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THE TREE STRATUM IN OUR GARDENING The arboreal stratum plays a crucial role in gardening and landscape architecture, as it is part of the basic composite structure, fundamentally composed of three levels that define the design of outdoor spaces. In this structure, the ground cover stratum, which constitutes the lowest level, serves as ground cover and hides the view of the lignified part of the next level. The shrub stratum acts as the visually most striking element as it is at eye level for people. Finally, the arboreal stratum rises majestically as the uppermost layer or level. Today, we would like to emphasize the importance of this latter stratum, as it entails a series of significant factors that make it crucial in landscape design. Perhaps, it is the stratum that is least known and underestimated when designing a garden, but it can offer the most due to the multitude of positive factors it provides. Many times, tree species are not only chosen for their visual beauty but also for their cultural and symbolic value in areas where urban and/or landscape projects are undertaken. There are species that, due to the functionality and economic value offered by their wood or fruit, sustain thousands of rural families. Other species, due to their size and stature, provide shelter to various species of fauna, insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals that make their structure their home. In addition, there are other species that, simply due to their age and longevity, deserve a respect that sometimes escapes the understanding of humans with their brief life span in comparison. We cannot overlook the coolness provided by the shade of a tree, the reduction in temperature in urban areas with mature specimens, and its influence on rainfall, a topic that deserves a separate article. In the tropical regions where Green Garden Corp. primarily operates, there is a great diversity of species worth knowing, studying, analyzing, and understanding. A notable example is the Bursera simaruba, also known as chaká or papelillo, the Ficus aurea or fig tree (see photo below), the Orbignya guacuyule or guayacol palm, the Acacia cornigera or bullhorn acacia, among many others. From the landscape design perspective of Green Garden Corp., we delve into the knowledge of these species and each of these factors, treating them not only for their visual value but also for their symbolic, cultural, and functional value for the local community. We commit to continue studying them to contribute these values, which we understand as fundamental, to our designs. Ejemplar de Ficus aurea en el sendero de la abuela (One&Only Mandarina ) We recognize that trees are not merely ornamental elements but protectors of the identity and well-being of a space, providing utility, functionality, shade, coolness, and a sense of belonging to those who benefit from their presence.

Nuestro equipo técnico de Green Garden Corp. llevó a cabo la preparación de este evento tan importante para México y especialmente para Tulum Country Club. Golf course preparation BUPA TOURNAMENT 2021 - PGA TOUR Our Green Garden technical team carried out the preparation of this important event for Mexico and especially for Tulum Country Club. It all started four weeks before the week of the championship when we were informed from the club's management that the championship was going to be held. The first thought was, "what a joy to be able to show our work worldwide" and the second thought was, "what a challenge we have" , since we only had four weeks to present the course in perfect conditions and a championship of this caliber is usually started to prepare a year in advance, so we couldn’t lose a single second. The first thing we had to do, was to mentalize and motivate the entire maintenance team of the importance of an event like this for the club and for Green Garden, and from here we want to thank them for their professionalism and dedication, because without them it would not have been possible to present the course in such conditions the week of the championship. Then, we thought of the situation that we found ourselves in with most of the golf courses worldwide due to COVID: reduced budgets, reduced staff or limited machinery. We understood that this was not going to be a problem to carry out our goal. The course greenkeeper and his assistants prepared a very specific agronomic and playability plan to be able to finish on time, and above all, to take care of every last detail since that is what makes the difference in this type of championships. "The weeks leading up to the championship were very passionate, working without rest and with very extreme schedules." The big advantage we had was, the course was in very good playable condition, but we had to give it a little push to make it a guaranteed success. The main objective was to have the greens firm, uniform and with a minimum speed of 11.6 Ft. and that between the fastest and slowest green there was no more than a 0.6" difference. The firmness, humidity, speed and clipping remains of each of the greens were monitored daily and we made daily decisions to meet the objective. As for the Tees, Fairways and Approach, we only wanted to keep them firm. The Fairways and Approach, apart from the firmness, we wanted the ball to have a perfect lie. This required controlling the irrigation very well to avoid dry or very wet areas, so the irrigation team had to check each of the areas with moisture meters to maintain values between 18% and 22%. As for the mowing of each of these areas, we progressively increased the frequency of mowing to such an extent that, fifteen days after the first training day, we were mowing the greens in the morning and afternoon and the rest of the areas every day, gaining an incredible definition and quality of mowing. We must highlight the work of the mechanics during these weeks because they had to have the cutting units in perfect condition every day. What we did not cut since we were informed of the championship, was the Rough, as we had to leave it above 2.5". The Bunkers we had to have the same amount of sand on all surfaces to prevent the club from bouncing when taking the ball out and most importantly to prevent the ball from getting fried egg when entering the Bunkers. Finally, to leave all the landscaping areas spotless, we pruned all the palms and trees, and the paths and island areas were outlined. Championship week began with all areas of the course in perfect condition. The coordination of the entire team was ensured so that all the work was executed without any setback to present the course each day before the first game and in the afternoon when they were finishing playing. We would like to thank the PGA Riviera Maya golf course and Tulum Country Club for trusting us. Author: Andrés Novo - Greenkeeper Green Garden en campo PGA Tulum Country Club

Desde Green Garden Corp. ponemos al servicio de nuestro cliente nuestros conocimientos en biología, agronomía e ingeniería hidráulica para ayudar a manejar este tipo de sistemas. THE IMPORTANCE OF WETLANDS: USE IN LANDSCAPING FOR WATER PURIFICATION Wetlands are ecosystems consisting of land areas whose soils are periodically or permanently flooded, typically with freshwater. As a result, the vegetation that inhabits them is adapted to live in these conditions. Mangroves, floodplains, interdunal lagoons, springs, coastal lagoons, and estuaries are some of the ecosystems included under this category. Humedal artificial en VidantaWorld Park Among the services provided by wetlands, their role in the water cycle stands out, as they act as regulators of water flows and, in some cases, as a source of water supply for the population or as aids in wastewater treatment. Additionally, due to the thermal capacity of the water, the effect of vegetation on the environment, and their high productivity, wetlands play a fundamental role in the global climate as regulators of emissions into the atmosphere. Understanding the importance of these wetlands, as well as how they function and the causes and consequences they generate, can help us mimic these natural processes and take advantage of their benefits when designing sustainable landscaping. Low-water gardening not only helps conserve this vital resource, but has other benefits as well. By reducing irrigation, the risk of flooding and excess moisture in the soil is reduced, thus avoiding possible damage to structures and drainage systems. Furthermore, by using native and adapted species, we promote local biodiversity and contribute to the balance of the ecosystem. Humedal artificial en VidantaWorld Park It is important to emphasize that the implementation of water-efficient gardens does not mean sacrificing beautiful and attractive green spaces. On the contrary, with the right knowledge and intelligent design, it is possible to create aesthetically pleasing environments that harmoniously integrate with the surroundings.

TRANSPLANT OF A mature CEIBA Speciosa specimen Ceiba Speciosa, or Palo borracho is a deciduous tree that loses its leaves with the arrival of cold (mid-autumn or winter). Its planting in city parks and gardens is quite common in the Dominican Republic and other parts of Latin America. On this occasion, we present the transplant of a mature Ceiba Speciosa tree, a tree native to the tropical forests of the Dominican Republic. Given the height and thickness of the tree, specifically requested by our client, we selected a specimen that was in an area that was difficult to access for the machinery necessary for its extraction, given that said specimen was also in very good health. The transplant began with training pruning on the upper branches in order to prepare the tree to meet the demands of road transport in the Dom. Rep. With the use of heavy machinery, the direction and coordination of our team and collaborators, we were able to successfully extract it and mount it on the truck to achieve a transplant and sprout from the tree. An enveloping mesh was placed to protect the root ball during transport. Then, we prepared the hole where the tree would be placed. Its origin is tropical so it does not tolerate low temperatures. Its planting is recommended in areas with mild winters, typical of the Mediterranean or coastal areas (where it is commonly used). It is a demanding tree in lighting. Given its rapid growth and the great height it reaches, it likes to be in an isolated and spacious space in the garden with high light input, free of walls and obstacles that generate shade. Finally, this great specimen was allowed to sprout in its new location, so we are proud to give this beautiful tree a new home to thrive and flourish. Curious fact: I n the Dominican Republic, the trunk of the Ceiba was used, since the time of the indigenous people, to make cayucos, which were one-piece boats, due to the lightness of their wood. Historically, tradition indicates that the moorings of Christopher Columbus' ships were tied to a Ceiba tree in the Ozama River and that there is still an old trunk of that Ceiba, already petrified, in the old Santo Domingo dock.

Our landscaping projects and garden construction works at hotels and properties in Grenada. GRENADA PROJECT ROYALTON GRENADA, AN AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT

VERTEBRATE PESTS ON GOLF COURSES Those of us who are dedicated to maintaining golf courses are used to dealing with pests that damage the lawn and, normally, are more or less visible insects. But from time to time, we come across less common pests, vertebrate pests. A vertebrate pest is contrasted with the concept of pest condition, by assuming that no vertebrate species is a permanent pest, but rather that a certain population can acquire that condition at a specific time and place. A useful definition to understand what a vertebrate pest is is the following: “A species of mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian or fish that directly or indirectly affects the human species, either because it causes damage to production areas, consumes or contaminates stored food, causes damage to infrastructure, transmits disease, or causes death to people or pets.” It depends a lot on where the golf course is located to know the type of pests that one can find, dogs, groundhogs, moles, alligators, rats, cattle, alligators, birds, and others. In this case, the pest affects the production areas and causes damage to the infrastructure. These events are not new, wild boars are usually one of the most common pests and cause the most damage on golf courses, because they are capable of raising large areas of grass in one night's work, although luckily, never within a putting green Dogs and ducks love the course greens; these animals are fond of urinating and defecating on greens. Rats usually like to gnaw on wires which causes damaged on the irrigation systems. Sometimes we see alligators, which apart from a few scares to some clueless golfers, these creatures do not create major problems. On the picture above, we see the damage caused to the green's surface by the hooves of a group of cows, which have taken a liking to ride over a green on their way to graze on the almost unlimited food they have found on the roughs at this time of year. It will take hours to manually repair the damage to leave a decent playing surface and a week or more for it to go unnoticed. And finally, in case anyone was wondering, two-legged vertebrates (humans) tend to cause the most damage, but we'll leave that for another time... Author: Antonio Márquez , Panama Director of Green Garden Corp.

Our landscaping projects and garden construction works at hotels and properties in Jamaica. JAMAICA PROJECTS HOTEL ROYALTON BLUE WATERS, AN AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT HOTEL OCEAN CORAL SPRING HOTEL ROYALTON WHITE SANDS HOTEL IBEROSTAR ROSE HALL BEACH HOTEL HYATT ZILARA ROSE HALL HOTEL PRINCESS GRAND JAMAICA HOTEL OCEAN EDEN BAY VIVERO HOTEL ROYALTON CHIC JAMIACA PARADISE COVE

Camp Matecumbe Playground intenta vincular la experiencia de juego a la naturaleza para fomentar la familiaridad y la afinidad por los lugares naturales. Se trata de un parque público al que se puede considerar como un área de juego expansiva e inmersa en la naturaleza, con caminos interconectados que incorporan la naturaleza y los elementos naturales en el juego. ECOLOGICALLY REGENERATIVE GARDENING Human activity throughout its evolution on earth has resulted in the alteration of natural ecosystems to the point of generating a global problem of species extinction that in the last century is reaching very alarming levels. Did you know that, in the last 100 years, it is estimated that the rate of species extinction is between 1,000 and 10,000 times higher than the natural background rate, suggesting that we are experiencing a "sixth mass extinction". At Green Garden Corp. as a leading company in the landscaping and gardening sector in the Caribbean and LATAM, we are very clear about this problem and we maintain a firm commitment to do our bit in trying to recover the natural balances of the areas where we carry out our professional activity and to influence our clients and the general public by example. This commitment has led us to develop new lines of action in new construction or renovation projects for gardens and green areas, as well as in the protocols for their maintenance operations. Regeneration or ecological restoration is a scientific and planned process that aims to revitalise ecosystems that have been degraded, damaged or altered by human activities or natural events. It consists of the reintroduction or recovery of native plant and animal species, as well as the rehabilitation of key ecological processes, with the aim of re-establishing the original functionality and diversity of the ecosystem. This process may involve the revegetation of degraded areas, the reintroduction of endangered species, the restoration of ecological corridors and the implementation of sustainable management practices. Ecological regeneration seeks not only to restore ecosystems to health and biodiversity, but also to provide benefits such as carbon sequestration, water conservation and protection against natural disasters. One of the main measures that we have been working on for years is the new implementation and modification of garden designs, transforming traditional concepts based mainly on floral aesthetics and the colour provided by species that are often not native to an area. We are developing new lines of work whose main objective is the recovery of native species in the areas of action, evolving towards a gardening and landscaping of ecological regeneration that ultimately seeks the recovery of habitats and the most balanced possible integration of human activity with the environment where it takes place. We seek to transform gardens into true ecosystems of ecological regeneration, where native flora and fauna populations thrive in harmony. Elementos causales del deterioro de ecosistemas en el Magdalena medio (Fuente: Garzón y Gutiérrez 2013). Miami-Dade County has used the Camp Matecumbe Playground design as a model in developing playgrounds at various parks throughout the county. Ventana de la experiencia piloto restauración ecológica del bosque ripario del Caño Rabón, Gamarra (Cesar) (Adaptado de: Garzón et al. 2014) These actions of implementation and reform extend to the development of new methods of managing and maintaining green areas in the least invasive ways possible by replacing the use of agrochemicals and industrially synthesised fertilisers with natural methods of generating organic soil fertility, promoting balanced populations of micro-organisms and diversity in both soils and above ground parts of plant assemblages. We are committed not only to creating beautiful landscapes, but also to building healthy and resilient ecosystems that enrich our environment and promote sustainable coexistence between human activity and nature.

LOW WATER CONSUMPTION GARDENING: CONTRIBUTING TO THE CARE OF THE WORLD The increase in water consumption in agriculture and green areas has raised concerns about its consequences on aquifers and water reserves worldwide. Coupled with the rise in global temperatures, evapotranspiration levels are decreasing the availability of freshwater alarmingly. Faced with this issue, at Green Garden Corp., we have committed ourselves to environmental responsibility and have been developing garden designs with a reduced or low water requirement for their proper maintenance. Evapotranspiraci-n. (n.d.). https://www.recursosaguapuertorico.com/Evapotranspiraci-n.html?no_redirect=true The primary focus of our work is to conduct a detailed analysis of native species in each region where we operate. In this way, we can select the most suitable species adapted to the specific climatic and soil conditions of each area. This allows gardens to survive and thrive sustainably without requiring large amounts of water for maintenance. Water-efficient gardening not only helps conserve this vital resource but also presents other benefits. By reducing irrigation, the risk of floods and excess soil moisture is decreased, thus preventing potential damage to structures and drainage systems. Additionally, by employing native and adapted species, we promote local biodiversity and contribute to the balance of the ecosystem. Low-water gardening not only helps conserve this vital resource, but has other benefits as well. By reducing irrigation, the risk of flooding and excess moisture in the soil is reduced, thus avoiding possible damage to structures and drainage systems. Furthermore, by using native and adapted species, we promote local biodiversity and contribute to the balance of the ecosystem. It is important to emphasize that the implementation of water-efficient gardens does not mean sacrificing beautiful and attractive green spaces. On the contrary, with the right knowledge and intelligent design, it is possible to create aesthetically pleasing environments that harmoniously integrate with the surroundings.

We attended the largest event for greenkeepers: GCSAA Conference and Trade Show. The conference and trade show presents timely content and interactive experiences designed to help golf course superintendents (GCS) improve their operations, increase revenue, and grow their business. GCSAA is the world’s largest golf course management association. Each year, the GCSAA conference and trade show is held in different cities across the United States. Green Garden Corp. The annual conference of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is an opportunity for golf course superintendents, land operators, and other industry professionals to network and learn about the latest advances in golf course management. The educational portion of the conference will cover topics such as turf science, environmental management, and golf course management. The educational sessions are open to anyone interested in learning more about the industry. For example, there will be a session on environmental issues affecting golf courses, such as sustainability and water conservation strategies. Other sessions will focus on topics such as: Turf science and the latest research on issues like turf winterization or soil compaction management; Green maintenance practices, including mowing techniques, irrigation practices, and fertilization methods; Golf course construction techniques, from new builds to renovations/rehabilitations (including bunkers); There’s something for everyone. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) will hold its annual conference and trade show in San Diego, California, from December 3-5. The educational portion of the conference will address topics such as turf science, environmental management, and golf course management. Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with industry professionals and connect with stakeholders during the trade show portion. Denis Rosario, Daniel Hernández and Luís Núñez The celebration also included a gala dinner where AMR Collection's Vice President of Operations, Daniel Hernández, during his speech highlighted the social work that the company has carried out in its 20 years and which has had a positive impact on the communities near the hotels managed by the chain. Hernández thanked the investors and owners for trusting in the company, as well as all the AMR Collection collaborators for their dedication and effort. He also expressed his gratitude to Unlimited Vacation Club (UVC) for all their collaboration in making the celebration possible. During his speech, on the occasion of the chain's anniversary, the executive said that after the economic recovery curve and the post-pandemic tourism sector, they are "enormously grateful" to their great business partners, local operators and travel agencies for their achievements. "Not only were and continue to be cornerstones in recovering the brand's performance dynamics in the market and that of each of the 11 resorts with their well-identified key selling points - even in the worst of times, you were there. Thank you," Nunez emphasized. Here is a summary of some of our favorite additions to the conference and trade show experience: Exhibits from leading manufacturers and suppliers of turfgrass seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, irrigation equipment, and golf maintenance equipment, among others. The annual event showcases all aspects of golf course management, from greenkeeping to agronomy and much more. Attendees will also have the opportunity to interact with industry professionals and engage with stakeholders... The educational portion of the conference will cover topics such as turf science, environmental management, and golf course management.

GREEN CUTTING IN GOLF COURSES Since the day Edwin Budding invented the first mechanized lawn mower in 1830, there has been constant improvement in the condition and playability of greens. Today, cutting is one of the main practices used by superintendents or greenkeepers to achieve smooth and fast greens. Césped Paspalum Vaginatum Given the climatic conditions of the Dominican Republic, the task of cutting the green is carried out daily. Frequent mowing helps greenkeepers maintain high playability turf by providing several short- and long-term benefits: controls vertical growth helps grass spread laterally promotes high shoot density produces smooth surfaces creates less friction with the golf ball increases the speed of the greens for the enjoyment of the players. Cortadora Toro Greenmaster Flex 21 On the other hand, properly sharpened and adjusted mowers do a better job of cutting grass blades cleanly and evenly. This benefits the health of the turf and the quality of the playing surface. The operator guides the mower back and forth across the green in straight lines, creating an attractive stripe pattern. Alberto Santana con una cortadora Toro Greenmaster Flex 21 Another basic concept of mowing greens is determining the height of cut. This setting is completely particular to the course and is determined by the superintendent based on turf type, topography of the greens, seasonal growth rate, and desired speed of the greens. What may be appropriate in one field may not be in another. A very important point, which is often misunderstood, is that not all grasses are created equal. A cutting height that is considered appropriate for bentgrass (Agrostis) might not be appropriate for Poa annua, Bermuda ultradwarf, or Paspalum, as is the case here. Determining the height of cut depends not only on the type of grass, but also on equipment, expectations, and labor availability. All grasses have a cutting height tolerance. It is typical for the height of cut to adjust up and down throughout the year based on seasonal growth rates and in response to stressful environmental conditions. Proper mower setup is necessary to achieve the desired cutting height and playability. Proper adjustment is critical to producing a correct cut, higher quality greens, and desired green speed.

Our landscaping projects and garden construction works at hotels and properties in St.Lucía. ST. LUCIA PROJECT ROYALTON SAINT LUCÍA, AN AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT