Keyton | More than a green thumb: Meet gardener Troy Urlichs
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More than a green thumb: Meet gardener Troy Urlichs

Tuesday, 26 March 2024

As the dedicated gardener at Forest Hills, Troy Urlichs has spruced up the community for more than a decade.

Brimming with both a tool-belt and a smile, we followed Troy around in his beloved gardens for a day to see what a day in his job at Forest Hills looks like - and maybe even get some secret gardening tips.

No day is the same

Troy's job quite resembles his garden — no two days are ever the same. His hands might be covered in soil, sowing seeds one minute, and the very next, he could be lending a helping hand to a resident. 

"Normally I would meet with the village manager every morning just in case something has come up overnight that needs to be addressed but also to discuss my plans for the day.  We have so many moving parts now in the village with contractors and builders that we need to keep across everything.  The job also means that I must induct the contractors onsite with permits that have come to complete jobs for the village. Sometimes we need to think on our feet to problem solve and stay safe at the same time."

These unpredictable moments are what Troy enjoys most. "I like the diversity, one minute we are working in the gardens and the next we are helping a resident with a maintenance issue."

Gardener Troy Urlichs digging in the garden with a shovel


More than a green thumb

Troy has put his green thumbs to good use, as Forest Hills is known far and wide for its beautiful and lush gardens. But it's not just his keen eye and extensive experience that he is known for. Leanne Zannoni, the Village Manager of Forest Hills, praises Troy's unwavering dedication.

"Troy has been an important part of the team for many years. His knowledge of not only the village but also residents' needs and requirements is beyond what any manager can ask for," Leanne says. 

He is not just a gardener who tends to roses and tulips. He understands and cares profoundly for every resident, their requirements, their quirks and their stories.

"Forest Hills prides itself on the unique space and gardens and this would not be able to be achieved unless we had a person like Troy, with his passion and dedication," she shares.

Troy Urlichs walking across the bowls green with a leaf blower


Fun team spirit

While the lush greenery and calming communal spaces at Forest Hills are the first thing that catches visitor's and resident's eyes, Troy also finds working with his team extremely rewarding. 

"Our team is small, but we work together to achieve a good outcome with the residents.  We have fun and always help each other," he says. 

When asked about what he looks forward to the most, he knows his answers straight away. "I think that it will be a great achievement to see the apartment building be completed after many years of discussion with residents and staff.  This will be the beginning of the new Forest Hills."

Find out more about your career opportunities at Keyton.

Gardener Troy Urlichs in the garden with a shovel and a wheelbarrow

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