TheConcernGrowing
A PUBLICATION OF THE OHIO LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION
RYAN DRAKE
J.F.D. Landscapes, Inc.
OLD MAN WINTER IS KNOCKING AT THE DOOR!
Whether we like it or not the changing of the season is upon us. I am sure some of you are excited about the upcoming snow season, some of you are looking forward to some time off, and some of you are closing your eyes and hoping when you open them again it is April already. The shoulder seasons are tough to deal with, one foot in fall, and one foot in winter. On one hand we are all running hard trying to wrap up projects and get leaves cleaned up, but on the other hand we need to slow down and prepare for the winter. It is easy to run hard from fall into winter and be a little run down. Make sure to keep an eye on the full time crews as there is nothing worse than pushing hard in the fall to be burned out going into winter.
Safety in our industry especially is paramount and lapses in judgement due to being burned out can be dangerous. We all have been there plowing snow wondering if that light post in front us is an actual light post or the Yeti flagging us down. Preparing the crews on how to take care of themselves
going into winter is key. We all have to put in some long hours to get the work done, but educating crews on how to take care of themselves in their off time is beneficial in doing a good job on the clock. Educating crews on the importance of getting a good night’s rest, staying hydrated the night before, eating good foods, blowing off some steam in a healthy manner of course, as well as monitoring their mental and physical health. Easier said than done of course, especially those young guys that like to play hard and work hard, if I make it to 10pm that is a late night!
As with most of us in this industry, these are all lessons learned the hard way, so it can be helpful to share some good learning lessons we have all had with the crews to help them relate. For example, I know that I have to have a set plan going into the next day, gives me peace of mind and allows me to make minor changes in the morning, then follow and execute on the plan. I also know that if I am not feeling well, it probably would be a good idea to stay up late, past 10pm,
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OHIO’S PROFESSIONAL GREEN INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
OHIO LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION
9240 Broadview Road
Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147
Phone: 440.717.0002
Toll Free: 1.800.335.6521
Web: www.ohiolandscapers.org and www.myohiolandscape.com
REGULAR WRITERS
Michael J. Donnellan, M3 Wealth Management
Jim Funai, PhD, Cuyahoga Community College
Shelley Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
Ryan Drake, J.F.D. Landscapes, Inc.
Patty Lampert, Ohio Landscape Association
Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb
ADVERTISING INFORMATION
Submission deadline: 10th of the month, prior to the month of magazine publication. For advertising and ad specs, please call 440.717.0002, and ask for Patty Lampert.
DISCLAIMER
The Ohio Landscape Association, its board of directors, staff and the editor of The Growing Concern neither endorse any product(s) or attests to the validity of any statements made about products mentioned in this, past or subsequent issues of this publication. Similarly, the opinions expressed in The Growing Concern are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Landscape Association.
OLA STAFF
President
President
Brandon
Treasurer
Matt
Immediate
Cameron
DIRECTORS
Jeffrey
Jason
Amy
Gil
Tom
Executive Director
Patty Lampert
Membership Coordinator
Melissa Roberts
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
UPCOMING OLA MEETINGS, EDUCATION SEMINARS & EVENTS
NOVEMBER 2025
NOVEMBER 4 AND 13
SANDLER SALES TRAINING
LOCATION: MP SOLUTIONS
TRAINING FACILITY, 6060 Rockside Woods Blvd., Suite 105, Independence, OH 44131
DATE & TIME:
November 4 and 13, 2025, 8:00 am-12:00 pm
PRESENTER: Rob Yoho, Principal at Sandler Training Powered By MP Solutions Inc.
NOVEMBER 8
SANDY MUNLEY’S RETIREMENT PARTY
LOCATION:
WILD EAGLE STEAK & SALOON
The Patio, 5001 East Royalton Road, Broadview Heights, OH 44147
DATE & TIME:
November 8, 2025, 4:00-7:00 pm
NOVEMBER 19
OLA’S ANNUAL MEETING
LOCATION:
ST. MICHAEL’S WOODSIDE, 5025 East Mill Road, Broadview Heights, OH 44147
DATE & TIME:
November 19, 2025, 6:00-9:00 pm
GUEST SPEAKER: Rich Thiebaud, EVP of Sales from LeanScaper
Rich will talk about AI and how the green industry can use it to their advantage. Will also discuss using AI to increase profits while not losing touch with your customers.
EVENING MEETING
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE . Please contact Patty via email at Patty@ohiolandscapers.org.
NOVEMBER 2025 cont...
DATE TBA
PLANT HEALTHCARE CLINIC
LOCATION:
SECREST ARBORETUM, 2122 Williams Road, Wooster, OH 44691
TIME: 8:30 am-3:15 pm
DECEMBER 2025
DECEMBER 2 AND 9
SANDLER SALES TRAINING
LOCATION:
MP SOLUTIONS
TRAINING FACILITY, 6060 Rockside Woods Blvd., Suite 105 Independence, OH 44131
DATE & TIME: December 2 and 9, 2025 8:00-12:00 pm
PRESENTER: Rob Yoho, Principal at Sandler Training Powered By MP Solutions Inc.
The Ohio Landscape is delighted to welcome our new members:
NEW REGULAR MEMBER:
MATTHEW DUNASKY
Outdoorscapes Landscaping, LLC 6747 Weldon Rd. Plain City, OH 43064 (614) 530-2625
TO SEE A FULL LIST OF EVENTS AND REGISTRATION, SCAN THE QR CODE
continued from page 3
watching a movie. All these things require knowing yourself and having the discipline to stick with it. There are certainly times when we need to push through those nights of less sleep or working the weekend to get a lawn in to beat the rain. The key is not letting that become the norm.
There are plenty of books, tools, podcasts, etc out there to help us learn better ways to keep our mental and physical health at their highest levels. I have found making small incremental changes the easiest way to start as it is easy to be overwhelmed into thinking we all need to buy saunas and do cold plunges for 8 hours a day. Focus on the small things that can be built upon, for example, instead of deciding to read Moby Dick, maybe start off with the goal of reading 5
pages a day, and before you know it, you’ll cross it off the reading list.
Our programs and education committees are always working on events to help all of our members be the best they can be. Whether that is bringing in speakers to talk on AI or autonomous mowers, or training crews on how to dormant prune. We are here to help you however we can. If you are interested in giving back to your industry and helping your fellow landscapers be better, please consider joining a committee and then onto the board. These are wonderful opportunities to help be a part of the tide that raises all ships.
Thank you for being a part of this great association!
• Screened Topsoil (Stored in a hoop house on site.)
• Granite & Sandstone Boulders From 8” to 12’+ priced per ton and per piece on request. 1’-2’ granite and 2’-3’ granite available, presorted, for immediate pick up.
• Mixed Boulders (Available for immediate pick up.)
• Washed Gravel, Concrete & Mason Sand.
• Crushed Gravel & Limestone products available.
•
•
EVENT INFORMATION
DATE & LOCATION
NOVEMBER 19, 2025
ST. MICHAEL’S WOODSIDE
5025 EAST MILL ROAD BROADVIEW HTS., OHIO 44147
AGENDA PROGRAM
REGISTRATION, NETWORKING, AND HORS D’OEUVRES
CASH BAR
5:30-7:00 PM
ANNUAL MEETING
7:00-7:30 PM
RICH THIEBAUD
7:30-8:30 PM
REGISTRATION
WEBSITE CALENDAR
OLA ANNUAL MEETING
Superhuman Crews: How AI Transforms Ordinary Teams into Elite Performers
Join us on November 19th, to network with OLA members, meet the Board of Directors, participate in the annual meeting, and to hear from Rich Thiebaud from LeanScaper discuss how AI can transform your teams.
Rich is committed to elevating the landscape industry into a respected trade, where front-line employees are valued and compensated as professionals. He believes true industry transformation happens when people grow, teams align, and markets are built with purpose.
Rich will explore:
• Using AI to solve the industry’s people problem.
• How you can move from being overwhelmed to creating structure.
• Transparency and empowerment driven growth.
• How efficiencies unlock profitability for your company.
• How the industry is using AI and creating a movement, not just as a tool.
There will be time to meet Rich before and after the presentation. We are excited for you to meet our 2026 Board Members and to share association and foundation updates.
Also, Tri-C will have a 50/50 raffle to raise money for the National Collegiate Landscape Competition.
This year’s event will be on March 18th-21st at Michigan State University, and at Tri-C on March 17th , 2027. If you are interested in volunteering for the 2027 event, please reach out to Lori or Jim at Tri-C.
ANNUAL EVENING MEETING
SPONSOR: ANNUAL MEETING SPEAKER
SPONSOR:
This shade garden exists under my ancient Magnolia soulangeana and needs virtually no maintenance: Athyrium filix-femina ‘Rotstiel’, Brunnera ‘Jack Frost’, Hesperis matrionalis, Hosta, Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’, Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’, Carex siderosticha ‘Variegata’.
HIGH PERFORMANCE/ LOW MAINTENANCE
PERENNIALS FOR SHADE
I have yet to meet more than a few new clients who ask for types of gardens that require high maintenance because they are avid gardeners. One of the first requests of most new clients is low maintenance and I’m sure that is true for you too. Therefore, this time, I have several suggestions for high performance/low maintenance perennials that will thrive in part shade. Happily, they all seem to be of no interest to deer.
Heuchera (Coral Bells) have been hybridized to a fare-theewell during the last decade and are now available in a wide range of colors. I find that most do quite well as long as they receive some moisture. The cultivars and hybrids with the most drought tolerance are ones that have H. villosa heritage. They also have larger leaves and don’t bloom until fall. The most widely available cultivars are ‘Autumn
Bride’, ‘Bronze Wave’, ‘Caramel’, ‘Citronelle’, and ‘Palace Purple’. ‘Autumn Bride’ has running roots so can become an excellent groundcover. I never bother to cut back the bloom stalks because they usually fall over during the winter and disintegrate. These clumpers generally grow about a foot to a foot and a half high and wide. One of the greatest assets of Heuchera is the fact that the plants retain their color all year.
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BOBBIE SCHWARTZ, FAPLD
Bobbie’s Green Thumb
PERENNIAL FOCUS
‘Hot Flash’, an interspecific hybrid, in my
You can see the scorched old foliage on the edges and the bright green new foliage among the flowers.
continued from page 8
My next candidate is Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ (Japanese Painted Fern). This fern does not flower but its foliage is so lovely that it doesn’t need a flower to brighten the shade. I love the silvery leaflets and purple veins. This fern is a clumper and usually grows eight inches high but a foot wide. Absolutely no maintenance is required for this deciduous fern.
Closeup of Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’.
Massed Heuchera villosa ‘Autumn Bride’ in a Baltimore garden.
A “river” of Athyrium niponicum ‘Pictum’ in a Baltimore garden.
Helleborus
garden.
PERENNIAL FOCUS
I’ve written extensively about hellebores so this is a perennial with which you should be quite familiar. Its attributes are many. Its foliage is relatively evergreen but can look ratty at winter’s end. When I have time, I cut back the old foliage so the new leaves can provide an excellent background for the beautiful flowers. These flowers bloom when few other perennials are in flower. Depending on site, weather, and cultivar, mine bloom any time from January to April.
The most commonly available and least expensive hellebores are Helleborus orientalis. The blooms are most often shades of pink but some of my seedlings are white. This species usually doesn’t bloom until March but a south facing site and warm winter can have it blooming in February.
The earliest hellebores to bloom are the HGC (Helleborus Gold Collection) that are a group of premium Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger), Snow Rose (a hybrid) and Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis) cultivars. I’ve grown ‘Cinnamon Snow’, ‘Pink Frost’, and ‘Joseph Lemper’, all of which are very early bloomers. An old cultivar that I love is ‘Blue Lady’, a cultivar of Helleborus orientalis, for its bluepurple color.
The hybrid ‘Red Racer’ is the largest hellebore I grow. Over the years the clump has enlarged from six inches to two feet high and wide. The name is somewhat misleading. The large flowers are actually deep purple while the new leaves are dark purple although they quickly turn green. This is a late bloomer, usually not until mid-April.
A relatively new series of hellebores are the FrostKiss. They are distinguished by their foliage that is variegated due to the cream or white veining. This means that they add color to the shade garden even when not in bloom.
These suggestions are merely a taste of great perennials that are high performance but low maintenance.
Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, owner of Bobbie’s Green Thumb in Shaker Hts., Ohio, is a landscape designer, consultant, freelance 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).
Helleborus ‘Blue Lady’ in my east-facing bed.
Helleborus ‘Red Racer’ in my east-facing driveway bed.
Helleborus Frostkiss® ‘Molly’s White’ was amazingly still in bloom in July 2021 along with Corydalis ochroleuca under my magnolias.
MICHAEL J. DONNELLAN M3 Wealth Management
FRAUD & FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION
While anyone can become vulnerable to financial exploitation, aging seniors have increasingly become new targets to financial predators. You, or someone you know, could become the victim of a growing crime in America — financial exploitation of older Americans. Criminals are targeting people of all ages, and especially older people of exploitation. As people over 50 years old hold most of the nation’s wealth, fraudsters are using new tactics to take advantage of retiring baby boomers and the growing number of older Americans.
WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF
• Appoint a trusted contact person and/or Power of Attorney
• Never give your social security number or financial information to someone you don’t know
• Be wary of providing your personal information online, clicking links or opening attachments
• Use strong passwords (that are random and cannot be construed by your username or public information about you)
• Watch out for common scams, such as lottery, IRS and romance scams
• Eliminate telemarketing calls by signing up for the National “Do Not Call” Registry at (888) 382-1222 or www. donotcall.gov
• Review your brokerage, credit card and bank statements every month
• Get written estimates from several recommended contractors before choosing one to work on your home
• Sign up for identity theft protection
• Shred unused credit card applications/financial statements
• Be vigilant with your personal and work email
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EVENT INFORMATION
DATE & LOCATION
NOVEMBER 4 – 8:00AM-12:00 PM
NOVEMBER 13 – 8:00AM-12:00 PM
DECEMBER 2 – 8:00AM-12:00 PM
DECEMBER 9 – 8:00AM-12:00 PM
MP SOLUTIONS
TRAINING FACILITY
6060 ROCKSIDE WOODS BLVD., SUITE 105
INDEPENDENCE, OH 44131
AGENDA REGISTRATION
7:45-8:00 AM
CLINIC
8:00 AM TO 12:00 PM
COST TO ATTEND
OLA MEMBERS: $2,200
MEMBER DISCOUNT OF $300
OLA EDUCATION SERIES
PRESENTED BY
Sandler Essentials/OLA
Unlocking Success: Selling to the Modern Buyer
Rob Yoho / Sandler Training powered by MP Solutions Inc.
Professionals in the Green Industry face a unique set of challenges when it comes to engaging and converting the modern buyer. To address these challenges and help you thrive in today’s competitive market, join the OLA for an insightful, highly interactive 4 part series tailored exclusively for the Ohio Landscapers Association. This series will discuss strategies, techniques, and mindset shifts essential to winning over the modern buyer. Rob will explore and equip you with practical insights that are executable, repeatable and will boost your sales performance.
Sandler will cover the psychological and behavioral traits of today’s consumers. You will learn the how to:
• Building Trust and Authenticity: In an age of information overload, authenticity and trust are critical. Learn how to build and maintain trust with your customers and establish a strong, lasting reputation.
• Personalize and Focus on the Customer: The modern buyer expects personalized experiences. Understand the importance of tailoring your offerings and services to meet individual customer needs and preferences.
• Overcome Objections & Assumptions: Equip yourself with strategies to address common objections and concerns that modern buyers may raise, ensuring a smoother sales process.
• Communicate Effectively: Hone your communication skills to connect with your prospects and clients on a deeper level. Learn the art of active listening and effective storytelling to create memorable experiences.
• Measure Success: Explore key performance indicators (KPIs) and analytics to gauge the effectiveness of your sales efforts and make data-driven decisions.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER
ROB YOHO / PRINCIPAL AT SANDLER TRAINING POWERED BY MP SOLUTIONS INC.
Partner and COO for 25 years Rob has been driven by the passion he has for growing people and organizations. Rob has worked with hundreds of companies and is a sought-after speaker on sales, sales management, social media, strategy, and goal setting. He brings his 20 years of Sandler Training experience to MP Solutions.
In 2010 Rob was voted one of Cleveland’s Inside Business’s Top 25 under 35 and has worked with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cleveland. Rob is an avid runner, golfer, & hobby farmer who lives in Lagrange with his wife, Amy, and their three children, Zander, Lyla, and Flynn. Contact Rob at: ryoho@sandler.com
FISCAL FITNESS
• Prizes or sweepstakes that require money upfront (lottery scams)
• High-pressure tactics or offers that seem too good to be true
• Vendors who request payment in the form of a gift card
• Callers who contact you to request remote access to your device to protect one of your online accounts (e.g. Amazon)
• An increase in the number of withdrawals or checks to the same person or entity
• Increase in the number of checks written out to “cash”
• A large amount of withdrawals for smaller amounts of money
• Request to wire money for purposes that are unusual or unclear
• Bouncing checks or unpaid bills
• Seemingly unnecessary or expensive home repairs
• Sudden change in investment strategy or risk tolerance
• Sudden change of power of attorney or beneficiaries
• A caregiver who becomes overly interested in finances
• New acquaintances who promise to provide care or seem to have undue influence
• Confusion on account balances or where funds are kept
WHAT TO DO IF YOU’RE CONCERNED
If you suspect you or a loved one has been a victim of fraud or financial abuse, call your financial professional for immediate assistance and support.
Cancel credit cards linked to your account
• Reset passwords on accounts and on email
• Contact local authorities, Adult Protective Services or your state attorney general (if applicable)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Federal Trade Commission: A library of educational content about fraud protection and filing a complaint. http://www.ftc.gov
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority: Fraud prevention information and resources. www.finra.org/investors/avoid-fraud
Securities and Exchange Commission: Practical consumer awareness information. www.sec.gov/investor/pubs.shtml
Scenarios illustrated are hypothetical in nature, results may vary. Investing is subject to risk which may involve loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.The M3 Wealth Management Office does not provide legal or tax advice. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation. The information herein is general and educational in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Michael J. Donnellan specializes in stock selection and retirement planning. Feel free to contact him with any questions or comments at the M3 Wealth Management office at 17601 W. 130th Street – Suite 1 in North Royalton, Ohio. Phone number (440) 652-6370 / Email: donnellan@ m3wealthmanagement.com Securities and advisory services offered through L.M. Kohn & Company Registered Broker/Dealer Member FINRA/SIPC/MSRB10151 Carver Rd. Suite 100 – Cincinnati, Ohio 45242 (800) 478-0788
WORKPLACE STRESS
Stress is a growing concern across many industries because it can affect not only workers’ well-being but also safety and productivity in the workplace. It affects employees in a number of ways including their mental and physical health, staying focused on the job at hand and maintaining awareness of their surroundings. Whether stress comes from our personal life or from work, we need to be able to understand what causes stress and how to minimize or eliminate it. Let’s discuss some of the causes of workplace stress and how we can manage them.
Some causes of workplace stress include:
• Heavy workload
• Poor communication
• Unclear job expectations
• Challenging relationships with colleagues
• Poor management
• Inadequate training
• Lack of support from upper management
• Tight deadlines
• Lack of control over work or personal life
• Job insecurity
• Bullying or harassment
• Organizational changes
• Working long hours
Addressing workplace stress is crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment and preventing burnout, absenteeism and high turnover. If you find yourself becoming overwhelmed and are feeling signs of workplace stress, here are some strategies that may help you manage it.
1) Communicate – Discuss concerns with your manager or someone in the Safety or Human Resources department.
2) Prioritize Work-Life Balance – Be sure to separate your work life and home life. Do not bring your work home. Use that time to enjoy with family and/or friends.
3) Develop Coping Skills – There are a number of coping skills that you can incorporate into your life such as yoga, breathing exercises or meditation.
continued on page 18
REGISTRATION LINK:
Let’s Celebrate Sandy for Her Years of Service!
Please join us to have a toast in Sandy’s honor to celebrate her years of service to the OLA!
Wild Eagle Saloon-The Patio | 5001 East Royalton Road
Broadview Heights, Oh 44147
NOVEMBER 8th | 4:00 PM-7:00PM
QUESTIONS:
Contact Ryan Drake at ryan.drake@jfdlandscapes.com
FOR SAFETY SAKE
continued from page 16
4) Eat Healthy – Healthy eating habits and exercise not only benefit us physically but can help us mentally.
5) Company Health Programs – Take advantage of company sponsored well-being programs, stress reduction activities and healthy lifestyle campaigns.
6) Committees & Teams – Participate in company committees or programs such as a safety committee or party planning team to feel more connected to the company and your peers.
7) Professional Help – Seek professional help from a doctor or therapist, if you feel it necessary.
As an employer, you can encourage employees to manage stress by incorporating some of the following:
• Foster a culture of open communication, teamwork and respect. Encouraging a supportive work environment can reduce stress.
• Offering flexible work schedules, remote work options or accommodations for personal obligations can help employees balance work and life responsibilities.
• Ensure workloads are manageable and employees have the resources they need to succeed.
• Ensure that job roles, responsibilities and performance expectations are clearly communicated. Regular feedback and reviews by management can help everyone stay on track and focused.
• Promote regular breaks, mental health days and vacation time to help employees recharge. Stress levels decrease when employees feel they can step away when needed.
• Provide resources such as employee assistance programs (EAPs), counseling services or mental health workshops to help employees cope with stress.
It is important that both employees and management work together to reduce stress, foster a supportive work environment and maintain open communication channels so everyone can significantly improve their well-being and the success of the organization. For more information on workplace stress, go to https://www.osha.gov/workplace-stress or https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/stress/about/index.html.
If you have further questions regarding safety in your workplace or would like more information, please contact Andy Sawan at Sedgwick at Andrew.sawan@sedgwick.com or 330-819-4728.
JIM FUNAI, PhD
Cuyahoga Community College
SHELLEY FUNAI, LIC
Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
KERRIA JAPONICA JAPANESE
KERRIA
As we head into colder months, it can be challenging to think of deciduous plants with strong ornamental value for the winter. However, one look at a stand of Kerria japonica in the winter placed just right and you’ll wonder why you haven’t planted this shrub more often!
Known as “yamabuki” (mountain yellow) in Japan, this shrub is often celebrated for its strong display of bright yellow blooms in spring, while its winter beauty is forgotten. One thing we love about this shrub is how strongly it forms a colony of stems. These bright green, pencil thick stems arch from the ground, rarely branching, to about 5' tall (cultivar dependent on final height). The shrubs spread via underground stems and will form a thicket of green stems to enjoy through late fall into spring when it surprises with another round of bright yellow.
While it is common on all four of Japan’s main islands (Hokkaidō, Honshū, Kyūshū, Shikoku), these plants are also native in the Eastern to Central and some Western provinces in China, with mixed reports of native or naturalized
into the Korean Peninsula. In its native settings it forms thickets on mountain slopes, woodland edges, and thrives in disturbed sites. It is happy in the shade which isn’t always an easy niche to fill in the landscape.
There are records and paintings showing this plant cultivated in both Chinese and Japanese gardens, dating to the 16th Century, indicating a long presence in horticulture. In 1804 a Scottish botanist working at the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kew, England was sent to Japan and China as the first Westerner to be permitted to collect plant materials. From 1804 to 1812 he wandered the countryside collecting plants and sending specimens back to Kew. Along with what we now call Kerria, he also sent Pieris japonica, Nandina domestica, and Begonia grandis, among others. In
1817, A.P. de Candolle (Swiss botanist/father of modern plant taxonomy) named this plant in honor of the Scottish explorer mentioned above, William Kerr (hence Kerria).
In our landscapes today, this plant is best sited in well drained soils (heavy clay can cause issues) in dappled light (think high canopy shade). It can do some sun, but try to keep it out of hot afternoon sun. It won’t be picky about pH at all and is really pretty adaptable to conditions.
These shrubs bloom from last year’s wood so if they need pruned/shaped it is best to do so right after their spring flush of flowers, never in the fall or spring.
There are a number of unique cultivars that have been developed over the years that add excitement to the garden including:
‘Pleniflora’, perhaps the most commonly available cultivar, has double-flower pom-poms in a deep golden yellow
‘Golden Guinea’ has single flowers that are larger than normal on a more compact habit overall
‘Albiflora’ is harder to come by but fun for collectors since it has white flowers
‘Picta’ is another less common cultivar but has nice variegation along the margins of the leaf
‘Kan Kan’ has really unique yellow with green stripes on the winter stems, adding to their interest, but again, is likely more of a collector’s plant than a standard in the landscape.
While this shrub is a member of the Rosaceae family, you won’t find it having issues with disease and insect pests unless planted in very heavy, wet clay sites. If the soil is too wet, it will likely get a twig blight called Blumeriella kerriae While this plant is not native to the United States, it does not exhibit strong seed dispersal. From our experience, it spreads as a thicket, but it doesn’t attract birds or other seed spreaders at all.
Next time you have a somewhat shaded location that could benefit from winter interest, consider one of the great Kerrias available. If you can back it with a brick wall or something that will contrast well with the winter stems, even better!
Jim Funai, PhD, is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a NALP accredited associate of applied science in horticulture degree program. He has a PhD in Landscape Engineering and Forestry and is a Licensed Arborist. Shelley Funai is Grounds Manager at Stan Hywett Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio, which offers a historic estate designed by Warren H. Manning and a beautiful manor house museum. She is Landscape Industry Certified in Ornamental Plant Care.
ROB YOHO Managing Partner, Sandler, MP Solutions, Inc.
FLIP YOUR “WHAT IF”
We all have those nagging “what if” moments.
• What if I fail?
• What if I don’t get that promotion?
• What if the deal falls through?
Left unchecked, these thoughts spiral into self-doubt especially in sales, where rejection and uncertainty are part of an emotional violent game.
But here’s the shift:
What if things go right?
• What if you land that project?
• What if you get that maintenance contract?
• What if the next call is the one that changes everything?
At Sandler, we remind sales professionals that you have 100% control over how you frame your what if moments. The real difference makers? Your attitude and your behavior.
Attitude: Your Inner Sales Engine
Your mindset is your internal compass; it shapes how you view:
• Yourself
• Your product or service
• The marketplace
In a tough environment, a resilient attitude fuels confidence and persistence. That’s what allows you to handle objections, bounce back from rejection, and stay focused on possibility instead of fear.
Behavior: Your External Driver
While attitude sets direction, behavior creates motion. Ask yourself:
• Are you making the calls?
• Asking for introductions/referrals?
• Consistently meeting with prospects?
Even small, proactive steps build momentum. And momentum is what drives results.
What You Can Control
You don’t control the economy, your buyer’s mood, or decision making timelines. But you do control:
• The energy you bring to the next meeting
• The persistence in your outreach
• The belief in yourself and your solution
Own your attitude and behavior, and you take back power over your outcomes.
Try It in Action
Next time a negative what if shows up, flip it:
• What if I get ghosted again?
• What if this becomes my biggest client?
This isn’t blind optimism. It’s training your brain to operate from a place of possibility, not fear.
As always, Stay Hungry, Stay Driven & KEEP GROWING.
PROTECTING YOUR PROFITS
“MUST HAVE” AND “MUST AVOID” TIPS FOR CONTRACTS, SUBCONTRACTOR AND PAYROLL
Below are 4 tips to help you protect your profits when performing Snow and Ice Removal services this season whether you are using your own team or while using Snow subcontractors:
Tip #1: “Must Have” included with signing a Snow Plow Contracts:
1. A signed, written contract
2. A detailed Services to be performed and potential risk areas and snow placement and disposal including drawings
3. Defined split roles and who is responsible and what are the operating hours
Tip #2: “Must Avoid” with signing an upcoming Snow Plow Contract
1. Not having clear distinction of snow removal/ snow clearing. Need a clear scope of work and clear expectations and service guidelines
2. Not having Non-Payment and Late Payment terms and how the contract is modified
3. Not reviewing with your attorney or contract specialist before signing
Tip #3: “Must-Have” in your Subcontractor File
1. A Signed Subcontractor Agreement on file for all Subcontractors
2. A valid, current Certificate of Insurance that follows industry standards for adequate limits/wording
3. Name your company as an Additional Insured and contain endorsements for Waiver of Subrogation and Primary Non-Contributory
Greg Botson Owner/Managing Director Botson Insurance Group A Higginbotham Partner
Tip #4: “Must-Have” in your Payroll System
1. Track payroll when an employee is plowing/salting/ shoveling versus when they are in the office or shop or yard preparing for a snow event or doing other responsibilities and still on payroll
2. Track overtime separately from standard time to avoid overpayment during an insurance audit
3. Track Snow Removal separate from Design Build, Mowing and other services performed. Snow plowing is usually at a much higher premium than other services
These tips will help better protect your company if there is a dispute regarding a snow contract and when a claim for bodily injury or property damage results. Furthermore, these tips will help protect your profits if a subcontractor causes a claim and your company is brought into the lawsuit. A better contact and better insurance will provide less opportunity for your company to be involved in a lawsuit. During an audit, you will protect your profits if all subs provide a certificate of insurance and you take the time to track payroll in a more detailed manner. If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call on my cell 440-537-2292 or email me at gbotson@higginbotham.net
About the writer: Greg Botson has been protecting the Green Industry for over 34 years with over 160 clients in his VIP ( Value-Added Insurance Protection) Program, which is an Ohio Landscape Association member benefit. His partnership with Higginbotham, Landscape Associations and Industry Consultants has helped the industry with Better Protection, Better Prevention (Safety tools) and Better Profits.
We’ll help make your properties outstanding.
Organics are included for dense lawns without excess growth.
Weeds carefully spot treated.
Direct client billing makes it simple for you.
Landscape referrals to you.
PATTY LAMPERT Executive Director / OLA
FALL IS A GREAT TIME OF YEAR!
It’s that time of year when the leaves begin to change and the tree colors are simply beautiful. Fall is one of my favorite seasons of the year and it’s a great time to reflect on what has been accomplished as well as preparing for the upcoming year.
We hope you can join the OLA for our Annual Meeting on November 19th at St. Michael’s Woodside. You’ll be able to network, meet the Board of Directors, and hear from Rich Thiebaud from LeanScaper discuss how AI can transform your teams. Rich believes true industry transformation happens when people grow, teams align, and markets are built with purpose.
Rich will explore:
• Using AI to solve the industry’s people problem.
• How you can move from being overwhelmed to creating structure.
• Transparency and empowerment driven growth.
• How efficiencies unlock profitability for your company.
• How the industry is using AI and creating a movement, not just as a tool.
You can register for all of our events by going to OLA’s Calendar on our website, https://web.ohiolandscapers.org/ events?oe=true.
We also invite you to attend Sandy’s retirement party on November 8th at Wild Eagle Saloon from 4:00-7:00 pm. Please join us to have a toast in Sandy’s honor for her service to the OLA and Green Industry.
Rob Yahoo from Sandler Sales Training has a 4-session clinic for OLA Members created for landscapers that begins on November 4th. There is a $300 discount for OLA members and we hope you’ll be able to take advantage of the program.
Please let me know if you are interested in being a sponsor for our evening, educational, or annual events at Patty@ohiolandscapers.org or at the office, 440-717-0002. Thank you for making a difference for our community and the OLA!
