PTC Horticulture Program awarded $8,000 Hardscaping Grant

The Horticulture Technology Program at Piedmont Technical College (PTC) recently was selected by the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) Foundation for a “Tools for Schools” grant of nearly $8,000 to purchase hardscaping equipment used for training students in concrete paver installation techniques.

The ICPI is a trade association representing U.S. and Canadian producers and suppliers in the concrete masonry and hardscape industry, as well as contractors of interlocking concrete pavement systems. PTC horticulture instructors have attended specialized training and been qualified by the ICPI to utilize their industry-leading curriculum in our Landscape Construction courses.

Students in the PTC Horticulture Technology Program pose with tools purchased using ICPI grant funding.

“Concrete pavers can be a great alternative to conventional pavement materials because they add interesting patterns, colors, and textures to the hardscape,” said PTC Horticulture Technology Program Director Daniel Greenwell. “When installed correctly, interlocking concrete pavement systems can actually outlast traditional pavement options due to their ability to flex and expand, which minimizes cracking.”

With proceeds from the grant, the program purchased:

• 1 iQ362i Dust Control Masonry Saw
• 1 Weber Vibratory Rammer for compacting base material
• 1 Ziplevel Precision Altimeter for measuring grade
• 2 Quick-E-Screeders for screeding bedding material

For more information about PTC’s Horticulture Technology Program, visit www.ptc.edu/horticulture.