Time in the White House

Irvin Williams in front of the White HouseIrvin Williams, who worked as the head gardener of the White House for 46 years, recently died at the age of 92. Williams worked during John F. Kennedy’s up until George W. Bush’s presidency. Williams was the head gardener from 1962 to 2008 and in this time he took part in great projects such as; the famous White House Rose Garden which he was in charge of.

Making it to the White House

Williams’ story demonstrates that success does not only come from knowledge and talent but also from dedication and love. Williams had little professional training in landscaping when he was first given the opportunity to work as the superintendent of the District’s Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens in the 1950s. His work ethic, passion, and aim for quality helped him stand out and get chosen to do some projects in the White House.

It was these qualities and his love for his work that made him gain great success and led to the first lady, Jackie Kennedy, make him the head gardener of the 18 acres of land that make up the White House property.

His work in the White House

Apart from his basic duties of counseling the first families on which trees and plants to have in the garden and maintaining the ground when events took place in the White House; such as the annual Easter Egg Roll, his also career consisted of dealing with big projects like the previously mentioned Rose Garden and mending of the damage created in 1994 by an airplane crashing in the South lawn.

Williams’ work and skills were admired by many. This is why, throughout the years, Williams dealt with not only the White House lawns, but also: Ford’s pool, Carter’s daughter’s tree house, and George W. Bush’s horseshoe pit.

His legacy

Williams learned all the 400 trees of the White House, showing his dedication for the job. Though he was not very public on his work and stayed behind the curtains for most of the time, he focused his time and effort on the projects he dealt with. This, in fact, gained him the respect of the many first families that he worked for.

Plants don’t seem threatening to most, we use them to make our surroundings prettier, use them in our food. However some plants can cause some serious strife for you and your family. Though they may seem daunting with what they can do it’s actually quite easy to deal with them.

Wild Parsnip

Besides itching plants can also make people sensitive to sun called “phytophotodermatitis”. Once in contact with Parsnips sap the skin starts to burn followed by a a very red rash, and occasionally blisters. This can happen immediately or can take weeks to fully develop.

This plant can grow from a range of 1 foot to 5 feet, the tiny yellow flowers clumped together are its defining features.

You would be able to find this on the side of the road, in pastures, really anywhere with sunny conditions. Several states consider this plant a ‘noxious weed’, a weed that is harmful to the environment, and invasive in some places.

Mowing can actually get rid of this plant, specific mowing. Mowing when the flowers are out and not when the seeds are out (late july early june). Also chemicals for early spring or late fall work as well.

Poison Ivy

The plant every person thinks of when dangerous plants come up. The problem with poison ivy is that it can vary in its appearance. The leaves alternate on the stems and the end leaf is always on the longer stalk than the side leaves, but there will always be three leaflets. Leaves themselves can be hairy or glossy, the edges can be smooth or wavy.

Poison Ivy prefers moist, heavily wood areas, they can be found in woods, plantings, and other areas. They can be in vine form or as a shrub.

The entire plant is poisonous and cause a rash that is painful to the skin. What makes poison ivy dangerous is that the toxin that causes the rash can be carried on clothes, pet’s fur, or tools so later on a person can be affected by the toxin.

To remove poison ivy is simple but one must be careful. Burning the plant can release the toxin into the air causing damage to the lungs or even an allergic reaction. Mowing the plant or clipping to the ground level can help. If the plant is in your lawn you can dig it up to remove it completely however take precautions and wear long sleeves and gloves.

If the plant is spread out past a single case using certain herbicides will help.

Giant Hogweed

This beautiful plant that looks similar to the plant Wild Carrot, grows in the North Eastern states. This plant is also extremely tall growing 7 to 14 feet tall! Characterized by its umbrella shaped flower gathering and purple blotches on the stem are easily recognizable.

Just as Wild Parsnip the sap within the stem causes a sensitivity to light, however this plant can cause a long term sensitivity and even blindness if the sap gets within the eye.

Cutting down the tree may seem like the best solution, however the New York State Department of Health strictly advised against it. Cutting it down can put you at risk with coming in contact with the sap as well as help the invasive weed to spread.

Herbicides can kill it just ass other plants, as well as root cutting and the removal of the flower heads.

Make sure to monitor the soil after removal since a Hogweed plant can stay in the soil for up to 15 years!

Always remember when dealing with plants like these it’s important to cover the body so there is limited to know skin contact.

Here at PPCF we provide: lawn treatments, fertilization, pest control, and sprinkler repair; for the following cities: Miramar, Pembroke pines, Davie, Weston, Plantation, Sunrise, Tamarac, Coral Springs, and Parkland. If you need our services in your area call (954) 353-3781!