The Growing Concern October 2015

Growing Concern

The

OCTOBER 2015

A P U B L I C AT 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 AT I O N

OLA Central Ohio Meeting Facility Tour October 15, 2015 PAGE 7

OLA Annual Meeting November 19, 2015 PAGE 35

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HELPING OVER 150 GREEN INDUSTRY CLIENTS

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

STEVE MOORE S.A.M. Landscaping, Inc.

FALL PROFITS It’s been a busy season. It’s been a great season. It’s been the best season we have ever had. All of those expressions is what I’ve heard everyone in the landscape industry saying. I can say without a doubt, that we have had the best season in many ways. First of all, our profit is better than ever. Secondly, the projects we have installed are unique in their own way and lastly, we have made it to my favorite time of the season…fall. That’s correct; fall is my favorite time of the year. Except if you ask me in April, I will tell you that the spring is my favorite time of the year. I think that’s just because I’m tired of the snow.

With fall upon us, it is time to put it in high gear and rake in a little extra profit prior to a long winter. Most customers are already preparing for what is coming in just a few short months. There are plenty of opportunities before the weather changes to add to your bottom line.

First, educate your clients that fall is a great time for planting or reseeding a lawn. Encourage them to thatch or aerate their lawn which pays big dividends down the road. A fall fertilization is also the best way to prepare a lawn for the upcoming months. Products for your fall seeding projects are in stock and ready for pick-up/ delivery at a number of our supplier member’s places of businesses.

A second service this coming fall to offer is seasonal color displays. Changing out the summer impatiens or begonias that have run their course with fall mums, ornamental grasses, or even pumpkins in the landscape will also put some green in your pocket. While on your client’s property don’t forget to offer planting bulbs like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinth, giving your client something to look forward to in the spring. Without a doubt, your fall planting materials can also be found at our member nurseries and garden centers.

This is also a great time of year to get with your existing clients and plan projects for this coming spring. Assuring them that they are the first stop in the spring may accelerate the purchasing process.

Just remember, if they do purchase, they will be looking for you on the first day the grass is visible. When designing your projects, please keep all of our supplier members in mind.

Also, this coming fall and then continuing through the winter, your OLA has numerous upcoming events to educate yourself, broaden your service offerings, and network with some of the best in the industry. Please check out the calendar of events at ohiolandscapers.org for more details. Here’s to a profit filled fall.

The Growing Concern x October 2015 x 3

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S O C T O B E R 2 0 1 5 W W W. O H I O L A N D S C A P E R S . O R G

OHIO’S PROFESSIONAL GREEN I N D U S T R Y A S S O C I AT I O N OHIO LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION 9240 Broadview Road Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147 Phone: 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521 Fax: 440-717-0004 Web: www.ohiolandscapers.org or www.myohiolandscape.com EDITOR Darlene Hess, Ohio Landscape Association REGULAR WRITERS Michael J. Donnellan, King Financial, Inc. Jim Funai, COLP, Cuyahoga Community College Shelley Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb Steve Moore, S.A.M. Landscaping, Inc.

ON THE COVER — Landscape Ohio! Award Winner Hidden Creek Landscaping, Inc.

FEATURES

3

PRESIDENT’S COLUMN

Fall Profits

8

PERENNIAL FOCUS

Aconitum Monkshood

12

16

PLANT OF THE MONTH

Corylopsis spicata Spike Winterhazel

FISCAL FITNESS

Retirement Income

20

FOR SAFETY SAKE

OSHA On-site Consultation

26 ARE YOU GIVING YOUR CUSTOMERS WHAT THEY REALLY WANT?

32

DIRECTIONS

Your Membership

INSIDE EVERY ISSUE

6 33

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS ADVERTISING INDEX

ADVERTISING INFORMATION Submission deadline: 10th of month prior to publication month. For advertising rates, please call 1-800-335-6521 DISCLAIMER The 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.

OFFICERS President Steve Moore President-Elect Bryan Taynor Treasurer Cathy Serafin, ASLA, RLA Immediate Past President Joe Twardzik, CID OLA STAFF Executive Director Sandy Munley Communications and Events Manager Darlene Hess Membership Coordinator Sue Whitlam

DIRECTORS Eric Brubeck, ASLA Adam Capiccioni Jacob Grimm Nathan Kowalsick Marie McConnell

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

OCTOBER

Landscape Industry Certified Technician Test – Written Only OCTOBER 6, 2015 Held on the campus of OSU ATI in Wooster, OH. Pre-register by September 14, 2015. Written test only will be given October 6 at ATI. For more information, contact Jan Elliott or Kim Sayers at the Ohio State ATI Business Training and Educational Services office at 330-287-7511, or 330-287-0100, or visit LandscapeCertifiedOhio.org.

OLA Central Ohio Meeting – Facility Tour OCTOBER 15, 2015 Join us for a behind the scenes tour of Hidden Creek Landscaping’s brand new facility in Hilliard, OH. For more information, contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521, or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

Landscapes 2015 OCTOBER 21-23, 2015 NALP’s Landscapes 2015 (formerly known as the GIC-Green Industry Conference) is held in conjunction with GIE + Expo each year in Louisville, KY. The conference has many educational and networking opportunities. For more information go to landcarenetwork.org

GIE + Expo & Hardscape North America OCTOBER 22-23, 2015 The Green Industry & Equipment Expo (GIE + Expo) and Hardscape North America are co-located in the Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, KY. The show includes a 19-acre outdoor demo area. For more information go to GIE+Expo.com.

NOVEMBER

Landscape Ohio! Awards Program Entry Deadline DECEMBER 11, 2015

This meeting will feature Charles VanderKooi as he delivers “Three Cultures That Run Through All Successful Companies.” This meeting will be held at St. Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Hts., OH. For information, contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521, or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

All 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.

OLA Annual Meeting NOVEMBER 19, 2015

DECEMBER

OLA Pruning – NE Ohio DECEMBER 1, 2015 Learn 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. Participants will receive pruning tools compliments of AM Leonard. For information, contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521, or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

OLA Pruning – Central Ohio DECEMBER 3, 2015 Learn 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. Participants will receive pruning tools compliments of AM Leonard. For information, contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521, or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

OTF Trade Show DECEMBER 8-10, 2015 49th Annual OTF Conference and Trade Show now featuring the OSU Green Industry Short Course! Held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. OLA is partnering with OTF for this event, and OLA members will receive member pricing on this event! Visit the OLA Booth at this show! For more information, contact OTF at 614-285-4683, or visit OTFShow.org.

JANUARY

CENTS Trade Show and Conference JANUARY 11-13, 2016 Visit the OLA booth at CENTS. Held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

For more information about the show, contact the ONLA at 800-825-5062.

OLA Meeting JANUARY 21, 2016 Details to be announced. This meeting will be held at St. Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Hts., OH. For information, contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521, or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

FEBRUARY

GREAT BIG HOME AND GARDEN SHOW FEBRUARY 5 - 14, 2016 Visit the OLA garden at the Great Big Home and Garden consumer show at the I-X Center in Cleveland, OH, 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.

The Growing Concern x October 2015 x 5

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

The Ohio Landscape Association is delighted to welcome the following new members to the association: REGULAR MEMBERS:

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:

EVERLAST LANDSCAPE GROUP LLC

BAKER VEHICLE SYSTEMS, INC.

4039 Hiram Rd. NW Canton, OH 44718 (330) 224-1176 Travis Warstler

9035 Freeway Drive Macedonia, OH 44056 (330) 467-2250 Rick Baker

FIORE’S GROUP, LLC

BOBBY LAYMAN CHEVROLET

PO Box 391 Novelty, OH 44072 (440) 591-0202 Nicholas Fiore

6 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

3900 W. Broad Street Columbus, OH 43228 (614) 275-0500 Bill Bowen

KEN HELMLINGER COMPANY

CHARDON WELDING, INC.

3645 Paragon Drive Columbus, OH 43228 (614) 777-0890 Debora Arnold

344 Center Street Chardon, OH 44024 (440) 285-7569 Amy Svoboda

LANDSCAPE ELITE

JOHN ALLIN CONSULTING

20930 Nicholas Avenue Euclid, OH 44123 (216) 404-7505 Mark A. Powell

PO Box 8503 Erie, PA 16505 (814) 452-3919 Kelly Gebler

NESSLEY’S LAWN CARE LLC

REPROS/SUN ART DECALS, INC.

PO Box 143 Sugar Grove, OH 43155 (740) 243-8180 Dave Nessley

3001 Superior Avenue Cleveland, OH 44114 (216) 696-7557 Jim Soppelsa

07.31.15 | Special advertising feature to Columbus Business First

OLA Central Ohio Meeting Announcement Hidden Creek - Palmetto Construction | palmettobuilds.com

Hidden Creek - Palmetto Construction | palmettobuilds.com

07.31.15 | Special advertising feature to Columbus Business First

Hidden Creek - Palmetto Construction | palmettobuilds.com

07.31.15 | Special advertising feature to Columbus Business First

October 15, 2015 Landscape Facility Tour HELD AT

Hidden Creek Landscaping Columbus, OH

Hidden Creek Landscaping builds new design enter with help from Palmetto Construction Hidden Creek Landscaping builds design Hidden Creek new Landscaping Inc. was AGENDA founded in 1998 by Matt Seiler and centerbuilds with help Palmetto Construction en Creek new from design Jason Cromley. While taking classes 5:00 Landscaping pm to 5:30 pm in Landscape Architecture at er withREGISTRATION help from Palmetto Construction together The Ohio State University, a mutual

H

ing Hidden Creek are turning to Palmetto idden Creek Landscaping has stick to our budget. We trusted him and for integrated facilities and project manbeen a leader in transformhe never let us down, staying on budget agement. We have the resources and ing and maintaining beautiand meeting our timeline, even when we scalability deliver sustainable busiful, functional outdoor living did the unthinkable and moved up the has ing Hidden Creek are turning to Palmetto idden Creek Landscaping stick to to our budget.

We trusted him and ness results.” spaces in central Ohio for the deadline.” for integrated facilities and project manbeen a leader in transformhe never let us down, staying on budget t 17 years. To better serve its clienagement. We have the resources and ing and maintaining beautiand meeting our timeline, even when we 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm “With a lot landscape and design/build and showcase its work, the company Working with Palmetto as the general living scalability to deliver sustainable busiful, functional theofunthinkable ing Hidden Creek did are turning to Palmetto moved up the en Creek Landscaping has stick to our budget. We trusted him and outdoor TOUR firms, clients rarely come to your office,” s looking to build aFACILITY new headquarters, contractor and M+A Architects on the de-for the ness results.” spaces in central Ohio deadline.” for integrated facilities and project mann a leader in transformhe never let us down, staying on budget says Cromley. “We wanted to bring clierations and design center. Hidden sign, the moved swiftlyserve alongitsa clienpastproject 17 years.

To better agement. We have the resources and and maintaining beautiand meeting our timeline, even when we ek chose Palmetto Construction as tight timeline.

Located on eight acres in ents to our facility to show them what “With a lot of landscape design/build and showcase work, the company Working with Palmetto 7:30 tothe 8:30 pmtele and scalability to deliver sustainable busi- as the general functional outdoor livingpmdid unthinkable moved upitsthe Hilliardwas justlooking inside the 270 outer the we’re contractor all about. We’ve made it easyon forthe debuilder of its new facility. firms, clients rarely come to your office,” to build a newbelt, headquarters, and M+A Architects ness results.” ces in central OhioNETWORKNG/SOCIAL for the deadline.”

HOUR/FOOD SERVED the homeowner to walk in and feel comnew location aff ords a more central point says Cromley. “We wanted to bring clioperations and design center. Hidden sign, the project moved swiftly along a To better serve its clienfortable.

They can see the types of matefor clients and quick access to freeways e’d known for a while that we wanted ents to our facility to show them what Creek chose as of landscape tight timeline.

Located on eight acres in “With a lot design/build case its work, the company Working with Palmetto as thePalmetto general Construction rials we’ll be using on their project, see for Hidden Creek’s field crews.

The propbuild a new facility that would serve we’re all about. We’ve made it easy for theArchitects builder ofon itsthe newdefacility.firms, clients rarely Hilliard inside comejust to your offthe ice,”270 outer belt, the build a new headquarters, contractor and M+A REGISTER ATTEND BY photosnew of our past projects and even see only as our headquarters but as aTOerty layout functions to integrate the the homeowner to walk in and feel comlocation ords clia more central point says Cromley. “We wanted toaff bring d design center. Hidden sign, the project moved swiftly along a their design projected on state-of-the art ce clients could come to see a vision landscape designs with the operational fortable. They can see the types of mate“We’d known for a while that we wanted for clients and quick access to freeways ents to our facility to show them what Palmetto Construction as tight5, timeline.

Located on eight acres in 2015 Low voltage LED lighting enhances the reclaimed TV screens.

They Creek’s get veryfield excited when what their finishedOCTOBER project might look aspects ofbuild building new projects. for Hidden crews.

The proprials we’ll be using on their project, see to a new facility that would serve we’re all about. We’ve made it easy for ts new facility.

Hilliard just inside the 270 outer belt, the wood Pergola/IPE blade wall at the Hidden Creek ,” said Jason Cromley, co-founder of seelayout it and functions envision it coming to entrance.photos erty of our past projects and even see notaonly our headquarters but as they a can Guests are welcomed with seasonal the homeowner to walk in and feel com- to integrate the new location affords moreas central point The development plan utilizes entire life.” den Creek. “We knew what we wanttheir design projected onand state-of-the art placeaccess clientsto could comethe tofortable. see a vision designs with the operational annual displays of outstanding color texture or a while that weHELD wanted AT for clients and quick freeways They canlandscape see the types of mateeight-acre site.their The building makes use of look in a new facility, and while we know from theTV ground up. They get very excited when what project might aspects of building screens. for Hidden Creek’soffield crews. finished The proprials we’ll be using on their project, new see projects. w facility that would serve struction, we don’t know this type of approximately 11,200 feet on two The new facility caters to clients and emthey can see it and envision it coming to like,” said Jasonsquare Cromley, of ur headquarters but as a erty layout functions to integrate the co-founder photos of our past projects and even see HIDDEN CREEK LANDSCAPING ployees alike, with its natural light, lush struction.” floors, housingCreek. all business operations, ommend life.”working with Jerry and his Hidden “We knew what wantThe development plan theirwe design projected on state-of-the artutilizes the entire ould come to see a vision landscape designs with the operational the design and operations of- know landscaping andsite. convenient parking. team at Palmetto,” 3940 ROAD ednew inCREEK acenter new facility, and while we Thewhen building makes useLED of Low voltage lighting enhances theCromley reclaimed says. “The inished project might look SCIOTO aspects ofDARBY building projects.

TV screens.

Theyeight-acre get very excited “We looked at larger11,200 firms to get ideas Cromley and his partner Matt Seiler, fices. The property features reclaimed process was very smooth.

Most projects wood blade wall at the Hidden Creek The new facility caters to clients and emconstruction, we don’taknow thiscan typesee of approximately square feetPergola/IPE on two they it and envision it coming to on Cromley, co-founder of HILLIARD, OH 43026 entrance.

Guests are welcomed with seasonal of what we might wantalltobusiness do and incornt on a search for the perfect fit in a barn wood entry pergola, a warehouse like this tend toalike, run behind, Palmetfloors, housing operations, ployees with its but natural light, lush life.”

“We knew what we wantThe developmentconstruction.” plan utilizes the entire annual displays ofdidn’t outstanding color and texture lder. They researched and talked with with three bays and six skylights, a deporated our favorite features,” Cromley to overpromise.

They stuck very the design center and operations oflandscaping and convenient parking. cility, and while we know eight-acre site. The building makes use of from the ground up. ous builders, but Cromley said they sign/build studio, aand fieldhis staff operations says. “Our was to build a spacea that closely“We to our budget and finished So, Cromley partner Matt Seiler, fices.goal The property features reclaimed looked at larger firms toeven get ideas The new facility caters to clients and emwe don’t know thisNO type ofCHARGE approximately 11,200 square feet on two TO ATTEND! w “right off the bat” that Palmetto room, a kitchen, a large conference room clients would enjoy, as well as one that faster than we had planned.

I couldn’t barn wood entry aommend warehouse of what might went on a search for the perfect fit alike, in a with floors, housing all business operations, ployees its natural light,pergola, lush working with we Jerry andwant his to do and incorour staff would look forward to coming s the right fit. and a maintenance studio. have been any happier with Palmetto three baysparking. and six skylights, deporated our says. favorite features,” Cromley builder. researched talked with andwith the design center and They operations of- andlandscaping convenient team ata Palmetto,” Cromley “The to work in each day.” and will continue to recommend them to that “OurMost goal was to build a space various builders, but Cromley they sign/build a field staff operations nd his partner Matt Seiler, fices. The property features a reclaimed “Wesaid looked at larger firms studio, to get ideas process was verysays. smooth. projects rry (Jerry Diodore, owner of Palmet“Cost knew reduction, productivity, and revthose clients lookingwould for a trusted construction enjoy, as well as one that “right off the bat” that Palmetto room, a kitchen, a large conference room barn wood entry pergola, a warehouse of what we might want to do and incorlike this tend to run behind, but Palmetrch for the perfect fit in a QUALIFIES And how the process,studio. working with enue was acceleration have become basic proved very quickly in the process partner.” the skylights, right fit. andwas afeatures,” maintenance our staff would look forward to coming with three bays and six a deporated our favorite Cromley to didn’t overpromise.

They stuck very esearched and talked with expectations from clients,” said Diodore.

Palmetto Construction? “I can’t say t he would listen to what we wanted, to work infinished each day.”

CEU’S says. “Our goal was to build a space that rs, but Cromley said they sign/build studio, a field2staff operations closely to our budget and even To learn more about Hidden Creek Landscaping, enough about how much we would recke recommendations and help us “That’s why so many companies includ(Jerry Diodore, of Palmet“Cost and revclients would enjoy, as reduction, well as oneproductivity, that ff the bat” that Palmetto room, a kitchen, a“Jerry large conference roomowner faster than wehttp://www.hiddencreeklandscaping.com/. had planned. I couldn’t visit And howwith was Palmetto the process, visit working with to)studio. proved very quickly in our the staff process enueforward acceleration have become basic Toany learnhappier more about Palmetto Construction, t. and a maintenance would look to coming have been Palmetto Construction? that he would listen to whattowe wanted, expectations from clients,” said Diodore. http://www.palmettobuilds.com/home.html#home. work in each day.” and will continue to recommend them to “I can’t say recommendations “That’s why so many companies about how much we would recDiodore, owner of Palmet“Cost reduction, make productivity, and rev- and help us those includlooking forenough a trusted construction

H

respect for hard work and creativity was discovered. With a shared vision on how projects should be installed and people should be treated, a business relationship was formed based on solid morals and friendship.

Hidden Creek’s brand new building sits on an eight-acre site. It is approxiLow voltage LED lighting enhances the reclaimed mately 11,200 square feet on two floors.

The facility houses wood Pergola/IPE blade wall at the Hidden Creek entrance.a Guests are welcomed with seasonal all business operations, including offices, design studio, annual displays of outstanding color and texture groundstaff up. a three-bay warehouse, six skylights,from a the field room, a maintenance studio, a kitchen and large conference ommend working withroom.

Jerry and his team at Palmetto,” Cromley says. “The

process was very can smooth.

Most projects They created a state-of-the-art facility where they bring like this tend to run behind, but Palmetclients to preview their landscape plan, see the types to didn’t overpromise. They of stuck very closely to and our budget and finished materials that will be used on their project photos of even faster than we had planned. I couldn’t past Hidden Creek projects. have been any happier with Palmetto

ry quickly in the process listen to what we wanted, mendations and help us

enue acceleration have become basic expectations from clients,” said Diodore.

“That’s why so many companies includ-

And how was the process, working with Palmetto Construction? “I can’t say enough about how much we would rec-

and will continue to recommend them to

those a trustedand construction Hidden Creek’s goal is to be recognized bylooking theirforpeers partner.” clients as one of the finest landscape design/build firms in To learn more about Hidden Creek Landscaping, Central Ohio with educated staff, innovative ideas, and visit http://www.hiddencreeklandscaping.com/. partner.”

To learn more about Palmetto Construction, visit dedication to continued growth and professionalism. http://www.palmettobuilds.com/home.html#home.

To learn more about Hidden Creek Landscaping, visit http://www.hiddencreeklandscaping.com/.

To learn more about Palmetto Construction, visit Welcome to the design center. An open space that is http://www.palmettobuilds.com/home.html#home. filled with natural light, clean lines, vibrant colors and natural building materials. Inspirational pictures from our portfolio make hidden creeks design center the best place to turn ideas to reality. Please make a point to tour our facility.

Join us for an enjoyable and informational evening.

Welcome to the design center. An open space that is

Welcome to the design center. An open space that is filled with natural light, clean lines, vibrant colors and natural building materials. Inspirational pictures from our portfolio make hidden creeks design center the best place to turn ideas to reality. Please make a point to tour our facility.

filled with natural light, clean lines, vibrant colors RSVP FOR YOUR COMPLIMENTARY ATTENDANCE BY OCTOBER 5, 2015 and natural building materials. Inspirational pictures from our portfolio make hidden creeks design REGISTER ONLINE AT OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG OR CALL THE OLA OFFICE AT 1-800-335-6521 center the best place to turn ideas to reality. Please make a point to tour our facility.

OR EMAIL INFO@OHIOLANDSCAPERS.ORG

PERENNIAL FOCUS

BOBBIE SCHWARTZ, FAPLD Bobbie’s Green Thumb

Aconitum carmichaelii ‘Arendsii’ with Thalictrum foliage

ACONITUM

MONKSHOOD

As temperatures drop and days grow shorter, fall-blooming perennials become more treasured for they reassure us that winter is not yet here. We still have blue skies and most species of the genus Aconitum are merely a deeper reflection of those skies.

Aconitum are beloved by those who live in deer country because the roots, leaves and stems of the plant are poisonous. This is not to say that we want to poison the deer – that would not be nice – we merely want to discourage them.

Most fall-blooming perennials are tall and Aconitum are no exception. They tend to be anywhere from three to five feet high

8 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

depending on species and cultivar. The stately spires of flowers bloom above foliage that is alternate and palmately divided.

Aconitum do best in full sun and adequate moisture. They will grow in partial shade but seem more prone to fungal diseases there which blacken the foliage. continued on page 10

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PERENNIAL FOCUS continued from pg 8 The best species for fall bloom is Aconitum carmichaelii, the Azure Monkshood. This sturdy perennial rarely needs staking and has dark blue flowers in the fall. Allan Armitage, the perennial guru, says that ‘Arendsii’ is the best cultivar and also the latest bloomer during the months of September and October. Mine does not usually bloom until October. Another excellent cultivar is ‘Barker’s Variety’ that has flowers of a deeper blue. Both grow four to five feet tall.

Another late blooming and hard to find species is Aconitum lamarckii. Its flowers are creamy white to pale yellow, rather than blue, and its stems are quite lanky, so I wind them through my Phlox paniculata and the Ilex crenata behind it.

If you like the look of Aconitum, you could also try the summer species of this perennial. Aconitum napellus (Common Monkshood) usually starts blooming in June. This three to four foot high species is the easiest to find. In addition to the blue hue of the species, the colors white and pink can be found in the cultivars ‘Album’ and ‘Carneum’ (‘Roseum’), although the pink becomes white, unless night temperatures are cool.

The best species for fall bloom is Aconitum carmichaelii, the Azure Monkshood.

Fall blooming Aconitum look wonderful with other perennials such as Eupatorium purpureum (Joe Pye Weed), Boltonia asteroides ‘Snowbank’ and Sedum ‘Matrona’. The Joe Pye is taller and has a bolder texture. The Boltonia is approximately the same height but has a much finer texture and the Sedum, with its bold and leathery foliage, is an excellent foreground perennial.

I recommend all of the Aconitum to you. If you use all of the species, one of them will be blooming from June to October.

Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, owner of Bobbie’s Green Thumb in Shaker Hts., Ohio,

Aconitum x cammarum (Bicolor Monkshood) will bloom variably from July to August depending on the cultivar, generally growing three to four feet tall. The spires are often branched and somewhat arched. ‘Bicolor’ is probably the best known cultivar and has blue and white flowers loosely born on wide branching panicles.

‘Bressingham Spire’ is a bit shorter with violet blue flowers in dense, upright panicles.

Aconitum lamarckii

10 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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.

www.willowaynurseries.com Corporate Offices / Main Nursery 4534 Center Road Avon, Ohio 44011-0299 Email: sales@willowaynurseries.com Toll Free: 866-934-4435 / Fax: 440-934-5826

Avon

Distribution Centers

4825 Center Rd. / Avon, Oh. 44011-0299 Toll Free: 866-934-4435 ext. 2251 / Local: 440-934-3813 Fax: 440-934-4621 E-mail: bowens@willowaynurseries.com Bill Owens, Manager

Columbus

6981 Scioto Darby Creek Road / Hilliard, Oh. 43026 Toll Free: 888-593-5999 / Local: 614-777-9859 Fax: 614-777-1276 E-mail: Jack@willowaynurseries.com Jack Johnston, Manager

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The Growing Concern x October 2015 x 11

PLANT OF THE MONTH

JIM FUNAI, COLP, LIC Cuyahoga Community College

SHELLEY FUNAI, LIC Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

Corylopsis spicata

CORYLOPSIS SPICATA

SPIKE WINTERHAZEL

Clear yellow. It is funny how the terms we use to describe plants do not always make much sense on their own. On a recent plant ID walk with his class, Jim was chuckling thinking about the many terms that have to be explained prior to describing the plant’s features and ID tips.

Clear yellow. We use this term to help distinguish good yellow fall color from a more dirty, spotted, browned, ugly yellow fall color.

Think about the common (European) Horsechestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)— there is nothing clear or clean about that yellow fall color. It has been so badly damaged by Guignardia leaf blight by the time autumn comes that you do not even notice the actual fall color.

Clear yellow. A great way to describe the fall color of this month’s plant. A greatly underused shrub for our landscapes, Spike Winterhazel should become part of your garden repertoire.

Corylopsis is a botanical tribute to the similar genus, Corylus (Hazel). Using the Latin suffix – opsis, meaning, “resembling” Corylopsis is a plant that “resembles the Hazels.” Other members of

One of the great features of this plant is the ability to take the spotlight when in bloom and then perform a great supporting role the rest of the season. the family may be more familiar including Witchhazel and Fothergilla.

While this time of year Winterhazels are changing from their beautiful bluish tinted green leaves to their perfectly clear yellow continued on page 14

12 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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PLANT OF THE MONTH continued from pg 12 (blemish free) fall color, it is perhaps the early spring when the plant shines the most. In late March or more often early April, two-inch long pendulous racemes decorate the bare branches with a soft, primrose yellow glow. The flowers are borne along the stems and dance in the slightest breeze for several weeks as each individual flower opens down the raceme. In contrast to the harsh, sharp yellow of Forsythia, this softer yellow glows beautifully in the sunlight of early spring gardens.

We have noticed that some Corylopsis have a very pleasant scent to the flowers, but not all.

This seems to be a function of genetic variation among the species. We would suggest discussing with your nursery supplier how they are propagating their plants and if you should expect any reliability of scent. In our experience, the staff at Klyn Nurseries is happy to share their hard work of sourcing the most reliable and suitable genetic variants of plants, a mark of a truly great nursery.

Spike Winterhazels (C. spicata) are native to Japan with a number of very close species ranging from the eastern edges of the Himalayas all the way across most of Asia to Japan. C. spicata is one found typically in well drained soils (but plenty of available moisture) among rock outcroppings and receiving nearly full sun.

It seems, however, that in cultivation you would be better off giving the plants protection from late afternoon sun and harsh northern winter winds. Perhaps, the most ideal location would be under a tall canopy of trees to provide some protection from the hottest and driest parts of the day. Flower production seems to be a function of sun exposure, but it is worth sacrificing a few flowers for the benefit of not killing the plant in drought.

While there are some cultivars in existence, we have not had much luck sourcing them from the nursery trade. Perhaps, due to the lack of popularity of the plant, which we aim to remedy with this introduction.

‘Ogon’ or ‘Golden Spring’ is a cultivar with bright yellow leaves for the beginning of the season, slowly fading to green as the heat kicks in mid summer. ‘Spring Purple’ is a cultivar we have not had the pleasure of seeing in person, but is reported to start the season with a deep purple foliage.

One of the great features of this plant is the ability to take the spotlight when in bloom and then perform a great supporting role the rest of the season. With leaves resembling the other members of the family, the bluish-green foliage makes a strong backdrop to a properly Photo by Sten Porse (own work by Sten Porse) [GFDL] planned succession of blooms and foliage. (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 Given proper space, we find this shrub to be Next time you are thinking about how to best left alone. No pruning needed! It will add some early spring interest to your likely reach an average height of about 5 feet, but be certain to garden and find yourself tired of plain old forsythia, perhaps this leave some space to spread as the branches will reach out up to plant is for you. Perhaps you’d like to set your landscape apart from about 10 feet (perhaps slightly more). The shrub will take some the cookie cutters as well – then, this plant is for you. If you plant time to reach a mature size, but with some patience, it will surely plants in the ground, this plant is for you! build a great backbone to a shrub border.

Another great feature of the plant is lack of any serious pest issues.

Its cousins, the Witch Hazels, will have issues with an aphid species that causes cone galls on the upper leaf surface. These insects need a species of Birch (especially River Birch) nearby to complete their life cycle and reach maximum aesthetic damage. While not life threatening to either species, it can be a bit of an eyesore. We have witnessed a few very rare cases where it seems the same aphid has done this to a Corylopsis, but it only seemed to happen when a River Birch is practically on top of the shrub. We say “no worries” on pests for this plant.

14 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Jim Funai is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a NALP accredited associate of applied science in horticulture degree program offering many paths to higher education in the green industry. He is pursuing a PhD in Landscape Engineering and Forestry and is a Licensed Arborist. Shelley Funai is 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. She is Landscape Industry Certified in Ornamental Plant Care. Both are graduates of The Ohio State University. Contact Jim and Shelley via email at hortsquad@gmail.com.

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FISCAL FITNESS

MICHAEL J. DONNELLAN King Financial, Inc.

RETIREMENT INCOME Managing your income is always important, but it becomes even more critical during retirement, when your income is from your savings rather than from wages and earnings. Because your source of income - which you saved so carefully during your working years - is limited during retirement, you need to ensure that it lasts through your retirement years.

The main concern I hear from retirees, and people close to retirement, is how much of their savings they can comfortably tap each year without placing their future lifestyle at risk.

Running some projections in my retirement calculator, $500,000 at retirement would last for approximately 30 years, taking out $3,000 per month, with a 6% rate of return. In that time frame, the cost of goods and services (inflation) should approximately double. That means the $3,000 in spending now would be closer to $6,000 25-30 years in the future.

There are many things to do when saving for retirement: creating a plan, choosing investments for that plan, selecting an advisor, etc. The most difficult step is to actually start. After that, it is important to continue investing toward the retirement goal.

16 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

The phrase “safe high-yield investments” is an oxymoron, like jumbo shrimp and honest politicians. Investments that promise fatter yields or hold out the prospect of above-average returns always come with more risk, whether it is in the form of more volatile returns or loss of principal. If anything, it is even more dangerous to stretch for loftier yields and returns today given the wild swings we have recently experienced in stock prices as well as the “iffy” shape many economies are in around the globe, and the possibility of higher interest rates in the not-too-distant future.

Granted, inflated risks on higher yielding investments may not always be apparent, and many investors lull themselves into a false sense of security by convincing themselves that higher risk is continued on page 18

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OLA Annual Meeting November 17, 2011 Page 7

Sales Clinic

For Landscape Professionals December 13, 2011 Page 13

How To Set Goals For New Employees Page 32

CONTACT THE OLA FOR MORE INFORMATION 1-800-335-6521 email: info@ohiolandscapers.org web: OhioLandscapers.org

phone:

The Growing Concern x October 2015 x 17

FISCAL FITNESS continued from pg 16 not there. But make no mistake, it is always lurking somewhere, ready to ensnare anyone who forgets that there is no free lunch in the investing world.

You do not have to look hard for instances where people stretching for plump yields got burned. For example, many investors drawn to emerging market bond funds in recent years (by payouts that were sometimes more than twice that of U.S. Treasuries) have experienced double-digit losses over the past 12 months as growth prospects for emerging market economies have begun to fade in the face of China’s economic troubles and falling commodity prices.

The 2008 financial crisis is replete with examples of individual investors who bought ultrashort bond funds or bank loan funds with generous payouts on the assumption that those investments were secure, only to see their values drop precipitously. All of which is to say, that you need to re-set your investment return expectations if not your entire investing strategy.

Each investor has specific needs, goals and risk tolerances. Keep your portfolio diversified and rebalance regularly.

18 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Investments that promise fatter yields or hold out the prospect of above-average returns always come with more risk‌ Like other aspects of financial planning, managing the income you will receive during retirement years requires careful planning.

Do not wait until you retire to start making your financial plans.

Instead, reassess your financial status during your pre-retirement years. Most importantly, talk to your financial advisor to determine your specific needs.

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.

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Support those who support You! They are...

• OLA members and advertisers who supply goods and services • OLA members who sponsor OLA events

You’ll find them...

• Inside the pages of the OLA Membership Directory • Among those advertising inside The Growing Concern and the OLA Membership Directory • Displaying as a sponsor at OLA meetings and education events • Inside The Growing Concern’s pages with event sponsor acknowledgements

The Growing Concern x October 2015 x 19

FOR SAFETY SAKE

OSHA ON-SITE CONSULTATION OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program offers free and confidential safety and occupational health advice to small and medium-sized businesses in all states across the country, with priority given to high-hazard worksites.

In FY 2014, responding to requests from small employers looking to create or improve their injury and illness prevention programs, OSHA’s On-site Consultation Program conducted approximately 27,000 visits to small business worksites covering over 1.25 million workers across the nation.

On-site Consultation services are separate from enforcement and do not result in penalties or citations. Consultants from state agencies or universities work with employers to identify workplace hazards, provide advice on compliance with OSHA standards, and assist in establishing injury and illness prevention programs.

PROGRAM INFORMATION AND BENEFITS Using a free consultation service largely funded by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), employers can find out about potential hazards at their worksites,

improve their occupational injury and illness prevention programs, and even qualify for a one-year exemption from routine OSHA inspections.

The service is delivered by state governments using well-trained professional staff. Most consultations take place on-site, though limited services away from the worksite are available.

Primarily targeted for smaller businesses, this safety and health consultation program is completely separate from the OSHA inspection effort. In addition, no citations are issued or penalties proposed.

It’s confidential, too. Your name, your firm’s name, and any information you provide about your workplace, plus any unsafe or unhealthful working conditions that the consultant uncovers, will not be reported routinely to the OSHA inspection staff.

Your only obligation will be to correct serious job safety and health hazards — a commitment which you are expected to make prior to the actual visit and carry out in a timely manner. continued on page 22

20 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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FOR SAFETY SAKE continued from pg 20 BENEFITS Your Workforce – An effective workplace injury and illness prevention program at your worksite(s) will enable you to: • Recognize and remove hazards from your workplace.

• Protect your workers from injury and illness.

• Prevent loss of life at your worksite.

• Cultivate informed and alert employees who take responsibility for their own and their coworkers’ safety and for worksite safety as a whole.

• Improve employee morale.

Your Managers – An increased understanding of workplace hazards and remedies will put your managers in a better position to: • Comply with federal and state safety and health requirements.

• Become more effective at their jobs. Management experts believe that a company with a well-managed injury and illness prevention program enjoys better overall management.

• Increase productivity rates and assure product quality.

Your Business as a Whole – An exemplary workplace injury and illness prevention program is “good business sense” that also makes financial sense because it will allow you to: • L earn first-hand that the cost of accident prevention is far lower than the cost of accidents.

• Improve the bottom line by: o Lowering injury and illness rates, o Decreasing workers’ compensation costs, o Reducing lost workdays, and o Limiting equipment damage and product losses.

And if you are a small business employer, you may be eligible for another great benefit – recognition by the state and OSHA through participation in the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).

WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN ON-SITE CONSULTATION VISIT? Because consultation is a voluntary activity, you must request it.

To make a request, locate your state’s Consultation Program’s contact information using the OSHA Consultation Directory. The consultant will discuss your specific needs with you and set up a

22 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

visit date based on the priority assigned to your request, your work schedule, and the time needed for the consultant to adequately prepare to serve you. OSHA encourages a complete review of your firm’s safety and health situation; however, if you wish you may limit the visit to one or more specific problems.

Opening Conference – When the consultant arrives at your worksite for the scheduled visit, he or she will first meet with you in an opening conference to briefly review the consultant’s role and the obligation you incur as an employer.

Walk Through – Together, you and the consultant will examine conditions in your workplace. OSHA strongly encourages maximum employee participation in the walk-through. Better informed and more alert employees can more easily work with you to identify and correct potential injury and illness hazards in your workplace. Talking with employees during the walk-through helps the consultant identify and judge the nature and extent of specific hazards.

The consultant will study your entire workplace or the specific operations you designate and discuss the applicable OSHA standards. Consultants also will point out other safety or health risks that might not be cited under OSHA standards, but nevertheless may pose safety or health risks to your employees.

They may suggest and even provide other measures such as self-inspection and safety and health training you and your employees can use to prevent future hazardous situations.

A comprehensive consultation also includes (1) appraisal of all mechanical and environmental hazards and physical work practices, (2) appraisal of the present injury and illness prevention program or establishment of one, (3) a conference with management on findings, (4) a written report of recommendations and agreements, and (5) training and assistance with implementing recommendations.

Closing Conference – The consultant will then review detailed findings with you in a closing conference. You will learn not only what you need to improve, but also what you are doing right. At that time you can discuss problems, possible solutions and abatement periods to eliminate or control any serious hazards identified during the walk-through. In rare instances, the consultant may find an “imminent danger” situation during the

Effective and Affordable Advertising for Green Industry Suppliers walk-through. If so, you must take immediate action to protect all employees. In certain other situations that would be judged a “serious violation” under OSHA criteria, you and the consultant are required to develop and agree to a reasonable plan and schedule to eliminate or control that hazard. The consultants will offer general approaches and options to you. They may also suggest other sources for technical help.

Abatement and Follow Through – Following the closing conference, the consultant will send you a detailed written report explaining the findings and confirming any abatement periods agreed upon. Consultants may also contact you from time to time to check your progress. You, of course, may always contact them for assistance. Ultimately, OSHA requires hazard abatement so that each consultation visit achieves its objective – effective employee protection. If you fail to eliminate or control identified serious hazards (or an imminent danger) according to the plan and within the limits agreed upon or an agreed-upon extension, the situation must be referred from consultation to an OSHA enforcement office for appropriate action. This has rarely occurred in the past.

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THE ON-SITE CONSULTANTS WILL: • Help you recognize hazards in your workplace • S uggest general approaches or options for solving a safety or health problem • Identify kinds of help available if you need further assistance • Provide you a written report summarizing findings • A ssist you to develop or maintain an effective injury and illness prevention program • Provide training and education for you and your employees

THE ON-SITE CONSULTANTS WILL NOT: • Issue citations or propose penalties for violations of OSHA standards • Report possible violations to OSHA enforcement staff • Guarantee that your workplace will “pass” an OSHA inspection

Drainage Clinic November 9, 2011 Page 17

OLA Annual Meeting November 17, 2011 Page 7

Sales Clinic

For Landscape Professionals December 13, 2011 Page 13

How To Set Goals For New Employees Page 32

Beautiful and full color throughout, The Growing Concern provides Ohio’s green industry advertisers an extremely cost-effective option to deliver their message!

CONTACT THE OLA FOR MORE INFORMATION phone: 1-800-335-6521 email: info@ohiolandscapers.org web: OhioLandscapers.org

The Growing Concern x October 2015 x 23

DoN’T ForGET The Time is Now to Take Photos of Your Jobs!

Rules and Entry Forms Available Now! visit www.ohiolandscapers.org or call the OLA at 1-800-335-6521 Entries are due Friday, December 11th by 5 pm at the OLA office.

TIPS To ENTEr Fight the Urge to Procrastinate • Keep designs current and show the job as it was actually installed.

• Take pictures throughout the different seasons-especially if entering for seasonal color!

• Always carry a camera with you. It is easier than finding time to get back at a later date and missing that perfect photo opportunity.

• Take plenty of shots so that you can submit the very best.

• Take pictures early enough so that you have time to shoot again if needed.

• Take before and after shots from the same location.

Let the Picture Tell the Story • Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words.

• If you framed a great view, created an outdoor room or have a great focal point, allow the picture to show it.

• Use appropriate lighting - Judges can’t make out details of dark or bleached out pictures. Morning, late afternoon, or cloudy days are often better for your photo shoot.

Allow the Jobs to Mature • Sometimes a season or two of growth on plants or aging of fresh cut stone can make an average job a great one.

(Make sure that the project is maintained.)

• Projects that are up to 5 years old qualify to enter.

Help the Project Look "Lived In" • You created an outdoor room. If the grill is in the garage, move it out to the patio. If the table umbrella is closed, open it. Cushions can also add color and warmth.

• Also, an empty bench or table looks better with a pitcher of iced tea and a pair of drinking glasses on it.

Tidy Up Before You Shoot • Remove any debris or clutter such as litter, leaves, garbage cans, children’s toys or hoses.

• Shoot High - Shoot Low • Sometimes the angle of a shot can make a nice picture even better.

• Be creative - take aerial shots from a ladder or rooftop, but remember to put safety first!

• Shoot low to the ground or from inside a planting bed with the tops of a tree, shrub, or some flowers framing the picture.

Sell the Project • Explain how you solved a unique problem, met some unusual challenge, or worked out a difficult client request.

• Be sure to note if you feel one part of the garden is of questionable taste, but was a client’s desire or own addition.

• If you enter a project in more than one category, always write a new description that relates to the category and describes details relevant to that category.

Make the Judges' Job Easy • Your photos and descriptions should represent the work you did on the property. Work done by others should not be the focal point of your entry photos and descriptions.

• Be very concise and to the point in the descriptions of your project. Do not exceed the word limits, but do tell your story. However, be sure to explain your project thoroughly. Saying only “view from the east, view from the west, etc.” does not help the judges understand your project.

• Make sure that designs are readable and that the photos are in their proper sequence.

Think BIG • Even the smallest of jobs can be an award winner!

• Occasionally, it may be advantageous to enter a particular section of a larger project.

• Be confident! If you have never entered in the past, don’t be intimidated.

Never, Never, Never Quit • If at first you don’t succeed, try again.

• Network with association members and others who have entered projects in the past.

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dEadLinE TO EnTER dEcEMBER 11, 2015 Rules, Regulations, and Entry Forms Available Now.

Are You Giving Your Customers What They Really Want?

BY TOM BORG, TOM BORG CONSULTING, LLC There was a study about customer satisfaction that was conducted by a research group. The results were so startling that it quickly became obvious that the outcome could apply to all types and sizes of businesses and organizations, including the green industry. The study centered on what customers really want to know about the people from whom they are buying.

Among other things, the research revealed that the customers want to know the answers to four questions about the person serving them: 1. Do you like me?

2. Do you care about me?

3. Can I trust you?

4. Do you know what you’re talking about?

Let’s take a look and see how this would apply to your green industry company.

The first thing your customers want to know is if the employee or manager that they encounter is sincere. Does your representative use their name? Does he really listen and have a sincere understanding in his voice?

Let’s face it. Being in business is not really about you or your team, as much as it is all about the customer you’re trying to serve. As the late Peter Drucker taught us, the purpose of any company for being in business is to find and keep customers. And since it is the customer who ultimately signs our paycheck, it would be extremely important to create an atmosphere where your customers feel they continued on page 28

26 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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continued from pg 26 are liked and appreciated. If your customers do not get the impression that they are respected and genuinely liked by you and your employees, it will be hard to keep them.

The second question customers want to know the answer to is, did the representative sincerely care about them? It has been said that “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” Your customer will get a pretty good idea whether or not they are liked from the type of questions they are asked by your managers or employees. The tone of voice, body language, the little things they say or do, and how helpful they try to be in solving the customers’ problems, all indicate if and how much they do care about the person they are serving.

A good example of this is one of my clients, Tuff Turf Molebusters, located near Grand Rapids, Michigan.

This green business makes it a point to train their technicians to sincerely listen to their customers whether they are on the phone or onsite servicing the account. Even when the customer just wants to discuss the weather or some other trivia, the technician purposely spends a few extra minutes to just simply listen to the person.

When people really know that you care about them, they are much more forgiving when an error is made. It is like a scale. An analogy I like to use in my consulting or seminars is that it’s like when you weigh beans. More beans on one side of the scale will tip it in that direction. In your business, the beans are the little things you and your team do to show the customer that you like and care about them. So when there are a lot of extra beans on the right side of the scale, you have the advantage in keeping your customers satisfied.

The third question customers want answered is, can they trust the representative? Indications of trust can be seen in how confident your team member is and if he follows through as promised. Here’s one example of how trust can be lost; it happened to our family. A well-known lawn fertilization company that was servicing us violated our trust by misdiagnosing a problem we were having with some vegetation in a section of our yard. As a result, I made a decision that we no longer needed the services of this company.

It was easy to make that decision, because I no longer believed the technician servicing our property had our best interest at heart. I got the impression that he was trying to sell us something I did not need or want; once discovered, I regretted the purchase. Customers are wary of misleading advice that can cost them unnecessary expense and embarrassment.

Once your customers begin to doubt your employee’s ability to tell the truth, you are in great danger of losing that person’s trust

28 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

forever. We call that the final five yards. It does not matter how well everyone else in your company performs. When that frontline employee, who is interacting with that costumer, fails, the entire company is judged. Many times this judgement will end to a loss of confidence, followed by the customer going to one of your competitors for service or products.

Finally, the fourth thing people who buy from you want to know is if the person servicing them is knowledgeable and competent.

Some years ago, when we had a new home built, we hired a company to install our irrigation system. The installation technicians showed up before the underground utilities had been flagged. Since we were not home to stop them, they proceeded to install the sprinkler system and cut our telephone line in two places, rendering our phone system useless. They installed the sprinkler system, but in their haste to do so, created an enormous amount of annoyance and aggravation for my wife and me. In our eyes, these technicians had crossed the line of incompetence.

When your personnel can consistently demonstrate that they are knowledgeable and competent, it will build confidence in your customers. When your team is able to solve problems and successfully exceed the expectations of the people they are serving, only good things can happen. The customer will come to expect and rely on you and your team’s professionalism and experience.

When your customers believe in your company, repeat business and referrals are almost always certain.

Of course, in order for these four questions to be answered, your team needs to be trained properly. The responsibility for whether or not they are trained ultimately rests with the owner and management. Proper employee selection, and a consistent commitment to implementing the training processes, will ensure your long-term success.

So, in summary, to build lifetime customer satisfaction, make sure your company is able to provide the kind of customer-service training that will help your employees answer these four questions on a regular basis, with all of the customers they serve. When you are able to do that, you will be separating your business from the sea of mediocrity of green industry companies that you are competing with.

Tom Borg is a business expert who works with small and mid-sized green industry companies to profitably gain and retain customers through the use of his consulting, speaking, videos and professional writing. To ask him a question or to consult with Tom, contact him at: 734-404-5909 or email him at: tom@tomborg.com or visit his website at: www.tomborgconsulting.com.

your

par ner

for

success The OLA helps its members take their business to the next level with its educational programs and seminars, networking opportunities, and with the determination to increase public awareness of the professionalism of the green industry.

Submit your OLA membership application today and

instantly SAVE $50 off your initial membership dues! visit ohiolandscapers.org to complete the membership application online and learn about the additional ways the

ola will help your business grow and save you money!

OLA EDUCATION SERIES

DORMANT

CLINIC

PRUNING

Presented by

December 1, 2015

December 3, 2015

8:30 am to 12:00 pm

8:30 am to 12:00 pm

Held at Willoway Nurseries

Held at Willoway Nurseries

NORTHEAST OHIO

Sponsored & Hosted by

CENTRAL OHIO

Avon, OH

Hilliard, OH

Instructed by Elliott H. Schaffer, ISA Certified Arborist/Horticulturist Giveaway Item Sponsored by

Qualifies for 3.5 CEUs for Landscape Industry Certified

Environmental Horticultural Services

The 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.

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.

December 1st Clinic - Northeast Ohio

December 3rd Clinic - Central Ohio

Register On Time, Payment Received Before 11/23/15

Register On Time, Payment Received Before 11/23/15

OLA Members $69

NON Members $99

Register Late, Payment Received After 11/23/15

Register Late, Payment Received After 11/23/15

OLA Members $99

NON Members $129

Firm

Contact

Address City

State

Phone (______)

Fax (______)

Zip

Email

NAME OF ATTENDEE

CLASS CHOICE

 Check No. ___________ Enclosed

FEE

 December 1st - Avon

 December 3rd - Hilliard

$

 December 1st - Avon

 December 3rd - Hilliard

$

 December 1st - Avon

 December 3rd - Hilliard

$

 December 1st - Avon

 December 3rd - Hilliard

$

Charge to my  MasterCard

 Visa

TOTAL DUE $

Acct. No.

Exp. Date

Name on Card

Signature

Billing Address + Zipcode for Card

Last Three Digits on Signature Line

DORMANT PRUNING CLINIC

Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview Rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147 30 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Register online, by mail, by phone or by fax: Phone 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521 • Fax 440-717-0004 • www.ohiolandscapers.org

SWEET PEET Washed Gravel royaltonsupply@hotmail.com Sand & Boulders www.royaltonsupply.com Organic Fertilizer Decorative Stone Contact Jayson Koch Natural Stone Palletized After 15Mulch successful years we are retiring.

Groundscape Rubber Approximately 10 Acres of Mix Use property with rental income in a high-traffic area. & Much More!

Fax: (440) 582-5208 Call Jerry Koch at 440-572-1888 www.royaltonsupply.com

BUSINESS AND PROPERTY FOR SALE

440-582-5200

Royalton Supply.indd 1

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Abbey Rd.

2 LOCATIONS TO S

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Abbey Rd.

W. 130th

W. 130th

11528Royalton RoyaltonRoad Road 11528 North Royalton, OH North Royalton, OH44133 44133

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The Growing Concern x October 2015 x 31

DIRECTIONS

SANDY MUNLEY Executive Director Ohio Landscape Association

Participants at the Successful Plant Combinations Clinic collaborate over landscape plans.

YOUR MEMBERSHIP We couldn’t do it without you! The OLA has been very fortunate over the years to have wonderful members! Each member finds their own unique way(s) to be a part of our organization and we need and value every one of you!

Membership in the OLA leads to business contacts that can result in new business opportunities and helps you to solve problems you may be having in your own business. Why not tap into the years of experience of others? Many times you don’t have to reinvent the wheel and you can save a lot of time and money.

Don’t forget, the OLA is run by OLA members! Our board of directors is made up of members who have your best interest at heart. They work with committee members to pinpoint the issues that are important to your business and they find ways that OLA can help you.

32 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Our programs committee works to organize our evening meetings that concentrate on business topics. These meetings are a great time to meet others in the association. On October 15th, the evening meeting will be a facility tour of Hidden Creek Landscaping in Hilliard. Not only will you get to tour Hidden Creek’s brand new, state-of-the-art building, but you will learn how they run their landscape company and why they do what they do. November 19th is OLA’s annual meeting. We will have Charles VanderKooi as our guest speaker. Charles is a nationally continued on page 34

ADVERTISING INDEX

36 Belgard Hardscapes

2 Botson Insurance Group, Inc.

27 Davis Tree Farm & Nursery, Inc.

34 Irrigation Supply, Inc.

19 Kurtz Bros., Inc.

27 Mason Structural Steel, Inc.

17 Medina Sod Farms, Inc.

21 MRLM Landscape Materials/

11 Ohio Nursery & Landscape

JTO, Inc.

Association

21 O’Reilly Equipment, LLC

31 Royalton Supply Landscape Center

19 Shearer Equipment

31 Sohar’s / RCPW, Inc.

15 Unilock

9 Valley City Supply

17 VanCuren Tree Services, Inc.

11 Willoway Nurseries, Inc. WDC

6 Zoresco Equipment Company

LOOKING FOR OUR CLASSIFIEDS? Looking for our Classified and Help Wanted ads normally published here? You’ll find them at ohiolandscapers.org or myohiolandscape.com.

Interested in purchasing space to run your own ad? The information below should prove useful.

HELP WANTED ADS Help Wanted ads are posted on both our industry website ohiolandscapers.org and our consumer website myohiolandscape.com CLASSIFIED ADS (I.E. Equipment for sale) Classified ads are posted on our industry website ohiolandscapers.org COST MEMBERS: $35 plus $3 for each 10 words for 30 days.

NON MEMBER: $70 plus $3 for each 10 words for 30 days.

PAYMENT All classified advertising must be prepaid. Mastercard or Visa can be taken over the phone. In most cases, online posting will occur within 2 business days once payment is received.

Please send all inquiries and ad content to: info@ohiolandscapers.org or call the OLA office at 440-717-0002.

OLA Classified Ad Half Vertical.indd 1

The Growing Concern x October 2015 x 33

2/2/2015 10:35:34 AM

DIRECTIONS continued from pg 32 known consultant in the contracting industry and always has an entertaining and valuable message. The annual meeting is also your chance to vote for our board of directors.

Our education committee finds topics for our seminars. Topics for these can be either technical or management based. They are a great way for you to train your employees. For example, the technical skills learned at our upcoming Dormant Pruning Clinics will give your employees the knowledge they need to use immediately out in the field. The investment in this training will come right back to you! Our recent Successful Plant Combinations Clinic helped landscape designers fine tune their skills.

Participation in OLA’s Landscape Ohio! Awards program is a great way to boost staff morale and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment in the work that your company produces. Many of our members use it to enhance their team building efforts. The program is a celebration of the great work you do and we make sure the public knows by publishing the winners in Landscape Ohio! Magazine through our partnership with Ohio Magazine and Cleveland Magazine.

OLA also has money saving programs like our Group Rated Workers’ Compensation program. Many members are saving thousands of dollars on their worker compensation premiums.

If you aren’t one of them, please give us a call!

These are just a few of the ways that the Ohio Landscape Association benefits your business. We hope we are hitting the mark and that you will continue your support and involvement with OLA. October is membership renewal month. Our membership year begins on November 1, 2015 and runs through October 31, 2016. So, please take a moment and renew your membership TODAY! We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming OLA events!

34 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

OLA ANNUAL MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT THREE CULTURES THAT RUN THROUGH ALL SUCCESSFUL COMPANIES. November 19, 2015 Featuring

Charles Vander Kooi Vander Kooi and Associates

Financial success is no accident. It takes building the right culture with your organization and executing a good plan to succeed.

Charles Vander Kooi

will share with us the three cultures that he has witnessed in every successful and profitable landscape company that he has dealt with. Join us to learn what these three cultures are and find out if you are on the track to success or if you need to make some changes in the way your company runs.

Charles has been involved in the construction industry for over 4 decades as an estimator and upper-management employee of companies as well as a professional speaker and consultant. He has bid over a billion dollars in work over his career. As a private consultant, he has helped over 1,500 companies in their estimating/bidding systems and has lectured to over 200,000 people nationally and internationally.

This presentation promises to be informational and entertaining. Please join us for a session that might change the future of your business!

7:00 pm to 7:30 pm OLA Annual Meeting

REGISTER TO ATTEND BY NOVEMBER 5, 2015 HELD AT St. Michael’s Woodside 5025 Mill Road Broadview Heights, OH

7:30 pm to 9:00 pm Program

FREE to OLA Members NON-Members $30

AGENDA 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Registration / Networking Food / Cash Bar

RSVP by November 9, 2015

Register online at www.ohiolandscapers.org, or call the OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or email info@ohiolandscapers.org

9240 Broadview Road Broadview Hts., OH 44147-2517

10/15

GROW YOUR

BUSINESS Explore how with a FREE Belgard Guide Book Visit www.belgard.com/gb

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