H&L Connect - Issue #20 by hardwareandlumber

Kerry Edwards

Manager,

Donville Brown

Relationship Representative, Hardware & Lumber Wholesale

Kemar Sutherland Sales Associate, H& Rapid True Value

EDUCATION GRANT: FUEL YOUR CHILD'S AMBITIONS!

Calling all H&L parents: Unlock your child's potential with the 2024-2025 H&L Kids Education Grant! We believe in investing in the future of our employees' children.

Fuel your child's ambitions with this exclusive grant.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE?

• Have you been a part of the H&L Group or family for at least one year?

• Is your child a full-time student in good standing at a school?

• If you answered yes to these questions, you could be eligible for a grant towards school fees, books, uniforms, and shoes!

HOW TO APPLY:

1. Read the guidelines governing the grants.

2. Complete the application form available through your manager or the HR Department.

3. Submit everything by August 15th, 2024 and September 13th 2024. Grants will be processed by August 30th 2024 and September 30th 2024.

NEED HELP?

Our HR team is ready to assist you. Contact us at hlhrd@hardwareandlumber.com or call 876-851-1786.

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!

MESSAGE FROM OUR

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Dear H&L Family, Our commitment to service – to our customers, our community, and each other – is at the very heart of who we are at H&L. It's a commitment that recognizes the importance of lifting each other up as we journey through life together. This belief echoes the powerful truth that "I am because of who we are together."

I was truly inspired by the passion and energy so many of you brought to our recent Labour Day Community Service and Reggae Sumfest Beach Clean-Up events. Your enthusiasm was contagious, reigniting a sense of shared purpose within our H&L family.

These experiences are a reminder that we are more than just colleagues; we're a family of people who care deeply about the world around us. Our success isn't just about the numbers; it's about the positive changes we create in their lives. Speaking of celebrating successes, I'm thrilled to announce the return of our Stars of the Quarter and Stars of the Year Recognition Programme. This is our way of putting a spotlight on the incredible individuals who make H&L shine, reminding us all of the amazing talent within our team.

As we move forward, let's continue to embrace our culture of service. Let's go above and beyond for our customers, lift up our communities, and cheer each other on every step of the way. am so proud to be a part of this incredible H&L family, and I can't wait to see the amazing future we’ll create together.

As aways, with Manners & Respect

Joe Bogdanovich, the principal investor in H&L and CEO of Downsound Entertainment, joins Marcus Richards for a lively chat. They dive into Joe's inspiring journey, from discovering his passion for music and events to creating the legendary Reggae Sumfest festival, and his vision for The H&L Group.

Sumfest?

Joe Bogdanovich: My love for music started at a young age, growing up immersed in the sounds of the 60s and 70s. I was always drawn to the energy and emotion that music can evoke—how a song can tell a story, shift a mood, or bring people together. Music was like rays from the sun – it was just natural.

As I got older, this passion naturally extended to live events. realized that experiencing music in a live setting ampliﬁed that energy and emotion, creating a communal experience that was truly magical. The atmosphere of a live concert, with its collective enthusiasm and shared joy, fascinated me. started attending as many concerts and music festivals as could, which deepened my love for live music.

Investing in Reggae Sumfest was a natural progression. I saw it as a unique platform to celebrate and promote this incredible genre on a global scale. Reggae Sumfest isn't just a festival; it's a cultural institution that showcases the best of reggae music and Jamaican culture. By investing in it, wanted to help preserve and elevate reggae, ensuring it reaches new audiences worldwide while staying true to its roots. This allowed me to combine my passion for music, my love for live events, and my deire to contribute to a vibrant cultural legacy.

MR: You're an accomplished entrepreneur and investor, but there's more to you than meets the eye. Are there any surprising skills or hobbies you're passionate about that might surprise us?

JB: Part of one’s growth is to ﬁnd joy and beauty in everyday life. As the CEO of Reggae Sumfest, I'm deeply passionate about music and culture, but what might surprise many is my love for travelling and staying informed through watching the news. Traveling allows me to explore new perspectives and cultures, which enriches my understanding of the global music scene. Watching the news helps me stay informed about current events and trends that can impact our industry, ensuring Reggae Sumfest remains at the forefront of innovation and cultural relevance. These passions complement my entrepreneurial endeavours, shaping my holistic approach to leadership and creativity in the entertainment world.

MR: Reggae Sumfest is legendary, but it wasn't always easy. What’s the toughest challenge you faced in making it the success it is today? How did you overcome those hurdles?

JB: Communication is indeed the cornerstone of success in any endeavour. In my experience, the ability to communicate effectively and speciﬁcally is crucial for maximizing potential, whether in business, personal relationships, or

community initiatives. However, what haveobserved in this culture is a tendency towards generality in communication, which often hampers progress and leads to misunderstandings.When people communicate in vague or general terms, it leaves too much room for interpretation. This can result in misaligned expectations, unclear objectives, and ultimately, ineffective execution. On the other hand, speciﬁc communication provides clarity and direction. It allows individuals to understand precisely what is expected of them and how they can contribute effectively. Transparency was another crucial element. made it a point to be open about my goals and plans for the festival. This included maintaining clear and honest communication with all stakeholders and ensuring that our actions matched our words. By being transparent about our intentions and operations, we could gradually dispel some of the mistrust and foster a sense ofcollaboration.

MR: Beyond business, what social or environmental causes are close to your heart?

JB: Beyond business, I am deeply passionate about education and youth empowerment. As a father, understand the critical importance of creating opportunities for young people to discover and develop their talents. I am dedicated to initiatives that provide access to quality education and mentorship programs that help guide the next generation towards success. Additionally, environmental sustainability is a cause very close to my heart. We have a responsibility to protect our planet for our children and future generations. I actively support initiatives that promote green practices and renewable energy. One of our notable efforts includes the annual beach cleanup, which not only helps preserve Jamaica’s beautiful coastlines but also raises awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship. These causes are integral to building a better future for our children and communities.

Staying true to your passions means dedicating yourself fully to your work. Even with setbacks or criticism, remain committed to your goals with unwavering determination. This passion becomes a source of energy and inspiration, driving you forward even when the path seems difficult

MR: As the principal investor in H&L, what potential do you see for the company and its people?

JB: H&L has immense potential to drive innovation and growth in Jamaica's hardware and home improvement sector. Our vision extends beyond simply being a market leader in retail; we aim to be a catalyst for change and progress within the industry and the country as a whole. The company's people are its greatest asset. Their dedication, creativity, and passion are what will propel H&L to new heights By fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, we can unlock new levels of creativity and efficiency. We are committed to providing our employees with ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge needed to excel in their roles. This not only beneﬁts the company but also empowers our staff to grow professionally and personally. We believe that when our employees thrive, theentire organization thrives.

Moreover, I see H&L not just as a business, but as a community partner that can contribute signiﬁcantly to national development. Through job creation and skills training, we can have a profound impact on local communities. We aim to create more employment opportunities, offering stable andrewarding careers to individuals across Jamaica. This, in turn, stimulates economic growth and enhances the quality of life for many families. Additionally, H&L is committed to community engagement and development

projects. We believe in giving back and supporting initiatives that beneﬁt society. This includes partnerships with local schools for vocational training, supporting community-building projects, and participating in environmental sustainability efforts. Our goal is to be a positive force in every community we touch, fostering a sense of shared purpose and mutual growth.

MR: We could all use a little wisdom sometimes. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received, something that's really stuck with you?

JB: Stay true to your passions and values, especially during challenges. When passionate and principled, you build a solid foundation to navigate adversity, overcome difficulties, and make decisions aligned with your long-term vision.

Marcus Richards: What ﬁrst ignited your love for music and events, and how did that lead you to Reggae

From left: Joe Bogdanovich, H&L principal investor and Marcus Richards, Managing Director.

H&L CREW WINS!

REGGAE SUMFEST BEACH CLEAN UP

The sun may have been blazing on Catherine Hall Beach, but it was no match for the ﬁery passion of the H&L Crew! Armed with trash bags and a whole lot of team spirit, our awesome volunteers joined the pre-Reggae Sumfest beach cleanup on June 15th, ready to tackle the sand and surf for a good cause. And the best news of the day? They didn't just collect garbagethey collected a whole lot of bragging rights too, winning the award for the most garbage collected by weight!

Joe Bogdanovich, CEO of Downsound Entertainment, producers of Reggae Sumfest, and H&L Director greets Kimberly Mason, Manager Retail Operations, H&L Rapid True Value and Breanna Brown, Cashier.

From left: Donville Brown, Claudia McKenzie, Marcus Richards, Kimberly Mason, Yanique Thorpe and Deslin Besley.

Joe Bogdanovich, CEO of Downsound Entertainment, producers of Reggae Sumfest, and H&L Director, alongside Marcus Richards, Managing Director of H&L.

Shevoy Anglin, Sales Associate and Kemar Coke, Warehouse Associate.

Santina Gray and Omelia Graham.

Santina Grey, Sales Associate and Tahrajhi Kameka.

H&L FAMILY'S LABOUR OF LOVE

A big thank you to the incredible H&L volunteers who spent their Labour Day armed with paint brushes and smiles! Your dedication brought a burst of color and joy to ﬁve primary schools across Jamaica, transforming them into vibrant spaces ready to nurture young minds. The "Painting for a Brighter Future" initiative saw our H&L family come together to paint not just walls, but a path towards brighter futures for the children of Tarrant Primary, Allman Town Primary, Braeton Primary, Cambridge Primary, and Duhaney Park Primary. This outpouring of love and service truly embodies the spirit of H&L and the power of community.

H&L Rapid True Value Spanish Town at Duhaney Park Primary School.

H&L Rapid True Value Montego Bay at Cambridge Primary School.

H&L Rapid True Value Portmore at Braeton Primary School.

H&L Rapid True Value Lane at Tarrant Primary School.

H&L Rapid True Value Montego Bay at Cambridge Primary School.

H&L Rapid True Value Cross Roads at Allman Town Primary School.

H&L Rapid True Value Portmore at Braeton Primary School.

H&L Rapid True Value Cross Roads at Tarrant Primary School.

H&L Rapid True Value Cross Roads at Allman Town Primary School.

H&L FIX-IT SQUAD

GET TO KNOW OUR FACILITIES DEPARTMENT

From the moment you step into the office until you lock up at night, the Facilities Department is your silent partner in success. This dynamic team doesn't just ﬁx problems; they anticipate needs and create solutions that keep our workplace humming with efficiency.

From ﬁxing a leaky faucet to managing a complex construction project, they've got you covered. The Facilities Department's comprehensive services include:

Furniture Management: Handling the installation, repair, and replacement of all office furniture.

Equipment Management Keeping your ACs humming, your saws sharp, and your generators running smoothly.

Property Management: Taking care of painting, plumbing, rooﬁng, tiling, electrical work, and more.

Occupational Health & Safety Implementing and maintaining a robust safety program to protect employees.

Waste Management: Ensuring proper disposal of waste and maintaining a clean and green workplace.

Janitorial Management: Keeping offices, warehouses, and bathrooms sparkling clean.

MEET THE TEAM (from left)

• Sean Crooks

Maintenance Associate

Lesmolaine Sewell Loss Prevention & Facilities Officer

Cornell Mitchel Automotive/Mechanical Technician

Robert Hill

Maintenance Associate

Shernet Clarke-Lunan

Facilities Manager

Alex Neil

Maintenance Associate

Pest Control: Keeping pests at bay to maintain a healthy and comfortable work environment.

Fleet Management: Ensuring that company vehicles and forklifts are safe, reliable, and well-maintained.

So, the next time you're brainstorming in a perfectly lit meeting room or driving a company vehicle that runs like a dream, remember to tip your hat to our Facilities team. They're not just maintaining our workspace; they're fuel in the engine of our success. Here's to the team that powers our productivity,one well-oiled cog at a time!

CELEBRATING HEATHER WELLINGTON

H&L PLEDGES J$25 MILLION TO AID NATIONAL RECOVERY FROM HURRICANE BERYL

A TOAST TO 22 YEARS OF HEART AND H&L MAGIC

For 22 incredible years, Heather Wellington has been an essential ingredient in our company's success. She didn't simply work here; she invested her passion and energy into every endeavour, brought creativity to every project, and left a lasting impression on us all. From her joyful laughter that ﬁlled the H&L Agro Mandeville store, where she served as Branch Manager, to her talent for ﬁnding solutions to the toughest challenges, Heather has been our constant source of inspiration. We raise a toast to celebrate the remarkable,

H&L is once again demonstrating its ﬁrm commitment to the nation in times of crisis. As Jamaica begins its recovery journey from the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl, H&L is stepping up to provide vital support. "We are dedicated to helping our communities heal and rebuild their lives," stated Managing Director Marcus Richards. "We believe that doing good business means doing good for our communities and our country."

H&L is partnering with public and private organizations to facilitate a return to to normalcy—helping Jamaicans return to their homes, jobs, and daily routines. Recognizing the crucial role of food security in the recovery process, H&L is prioritizing efforts to restore the food supply chain. Through our brands, H&L Rapid True Value and H&L Agro, the company is contributing J$25 million to the national recovery initiative. These funds will ensure food safety and security and help restore essential living conditions for those impacted by the hurricane.

HELP FOR H&L FAMILY:

We recognize that many of our own H&L family members have also been affected. We are establishing a special relief fund from our pledged J$25 million recovery donation. This fund will be available to H&L employees who have suffered losses or hardship due to the hurricane.

If you or your immediate family members need assistance, please submit a Your request should include a brief description of the hurricane's impact and the type of support

ASSESSMENT AND DISTRIBUTION:

After July 22nd, all requests will be carefully reviewed to determine the level of support we can provide. We will then distribute the recovery support

"The road to recovery is long, but we are steadfast in our commitment to being an integral part of this process," Marcus said. "With unity and the determination that deﬁnes the Jamaican spirit, we are conﬁdent we will

H&L Agro Mandeville family recently toasted Heather Wellington, former Branch Manager.

photo op with a 10-year H&L long-serving family member with a H&L sign in sight.

Identify a new product in our store, take a photo, and sell its features and beneﬁts.

Creativity is a must!

Huddle up with your H&L family members, create and record yourselves performing a Jingle around H&L Core Values.

To do or not to do, capture 5 ways in which your location promotes a safe and healthy environment.

Name all Brown Box locations.

I can be sharp or ﬂat with a bite, used by the car penter’s hand, what am I?

There is a certain person known for orchestrating our shelves like a conductor guides an orchestra, this person's decisions help shape the symphony of our store. Who wields such power?

Kit? Capture yourself with a fully stocked First Aid Kit.

Whoever they are, they have harnessed 10 bonus points that could be yours if you solve this riddle “What word begins and ends with the letter “e,” and usually contains one letter.

your next meeting online or face-to-face, capture a selﬁe with all attendees.

What special ingredient makes Lamno thin set unique?

Boss for the moment! Let’s see how you look with your feet propped up around your manager’s desk!

What are the three primary nutrients found in most fertilizers?

Be as creative as you can to spell out Hardware & Lumber. Make sure you capture the moment.

Name three days consecutively where none of the seven days of the week appear.

A picture tells 1000 words. Include yourself in a photo with unsuspecting colleagues doing their own thing but you will be creating your own storyline!

Find and share a photo or a scan of an old (5 years or older) company advertisement or ﬂyer or event.

Name and take pictures of the ﬁttings that are used to set up a toilet.

How has your client engagement been? Let’s hear your customer feedback.

Today marks the beginning of an epic adventure—a quest that will test your wit, creativity, and teamwork like never before.

Get ready to embark on a journey ﬁlled with clues challenges, and a dash of mystery as we explore the world’s everyday duties with a whole heap of fun!

5 winners will each receive $5000 H&L Cash plus a choice of one of these prizes:

• 16” Standing Fan with Remote Controlled

• 16” Standing Fan

• Samsung Galaxy A7 Tab

• Bubba Tumbler

• 10 Speed Blender

SUDOKU PUZZLE

Get ready to give you brain a workout with these fun and challenging puzzle!

Instructions: Sudoku is a puzzle game that involves a 9x9 grid, which is divided into 3x3 sections. The goal is to ﬁll the grid with the numbers 1–9, so that each row, column, and 3x3 section contains each number only once.

MENTAL HEALTH

A PERSONAL PRIORITY

In our busy lives, taking care of our mental health can sometimes be an afterthought. At H&L, we believe that your mental health is as important as your physical health and professional success. Mental health includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being and goes beyond the absence of mental illness. Your mental health is critical to your overall health and quality of life. We want to support you, not just as an employee, but as an individual.

WHY MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

Your mental health impacts every aspect of your life. It inﬂuences how you think, feel, and act, both at work and in your personal life. When you are feeling good mentally, you are more likely to be creative, engaged, and productive. Conversely, when you are struggling, it can be challenging to perform at your best and enjoy the things you love.

RECOGNISING WHEN YOU NEED SUPPORT

We must recognise that everyone has difficult days – life can, after all, be stressful, and 'adulting' is not easy. At times, those difficult days turn into weeks or months, and (heaven forbid), years.

Here are some signs that you might need a little extra support to help you cope:

• Physical Symptoms

Do you have frequent headaches, stomach issues, or feel constantly tired?

Is there a change in your appetite or unplanned/unexplained weight changes?

• Struggling to Focus

Is it harder to concentrate or get things done?

• Changes in Your Behaviour

Are you feeling more irritable or sad than usual? Have your eating and/or sleeping habits changed?

• Withdrawing from Others/Interests

Are you avoiding social interactions without tangible reasons or losing interest in activities you used to enjoy?

HOW WE SUPPORT YOU

At H&L, we want you to feel supported and valued. Here are some ways in which we are here to help:

Open Conversations

We encourage you to talk openly about mental health. Whether it is with your manager, your HRD, or a trusted colleague, we want you to feel safe discussing how you are feeling.

Balance Your Work and Life

We understand the importance of balance. We value your contribution, but there is such a thing as too much overtime – do not get there! Remember to use your holiday time to recharge.

Access Resources

Feel free to use the mental health resources available to you, such as conﬁdential counselling services through our partnership with Family Life Ministries. H&L will pay for up to six sessions per annum for our employees.

Taking Personal Steps

While we provide support, there are also things you can do to take care of your mental health:

• Practise Mindfulness/Relaxing Activities

Spend a few minutes each day meditating, doing deep breathing exercises, or practising yoga. Listen to music, read, spend time with mother nature, or engage in low-stress hobbies. This is therapeutic and can help!

• Stay Active

Regular physical activity can signiﬁcantly boost your mood and energy levels. Just 30 minutes each day does a world of good.

Contributors:

Roxan Long Human Resource Officer Jada Carke Human Resource Associate

HAPPENINGS

Check out this roundup of what we've been up to lately at H&L! We've been busy connecting with our amazing customers and communities through a whirlwind of awesome events. From farm shows showcasing the latest and greatest in agriculture, to spotlighting our valued customers, and even bringing the excitement to home expos, it's been non-stop action!

Jamaica Defence Force House and Home Expo.

Health, Home and Garden Expo at the National Stadium.

RJR Cross Country Invasion.

H&L Agro Reseller’s Road Tour.

Montpelier and St Mary Expo.

Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce Expo.

H&L Agro customer and former H&L Rapid True Value Manager Sharon Ahkin Chin Tai shows off an orchid from her garden.

Kingston Agrifest.

H&L Agro Blue Mountain Coffee training.

H& L Agro Onion Training programme.

H&L Agro Career Day Expo.

International Real Estate Conference.

BALANCING ACTS MARK YOUR CALENDARS

From prioritizing tasks to maintaining balance, these administrative professionals are dedicated to efficiency and success. Meet the Masters of Balance, saving the day one organised to-do list at a time!

Millicent Michael

For Millicent Michael, being an Administrative Assistant is more than just a job. "I enjoy getting to know the company's operating procedures and processes,” she shares, “which allows me to contribute to the organization’s goals.” Early on in her journey with H&L, a memorable welcome card from the Managing Director left a lasting impression and bolstered her enthusiasm for her journey ahead.

Millicent, who reports to the Managing Director’s office and works closely with the Facilities Department, ﬁnds success in her ability to prioritize tasks effectively. "Evaluating the importance and urgency of projects is the ﬁrst step,” she explains. Essential skills like time management, communication, and problemsolving are crucial in her role. Despite her dedication, Millicent knows the importance of balance. "Deliberately allocating time" for both professional and personal priorities is vital, she asserts. Her experience underscores the importance of transparency, adaptability, and maintaining a growth mindset.

Addaniekie Bromﬁeld

Addaniekie ﬁnds joy in the creative aspects of being an Administrative Assistant and making a tangible impact on office efficiency and team success. "I enjoy being creative and supporting my team in different ways,” she says. Her motivation stems from seeing the "positive outcomes" of her efforts and the "trust and appreciation" from her colleagues. A particular highlight was organizing her ﬁrst boardroom meeting, which showcased the importance of teamwork.

Addaniekie, the Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, prioritizes tasks by assessing them based on their urgency and importance. She often uses a to-do list to help her prioritize tasks effectively. Her administrative success is deﬁned by solid organization, stellar communication, adaptability, and anticipating team needs. She maintains balance by "setting clear boundaries" and disconnecting after hours. Her organizational approach blends digital tools, regular reviews, priority-setting, and orderly systems. Clear communication and discretion are powerful lessons she has learned from leadership.

Tricia Johns

Variety keeps Tricia Johns energized in her role as an Administrative Officer. "No two days are alike,” she says, emphasizing the dynamic nature of her job. Her motivation comes from "being able to meet daily objectives.” A standout memory for Tricia was the "award ceremony at Plantation Cove," which highlighted the rewards of her hard work.

Tricia supports our Managing Director, and when juggling multiple tasks, her strategy is clear. "Assessing each task and the respective deadlines, then deciding on resources needed," she shares. Versatility deﬁnes administrative success for her: "Being organized, the ability to manage time efficiently, being able to multitask and communicate" are all "essential" qualities.

Tricia maintains her work-life balance by "leaving the work-life behind when leaving the office,” ensuring a clear boundary between her professional and personal life. Staying organized requires "maintaining a things-to-do list, shifting tasks by importance and deadlines,” she adds. Patience, she notes, is an invaluable lesson learned from working with executives.

The next few months are packed with exciting events, promotions, and opportunities to celebrate together.

JULY

1st - 14th H&L Reggae Sumfest Summa Fix Summer Campaign & Catalogue Promotion. Get ready for hot new products and promotions!

14th - 20th Reggae Sumfest. Let's groove to the rhythm! 16th - 17th Stay tuned for the Brown Box Amazon Prime Day Offer.

JULY & AUGUST

H&L Rapid True Value unveils its Summer Catalogue.

AUGUST Employee Engagement Survey. Your feedback helps us build a better workplace.

1st & 6th Emancipation Day & Independence Day. Let's celebrate our freedom and national heritage!

4th - 6th The 70th Anniversary of the Denbigh Agricultural Industrial Show in Denbigh, Clarendon. H&L Agro is a proud sponsor.

15th H&L Kids Education Grants. We're proud to offer educational assistance to employees' children. Application details on page 1.

SEPTEMBER

15th Final Deadline for H&L Kids Education Grant Applications. Don't miss out!

21st International Day of Peace. Let's promote peace and understanding.

26th HR Professionals Appreciation Day. A special shout-out to our dedicated HR team.

TBA Clearance Sale. Stock up on school supplies and more.

28th World Plant a Tree Day. Let's make our planet greener together.

MAKING

BIG MOVES

Shevorn

Shennell

WHO'S NEW AT H&L?

REP YOUR SCHOOL 2024

FAMILY AFFAIR

Carlene Dinald Branch Manager

True Value Portmore

SETTING UP

Pot and Medium: Use a pot with good drainage. Orchids typically grow in special orchid potting mixes. Granite or igneous rock pebbles can be added to help stabilise the pot with the additional beneﬁt of improved drainage and aeration.

Lighting: Orchids need bright, indirect light. If the leaves turn yellow, they might be getting too much light; dark green leaves indicate too little light.

WATERING

Frequency: Water orchids about once a week. The frequency may vary depending on the environment, the potting medium used and the speciﬁc needs of the orchid species.

Method: Water thoroughly, allowing water to run through the pot and out the drainage holes. Do not let the pot sit in water, as this can lead to root rot.

HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE

Humidity: Orchids prefer a humid environment. Aim for humidity levels between 50-70%. Use a humidity tray or a room humidiﬁer, if necessary, especially if the plants are grown indoors.

Temperature: Most orchids thrive in temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and 55-65°F (13-18°C) at night.

ORCHID CARE MADE

EASY

Growing orchids can be a rewarding experience as these beautiful plants can add a touch of elegance to any space. Here are some steps and tips to help you successfully grow it yourself (GIY).

Remember to stock up during our Orchid Sales and pick up suggested products from any of our H&L AGRO and select

CHOOSING THE RIGHT ORCHID

Type of Orchid: There are many types of orchids, but for beginners, we recommend three types Phalaenopsis (Moth Orchid), Sun Vandas, and Dendrobiums due to their hardiness and ease of care.

Check the Health: When selecting an orchid, look for healthy, ﬁrm leaves and roots. Avoid plants with yellowing leaves or mushyroots.

FEEDING

Fertilizer: A balanced fertilizer Nutrex 20:20:20 is typically used to satisfy plant nutritional needs. Use a teaspoon per gallon of water to make a weak solution and apply weekly (sparingly) during the active growing season and once weekly during periods of dormancy.

Repotting

When to Repot: Repot orchids every 1-2 years or when the potting medium breaks down and no longer drains well.

How to Repot: Gently remove the orchid from its pot, shake off the old medium, trim any dead roots, and place it in the fresh orchid mix in a slightly larger pot.

Common Issues and Solutions

Pests: Check regularly for pests like aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Use a suitable pest management solution such as insecticides and miticides such as Vertimec, Selecron and Pegasus.

Diseases: Prevent fungal and bacterial infections by ensuring good air circulation and not overwatering. Treat any visible infections with appropriate fungicides or bactericides.

FLOWERING

Encouraging Blooms: To encourage blooming, ensure your orchid gets the right amount of light and temperature fluctuations between day and night. Some orchids also benefit from a rest period after flowering, where they are given less water and fertilizer.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow and enjoy the beauty of orchids in your home. Remember that patience and attention to the plant's needs are key to thriving orchids.

From left, Market Development Officers, Andre Gordon and Richard Grant share orchid care tips at a recent garden show.

Tired of ordinary suggestion boxes? We are too!

That's why we're inviting YOU to ignite change at H&L. Scan the QR code and unleash your ideas: Tell us what's working, what's not, and how we can make your H&L experience even better.

We want to celebrate your passions

Do you have a special skill or interest? Share your photos, videos, and stories on WhatsApp at 1-876-851-1786 or email them to hlhrd@hardwareandlumber.com by August 15th. Get featured in the next issue of H&L Connect and inspire your fellow H&L family.