Ground
Cover
the official newsletter for
those who dig landscaping
0
5
year
www.thorntonlandscape.com
513.683.8100
424 E. US Highway 22 and 3
Maineville, OH 45039
Anniversary
Edition
1961-2011
© 2011 • Ground Cover is printed on recycled paper.
“The newest trends in the 2000s have been a
resurgence of interest in these same herb and
vegetable gardens from the 1970s,” said Thornton
Look how far
we have come
Landscape President Andy Doesburg. “And of
course, people are interested in ways to be more
green, to create sustainable outdoor spaces.”
Rick Doesburg emphasizes that “through the years,”
a few landscaping trends have been constant.
1960s-1970s
“People want a space that is easy to take care
of,” Doesburg said. “And they want plants that
give them year round color, with flowers blooming
at different times in the season and foliage
turning vivid colors in the fall. These have been
our hallmarks of landscape design since the
October 1968
Thornton Landscape project
featured in Good Housekeeping
A
Trends in landscaping
s the photo above illustrates, a lot has
incorporating herbs and vegetable gardens in
changed in the world of landscaping in the
their landscaping.
past fifty years. The backyard was where families
gathered for a game of croquet or a soon-to-be-
With the advancements of computer technology
banned round of yard darts.
in the 1980s, landscape designers began using
computerized drawing technologies to sketch
“There are a lot of fads that have come and gone,
plans. Technology also gave us low-voltage
just like in fashion,” said Rick Doesburg, CEO of
landscape lighting, and chemical treatments
Thornton Landscape. “The interesting thing has
helped professionals revive clients’ grass and
been to see that landscape designs that took
made us all wish for lush, green, weed-free lawns.
their cues from the architecture of the house or
the slope of the land have endured.”
The demand for landscaping services surged in
the 1990s as more households had two-income
2
Introduced in the 1970s were a number of trends,
earners, and homeowners began looking at
such as the leaf blower. It was also the era in
their yards as an extension of their homes, an
which homeowners started taking an interest in
opportunity to create outdoor living spaces.
1970s-1980s
company’s very beginning.”
Be a perennial
Become a subscriber to Thornton Landscape’s
newsletter, Ground Cover. Each season, we
look at recent landscape projects from local
communities and share ideas. Check out our
regular features:
❏❏ Gardening 101 and 401 ideas
❏❏ Families (of plants) you should know
❏❏ Landscape ideas from the pros
❏❏ News from Rick and Andy Doesburg
To subscribe, call 513-683-8100 or visit our
website, www.thorntonlandscape.com.
Our award-winning website
1980s-2000s
“
2008-Present
In business, do
exactly what you
promise. Thornton has
achieved this creed
and exceeded it by not
only doing what they
promise, but more.
– letter from customer in 1979
3
“
You walk outside,
and if you didn’t
know you had
neighbors, you
wouldn’t realize they’re
there. It’s one of
my favorite things
about the house. I’m
biased, but I think it’s
the best yard in the
neighborhood.
“
–Maineville homeowner and satisfied
Thornton Landscape customer, 2007
Time to celebra te
Gruét Brut Rosé Methode Champenoise: ($16) This
brilliant, non-vintage, sparkling rosé was produced and
bottled in New Mexico. It has a bright floral bouquet with
hints of strawberry, raspberry and cherry. On the palate,
it is rich, fruity and bone dry. The frame of pure fruit is
supported by small bubbles, firm acid and a yeasty note
reminiscent of fine Champagne. Discover for yourself.
2008 E. Guigal Gigondas: ($33) The Gigondas region
produces sultry red wines built from Grenache, Syrah,
Mourvedre and a host of other Rhone varietals. This wine
is intense with brilliant purity. Aromatics of lavender,
herbs de Provence and crushed rocks give complexity to
dense notes of blueberries and black raspberries.
These wines are recommended by Todd Wiggs, Fine Wine Manager of
Jungle Jim’s International Market.
4
It takes a team
“through the years”
Just like a landscape looks phenomenal when
the plants work together, our success is the
result of individuals coming together to work as
a team. Thank you for your years of dedication.
40+ years
Rick Doesburg
Larry Henry
Clarence Miracle
Aaron Southerland
35+ years
Sharon Castor
John Haubrich
25+ years
Stan Oldham
Lynne Stover
Gary Thornton
20+ years
Jim Metsch
Tim Roosa
Amy Teboe
15+ years
Earl Hopkins
10+ years
Mike Bailey
Bob Cook
Andy Doesburg
Henry Johnson
Sue Lewis
Jim Rees
Dave Rodarte
Bill Thornton, Jr.
5+ years
Charles Beel
Dale Borton
Tom Brown
Chip Browne
Tom Burkhart
Herb Carpenter
Raleigh Carson
Doug Copenhefer
Amy Davidson
Mike Dede
Brad Dreier
Kurt Enneking
DonHausfeld
KrisHensley
Dave Hupman
Jack Knowles
Jeff Miller
Eric Sauer
Darla Sims
Bob Todd
Pam Zeller
3+ years
Judy Bonnell
Peggy Doesburg
Carla Fette
Gayle Frazier
Rick Hennessy
Mark McClanahan
Angie Medary
Dave Pandoli
James Sharn
Adam Waits
Dave Westhoven
Chris Yocum
2+ years
Maris Bernard
Clinton Cope
Jamie Gooch
Kim Hoover
Brad Phillips
Diggin’ with Rick
Andy Takes The Reigns
By Rick Doesburg
It gives me great pleasure to announce that my son, Andy Doesburg, is
the newly appointed president of Thornton Landscape, while I assume the
role of CEO. Andy joined our team in 1999, after graduating from Coastal
Carolina University. Since coming to Thornton Landscape, he has managed
multiple teams and projects, while also earning his Certified Landscape
Professional (CLP) credentials.
And has earned the respect of his peers within the industry by serving as president for the Associates
Council of the Home Builder’s Association of Greater Cincinnati in 2007, and president of the Ohio
Nursery and Landscape Association for 2009-10.
In the spring and summer of 2008, Andy spearheaded the company’s efforts to launch a new maintenance
division, serving commercial campuses, homeowners’ associations and premier residential customers.
Working with my son and seeing him grow and evolve into a leader over the years has given me joy beyond
words. His vision and commitment to our customers and the landscape industry as a whole is refreshing
and truly valued by the entire Thornton Landscape family. Please join me in congratulating Andy.
A Homearama
retrospective
1964
1976
Homearama has been going on in Cincinnati for
nearly as many years as Thornton Landscape has
been in business, and we’ve been a stalwart part
of the home show. Here’s a glimpse of some of the
memorable events:
❏❏ 1976 — Thornton Landscape provided curb
appeal for The Woodlander, a home by Lucke
& Strassel Builders, that had a California
contemporary two-story design for a price
of $97,750.
❏❏ 1981 — A home by “Ralph and Irma Drees”
wins outstanding landscaping at the show
and was recognized later by the Ohio
Nurserymen’s Association (now the ONLA)
and the National Landscape Association
(now PLANET) for state and national awards.
❏❏ 2011 — Thornton Landscape participated by
landscaping the Wieland Builders home, one
of two sold before the show.
1984
1981
1997
2008
1994
2004
2011
5
1960s
“ “
An enterprise, when fairly
once begun
Should not be left till all
that ought is won.
– William Shakespeare
1961 — Thornton Landscape founded by brothers Bill and Gary Thornton.
August 28, 1963 — Martin Luther King, delivers “I Have a
Dream” at Washington D.C. Civil Rights March.
1964 — Thornton Landscape participates in its first Homearama,
designing a landscape garden around a Japanese Tea House.
April 18, 1966 — Sound of Music wins Oscar for best picture.
1970s
1970-1976 — Cincinnati Reds earn the name the “Big Red Machine”
July, 1980 — Thornton Landscape installs the eighth-floor garden
Oct. 16, 1971 —
August 12, 1981 — Personal Computers (PC) introduced by IBM.
September 17, 1972 —
against San Francisco, but lose 26 - 21.
after going 502-300 during that span.
Fountain Square is dedicated as an oasis in the
urban core of Cincinnati. Thornton Landscape installed the landscaping for
the square’s rebirth.
M*A*S*H T.V. show premieres.
1975 — Cincinnati Bell park, a project completed by Thornton Landscape,
earns the Grand Award from the Greater Cincinnati Beautiful Committee.
April 26, 1978 — Thornton Landscape opened its new offices in
Hopkinsville/Maineville adjacent to the Thornton Nursery (land which later
became the Thornton Grove and Turning Leaf neighborhoods). The offices are
still in this location.
August 1978 — Thornton Landscape provides the exterior
landscaping for the National Football Foundation’s College Football Hall
of Fame, near Kings Island.
1979 — Bill and Gary Thornton begin a long tradition of industry leadership
1969 — Rick Doesburg joins Thornton Landscape after earning his degree
from Thornton Landscape as Bill serves as president of the Associated
Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA), which later became part of the
Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), and Gary serves as the president
of the Ohio Nurseryman’s Association, later called ONLA.
1969 — Thornton Landscape begins Fountain Square landscaping project.
1979 — Thornton Landscape installs the outdoor gorilla exhibit at the
from The Ohio State University.
Cincinnati Zoo. The project requires 30 tractor trailer loads of soil, tropical
and subtropical plant materials capable of surviving a northern climate and
a patch of more than 400 bamboo plants. The project is recognized at the
10th annual Environmental Improvement Awards Program for distinction and
wins two national and three state awards.
1979 — The company becomes one of the first landscapers in the country
6
1980s
to utilize microdata computers for project management and estimating.
atop Federated Department Stores’ national headquarters downtown.
January 24, 1982 — Cincinnati Bengals go to Super Bowl XVI
January, 1984 — Rick Doesburg is elected president of the Ohio
Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA).
“
November 9, 1989 — Berlin Wall falls.
January 22, 1989 — Cincinnati Bengals go to Super Bowl XXIII,
losing again to San Francisco 20 - 16.
Our landscaping by
Thornton has been a
never-ending pleasure
year-round, and has made
new friends for us, with
perfect strangers ringing
our doorbell to ask ‘who
did your landscaping’!?
–Loveland homeowner in 1984
“
1990s
Cincinnati premier
nursery company
shows country the
power of the quality
movement.
“
–headline in the Wall Street Journal for an article about
Thornton Landscape, Dec. 18, 1995
1992 — Thornton Landscape begins work on the Wetherington
neighborhood and clubhouse in West Chester. The project becomes a
multiple national award winner.
1994 — Gary Thornton serves as president of the Associated Landscape
Contractors of America (ALCA).
July 23, 1996 — Cincinnati gymnasts, Amanda Borden and Jaycie
Phelps help the United States’ gymnastics team win their first team gold
medal at the Atlanta Games.
December 9, 1997 — James Cameron’s Titanic was released
and became the most successful movie to date.
1999 — Rick Doesburg buys the company after the Thornton family
retires, and Andy Doesburg joins Thornton Landscape team.
2000s
2000 — Thornton Landscape provides the landscaping around the
grounds of the TPC River’s Bend Golf Course, Homearama site and community
in Maineville. The project would earn the company numerous national and
state awards.
July, 2000 — Toyota Prius, the first hybrid four-door sedan
becomes available in the United States.
2001 — Rick Doesburg is named Landscape Contractor “Person of the
Year” by Landscape Management magazine.
2002 — Rick Doesburg is elected president of the Associated Landscape
Contractors of America (ALCA).
January 3, 2003 — After an undefeated regular season, the Ohio
State Buckeyes continue their streak by winning the National Championship
Game at the Fiesta Bowl.
2005 — Rick and Peggy Doesburg become Founding Ambassadors in
the ALCA Educational Foundation, now the PLANET Academic Excellence
Foundation, donating $25,000 to support an annual scholarship for students
pursuing careers in landscaping.
2006 — Rick Doesburg receives an Honorary Lifetime Membership from
the Homebuilders Association of Greater Cincinnati.
June 2008 — Thornton Landscape earns a WebAward for its
groundbreaking new website, which features a one-of-a-kind Favorites
Box – a tool that allows visitors to spare their scissors by clicking and saving
pictures of landscape features and ideas to share with family, friends and
the pros at Thornton Landscape.
August 16, 2008 — Michael Phelps wins 8 gold medals in
swimming at the Beijing Summer Olympic games, surpassing the previous
record of 7.
January, 2009 — Andy Doesburg is elected president of the ONLA.
2010s
“
I am proud of
the award-winning
tradition we’ve created
at Thornton Landscape
in its first 50 years,
and I look forward
to serving the residents
and businesses
of this area well
into the future.
“
–Andy Doesburg, president of Thornton Landscape
April 3, 2010 — Apple releases the iPad, the first tablet
computer weighing only 1.5 pounds.
January 1, 2011 — Andy Doesburg is promoted to president of
Thornton Landscape. Rick Doesburg assumes the CEO position.
2011 — Thornton Landscape earns a national award for Commercial
Design/Build at the Professional Landcare Network’s (PLANET) 41st
Annual Environmental Improvement Awards Program for the Prasco
headquarters project.
March, 2011 — Rick Doesburg receives a lifetime achievement
award from the ONLA.
7
Some of our awards
1 Fountain Square
1971 ALCA* National Award
2
Montgomery
County
Administration
Building
1979 ALCA National Award
3
Cincinnati Zoo
Primate Exhibit
1979 ALCA National Award
Master planning & awards
E
xperience, credentials and award-winning
specialists in landscape design – that’s what
Thornton Landscape brings to every project. The
company’s custom designs and master landscape
planning get customers to think big, to visualize
an awe inspiring space.
“Having a master plan in place ultimately saves
the client time and money because when you see
the big picture and plan accordingly, you can
anticipate the end result and build toward it
with each landscaping addition,” said Thornton
Landscape President Andy Doesburg.
With that said, a master plan is only as good as
the team that creates it. Since 1961, Thornton
Landscape has earned more than 30 national
awards, numerous state awards and nearly
100 local awards for landscape excellence
for corporate campuses, neighborhood
developments and residential homes.
Rick Doesburg, a registered landscape architect,
explains that for big and small projects, a plan
can make all the difference.
“Our team of professionals – with education and
certifications – approaches each project with
a greater understanding of the end result,” he
said. “That means that large and small projects
are brought to life in beautiful, cohesive outdoor
environments.”
86
The four most common, value-building landscape
projects include:
❏❏ Enhancing Curb Appeal – First impressions
are pivotal to home value. On new homes,
Thornton Landscape consults from the
beginning — on the curve of the driveway
to the shape of the path to the front door.
For older homes, concentrating on this area
can give your home a face lift without major
architectural changes.
❏❏ Outdoor Living Spaces – Today people value
the ability to use their outdoor space to live
in. Outdoor fireplaces, kitchens and even
television lounges can be located beneath
pergolas, or gazebos, providing a place to
entertain or spend an evening with family.
❏❏ Backyard Oasis – Don’t we all wish we could
live in a resort all year? By building a retreat
on your property, you can experience a
peaceful escape from everyday pressures.
Swimming pools, ponds, streams and other
water features enhance the space.
❏❏ Seasonal Color Changes – A yard that’s alive
year-round is the goal of any landscape.
With seasonal changes planned into the
design, your landscape can give soft hues in
the spring, lively splashes in the summer and
vivid tones in the fall. Strategically placed
evergreens ensure color even in the winter.
4
Fessler Home
1980 ALCA National Award
5
6
Davis Home
7
Koons Home
8
Rohn Home
4
7
Wetherington
1994 ALCA National Award
1994 Builder Magazine Grand
Award
10
1981 ALCA National Award
Yankee Trace
2001 ALCA National Award
11
1983 ALCA National Award
Quinn Home
2005 PLANET* National Award
12
1981 ALCA National Award
Prasco
2010 PLANET National Award
1991 ALCA National Award
*The Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) joined with the Professional Lawn
Care Association of America in 2005 to form the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET).
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9
National
Headquarters
of Federated
Department Stores
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