the growing concern - november 2014
DESCRIPTION
The official monthly publication of the Ohio Landscape AssociationTRANSCRIPT
A p u b l i c A t i o n o f t h e o h i o l A n d s c A p e A s s o c i A t i o nConcern
The Growingnovember 2014
Annual MeetingNovember 13, 2014
PAGE 7
Build a Better Landscape Business Northeast & Central Ohio
November 2014PAGE 33
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The Growing Concern x November 2014 x 3
pres ident ’s column
While my son was growing up, he would often say to me, “Dad, I have a problem,” and I always had a very simple answer for him, “son, there are no problems, only solutions.” I thought it was prophetic, but like any other child he ignored my wisdom and got right to telling me what his problem.
I liked the line so much that I caught myself using it at work both with co-workers and customers alike. I have always enjoyed the challenge of problem solving anything. Whether it is a design problem or consulting a customer on business practices, the line has always applied to the situation. When so-called problems do arise, I often say this to myself as a reminder that the problems I have are not so bad—a solution can always be found.
Continuing with this thought, I am reminded of a time when I was faced with a small problem in need of a solution.
Many years back a customer of mine would send text messages to a group of us every morning with the heading “Thought of the Day.” At first I smirked, quickly moved on
THERE ARE NO PROBLEMS, ONLY SOLUTIONS Joe twArdzik, cid
Wolf Creek Company
with my busy day and essentially brushed it aside. Then, occasionally, he would get too busy and didn’t send them everyday. They would sometimes come and eventually stopped altogether. I then realized, without really knowing it, I had been looking forward to these messages and once they stopped I actually missed them!
When I asked him why he stopped he said it just became too much work. I then took the torch to carry on these insightful messages. Soon I learned he was right. It took much more time than I thought— this was the problem. Not wanting inspirational thoughts to end, I devised a solution. I had determined sending it weekly—as a “Thought of the Week”— was just as effective and much more manageable. I sent it out to everyone in my company, and also the guys that originally sent them to me. I assume many recipients either don’t look at them, or do and delete them right away. They may not get out of it what I get out of it, and that’s okay! Even if only one person enjoys the thought, it is a success! I believe in this continuous motivation, and as one of
…a solution can always be found.
continued on page 6
FEATURES
3 PRESIDENT’S COLUMN There Are No Problems, Only Solutions
8 FISCAL FITNESS Financial Jokes
14 FOR SAFETY SAkE Identifying And Preventing Health And Safety Hazards
In The Workplace
20 PLANT OF THE MONTH Pinus bungeana Lacebark Pine
26 PERENNIAL FOCUS Old Favorites, New Cultivars 2014 Edition
32 TEN TIPS FOR LEADERS MAkING TOUGH DECISIONS
36 DIRECTIONS Milestones
INSIDE EvERY ISSUE
35 CLASSIFIEDS
37 ADvERTISING INDEx
38 WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
tAble of contents
n o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4 w w w. o h i o l A n d s c A p e r s . o r g
OFFICERSPresidentJoe Twardzik, CID
President-ElectSteve Moore
TreasurerBryan Taynor
Immediate Past PresidentJames Arch, ASLA
ohio’s profess ionAl green industry Assoc iAt ion
OHIO LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION9240 Broadview RoadBroadview Heights, Ohio 44147Phone: 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521Fax: 440-717-0004Web: www.ohiolandscapers.org or www.myohiolandscape.com
EDITORSandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association
REGULAR WRITERSMichael J. Donnellan, king Financial, Inc.Jim Funai, COLP, Cuyahoga Community CollegeShelley Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and GardensSandy Munley, Ohio Landscape AssociationBobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green ThumbJoe Twardzik, CID, Wolf Creek Company
ADvERTISING INFORMATIONSubmission deadline: 10th of month prior to publication month. For advertising and classified rates, please call 1-800-335-6521
DISCLAIMERThe Ohio Landscape Association, its board of directors, staff and the editor of The Growing Concern neither endorse any product(s) or attest to the validity of any statements made about products mentioned in this, past or subsequent issues of this publication. Similarly, the opinions expressed in The Growing Concern are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Landscape Association.
OLA STAFFExecutive DirectorSandy Munley
Membership CoordinatorJean koch
DIRECTORSEric Brubeck, ASLAAdam CapiccioniNathan kowalsickMaria McConnellCathy Serafin
cAlendAr of events
u p c o m i n g o l A m e e t i n g s , e d u c At i o n s e m i n A r s A n d o t h e r g r e e n i n d u s t r y e v e n t s
NOVEMBEROLA Annual Meetingnovember 13, 2014The November meeting is the OLA Annual meeting. Chuck Bowen of Lawn and Landscape Magazine will present the State of the Industry Report. RSvP by November 3. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
OLA Build a Better Landscape Business – NE Ohionovember 18-19, 2014Back by popular demand! Two-day workshop. Take the guesswork out! Learn your costs, build a budget for your company and learn how to estimate your work for profit! Workshop instructed by Landscape Management Network. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
OLA Build a Better Landscape Business – Central Ohionovember 20-21, 2014Back by popular demand! Two-day workshop hosted and sponsored by Ohio CAT, Columbus, OH. Take the guesswork out! Learn your costs, build a budget for your company and learn how to estimate your work for profit! Workshop instructed by Landscape Management Network. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
DECEMBEROLA Pruning Clinic – NE Ohiodecember 1, 2014Learn proper pruning techniques to promote plant health and control the size of plant material. Classroom and outdoor hands-on session included. Hosted by Willoway Nurseries in Avon, OH. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org. Hurry – This is always a sell-out!
The Growing Concern x November 2014 x 5
OLA Pruning Clinic – Central Ohiodecember 2, 2014Learn proper pruning techniques to promote plant health and control the size of plant material. Classroom and outdoor hands-on session included. Hosted by Willoway Nurseries in Hilliard, OH. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
Landscape Ohio! Awards Program Entry Deadlinedecember 5, 2014All submissions are due in the OLA office by 5 pm. No Exceptions! Be sure to enter Ohio’s most prestigious landscape enhancement awards program. Winning projects are featured in Landscape Ohio! Magazine, a supplement to Ohio Magazine and Cleveland Magazine. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
OTF Trade Show & Short Coursedecember 9-11, 201448th Annual OTF Conference and Trade Show now featuring the OSU Green Industry Short Course! Held at kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio. OLA is partnering with OTF for this event. visit the OLA Booth at this show! For more information contact OTF at 614-285-4683 or visit OTFShow.org.
JANUARYOLA STONE CLINIC – STONE VENEER TECHNIQUESJAnuAry 15, 2015Learn the basics of mixing mortar, installing and grouting stone veneer. Instructed by Doug Shymske, held at Mason Steel in Walton Hills, OH. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
OLA MEETING – NE OHIOJAnuAry 29, 2015This meeting will feature attorneys kim Alabasi and Joshua Strickland of Dworken & Berstein Co., LPA. Held at St. Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Hts. Details TBA. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
FEBRUARYGREAT BIG HOME AND GARDEN SHOWfebruAry 6 - 15, 2015visit the OLA garden at the Great Big Home and Garden consumer show at the I-x Center in Cleveland featuring home improvement and landscape solutions for homeowners. Members are invited to help build and staff the OLA garden. For information on the show visit greatbighomeandgarden.com.
OLA MEETING – CENTRAL OHIOfebruAry 19, 2015This meeting will feature Charles vanderkooi. Sponsored by Belgard Hardscapes. Details TBA. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
OHIO GREEN INDUSTRY ADVOCACY DAYfebruAry 25, 2015Learn about the state-level legislative issues that could affect your business and have a unique opportunity to visit with your state Senator and Representative at the State Capitol in Columbus. Details TBA.
MARCHOLA STONE CLINIC – RIGHT TOOL, RIGHT TECHNIQUEmArch 5, 2015Learn age-old techniques to fabricating natural stone, including cutting, rockfacing and making barnstone. Instructed by British Master Stone Mason, Chris Pascoe. Held at Tri-R-Stone in Garfield Hts. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
OLA MEETING – NE OHIOmArch 12, 2015Maintaining Proper Growth In Your Landscape Business presented by Jason Cupp, kincaide, Ltd., kansas City, MO. Held at Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Hts. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
6 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
pres ident ’s column
continued from pg 3
my favorite TOTW (thoughts of the week) from Zig Ziglar says, “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily.”
If I were on twitter I would post these thoughts, but so far I have resisted the requests to join. Instead I would like to share with you some of my favorite thoughts. The subject matters range from productivity to patriotism to just basic motivation depending on my mood or the season. Some quotes are from famous people, and some are from people I know who said something worth noting.
“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.”
– Thomas Jefferson
“You can’t Google experience.” – Randy Coleman (friend of mine.)
“Success does not consist in never making mistakes but in never making the same one a second time.”
– George Bernard Shaw
“To be successful you have to have your heart in your business and your business in your heart”
– Thomas J Watson
“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.”
– Samuel Johnson
“No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity. For he is not permitted to prove himself.”
– Seneca
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.”
– Albert Schweitzer
“The foundation stones for a balanced success are honesty, character, integrity, faith, love and loyalty.”
– Zig Ziglar
I hope you enjoyed this small sampling of TOTW I chose for you readers. Even if you didn’t, consider forwarding these thoughts. You never know who may be in need of a little motivating. I enjoyed looking back on some of my favorites from this past year — they still motivate me!
November 13, 2014OLA Annual Meeting
A wise man once said that no landscaper is an island. Or something like that. In this presentation, Lawn & Landscape Editor and Associate Publisher Chuck Bowen will share his latest research and insight about what’s happening in the landscape industry nationwide. He’ll give you an idea of where the industry is at present, and where it’s headed in the next few years. This is your chance to learn about not only how you fit into the broader landscape industry, but how most of your colleagues and competition are doing as well. He’ll have ample time for Q&A, so come prepared to ask your most burning questions.
You’ll learn:• Macro-level green industry trends that will make an impact on your business• Why design/build is coming back big, and how you can take advantage of it• Employee salary ranges, and other key benchmarking data from L&L research• What commercial property managers and homeowners think about landscapers, and why they hire
and fire their service providers• Ideas on marketing, communication and recruiting from some of the best landscapers in the country• How landscapers are adopting social media and mobile technology, and how you can best use it
REGISTER ONLINE AT OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG OR CALL THE OLA AT 1-800-335-6521 OR EMAIL [email protected]
FREE to OLA Members Non-Members $30
AGENDA6:00 pm to 7:00 pmREGISTRATION/NETWORKINGFOOD/CASH BAR
7:00 pm to 7:45 pmOLA ANNUAL MEETING
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HELD ATST. MICHAEL’S WOODSIDE5025 East Mill RoadBroadview Hts., Ohio 44147
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OLA ANNUAL MEETINGANNOUNCEMENTNortheast Ohio
f i scAl f i tness
michAel J. donnellAnking Financial, Inc.
A yuppie was opening the door of his BMW when a car came along and hit the door, ripping it off completely. When the police arrived on scene, the yuppie complained bitterly about the damage to his car.
“Officer, look what they’ve done to my Bimmer!”
“You yuppies are so materialistic, it’s ridiculous” retorted the officer. “You’re so worried about your stupid BMW, you didn’t even notice that your left arm was ripped off.”
“Oh, my!” screamed the yuppie, noticing the bloody stump where his arm used to be. “My Rolex!”
Late one night a mugger wearing a ski mask jumped into the path of a well-dressed man and stuck a gun in his ribs.
“Give me your money,” he demanded.
Indignant, the affluent man replied, “You can’t do this – I’m a US Congressman!”
“In that case,” replied the robber, “Give me MY money!”
What’s another name for long term investment?A failed short term investment!
continued on page 10
FINANCIAL JOkESIt has been a couple years since the last series of financial jokes, and I believe they are long overdue. Enjoy!
8 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
A study of economics usually reveals that the best time to buy
anything was last year.
The Growing Concern x November 2014 x 9
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A study of economics usually reveals that the best time to buy anything was last year.
An economist is an expert who will know tomorrow why the things he predicted yesterday didn’t happen today.
Money can’t buy you true love.It does however put you in a good bargaining position.
What leads most people into debt?Trying to catch up with people who are already there.
What’s the best way to get in touch with your long-lost relatives?Win the Lottery.
If you think no one cares about you, try missing a couple of payments.
My wife’s purse was stolen the other day.It had all her credit cards in it.I was going to report it but the thief was spending less than she was!
A family man says:I now know why I used to love Christmas as a child.I did not have to pay for the gifts!
Q: Why did God create stock analysts? A: In order to make weather forecasters look good.
During the most recent stock market downturn, a stockbroker was asked how he slept at night. The broker responded, “I sleep like a baby. I wake up screaming and crying every two hours.”
A bank is a place where they lend you an umbrella in fair weather and ask for it back when it begins to rain.
It was graduation day and Mom was trying to take a picture of their son in a cap and gown, posed with his father. “Let’s try to make this look natural” she said. “Junior, put your arm around your dad’s shoulder.” The father answered, “If you want it to look natural, why not have him put his hand in my pocket?”
As the end of the year approaches, this is a good time to review your portfolios with your advisors. And that’s no joke!
f i scAl f i tness
continued from pg 20
Michael J. Donnellan is President of King Financial, Inc., in Strongsville, Ohio specializing in stock selection and retirement planning. Feel free to contact him with any questions or comments. Phone number (440) 878-9676.
10 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
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The Growing Concern x November 2014 x 13
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for sAfety sAke
continued on page 16
Health and safety for employees in the workplace should be the top priority for businesses. Not only the many different types of potential hazards need to be identified, but how a business can take appropriate measures to counteract and minimize those potential risks to its employees. Ensuring that each risk is identified can mean the difference between employee negligence when an accident occurs and actual accident prevention.
It can’t be documented just how much health and safety measures that have been put in place by businesses have actually prevented accidents in the work place. However, there is no doubt that these safety measures have prevented many accidents and even deaths in the workplace. Sometimes there are incidents in the workplace that could not have been prevented and in which case is classed as an unfortunate incident.
IdentIfyIng PotentIal WorkPlace HazardsThere are certain methods that employers can take in order to identify hazards in the workplace, including: • Simply walking around the workplace premises and writing
down any potential risks to employees. • Ask employees if they have noticed any other potential hazards
and/or if they have experienced any mishaps, due to the work surroundings or equipment that they have been provided with. Employees are in the workplace every day and have a good idea as to what is and isn’t needed in order to keep them safe. Not only that, but employees will appreciate an employer’s approach for their opinion.
IDENTIFYING AND PREvENTING HEALTH AND SAFETY HAZARDS IN THE WORkPLACEBy Andy StOneS
14 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
MY CENTS IS
BUILTSTRONG!
I am at CENTS each Januarybecause there is always something tolearn about what to do and what not
to do. I stay up to date on new plant material, operations and businesstraining improvement, plant diseases,
pests and more! CENTS Universitygets me ready for anything the year
ahead might hold.Shawn Rine
Rine Landscape Group, Inc.
Register online at www.CENTSMarketplace.comor call (800) 825-5062.
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continued from pg 14
for sAfety sAke
Author Bio: Andy works in the health and safety industry as part of health and safety consultants Sheffield and has spent many years and much experience in the field.
The articles on GoArticle.coms are provided for information purposes only and for redistribution as outlined in our guidelines. GoArticles does not accept any responsibility or liability for the use or misuse of the article content on this site or reliance by any person on the site’s contents.
• Providing the correct equipment and maintaining the equipment is a very important aspect when it comes to health and safety in the workplace; some employers can find themselves in breach of the law due to incorrect or lack of correct equipment.
In order to examine the workplace thoroughly and efficiently, these following steps can be taken: • Take notice of what exactly occurs in the workplace when
employees carry out tasks; do so over a period of time. Looking at how and which practices are carried out on a daily basis gives an employer a much better and clear perspective as opposed to a works manual.
• Analyze and take into account all non-routine and intermittent tasks carried out; this can help identify any further potential health and safety risks.
• Take into account as many foreseeable events that are unplanned, but can interrupt workplace tasks, for example, fire procedures and practices.
IdentIfy long-term HealtH HazardsWhen carrying out health and safety checks in the workplace, make sure that any possible long-term health hazards are identified and acted upon. There are several factors to take into consideration such as, exposure to loud noise, harmful substances and elements (asbestos fibers, chemicals etc.), psychosocial risk factors amongst many more.
There are a few things that employers can do to identify any potential long term health hazards: • Go through the company’s accident and ill-health records to
identify any previous health and safety cases that could have been a result of long term exposure etc.
There are further sources whereby information can be gathered from: • Ask manufacturers’ and/or suppliers’ for their instruction
manuals for any equipment used. Data sheets can also be obtained to help identify long-term health and safety risks.
• Browse the internet for information regarding occupational safety and health. Make sure the websites are relevant and well-known for example, the Health Safety Executive site.
• Look for and gather information provided by national bodies, trade associations or trade unions.
• Identify the laws and regulations that are relevant to the industry and look at what measures have and can be taken to help reduce risks.
• Identify all employees whom may be at risk from long-term risks and ensure the correct protective clothing is worn at the appropriate times. Additionally, make sure that the employees, who are at risk, know that they are at risk. However, this is not to say that all employees’ names are identified through making a list of each individual, but more the groups of workers e.g. personnel working in the laboratory. The public must also be taken into consideration.
If an employer is still uncertain in regards to the health and safety procedures needed to be followed, a health and safety competent person can be hired to help identify any further potential hazards and risks to employees and the public’s safety.
16 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Take notice of what exactly occurs in the workplace when employees carry out tasks…
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Fight the Urge to Procrastinate•Keepdesignscurrentandshowthejobasitwasactuallyinstalled.
•Takepicturesthroughoutthedifferentseasons-especiallyifenteringforseasonalcolor!
•Alwayscarryacamerawithyou.Itiseasierthanfindingtimetogetbackatalaterdateandmissingthatperfectphotoopportunity.
•Takeplentyofshotssothatyoucansubmittheverybest.•Takepicturesearlyenoughsothatyouhavetimetoshootagainifneeded.
•Takebeforeandaftershotsfromthesamelocation.Let the Picture Tell the Story•Remember,apictureisworthathousandwords.•Ifyouframedagreatview,createdanoutdoorroomorhaveagreatfocalpoint,allowthepicturetoshowit.
•Useappropritelighting-Judgescan’tmakeoutdetailsofdarkorbleachedoutpictures.Morning,lateafternoon,orcloudydaysareoftenbetterforyourphotoshoot.
Allow the Jobs to Mature•Sometimesaseasonortwoofgrowthonplantsoragingoffreshcutstonecanmakeanaveragejobagreatone.(Makesurethattheprojectismaintained.)
•Projectsthatareupto5yearsoldqualifytoenter.Help the Project Look "Lived In"•Youcreatedanoutdoorroom.Ifthegrillisinthegarage,moveitouttothepatio.Ifthetableumbrellaisclosed,openit.
•Also,anemptybenchortablelooksbetterwithapitcheroficedteaandapairofdrinkingglassesonit.
Tidy Up Before You Shoot•Removeanydebrisorcluttersuchaslitter,leaves,garbagecans,children’stoysorhoses.
•ShootHigh-ShootLow•Sometimestheangleofashotcanmakeanicepictureevenbetter.
•Becreative-takeaerialshotsfromaladderorrooftop,butremembertoputsafetyfirst!
•Shootlowtothegroundorfrominsideaplantingbedwiththetopsofatree,shrub,orsomeflowersframingthepicture.
Sell the Project•Explainhowyousolvedauniqueproblem,metsomeunusualchallenge,orworkedoutadifficultclientrequest.
•Besuretonoteifyoufeelonepartofthegardenisofquestionabletaste,butwasaclient’sdesireorownaddition.
•Ifyouenteraprojectinmorethanonecategory,alwayswriteanewdescriptionthatrelatestothecategoryanddescribesdetailsrelevanttothatcategory.
Make the Judges' Job Easy•Yourphotosanddescriptionsshouldrepresenttheworkyoudidontheproperty.Workdonebyothersshouldnotbethefocalpointofyourentryphotosanddescriptions.
•Beveryconciseandtothepointinthedescriptionsofyourproject.Donotexceedthewordlimits,butdotellyourstory.However,besuretoexplainyourprojectthoroughly.Sayingonly“viewfromtheeast,viewfromthewest,etc.”doesnothelpthejudgesunderstandyourproject.
•Makesurethatdesignsarereadableandthatthephotosareintheirpropersequence.
Think BIG•Eventhesmallestofjobscanbeanawardwinner!•Occasionally,itmaybeadvantageoustoenteraparticularsectionofalargerproject.
•Beconfident!Ifyouhaveneverenteredinthepast,don’tbeintimidated.
Never, Never, Never Quit•Ifatfirstyoudon’tsucceed,tryagain.•Networkwithassociationmembersandotherswhohaveenteredprojectsinthepast.
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The Growing Concern x November 2014 x 19
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20 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
plAnt of the month
Jim funAi, colpCuyahoga Community College
shelley funAiStan Hywet Hall and Gardens
Landscape design is a similar game. We have to think far beyond the current season when creating a landscape plan, and make certain the garden looks great year round. November can be a time when poor landscape design hits hard. We just got over the euphoria of October with its glorious fall colors, cool campfire nights and pumpkin spiced everything. Now take a moment to look around; it is cold, wet, and plants look boring.
We have found this same lack of planning for winter interest showing up even more in rain gardens (which are showing up everywhere). Sure, we can blame it on the architects and engineers, who may or may not, have knowledge of plants other than what they found on wiki-whatever. However, are we, as Green Industry Professionals, pushing back and offering good suggestions for
PINUS BUNGEANAlaceBark PIneWith November comes a time when most of us in the industry are shifting our brains into active snow and ice management mode. Take a moment and reflect on the year past though. We presume you were in planning mode for the upcoming snow season back in July and August. This is just one of the traits of professionals in our industry that makes us great; we are playing a game of chess with Mother Nature and need to be several steps ahead or we quickly fall behind.
continued on page 22
proper design? We get it, large commercial bid jobs don’t exactly offer the opportunity to make suggestions while submitting our bids, but there is a time and place for us to make our voices heard.
We want to make this a good time for us to offer a winter season garden star that you could be incorporating more in your work.
We have to think far beyond the current season when
creating a landscape plan…
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continued from pg 20
plAnt of the month
Pinus bungeana (Lacebark Pine) is not just a great evergreen, but also a great evergreen for the rain garden. This ornamental evergreen tree needs well-drained soils in full sun. Well-drained soils you say? But this is a rain garden and it is designed to hold all the storm water. Not accurate. The rain garden should be designed to act as a storm surge buffer in times of heavy precipitation; with well-draining soils that will not stay above field capacity for longer than 24 to 48 hours. The top elevations in a rain garden should be incredibly well-drained areas, and provide a perfect opportunity to add some evergreen interest to the garden.
Far too many of the rain gardens that have been installed across Northeast Ohio look like a patch of weeds—sorry, native weeds. Is anyone thinking past the warm and fuzzy feeling of planting “all natives” and considering what the common viewer is thinking? We need to keep our focus on the same principles of good design; principles that tell us to include year round interest and a sense of some order to the garden.
Lacebark Pine is a great opportunity for this interest. As the common name suggests, the bark is very ornamental on this species. Its bark looks much like old-school camouflage with an irregular patchwork of colors. These colors range from bright greens to grey to reddish brown, tan and even bright white. It may take a few years for this feature to really develop, but the show is worth the wait. Many nurseries will offer this plant in its natural form of multi-stemmed, which is great, as you want to see more of that showy bark.
This is a slow growing pine that could reach into the 30 plus foot range but will need some time to do so. Typically the width will be about half the height unless a low branched, multi-trunk form is developed in which case you may find width close to height. Like all pines, this tree will shed older needles in fall, which act as a perfect self-mulching effect. The shedding of these interior leaves creates a more open habit allowing more views of the beautiful bark.
Placing this pine at the top of the rain garden (some refer to this as Zone 3) and using plants with more tolerance to periodic flooding towards the bottom of the rain garden (Zone 2 or Zone 1) allows an opportunity for great color combinations. Perhaps working down to the bottom of the garden is a mass planting of Ilex verticillata (Winterberry Holly). Planting I. verticilata ‘Afterglow’ or ‘Chrysocarpa’ brings either a bright orange or yellow respectively which will play off the bark of Lacebark Pine nicely. These bright orange and yellow hollies will also jump out to our eyes better on
cloudy days than the red fruited winterberries. This one-two plant combo works well because they both prefer an acidic soil, they are very low maintenance, and relatively pest and disease free.
If you find yourself interested in exploring the topic of rain garden planting design more, we’ll be at the CENTS show this year sharing a presentation on this very topic that Friday. With the great selection of ornamental plants available to us, we will strike back against the native weed patches that are being installed and blighting our landscapes across the state.
Jim Funai is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a PLANET accredited, associate of applied science in horticulture degree program, offering many paths to higher education to the green industry. He has an MS from Colorado State and is a licensed arborist. Shelley Funai is the Grounds Manager at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio that offers a historic estate designed by Warren H. Manning and a beautiful manor house museum. Both are graduates of The Ohio State University. Contact Jim and Shelly via email at [email protected]
22 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
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These catalogs are perfect for your business! An economical way to stir the imagination of your customers Available in small quantities at great low pricing Easy visual reference for your sales staff and customers Sell them, or provide as a value-added bonus to your customer Space at bottom right for your business card, rubber stamp, or
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case lots of 200 catalogs. Call for a special quote. Available to current OLA members onlyPRICING
trees & shrubs (40 page catalog) - Package of 20 ....... $26
perennials (32 page catalog) - Package of 20 ....... $23
Beautiful, Full-Color Catalogs
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Hypericum, commonly known as St.Johnswort, is a woody shrub with yellow flowers and reddish-brown seedheads. There are several cultivars that have been on the market for years. For the past four years, I have been trialing two in the Hypearls series. One died almost immediately but the other has been a winner. In fact, Hypericum Hypearls™ Renu has grown so well that I had to transplant it this year to a different site where it would have more space and the height.
When I received it in 2011, it was a tiny plant and I planted at the front of one my perennial beds. By June of this year it was two feet high and wide, shading out many other plants. The flowers are the typical butter yellow with rounded petals held
above the green foliage that has a thin red edge when it foliates. The distinguishing traits of this series are the berries which are extremely attractive. The ones on Renu start out as cream but eventually turn bright pink. Others in the series have berries that are cream, salmon, or deep red. Planted in full sun and average to dry soil, these small shrubs will brighten the landscape from June until frost. In early spring, cut back the stems to ground level because the flowers and berries will only appear on new wood.
Those of us in the green industry are constantly subjected to claims of this and that cultivar of a known genus is the greatest, the most floriferous, the earliest to flower, the longest to flower, the most disease resistant, etc. However, until we’ve actually grown them in our landscapes, we don’t know whether these claims are hype or reality.
OLD FAvORITES, NEW CULTIvARS 2014 edItIon
bobbie schwArtz, fApldBobbie’s Green Thumb
continued on page 28
perenn iAl focus
26 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association26 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Phlox Coral Creme Drop
Which new cultivars do you think live up to their hype?
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28 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
continued from pg 26
I’ve been growing Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Diabolo’ for several years and love its many season appeal: purple foliage, pink buds, white flowers, red fruits and bright orange fall foliage color. It does, however, require a great deal of space because it wants to be the “big guy” — 10’x10’. I am delighted that there is finally a baby sister who has two names: Little Devil™ and ‘Donna May’. She only grows four to five feet high and wide but has all of the other attributes of her big brother. The foliage and flowers are a bit smaller than those of ‘Diabolo’. This is one tough shrub. In my driveway bed, it grows under the most horrendous conditions: partial shade, wet in spring, dry in summer but seems not to be fazed at all.
Phlox paniculata is a mainstay of the perennial border, but finding cultivars that are truly mildew resistant is a constant search—even when some of the supposedly resistant cultivars still exhibit mildew. I have yet to see it on ‘Coral Crème Drop’ which has been in my garden since 2011. As you might surmise from the name, the flowers are a coral pink and blend very well with virtually any other color. It grows about two feet high in my garden but might only grow eighteen inches in yours.
I’ve been a fan of Helianthemum nummularium (Common Rockrose) for years. They are used quite commonly in England in sunny dry gardens and I purchased ‘Wisley Pink’— a pale pink cultivar with gray foliage—many years ago after I returned from England. In 2008, I received a sample of ‘Hartswood Ruby’. It has deep green foliage and ruby red flowers. Both are planted in the same bed that has outstanding drainage. Unfortunately, this past winter destroyed ‘Wisley Pink’ but ‘Hartswood Ruby’ came through with flying colors. I love the color. If you saw a slice of berry pie that was this color, you would devour it in no time. Even when it’s not in bloom, the form and foliage color are very attractive.
Which new cultivars do you think live up to their hype?
perenn iAl focus
Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, owner of Bobbie’s Green Thumb in Shaker Hts., Ohio, is a landscape designer, consultant, free-lance writer, and lecturer whose specialties are perennial gardens and four-season landscapes. In addition to being an Ohio Landscape Association (OLA) member, she is an active member of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) and Perennial Plant Association (PPA). Bobbie is a Past President of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD). Bobbie currently serves as chair of the ONLA Plant Selection Committee. Bobbie can be reached at (216) 752-9449.
Helianthemum - Hartswood Ruby
Hypericum hypearls - Renu
Hypericum hypearls - Compact Yellow and Jacqueline
Physocarpus opulifolius - Diabolo
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Environmental Horticultural ServicesThe most important landscape maintenance practice is the control of plant size by the correct method of pruning to retain the natural branching characteristics of the plants and integrity of the landscape design. Dormant Pruning of Landscape Plants is a half-day, hands-on clinic and a timely training opportunity for you and your crews to get back to the basics and learn the proper way to prune in time for winter and early spring pruning.
GENERAL INFORMATION: This seminar will include a lecture as well as hands-on training. Attendees will need to bring their own notepad and pen, hand pruning shears, a small pruning saw, and long handle lopping shears, and will need to dress appropriately for outdoor practical training. As an attendee, you will receive a gift provided by A.M. Leonard including a pair of pruners, knife and leather sheath.Register early as class size is limited and will sell out quickly.
December 2, 2014CENTRAL OHIO
8:30 am to 12:00 pm
Held atWilloway Nurseries
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December 1st - Avon December 2nd - Hilliard $
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The Growing Concern x November 2014 x 31
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At any other level within an organization there is someone else to challenge/stop/change or just agree with the tough calls. The buck stops with the CEO which means she/he is ultimately responsible for all company decisions.
Experienced CEOs will generally get the calls right and know that, because they are not infallible, there will sometimes be mistakes.
He/she knows that ultimately making a decision is always better than a “no decision” and most mistakes can be fixed if necessary.Some leaders run into trouble, by making poor decisions, or by avoiding making decisions. In my experience there are a number of reasons for this: • They are unwilling to get/listen to the right input before
making a decision.
Any Leader needs to make tough decisions. CEOs tend to have the unique additional challenge of making such decisions as the final decision maker. It is a subtle, yet sometimes daunting, difference.
By Kevin dee
continued on page 34
32 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
For Leaders Making Tough Decisionsten tIPs
Make sure you are making a business decision and not an emotional decision.
BUILD BETTERA
OLA EDUCATION SERIES
Cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to the course start date will be subject to a 30% cancellation fee. NO refunds will be issued for cancellations 7 days or less prior to the course, no shows, or cancellations on the day of the course. If, for any reason, the course is cancelled, enrollees will be notified, and fees refunded in full.
Presented by
You won’t be sitting back listening to what you should be doing – you’ll be busy actually doing it, using your own numbers to create a budget and a plan for greater profit. The instructors are landscape contractors who’ve built some of the top companies in the landscape industry from the ground up. The program has been described as the ultimate business management tool for a contractor. Build a plan to ensure your business is positioned to make money and a pricing system that links to your plan. And it’s all ready for work the very next day!
Let us show you how simple it is to... • Target profitable sales and spending goals • Calculate the right hourly rates and markups using your own financials • Close more deals, faster with proven estimating methods • Create clear goals and job plans for crews • Track job progress and give scoreboards to crews • Implement bonus/incentive systems based on performance
Get ready for the best 2 days you’ve ever spent working on your business! See how simple it is to run a more profitable landscape company. Learn more at www.ohiolandscapers.org.
GENERAL INFORMATION: You will need to bring a laptop computer and some financial information. It is recommended to have the owner attend with an estimator or bookkeeper/financial staff. Lunch, snacks, beverages and internet access are provided.
NORTHEAST OHIOHeld at
Cuyahoga Valley Career Center
Qualifies for 13 CEUs for Landscape Industry Certified
CENTRAL OHIOSponsored & Hosted by
November 20-21, 2014CENTRAL OHIO
8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Both Days)Held at
Ohio CAT Columbus, OH
November 18-19, 2014NORTHEAST OHIO
8:30 am to 4:30 pm (Both Days)Held at
Cuyahoga Valley Career CenterBrecksville, OH
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• They think they have all the answers themselves. • They become paralyzed by the amount of input to the situation
requiring a decision. • They lack confidence in their ability to make the right call. • They are worried about upsetting some people with their
decision.
If the leader having a problem is not the CEO, then the problem can be solved quickly by a decision made by a more senior executive.
If the leader having a problem is the CEO, the impact on the organization is significant. CEOs MUST be willing to make tough calls, and be seen to act on decisions. The majority of those decisions should be sound decisions. This builds confidence and trust, which in turn creates a healthy leadership team.
“Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way.” – General George Patton
Here are some thoughts on my experiences as a CEO making tough calls. 1. Get all of the input that you need, from whatever source. NOT
just from your executive team. 2. Truly listen. Some leaders “listen to talk”, you must “listen to
understand”. 3. Understand that you can’t please all of the people all of the
time. 4. Be sensitive to those who will not like your decision. 5. When it is a big decision, give yourself enough time, but don’t
go beyond the “right amount of time”. If you have all the facts, and nothing is going to change, it is time to make your call.
34 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
continued from pg 32
This article has been republished from Articlebase.com — a free article directory where you can submit and find articles. You can publish your articles for free or find content for your website, ezine, or newsletter. This article was provided by Kevin Dee for use on Articlebase.comDirect link to article: http://www.articlesbase.com/leadership-articles/ten-tips-for-leaders-making-tough-decisions-7105697.html
6. Make sure you are making a business decision and not an emotional decision.
7. When the decision is complex I like to get outside of the office to think it through. My ideal is to get on my motorbike and let everything else go; it is amazing how often this brings clarity!
8. Communicate, communicate, and communicate. Listen before and explain after!
9. Some people will need more time to understand and absorb your decision, if possible take the time to explain it to them.
10. know your own weaknesses, and get the right advisors to help you with those. I am not a detail guy, but I have detail people I trust implicitly.
“Inability to make decisions is one of the principal reasons executives fail. Deficiency in decision-making ranks much higher than lack of specific knowledge or technical know-how as an indicator of leadership failure.”
– John C. Maxwell
Tough decisions will define you as a leader; do not shy away from them!
The Growing Concern x November 2014 x 35
clAss i f i eds
for an up-to-date listing of all classified/help wanted ads, please visit ohiolandscapers.org
OPENINGS - ACCOUNT MANAGER + DESIGN/ARCHITECT/SALES + SALESMoscarino Outdoor Creations is an award winning design company, a leader in commercial lawn maintenance/snow management and has exceptional opportunities to join our team of professionals as we expand our service line:
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Compensation packages will be tailored for experienced individuals. valid Driver’s License Required. EOE/Drug and Smoke Free Workplace.
PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR FULL LIST OF JOB POSITIONS AND JOB DESCRIPTIONS: www.createmylandscape.com/job-opportunities/
GROUNDS COORDINATORkendal at Oberlin has a non-exempt, full-time position opening for Grounds Coordinator in Facility Services.
Essential Job Functions: This position works closely with and reports to the Facility Operations Manager in supervising and scheduling the daily activities of the groundskeeping staff performing corrective and preventive measures on kendal grounds. This maintenance includes lawns, planting beds, shrubs, trees, flowers, walkways, roadways and paths. Operates and maintains power equipment essential to mowing, fertilizing, snow removal and other related tasks.
Qualifications & Experience: The following is required:• strong oral and written communication skills and the ability to
comprehend written and oral instructions in English. • good attention to detail and have the ability to train, critique, evaluate
and direct staff in the performance of their jobs in accordance with kendal’s values and Practices.
• minimum of 5 years’ experience in grounds maintenance or related field with at least 2 years’ supervisory experience;
• excellent plant identification, irrigation, pruning, turf management and landscape design skills;
• valid Ohio pesticide license or obtain in first year of employment;• excellent computer skills and ability to learn and implement Trims Tree
Management software and The Maintenance Authority software;• capable of safely operating and maintaining standard yard tools and
grounds power equipment;• possess a valid operator’s license and insurable with Kendal’s insurance
carrier;• well-organized and capable of producing quality workmanship results; • self-motivated and able to work with little or no supervision; • pleasant, friendly personality and capable of dealing with all people in a
cooperative, can-do manner.
Please submit all resumes to Attn: Human Resources600 kendal Drive Oberlin OH, 44074or online at www.kao.kendal.org kENDAL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER, COMPLIES WITH ADA, AND SUPPORTS A DRUG-FREE WORkPLACE
OPENINGS - CONSTRUCTION DIVISION MANAGER + LANDSCAPE MAINTENENCE FOREMAN + LANDSCAPE DESIGN/BUILD FOREMAN + LAWN FERTILIZATION TECH + LAWN CARE DIVISION MANAGER Bella’s Lawn & Landscape is a locally owned and operated landscape firm seeking qualified individuals to join our team of professionals located in Toledo, OH. This is an outstanding opportunity for the right individual with a growing company. Our work environment is safe, professional, and rewarding. As we continue to grow, we are currently looking for our next great employee to join our successful team!
CONSTRUCTION DIVISION MANAGERLooking for an individual experienced in hardscape/softscape installations with management skills to motivate crew members and complete projects. Extensive knowledge of constructing paver patios, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, landscape lighting, and plantings is a must. This individual will sell, manage, & ensure quality on all jobs. Division managers are responsible for maintaining their division’s profit margin.
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE FOREMAN & DESIGN BUILD FOREMANThe foreman takes full responsibility for the crew and all aspects of it, including vehicles, trailers, equipment, tools, and supplies. In addition, the foreman takes responsibility for ensuring results for quality, customer satisfaction, and efficiency.
LAWN FERTILIZATION TECH AND/OR MANAGERAs a lawn care professional, you will be responsible to service customer’s lawns as you apply fertilizer, weed treatments, grub applications, seeding, aeration, & more while ensuring fantastic customer service and delivering A+ results! You may also be responsible for accurately measuring lawns, providing quotes and / or lawn analysis, and making field sales. The ideal person will have excellent communication skills, be self-reliant and responsible, a problem solver, 1-3 years turf experience is preferred, but if willing to learn and motivated, we will take that into consideration.
We are a Growing Company with Big Opportunities. Do you want to be a part of our success? We have experienced growth over the last 10 years and are looking for managers in training, foreman, and technicians to support our growth. If you would like to be a part of our fantastic team please apply now!
Compensation will be determined upon evaluation of an individual’s experience. A valid driver’s license is required for all positions.Please email resume to: [email protected]
36 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
direct ions
sAndy munleyExecutive Director
Ohio Landscape Association
continued on page 38
MILESTONESEach November, it is my pleasure to announce members who are celebrating milestone membership with the OLA. At each 5-year increment, the OLA congratulates members for their years of involvement with the Ohio Landscape Association.
50-year memBerThe DiSanto Companies, Inc.
35-year memBersTony Divincenzo LandscapeThomas J. Malak Landscapers, Inc.
30-year memBersAbate Landscaping and GreenhousesConnelly Landscaping Co., Inc.
25-year memBersAmerican Turf LandscapingHoehnen Landscaping CompanyIaniro Landscape DevelopmentImpullitti Landscaping, Inc.MGM Landscape Contractors, Inc.Outdoor Concepts Landscape Contracting,
Inc.Sohars/RCPW, Inc.Turfscape, Inc.The Yard Works, Inc.
20-year memBersAmerican Beauty Landscaping, Inc.Avon Landscaping, Inc.Best Truck Equipment – Mower DivisionCalanni LandscapingChagrin Pet, Garden & Power EquipmentDTR Associates, Inc.Hunter Green Services, Inc.Landesco Landscape Design CompanyLandscaping By Mark, Inc.LTD Landscapes, Inc.MPM Landmark, LLCNew Beginnings Landscape, Inc.Oberlander’s Tree and Landscape, Ltd.Ohio CATR.B. Stout, Inc.vizmeg Landscape, Inc.
15-year memBersBobcat of Akron – A Division of LeppoBruno’s Landscaping & Grounds Care, Inc.CareWorks Consultants, Inc.CDL-Training Consultants
Century EquipmentChesterland NurseriesDaniel’s Landscape & Design, Inc.Ditch Witch of Ohio, W. PA, W. NYEastside Landscaping, Inc.Mike Bass Ford – Commercial Truck DivisionPro Touch Lawn Carevalley Truck CentervanCuren Services, Inc.
10-year memBersAaron Landscaping, Inc.Cutting Edge Lawn & Landscape, Inc.Good Nature Organic Lawn CareGreenSource LLCHuggett Sod FarmLenhardt’s Lawn Care, Inc.Lewis Landscaping & Nursery, Inc.Moscarino Outdoor Creations, Inc.Rolling Meadows Lawn Care, LLCSACS Consulting & Investigative ServicesSuperFleet Fueling ProgramSweet Peet/Urban Organics/FreeLand Soils
Please take special note of one of our founding members of the Ohio Landscape Association that is still an active member, The DiSanto Companies, Inc. As the OLA turns 50 years old in 2015, we are excited to have the DiSanto team celebrate with us!
Members that are celebrating 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 years of membership will be receiving a plaque at our Annual Meeting on November 13th. Those members are:
Advert is ing index
2 Botson Insurance Group
15 CENTS Marketplace
39 CrewTracker Software
19 Davis Tree Farm & Nursery, Inc.
6 Irrigation Supply
17 klyn Nurseries, Inc.
9 Mason Structural Steel, Inc.
17 Medina Sod Farm
27 Meyer Products
13 MRLM Landscape Materials
11 OTF Snow & OSU Short Course
9 RCPW/Sohar’s
17 Shearer Equipment
23 Unilock
21 valley City Supply
13 vanCuren Tree Service
31 Willoway WDC
19 Wolf Creek Company
37 Zoresco
The Growing Concern x November 2014 x 37
38 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
continued from pg 36
direct ions
Members celebrating 5 years of membership will receive a 5-Year Certificate at the annual meeting:
5-year memBersAllegro Property Services, Inc.Application Systems ConsultantsThe Arms Trucking Co.Augustine LandscapingC-Scape Enterprise, LLCCornerstone Landscaping, Inc.DAG LandscapingE.F. Pouly CompanyEnvironmental Horticultural ServicesHidden Creek Landscaping, Inc.Houk Landscapes, LLCMRLM Landscape Materials/JTO, Inc.Palmer’s LandscapingPerry Lawn Care & LandscapingD. Peterman Landscaping & Snow PlowingRice’s Tree Service & LandscapingSharp Edge Tree & LandscapeThompson Landscape & DesignWestern Reserve Landcare, LLC
It is great to look over such an impressive list! Congratulations to all.
We have a great speaker lined up the Annual Meeting on November 13th, too. Chuck Bowen, Editor and Associate
Publisher of Lawn and Landscape Magazine will present the findings of their State of the Industry survey. It will be a very interesting meeting that will provide current industry trends as well as a look at what the future may hold. How does your company stack up to your colleagues on a local and nationwide basis?
Also, don’t forget that November 1st started our new membership year. I hope that we have earned your support and that you have renewed your membership, or plan to do so soon. Given the current economic and political conditions, it is more important than ever for your business to be a part of the Ohio Landscape Association.
We strive to provide many educational opportunities for you and your staff to keep on top of your game and up-to-date with your skills. Check our calendar of events and our website for a full listing of what we have planned. There are many upcoming opportunities and more to be announced soon.
Also, be sure to check out the OTF Tradeshow and Conference this year. There are a lot of exciting changes for OTF—the show and conference are being held December 9–11 at kalahari in Sandusky, Ohio. The OSU Short Course that was traditionally in January in Columbus has also moved and is co-locating with the OTF Tradeshow and Conference at kalahari. OLA will have a booth at the show and is one of the partnering organizations. Come visit us there!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families!
REGULAR MEMBER:lwb design, llc5900 Som Center Rd., Suite 12-PMB241Willoughby, OH 44094(216) 359-1178Lindsey Baker
STUDENT MEMBER:cuyAhogA community college:Wendy knapp
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:A.m. leonArdPO Box 816Piqua, OH 45356(937) 773-2694Jennie Hewitt
gms3296 Columbia Rd.Richfield, OH 44286(330) 659-0115Makenzie Rizzo
mentor mfg5782 Heisley Rd.Mentor, OH 44060(440) 551-9051Steve Schulz
plowz & mowz301 E. Seneca St.Manlius, NY 13104(315) 484-5098Conor Byrnes
welcome new members!The Ohio Landscape Association is delighted to welcome the following new members to the association:
9240 Broadview Road
Broadview Hts., OH 44147-2517
11/14
LANDSCAPE ENHANCEMENTAWARDS PROGRAM
Rules, Regulations, and Entry FormsAvailable Now
ohiolandscapers.org
DEADLINE TO ENTERDECEMBER 5, 2014