Monthly Archives: August 2020

Sheamus — A Jenkins Legacy

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Bull Terriers are described as playful, charming, and mischievous. Steven Jenkins’ dog Sheamus could have been the Bull Terrier Poster Child!

When Sheamus was still a puppy, Steven personally installed a new irrigation system at his home. Digging trenches and laying the pipe took 3 days under a hot Florida sun. It took Sheamus less than an hour to wrangle 30% of the pipe out of the ground. Mischievous – check! 

After Sheamus was a bit older, Steven took him to the Jenkins nursery off Powerline Road to “just to hang out and enjoy exploring the grounds”. Shamus wasted no time before he fearlessly jumped in the pond to chase after alligators. In fact, Sheamus loved to play with any living creature, even the poisonous Bufo toad. Bufo toads are usually toxic to dogs who bite or lick them. The poison contains hallucinogenic and cardiac toxins! A dog who chases alligators isn’t expected to back down to a frog, even a poisonous one, and sure enough after the third time of wiping and washing his mouth out after another Bufo encounter, Steven just let him at it. Sheamus was never sick nor did he ever show signs of distress. Playful – check!

Sheamus was always happy and loved all people and all dogs…even the aggressive dogs who snipped or bit him were greeted by a happy, playful Sheamus. Harold Jenkins once described having Sheamus as “having a friendly pet-cow-stubborn pet dog that wouldn’t hurt a fly”. He passed away from old age on Valentine’s Day 2019. Charming – check!

Sheamus lays at rest on the grounds of the Jenkins Nursery, the place that gave him so many hours of pure joy!

SHEAMUS  July 16, 2007 – February 14, 2019

Fertilization & Site Evaluation

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CUTTING-EDGE EDUCATION
It’s more than mowing.

FNGLA CERTIFICATION – PART 2
FERTILIZATION & SITE EVALUATION

FERTILIZATION

To pass, technicians must pass a written exam to show that he or she fully understands safety procedures associated with fertilization, including reading labels, material safety data sheets, and proper attire and PPE (personal protection equipment). The technician must use a fertilizer label to calculate pounds per 1,000 square inch, and be able to calibrate and apply fertilizer using a broadcast spreader. They must also demonstrate knowledge of fertilizer contamination and an understanding of the effect of stormwater runoff on the environment.

Did you know? FNGLA uses kitty litter to simulate fertilizer during testing.

SITE EVALUATION

To pass, the technician must complete a written form that records the placement of the right plant in the right place, note potential deficiencies with weeds, pests, and turf, and note potential issues with hardscapes in terms of water features, retaining walls, lighting, and pavers, and be able to recognize and remedy issues with bed lines, pruning, turf heights, and irrigation.

The test requires identifying at least 20 maintenance issues. And yes, good handwriting counts!

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In future issues, we’ll be sharing more about FNGLA Professional Development Certifications designed to measure the skills of practicing landscapes. Certification relies heavily on Green Industries Best Management Practices.