The Buckeye, July/August 2020

JULY/AUGUST 2020 Vol. 31, Issue 4

The Official Publication of Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association

INSIDE: Child's Play: Bobbie Schwartz's children's garden inspiration

2020 Diagnostic Walkabouts

Walk, Talk, & Learn

2020 Line Up

Learn about the art and science of scouting, diagnosing and controlling landscape pests.

These interactive, hands-on, in-the-moment experiences provide a unique alternative to traditional classes or passive reading. Ask questions, take pictures and help guide the discussion. It’s an informal and comfortable learning experience.

Discussions are tailored to the audience, weather and time of year, and characteristics of the location—no two walkabouts are ever the same.

To Attend:

7:30 to 9:30 am at:

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Thursday, July 16

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Thursday, August 6, 10 am– 12 pm

$45 for ONLA members $65 for non-members Pre-registration is required.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

onla.org/walkabouts Presented in Partnership with:

(Subject to change, please check ONLA's website)

Credits Available: OCNT - 1 ISA - 2 (Certified Arborist, BCMA and Municipal Specialist) LA CES - 2 HSW ODA credits are pending approval.

Visit onla.org/walkabouts for updates.

BGSU Firelands Thursday, September 10

Sunset Memorial Park Thursday, September 24

July/August 2020 Vol. 31, Issue 4

The Buckeye is published six times per year by Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. 72 Dorchester Square, Westerville, OH 43081 614.899.1195 | www.onla.org

EDITORIAL / ADVERTISING ISSN 1536-7940 Subscriptions: $75/year alana@onla.org OFFICERS Emily Showalter, President Willoway Nurseries, Inc. Tim Clark, Immediate Past President H. J. Benken Florist & Greenhouses, Inc. Devon Stanley, President-Elect Benchmark Landscape Construction, Inc. DIRECTORS Jason Cromley Hidden Creek Landscaping, Inc. Brandon Druffel Dan Druffel, Inc. Michael Hall Harrell's LLC Molly John M.J. Design Associates, Inc. Scott Knowles Wolf Creek Company Wendy Moore Davis Tree Farm & Nursery, Inc. Steve O’Neal Columbus State Community College

STAFF Ken Fisher, Executive Director Karen Lykins, Accounting Roni Petersen, Membership & Certification Alana Settle, Marketing & Communications

THE FINE PRINT The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, directors or staff and do not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as members of the ONLA does not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services.

onla.org

CONTENTS 3

Executive Director's Message

5

President's Perspective

6

Legislative Update

FEATURE STORIES

8

Lessons in Leading by Marty Grunder

14

Cool Careers: Technology in Irrigation by Wolf Creek Company

18

Sun Safety by Gary Hanson

20

Child's Play by Bobbie Schwartz

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

2

ONLA Landscape Awards

4

ONLA Golf Outing

10

Ohio High School Landscape Olympics 2020 Sponsorships

24

Classifieds, Calendar of Events

29

Advertising Index

On the Cover: The Sunshine Celebration Arch at the entrance of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Learn more about garden design for children on page 20.

July/August 2020

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4 8 TH A N N U A L L A N D S C A P E AWA R D S

CALL FOR ENTRIES TO APPLY Your hard work deserves recognition. ONLA’s Landscape Awards program honors skilled professionals who are going above and beyond with their outstanding workmanship.

Eligible Projects Include: • Residential or Commercial, Design/Build or Maintenance • Seasonal Color, Container or Perennial Gardens • Theme Gardens or Retail Displays DEADLINE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020 Learn more and submit your entry at onla.org/landscapeawards

TIPS FOR A WINNING ENTRY Invest in high quality photography.

The only way judges can evaluate your project is through photos, so make sure to submit the highest quality images possible. Hire a professional if needed.

Tell a captivating story.

Write your description as a narrative. Describe the project, your inspiration, the design and installation process, or the quirks or conditions imposed by the client and your creative solutions to issues.

Plant selection matters.

Materials should be well adapted and properly used. For example, a plant requiring full sun used in shade is an obvious flaw.

RECOGNITION Award winners will be notified by ONLA in November, 2020.

All award winners will be recognized through print or digital displays at ONLA events, in the March/April 2021 Buckeye magazine, and promoted through ONLA’s social media and regional consumer and trade media outreach.

Consider past projects.

Projects may be up to five years old at submission. In general, a more mature job will make a better display.

Client driven designs.

Client objectives are an important component in landscape design/build and judges take into account how you have incorporated your client’s wishes.

Submit projects in multiple categories If you enter the same project in more than one category, tailor your photos and written description. You are encouraged to reuse your application to submit entries in other state and national competitions

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY!

Not a landscaper? Support the program that rewards your customers!

Sponsors receive logo recognition on print and digital promotional materials and help present awards to winning companies. For more details, visit onla.org/landscapeawards

Pictured: 47th Annual Landscape Awards Project of the Year by Grunder Landscaping Co.

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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE Ken Fisher, ONLA Executive Director, ken@onla.org Congratulations for a relatively successful spring and summer season. Literally snatching victory from the jaws of potential pandemic defeat.

In early March, as we were trying to get clarification on “essential businesses”, which market channels would be open, and how consumers would buy our products and services—we had some nervous moments as an industry. Would our markets and supply chains keep running? But as it turns out, working and schooling from home is great for nursery and landscape.

Consumers, literally forced to stay at home, decided to invest in their landscapes and homes and found gardening and yard work to be a nice outdoor activity for the whole family. Many growers and garden centers across the country have enjoyed a banner year. Although some large commercial and residential landscape projects have been put on hold, most landscapers are also reporting a very strong season. While none of us like living with a pandemic, it’s nice to see our products being enjoyed by a larger segment of gardeners and consumers.

will work for H-2A/B reforms to help our industry. If there are additional government stimulus packages, we will advocate on behalf of our industry. And we continue to pursue our signature programming and events including the Ohio High School Landscape Olympics scheduled for October and the ONLA Member Summit being developed for February 2021.

More details to follow on both of these important programs soon.

What we do together matters—now more than ever—when it comes to growing and protecting the future of our industry in Ohio and beyond. Your membership in ONLA will encourage others to join. I appreciate your continued support of ONLA. Help us get the word out: the industry benefits from a growing ONLA membership. B

Through it all, our team at ONLA worked diligently to keep our businesses and industry supply chains open. We published Best Management Practices and Safety Guidelines for our members to follow and our industry has demonstrated stellar performance in managing the health and safety of workers and customers with modified processes, layouts, and procedures.

I’m proud of our industry performance. We also aligned with our national coalition partners to make sure our industry had adequate liquidity to weather the storm. Government stimulus—especially the Paycheck Protection Program— was an important program to help keep our small businesses operating, workers employed, and payrolls backstopped in the short term. Many in our industry in Ohio took advantage of this stimulus program.

So, what’s next? Is the virus contained or will we see a second wave in the fall? Will we have a swift economic recovery later this year, slower recovery into 2021, or a more drawn out recession?

At ONLA we are working with our state association partners at Nursery and Landscape Association Executives and our national partners at AmericanHort to examine these scenarios and provide some guidance to members about managing debt, liquidity, and fixed/variable costs if a recession starts to slow our industry velocity. Labor constraints will continue, and we onla.org

Ken can be contacted at ken@onla.org July/August 2020

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ONLA GOLF OUTING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 • BENT TREE GOLF CLUB • SUNBURY, OH Benefits the Ohio High School Landscape Olympics

10 am: Shotgun start

Register by September 4, 2020 onla.org/golfouting

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Purchase a sponsorship online at onla.org/golfouting or email karen@onla.org All event sponsors receive: One golf foursome, recognition at the event, on ONLA’s website, social media, and in The Buckeye 4 The Buckeye onla.org

PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE Emily Showalter, Willoway Nurseries, Inc. BEST SEASON IN THE HISTORY OF THEIR BUSINESS. In the middle of a pandemic, many businesses in our industry are experiencing their best year!

Here’s where the reference to the quote comes in. Change. It’s scary. But without the COVID brick that hit us right in the forehead and said “wake up, you must do business differently,” would 2020 have been your best year ever? I highly doubt it. You embraced the humongous hurdle and fought back. Your new online ordering systems, improved websites, curbside pick-up, enhanced social media sites, creative marketing, pay by phone, and everything else you thought of to run your business this spring are probably here to stay. Your new sanitizing processes, plexiglass dividers, web conference meetings, and even the capability to work from home might be things you want to consider doing long term. Sometimes we need something (maybe not as crazy as a pandemic) to kick us into gear, take a risk, and help us to embrace change.

I came across the above photo and was instantly inspired by how much it hit home with the green industry. We’ve been in quarantine or under stay at home orders for over three months now due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many everyday conveniences such as going to dinner and the movies are just starting to open back up. What hasn’t changed in our lives since the beginning of March? Not many of us like to deal with change. It’s uncomfortable, causes stress, and wears us down.

But if we can see past that short period of discomfort, most change is good.

Of course there have been some negative effects on our lives as an outcome of the pandemic. For anyone who has been directly affected by contracting or being exposed to the virus, ONLA’s thoughts are with you and we hope you have recovered 100%. There are many families in which at least one member of the household has been laid off or their position has been eliminated. Our hearts go out to your families. COVID definitely has affected our ONLA members and as I write this in early June, it’s still here. We do not foresee things going back to “normal” anytime soon. But will things ever be “normal” again?

When I wrote my article for The Buckeye in March, there was a lot of uncertainty in the green industry and the economy.

Although three months feels like an eternity, it is still too early to tell the complete economic impact of the pandemic. Based on conversations with industry colleagues around the state and the country, most garden centers have declared 2020 their onla.org

It is apparent that during the pandemic and the stay at home orders, many homeowners decided they should spruce up their yards, improve their curb appeal, and enhance their patios.

ONLA did a wonderful job reminding us from the beginning that we are in one of the best industries to be in during this pandemic. I even was cautiously optimistic, not being truly sure what consumers would spend their money on during such a huge time of uncertainty. But after the spring we have had, it has become evident that homeowners have for sure taken a larger interest in the economic, social, health, and wellbeing benefits of plants, trees, and shrubs. Kudos to everyone who took the time during the pandemic to remind their networks of colleagues that plants are more than just pretty.

The author of the above quote has been writing since she was 13 years old. She is now 23. She reminds me of some of us who started out very young in the green industry. Hopefully you were able to get a little spark of positivity from this quote and I hope you can apply it to your work and family life as you continue to bob-and-weave through these next few months.

The next few months will paint a clearer picture of how much this downturn in the economy might (or might not) affect our industry. Stay positive, embrace change, and continue to focus on making 2020 your best year yet. B

Emily can be contacted at eshowalter@wwninc.com July/August 2020

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Belinda Jones, Capitol Consulting Group COVID CONCERNS TAKE A BACK SEAT TO RACIAL DIVISIVENESS; ODH DIRECTOR AMY ACTON RESIGNS Ohio is starting to "open up" after months of seeming confinement. While nurseries, garden centers and lawn care service businesses were deemed "essential", there is no question that Ohio's economy has been severely hurt by the pandemic.

At deadline for this article, Ohio has nearly reached the point of being "totally open" with zoos and amusement parks getting the most recent nod to open. Meanwhile we are following the Covid "spikes" in other states that started opening before we did. So far, Ohio is staying steady; however, I urge you to keep the pandemic in your minds as we approach fall and colder weather. Experts say we are not out of the woods, yet.

There were protests at the state house in May by folks who thought the shut-down of Ohio businesses was tyrannical.

Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Director Amy Acton along with the entire DeWine administration took a lot of heat with protestors even showing up at Director Acton's home. While I don't think the protests precipitated the action, Director Acton announced that she is stepping down as ODH Director although she is not fleeing into an abyss. Gov. DeWine announced that Acton will be the administration's "health advisor".

Certainly the covid protests were concerning but little did we know the George Floyd protests would overshadow the pandemic. All over Columbus, and probably in your neighborhood, too, protestors wreaked havoc on many of our beautiful downtown building treasures including the Ohio Theater and the Ohio State House. Heartbreaking. Hopefully, by the time you read this, things will have calmed down.

As for the General Assembly, they recessed most of March and April and returned in May to a flurry of activity. Interestingly, face masks have proven to be a political hot button with many conservative legislators following the lead of President Trump in refusing to wear masks, while generally democrats have been more diligent about mask wearing.

The House left for summer break after a wee hours of the morning session which included a lengthy debate over an amendment democrats wanted added to a bill on the House floor, HB 665. This bill was introduced on May 15 but quickly worked its way through the House Ag Committee an on to the house floor. As introduced, HB 665 modifies the laws governing agricultural societies, recodifies the law governing amusement ride safety, to address funding and other issues related to county and independent agricultural societies and the Ohio Expositions Commission, and declares an emergency.

It became a vehicle for a number of amendments including one prohibiting the Governor from shutting down amusement 6 The Buckeye

parks (which are now open, thus, this amendment may need to be removed in the Senate). The proposed amendment that garnered the most discussion and resulted in a post midnight recess for caucuses to consider it was proposed by Rep. Juanita Brent (D; Cleveland). If passed, her amendment would have prohibited the sale, display or distribution of a confederate flag at county fairs. The amendment failed along party lines with one republican member joining the democrats, Rep. Niraj Antani (R; Miamisburg).

OTHER BILLS WE ARE FOLLOWING ON YOUR BEHALF: • SB 308 (Dolan) and HB 606 (Grendell) although not identical bills both generally would revise the laws governing immunity from civil liability and professional discipline for health care providers during disasters or emergencies, to provide qualified civil immunity to service providers providing services during and after a government-declared disaster, and to declare an emergency. Both bills passed through their respective chambers but neither made it to the Governor's desk. The lack of final action is really frustrating to health care providers and businesses who were hoping for immunity in these trying times.

• HB 183 (Manchester, Patterson) To allow income tax credits for beginning farmers who participate in a financial management program and for businesses that sell or rent agricultural land, livestock, facilities, or equipment to beginning farmers.

• HB 222 (Stolfus, House) would provide a tax credit for CLD training • HB 485 (Stephens, Scherer) would remove renewal requirements for CAUV • HB 495 (Stein) pertains to vehicle registration for farm buses • HB 625 (Galonski) would name the hardy mum as one of the state's flowers • HB 665 (D. Jones) To modify the laws governing agricultural societies, to recodify the law governing amusement ride safety, to address funding and other issues related to county and independent agricultural societies and the Ohio Expositions Commission, and to declare an emergency.

• SB 318 (Kunze) To extend the Women's Suffrage Centennial Commission until December 31, 2021.

Please contact me if you have any questions about any of the bills referenced above, OR, if you have or need info about your elected officials running for office. B

Belinda Jones can be contacted at bjones@capitol-consulting.net or 614.224.3855 onla.org

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LESSONS IN LEADING Marty Grunder, Grunder Landscaping Co. This time of year, my regular routine at Grunder Landscaping Co. includes checking in on our crews at our jobsites. Leading and motivating our team is a crucial part of my role as CEO, and I like to visit the crews in action so I can catch them doing their jobs right. In my experience, praising your employees for doing great work leads to more great work and clearly communicates to your whole team what qualifies as great at your company.

But I would be lying if I told you everything is always great at our jobsites; I almost always notice tasks we could get better at.

The challenge is how best to address these shortcomings when they arise. I find that one of the hardest lines to walk as a leader is correcting team members’ mistakes without demotivating them or undermining our managers.

This past month, I saw two issues on jobsites that needed improving. The first was the way a crew was placing boulders— technically they were installing them correctly, but they lacked the artistic touch we promised the client in our design proposal. I took some photos, jotted down notes to myself, and moved on.

The second problem I saw was on an installation job that required equipment to move materials over grass. We were doing more damage to the lawn than was necessary. Again I snapped some photos, made notes, and moved on.

The following week I brought my photos and notes to our leadership team meeting and shared my thoughts. I pointed out the problems I saw and then I asked questions: Did we give the crew clear instructions for installing the boulders? Was there a reason the other crew was taking that particular route through the lawn and causing damage?

Now, you may be wondering why I waited to address these issues with my leadership team, when I could have told our crews directly what I wanted improved while I was at the jobsites. I took the approach I did for three reasons: I’m Not the Only Leader My leadership team is responsible for the day-to-day operations at GLC, and I don’t want to undermine their authority or credibility by telling their teams how to do their jobs.

By bringing my concerns to my leadership team instead, I help them learn how to provide constructive criticism to our crews, empower them to prevent these mistakes from happening again, and avoid confusion among our crews about who’s in charge. The old adage that too many cooks in the kitchen will spoil the soup holds true in business, too.

There is one exception I make to this rule and that is for safety. If I see someone operating unsafely, I always address 8 The Buckeye

the matter with the team member right then and there. Safety can’t wait, and it’s on all of us to ensure we’re following proper procedures.

I’m Not Jumping to Conclusions There could be a reason why a crew is doing work a certain way. Maybe the client specifically asked for the boulders to be installed the way they did, or maybe the crew evaluated their options and decided this was their best one.

Our crews are highly capable and highly trained. They don’t always get everything right, but I believe most people want to do a good job and to be proud of the work they do. As CEO, it’s my job to foster a positive culture of continuous improvement, not to jump to conclusions and point fingers.

I’m Not Inducing Panic I visited these properties on Saturday morning after finishing a sales call. The crews were working overtime to help us catch up from the crazy spring we’ve all had, and I’m sure many were eager to go home and enjoy time with their family and friends.

Nobody wants to work longer than they have to on a Saturday.

The issues I saw did not need to be addressed immediately, so I could wait until I was back in the office with our leadership team the following week. We were then able to agree on next steps together, and implement changes with a united voice and without unnecessary disruption.

I am by no means a perfect leader, but I’ve learned over the years that this approach enables us to continue to improve without creating a “gotcha culture.” The next time you encounter a problem at your company, take a step back and think about the culture and company you want to foster.

If you want to see for yourself how we’re working to optimize every area of our business at Grunder Landscaping, join us for one of our Field Trips this fall. The trips are limited to 14 attendees to guarantee you get the one-on-one attention you need, and we have strong protocols in place to provide for your safety and our team’s. Learn more at growgroupinc.com/ glc-fall-field-trips. B

Contact Marty at marty.grunder@ grunderlandscaping.com onla.org

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Inspire & Educate Future Green Industry Professionals!

ABOUT THE EVENT The Ohio High School Landscape Olympics tests students’ skills through hands-on, competitive events designed by industry professionals. OHLO broadens the high school education experience and introduces students to the many career opportunities available in the green industry.

WHY SHOULD YOU GET INVOLVED? We know that retaining quality employees is a priority, and ONLA is dedicated to building a strong workforce for our industry.

Through OHLO sponsorship, you can have a direct impact at the right time—when young adults are exploring their career options and making plans for their future. And, your involvement guarantees that your business’ name and brand are top of mind with this future workforce as they enter the job market in a few years.

In 2019, the event welcomed more than 250 students from 18 schools across the state. Excitement is already building for the fifth annual event. Your support will make OHLO 2020 bigger and better.

OHLO 2020 Thursday, October 15 & Friday, October 16, 2020 OSU ATI Campus, Wooster, OH

Thursday Night Kick-Off Party Students and sponsors enjoy pizza and games Competition briefings and introductions

Career Exploration Fair Connecting companies and students Broadening perceptions of the industry and its careers

Fun Zone Activities and education for students when they are not competing in Friday’s events

Awards Ceremony Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for individuals Team trophies

Competitive Events: Hardscape Installation • Compact Excavator Operation Landscape Maintenance • Landscape Plant Installation Surveying • Sales Presentation​ • Skid Steer Operation Turfgrass • Knot Tying • Low Voltage Lighting Irrigation • Truck and Trailer Operation Plant Identification • Cost Estimation

Sponsorship deadline is September 4, 2020 To secure a sponsorship, visit onla.org/ohlo 10 The Buckeye

onla.org

2020 Sponsorship Opportunities Gold Sponsor • • • • • • • •

- $5,000

Remarks at Opening and Closing Ceremonies Logo recognition on all print and digital marketing materials, event program and event signage Logo recognition on event t-shirt Option to distribute giveaway with your company logo Verbal recognition at Opening and Closing ceremonies Complimentary booth at Career Exploration event (Max two booths) Space to display items at competition site (e.g. trailer, tent, equipment) Recognition in The Buckeye magazine, ONLA website and social media

Silver Sponsor • • • • • • •

- $2,500

Logo recognition on all print and digital marketing materials, event program and event signage Logo recognition on event t-shirt Option to distribute giveaway with your company logo Verbal recognition at Opening and Closing ceremonies Complimentary booth at Career Exploration event Space to display items at competition site (e.g. trailer, tent, equipment) Recognition in The Buckeye magazine, ONLA website and social media

Bronze Sponsor • • • • •

- $1,500

Logo recognition on all print and digital marketing materials, event program and event signage Logo recognition on event t-shirt Verbal recognition at Opening and Closing ceremonies Complimentary booth at Career Exploration event Recognition in The Buckeye magazine, ONLA website and social media

Fun Zone Sponsor - $1,500 • • • • • •

Name and logo on signage at Fun Zone activity area Facetime with student attendees Recognition on all print and digital marketing materials, event program and signage Logo on event T-shirt Complimentary booth at Career Exploration event Recognition in The Buckeye magazine, ONLA website and social media

Breakfast, Lunch or Snack Sponsor • • • • •

- $1,000

Choose breakfast, lunch, or snack Logo on signage of sponsored area/function Recognition on all print and digital marketing materials, event program and party signage, and event t-shirt Verbal recognition at Opening and Closing ceremonies Recognition in The Buckeye magazine, ONLA website and social media

Supporting Sponsor - $500 • • •

Recognition in event program and event signage Verbal and multimedia recognition at Opening and Closing ceremonies Recognition in The Buckeye magazine, ONLA website and social media

SPONSORSHIP DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 To secure a sponsorship, visit onla.org/ohlo onla.org

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GET CERTIFIED IN 2020!

Become an Ohio Certified Nursery Technician WHY? • Improve your skills and increase your worth as an employee •

Gain recognition from the public, colleagues and competitors

•

Provide professional development for your employees

2020 TEST DATES (Subject to change, check onla.org or call 614.899.1195) July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19 Ready to take the test? Register online at onla.org.

SPECIALIZATIONS: Grower The grower is the base of the green industry. In order to have healthy plants to sell, the nursery employee must be knowledgeable in a wide variety of subjects including plant identification, development and health; growing and harvesting techniques; plant nutrients; pest and disease elimination; plant maintenance and more.

The public, architects and contractors have come to rely on landscape contractors and installers for dependable landscape construction techniques and horticultural expertise. In order to provide sound scientific horticultural advice and proper installation, the landscape installer must be knowledgeable in a wide variety of areas including plant identification, plant usage, plant health, soils, turfgrass management, use of pesticides, construction techniques, design, sales and more.

Garden Center The retail garden center is the information center on which homeowners have come to rely for dependable horticultural expertise. In order to provide sound scientific horticultural advice to customers, garden center employees must be knowledgeable in a wide variety of subjects including proper plant usage, plant health, soils, turfgrass management, landscape design, proper planting and maintenance of nursery stock and more.

Core Core is important to all aspects of the Green Industry. Plant ID, Professionalism, Safety & First Aid are examples of the Core chapters of which all nursery and landscape professionals should have knowledge.

Landscape A program of:

TRAINING MANUAL ORDER FORM NAME: COMPANY: ADDRESS: CITY:

STATE:

PHONE #:

E-MAIL:

Check enclosed Check #:

Card Number: Exp. Date: Card Holder: Signature:

3-digit:

VISA

MasterCard

ZIP:

MEMBER RATES (Call for non-member pricing) * Landscape + Core ______ x $125.00 = $_______ Garden Center ______ x $75.00 = $_______ Grower ______ x $75.00 = $_______ All Manuals ______ x $250.00 = $_______ Replacement CD Rom ______ x $25.00 = $_______ Total = $_______ * Written Manual and Computer Based Training CD Rom for each

Return to: The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association • 72 Dorchester Square • Westerville, OH 43081-3350 Ph: 614.899.1195 • 800.825.5062 • F: 614.899.9489

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Cool Careers TECHNOLOGY IN IRRIGATION

The Green Industry is in dire need of technically savvy people – Scott Knowles, CEO of Wolf Creek Company, reflects on the state of the Green Industry and the importance of technical education.

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“Many young people and their parents do not know or understand how important a role that technology is already playing in the Green Industry, and all the signals point to a future of more technology. If they want a ‘cool job’ there are not only opportunities, but there is a need.” Scott Knowles, CEO of Wolf Creek Company and ONLA Board Member.

IRRIGATION TECHNOLOGY For the past six years, Scott Knowles has taught irrigation in the agricultural engineering program at Clark State Community College. Their two-year agricultural engineering program includes both agricultural and horticultural students because the mechanical principles of irrigation are the same for any industry. The equipment may be different—bigger for agriculture and smaller for landscape—but the mechanical principles are the same.

THE PRINCIPLES OF HYDRAULICS The principles of hydraulics are the same no matter which industry you apply them. First, it depends on pressure, or, the energy necessary to move water. It is critical that the pumps and pipes are properly sized. However, water application, or how much water to deliver, depends on other variables. For example, understanding the concept of water application ‘uniformity’, which is a statistical property describing the distribution of water as applied from an irrigation system. Next is knowing

16 The Buckeye

botany and recognizing that different crops require different water applications because corn grows different from wheat or grass. Also, water application involves determining how water moves through soil types and the availability of groundwater from aquifers. Soil can function as a water piggy bank, and one can learn to take water out when needed. Weather and climate play an important role in the amount of rainfall, evaporation speed and types of plant species that will thrive.

CAREER OPTIONS Someone who can plan irrigation cycles against many environmental variables provides tremendous value. Farmers want to maximize the amount of crop they can grow on an acre.

Golf course managers do not want to over- nor underwater their grounds. Our industry wants to eliminate a trial and error mentality. With many environmental variables at stake, we can no longer blindly copy what our predecessors have done.

Irrigation is a critical and valuable skill for a professional in the Green Industry. Knowing how to prune trees or mow a lawn is the more visible and obvious side of landscaping but being able to calculate the amount of water pressure and managing it well, takes an engineer’s mind and approach. Irrigation technology provides job opportunities in many industries, such as agriculture, landscaping, golf, sports, municipalities, business parks, and hotels.

onla.org

FILLING A SERIOUS TECH NEED By paying much attention to education, we hope to turn the light on for some bright aspiring people and help them realize that irrigation is going to become even more crucial.

Scott says his generation is going to phase out and “we need to fill a serious gap in the Green Industry, a gap of technical expertise and leadership“. This is also true for farming; the agricultural industry employs only 1-2% of our population and is in need as well. This Ag Professional article A Need For Tech-Savvy Farmers Plagues The Agriculture Industry states “Farming today is a beautiful blend of modern and ancient technologies working in harmony… but the U.S. simply doesn’t produce enough skilled workers”.

Scott emphasizes that we now have access to technology and control. He and Wolf Creek Company aspire to continue teaching the technology of control. He is excited to show the next generation that there are hip, high-paying technology careers available in the industry. “I never thought I would need to know about IP addresses for irrigation control. But here we are, and there are more cool jobs to come” Scott Knowles. B Learn more at wolfcreekcompany.com

Come See All The Quality Plant Material!

Check us out on the web at www.davistreefarm.com sales@davistreefarm.com onla.org

6126 Neff Rd. Valley City, OH PH: 330-483-3324 Fax: 330-483-4483

July/August 2020

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PROTECTING WORKERS FROM HEAT STRESS Gary Hanson, American Safety & Health

Each year hundreds of employees who are required to work in hot environments or outside in direct sun light suffer heat related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat stroke. In serious cases exposure to hot temperature or heat can cause death.

There are precautions that should be taken anytime temperatures rise into the middle 80s and where physical labor is also required. Here are a few tips to help you establish a Heat Illness Prevention Program.

Have employees gradually increase work loads Designate a responsible manager or lead person to monitor work conditions Have cool water or replacement fluids available for employees o Drink before you are thirsty and often Ask employees to wear appropriate protective clothing o Sun hat o Light weight, light colored, loose fitting clothing o Sunglasses with UV protection o Sunscreen Provide employee training on the symptoms and hazards leading to heat-related illnesses: o Headache, dizziness, fainting o Weakness o Lack of perspiration o Irritability or confusion o Thirst, nausea or vomiting o Elevated temperature at/or above 99 degrees Know what to do if an employee suffers a Heat Related Illness o Call 911 immediately o Move employee, if possible to a cool/shaded area o Fan and mist employee with cool water and/or apply ice o Provide the employee with cool water if able to drink o Have someone stay with the employee until help arrives Where possible modify work schedules and provide more frequent work breaks Encourage employees get a good night’s rest Summertime can pose serious risk to employees who work in hot environments or outside in direct sunlight. Employees who will be at risk will need to be protected. Put together a plan to prevent heat stress, train your employees, monitor weather conditions, and have emergency procedures in place. Last but not least have a great summer.

Remember Safety Has to be Proactive Not Reactive. If you have any safety problems or need help with your safety program, please call me on my cell at 330.495.3437 or at my office at 330.854.4577.

18  The Buckeye

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An ONLA President’s Scholarship, a $3,000 scholarship, will be awarded to one college candidate from the pool of applicants. Several $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to college candidates.

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19

Child ’s Play

All plants and no playfulness make gardens dull spaces. By incorporating a little imagination, landscape designers can create areas that are enjoyable for both kids and adults. By Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD

There are a variety of books that address the topic of creating gardens for children. However, lot sizes are diminishing, making it increasingly difficult to set aside space specifically dedicated to playtime. In addition, the landscape needs to evolve as children grow and mature while also giving your clients room to enjoy themselves. The following suggestions can help you create spaces that stimulate children’s imagination while giving parents a grown-up place to relax.

Creating Comfort A child-sized arch leading into an enclosed area at the Children’s Garden in the Cleveland Botanical Gardens.

Incorporating an arch or arbor into a landscape can add a touch of elegance as well as a focal point. Most of these structures, however, are at least six feet tall. Although great for adult guests, the size of these features can sometimes make small children feel uncomfortable. Why not create a secondary path that leads through a smaller archway? Such a feature can make children feel special and still maintain adult space.

Many homes today have decks or patios with seating for residents and guests. With this in mind, why not set aside a small area that includes seating and tables that are child-sized?

The children will be more comfortable and thus better able to enjoy each other’s company.

The child-sized chairs echo the aesthetic of the adult chair.

If decks or patios are sited in bright sunlight, some shade or the illusion of shade can be provided by tepee-like poles or pergolas. Children would be more invested in the space if given the opportunity to help select which vines should grow up and across the poles. There are a variety of choices, ranging from Convolvulus annuus (Morning Glory) cultivars such as ‘Flying Saucer’ and ‘Tie Dye’ to Dolichos lablab (Hyacinth Bean) that has bright purple flowers and beans. Two other options include Phaseolus coccineus (Scarlet Runner Bean) and cherry tomatoes. Most of these plants can be used as a learning tool for children about food production.

Amazing Options The purplish-pink flowers of Dolichos lablab (Hyacinth Bean) are lovely and multitudinous but so will be the purple beans.

onla.org

By incorporating features that both children and adults enjoy, landscape designers can create a garden that satisfies the needs of the entire family. Mazes are fun for visitors of all ages, and a wide variety of materials can be used to create them. If your clients are looking for a low, formal look, you might suggest planting Teucrium (Germander); or, if a meadowy appearance is desired, try ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus (Maiden Grass) or Panicum virgatum (Switch Grass). Even simpler and less maintenance would be a maze of hay bales.

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The height of plant material used should depend on the ages and sizes of the children. Plants should be tall enough to impart a sense of adventure but not so tall that a child will become overwhelmed by fear. While kids will treat the maze as a quest, perhaps even purposely getting “lost”, adults often find it to be a meditative experience. If there is not enough space for a maze, turn a path into a tunnel with tall grasses or use a large Salix (Willow) on each side.

Sandboxes are the delight of children and the bane of parents.

While children love to play with textures and move piles from one location to another, parents hate the dirt and grit and the necessity of a bath afterwards. An artist in Toronto constructed his child’s sandbox from concrete blocks, rimming it with brick and setting it into a patio and walkway. When the homeowners entertain, the sand is mounded into a conical sculpture. Should mess be a concern, it would be fairly easy to incorporate a childsized shower nearby. If well-designed, the shower can become a sculptural element in the landscape as well.

This hay bale maze is so short that even toddlers can enjoy it.

If children are older, the height of the maze could be increased.

Playing House

Playhouses appeal to many children because most are usually scaled to their physical dimensions. I have seen some that are absolutely charming but expensive, built to order and painted lovely colors; some even have a flower garden roof. However, many of the prefabricated structures disfigure the landscape and leave nothing to the imagination. In fact, I specifically screened out the neighbor’s playhouse – a plastic log cabin with a screaming yellow and green roof and door.

Educators have long stressed that using imagination is crucial to developing a child’s thought process. Instead of giving kids a prebuilt playhouse, why not plant a weeping shrub or tree such Morus alba ‘Pendula’(Weeping Mulberry), Buddleia davidii (Butterfly Bush), or Salix caprea ‘Pendula’ (Weeping Pussy Willow) and place child-sized tables and chairs underneath?

The area then becomes a playhouse, a private space and a tactile experience. Butterfly Bush is aptly named because it attracts a multitude of butterflies for all to enjoy; alternatively, Pussy Willow allows children to brush against the furry buds while adults can cut the stems for indoor arrangements.

Another possibility is the creation of a tepee densely covered with vines. Loofah (Luffa aegyptiaca), gourd-like vine, has large leaves and, of course, produces cucumber-like fruits that can be eaten or, if left on the plant to dry, can become sponges.

However, I suggest Googling the steps necessary to effect this process.

22 The Buckeye

This raised bed was designed to be a sand pit initially. At a later time, it will be converted to a vegetable bed.

Wouldn’t you like to spend a hot sunny day in a loofah tepee? onla.org

A variation on this theme is a “cave” I saw at River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia several years ago. The feature was built of wood and soil, and was placed under the branches of a Buddleia, providing a space for visitors to hide and climb.

Dream Time Toddlers can learn their colors with the seasonal plantings of the Rainbow Garden located in The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Fear for their children’s safety has become such an issue that many parents are afraid to let their kids out of their sight these days. While understandable, this concern often results in children having very little privacy. With a little creative thinking and a touch of imagination, however, parents can give their kids a safe, private retreat in their own back yard.

Consider building a makeshift bamboo fort for children.

Although most bamboo can easily become a homeowner’s worst maintenance nightmare, this is not true of Fargesia nitida (Fountain Bamboo), a clumping bamboo. Using four of these plants as the corners and tying the tops on the diagonal, you could create an airy refuge for children.

Installing a small covered arbor with built-in seats that could be used for reading and dreaming, particularly if the seats have cushions covered in weather-resistant material, would be another way of providing children with a little privacy and shade.

Our children’s lives are so structured that we don’t leave them enough time for dreaming. Doing nothing is not a waste of time; it is an opportunity to think about one’s universe.

A vine-covered arch make s a great hide-away for children.

Sense and Sensibility

Adding interesting plant material can introduce a little childlike whimsy to the garden as well. Children are fascinated by textures, and a bold perennial grass like Arundo donax (Giant Reed) and one of the annual grasses like Pennisetum setaceum ‘Prince’ (Elephant Grass) look and feel like large cornstalks. For clients with small children, a grouping could be planted to a create a “jungle” for juvenile explorers while screening out a neighbor’s garage or an unsightly view. Don’t forget to supply child-sized pith helmets!

For a jungle look, try planting a tall grass with bold foliage like Arundo donax or Pennisetum setaceum ‘Prince’ onla.org

Soft, furry foliage is also appealing to children. Stacys byzantina (Lamb’s Ears), an easy-to-grow perennial that requires very little maintenance, has woolly, silver foliage that children love to touch. It grows best in hot, sunny dry sites that are frequently considered a challenge. Choose one of the cultivars, such as ‘Silver Carpet’ or ‘Big Ears’, that do not flower in order to cut July/August 2020

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down on maintenance. If your client likes country chic, a lamb sculpture placed among the planting would be a fun decoration.

Depending on size, children could even pretend to be riding the lamb. An easy annual like Chenille Plant (Acalypha hispida) would appeal to children with its fuzzy, red, catkin-like blooms.

Many of us enjoy gardening, and it is easy to bring our children in to the garden and let them plant seeds. The trick is choosing seed that grows into plants they will particularly enjoy. Nigella (Love-in-a-Mist) is beautiful when it blooms but what appeals to children are the strange-looking pods. Parents can teach their kids to shake the pod while still on the plant, letting them know that when it rattles, it can be cut. When it’s ready, the kids can pinch the pod and sprinkle seeds throughout the garden.

This is also true of Aquilegia (Columbine).

For those clients who have limited space, a pizza garden, consisting of tomatoes, basil, and peppers, can be planted in a container. The pizza won’t be complete without cheese but in small spaces, it’s difficult to find room for a cow! Our children are so accustomed to ordering and eating pizza that they never think about where the ingredients come from; this would provide yet another teaching opportunity for parents.

And who isn’t entranced by water? Adding a water feature to a client’s property can be as easy as designing a shallow stream or pond. One idea involves placing large, flat stepping stones or constructed “lily pads” through the water so that walking them becomes an adventure. Parents can count on the fact the children “accidentally” fall in, especially on really hot days. If the structure is large enough, a bridge can also be included.

Chances are that tree toads, butterflies, and birds will also be attracted to the water, thus tickling children’s sense of wonder, as well as acquainting them with fauna that live somewhere other than the zoo.

A flamingo from the topiary collection at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Columbus, OH.

Children are also fascinated by sound. Casa Loma, a castle in Toronto, features the large Dragon Tree Bell, which children delight in ringing. A series of smaller sculptures and bells can be placed throughout a landscape for kids to run from one to another, or placed side by side. In either case, varying the sounds of the bells can help small visitors learn about creating music. A series of drums would also be a fun feature.

Designing a landscape that includes fun features for children and a sense of refinement for adults is not always easy. However, it is not impossible. Although I am sure that there are a multitude of other ideas that would make landscapes pleasant for all, these suggestions can help get playtime off to a good start. B Bobbie may be contacted at bobbie@bgthumb.com. Photos courtesy of Bobbie Schwartz and Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

24 The Buckeye

This drum “set” was designed by Cincinnati’s Bill Ripley for a couple with children who didn’t want the usual playset. onla.org

Your Go-To Reference Guide The 78-page, fullcolor Landscape Plants for Ohio features key terminology & planting info for popular evergreens, ferns, grasses, perennials, shrubs and trees.

A Professional’s Guide

LANDSCAPE PLANTS FOR OHIO

mounde d. of the gard Best if planted in camoufl en where folia an area ge age fade. Grea d or hidden onc will be e settings t for borders and blooms . naturaliz ed

Campanula persicifolia Peach-leaved Bellflower This semi-evergreen plant grows 18– 24” tall. Flowers appear in summer and are 1–1 1/2” in diameter and saucershaped. Makes a good cut flower.

Best grown in cool sites and neutral to alkaline soils.

Campanula carpatica ‘White Clips’ and ‘Blue Clips’ Bell Flower Have deep blue (‘Blue Clips’) or white (‘White Clips’), cup-shaped flowers in the summer and grow 8” tall in a compact mound. Makes a good groundcover or plant for the front of the garden border.

Campanula glomerata Clustered Bellflower This plant grows 12–18” tall and has deep purple flowers in early summer that are arranged in upward-facing clusters. Tolerates wet soil. Divide every two years to promote vigor.

Aquileg ia Origami x caerulea ‘Ori gami Mix Columbi ne ’ Numerou s of red and pendant flowers in shad yellow cove spring. r the plan es Blue Mist Shrub is aptly named as its t in late gray-green foliage is shrouded in a cloud of blue from mid to late summer.

Arabis cau It is a well-behaved garden plant that Rockcre casica ss is very attractive to butterflies. Dark Knight has deep purple blue flowers Arisaem Tolerate Anenom a s heat and closely spaced on elong stems.

Jack-in- ‘Green Dragon ‘Honor poor, dry drought the-Pul ine Job ’ soil. Gra as well as pit ert’ y-green in a mou Grows 3foliage grow nd Campanula punctata ‘Cherry Bells’ 10–12” Large leav 4’ tall and flowers tall. Frag s es cover the has dark Bell Flower ge that rant whi Cassia folia marilandica 2’ tall. Flow with three part Good for plant in green makes a te for s earl beautifu the grac a border Wild Senna on a shor er is a fleshy gree grow to garden. plant or y spring. in Septem eful, white, silk- l backdrop t in a rock Long red bell-like flowers appear in appearing stalk beneath the n spike like flow ber. ers late spring to early summer. Blooms are flower is April through Juneleaves, This dramatic tropical-like plant grows encl .

The osed about 18” above the ground-cover-like called a 4–5’ tall and makes a great accent plant spathe (thein a modified leaf Anemon plant and droop down like bells. Cut be red or e sylv or placed along the estr back of a border.

Snowdr reddish-v “pulpit”) that may ‘Maflowers back to the foliage after blooming. crantha op Ane 6” is bright red iolet. A The yellow, pea-like, monlong ’ cluster of e Vigorous spreader.

Good for berries appears appear in August and September, in the fall. woodlan Beautifu d areas. l, 2” accenting the yellowish-green foliage. wide, whi flowers te, fragrant with Very drought tolerant. yellow in early Caryopteris x clandonensis spring. The stamens appear Artemisia tall. Whi plant grow Blue Mist Shrub te s 1–2’ These pere summer wooly fruit pers . A low-gro ists Centaurea silvery-g nnials are best spreads macrocephala wing pere into the kno ray, soft quickly.

A dense, mound-forming 3’ shrub that nnial that Armenian foliage and wn for growing.

Great for wooded Basketflower Smaller the edg areas. grows as a perennial or tender shrub. cultivars ease of in the land es of can be used Plant has gray-green, lance-shaped The blooms of this plant make great and larg scape as a bord e cultivars er plant leaves and blue or purple-blue flowers cut flowers. The 3” wide yellow flowers specime Aqu n plants are excellent for ileg in late summer and early fall. Great for Colu or as other pere grow onia34’ tall plants and bloom mbine nnials. Cut backdrops for attracting butterflies. cult in late spring to early summer. They ivars mak branches Armeria e great maritim and wre are bright and beautiful but appear dried arra of some Pride’ This a ‘Duesse aths. genus enco ngemen ldorf almost thistle-like. ts mpasses Sea Pink of somewhat plants withmessy, Drought tolerant. bloom coloa wide variety rang e and rs in the pastel Great on the cult various heights plants for dep the fron used for ivar selected. Flow ending or rock t of the garden. cut arramontana ers can Centaurea border ngemen Gro mou be ws nd about into a cush ts. Plants 6” tall.

Mountain Bluet are iony pop up on 6” stem Rosy-pink flow ers s in earl y summer This aggressive plant has 2” wide .

2019 Lands cape Plants bluish-purple flowers on 2’ tall plants. for Ohio.i ndd Blooms May24through June. Also known Full Sun as the “perennial bachelor button.”

Full Shad e Tolerant of poor, dry soils. May require Partial Shad e 24 staking.

Full Shade

Partial Shade

28

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2:24:10

LS

Caryopteris ‘Dark Knight’ Blue Mist Shrub

Full Sun

2019 Landscape Plants for Ohio.indd 28

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Anemon e ‘Marga rete’ Grows to 2’ tall and flowers on multi-br has double pink anched stems.

PERENNIA

A low-growing vigorous habit makes this a great ground cover or candidate for the mixed border. Grows 8–10” tall with low mounds of light green foliage covered with dark blue bell-shaped flower in the summer.

After bloo ms stems back have faded, clip flow er attractive to the foliage for an accent plan the sum t for the mer. rest of

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Campanula poscharskyana ‘Blue Waterfall’ Serbian Bellflower

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26 The Buckeye

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PREFERRED SERVICE PROVIDERS An exclusive member benefit! ONLA members are entitled to the following services designed to reduce company expenses while addressing the specific needs of green industry businesses. The providers below were chosen by ONLA, and many offer discounts to ONLA members.

Energy Program: Growers Energy Solutions (GES) Grower Energy Solutions (GES) programs help manage your energy costs by bringing ONLA members together as one buying group. GES is an energy program that provides the opportunity to manage your energy needs and save on your natural gas & electric costs. Our programs can offer pricing to members located in all Ohio gas and electric utilities that allow third party supply. Joe Perlaky perlaky@bex.net

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Health/Life/Income Insurance: TAH Benefits The ONLA Insurance & Employee Benefits Programs has partnered with various insurance plans to offer a wide variety of benefit options for members including medical, vision, dental, life, and disability. Our insurance representatives will help tailor-make a program specifically to fit your needs, including advanced plan designs, management techniques, and improved benefits administration that can result in substantial cost savings and reduction of employee benefits liability exposure. Jay Hazelbaker info@tahbenefits.com

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Workers' Compensation: CareWorksComp The ONLA Workers’ Compensation Group Rating Program has saved its members over $21.4 million in the last 11 years.

Through CareWorksComp, members are offered multiple savings levels, ranging from the BWC maximum to a lesser percentage, for companies with claims. Free, no obligation analysis of potential workers’ comp premium savings. Cordell Walton cordell.walton@careworkscomp.com If you have any questions regarding details on a benefit, please call 614.899.1195 or email roni@onla.org. Please ensure that your correct email is on file with ONLA so that you receive important member announcements and updates.

July/August 2020

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Ads listed here were current as of press time. For details, or to place a classified ad, visit onla.org/ careers Hemp Farming/Field Work Hondros Farms Centerburg, OH

UPCOMING EVENTS Subject to change. Visit onla.org/events for more information. O designates qualifying OCNT recertification events.

OCNT Exams July 16, August 20 Westerville, Ohio onla.org/ocnt Diagnostic Walkabout: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo O July 16 Cleveland, OH onla.org/walkabouts

Diagnostic Walkabout: Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens O August 13 Akron, OH onla.org/walkabouts Diagnostic Walkabout: BGSU Firelands O September 10 Huron, OH onla.org/walkabouts

ONLA Golf Outing September xx Sunbury, OH onla.org/golfouting ONLA Ohio HIgh School Landscape OlympicsO October 15 & 16 Wooster, OH onla.org/ohlo

Share Your Event!

Are you hosting an open house, an educational workshop or webinar, or a networking event?

Email alana@onla.org with details!

ONLA Member events will be listed in the Buckeye and online at onla.org

28  The Buckeye

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Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association 72 Dorchester Square Westerville, OH 43081-3350 Address Service Requested

DIAGNOSTIC WALKABOUTS Discuss how to find, diagnose, and control landscape pests during early mornings walks in a variety of public parks and green spaces.

Led by OSU Educators, these interactive, hands-on, in-the-moment experiences provide a unique alternative to traditional classes or passive reading. Attendees are invited to ask questions and take pictures for future reference. It’s an informal and comfortable learning experience.

Discussions are tailored to the audience, weather and time of year, and characteristics of the location—no two walkabouts are ever the same.

Learn more on the inside front cover or visit onla.org/walkabouts

Tour Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on July 16!