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This past Saturday, local members of the Thomas Aquinas College President’s Council came to campus to learn from Landscape Supervisor Dave Gaston about how he — with the help of his team of student workers — keeps the grounds so beautiful.

“The class was a small token of gratitude for the St. Thérèse-level members of the President’s Council,” says Paul Lazenby, director of the College’s Annual Fund. “Visitors often comment about the flowers on campus, and wonder how they can replicate Dave’s handiwork in their own gardens. So Dave graciously offered to share his secrets with some of our loyal benefactors.”

The day began with Mass in Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel, after which Mr. Gaston led a tour of the campus, discussing how, and why, he chose particular plants for each area, while also offering gardening tips along the way. “It was amazing to see how much thought and care Dave puts into every decision,” says Mr. Lazenby. “We were watching an artist at work.”

The College’s landscape supervisor for the last 20 years, Mr. Gaston has played a key role in the development of the campus, relying entirely on student workers. As part of the College’s Service Scholarship Program, 64 percent of students work 13 hours per week in exchange for a reduction in their tuition. Of those, 45 make up Mr. Gaston’s year-round grounds-keeping crew. They — not professional gardeners — do all the planting, trimming, weeding, mowing, spraying, and watering that bring his vision to life.

After Mr. Gaston’s tour/class, the event concluded with lunch in the St. Joseph’s Commons Coffee Shop. “Seeing how much our guests enjoyed the day, we definitely plan to do it again,” says Mr. Lazenby. “We’re grateful to Dave for his time and his advice, as well as to all the benefactors who make his work — and all the work of the College — possible.”

Gardening Class 2018
  • Gardening Class 2018
  • Gardening Class 2018
  • Gardening Class 2018
  • Gardening Class 2018
  • Gardening Class 2018
  • Gardening Class 2018
  • Gardening Class 2018
  • Gardening Class 2018
  • Gardening Class 2018
  • Gardening Class 2018