Thoughts of landscaping brings to mind selecting plants and keeping them healthy.
Professional landscapers, in addition to extensive knowledge of plant material, must also have an artistic component in order to ensure that the final project is aesthetically pleasing.
The Tyrone Regional Arts Council presents the work of Jim and Christine Wertz who have operated Wertz Landscaping in Sinking Valley since 1979. Jim’s degree from Penn State in Ornamental Nurseryman provides the knowledge of plant material. Chris, with a degree in Commercial Art and additional training in Landscape Design, provides the artistic component.
“We attempt to create an outdoor living space as an extension to the home,” explained Christine. “The design must take into account the color of the plant material in various seasons, the shape of the plants, the accents created with paving material, trellises, seating, and even water features. All of these factors need to blend in order to create an environment that is pleasing to all of the senses.”
Two additional designers add their expertise to the Wertz Landscaping team: Stephanie Webber who possesses a degree in Landscape Architecture and Shanna Kimmel who completed a degree in Landscape Construction.
Wertz Landscaping has earned numerous awards for their designs including recognition by the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nurseryman’s Association in both the residential and commercial categories as well as being featured presenters for the Pond Keeper Association in both Canada and the United States.
Design drawings and photographs of completed projects may be viewed at the Gallery on Pennsylvania Avenue, Tyrone, through August 31.
Gallery exhibits are made possible by a grant from the PA Council on the Arts, a state agency, the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency and Tyrone Borough.
