Growing Concern
The
DECEMBER 2013
A p u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e O h i o La n d s c a p e A s s o c i a t i o n
OLA Pruning Clinics December 11, 2013 — Hilliard December 13, 2013 — Avon PAGE 23
OLA Meeting January 21, 2014 PAGE 7
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Pr e s i d e n t ’ s c o l u m n
My Journey Six years ago, I took a phone call that set this final article in motion and by my nature I will make it short and to the point. Greg Malone (at the time with Kurtz Bros.) called and asked if I was interested in participating on the OLA Board of Directors. Still relatively new to the area, I decided it would be a great opportunity to learn more of the Northeast Ohio landscape industry. I have not been disappointed. Through membership and board meetings, I have met great people who are passionate about this industry and willing to share their ideas and experiences. I am excited for the future of the OLA. The boards I have participated on have accomplished some really good work and I see that trend continuing. The next few years will see strong leadership and I anticipate big things to come. Though please remember, this is your association
and I encourage all to get involved. That can mean attending meetings and workshops or pursuing a leadership role on a committee or the Board of Directors. Before I miss the chance, I would to publicly thank Sandy Munley for her years of dedication to the OLA and to the membership. Many times and even in other states, I have often heard how lucky the OLA is to have her as Executive Director. Working with her over the last six years drives that point home. Thank you Sandy.
JAmes Arch, ASLA Vizmeg Landscape, Inc.
…please remember, this is your association and I encourage all to get involved.
I also thank the board members I have worked with for their time and service to keep the OLA moving forward and staying strong…especially through some difficult economic times. And lastly, I thank you – the members. Here’s to a bright 2014 and beyond – James
The Growing Concern x December 2013 x 3
Ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s DECE M BE R 2 0 1 3 w w w . o h i o l a n d s c a p e r s . o r g
O h i o ’ s Pr o f e s s i o n a l Gr e e n I n d u s t r y A s s o c i at i o n Ohio Landscape Association 9240 Broadview Road Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147 Phone: 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521 Fax: 440-717-0004 Web: www.ohiolandscapers.org or www.myohiolandscape.com Editor Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association Regular Writers James Arch, ASLA, Vizmeg Landscape, Inc. Michael J. Donnellan, King Financial, Inc. Jim Funai, COLP, Cuyahoga Community College Shelley Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb
Features
3
President’s Column
My Journey
8
Perennial Focus
14
The Holiday Bookshelf
Plant Of The Month
Advertising Information Submission deadline: 10th of month prior to publication month. For advertising and classified rates, please call 1-800-335-6521 Disclaimer The Ohio Landscape Association, its board of directors, staff and the editor of The Growing Concern neither endorse any product(s) or attest to the validity of any statements made about products mentioned in this, past or subsequent issues of this publication. Similarly, the opinions expressed in The Growing Concern are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Ohio Landscape Association.
X Cupressocyparis leylandii Leyland Cypress
18
Fiscal Fitness
Officers President James Arch, ASLA
22
For Safety Sake
President-Elect Joe Twardzik, CID
Diversification
Mowing and Trimming Safety, PART I
26 Subcontractors – One More Reason For A Contract
30
Directions
Where Did 2013 Go?
Inside Every Issue
5 31 34
Welcome New Members Advertising Index ClassifiedS
Treasurer Chad Mikin OLA Staff Executive Director Sandy Munley Membership Coordinator Jean Koch
Directors Patrick Beam, RLA Jason Cromley Josh Hayden Chris Meltzer, MLA Steve Moore Cathy Serafin, ASLA, RLA Bryan Taynor
Ca l e n d ar o f E V e n t s U p c o m i n g OL A m e e t i n g s , e d u c a t i o n s e m i n ar s a n d o t h e r g r e e n i n d u s t r y e v e n t s
December
OLA Pruning Clinic – Central Ohio DECEMBER 11, 2013 Learn proper pruning techniques to promote plant health and control the size of plants. Classroom and outdoor hands-on session included. Held at Willoway Nurseries in Hilliard, OH. For more information or to register online, contact the OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
OLA Pruning Clinic – NE Ohio DECEMBER 13, 2013 Learn proper pruning techniques to promote plant health and control the size of plants. Classroom and outdoor hands-on session included. Held at Willoway Nurseries in Avon, OH. For more information or to register online, contact the OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
Techo-Bloc 2014 Contractor Showcase JANUARY 22, 2014 Held in Columbus, Ohio. Educational and collaborative event showcasing Techo-Bloc’s state-of-the-art technologies and products. For more information or to register online go to www.techo-bloc.com/bringiton.
February
OLA Meeting FEBRUARY 20, 2014 Speaker: William Ripley, APLD, LEED GA, Topic: Benefits of Professionalism. Held at Ohio CAT in Columbus. For more information or to register online, contact the OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
March
OLA Meeting MARCH 20, 2014
JaNUary
OLA Meeting JANUARY 21, 2014 Speaker: Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb. Topic: Exciting Plant Combinations. Held at St. Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Heights. For more information or to register online, contact the OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
Speaker: Gil Goldberg, Small Business Administration. Topic: SBA Programs That Can Help Your Company. Held at St. Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Heights. For more information or to register online, contact the OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.
Techo-Bloc 2014 Contractor Showcase JANUARY 21, 2014 Held in Independence, Ohio. Educational and collaborative event showcasing Techo-Bloc’s state-of-the-art technologies and products. For more information and to register online go to www.techo-bloc.com/bringiton.
WELCO M E NEW M E M BE R S !
The Ohio Landscape Association is delighted to welcome the following new members to the association: ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: Dworken & Bernstein
Spireon, Inc.
60 South Park Place Painesville, OH 44077 (440) 352-3391 Barbara Marlowe
17600 Gillette Ave., Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92614 (800) 557-1449 Amelia DiMesio
LaCrosse Seed, LLC
Tim Lally Chevrolet, Inc.
1385 Cherrywood Way Uniontown, OH 44685 (330) 730-0700 Rob Vanscoy
19000 Rockside Rd. Bedford, OH 44146-2033 (440) 232-2000 Doug Ferguson
STUDENT MEMBERS: Cuyahoga Community College Robert DeCesare Suzi Schmegner-Jezek
Clark State Community College Jody L. Huenke
Auburn Career Center Emilio Botello Brandon Fekter Alejandro Gonzalez Samuel Goodwin Cammie Kappele Garrett Layne
Dennis McClure John McCurry Mick McGonagle Brandon Moncrief Juan F. Moreno Valadez Walter Roderick
Brian Schultz Alen Strmac Grace Vance Joseph M. Workman Christopher Wyatt
The Growing Concern x December 2013 x 5
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Learn how to combine perennials, ornamental grasses, and shrubs in pleasing combinations for particular sites. See examples of how changing just one plant can affect the combination. These combinations can be applied to the garden, as well for use in containers! Discussion will also revolve around the elements of landscape design: form, texture, color (of both the flower and foliage), and scale. Join us for an informative and enjoyable evening! agenda 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
RegiSTRaTion/neTWoRKing/ HoRS D’oeuvReS/CaSH BaR
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inSTaLLaTion oF 2014 BoaRD oF DiReCToRS
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Perennial Focus
Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD Bobbie’s Green Thumb
The Holiday Bookshelf Many people are inspired by the sustainability movement and, in that vein, are looking for alternatives to lawn or at least reducing the amount of lawn. Now, in Beautiful No-Mow-Yards by Evelyn Hadden, there are fifty different suggestions for achieving this goal. When speaking of lawn alternatives, we need to keep in mind that familiarity makes something feel right. Therefore, in the course of changing expectations of the definitions of beauty and serenity, our alternatives need to appeal to the neighbors. Perhaps the easiest alternative is a living carpet. Evelyn provides many suggestions from gardens she has visited and photographed. Such a carpet is also an excellent solution for slopes that are difficult to mow. For homeowners with shady yards, where grass doesn’t want to grow anyway, anything goes. Evelyn shows a property in Minneapolis that has become a woodland haven for birds and insects and children with its inviting plant diversity and attractive paths and benches. Another focuses on changing light patterns and is a tapestry of foliage and water features.
8 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
The idea of a meadow or prairie garden as an alternative is very appealing. It could be as simple as a monoculture of Sporobulus heterolepsis (Prairie Dropseed), a “tall” grass at twelve inches that just looks unmown when planted in a mass, or it could be a mix of grasses and perennials that are usually quite tall by the end of the growing season. Another possibility is the use of clumping fescues augmented with a wide variety of bulbs. Patios are an excellent replacement for lawn and should be lovely as well as functional. They can be part of the yard or serve as large courtyards integrated with planting beds that leave no room for lawn. Ponds, large or small, can consume areas of turf as can rain gardens, xeric gardens (possible everywhere, not just in arid areas), edible gardens (the front yard of Rosalind Creasy is one of the most attractive I’ve ever seen), and a variety of stroll gardens. With the text and images of all of these as examples, you need only some imagination to visualize your own creation. continued on page 10
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Perennial Focus continued from pg 8 I loved the author’s suggestion that play spaces could be much more than a manufactured slide and swing on lawn. Children need areas in which they can run, climb, hide, and be creative while actively interacting with plants and butterflies and insects. Succeeding chapters are the ‘how-to’ of killing turf and planting your new beds, plus designing eco-friendly gardens and maintaining them. If some lawn is still desired, there is a chapter on creating an eco-friendly one. The last part of the book is a compendium of choice ground-layer plants grouped according to habit. Throughout the book, the author emphasizes the design elements of texture, form, color and contrast while reminding the reader that foliage is much longer lasting than flowers. Much of the text is philosophical about life and gardening. It made me wish I could sit down with Evelyn and chat for a long afternoon about anything and everything. Those who purchase period homes often find a neglected landscape or one that is not appropriate to the building. What to do? I would suggest reading American Home Landscapes: A Design Guide to Creating Period Garden Styles by Denise Adams and Laura Burchfield before undertaking any changes. This book is a great resource for homes in any area of this country. The first chapter defines the differences between preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, and reconstruction with an eye to helping the homeowner decide which approach to take. It is crucial that the homeowner or designer have a goal that is tempered by personal requirements for the use of the property as well as comfort with the degree of historic accuracy. Once the “period of significance” is established, it is time to research and inventory the site and the authors provide several suggestions for avenues to pursue. Then one should move on to deciding how practical the design will be in light of the desired uses for this landscape in the twenty-first century. Included in this decision will be consideration of styles and materials for hardscaping. Then finally, a plant list can be developed. Ensuing chapters divide American landscapes into six eras and design styles, the last one being from 1960-2000. Each one is based on the publishing writing of the time and includes examples of landscape features of the time as well as case studies with plant lists. This book entailed an enormous amount of research that is reflected in the text but especially in the drawings and photographs.
10 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
The bibliography is quite extensive and would serve as an incredible resource for those researching a particular era. Do take advantage of all this book has to offer. I have long been a fan of the garden designs of Piet Oudolf, in my opinion, the world’s leading perennial garden designer. I have been fortunate enough to see many of them in person. Last summer, I actually visited his home and gardens in the Netherlands and could see how his design philosophy has changed from large swaths of a particular plant to intermingling and feathering of them. His newest book, Planting: A New Perspective, written with Noel Kingsbury, an English designer and environmentalist, illustrates their bent toward a more naturalistic style that emphasizes plant ecology and performance as well as beauty and more than one season of interest. Their designs utilize long-lived perennials and woodies that are biodiverse and sustainable in that they minimize mown lawn and unnecessary pruning while offering resources and homes for wildlife. The introduction looks at the most recent landscape trends which tend to be technologically and engineering oriented, i.e., the green roof, water management, biofiltration, and spontaneous vegetation on chemically polluted land. What these trends have in common is that plant communities are being mingled instead of being planted as large masses. Since this means more competition among plants, greater knowledge of ecological issues and long term performance is crucial. Most of the text was written by Noel Kingsbury although his words enunciate the thoughts and philosophies of both of them. The text of Chapter Four on long term plant performance is derived from Kingsbury’s doctoral thesis at Sheffield University. Of great help are his discussions of longevity and survival strategies as well as long term plant performance indicators. The gorgeous photographs, most of them taken by Piet, make me want to immerse myself in these landscapes. This new philosophy of garden design creates a tension between balance and disorder and challenges us to design something that looks spontaneous yet has some order to it and that can and will change. In addition, we need to know how to renovate this type of garden as it ages, some species dominate and others die out. If we find clients who want this type of design, we also need to emphasize the necessity of ongoing maintenance. continued on page 12
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A p u b l i c At i o n o f t h e o h i o l A n d s c A p e A s s o c i At i o n
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CONTACT THE OLA FOR MORE INFORMATION 1-800-335-6521 email: info@ohiolandscapers.org web: OhioLandscapers.org
phone:
www.willowaynurseries.com Corporate Offices / Main Nursery 4534 Center Road Avon, Ohio 44011-0299 Email: sales@willowaynurseries.com Toll Free: 866-934-4435 / Fax: 440-934-5826
Avon
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4825 Center Rd. / Avon, Oh. 44011-0299 Toll Free: 866-934-4435 ext. 2251 / Local: 440-934-3813 Fax: 440-934-4621 E-mail: bowens@willowaynurseries.com Bill Owens, Manager
Columbus
6981 Scioto Darby Creek Road / Hilliard, Oh. 43026 Toll Free: 888-593-5999 / Local: 614-777-9859 Fax: 614-777-1276 E-mail: Jack@willowaynurseries.com Jack Johnston, Manager
The Growing Concern x December 2013 x 11
Perennial Focus continued from pg 10 In public plantings and particularly in residential front yards, such complex gardens need to be acceptable to the “common man.” This means that the design must use an array of structural plants, not relying on color alone, so that the planting does not read as “messy.” There is no quicker way to a ruling by a zoning commission that the planting is not acceptable and must be removed.
While flowers attract most people, there are several reminders in this book that there are other elements that supply beauty and interest in the landscape: bark, winter stems, winter and early spring rosettes, colorful new shoots, unfurling foliage, summer foliage, evergreen foliage, fall foliage color, and fruits as well as fragrance, habit, and edibility.
Very helpful is the chapter on grouping plants. Included is a historical perspective. Plants are divided into three categories: matrix, primary, and scatter and the combination of text, photographs, and planting plans is most illustrative. The following chapter discusses how plant combinations are the building blocks of planting design and the importance of the visual aspects of the plants we use, structure much more so than color. This is the first time that I’ve seen the 70/30% rule specified, i.e., 70% structural perennials and only 30% filler perennials. Many other factors are discussed; all are important and there are examples of combinations for each season.
The book is arranged alphabetically by genus with one exception which is ornamental grasses as a group and most of the plants are hardy in our northern climate although the author is British. Rice rightfully points out that although a particular genus is listed, not all of its species and cultivars are created equally; particular care must be paid to selecting the right ones. While I applaud most of Rice’s selections, I do take issue with Meconopsis, spectacular though it is. Sadly, it grows well in only a few locations, namely Britain, Canada, and the American Northwest, and even then, tends to be short lived. Ah well, maybe we all need to dream the impossible dream?
Chapter Five is a survey of contemporary, naturalistic planting designs created on three continents with illustrative photos and graphs (that also appear in other chapters) of the range of seasonal interest in these designs.
Adams, Denise Wiles and Burchfield, Laura L.S., American Home Landscapes: A Design Guide to Creating Period Garden Styles, Timber Press, Portland, 2013, $39.95.
The last part of the book is a plant directory in graph form that lists the majority of the plants used by Piet. Easy to use, it denotes height, spread and spreading ability, architectural and foliage characters, bloom time, longevity, persistence being whether plants die out in the center, tendency to self-sow, habitat, zone, and additional notes.
Hadden, Evelyn J., Beautiful No-Mow-Yards, Timber Press, Portland, 2012, paperback, $24.95.
Any designer interested in more naturalistic landscapes needs to read and then savor this book.
Rice, Graham, Powerhouse Plants: 510 Top Performers for Multi-Season Beauty, Timber Press, Portland, 2012, paperback, $24.95.
While most of this column looks at books with a design perspective, this one, Powerhouse Plants: 510 Top Performers for Multi-Season Beauty by Graham Rice, would follow naturally in a reading succession after the Oudolf and Kingsbury book.
Oudolf, Piet and Kingsbury, Noel, Planting: A New Perspective, Timber Press, Portland, 2013, $39.95.
Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, owner of Bobbie’s Green Thumb in Shaker Hts., Ohio, is a landscape designer, consultant, free-lance writer, and lecturer whose specialties are perennial gardens and four-season landscapes. In addition to
It is for plant lovers and landscape designers who are always searching for plants with more than one season of interest.
being an Ohio Landscape Association (OLA) member, she is an active member of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) and Perennial Plant Association (PPA). Bobbie is a Past President of the Association of Professional
As Rice points out, choosing plants that create different displays at different times of the year is one of the best ways to make the most of limited space. In larger spaces, such plants create more opportunities for fascinating combinations. The seasonal changes are well illustrated in the photographs, often side by side, taken by Judy White.
12 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Landscape Designers (APLD). Bobbie currently serves as chair of the ONLA Plant Selection Committee. Bobbie can be reached at (216) 752-9449.
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Plant Of the Month
Jim Funai, COLP Cuyahoga Community College
Shelley Funai Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens
X Cupressocyparis leylandii
Leyland Cypress
As the two of us traveled down I-71 for the Green Industry Conference in Louisville, KY, we found ourselves in the typical conversation that most married couples do. “Look at the increasing amount of junipers along the highway.” “Why, you are correct dear, as we travel on this highway, it is magnificent how many Juniperus virginiana there seem to be.” — That is normal, right?...Oh well, might as well embrace it! Once we were in Louisville, another plant that kept catching our eyes was surrounding many of the outdoor equipment demo areas. For those of you who have not made it down to the GIE+Expo show, a big part of it is an outdoor area where you can see and test out all kinds of power equipment. It is a great opportunity if you are ever in the market for equipment and are not sure what brand or model you would like. To set up safe boundaries at the show, some of the vendors put a line of potted trees and shrubs. This year, a plant that we noticed used a lot was the Leyland Cypress. The Latin name, X Cupressocyparis indicates something not found too often in horticulture. An “X” in front of the name indicates an intergeneric hybrid. That means that
14 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
two different genera were crossed (think, crossing a maple with an oak). In this case, a Welshman named C.J. Leyland had his hand in crossing Monterey Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) and Nootka False Cypress (which at the time of the cross was named Chamaecyparis nootkatensis). We’d like to make a quick side note on Nootka False Cypress. Known by many as the “Alaskan Cedar,” this plant has undergone many genus name changes. From Cupressus, to Chamaecyparis, to Xanthocyparis, and we think back to Cupressus for now? Taxonomists, being a very bored bunch of nerds, keep coming up with reasons to switch the plant to different genera. Keep in mind, plants do not care what their name is, it grows the same no mater what! Ok, now back to the story at hand. continued on page 16
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Plant Of the Month continued from pg 14 In a nod to the work done by Mr. Leyland, this plant picked up his name and is known as the Leyland Cypress. It seems this plant is used almost too much in the south, which usually indicates a plant that is really good at something. Turns out, this evergreen IS very good at several things. From a small-containerized plant, freshly planted, it will very quickly form a large, full plant making a great screening specimen. In a well-drained loose soil, one could expect up to three feet of growth per year in its younger years. Around our neck of the woods in Northeast Ohio, the best plant to liken this to is the equally impressive Thuja plicata ‘Green Giant’. You may ask, “why isn’t this plant seen in Northeast Ohio then?” Good question! Leyland Cypress is usually listed as being hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit equating to USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. We all have lived our lives being told that Northeast Ohio was Zone 5, expecting an extreme low temperature of -20 degrees. The original map, created in 1960 stated this and was confirmed by the second version in 1990. However, in 2012 the USDA unveiled a new map, which they promised was the most accurate to date. Using more weather stations, a longer period of data covering 30 years (1976 to 2005), and taking microclimates into better consideration, the current map puts almost all of Ohio in Zone 6 (-10 degrees).
Both heavy soil salt levels and salt spray on the foliage do not burn this evergreen… Leyland Cypress takes pruning very well and can be used successfully as a formal hedge, but with such a quick growth habit of 18 to 36 inches per year, it seems odd to choose it for this use. Reaching a height of sixty-some feet while maintaining a width in the 10 to 15 foot range is a reason the tree is used often as a screen between neighbors. Another feature of the plant that makes us take interest is a high tolerance to salt. Both heavy soil salt levels and salt spray on the foliage do not burn this evergreen nearly to the extent it does most other evergreens. For those of us in the snowbelt, that is a feature we constantly seek. Think of the possibilities…an evergreen plant that doesn’t get the burlap sack over its head all winter!
If you are like us, you may be hesitant to jump the gun and start planting a bunch of zone 6 plants. Best advice for this, pay attention to the specific area you are planting in. So many factors play into a plant being successful where we plant it and getting as many of these factors right will increase the odds of its success.
In reality, it may take time before we find many growers offering this plant for sale in Northern Ohio, but keep an eye out. We were tired of waiting, so we stopped at a garden center on our way out of Louisville and brought a few home with us. We did call a few Columbus area nursery suppliers and found they do carry this plant, typically in the spring as it seems most are shipping them from the west coast growers.
Since Leyland Cypress is a plant created by humans, we can’t look to its native habitat, but we can look at its long horticultural history to tell us where to plant it for success. Choose a site that is in full sun with very well drained soils. Most of the disease issues found in Leyland Cypress are result of poorly drained soils or where someone didn’t get the message that turning the irrigation on every single day is pretty silly.
Enjoy your holiday season. We will be heading to the Czech Republic over the new year to begin research for Jim’s PhD which will likely bring back some fun stories of new plants to consider. Stay tuned for an exciting set of articles in 2014, where we will be focusing all year on plants that thrive in a rain garden and bioswale to increase the ornamental impact of these important stormwater management systems.
You may hear from landscapers in southern states saying this plant suffers from several disease and pest issues. Closer listening and observation indicates one of the worst “diseases” a plant can suffer — overuse by humans. We find a plant that works well, and we forget the number one rule of planting, keep as much bio-diversity as possible. Don’t let yourself plant the same small pallet of plants over and over or, naturally, disease and insects will overrun them. Think about the fate of Ash and American Elm.
16 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Jim Funai is full-time faculty at Cuyahoga Community College, a PLANET accredited, associate of applied science in horticulture degree program, offering many paths to higher education to the green industry. He has an MS from Colorado State and is a licensed arborist. Shelley Funai is the Grounds Manager at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron, Ohio that offers a historic estate designed by Warren H. Manning and a beautiful manor house museum. Both are graduates of The Ohio State University. Contact Jim and Shelly via email at hortsquad@gmail.com
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Fiscal Fitness
Michael J. Donnellan King Financial, Inc.
Diversification Data illustrates the benefits of building a portfolio that’s diversified across asset classes and investment styles, and dividing your eggs across multiple baskets has commonsense appeal, too. If you don’t know whether stocks will continue their current run or take a breather, if small caps will outperform large, or if interest rates will go up or down–and no one truly knows those things–diversifying is a sensible way to hedge your bets. Most investors only think of diversification as the construction of their portfolios. Investors could benefit by construing it even more broadly. Here are some examples of diversification interpreted more broadly.
Time Diversification What if you are concerned about the timing of your purchase? If you buy at the wrong time, when the asset is richly valued and could be due for a fall, you could lose part of your money right out of the box.
18 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
In such instances, dollar-cost averaging–or diversifying your purchases by buying smaller pieces of the investment at multiple predetermined intervals rather than adding a position all in one go–can be s good strategy. Of course, there are no guarantees–you might buy an investment that subsequently goes up and up and up, in which case you would have been better off buying the position all at once. But, the bottom line is that you don’t know what it will do, so diversifying your purchases across multiple time frames helps accommodate a range of outcomes. continued on page 20
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Fiscal Fitness continued from pg 18 The same concept holds true for any investment that offers a fixed payout, such as an annuity or individual bonds or CDs. You may be able to obtain a higher rate down the line by waiting, particularly if interest rates go up, but it’s hard to know that for sure. Laddering your purchases across multiple time frames can give it exposure to multiple interest-rate environments and increases its potential for higher payouts down the line.
Tax Diversification Diversification of tax treatment is another way to spread your bets around, and that’s why I’ve been urging investors to obtain Roth treatment for some of their retirement assets. I don’t know for sure that tax rates in general will go up (though there are certainly good reasons to expect that they might). Nor do I have a clue about whether any of you will be in higher or lower tax brackets in the future. If you’ve been working, saving, and investing, your retirement assets will be taxed when you begin taking withdrawals--whether you hold the money in traditional IRAs or 401(k)s or other company retirement plans. For that reason, it’s a good strategy to get at least some of your retirement assets into the tax-free withdrawals column—in a Roth IRA.
Vehicle Diversification Most investors’ portfolios are constructed with individual stocks, mutual funds or ETFs, or actively managed funds. Adding a slice of a passively managed index fund or ETF to a portfolio anchored in actively managed funds can help improve the portfolio’s risk/ reward profile, according to many studies. Broad stock-market index funds and ETFs can also be the better choice for your taxable accounts because they tend to distribute few capital taxable gains on a year-to-year basis.
20 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
…diversification can also be a useful concept when thinking about your total money picture… By the same token, index enthusiasts might consider steering at least a small share of their portfolios to actively managed funds with sensible strategies and low costs.
“All-In” Diversification Most of this article has focused on various levels of diversification when it comes to your investment assets, but diversification can also be a useful concept when thinking about your total money picture: any real estate or business interests you own, for example, as well as the stability of your own earnings. For obvious reasons, if a lot of your personal wealth is tied up in your home or business, a big priority for you should be to diversify into more liquid assets that have little correlation with real estate or with your firm. Creating a net worth statement can help you get your arms around how well-balanced your whole portfolio is. Talk to your financial and tax advisors, to determine your specific needs.
Michael J. Donnellan is President of King Financial, Inc., in Strongsville, Ohio specializing in stock selection and retirement planning. Feel free to contact him with any questions or comments. Phone number (440) 878-9676.
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F o r Sa f e t y Sa k e
Mowing and Trimming Safety, PART I Take control of your own safety! Failure to observe safety precautions when operating mowing equipment can result in serious injury or death. The most common types of serious accidents are: • Rollovers – Agricultural mowers and riding lawn mowers can overturn, causing injury and death. • Being Caught in Moving Parts – Serious injury or death can result from being caught in mowing equipment’s moving parts. Safe work habits are important. Here are some actions you can take to be safe: 1. Learn all you can. To prevent accidents with mowers and trimmers, read and follow directions in the equipment operator’s manual. Pay attention to safety instructions in the manual and to warning labels on the equipment. 2. Concentrate on working safely. Sometimes you may be tempted to take risky shortcuts. Remember that an accident can leave you permanently injured or cut your life short. DO NOT TAKE UNNECESSARY RISKS.
22 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
3. Additional precautions. Do not operate machinery if you are tired or have taken medication or alcohol. Make sure you are capable of safely operating machinery.
Safety Messages and Signs Manufacturers put important safety messages on mowing equipment and in the operator’s manual. It is critical to read, understand and follow all safety messages. The triangle shape is the symbol for caution. The exclamation mark in the center means Pay Attention. In some instances, the triangle-shaped sign will show a picture. Other times, words explain why the sign is used. Many safety messages use the words Caution, Warning and Danger to get your attention. continued on page 24
OLA EDUCATION SERIES
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December 11, 2013
December 13, 2013
8:30 am to 12:00 pm
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Held at Willoway Nurseries
Held at Willoway Nurseries
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CENTRAL OHIO
Hilliard, OH
Sponsored & Hosted by
Avon, OH
Instructed by Elliott H. Schaffer, ISA Certified Arborist/Horticulturist Environmental Horticultural Services
Qualifies for 3.5 CEUs for Landscape Industry Certified
The most important landscape maintenance practice is the control of plant size by the correct method of pruning to retain the natural branching characteristics of the plants and integrity of the landscape design. Dormant Pruning of Landscape Plants is a half-day, hands-on clinic and a timely training opportunity for you and your crews to get back to the basics and learn the proper way to prune in time for winter and early spring pruning. GENERAL INFORMATION: This seminar will include a lecture as well as hands-on training. Attendees will need to bring their own notepad and pen, hand pruning shears, a small pruning saw, and long handle lopping shears, and will need to dress appropriately for outdoor practical training. Register early as class size is limited and will sell out quickly.
Cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to the course start date will be subject to a 30% cancellation fee. NO refunds will be issued for cancellations 7 days or less prior to the course, no shows, or cancellations on the day of the course. If, for any reason, the course is cancelled, enrollees will be notified, and fees refunded in full. December 11th Clinic - Central Ohio
December 13th Clinic - Northeast Ohio
register On Time, Payment received Before 12/02/13
register On Time, Payment received Before 12/04/13
OLA Members $69
NON Members $99
register Late, Payment received After 12/02/13
register Late, Payment received After 12/04/13
OLA Members $99
NON Members $129
Firm
Contact
Address City
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Phone (______)
Fax (______)
Zip
NAME OF ATTENDEE
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December 11th - Hilliard
December 13th - Avon
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December 11th - Hilliard
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Make checks payable and send to: Ohio Landscape Association, 9240 Broadview rd, Broadview Hts., OH 44147 Register online, by mail, by phone or by fax: Phone 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521 • Fax 440-717-0004 • www.ohiolandscapers.org
F o r Sa f e t y Sa k e continued from pg 22 Protective Equipment Certain equipment is necessary to protect you body from materials ejected from the mowing equipment and from being caught in moving parts. When operating mowing equipment, you should wear the following: • Close-fitting clothes and no jewelry. Loose shirt sleeves, pant legs or jewelry can catch in the equipment’s moving parts, resulting in injury; therefore, close-fitting clothes should be worn. Pull back long hair. • Long pants and sturdy, non-slip boots. Wear long pants and sturdy, non-slip boots to protect your legs and feet from objects that are thrown from the mower. Never wear sandals or tennis shoes, which can easily be severed if caught under the mower deck or in the trimmer’s cutting swath. • Safety glasses and a face shield. Safety glasses should be worn at all times. A face shield should be used, in addition to safety glasses, when operating a string/brush trimmer and other times when your face could be hit by debris. • Hearing protection. Over time, you will lose you hearing if exposed to loud noises without protection. Two common types of hearing protection are muffs and plugs. Ear muffs should seal around your ears to properly muffle loud noises. Reusable ear plugs should be washed with warm, soapy water after each use in order to prevent infection. Disposable ear plugs should be discarded after each use.
A thorough inspection of the mower or trimmer is important before beginning work at each day. • W hen Operating a Riding Mower – Ensure that the discharge chute’ guard is in place to deflect debris and cover the mower’s blade. Also check that the operator presence control is working properly. The control shuts the mower off automatically when weight is lifted off the seat. • When Operating a Walk Behind Mower – Ensure the operator presence control is working properly. The engine should shut off automatically when the handle is released. There should be a rear guard installed to protect your feet, as well as a discharge chute on the side of the mower that deflects debris and covers the mower’s blade. • Tires – Check tire pressure and look for signs of damage. Make sure lug bolts are tight to keep the wheel from slipping off.
Attachments (if applicable) Make sure attachments are mounted and fastened correctly.
String/Brush Trimmer
Pre-Start Inspection
Ensure the shield covering the string/blade is in place and secured.
Safety starts before the engine. A thorough inspection of the mower or trimmer is important before beginning work at each day. Alert your supervisor if you find anything wrong during your daily pre-start inspection. • Belts – Check for loose or damaged belts. Loose belts can slip, causing friction and a possible fire. Tighten loose belts and replace belts if any ply separation or cracks are visible. • Blade – Make sure the blade is secure, balanced and covered to prevent injury. Protect your hands with heavy-duty gloves when inspecting blades. • Fluid Leaks – Fluid leaks can be a fire hazard as well as cause break-downs. • Accumulated Grass or Grease – Check the mower deck and chute for accumulations of grass clippings, leaves, grease and other debris. Debris build-up on moving parts is a fire hazard and can cause break-downs. • Missing or Damaged Guards – Guards and shields protect you from moving parts. Check the operator’s manual for the location of guards and safely shields on the equipment you are using.
Next Month: Mowing and Trimming Safety, PART II
24 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
This is an excerpt from Mowing and Trimming Safety for the Landscaping and Horticultural Services Industry, written by Sara Lind, Information Specialist and Mitch Ricketts, Coordinator, Health, Safety and Environmental Quality, K-State Research and Extention. K-State Research and Extension, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas. Disclaimer: This material was produced under grant number 46G3-HT04 and revised and updated under grant number SH-19503-09-60-F-20 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor. The information in this publication has been compiled from a variety of sources believed to be reliable and to represent the best current opinion on the subject. However, neither K-State Research and Extension nor its authors guarantee accuracy or completeness of any information contained in this publication, and neither K-State Research and Extension or its authors shall be responsible for any errors, omissions, or damages arising out of the use of this information. Additional safety measures may be required under particular circumstances. Go to http://www.ksre.ksu.edu/bookstore/pubs/MF2714.pdf to download the entire manual.
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The Growing Concern x December 2013 x 25
Subcontractors – One More Reason For A Contract By Diane Helbig
Subcontractors. This is a relationship that screams for a contract. You are asking someone who is not an employee to do work for you. You will be paying them. There are parameters that should be nailed down, agreed to, and put in writing. A subcontractor contract does not have to be long or terribly wordy. The purpose is to detail the expectations on both sides of the table. • W hat will the contractor do for you and your client? • What will you pay the contractor? • When will you pay them? • How and when will they report to you? • How will the contractor interact with your clients? In February 2009 a dispute occurred between a company in Shenandoah, Iowa and their subcontractor. The dispute was over payment. Why? Because, according to the story in the Nonpareil Online, they had a verbal contract about the hourly rate. The contractor believed they’d agreed to $37.50 per hour for the team. The subcontractor asserted that the agreement was for $37.50 per hour per person. Quite a big difference. This is a great example of how a written contract works. If the rate had been written into a contract there would have been no dispute. The parties would not be at odds and their dirty laundry would not be out for all to see. continued on page 28
26 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
…you have an obligation to your business, your clients, and yourself to make sure there are no surprises.
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The Growing Concern x December 2013 x 27
continued from pg 26 There should also be a clause preventing the subcontractor from taking your client from you or going to work directly for your client. Consider this example: a businessman enlists the services of a subcontractor to perform IT services at his client’s site. Years go by and the sub has gotten pretty ingrained in the client’s business. They never signed a contract because the businessman never considered that the sub would do anything but what was asked of him. One day the client calls the businessman to say they are terminating the relationship. At this point the businessman discovers that the sub is now working directly with the client for a reduced fee — but more than the sub was making by working through the businessman. Such a surprise! Unfortunately, the businessman set himself up for the coup. If he’d had a contract with the subcontractor it would have been difficult for the sub to cut him out of the deal.
Being trusting is a great thing. However, you have an obligation to your business, your clients, and yourself to make sure there are no surprises. In one of my coaching practices I have a partner. We trust each other completely. Guess what? We have a contract. It covers the bases so we can concentrate on the business at hand. We never have to worry about future surprises or misunderstandings. To grow your business you have to be able to invest your energy on revenue generating activities. Surprises can be costly and damaging. Having a contract at the outset can help you avoid those surprises in the long run.
Diane Helbig is a Professional Coach and the president of Seize This Day Coaching. Diane is a Contributing Editor on COSE Mindspring, a resource website for small business owners, as well as a member of the Top Sales World Experts Panel at Top Sales World.
28 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
your
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Directions
Where Did 2013 Go? The old cliché of “the older I get the faster time goes,” must be true. It seems that we were just welcoming in 2013, I blinked, and now 2014 is waiting on our doorstep! This is always a bittersweet time of year for me in at OLA. It is exciting to welcome new talent on our board of directors, but at that same time it is hard to say goodbye to board members who have served for the past few years. This year is no exception. I am very excited to work with newly elected board members, Marie McConnell, Eric Brubeck, Nathan Kowalsick, and Adam Capicciano. At the same time, I must say goodbye to board members Chad Mikin, Patrick Beam, Josh Hayden and Chris Meltzer. I very much appreciate all that you have done to advance the Ohio Landscape Association. You have provided much wisdom and guidance over the last few years. Please do not become strangers! You are all welcome to stay involved and participate on committees, etc. Although not leaving the board entirely, special thanks go out to James Arch. He graciously agreed to a second term as president, serving in 2012 and 2013 as president. James will stay on the board as Immediate Past President in 2014. This is a prestigious position as the person with the most experience on the board. Here is the entire line up for the 2014 officers and board as approved by the membership at our annual meeting that was held on November 21st.
Sandy Munley Executive Director Ohio Landscape Association
OFFICERS President— Joe Twardzik, CID President-Elect— Steve Moore Treasurer— Bryan Taynor Immediate Past President— James Arch, ASLA Executive Director & Corporate Secretary—Sandy Munley
DIRECTORS Eric Brubeck, ASLA Adam Capiccioni Jason Cromley Nathan Kowalsick Marie McConnell Cathy Serafin, ASLA Congratulations to our new Board of Directors! I am excited to work with all of you! Now, back to 2013…this was a busy year! We offered 28 events for you to participate in with us. From educational seminars and OLA meetings in both Northeast and Central Ohio, to the Landscape Ohio! Awards Program, the Landscape Industry Certified Technician Test (exterior), and the OLA Scholarship Golf Classic, it was hard to find more than a couple of weeks that we didn’t have an OLA event in progress. If you didn’t get involved, you really missed out. continued on page 32
30 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Advertising Index
35 ABC Equipment Rental & Sales
17 Abraxus Salt LLC
2 Botson Insurance Group
25 Davis Tree Farm & Nursery
33 Gilson Gardens
19,
25, 33 Irrigation Supply
klynnurseries.com Over 1800 Different Species And Cultivars To Meet Your Needs! bamboo grasses perennials
31 Klyn Nurseries
ferns
27 Mason Structural Steel
roses
11 Medina Sod Farms
21 Mentor Recycled
vines dwarf conifers bog & marginals shade & ornamental trees
Landscape Materials
27 O’Reilly Equipment
19 RCPW/Sohar’s
33 Shearer Equipment
9 Techo-Bloc
6 Unilock
15 Valley City Supply 21, 32
Visit Our Website For Product Availability, Our 2013 Catalog, Quote Form, And More!
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11 Willoway WDC The Growing Concern x December 2013 x 31
Directions Effective and Affordable Advertising for Green Industry Suppliers
continued from pg 30 Additionally, we have added a new member benefit! AFLAC has become the newest OLA Member Service Provider. AFLAC has always had some great offerings for you and your employees, but now you can take advantage of association member discounts. We hope that we continue to serve you and have earned your loyalty. Please remember that our membership year is November 1st to October 31st. If you haven’t paid your 2014 dues, be sure to do it right away so that you don’t miss out on all the benefits that OLA has to offer!
ing w o r G n r e Conc 1
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September Group The Pattie Hosted by page 7
Ice Snow &ement Clinic Manag 2011 September
Growing Concern
The
22,
page 11
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octobeR 2011
A p u b l i c At i o n o f t h e o h i o l A n d s c A p e A s s o c i At i o n
io September Central Oh 4, 2011 – October page 30
Check our calendar of events online (ohiolandscapers.org) and in the Growing Concern often to find the latest announcements of upcoming OLA educational classes and meetings. And, be sure we have your correct email address so that you get our email reminders and announcements. You can also supply us with the email addresses of any employees that would like to receive emails from us. We NEVER sell your email addresses – we use them internally only. I am looking forward to seeing all of you during the winter months at OLA events.
Drainage Clinic November 9, 2011 Page 17
OLA Annual Meeting November 17, 2011 Page 7
Sales Clinic
For Landscape Professionals December 13, 2011 Page 13
How To Set Goals For New Employees Page 32
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32 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
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www.ShearerEquipment.com The Growing Concern x December 2013 x 33
CL A SSIFIED s For an up-to-date listing of all classified/help wanted ads, please visit ohiolandscapers.org LANDSCAPE DESIGN & SALES PROFESSIONAL
OPERATIONS COORDINATOR
Vizmeg Landscape Company is seeking a highly motivated Landscape Design and Sales Professional who has a strong desire to be part of our well established and leading landscape firm. We are looking for an aggressive sales person who is able to create a landscape design, present the concept and supervise the project.
Vizmeg Landscape Company is seeking a highly motivated Operations Coordinator who has a strong desire to be part of our well established and leading landscape firm. We are looking for a self-motivating person who is able to organize schedules, communicate with team, develop relationships and schedule drivers, material and equipment.
We are a leader in the residential and commercial landscape construction industry that provides astonishing landscapes throughout our area.
We are a leader in the residential and commercial landscape construction industry that provides astonishing landscapes throughout our area.
Position Requirements Include: Conduct research on site. Prepare and manage drawings and presentation. Tally costs of labor and material. Communicate and translate design concepts through all phases of design to client. Prepare and manage teams. Represent Vizmeg Landscape with professionalism. Establish and maintain client relationships. Continually increase sales and clientele.
Position Requirements Include: Reviews and approves purchase order placement. Develops relationships with vendors. Negotiates pricing and seeks best quality and price combination. Identifies new product demands and schedules needs. Forecasts product need and replacement. Purchases material and supplies needed for landscape. issues and requests bid requests and reviews quotes. Schedules drivers to pick up material and deliver. Knowledge of job materials needed.
Position Qualifications: Bachelor Landscape Architecture. 5 years of proven landscape sales experience. Excellent interpersonal, leadership and presentation skills. Excellence in CAD (Vector Works). 3-D Modeling (i.e.: Sketch-Up) a plus. Proven networking relationships. Excellence in Microsoft Office. Expertise in presenting information based on clients’ needs. Willing to travel to job sites To Apply: Interested candidates should submit the following information to jodi.destefanis@vizmeg.com or www.vizmeg.com under Careers: • Resume and Cover Letter • Portfolio with highlighted 5 best residential projects • Other materials, references or data that highlight your qualifications for the position. Design/Architect/Sales & Other Openings Moscarino Outdoor Creations is actively seeking talented professionals for our rapidly growing maintenance, snow and construction divisions. • L andscape Designer/Architect Must have superb knowledge of horticultural and strong computer skills, including CAD. (We will train the right candidate in CAD.) If you are upbeat, energetic, love working with plants and hardscapes…this is the dream job for you! • Lawn Maintenance Foreman • Hardscape Foreman • Operations Manager • Snow Sub-contractor Compensation packages will be tailored for an experienced individual. Valid driver’s license required. EOE/Drug & Smoke Free Workplace Please email resume to info@moscarino.net. Or apply online at www. createmylandscape.com/job-opportunites/
34 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association
Position Qualifications: Associates or Bachelor Degree in Horticulture or similar degree. 3 years of proven experience. Excellent interpersonal, leadership, and communication skills. Valid drivers’ license. Ability to work with all levels of the team. To Apply: Interested Candidates should submit their resume and salary requirements to jodi.destefanis@vizmeg.com or www.vizmeg.com under Careers. TERRITORY MANAGER The Wolf Creek Company is looking for a Territory Manager for the NW Ohio area (from west side of Cleveland to Toledo). We are design/distribution company that has been in business for over 50 years in green industry wholesale distribution. We are a distributor of irrigation, landscape lighting, water feature, drainage, and allied green industry products. The territory has a mature client base and the right candidate would be responsible for servicing and maintaining the current client base, while creating new sales by expanding to new clients and/or expanding our other lines to current clients. Must be able to work and communicate well with current warehouse staff as well as product specialists and management. Must have the ability to do some design work or the ability to learn proper design techniques. Please send resume or email your interest to jtwardzik@ wolfcreekcompany.com.
ABC EQUIPMENT RENTAL & SALES 29 Pearl Road Brunswick, Ohio 44212 330-220-4545
38525 Chester Road (90 & 611) Avon, Ohio 44011 440-934-7368
For Kubota information, contact Dave Gardner 216-857-0152
The Growing Concern x December 2013 x 35
9240 Broadview Road Broadview Hts., OH 44147-2517
12/13
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