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Contact: Heather Finney
Phone: (800) 395-2522
E-mail: Heather Finney

For Immediate Release

PLANET HONORS RECIPIENTS OF JUDGES’ AWARD

HERNDON, Va., November 3, 2008 — The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) is pleased to announce that the judging panel of this year’s Environmental Improvement Awards Program has awarded the prestigious Judges’ Award to three exceptional projects of superior quality — “A French Neoclasssical Garden” by Lambert Landscape Co. of Dallas, Texas; “Garden of Flowing Fragrance” by ValleyCrest Landscape Development, Calabasas, California; and “The Springs Preserve” also by ValleyCrest Landscape Development. The awards were presented at the recent PLANET Green Industry Conference in Louisville, Kentucky.

Entered in the awards program residential landscape management category, Lambert’s project, “A French Neoclassical Garden,” features an artistically divided site of 12 garden rooms, each linked by planted mosaic and crushed granite pathways and elegant cut stone terraces. Antique statues, commissioned artwork, upholstered outdoor furniture, elegant water features, and more than 80 containerized plantings are all meticulously maintained year-round by Lambert’s comprehensively trained crew of gardeners.

ValleyCrest’s “Garden of Flowing Fragrance” project was entered in the commercial landscape contracting category. It is the largest private Chinese garden outside of China. The garden captures the spirit and authenticity of a Suzhou-style garden by incorporating traditional elements, imported materials, intricate workmanship, and literary metaphors. Its centerpiece is a 1.5-acre lake with streams, waterfalls, and five hand-carved bridges surrounded by eight pavilions and covered walkways.

“The Springs Preserve” project, entered in the erosion control/ecological restoration category, is a ValleyCrest masterpiece. Opened to the public in June of 2007, this 180-acre site features eight acres of restored habitat and wetlands, colorful botanical gardens, living exhibits, and more than 2.5 miles of walking trails. Built on the historic site of Las Vegas’ original freshwater oasis, the Preserve is dedicated to protecting environmental resources and the fragility of the desert eco-system, and serves as a demonstration garden for living in harmony with the environment. It was recently certified as LEED–Platinum, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and received a Nevada Historical Marker.

For more information about PLANET’s awards programs, contact the PLANET office at
(800) 395-2522, or visit the Program section at LandcareNetwork.org.

PLANET is the association of members who create and maintain the QUALITY OF LIFE in communities across America. With more than 4,200 member companies and affiliates, these firms and their employees represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals.