Lloyd Singleton
Landscape Manager
I am partial to the letter L. As the youngest of five siblings, I followed Lynnette, Lorene, Leah, and Larry. My parents named me Lloyd, with a double L. I also like the L in Landscape. I’m a landscape guy, and have earned my living managing some pretty incredible landscapes for about 9 years now.
Not too long ago, our fabulous association added the letter L. FNGA became FNGLA, adding Landscape to the name. To me, it is an indicator of the forwarding thinking orientation of our association, recognizing the interrelatedness and synergy of multiple segments of the green industry.
I attended TPIE this past weekend, and was amazed at the beauty of the show. Even as primarily a landscape guy, I was inspired. The booths, the show entrance, the variety of vendors, and the global nature of the show were energizing. Old friends, new contacts, established products, and innovations were all in one location, with a common passion. I am very glad that a landscape guy was welcome and embraced at a tropical plant exhibition. I’m glad we added that L to our name.
We hear a lot about sustainability these days. Frankly, any thinking person has got to realize that a move toward sustainability in every aspect of our lives is critical to our survival as the human species on this planet. As the green industry, we are central to the sustainability movement. Nature at it’s best. We should take the lead. It may mean embracing partnerships with other industries, adding more L’s.
Think big with me for a moment. What does our future hold? Is it a 10 acre growing range shaded with photovoltaic film selling 3000kW to the local power grid? Is it a landscape maintenance contractor partnering with the local greasy spoon to convert used vegetable oil to biodiesel to power her trucks and equipment? Perhaps the resort complex grounds and stewarding departments combine vegetable scraps and landscape debris in a vermiculture facility yielding soil-enriching castings.
Let’s join together, open our arms and lead our industry to even greater things. And always be willing to add an L.