The Buckeye - March/April 2019

MARCH/APRIL 2019 Vol. 30, Issue 2

The Official Publication of Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association

INSIDE: ONLA's 46th Annual Landscape Awards Winners (Page 14)

UNLIMITED OPTIONS CONTACT YOUR LOCAL UNILOCK TERRITORY MANAGER TODAY FOR A HANDS-ON DEMONSTRATION. 1-800-UNILOCK | UNILOCK.COM/UCARA US Pat. 9,453,341

March/April 2019 Vol.30, Issue 2

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 Tim Clark, President H. J. Benken Florist & Greenhouses, Inc Andy Doesburg, Immediate Past President Ward + Thornton Landscape Emily Showalter, President-Elect Willoway Nurseries, Inc. DIRECTORS Brandon Druffel Dan Druffel, Inc. Tom Hilgeman Bower & Branch Molly John M.J. Design Associates, Inc. Ryan Kolb Ryan Kolb Co. LLC Mindy Moore Cardinal Landscape, Tree Service & Lawn Care 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 Mary Ann Shrum, Education Tracie Zody, MGIX 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

4

President's Perspective

7

Legislative Update

9

ONLA Professional Award Winners

FEATURE STORIES 11

Align and Engage Team Members, by Marty Grunder

12

Retail Roundtable: Indoor Houseplants

14 46th Annual Landscape Award Winners 20

Ohio High School Landscape Olympics

24

The Sidewalk Experience, by Bobbie Schwartz

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

5

New Members

6

Coming Soon: Nursery & Suppliers Guide

28

Classifieds

28

Calendar of Events, Advertising Index

Front Cover and Above: Landscape Awards Project of the Year: Eton Color Gardens, Exterior Services, LTD.

January/February 2019

1

We’re committed to supplying you with the best products and services all at a great price.

Custom Seed Mixtures

7463 West Ridge Road P.O. Box 189 Fairview PA 16415 800.458.2234 Fax 800.343.6819 e-mail: info@FairviewEvergreen.com FairviewEvergreen.com

Check us out at www.davistreefarm.com, in Google Play & iTunes app stores.

2  The Buckeye

Erosion Control

Sediment Control

Equipment & Rental

Need a quote or have questions?

866.530.7333 NEW!

info@evergreenseedsupply.com

EvergreenSeedSupply.com

sales@davistreefarm.com

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

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE Ken Fisher, ONLA Executive Director, ken@onla.org

Congratulations! You made it to Spring. Let the fun begin!

What we do together matters when it comes to growing and protecting the future of our industry in Ohio and beyond.

2019 is off to a fast start and I’m optimistic that this will be a strong season for our industry across the Midwest.

With serious labor shortages bearing down on our industry as Spring nears, we’re part of a full-court press for relief. This is a timely, strong, bipartisan letter from Congress compelling swift action to free up more visas in time to help secure a successful Spring.

Providing professional development, industry networking, and facilitating industry trade are all important aspects of the mission of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association and we have been busy in 2019 bringing those programs to you. I hope you’ve been able to participate.

ONLA supports the H-2B Workforce Coalition which has been working diligently to encourage DHS and elected officials to address the demand for temporary, seasonal workers.

This strong show of bipartisan support is an acknowledgement of those efforts.

OHIO GREEN INDUSTRY ADVOCACY When surveyed, green industry association members regularly list legislative and regulatory advocacy as one of their key member benefits. On February 27, we gathered nearly 100 Ohio green industry business owners and professionals from eight associations at the Ohio Statehouse to network with colleagues, meet with state legislators, and make our collective voice heard on issues critical to your business. Key issues that dominated the discussions with elected officials included the proposed gas tax, environmental regulations and labor issues. A reception at the end of the day in the Capitol Rotunda attracted dozens of state legislators and their staff to continue these important discussions. Thank you to all who participated.

TRAINING DAYS To help prepare our membership for Spring we teamed up with some of the best educators and industry practitioners to provide two full-day programs providing education on plants, plant care, staffing and HR issues, and hands-on workshops for irrigation and low-voltage lighting installation and maintenance.

In addition, ONLA is working at the federal level with AmericanHort to strongly encourage the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to exercise her authority to release the nearly 70,000 additional temporary, non-immigrant H-2B visas in excess of the statutory annual cap of 66,000.

On March 4, 2019 a bipartisan group of 27 Senators and 110 Representatives presented a letter from the Congress of the United States, to Kirstjen Nielsen, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, urging her to quickly exercise the authority provided by Congress to release the full amount of visas authorized and simply continue processing H-2B petitions until any additional visa allotment is exhausted.

onla.org

Over 200 participants joined us March 5th at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland and March 7th at Sinclair Community College in Dayton. These one-day programs featured education sessions, workshops, and networking opportunities for growers, landscapers, and retail garden centers.

It was great to see so many ONLA professionals connect with industry colleagues, owners providing key training for their employees, and managers learning new skills to grow their business. The ONLA team was also able to provide a series of important credits from ISA, APLD, AOLP, OCNT, LACES/ HSW for these classes.

Our team at ONLA is working hard to bring you programming to improve your business. Your membership and participation in ONLA events 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.

Because “what we do together matters”. B

March/April 2019

3

PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE Tim Clark, H. J. Benken Florist and Greenhouses, Inc. As I sit here writing this article, I am looking out at the sun for the first time in what seems to be weeks. The February calendar is ticking away and March is right around the corner.

I am seeing more people in the garden center daily. Pansies are starting to roll out the door. More and more landscape trucks are on the streets starting their spring clean ups and installations. I love when the weather starts to break and the outdoor activity levels start to ramp up. Before you know it, the time will have changed and it will be staying lighter so much longer!

As far as business goes, we are in the hiring process right now and if I’m completely honest, it’s one of my least favorite things to do each spring. It seems like it’s getting harder and harder to find quality people willing to work hard and show up every day they are scheduled. I’m sure everyone reading this can relate. So far, the process has been smoother this year than in past years. We do our best to try and retain our seasonal employees from one year to the next so that turnover isn’t always as rough. Some years are better than others. Let’s hope it’s one of those years.

Labor issues aside, I am optimistic about the spring season.

Most people I talk to across the industry are excited and ramping up for a great season. Jobs are sold and once the weather breaks the frenzy begins. Spring’s arrival means new beginnings. Bulbs sprout out of their dormancy, trees begin to leaf out, new contracts have been awarded and new customers have found your garden center for the first time. It’s a chance to start fresh with new ideas and initiatives, a chance to begin new business relationships or mend old ones that need

repairing. Spring is literally a breath of fresh air. I don’t know about you, but that’s some exciting stuff!

Spring can also be a stressful time for all of us in the industry if we aren’t careful. The curtain has been pulled back on your winter time preparations and it’s time to get on stage. For a lot of us, the spring performance lasts several months. For others, it lasts much longer. I would encourage everyone to schedule some time during that extremely busy season to not only take care of your business and clients but to take care of yourself as well. Make it a point to give yourself the time necessary to rejuvenate and recharge your batteries both physically and emotionally. Find a slice of time to have lunch with your spouse or significant other, go to your kids’ baseball game, take a walk and decompress…something to get your mind off the daily grind that can possibly run you into the ground if you are not careful. Take care of yourself regularly so you can take good care of your clients. Everyone will thank you for it.

Here’s to the beginning of a profitable and successful Spring season. B

Tim can be contacted at tclark@benkens.com

2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS At the ONLA Annual Meeting, presented at the Member Summit on December 13, 2018, the ONLA membership voted on the 2019 Board of Directors. New Board members include Molly John, M.J. Design Associates, Inc., Wendy Moore Davis Tree Farm & Nursery, Inc., and Brandon Druffel, Dan Druffel, Inc.. Emily Showalter, Willoway Nurseries, Inc. will serve as PresidentElect.

Pictured here, Top Row: ONLA Executive Director Ken Fisher, Steve O'Neal, Brandon Druffel, Mindy Moore, Ryan Kolb. Bottom Row: Wendy Moore, Emily Showalter, Tim Clark, Andy Doesburg, Molly John 4 The Buckeye

onla.org

Welcome New Members!

These companies and individuals have been approved for membership, pending the completion of the application process, which includes requesting comments from the ONLA membership regarding the qualifications and/or dues classifications of applicants. Please submit comments within three weeks of receiving this issue to info@onla.org, or call 614.899.1195.

The following companies are applying for ACTIVE membership: Anthony Hille Country Club Creations LLC 10415 Wyscarver Road Evendale, Ohio 45241

Paula Cantu Landscapes by the Yard P.O. Box 41305 Columbus, Ohio 43214

Pat Ryan Ryan-Brothers' Landscaping 1239 Stimmel Road Columbus, Ohio 43223

The following people are applying for PROFESSIONAL INDIVIDUAL membership: Brian Brockly, Jorgensen Farms

Daniel Slagle, Boardman Township Park

The following people are applying for STUDENT membership: Auburn Career Center Peter Brent Joe Cloonan Tyrelle Early Christian Eveland Ryan Ford Declan Goerndt Mason Laski Dae'shawn Luckett Andrew Marcelli Anthony Norwood Quentin Piotrowski Veronica Shockey Remington Snook Emily Speck Tyaeh Taylor John Trebec Ohio Hi-Point Career Center Madelynn Allen Garrett Avila Steven Baer Eric Begley Quincy Hassell Brayden Hill Logan Kissling Wyatt Long Daniel Long Damien Masters Joshua Mays Bradley Osborn

Kolton Parker Jeffery Parkins Adrian Ramos Alaina Robb Gaige Sheeley Cade Stachler Victoria Wohlgamuth Penta Career Center Ethan Byram Rob Heinze Tannor Hoffman Hunter Potter Gabriel Richard Scott Stearns Sylvania Southview High School Kara Barnett Kate Bernhardt Jaycee Fuller Melanie Gromes Hailey Blackford Chaise Brown Isabel Conger Miranda Culver Lexi Duszynski Enaz Elkhechen Aaron Ellis Katie Erney Damian Graff Alexa Groombridge Ryah Haidar

Cierra Harris Mikayla Hoen Thomas Huffman Gabby Johnson Liam Julian Abby Kalniz Austin Ketcham Tialyn King Nick Lepard Nate Longsdorf Niya Matthews Haley McClain Charles Michael Brooklyn Patton Molly Pheils Andrea Quezada Jeremy Reece Colin Ressler Stella Sawdon Julia Schneider Zach Shaffer Noor Smidi Hannah Smith Judah Stasinos Jessica Sullivan Oliver Theiss Bella Trejo Blake Villarreal Madison Wallace Sam Wernert Journey Wynn Ellesse Ysassi

Washington County Career Center Lydia Arnett Lindsey Barker Nathan Bradford Jacob Cline Brooklyn Hagar Matthew Lamp Thomas Lasure Anthony Murphy Andrew Nieto Desarae Parker Lucas Pittman Ethan Ross Hunter Ross Shawn Strahler Kaleb Tait Jeremiah Weaver Zachariah Wilson

Nick Van Riper, Cincinnati State Technical & Community College Dorothy Woodbury, Cincinnati State Technical & Community College Sarah Sagraves, Clark State Community College Keelin McAndrew, Kent Sate Salem

COMING SOON: ONLA NURSERY & SUPPLIERS GUIDE Quickly find new vendors using a free, downloadable directory of ONLA member growers and allied suppliers.

ONLA will be verifying your contact information and product listings via email over the next month. The directory will be similar to the traditional exhibitor listing and cross-reference guide found in a tradeshow program.

Bellbrook Columbus Springfield West Carrollton Celebrating 60 years of producing premium quality Turfgrass Sod and distributing a wide array of Turf & Ornamental products.

Since 1959, we have you to thank for growing alongside us in our success! Â - Your Green Velvet Team of Turf Professionals GREENVELVET.COM

6  The Buckeye

800-342-0571

onla.org

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE All Things New: The DeWine Assembly and 133rd General Assembly Belinda Jones Capitol Consulting Group bjones@capitol-consulting.net 614.224.3855

Governor DeWine has picked a number of great leaders to his cabinet. Leading the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is Director Dorothy Pelanda. Director Pelanda is an attorney from Union County where she lives on her family farm with her husband. She served 8 years in the Ohio House where she served in leadership and on a number of committees including the House Ag Committee. We were able to hear directly from Director Pelanda at the Green Industry Advocacy Day event where she focused on her agency's work on water quality.

Pelanda has made some staff changes at ODA. Former ODA Assistant Director Tim Derickson remains in that spot but has an important day-to-day role as Governor DeWine has asked Director Pelanda to spend a great deal of time touring the state and getting to know the ag community. Matt Beal has a different role where he will be chiefly focused on pesticides and fertilizers as Dan Kenny is serving as the Interim Chief of the Division of Plant Health.

At Green Industry Advocacy Day, Director Pelanda shared that she will be working closely with ODNR Director Mary Mertz and OEPA Director Laurie Stevenson to collaborate on a myriad of programs to help not only Lake Erie but the quality of water throughout the state.

For more information about programs at ODA including dates and locations for Director Pelanda's "Listening Tour", see the ODA website at: agri.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/oda/home/ OHIO HOUSE AND SENATE AG COMMITTEES The 133rd General Assembly has brought new leadership to both the Ohio House and the Ohio Senate Agriculture Committees.

On the House side, State Representative Kyle Koehler (R; Springfield) is the new Chairman. We know Rep. Koehler because he served as Vice Chairman of the committee in the last General Assembly and is a previous recipient of the ONLA Legislator of the Year Award. Vice Chair of the Committee is a first term, newly elected legislator Rep. Todd Smith (R; Germantown). The Ranking Minority Member is Rep. Juanita Brent (D; Cleveland). onla.org

Rep. Smith is not the only new face on the committee, in fact, of the 17 members of the House Ag Committee, 12 are entirely new to the state house (first term) and two of the veteran legislators have never served on the ag committee. This means we have our work cut out for us getting to know this important body.

Please check out the House Ag Committee Roster and let me know who you know: ohiohouse.gov/committee/agriculture-and-ruraldevelopment The Senate Ag Committee has many more familiar faces but does have a new chairman in Senator Frank Hoagland (R; Adena). Chairman Hoagland was Vice Chair of Senate Ag in the last General Assembly but he is still relatively new to ag as he is in his first term and doesn't come from an area that is high in ag. Vice Chair of Senate Ag is our friend Senator Brian Hill (R; Zanesville). You might recall in the last article I reported that Hill (formerly House Ag Committee Chairman) had been appointed to the Senate to fill the unexpired term of former Senator, now Congressman, Troy Balderson. However, in recent weeks, Senator Hill has announced he will be stepping down from his seat to take a private sector job. Senator Hill will be missed but we wish him well!

The Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Ag Committee is again Sen. Sean O'Brien (D; Cortland).

To check out the remaining members, see: ohiosenate.gov/committees/agriculture-and-natural-resources BILLS WE ARE WATCHING With the changes in House leadership, the House and the Senate were late to start introducing bills but here are a few we are following on your behalf: SB 2 (Peterson) would create a statewide watershed planning structure for watershed programs to be implemented by local soil and water conservation districts. NOTE: This bill has been dubbed a priority for the Senate, however, current text of the bill is still be worked on.

March/April 2019 

7

hannah.com/ShowDocument.aspx?BTextID=212095 SB 45 and HB 59 would declare the month of April as "Ohio Native Plant Month". This bill was introduced at the request of former First Lady Hope Taft and has the support of ONLA and many of our allies. In fact, ONLA member Bill Hendricks offered testimony on this bill in the House. hannah.com/ShowDocument.aspx?BTextID=212253

Your success brightens our day... and night.

SB 57 (Hill, S. Huffman) would decriminalize hemp and hemp products and to establish a hemp cultivation licensing program. hannah.com/ShowDocument.aspx?BTextID=212401 There will be many more bill introductions over the coming months but the "biggie" is the state operating budget to be introduced in the coming days. When the near 3,000-page budget bill is introduced, we will be closely following the ODA budget as well as funding for OARDC and OSUE.B

At Cascade Lighting, your success is our top priority and it’s been that way since we set up shop over 20 years ago.

Growing High Quality Plants, People, and Relationships

SERVING GARDEN CENTERS AND LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS

SINCE 1978

Annuals Combo Planters Grasses Hardy Ferns

Herbs Peonies Perennials

Proven Winners® Succulents Vines

We’ll partner with you to provide expert advice on the best lighting solution to fit your project and budget. Our team also offers design and technical support at no additional cost. And to ensure the job gets done on time, our warehouse stocks a huge inventory of products ready for same day shipment.

Call us today at 800.758.6359 or visit cascadelighting.com

Now growing Proven Winners® shrubs

Providing over 40 lines of outdoor and landscape lighting products including: Delivery Services Custom Growing POP Materials

p. 800-948-1234 f. 877-964-6446 sales@millcreekplants.com www.millcreekplants.com 15088 Smart Cole Road, Ostrander, OH 43061

8 The Buckeye

111618

ONLA_halfpage-gen_1118.indd 1

onla.org

11/16/18 9:32 AM

2019 ONLA Professional Award Winners The following individuals were recognized at the Awards Celebration & Breakfast at the MGIX Member Summit on December 13, 2018.

DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTION AWARD Brian Decker, Decker's Nursery

EDUCATOR/PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

Tim Malinich, Ohio State University Extension

Gail Reinhart, Hidden Creek Landscaping

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR

SERVICE AWARD

Richard Posey, Buckeye Resources, Inc. onla.org

Mark Gilson, Gilson Gardens

March/April 2019 

9

Vibrant ‘Miss Violet’ Buddleia ‘Miss Violet’, pp#28,448, cbraf

‘Miss Violet’ blooms with loads of sweetscented, rich purple-violet flowers on a neat, compact habit that is half the size of a typical buddleia. Also, like the all plants in the “Miss” series, this butterfly bush is non-invasive!

‘Miss Violet’ is just one of 300+ Proven Winners® shrub varieties available from Spring Meadow Nursery in 2¼”, 4”, and Quick Turn™ liners.

Contact Brad Preston 616-223-3376 www.springmeadownursery.com 800-633-8859 ext.1106

ONLA Mar-Apr_SMN Miss Violet.indd 1

1/28/19 8:37 AM

PUBLICATIONS

Order online at www.onla.org/store or call 614.899.1195

EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE FROM ONLA nal’s

fessio

A Pro

e

Guid

TS PLAN

E SCAP D N A L OHIO FOR

• • • •

Education and training for employees Leave-behind item for clients Garden Center Retail Item Landscape Design/Build Sales Tool

Landscape Plants for Ohio - Revised in 2017!

A 78-pages, full-color reference guide for popular evergreens, ferns, grasses, perennials, shrubs and trees. Includes key terminology & planting info.

1–100 copies: $6 each 101–499 copies: $4.75 each Best Value! 500+ copies: $3.75 each The BackPocket Gardener A 148-page learning tool with 200+ color photos and reference guide for soils, fertilizers, trees & shrubs, roses, flowers, edibles, lawn care, pests and diseases.

Minimum 3 copies: Now only $9.95 each!

Use Promo Code: BPG2019

10 The Buckeye

onla.org

ALIGN AND ENGAGE TEAM MEMBERS FROM THE START Marty Grunder, Grunder Landscaping Co.

As I sit down to write this issue’s column, the sun is shining bright in Dayton, where I live, and my weather app says we can expect the temperature to reach as high as 66 degrees this week. I can feel my mood and that of my team at Grunder Landscaping Co. starting to pick up and our pace quickening as we get ready for spring and the rush of work that comes with it.

Most owners have recently brought new hires on board to gear up for the season’s demands, and many of us will continue to add and subtract from our teams in the coming months. It can be such a challenge to find and recruit good employees in our industry that by the time we do, it’s very tempting to want to check the box and move on. But if you don’t take the time and energy to integrate and engage new hires, your team, your culture, and ultimately your bottom line will suffer. Here are smart steps you can take to win at labor: 1. Get off on the right foot. Have a plan for your new hires’ first day and ensure you have everything in place they need to start, from a uniform to an e-mail account to a place to park. Work to communicate expectations before their first day; at GLC, we ensure job applicants understand our mission and core values from the very first call we have with them. This enables us to screen out those who are not a good fit for our culture, and it helps applicants to understand what working with us is all about before they decide to sign on. We also work hard to ensure new hires feel welcome and wanted from the start. Our HR director, Amber, calls them at the end of their first day to see how it went and if they need anything, and our managers continue to reach out to new team members and check in. Every employee plays a key role in your company’s success; make sure they know this and that they know you know this, too.

2. Train for hard skills and soft. Most of us focus on the hard skills our team members need to do their jobs, whether it’s how to operate equipment or how to perform proper horticultural practices. These are critical to running a successful landscaping company, and you should have a systematic training program in place for them. At GLC, our team leaders meet for one hour every Tuesday for a training session. Attendance is mandatory, and team leaders are expected to then train their

onla.org

crews on the topic. But just as important as these hard skills are the soft skills your crews need in order to deliver good customer service. Train them in how to introduce themselves to and interact with clients when they’re on a job site—the professionalism of your team is among the most effective marketing you can do to stand out in a sea of sameness. Conversely, it can take just one unprofessional interaction for a client to write your company off entirely.

3. Schedule regular reviews. Ensure team leaders are checking in regularly with new hires and establish a schedule of reviews at the 30-, 60-, and 90-day marks. How are they progressing?

Are they a good fit with your company and culture? Are there any issues? Do your new hires have any concerns? Now is the time to discuss them and find solutions. As we say at GLC, no surprises—and clear and open communication is the numberone key to this.

Devote the time and the resources to build and train your team right from the start and you’ll win all season long.

See you next month! B

Contact Marty at marty.grunder@ grunderlandscaping.com

March/April 2019

11

RETAIL ROUNDTABLE

INDOOR HOUSEPLANTS ONLA's Retail Committee weighs in on a new topic each Buckeye. Have something you'd like to see the committee tackle in a future issue? Email alana@onla.org.

increases can be seen in the sale of specialty soils (African Violet, Succulent, Bonsai, and Orchid), saucers, watering cans, and indoor-specific fertilizers.

Indoor Plant sales are trending big time, and more research is being publicized showing the multiple benefits of having indoor plants (like the infographic on the opposite page from the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture, ConsumerHort.org). Here's what a few Retail Committee members have to say about how houseplants are performing at their garden centers.

Noelle Clark Akin, Petitti Garden Centers The department has been increasing over the past few years, so we did make a substantial investment into upgrading the department, moving it back into “block one” where customers enter into a tropical plant department. The areas all have the same fixtures, approximate foot print, accessory shelving, signage story and merchandising plant-a-gram. The associate ordering has been simplified as well, so each table has a sunlight and size requirement and a max/min amount, reducing ordering errors and shrink. The signage story is very different from our outdoor plants areas, it is a soft, contemporary, Zen design showing the houseplant benefits and light requirements.

Currently, the houseplant guarantee is 30 days.

Jeremy Newell, White Oak Gardens Houseplants and interior plantscaping products have certainly seen a signicant increase for us the last few years. At White Oak, the addition of our new retail greenhouses two years ago was fortuitous timing for this increased interest. We used to stock houseplants only in the winter and try to sell out in March to make room for spring annuals. The limited space made it so we could only do one or the other. With the increased space we can keep a much broader selection in the winter and a consistent houseplant area throughout all seasons. We still promote houseplants on our weekly email only in the winter months.

We currently have four houseplants available for purchase on our website (pick-up in store, not to ship).

While we have been able to profit from this increased interest by keeping product available to our customers, we are trailing behind in adequately tagging and signing. Our houseplants obviously have prices on them, but our suppliers provide no information labels about the specific plants. We are currently working on designing and printing labels and signs that give our customers the info they need as well as look good with our branding. We still try to talk with each customer about recommendations for their space (which may not be consistent with the images seen on social media!).

The increased houseplant trend has also increased the satellite categories pertaining to houseplants. Small pottery sales have exploded in the last two years for us. Other significant 12 The Buckeye

Tim Clark, H. J. Benken Florist & Greenhouses, Inc. Indoor houseplants are a significant category for us here at Benkens. Traditionally, January has been houseplant month for us where it is more heavily promoted. Houseplants was always a transitional item from Christmas into spring…not so much anymore. Today, we are selling more houseplants year round than ever before. During our busiest seasons we are bringing in loads direct from Florida and the space allotted to foliage is growing each year. Our signage is pretty simple…we separate the foliage plants by their light requirements on the benches.

We have found it’s easier for customers to identify and select their foliage plant that way. We offer a 30 days guarantee on foliage plants and each one leaves with their appropriate care card. Seldom do we get returns but one in particular that requires an extra bit of education on the customer’s part are ficus trees. Once they start dropping their leaves (which they inevitably do) the confusion sets in for the customer. Educate them early what to expect and how to care for them. Foliage sales are now one of our better year round categories. If you’re not into foliage plants, you might want to take a second look.B

onla.org

#PlantsDoThat Inside!

Where We Live GREENING THE GREAT INDOORS Having plants in our homes is an important component of creating a sustainable indoor ecology and healthy minds and bodies.

Indoor plants lead to improved overall environmental quality.

YOUR BRAIN ON NATURE Indoor plants psychologically link us to nature.

COMFORT IS KING Plants increase ambient humidity in dry indoor environments. Plants are known to increase room humidity from 20% to a more comfortable 30% under bright lighting conditions.

BRING ON THE OM

BREATHE EASY Indoor plants improve air quality by removing carbon dioxide, particulates, benzene and up to 90% of formaldehyde.

Plants in the room both stabilize and reduce CO2 levels.

Each 1% addition of plants in a room results in a 6-7% decrease in formaldehyde.

Rooms with plants have fewer pollutants (like volatile organic compounds or VOCs).

FAST FACTS

Plants stimulate both a physiological and psychological relaxation response.

FRIENDLY FLORA Houseplants supply beneficial bacteria and increase the microbial diversity in the indoor environment - benefitting human health indoors.

Infographic produced by National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture (NICH).

Discover more about the power of plants in this series at ConsumerHort.org. onla.org

March/April 2019 

13

46TH ANNUAL

Landscape Awards

PROJECT OF THE YEAR ETON COLOR GARDENS, EXTERIOR SERVICES, LTD.

46th Annual Landscape Awards

RICE'S LANDSCAPES REDEFINED, CANTON, OH Project: Hostetler Residence Category: Residential Installation $15,001 to $50,000 The installation of a bluestone patio and fire pit eliminated areas of overly damp and shaded grass and moss. The patio’s gentle, sweeping curves accentuate the natural tree line and an irregular bluestone and gravel path, top rock boulders, and new plantings integrate the project into the surrounding landscape.

EXSCAPE DESIGNS, NOVELTY, OH Project: A Cleveland Heights Residence Category: Residential Installation $50,001 & Over A full exterior “makeover”, completed at the same time as an extensive interior renovation, includes a new front porch and masonry walls, a modern outdoor living space with custom hot tub, and a formal garden area. The finished product complements the 1920s-era house without overpowering its traditional, understated elegance.

FULLMER'S LANDSCAPING, INC., DAYTON, OH Project: Backyard Pool Retreat Category: Residential Installation $50,001 & Over A 10’ x 14’ plunge pool features built in seating, programmed jets, and ornamental tiling that helps camouflage the track for an automatic pool cover.

Begonias, sunpatiens, and pachysandra fill in around Green Velvet boxwood, while Irish moss softens the edges of limestone slabs.

RICE’S LANDSCAPES REDEFINED, CANTON, OH Project: Zito Residence Category: Residential Installation $50,001 & Over Cut stone steps and patio paver landings provide easy lake access from this expansive outdoor entertainment area. Terraced walls reveal pocket plantings of creeping sedum, flowering perennials, oriental grasses, and dwarf evergreens.

46th Annual Landscape Awards EXSCAPE DESIGNS, NOVELTY, OH Project: A Pepper Pike Residence Category: Residential Installation $50,001 & Over An outdoor kitchen pavilion, two-sided bar, and fire pit create an outdoor living space, accented with a visually striking combination of bluestone and brick pavers. Under-pavement heating running from the house’s back door to the outdoor kitchen allows access to the grill year-round—no snow shovel required!

T. L. C. LANDSCAPING, INC., SOLON, OH Project: Executive Retreat Category: Residential Installation $50,001 & Over This grand outdoor space includes a front-yard transformation with a driveway paver inlay, new walkway, and seasonal color, and a 3,000-square foot backyard retreat featuring a pool, spa and waterfall, a pergola with a swing, and a fireplace and grill station.

LIFESTYLE LANDSCAPING, INC., NORTH RIDGEVILLE, OH

Gra n

dA war

d

Project: Avon Family Sanctuary Category: Residential Installation $50,001 & Over A backyard gathering space sings in harmony with the natural surroundings of a private, wooded lot.

A sandstone patio is accented with custom gas fire stones, a pond-less water feature, and deerresistance plantings.

LANDSCAPES BY TERRA, INC., DUBLIN, OH Project: Brock Road Retreat Category: Residential Installation $50,001 & Over The front entrance showcases a 90’ x 15’ natural stone egress window well, offering natural light to a gaming room in the home's lower level. A backyard oasis features an expansive patio of Indian Coast natural stone tile surrounding a 20’ x 65’ in-ground pool, a sunken natural stone fire pit, and gazebo.

46th Annual Landscape Awards

GRUNDER LANDSCAPING CO., MIAMISBURG, OH Project: Kiley & Associates Category: Commercial Installation Under $75,000 Low-maintenance plantings pop and add modern curb appeal to an otherwise dated office building.

Various types of ornamental grasses combined with columnar maples, ‘Slender Silhouette’ sweetgum trees, and groundcover sedum complement the building’s architecture.

RICE’S LANDSCAPES REDEFINED, CANTON, OH Project: Secrest Arboretum Health & Wellness Garden Category: Commercial Installation Over $75,000 A calming garden space that is ADA accessible features signage highlighting six pillars of wellness.

Well-designed plantings screen unsightly views of the parking lot and a nearby mechanics shop to create a serene space. Varieties of switch and love grasses give movement to an intellectual garden featuring sculptural sandstone pillars.

MCCULLOUGH’S LANDSCAPE & NURSERY, LLC NEW ALBANY, OH Project: Parterre Garden Category: Residential Landscape Maintenance Francophile homeowners requested a garden maintained as a “jardin à la Francaise” with strong forms and a rule over nature. Meticulous maintenance of this property is key to keeping a formal feeling, with precise clipped boxwoods, pleached trees and perennial care for a seasonal progression of blooms.

M. J. DESIGN ASSOCIATES, INC., PLAIN CITY, OH Project: Asman Residence Category: Residential Landscape Maintenance This sizable property includes a variety of unique perennials and shrubs that require selective hand pruning. A natural stone retaining wall remains weed-free, and the lush lawn is clean despite litter from large Black Walnut trees. Annuals and containers provide seasonal color.

46th Annual Landscape Awards

LIFESTYLE LANDSCAPING, INC., NORTH RIDGEVILLE, OH Project: Urban Meadow Category: Theme, Show, or Educational Gardens A low-maintenance native plant garden replaces a 14’x19’ patch of lawn with 27 perennial species, including liatris, culver’s root, monarda, milkweed, and wild quinine, that grow well in the property’s clay soil. A ground layer of sedge unifies and provides an orderly frame to this natural landscape.

EXTERIOR SERVICES, LTD., ROCKY RIVER, OH

Gra n

dA war

Project: The Urban Pop-Up Category: Theme, Show, or Educational Gardens The loading dock of the Cleveland arts complex 78th Street Studios is transformed with the installation of multi-level living walls featuring miniature townhomes, a moss garden, and a variety of vibrant annuals.

d

M. J. DESIGN ASSOCIATES, INC., PLAIN CITY, OH Project: Company Headquarters Category: Theme, Show, or Educational Gardens Beautiful gardens showcase the company’s talents with a focus on perennial borders and natural landscapes. This four-season display garden is used as an educational tool, featuring proper pruning techniques, water features, and a variety of specimen plantings.

EXTERIOR SERVICES, LTD., ROCKY RIVER, OH

Gra n

dA war

d

Project: Eton Color Garden Category: Seasonal, Container or Perennial Garden The four-season landscape design for shopping and dining destination Eton Chagrin Blvd. features abundant seasonal plantings that fill every “nook and cranny”, artistic garden structures, and creative solutions to camouflage the typical shopping center eyesores.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

THE SIDEWALK EXPERIENCE

The Sidewalk Experience Bobbie Schwartz, Bobbie's Green Thumb

Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb

When you approach a house, the first thing you see is either the sidewalk to the front door or the garage (hopefully not the latter). And, also hopefully, you can see the sidewalk.

Then, when you take your first step, do you think of the path as the quickest way to get from Point A to Point B or do you think of the path as an enjoyable journey and experience? Perhaps, the answer to this question turns on the design of the walk as well as the material of which it is constructed.

Obviously, the design needs to safe, but I want to focus on aesthetics and comfort. When people are visiting, they often walk to the door in pairs so the path should be wide enough (at least four feet, five is better) so they can walk side by side. Rarely are they on an urgent mission so why not replace the usual rectilinear walk with one that is curvilinear and automatically slows the pace to a leisurely one. Such a path would be most appropriate if the architecture is partly curvilinear, e.g. the windows or entrance porch are arched. Paths need not be the same width for the entire length of the walk. Why not design a wider entrance that is inviting?

The curve could be one long one or it could be a series of curves depending on the depth of the property. If the curve and plantings beside it are well designed, the path could become a journey of discovery. Back yards also need well designed paths. On properties with large back yards, it is fun to design a series of rooms or gardens with curvilinear paths leading the stroller(s) through a series of surprises. Since it is difficult to see around curves, one never knows what to expect. Diagonal and zig-zag paths can also be fun and highlight plantings and collections.

Next, we need to consider which material to use. If the walkway is constructed of a material that echoes some facet of the building, the immediate glance will an appreciative one, even if only on a subconscious level but such a design application is rarer than it should be. I love to see stone used with stucco houses and brick with colonials.

Once the material has been selected, it is time to consider pattern. Unquestionably, simple is easier and cheaper but interesting or varied will make the journey more of an experience.

If the house has any brick in its facing, a brick or brick-colored paver path would add immeasurably the charm of the scene.

One of the great attributes of brick is the number of patterns with which can be laid. Running bond flows from the beginning to the end of the path, making a short path seem longer. If this flow appeals to the client but the distance is considerable, it be broken up with ornamental diagonal or square patterns at sequential intervals. Another flowing pattern is herringbone.

It, too, can broken up with inserted circles, squares, or diamonds of brick or augmented with stone at either end.

Large slabs of sandstone were frequently used to provide access to homes that were built at the turn of the 20th century. Newer homes would benefit from the use of stone because it imparts onla.org

March/April 2019 

25

a sense of age once the elements darken it a bit. Any number of patterns can be used with stone. Rectangular pieces set on the perpendicular or a combination of rectangular and square pieces create very interesting patterns that the eye on one’s destination. In an informal setting with irregular pieces of stone, planting pockets could be left for low growing perennials.

There are, of course, other choices of sidewalk materials, e.g. concrete and pavers as well as combining materials but that discussion will have to wait. In the meantime, how can you make sidewalks more experiential? B Bobbie Schwartz can be contacted at bobbie@bgthumb.com

Images Opposite page: The color of the stone sidewalk echoes the color of the stone used in building the house.

This page, clockwise: The open gate of the fence and the wider path at the entrance convey a sense of welcome.

In order to direct focus to the homeowner’s bonsai collection, the path was specifically designed with zigs and zags to slow the pace of the walker.

What a welcoming entrance. Yellow-flowered perennials, allowed to seed into the cracks of the stone sidewalk, echo the color of the chairs on the front porch.

The combination of squares and rectangles in this stone path make it appear to zigzag although it doesn’t. The path does lead you to a chair in which you can contemplate the garden.

The curvilinear design of this running bond patterned sidewalk makes it seem even longer than it would if the walk were a straight line.

P LACE YOUR ORDER ON LINE IN -PERSON

VIS IT

OUR

THR EE

OHIO

TODAY: PHONE

LOCATIONS :

AV ON BROADV IEW HEIG HTS HIL LIA RD 440- 934 - 381 3 44 0-526-871 1 61 4-77 7- 9859 W WW.P REMIERPL ANTSOL UTIONS.C OM

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Ads listed here were current as of press time. For details, or to place a classified ad, visit onla.org/careers

Landscape Maintenance Production Supervisor First Impressions Lawn and Landscape Sunbury, Ohio

Container Production Manager C.M. Brown Nurseries, Inc Perry, Ohio

Multiple Mowing/Maintenance Positions First Impressions Lawn and Landscape Sunbury, Ohio

Commercial Landscape Maintenance Crew Leader Environmental Management, Inc. Columbus, Ohio

IPM Manager Klyn Nurseries Perry, Ohio Field Production Manager Klyn Nurseries Perry, Ohio Irrigation Service Technician Environmental Management, Inc. Columbus, Ohio Hardscape and Softscape Foremen Environmental Management, Inc. Columbus, Ohio

Bandit Chipper and Avant Loader Sales Representative Columbus/Cincinnati, Ohio Bobcat Enterprises Inc Quality Control Manager Gardens Alive Lewisburg, Ohio Landscaping Crew Leader BrightView Columbus, Ohio Sales Account Manager Premier Plant Solutions Broadview Heights, Ohio

UPCOMING EVENTS View www.onla.org/events for more information.

O designates qualifying OCNT recertification events.

OCNT Exam March 21, April 18 Westerville, Ohio onla.org/ocnt Diagnostic Walkabouts O June–September onla.org/walkabouts NGLCO Golf Outing July 19 Madison, Ohio nglco.com NGLCO Summer Field Day August 12 & 13 Madison, Ohio nglco.com

28  The Buckeye

Share Your Event!

B

Landscape Crew Member Eddybrook Tree Farm and Landscaping LTD Johnstown, Ohio

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

Email alana@onla.org with details!

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

onla.org

ADVERTISER INDEX Buckeye Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 buckeyeresources.com Cascade Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 cascadelighting.com Davis Tree Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 davistreefarm.com Ernst Seeds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 ernstseed.com Evergreen Seed Supply.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Sc an with smart smart phone phone Scan

CALL YOUR BUSINESS PARTNERS Dick Posey, Josh Posey, Judd Posey, www.BuckeyeResources.com Tony Sciambi or Mike Satkowiak

937-462-8346

For complete listing & product descriptions, visit

www.BuckeyeResources.com

Restoring the native landscape

evergreenseedsupply.com Fairview Evergreen Nurseries. . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 fairviewevergreen.com Green Velvet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 greenvelvet.com Millcreek Gardens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 millcreekplants.com Premier Plant Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 premierplantsolutions.com Spring Meadow Nursery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 colorchoiceplants.com Unilock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC unilock.com

Ad Rates & Info Contact Alana Settle, alana@onla.org, 614.899.1195

ernstseed.com sales@ernstseed.com 800-873-3321

onla.org

March/April 2019 

29

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

PLANT HEALTH CARE

NEWSLETTER Receive the latest information on plant health care problems and suppression techniques. ONLA’s Plant Health Care Newsletter provides timely information on the identification and treatment options available for the pests, diseases, and abiotic disorders seen in landscapes and nurseries.

RECEIVE 16 ISSUES MID-MARCH THROUGH OCTOBER (Back issues will be provided for mid-season subscribers)

$40 ONLA Members, $50 Non-Members $2 for each additional subscription within the same company Newsletters are delivered via email as a .PDF that can be downloaded and printed. If you cannot receive the newsletter via email, please call the ONLA office at 614.899.1195

SUBSCRIBE: ONLA.ORG/PHCNEWSLETTER