FORT MYERS, Fla. – Three members of the landscape department at Shell Point have received two major certifications recently, helping to expand on the landscape and environment conservation expertise offered to the retirement community. Jeff Holmes earned his status as a Florida Certified Horticultural Professional from the Florida Nursery Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA). Holmes has been with Shell Point since 2009, and is the ninth member of the landscape department to achieve this certification. This certification tested his knowledge on plant identification, plant biology, plant nutrition, plant disease and pest problems, plant usage in the landscape, irrigation practices, pesticide usage and proper safety procedures.
John Noone and Wally Chamberlain both received certification as Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditors from the Irrigation Association. This achievement is already benefiting Shell Point by allowing them to locate irrigation zones on property that were able to be re-programmed to improve the distribution of irrigation of water which results in less water usage and healthier turf grass and plants.
“I always want to encourage employees in my department to seek greater horticultural knowledge through industry associations and certifications,” says Morton. “Shell Point and myself are very proud if these gentlemen for taking the initiative to expand their knowledge for themselves as well as the organization. The outcome of the Shell Point Landscape Management Team’s increased level of knowledge has resulted in improved beautification in our landscaping and enhanced technical expertise.”
Shell Point Retirement Community is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community located in Fort Myers, Fla.