring out the best in a fall garden in the Williamsburg, Virginia area.
Ingredients:
3 eggs
¼ cup oil
¼ cup apple sauce
2 cups sugar
1 cup white unbleached flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
¼ teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups grated zucchini
1 cup raisins or cranraisins
Mix eggs, oil and applesauce. Add sugar. Mix in dry ingredients. Add vanilla and zucchini. Stir in raisins. Note: do not over stir or end result will be tough.
Pour in loaf pan and bake 350 degrees for 50 – 60 minutes till done in center.
Dear Joe,
I want to express our thanks for your support of the York County Master Gardeners and the York County Extension Office. Your presentation “Landscaping Practices with the Environment In Mind” at the 2008 Fall Extravaganza today was an essential part of the successful day. Your enthusiasm and knowledge was a hit with the audience. Your expertise and your dedication to the public interest are well known and greatly appreciated by all concerned. Again, thank you for your support.
Jim Orband
York County Extension Agent
October 2008
Joe,
Just a short note to tell you how thrilled Donna and I are with the backyard project. We had pretty well convinced ourselves that there was no good alternative to secure the slope and provide a level walkway, but your creativity proved us wrong. The end result is way beyond our expectations. We were also very impressed with Mitch and his crew. Overall, an “A+” job all around. Many thanks.
J.S.
Kingsmill, Williamsburg, VA
SEPTEMBER 2008
Joe it has really been a pleasure working with H&G. Terry [Autry] is an outstanding employee and I hope he compensated accurately. The commitment he demonstrated in the success of the project was right inline with the principles our company is working towards. He listened to the customer and adapted to change without resistance, which continued to foster my confidence. Thank you for taking pride and ownership in the project and I hope that all of your jobs have the same personal interest, which separates the monetary gain from the true success of a project. The project is complete and it was a pleasure doing business with Hertzler and George.
J.H.
Safety/Environmental Coordinator
for a Manufacturing Plant in Williamsburg, VA
OCTOBER 2008
“ Joe- Well, I can’t thank you enough. I’m just overwhelmed. I’m so appreciative and impressed by the work ethic of your crew.”
N.H.
Williamsburg
September 2008
Here is a question asked by a client considering hiring us to design a landscape for their home in Williamsburg, Virginia. I thought the question and my answer are worth highlighting.
Q: My husband and I very much enjoyed meeting with you and discussing the design of our landscape in Williamsburg. We look forward to working with you to enhance the property. We reviewed the Letter of Agreement for Conceptual Design and have a question with respect to the project scope. The contract states that the plant design will be conceptual and show “rough quantity and types”. We understand that to mean that the actual quantity will be determined at the time of planting, based on the size of the plant at that time. However, we are not sure what you mean by “types”. Will the design state what kind of plant is recommended? We think it will be hard to visualize what the design will look like without knowing what plants are to be installed in the prescribed area.
“It is so nice to not worry about my trees and shrubs while I’m away. Ken is the best.”
L.D.
Kingsmill, Williamsburg
August 2008
This client is referring to Ken Thompson, a certified arborist, Master Gardener, and passionate environmentalist we are lucky enough to have on staff here at Hertzler & George GreenGuard.
Hertzler & George GreenGuard is proud to offer Williamsburg’s only lawn care program certified by the Chesapeake Club. The Chesapeake Club provides guidelines for fertilizing that ensure the growth of strong, healthy grass – while keeping excess nutrients out of the Bay. Offering this program is a commitment we’ve made to our community and to our environment. If you’re not already on the program, may we serve you too? Together we can make a huge difference.
Thanks for visiting! On this page we’ve collected information about how we are working to Get Lean and Go Green in our business and in our lives. Enjoy!
Dear Joe:
I have sold my house and will be relocating to New Jersey....I want to thank you and your team for the professional and very thorough service that you have provided to me over the past several years. Your attention to detail and your consistently excellent service have kept my lawn looking great. You have been a pleasure to deal with.
S.B.
Lands End, Williamsburg
July 2008
“We really love the work and truly appreciate everyone’s contribution to the project. Your guys really knocked themselves out for us. They were prompt, professional, thorough and a pleasure to get to know.”
D.&C.S.
Port Anne, Williamsburg
July 2008
Weeds in our shrub and flower beds….
It’s one of life’s givens, right? Wrong!
All you have to do is pull them up, right? Wrong!
We’d like to explain why not to pull that weed. And show how GreenGuard/Hertzler & George can help you control weeds by preventing most of them from ever coming up in the first place.
To find out more about how we can help keep weeds out of your flower and shrubs beds:
Call Ken Thompson (757) 229-9668 ext 202
HOW TO REMOVE MUSHROOMS FROM A LAWN
Excert from The Ortho Problem Solver, Fifth Edition, page 139
Problem
Mushrooms sprout up in the lawn after wet weather. They may be growing in circles of dark green grass. When the weather gets cooler or the soil dries out, they disappear.
Analysis
Mushrooms, also called toadstools or puffballs, live on organic matter buried in the soil. The mushroom is the aboveground fruiting or reproductive structure of a fungus that lives on and helps decay the organic matter. The organic matter may include buried logs, lumber, roots, or stumps. Most mushrooms do not damage the lawn but are objectionable because they are unsightly. Mushrooms growing in circles of dark green grass, called fairy rings, may make the soil impervious to water and injure the grass.
Solutions
There is no practical or permanent way to eliminate mushrooms. When buried wood is completely decayed, the mushrooms will disappear. The easiest and most practical solution, although it is only temporary, is to break the mushrooms with a rake or lawn mower.
Joe: on a mission to reduce the impact of the deer and just had a long chat with a biologist at the Dept of Fisheries and Game. Guess what he claims is by far the most effective home remedy? Coyote pee! He mixes it with mineral oil and sprays all his plants about once a month and claims it works like a charm for deer and rabbits (creates territorial boundaries as the smell of the predator pee scares them off). You can buy it online quite cheaply. As well, one of their other guys told me to buy a system called plot saver which basically “tapes” off your property and uses scent on the tape to deter deers.
That’s my wisdom (or someone else’s) for the day! Cheers, K.
Joe Hertzler’s Answer:
I’ve also heard the coyote pee works well. However, I have a real ethical problem with using it. Where do they get that pee from? Putting little baggies on wild animals? I think not. It is collected from caged animals treated quite inhumanely. I really prefer to find another method. - Joe
REMOVING COMMON BERMUDA GRASS FROM A LAWN
Common Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) is a low-growing, wiry perennial plant that is grown as a turfgrass or as forage for livestock, but it also can be an invasive weed. It is one of the most persistent and aggressive grasses and is very hard to kill after establishment. This is one of the grasses that can “return from the dead” if not completely killed the first time due to its extensive root system and just digging it up without getting rid of the roots will not solve the problem. It is not an easy weed to control, especially when it must be controlled selectively within an already planted turf, garden, or landscaped area. (Also known as couchgrass, devilgrass, wiregrass, or dogtooth grass.)
Read more about removing Bermuda grass by clicking below.
Dear Joe,
Thank you so much for all of your hard work....You have been a joy to work with and I sing your praises to all I see.
Thanks again and hope to see you soon.
“Joe,
I want to tell you how very much I appreciated the year of steady and thoughtful work your team put into the Garden Day preparation. I was very proud of the property. I hope you have had the chance to see it. If not, please try to do it. Especially Terry Autry was a Godsend to me in the last two weeks. You are fortunate to have such dedicated staff members.
All the best to you,”
T. B.
Williamsburg, VA
April 2008
Dear Mr. Hertzler,
Thank you for the donation of your time and the time of your lawn specialist manager, Mr. Krigbaum, to come out and evaluate our yard. Since [my husband] has been deployed to Iraq, the yard has been a real source of stress. Your offer to help us with the yard is deeply appreciated. When [my husband] called home last weekend I was able to share with him what had been done to the yard and what wonderful things were still to come, and he was happy and overwhelmed by the show of kindness and support. Thank you for your generosity and for caring about the military in our community. We deeply appreciate it. With warm regard,
L.G. Williamsburg, VA
April 2008
This was a thank you note sent to Terry Autry, our landscape maintenance foreman:
“Dear Terry,
Just a little thank you for all the hard work you put into helping me prepare for garden week. Your Tuesday morning triumph over the oak tags saved the day!
I’ll… look forward to the Fall when we can add some interesting new plants. All the best and many thanks to you,”
T. B.
Williamsburg, VA
April 2008
The following is from a GreenGuard lawn client:
“Joe - Just wanted to call to tell you how great our lawn looks. We keep getting compliments from passers-by and neighbors and I thought I would pass them on to you. You guys are really doing a great job and we appreciate it. Thank you!”
Dan M.
Kingsmill
April 2008
“Question: What do you recommend to stop Rabbits from eating everything in your yard. They are eating everyting: hostas, azaleas, roses, even some potted plants on the deck! I don’t want to trap them or kill them—just repel ‘em. Any thoughts?”
D.S.
Kingspont, Williamsburg
April 2008
Dear D.S.
If I could answer this question definitively I’d have retired a millionaire by now. Read on and I’ll tell you what we use in our treatment programs and what you can do yourself.
“Our yard looks wonderful. We’ve tried Green Thumb and The Lawn Doctor but no one does the job like GreenGuard. Thanks. Jon does a great job.”
Janice D.
Ford’s Colony
Williamsburg VA
April 2008
“The treatment has absolutely reduced the amount of time and effort it takes to mow the lawn. Because the growth is slowed, we cut less often and the volume is noticeably less. It now takes fewer stops to empty the bag. The grass looks as green and lush as it had before treatment was applied. I am a believer!”
Controlling deer in the landscape is an on-going challenge. While there are no plants that are completely inedible there are less favored plants. The problem with any list is that the taste of deer populations changes over time and from group to group.
This is from an email I received the other day. The cleint is asking if we would be willing to take on a project in her area. What I found intriguing is the way she describes a garden we built several years ago.
Dear Mr. Hertzler,
Yesterday my husband and I attended a wonderful brunch at the home of [one of your clients]. From the moment we saw the stone light posts at the top of the driveway I was intrigued by what I would find as we meandered along the driveway. “Oh, they love nature too!” was a thought I had. And when we saw their home and the wonderful courtyard and plantings, we were just enthralled. Even in the dead of winter we were intrigued and welcomed ... by the environment you created.
Finally I found your website and absolutely love the designs and work that your company creates. But, we live in the Grafton area of Yorktown. I sure hope that we live within your range. Would you accept a project in this area? Thank you for your consideration, C.T.
Grafton, Virginia
February 2008
As part of an ongoing effort to move our community toward sustainability, GreenGuard by Hertzler & George is joining the state of Virginia and the Chesapeake Bay Program to offer the Chesapeake Club lawn care program.
I want to brag a little bit about some of the amazing things our talented people are doing to improve the GreenGuard Lawn Care and Tree/Shrub Care service. Here’s a brief list of improvements we made in 2007 and a taste of what is coming in 2008. Enjoy, and see you on the other side!
“This is ‘J.H.’ We have an interest in subscribing to your annual [GreenGuard Lawn Care] program at [our home in] Williamsburg....What I’m after is to have a one on one session with John Krigbaum with respect to the needs of our lawn and how we can have as wonderful a lawn as your folks have done for [our neighbor] across the street. Give me a call at....”
J.H.
Governor’s Land
Williamsburg VA
December 2007
“Joe, I didn’t look over the completed job until this morning, and I’m delighted! You were right about the grade, it’s just fine. Nice work by Terry and Mitch, as usual. Everything looks lovely, and they even cleaned up the driveway. Thanks very much.”
M.C.
Queens Lake
Williamsburg, VA
January 2007
“We are amazed by the terrace you’re building for us. My family and I keep going out on it, even though it’s freezing, and thinking how beautiful it is. The plants, the brickwork, the kitchen – all of it. You know, we had really high expectations going into this project with you, but you all have so completely blown away those expectations, gone so far beyond them, that we can’t thank you enough.”
J.H.
Kingsmill
Williamsburg, VA
December 2007
The following is from a former employee. It’s great to hear from people so long after they have moved on. Thanks for writing “C.T.” - Joe Hertzler
It’s been about 8 years since I worked at Green Guard. I think over the summer of 2000 was when I was there. I worked on the tree crew with “Hose"(never knew his real name I don’t think) and Matt, both of which moved on a while ago from what I heard.
I was just talking with some coworkers about the amazing times I had working for Green Guard and wanted to drop you guys a line.
“Joe - Enclosed is the balance for the project. We are very pleased with the way all has turned out. If you ever need a recommendation, we’d be happy to give one. Regards.”
L.N.
Governor’s Land
Williamsburg
October 2007
This quote is from a customer on the GreenGuard side of the business: “Thank you and Jon and Ken for the thoughtful attention you are giving me....”
T.B.
Williamsburg
September, 2007
“We appreciate working with clients who appreciate us!.” - Joe
“How can we thank you and your folks for the wonderful job you all did at the river. That house and its surroundings was truly like a phoenix rising from the ashes. We are blessed with a team of talented folks who help us get the picture into focus and we are extremely grateful....thank you for making your distinctive and beautiful mark....”
C.C.
Williamsburg
July 2007
Demand for outdoor kitchens is exploding. According to a December survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects, outdoor kitchens are among the most popular spaces being designed for residential clients. “Homeowners are requesting landscape architects design complete outdoor rooms, such as kitchens and bars, for entertaining.”
This quote is from a customer on the GreenGuard side of the business: “Joe Hertzler + Staff, We love our yard – your employees do such a nice job to fertilize + maintain. We get compliments all the time on how good it looks. Thanks for a job well done.”
J.D.
Williamsburg
January, 2007
“Thanks for the feed-back.” - Joe
Constructing a raised terrace on an existing structure can have some complications. The crawlspace must be vented and waterproofed, and crawlspace doors and other items may need to be moved. Below is an excerpt of an analysis we performed for one of our clients.
This quote is from a customer on the GreenGuard side of the business: “I am calling to let you know that the lawn is more beautiful than ever this year. It’s just exquisite. Thank you so much for all you’ve done.”
E.F.
Williamsburg
December, 2006
“Mr. Hertzler has an eye for landscape design, an ear for his customer’s wishes, and a desire to do the best job possible.”
L.O.
Queen’s Lake
August, 2004
“The job is complete and looks good. Last nights 1” of rain did not cause any problem. Your people do excellent work, professional and prompt in every way.”
R.C.
Governor’s Land
September 2006
“We are delighted with the outcome of Joe’s landscaping recommendations for our home in Ford’s Colony. We have received many compliments - particularly on an entry courtyard (with small pool) which he suggested adding. Joe is fun to work with, and has always listened carefully to our ideas. His experience has given him unusual perspectives, and he provided novel insights on multiple occasions. Joe has an excellent support team which did a fine job of installing the plants and grass area. We also appreciate his willingness to provide advice occasionally by phone when questions on plant health or watering arise.”
L.V.
Letter from a client, August 2006
When the summer heat here in Williamsburg, Virginia really begins to kick in, we all start to wonder why we like the outdoors so much. If only there were ways to keep things cool.... But wait! There are some tricks I’ve found that really help.
Message from a Client, August 2006
“The fellows who hung the swing got away before I could thank them. Would you tell them how very thankful we are and what a wonderful job they did. The swing looks terrific….And now I’m going to do something I’ve been waiting almost 3 ½ years to do: I’m going out to eat my lunch on my swing. And thank-you very much. We are quite pleased.”
GM
City of Williamsburg
Virginia
“We’ve received a ton of positive comments on the work that you guys did - thanks again.”
T.H.
Letter from a client, August 2006
First Colony,
James City County, Virginia
I came across a site that tests your knowledge of your local environment. The posting states “You live in the big here. Wherever you live, your tiny spot is deeply intertwined within a larger place, imbedded fractal-like into a whole system called a watershed, which is itself integrated with other watersheds into a tightly interdependent biome. “
Try your luck at answering the questions.
The Big Here
These files are a 3-D rendering prepared in Sketch-Up from the architect’s AutoCAD drawing and superimposed over the topographic data from the surveyor and then superimposed over a (poor quality) satellite image.
The primary goal of this study is to decide the siting of the house in regards to views of the river and the afternoon sun/shade patterns. We have placed a few of the trees along the river to give a sense of when the back terrace becomes shaded.
Message from a Client, August 2006
“Just wanted to let you know that Ken and Juan came by today. They are two fine guys. Did what they needed to do, and I am very grateful. Please let them know I appreciate their hard work.”
J.L.
Capitol Landing Area
City of Williamsburg, Virginia
The age-old debate over classic versus modern styles in architecture is the topic of an interesting article I came across recently. The following quotes are excerpts from “Classicism vs. Modernism in Architecture” Inform Architecture + Design magazine, 2006.
I have to admit that I fall into the classic camp, as the my choice of these quotes will show.
Thanks to some great software, our design process is more powerful than ever. The ability to visualize the end result from multiple angles and make adjustments quickly makes a design come to life like never before.
“New Urbanism” is a model for building new developments and revitalizing old areas that strives to allow people to work, shop and live within walking distance. Downtown Williamsburg already is pedestrian-oriented to a great extent. However, most people get downtown by driving there. How does this effect what we can expect downtown?
ABC News has a great article about how green roofs could help with the heat wave gripping the country. ”It’s a small contribution, but it’s real” says Steve Skinner, Garden Roof Product Manager at American Hydrotech Inc., who’s company says they are considering 900 green roofs this year.
Hertzler + George does not enter award competitions. We believe that the self-congratulating awards “scene” encourages firms to misplace their priorities on the opinions of their peers, rather than the needs of clients and their customers. However, we invite you to read what people are saying about Hertzler + George in the “Testimonials” section of this website.
Great neighborhoods are the cornerstone of healthy communities. They provide vitality, personality, character, and life-blood to the larger community. Yet we have forgotten how to build great neighborhoods.
We here at Hertzler + George are committed to making our cities and homes more livable through designing nature into the very fabric of our day-to-day lives. Green roofs are one way individual buildings can have an impact of our world.
“Creating an outdoor retreat can be a worthwhile but costly venture. So make sure your money is well spent on features that add the most value to your property.” This advise comes to us from Kiplinger Personal Finance newsletter.
According to a New York Times article on July 30. 2006, “Landscape architects and real estate brokers and appraisers agree that the exterior appearance and landscaping not only distinguish one house from another on the market but also enhance the resale value and, in many cases, seal a deal faster.”
“Good landscaping could add up to 15 to 20 percent to the value,” said Nancy C. Somerville, the executive vice president of the American Society of Landscape Architects, citing a number of studies over the last few years. “Conversely, if the landscape is poor, you could expect a sale price of 8 to 10 percent below comparable homes with good landscaping.”
Letter from a Client, June 2006
“Joe Hertzler has solved a huge drainage problem in our front yard and in the process created a beautiful and welcoming courtyard.”
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 17, 2006 As energy costs continue to rise, homeowners should consider alternative ways to help lower their bills and help the environment by making their homes more green.
Residential architects report that there has been a sharp rise in the popularity of outdoor living space, upscale landscaping, and outdoor amenities. More attention and investment is now being devoted to enhancing individual properties as the overall size of U.S. homes has begun to level off after decades of expansion.
We have found that all residential properties have five organizing principles. These principles apply to properties ranging from large estates to small urban gardens.
Inexpensive and maintenance free or short sighted and maintenance proof: How do substitute materials stack up in the long run? By John H. Cluver, AIA
The pressure to replace historic materials with inexpensive substitutes is strong. There are arguments, however, to support keeping those original clapboards and roofs.
“Human beings are influenced by two things: genetics and environment. We can’t do much about genetics so we must do all we can to ensure that people get a good environment for growth and development.” Robert Marvin, FASLA
“Patios, pathways, fences and walls should be given first priority, as they contain your dreams. But don’t fret - there is a big difference between first priority and top priority, which is reserved for plants. It is for them you are setting the stage.” - Thomas Hobbs, The Jewel Box Garden
What causes “Construction Stress” for a client? What can make Construction Fun? The key is to minimize the stress and pour on the fun! Read on to find out more.
“Home is a place of refuge and architectural excellence is a means to that end. Good architectural design is every bit as important as good nutrition. Both are good medicine for our physical and spiritual well-being, and a lack of either one can cause a myriad of unnecessary maladies.” – Sarah Susanka, Home By Design
Thanks to some great software, our design process is more powerful than ever. The ability to visualize the end result from multiple angles and make adjustments quickly makes a design come to life like never before.
Residential architects report that there has been a sharp rise in the popularity of outdoor living space, upscale landscaping, and outdoor amenities. More attention and investment is now being devoted to enhancing individual properties as the overall size of U.S. homes has begun to level off after decades of expansion.