Growing Concern September 2014 by Sandy Munley

Growing Concern

The

September 2014

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

Landscape Facility Tour September 18, 2014 PAGE 7

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President’s column

FALL IS THE TIME TO CREATE A PARADISE It is hard to believe Labor Day is upon us. Where did the summer go? The days are starting to get shorter and the evenings are cooler, but we, in the green industry, all still have a lot of work to do. This is a great time to promote and sell the outdoor living experience. Customers are more likely to go outside into their backyards now that vacations, soccer tournaments and the hottest part of summer are all in the rear-view mirror. In a different time, not so long ago, homeowners were more mobile; moving into an upgrade became the norm rather than the exception. Today they are spending more time (and money) to upgrade their current residences, planning for the long-term in their home. It’s our job to help them create a paradise; a space that not only enhances their home experience, but also increases the value of their home. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the typical stay in a single family home has increased approximately 25% in the last 7 years. Let’s help them get

Joe Twardzik, CID Wolf Creek Company

more enjoyment out of where they spend most of their time — their homes. How do we help them achieve this? By creating a resort-like setting in their own backyards; including water features, beautiful plant combinations, landscape lighting, hardscape patios, fire pits, and a variety of other creative backyard ideas. Over the years I’ve had the privilege to be a part of many of these amazing projects with several OLA members, as well as seeing other great projects submitted for Landscape Ohio! each year. However, these projects don’t just happen. It takes a lot of hard work, planning, education and some out-of-the-box thinking to make the spectacular landscapes that our members have created. The creativity of you, the green industry professional, is endless; and we at the OLA are proud of the role we play to encourage the continuing education of our industry, and to promote the wonderful work of our members. How does the OLA encourage education? By having a variety of speakers and

…we at the OLA are proud of the role we play to encourage the continuing education of our industry, and to promote the wonderful work of our members.

continued on page 6 The Growing Concern x September 2014 x 3

Ta b l e o f c o n t e n t s S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 4 w w w. o h i o l a n d s c a p e r s . o r g

Ohio’s Professional Green I n d u s t r y A s s o c i at i o n Ohio Landscape Association 9240 Broadview Road Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147 Phone: 440-717-0002 or 1-800-335-6521 Fax: 440-717-0004 Web: www.ohiolandscapers.org or www.myohiolandscape.com Editor Brett Della Santina, Ohio Landscape Association Regular Writers Michael J. Donnellan, King Financial, Inc. Jim Funai, COLP, Cuyahoga Community College Shelley Funai, Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Sandy Munley, Ohio Landscape Association Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD, Bobbie’s Green Thumb Joe Twardzik, CID, Wolf Creek Company

ON THE COVER — Hidden Creek Landscaping

Features

President’s Column

Fall is the Time to Create a Paradise

Fiscal Fitness

Portfolio Construction In Today’s Investing Climate

For Safety Sake

Three Safety Program Myths In The Workplace

Plant Of The Month

Rhodotypos Scandens Black Jetbead

Industry

Directions

Get Involved

Inside Every Issue

6 31 33

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.

Perennial Focus

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28 Landscaping Is The True Green

Advertising Information Submission deadline: 10th of month prior to publication month. For advertising and classified rates, please call 1-800-335-6521

Welcome New Members ClassifiedS Advertising Index

Officers President Joe Twardzik, CID President-Elect Steve Moore

Directors Eric Brubeck, ASLA Adam Capiccioni Nathan Kowalsick Maria McConnell Cathy Serafin

Treasurer Bryan Taynor Immediate Past President James Arch, ASLA OLA Staff Executive Director Sandy Munley Membership Coordinator Jean Koch Communications & Events Manager Brett Della Santina

Ca l e n d a r 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 a r s a n d o t h e r g r e e n i n d u s t r y e v e n t s

SEPTEMBER

OLA Snow and Ice Management Clinic SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 Go where the pros go! Whether you have been in the snow and ice business for years, or are thinking of adding it to your list of service, this clinic is a can’t miss event for you and your management staff! Tom Canete of Canete Snow Management in New Jersey will present the keynote. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

OLA Landscape Facility Tour

Meeting – NE Ohio SEPTEMBER 18, 2014 Join us for a very informative evening at Suncrest Gardens in Peninsula, Ohio, as we tour their operation and enjoy networking with your peers. Suncrest Gardens operation includes Design/Build/Maintain as well as a beautiful garden center. RSVP by Sept 8. Free for OLA members. $30 fee for non-members. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

A Gathering of Plantsman SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 A joint meeting of IPPS, OLA, NGLCO, ASLA, APLD, the Design Network, Holden Arboretum, &CBG! Held at Lakeland Community College, Mentor Ohio, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm. Speakers :Tim Brotzman (Brotzman Nursery), Paul Cappielo (Yewdell Gardens), Steve Foltz (Cincinnati Zoo), Mike Hayman (Horticulturist Louisville, KY), Bill Hendricks (Klyn Nurseries), Richard Hesselein (Pleasant Run Nursery, Allentown, NJ.), Charles (Horticulturist Holden Arboretum). Only $40. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

A Green Industry Gathering SEPTEMBER 24, 2014 A joint get-together of IPPS, OLA, NGLCO, ASLA, APLD, the Design Network, Holden Arboretum, & CBG at 4:30 pm, immediately following the Gathering of Plantsman. Held at Klyn Nurseries, Perry, OH. The Green Industry Working Together - A look at the Green Industry and how we work together, plus tours of Klyn Nurseries. $35 fee includes tours, dinner, and program. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

OCTOBER

OLA Landscape Facility Tour Meeting – Central Ohio OCTOBER 16, 2014 Join us for a very informative evening at Peabody Landscape Group in Columbus, Ohio, as we tour their operation and enjoy networking with your peers. Peabody’s operation is a full service landscape firm. RSVP by October 6. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

NOVEMBER

OLA Annual Meeting NOVEMBER 13, 2014 The November meeting is the OLA Annual meeting. Chuck Bowen of Lawn and Landscape Magazine will present the State of the Industry Report. RSVP by November 3. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

OLA Build a Better Landscape Business – NE Ohio NOVEMBER 18-19, 2014 Back by popular demand! Two-day workshop. Take the guesswork out! Learn your costs, build a budget for your company and learn how to estimate your work for profit! Workshop instructed by Landscape Management Network. Location to be announced. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

OLA Build a Better Landscape Business – Central Ohio NOVEMBER 20-21, 2014 Back by popular demand! Two-day workshop hosted and sponsored by Ohio CAT, Columbus, OH. Take the guesswork out! Learn your costs, build a budget for your company and learn how to estimate your work for profit! Workshop instructed by Landscape Management Network. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

OLA Pruning Clinic – Central Ohio DECEMBER 2, 2014 Learn proper pruning techniques to promote plant health and control the size of plant material. Classroom and outdoor hands-on session included. Hosted by Willoway Nurseries in Hilliard, OH. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

Landscape Ohio! Awards Program Entry Deadline DECEMBER 5, 2014 All submissions are due in the OLA office by 5 pm. No Exceptions! Be sure to enter Ohio’s most prestigious landscape enhancement awards program. Winning projects are featured in Landscape Ohio! Magazine, a supplement to Ohio Magazine and Cleveland Magazine. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

OTF Trade Show DECEMBER 9-11, 2014 48th Annual OTF Conference and Trade Show now featuring the OSU Green Industry Short Course! Held at Kalahari Resort and Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio. OLA is partnering with OTF for this event and OLA members will receive member pricing on this event! Visit the OLA Booth at this show! For more information contact OTF at 614-285-4683 or visit OTFShow.org.

JANUARY

OLA MEETING – NE OHIO JANUARY 29, 2015 This meeting will feature attorneys Kim Alabasi and Joshua Strickland of Dworken & Berstein Co., LPA. Held at St. Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Hts. Details TBA. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

FEBRUARY

OLA MEETING – CENTRAL OHIO FEBRUARY 19, 2015

DECEMBER

This meeting will feature Charles VanderKooi. Details TBA. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

Learn proper pruning techniques to promote plant health and control the size of plant material. Classroom and outdoor hands-on session included. Hosted by Willoway Nurseries in Avon, OH. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org. Hurry – This is always a sell-out!

MARCH

OLA Pruning Clinic – NE Ohio DECEMBER 1, 2014

OLA MEETING – NE OHIO MARCH 12, 2015 Michael’s Woodside in Broadview Hts. Details TBA. For more information contact OLA at 1-800-335-6521 or visit OhioLandscapers.org.

The Growing Concern x September 2014 x 5

President’s column continued from pg 3 presentations at our meetings. From business management, bidding and legal advice, to design and plant education, the OLA strives to help and promote the industry. Some of the recent educational opportunities offered to our members, which have helped create those paradises, include classes on successful plant combinations, water features, LED lighting, stone cutting, plant ID and many more. In addition, the OLA organizes landscape facility tours in Columbus and Cleveland — always a favorite of mine. The facility tours offer a behind-the-scenes look into some of our industry’s leading experts. Every time I attend the tours, or any of the OLA activities, I learn something new, either from the presentation itself or my fellow members through discussions and networking. We have also offered many other seasonal-related classes and employee training to help or expand our members’ businesses such as dormant pruning and the snow and ice clinic. Of course, we at the OLA also like to have fun while supporting a good cause. The annual golf outing in August to benefit OLA scholarships is always the place to be. I cannot think of a better way to help our industry grow than to support the next generation of green industry professionals through our scholarship fund. As always, remember that this is your OLA. If there are other, different educational opportunities you would like us to organize for you and your employees, we’d love to hear your ideas. We are here to grow together.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS !

The Ohio Landscape Association is delighted to welcome the following new members to the association: ASSOCIATE MEMBERS: Ariens Company 9764 Wainwright Terrace Olmsted Falls, OH 44138 (440) 665-0446 Tim Schuh

Buckeye Equipment Sales 7800 Broadview Road Parma, OH 44134 (440) 340-3000 Joe Paschall

6 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

OLA Meeting Announcement September 18, 2014 Landscape Facility Tour HELD AT

Suncrest Gardens Peninsula

Suncrest Gardens… was founded by its president, Ric Haury, in August 1976. Through hard work and dedication, Suncrest Gardens today operates as a landscape development, landscape management, and retail garden center company with over 100 employees during the season. Suncrest Gardens is located in Boston Township (adjacent to Hudson) on an eight-acre parcel that includes corporate and production offices, service and equipment buildings, and a retail garden center and greenhouse. Their client base includes both residential and commercial sites throughout Northeast Ohio. Suncrest Gardens is structured to offer an interpersonal relationship with all of its clients and prides itself on providing quality customer service. In addition, an extremely important part of each employee is to be involved in many of the green industry functions such as educational programs, certification testing, training sessions, and national associations. Ric Haury states, “We are truly excited about being part of this year’s facility tour and are looking forward to sharing the evening with our fellow colleagues.” Join us September 18th as we tour this extraordinary facility! AGENDA 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm REGISTRATION

5:30 pm to 7:30 pm TOUR

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Fiscal Fitness

Michael J. Donnellan King Financial, Inc.

PORTFOLIO CONSTRUCTION IN TODAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S INVESTING CLIMATE As both stocks and bonds are expensive, investors should be more aware of and sensitive to financial risks, and should be prepared for low returns. Investment bubbles are a recurring problem, as weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen many times over the last 20 years. In order to reduce the impact of bubbles, investors should learn to focus on their own objectives, rather than jumping on the bandwagon just because everyone else seemed to be enjoying the benefits. Another way to avoid financial loss during bubbles is regular rebalancing of individual investments or asset classes. The real estate market is showing signs of slowing down after five years of post-recession growth, according to various industry indicators. This development provides both opportunities and warning signs for investors. The climate is good for individual homebuyers because rates are comparatively low and price gains are slowing. Investing in real-estate investment trusts, however,

Consider a global view when diversifying your portfolio. The investing world is truly a global one. may get more risky, as it thrives on low-interest environments, and may be adversely affected if such rates start to rise. Strong bull market cycles, overvaluation of stocks, and excessive divergences across different market sectors have been good gauges in the past of impending stock market losses. The complacency in the continued on page 10

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Fiscal Fitness continued from pg 8 stock market is another sign of concern for me. Historically, the U.S. stock markets average over one 10% decline each year. It has been three years since the last 10% pullback. Perhaps it is time for another. Additionally, a 20% or more decline could be in the cards. Consolidation of the gains over the last three years would actually be healthy for the markets. A portfolio consisting of stocks, bonds, and commodities indexes will help diversify and protect against a specific stock market decline. Consider a global view when diversifying your portfolio. The investing world is truly a global one.

industries. Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are another choice as they usually offer a higher dividend payout ratio backed by their real estate holdings. Many uncertainties abound in the future for people looking to retire. Higher healthcare costs, a longer life expectancy, taxes and uncertainty over Social Security are all reasons you need to monitor and constantly defend your portfolio. Rebalance the portfolio at least annually, keeping in mind the potential tax consequences. And don’t forget that the resulting portfolio must match what you desire in your long-term financial plan.

Rising interest rates will hurt current bondholders— so if you believe interest rates will rise, you’ll want to be in shorter term bonds to reinvest at higher rates when they mature. You don’t want to be locked in lower yielding bonds for years.

Investors need to grow their portfolios in a conscientious manner, but also look for the best returns. Conduct periodic, regular reviews with your financial advisor and discuss risk and how you are allocated.

Blue chip, higher yielding stocks can also provide a cushion against a decline. Generally these types of companies are less volatile than the overall market. Many are in the utility, healthcare and oil and gas

Michael J. Donnellan is President of King Financial, Inc., in Strongsville, Ohio

10 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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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12 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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The Growing Concern x September 2014 x 13

F o r Sa f e t y Sa k e

THREE SAFETY PROGRAM MYTHS IN THE WORKPLACE By Kristy Snow Safety Slogan Myths There are three safety myths that are the cause of 80% of the accidents in the workplace. These myths are (1) All we need is a program, (2) Implementation will be easy, and (3) Inspection is good safety control. We will dispel each of these myths and show a better alternative.

Myth #1 – All We Need is a Program Many companies hire a safety consultant so that they can meet the regulatory code. Months later, the company has, one or several, very thick three ring binders full of all kinds of safety jargon. Now, the jargon could actually work if someone deciphered it and transmitted it effectively. In reality, these intelligently written boring books gather dust for years. They are merely an ornament upon which the company safety resides. This is not a safety program. If you believe this is a safety program you are falling for myth #1. A safety program is not a set of binders that gather dust. Many companies mistakenly think that their end goal is to get a

14 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

… a safety program should focus on safety, not jargon and rules. program. In reality, getting a safety program is the beginning goal. Further, a safety program should focus on safety, not jargon and rules. Safety managers need to remember that there is a huge difference between government compliance and real safety.

Myth #2 – Implementation Will be Easy The best companies have the CECO (chief environmental commitment officer) meet frequently with the board of directors. The reason is that it takes teamwork from everyone to get proper implementation of a safety program. The secret to any safety program is implementation. It is also the hardest task to accomplish. Thinking safety implementation is easy is a myth that has propagated throughout the safety industry and it is false. continued on page 16

SNOW & ICE M A NAG E M E NT

R E GIS T R AT I O N GO WHERE THE PROS GO

Presented by

SEPTEMBER 10, 2014 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Held at

St. Michael’s Woodside Check out our website to see sponsors

Qualifies for 5.5 CEUs for Landscape Industry Certified

Broadview Heights, Ohio

Whether you have been in the snow and ice business for years or are thinking about adding it to your list of services, this clinic is a can’t miss event for both you and your employees that will plow beyond the basics and show you the latest technology from the field! •

Snow & Ice Industry Benchmarking Report by David Crary, Hindsite Software

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Tom Canete Snow Management, Wayne, NJ Canete Snow Management is ranked in the top 25 of snow removal companies in the nation. They hold the contract to manage snow removal at MetLife Stadium located in Seacaucus, NJ — home of the New York Giants and the New York Jets

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Participate in roundtable discussions on pertinent industry topics

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Interact with industry exhibitors and displayed equipment

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Network with your peers

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And more!

Special Price! ~ Register one person from your company and each additional person from the company is only an additional $69! 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. Register On Time, Payment Received Before 8/29/14

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F o r Sa f e t y Sa k e continued from pg 14 There are lots of companies that simply hand out a set of rules and use threats (real or perceived) as motivation. This is a sign that the company doesn’t understand safety or care much about it. These types of companies will tend to lose their best employees as these employees will desire to go to a company that is run more effectively. Sadly, many industries and small firms simply cannot afford a safety officer of any kind. In these types of industries, you just have to do the best you can. The key point is to have a good communicator with the responsibility of safety dissemination.

Myth #3 – Inspection Brings Control Safety inspections look at the rules to see how people comply. They look for problems and report them. Typically, after inspection, management tells employees where they failed and reprimand where necessary. Employees that are reprimanded are often demoralized on some level. And, to make matters worse the person getting blamed is often the wrong candidate. In fact, it is often the person that is least liked by the group. More importantly, safety inspection looks at what is wrong. This doesn’t bring safety to the company. What makes a company safe is to look at what is being done right and for ways to continue to improve safety. In other words, safety inspections measure non safety and that is what they typically produce. Finally, safety inspections do not deal with the entire picture. When something goes wrong, it is usually not the fault of one person or one department. Instead, the entire system, as a whole, is the problem and placing individual blame is a way for management to feel like nothing is their fault.

How to Do Safety Right Companies should get a safety program that is easy to communicate and easy to implement. While this is never the case, it should be the goal of the company. To make the program work, inspections are needed, but the managers should focus on the system as a whole and spend less time assigning blame. Inspiring a good employee to be morally better is much more effective than blaming them. This article has been republished from EzinieArticles.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristy_Snow Direct Link to article: http://ezinearticles.com/?Three-Safety-Program-Mythsin-the-Workplace&id=6396261

16 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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CONGRATULATIONS

to the

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OLA Scholarship Golf Classic

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Chad Haney Yard Works, Inc. Jerry Haney Yard Works, Inc. Bryan Golden Yard Works, Inc. Jim Ready Ready to Haul, Inc.

Chris Dimmick Rain Bird Mike Brunner Brunner Landscape & Irrigation Terry Penna TP Turf Scott Bell JDL

Dinner Sponsor

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TEE SPONSORS Arms Trucking Co. Boyas Excavating, Inc. CareWorks Consultants Cascade Lighting Cleveland & Ohio Magazines Coblentz Brothers, Inc. Davey Commercial Landscape Services Gooey Promotions Green Vision Materials, Inc. J.F.D. Landscapes, Inc. JP Horizons Kris Krems Medina Sod Farms, Inc.

Nick Mayer’s Marshall Ford-Lincoln Oliger Seed Co. Power Equipment Distributors Rain Bird Corporation Smith Bros., Inc. Three-Z Supply - Bulk Landscaping Material Truck Equipment Sales Turfscape, Inc. Vizmeg Landscape, Inc. Wolf Creek Company Yard Works, Inc. Zoresco Equipment Company

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Perennial Focus

Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD Bobbie’s Green Thumb

GERANIUM

PINK PENNY

The essence of a perennial garden is its ever-changing nature. Nevertheless, every landscape designer and gardener is looking for that perennial that will knit the garden together by flowering for a long time. Other perennials will bloom somewhere in the seasonal sequence but a few long bloomers bridge the gaps. One such perennial that we’ve all been using for quite a while now is Geranium ‘Rozanne’. It was, in fact, the Perennial Plant of the Year in 2008. I love its blue color but I’ve often wished for a pink equivalent and now I’ve found it. I discovered it at a trade show in 2009 and talked the vendor into giving me one. As soon as I returned home, I planted it in a south and west facing bed among several other perennials. Since then, it has bloomed faithfully every year, usually beginning in mid-July and continuing until early November.

The magenta-pink blooms look like slightly cupped saucers with dark veins and dark stamens. Don’t let anyone tell you that magenta is hard to use— it’s not. It blends beautifully with other pinks and purples and provides great contrast with white, yellow, and orange. If planted in open space, ‘Pink Penny’ will only grow twelve to eighteen inches high and wide. In my garden, where it is crowded, it stretches to twenty-four inches high and intertwines with the surrounding Monarda, Echinacea, Iris sibirica, Allium tuberosum, and flowering kale. continued on page 22

20 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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Perennial Focus continued from pg 20 Like other hardy geraniums, ‘Pink Penny’ is very adaptable to varying soil and light conditions: full sun, half day sun, loamy soil, sandy soil, average moisture or even somewhat dry conditions. During the drought of 2012, it came through with flying colors. I will admit that I watered but when it’s very hot and very dry, no amount of watering can compensate for the lack of rain. It is sad to say, this wonderful geranium is very hard to find in Ohio, but George Pealer of Millcreek Gardens was kind enough to grow it for me. I’ve already put it into the gardens of two of my clients and will be integrating it into more of my designs. However, George still has some left so please give him a call if you, too, would like to use it.

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 being an Ohio Landscape Association (OLA) member, she is an active member of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) and Perennial Plant Association (PPA). Bobbie is a Past President of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD). Bobbie currently serves as chair of the ONLA Plant Selection Committee. Bobbie can be reached at (216) 752-9449.

22 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Like other hardy geraniums, ‘Pink Penny’ is very adaptable to varying soil and light conditions…

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The Growing Concern x September 2014 x 23

Plant Of the Month

Jim Funai, COLP Cuyahoga Community College

Shelley Funai Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens

RHODOTYPOS SCANDENS

BLACK JETBEAD

What’s in a name? Perhaps Shakespeare was onto something when he penned Juliet’s protest to the Montague name, “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” What is in a name? Well, in the botanical world most often the Latinized name does hold more meaning. Romeo may have been willing to “doff thy name” but we are quite happy to don thy name for our plants so we can understand more about each one. For this month’s plant, Rhodotypos scandens, what is in “thy name” is pretty cool. Let’s break-down this name and start with Rhodo — which certainly makes you think of rhododendron, right? Well, Rhodo is from the Greek word, Rhodon, meaning rose. We know that Dendron is from the olde English Dendrite for tree, therefore a Rhododendron is a “Tree Rose.” What about typos? This name is not describing a rose with a spelling problem; rather it is leading us into confusion as typos is a derivative of typical or type. You may tend to think the genus name of Rhodotypos describes a plant that has characteristics typical of the family Rosaceae, the rose family. Rosaceae does have some pretty standard characteristics. Five petals on the usually showy flowers (yes, there are double, and triple

24 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

What is in a name? Well, in the botanical world most often the Latinized name does hold more meaning. etc.), fruit is typically a drupe (one hard seed with fleshy covering e.g., peach) or pome (multiple hard seeds with fleshy covering e.g., apple), and most family members have some disease and pest issues plaguing them each year. continued on page 26

Plant Of the Month continued from pg 24 Here is where the train jumps the track. Rhodotypos scandens (Black Jetbead) has a name that claims it is the “typical rose” when it is one of the most oddball members of the family. Instead of five white flower petals, this weirdo has four! Can you imagine the tension at the rose family reunions!? As if that wasn’t enough to shame the family, this freak remains disease free, doesn’t really care where you plant it, and thrives in most conditions including periodic flooding and drought. Now for even more mind-bending confusion in the name, we look at scandens. We find this specific epithet in several other plants such as Celastrus scandens (Bittersweet vine), Cobaea scandens (cup-and-saucer vine), Berchemia scandens (rattan vine), and others that follow an obvious trend of being vines. Scandens is derived from scando, to ascend or climb. Black Jetbead does not climb, it doesn’t even like heights! This shrub tops out at three to six feet.

A plant’s life Many references available will tell you this plant is not interesting or beneficial, including Dr. Dirr’s dismissal with “there are too many superior ornamental shrubs to justify extensive use.” We, very respectfully, disagree with that entire statement. This can be a dangerous statement and will steer people away from otherwise useful plants for difficult sites. We have seen parking lot islands with Black Jetbead massed on them, as full and green as can be in the dead, dry heat of August. Try that with your Knockout Rose and pennisetum — oh that’s right, all the Knockouts died this winter and the grasses reseeded across the entire landscape. Jetbead will form a colony of upright ascending branches and remind you of Kerria. We find the leaves to be very nice with a serrated edge, and distinct parallel veins that resemble accordion folds. Leaves hold a nice, medium green color well into October and some years into November. Fall color quickly turns to a pale yellow with leaf drop not too far behind. Winter interest is neat. It will not blow you away and make you question everything you ever knew, but neat nonetheless. Four pure black, shiny fruits will grow at the tip of each branch in a perfect, little cluster as if the shrub is holding them out for you to see; this is where the common name comes from. The little “beads” measure about 1/3 of an inch, and are jet black. Often these fruits are held into the following spring and may even hang out while the shrub leaves out in spring.

Putting this plant to work When literature is citing the plant is not that showy, we think they mean to say, you really need to plant this shrub in a mass of seven or more to get good effect out of it. It doesn’t stand on its own like a Japanese Maple but it doesn’t need to. Looking at most landscapes out there, some more massing effect would do us all good. This plant fits perfectly with our rain garden theme as it would excel in the drought conditions often found in these gardens — notice we say “often found.” Certainly this year is an exception across Northeast Ohio, with good amounts of rain keeping the rain gardens quite busy. Black Jetbead is tolerant of the temporary flooding and will keep on “doing its thing,” making it ideal for the rain garden.

Some things to consider We must address the fact that some folks out there are calling this plant invasive; continuing the good ol’ debate on what is invasive. True, this plant originates in Japan and Central China. It was introduced into cultivation in the mid 1800s. We have hiked many-a-woods in Northeast Ohio, and must say we see excessively more evidence of humans (trash, cigarette butts, and carving in a beech) than any trace of Jetbead. Who is the invasive species again? We encourage you to look deeper into this plant and consider its use. A great planting can be found between the South and West Terrace at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens. This planting is a very appropriate use, designed by famous landscape architect Warren H. Manning (a proponent of naturalistic plantings) with a large mass showing the full effect of the plant. Stop by and see it in late June when the four-petaled white flowers greet you, or in winter as the four black beads dance in the wind like little ornaments. So, what IS in a name? It seems, like all things in horticulture, there will always be an exception to the rule. Rhodotypos scandens (“typical rose that climbs”) is a great plant with a very misleading name.

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

26 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Most landscape contractors are not aware that by installing lawns, trees, shrubs, and ground cover we are supplying huge amounts of oxygen…

Editor’s Note: This article is to provide landscape professionals with insight and facts to better promote their work in general and in terms of positive environmental impact.

LANDSCAPING IS THE TRUE GREEN INDUSTRY By Woody’s Custom Landscaping Carbon dioxide emissions, ozone, phosphorous runoff, global warming, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and carbon footprints. These words are all very frightening in this day and age. Corporations, small businesses, government, and many citizens are trying to analyze, correct, or just cash in on the new “Green” way of life. Even if the earth is not in a permanent cycle of global warming, we must consider getting involved with reducing pollution in order to sustain our way of living on this planet. continued on page 30

28 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

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continued from pg 28 Many businesses and people are finding different ways to reduce the amount of pollution. The current most popular way is through the use of “Green” vehicles that run on ethanol, hydrogen, or combinations of gas and electricity. New “Green” terms such as green energy, green buildings, and green government have become the new standard we work with. This is all part of the way of life that we know we must adapt and think about to help our planet. There is a certain group of people who have been quietly working for a great length of time creating fantastic results making our planet more environmentally friendly. Working without public acknowledgement, they go about their daily jobs without a simple thank you. They fit the definition of creating a “Green” way of life. These people are your professional landscape contractors. This industry has been around for hundreds of years and has helped our environment become more ecologically friendly. Landscapers have been installing lawns, shrubs, drainage systems, and hillside planting with little thought to how “Green” the industry really is. Here are some facts that are worthwhile to consider: 1. One acre of mature trees absorbs the amount of CO2 we produce when we drive 26,000 miles. 2. One acre of well-maintained lawn, supplies oxygen for 70 people per year. 3. There is an estimated 25 million acres of turf grass in the US. that supply 1,750,000,000 people oxygen per year. 4. Turf, plants, ground cover, and trees absorb large amounts of nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxides, and ozone from the air. 5. Trees absorb silt, dust, and soil runoff from entering our water systems Past PLANET President Jim Martin, CLP states, “As Americans struggle to calculate their carbon footprint they need to keep in mind that their lawn and landscape are an important factor in carbon dioxide mitigation. It’s the obvious factor that is so often overlooked.” Here are some more facts regarding the benefits of landscaping: 1. Trees can cool a city by up to 10% by shading our homes and streets which reduces air conditioning by 50% in the summer. 2. The cooling effect of an average sized lawn is equal to about 12 tons of air conditioning, which is greater than a typical home’s central air conditioning unit. 3. The greater the amount of trees creates a more natural habitat for wildlife.

30 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

4. O ne acre of turf can absorb hundreds of pounds of fossil fuel-created sulfur dioxide per year. 5. A well designed landscape that includes well places trees can save 25% of a household’s energy consumption for heating and cooling. Three properly placed trees can save an average household anywhere from $100 to $250 in annual energy costs. Landscaping is the true “Green” industry. Most landscape contractors are not aware that by installing lawns, trees, shrubs, and ground cover we are supplying huge amounts of oxygen and beautiful ways to offset many of the issues of pollution and air quality. While corporations and citizens are trying to come up with ways to improve air quality, reduce pollution, and improve the carbon foot print, professional landscapers, by the very nature of the industry, have been quietly making substantial inroads to the term “Green.” It is time for landscapers to take the title of “The Green Industry” with pride.

This article has been republished from Articlebase.com — a free article directory where you can submit and find articles. You can publish your articles for free or find content for your website, ezine, or newsletter. This article was provided by Woody’s Custom Landscaping for use on Articlebase.com Direct link to article: http://www.articlesbase.com/environment-articles/ landscaping-is-the-true-green-industry-5401174.html

CL A SSIFIED s For an up-to-date listing of all classified/help wanted ads, please visit ohiolandscapers.org OPENINGS - ACCOUNT MANAGER + DESIGN/ARCHITECT/ SALES + SALES + FOREMAN Moscarino Outdoor Creations is an award winning design company, a leader in commercial lawn maintenance/snow management and has exceptional opportunities to join our team of professionals as we expand our service line. LANDSCAPE ACCOUNT MANAGER Responsibilities include managing a portfolio of landscape maintenance contracts, providing excellent customer service and personnel management, recommend enhancements, prepare proposals, develop and train employees and deliver quality services to ensure maintenance contract renewals. Applicants with background in landscape management or horticulture and the snow industry are preferred. This position also requires excellent organizational, leadership, communication, and time management skills. LANDSCAPE DESIGNER/ARCHITECT/SALES Seeking an industry professional with minimum 5 years landscape design/build and aggressive sales experience. Must have superb horticultural and construction knowledge as well as strong computer skills, including CAD (we currently use Dynascapes software). If you are up-to-date, energetic, computer savvy and love working with plants and hardscapes this is the dream job for you!! LANDSCAPE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SALES Essential functions of this position include: • Generate sales by obtaining leads from industry and community resources including calling on prospective clients, gathering and analyzing the client’s needs and then providing up to date information on product services and pricing. • Deliver and follow up on bid packages to ensure that clients have enough information to make an informed decision. Requirements of this position include: • Relevant business to business commercial contract sales experience in the service industry. • Excellent oral and written communication skills. • Organized and able to manage time. • Proficient with computer software programs including MS Office suite. • Industry or local knowledge and contacts preferred. CONSTRUCTION & LAWN MAINTENANCE FOREMAN Please see website for this and other job positions and job descriptions Compensation packages will be tailored for experienced individuals. Valid Driver’s License Required. EOE/Drug and Smoke Free Workplace.

OPENINGS - CONSTRUCTION DIVISION MANAGER + LANDSCAPE MAINTENENCE FOREMAN + LANDSCAPE DESIGN/BUILD FOREMAN + LAWN FERTILIZATION TECH + LAWN CARE DIVISION MANAGER Bella’s Lawn & Landscape is a locally owned and operated landscape firm seeking qualified individuals to join our team of professionals located in Toledo, OH. This is an outstanding opportunity for the right individual with a growing company. Our work environment is safe, professional, and rewarding. As we continue to grow, we are currently looking for our next great employee to join our successful team! CONSTRUCTION DIVISION MANAGER Looking for an individual experienced in hardscape/softscape installations with management skills to motivate crew members and complete projects. Extensive knowledge of constructing paver patios, outdoor kitchens, retaining walls, landscape lighting, and plantings is a must. This individual will sell, manage, & ensure quality on all jobs. Division managers are responsible for maintaining their division’s profit margin. LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE FOREMAN & DESIGN BUILD FOREMAN The foreman takes full responsibility for the crew and all aspects of it, including vehicles, trailers, equipment, tools, and supplies. In addition, the foreman takes responsibility for ensuring results for quality, customer satisfaction, and efficiency. LAWN FERTILIZATION TECH AND/OR MANAGER As a lawn care professional, you will be responsible to service customer’s lawns as you apply fertilizer, weed treatments, grub applications, seeding, aeration, & more while ensuring fantastic customer service and delivering A+ results! You may also be responsible for accurately measuring lawns, providing quotes and / or lawn analysis, and making field sales. The ideal person will have excellent communication skills, be self-reliant and responsible, a problem solver, 1-3 years turf experience is preferred, but if willing to learn and motivated, we will take that into consideration. We are a Growing Company with Big Opportunities. Do you want to be a part of our success? We have experienced growth over the last 10 years and are looking for managers in training, foreman, and technicians to support our growth. If you would like to be a part of our fantastic team please apply now! Compensation will be determined upon evaluation of an individual’s experience. A valid driver’s license is required for all positions. Please email resume to: careers@bellaslawnandlandscape.com

Please email resume to: info@moscarino.net or apply online at www.createmylandscape.com/job-opportunities/ PLEASE SEE WEBSITE FOR FULL LIST OF JOB POSITIONS AND JOB DESCRIPTIONS The Growing Concern x September 2014 x 31

Directions

GET INVOLVED! The Ohio Landscape Association prides itself on being a very active association that involves its members on many levels. We highly recommend that you attend events, join a committee, volunteer for a project, or just stay in touch by following us on Facebook or checking our website often. EVENING MEETINGS OLA holds 4 evening meetings in northeast Ohio per year. These meetings are held in September, November (our annual meeting), January and March. We also hold 2 Central Ohio meetings in October and February. Our evening meetings are free for members to attend. They include an hour of networking and an informative program. We are able to offer these meetings at no cost to members thanks to our sponsors!

OLA EDUCATIONAL SERIES OLA holds many educational seminars, workshops and clinics. They include a wide variety of topics from business subjects like sales and estimating to technical topics like pruning, design, lighting, drainage, and irrigation. Our educational classes are part of our culture. We have been providing some of these classes for years, but we also add new topics often! We offer opportunities that are ½ day, full day, or sometimes multi-day. We discount the registration fees for our members. Our education classes are very popular and many sell out — if you see something you are interested in, be sure to register early! This is a great way to be sure you and your staff have the skills needed to be successful. A wise person once told me, “What if I train my employees and they leave? Worse yet, what if I don’t train them and they stay?”

LANDSCAPE OHIO! AWARDS PROGRAM Become an award winning landscape contractor! Our Landscape Ohio! Awards Program is unique in that the winners are published in our Landscape Ohio! magazine and sent out to the public with the

32 x Official Publication of The Ohio Landscape Association

Sandy Munley Executive Director Ohio Landscape Association

May issues of Cleveland magazine and Ohio magazine. It is great to celebrate your great work among your peers, but we like to shout it from the rooftops and make the public aware too! The deadline for our awards program is December 5th, so you still have time to enter. Get out there and take photos of your best work. You can find all the information you need to enter on our website ohiolandscapers.org.

OLA COMMITTEES Our committees provide guidance, ideas, and assistance in providing our evening meetings (programs), educational events, awards program, golf outing, membership, public relations/ marketing and garden at the Great Big Home and Garden Show. Each committee operates a little differently and is busy at different times of the year. We respect your time and meet only when needed, sometimes by phone. Participating in a committee can be a great way to meet others in the association and can be a leadership path to joining our board of directors.

VOLUNTEER! If you are interested in a volunteer role with a very short time commitment, you can help with one of our events. Volunteers help the day of the OLA Scholarship Golf Classic by running contests and helping with setup and take down. You can also volunteer to help install the OLA garden at the Great Big Home and Garden Show or take a time slot to staff the garden and talk with the public there. Volunteers help with setup and administration of the Landscape Industry Certified Technicians hands on test. And from continued on page 34

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The Growing Concern x September 2014 x 33

Directions continued from pg 32 time to time OLA does a public service project and we need your time and talent to make it happen.

PASSIVE PARTICIPATION If you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t interested in face-to-face opportunities, keep in touch with OLA by following us on Facebook (facebook.com/ ohiolandscapeassociation) and monitoring our website. We update our website several times a week as new events are planned. And while you are at it, please be sure that we have your current email address. We do not share your email address with third parties, so you can feel comfortable sharing yours with us. (The OLA mailing list is available as an Excel spreadsheet to OLA members, but it does not include your fax number or email address.) We know it can be hard to remember to share information within your company. We will happily include your employees on our emails, just provide us with the addresses! So, whatever your comfort zone is, we have a way for you to be involved. If you are interested in one of the above opportunities, I welcome your phone call (440-717-0002) or email (sandy@ ohiolandscapers.org) to discuss how we can help you to get involved and take best advantage of all that OLA has to offer!

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