Simply Horticulture

One of those days where science, stewardship, and a little sunshine all came together ⛳️🌿

I had a great conversation earlier with a representative from the Tarratn Regional Water District, diving into PFAS, water quality, and the long-term implications of biosolids and soil management decisions that don’t show up immediately—but matter for decades.

That discussion tied directly back to research by Bryant Scharenbroch, whose work I’ve followed closely. I had the chance to meet Bryant personally and talk biosolids back in 2018 at the American Society of Consulting Arborists conference in Stevenson. Those conversations have aged very well as PFAS continues to move to the forefront of water and soil discussions.

After Day 1 of the Professional Grounds Management Society conference, we shifted gears and took the conversation to the fairway—playing a round at Lady Bird Johnson Golf Course.

Blue skies, dormant turf, big ideas, and some of the best university landscape managers in the State of Texas all in one group. Solid swings, better laughs, and the kind of peer conversations you can’t manufacture in a meeting room.

We wrapped the day with a great social event and some outstanding BBQ from Eckers BBQ—because no good conference day in Texas should ever end without brisket and good conversation.

Conference home base is the Inn on Barons Creek, which made it easy to keep the dialogue rolling even after the scorecards were turned in.

Grateful for:
• thoughtful science-based discussions
• relationships that span years and disciplines
• and moments where important work is balanced with a little fun

Looking forward to more education and my family arriving tomorrow afternoon.

We are closed Wednesday-Friday to give our crews time with their families. We had one more estate to service today, so I had an opportunity to work on my own this morning. I really enjoy working in gardens. It clears the mind and gives me peace. I hope you get to outside and enjoy this weather. Merry Christmas to all!