SYNKD South Fall 2023 by SYNKD—Landscape design, build and maintain all on the same page

STAR STATE Clark Condon | THE POWER OF PLANT BREEDING Jane Beggs-Joles

Hawkins | MODERN STONE & WILD SPACES JTA Stoneworks | EMBODYING THE LONE

INDUSTRY LEADER Flor Espinoza | INSIDE OLM | CREATING A BACKYARD OASIS Lori

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FROM THE EDITOR

s the season transforms and leaves drift gracefully to the ground, it’s a poignant reminder that change is not just inevitable but vital. Fall, in its essence, is nature’s way of showing us that there’s beauty in letting go and evolving. This issue of SYNKD delves deep into embracing change, especially the kind influenced by technology and innovation in the landscaping industry. In our community section, get to know Flor Espinoza, an aspiring Hispanic business owner who has entrepreneurial grit and is a testimony to the power of dreams fueled by hard work and determination. Inside the company OLM, Ed Jensen tells us more about

emphasizing quality workmanship for landscape maintenance businesses. Our project features transport you to spaces that epitomize ingenuity. The Marriott Marquis Houston’s stunning rooftop construction is not just an architectural marvel but a testament to what’s possible when creativity meets expertise. As we stroll through a residential oasis, the blend of nature and design leaves us in awe, while a contemporary take on dry-laid natural stone showcases its timeless beauty in modern settings. Our education section in this issue zeroes in on the latest plant developments. Plants are not static; they evolve, and plant development

companies are always searching for better genetics, researching and testing in order to adapt our favorites into ecological successes. Lastly, we touch upon a trifecta of issues shaping sustainable lawn care in Florida. Between a reduced workforce, a premier piece of equipment and a top-dressing with more nutrients, this article promises to reshape the way we think about maintaining those lush greens in an eco-friendly manner. ENJOY and stay tuned for more information on our SYNKD Live event, February 13-15, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. Meet you there!

-Angelique

Page 42 PERFECTO MUNDO® DOUBLE PINK FLOWER AZALEA

Photo courtesy of ©Spring Meadows Nursery

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SYNKD South Fall 2023

synkd | our community

our community

inspirational works

08 10

News Industry News and Dates to Save Q+A What technology is essential for our industry to embrace?

Creating Your Own Backyard Oasis Lori Hawkins Hawkins Landscape Architecture

Industry Leader Flor Espinoza

COVER STORY MODERN STONE & WILD SPACES

INSIDE OLM

20 23 25 26

Jon Aguilar, owner of JTA Stoneworks, shows us what’s possible with the dry stone method in the 21st century Mini Interviews Fun questions from our audience

Old vs. New Deborah Cole Deborah Cole Connections Beating Around the Bush Damon Abdi LSU Ag Center Enhancing Landscape Design with Technology Angelica & Matt Norton Open Envelope Studios

Embodying the Lone Star State Clark Condon

For Latest Content, To View Digital Issues & To Find Out About Upcoming Events, Visit www.synkd.io Follow Us On These Social Media Platforms: @synkd.landscape SOUTH 4 September|October 2022

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FALL 2023 synkd | our community

VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 6 TECHNOLOGY & HORTICULTURE ADVANCEMENTS

323 Polk Street Lafayette, Louisiana 70501

raise the bar 42

OWNER

Angelique Robb

The Power of Plant Breeding Jane Beggs-Joles Spring Meadow Nursery

angelique@synkd.io (337) 852–6318

ADVERTISING

Tiffany o’Kelley

tiffany@synkd.io (817) 832–5478 GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Caitlyn Wallace

caitlyn@synkd.io SUBEDITOR

Erin Z. Bass

FEATURE FASTER WORK, STRONGER LANDSCAPES Revive Soil, Save Water, Double Revenue with Mulch Mate

Sizzle & Bloom New Heat-Tolerant Plants for the Southeast Region

Change Management Part II: The First Steps Jay Worth Single Ops

WRITTERS

Angelica & Matt Norton |pg 26 Lori Hawkins |pg 28 Jane Beggs-Joles |pg 42 Jay Worth |pg 50 PRINTED BY Sheridan www.sheridan.com Published by ©SYNKD SYNKD is published four times a year and distributed to 5,000 qualified members of the green industry. Postmaster: Send address changes to 323 Polk St., Lafayette, LA 70501.

SYNKD verifies information as much as possible. The views expressed by editorial contributors and the products advertised herein are not necessarily endorsements of the publishers. Reproduction of any part of this magazine is strictly forbidden.

Next Issue: SYNKD Winter 2023 Plan For Success Contact Angelique Robb at angelique@synkd.io for more information on how you and your company can be featured in upcoming issues. www.synkd.io

SOUTH

September|October 2022

our community

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SOUTH 2

September|October 2022

INSIDE OUR COMMUNITY THIS MONTH PAGE 8 INDUSTRY NEWS | PAGE 10 Q+A: WHAT TECHNOLOGY IS ESSENTIAL FOR OUR INDUSTRY TO EMBRACE? | PAGE 12 INDUSTRY LEADER: FLOR ESPINOZA | PAGE 16 INSIDE OLM |PAGE 20 MINI INTERVIEWS | PAGE 23 DEBORAH COLE: OLD VS. NEW | PAGE 25 DAMON ABDI: BEATING AROUND THE BUSH | PAGE 26 ANGELICA & MATT NORTON: ENHANCING LANDSCAPE DESIGN www.synkd.io THROUGH 3D TECHNOLOGY

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SOUTH

INDUSTRY NEWS WHAT’S THE BUZZ?

attendance is up by 39 percent over last year, which is a record, and dealer registration is up by 10 percent. This shows the relevance and importance of Expo,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, which owns Equip Exposition.

“If you don’t come this year, you’ll have missed something. Landscape contractor

Find more information by scanning the QR code: https://www.synkd.io/ synkd-news/the-buzzequip-expo

quip Exposition, the blockbuster, award-nominated tradeshow for the international landscape, outdoor living and outdoor power equipment industry, is fast approaching, and excitement for the show is building. Equip Expo will be held October 17-20 at the Kentucky Exposition Center.

THE LEGACY OF KURT W. DRAMM

onstruction has started on Dramm’s research greenhouse. The addition to the new factory and headquarters will allow for easier development and testing of products and techniques. The 2,500-square-foot facility will feature several cropping systems, from fixed and movable benches to hydroponic systems. Various water sources will also be used, including rain, pond, recycled and municipal water. Multiple water treatment systems will be installed for regular use and to test different methods and tools for best efficacy with different sources and water qualities. Trials of the Drammatic® Organic Fertilizer will be conducted in the greenhouse. Another benefit will be growing plants for Dramm’s lobby “green wall” and flowers for spring planting. The new research greenhouse will honor Kurt W. Dramm, who left a legacy of developing and testing high-quality products. https://www.synkd.io/synkd-news/ dramms-research-greenhouse

SYNKD South Fall 2023

POD-ROW™ AT SYNKD LIVE 2024

oin us at SYNKD Live 2024 in Atlanta, February 13–15, and mingle with famed podcasters Naylor Taliaferro of LCR Media and Paul Jamison of the Green Industry Podcast. Experience their live recordings and seize the opportunity to possibly be featured on their podcast!

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GROUNDWORK RAISES FUNDING

SAVING DESIGN TIME

roundwork, a lead qualification software for residential contractors, raised $1 million in pre-seed funding. The round was completed earlier this year and was led by Jason Calacanis’ LAUNCH Fund with participation from I2BF Global Ventures, construction industry executives and angel investors.

ectorworks Inc. announces the availability of Vectorworks 2024, featuring comprehensive solutions and quality improvements that automate processes and help unleash limitless creativity.

PLANT NERD AI

S Read more about this story by scanning the QR code:

capify has launched an artificial intelligence tool that is specifically designed for our industry and took it on a roadshow to conferences this summer, including Cultivate in Columbus, Ohio, and The Landscape Show in Orlando, Florida. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, Plant Nerd AI is equipped with knowledge from decades of horticultural research to help you create and maintain a beautiful and thriving landscape. Plant Nerd AI can help you with basic plant care, advanced landscaping techniques and practical maintenance and management solutions.

“Our goal is to empower designers with tools and resources that boost their creativity,” says Vectorworks Chief Technology Officer Steve Johnson. “With Vectorworks 2024, we have taken this mission to new heights through groundbreaking new features, user experience enhancements and a strong focus on quality and performance. These advances will significantly accelerate our users’ design experiences, from the initial spark of an idea to the ultimate realization of a project.” www.synkd.io/synkd-news/vectorworks-2024

https://servescape.com/pages/plant-nerd

TUNE INTO THE NEWEST EPISODES FROM SEASON 2 OF SYNKD ON AIR

YNKD recently launched the second season of SYNKD On Air on Turf’s Up Radio. You can tune in to hear us live every Monday at 11 a.m. EST.

If you miss us live, you can tune in wherever you listen to podcasts. www.synkd.io/podcast-synkd

www.synkd.io

Kelly Dowell

Mark Woolbright

Mario Camberdella

David Sloan

SEASON 2 EPISODE 1 Growing Up in the Industry & Finding Her Way

SEASON 2 EPISODE 2 Living Retaining Walls, The 30 Year Journey

SEASON 2 EPISODE 3 Growing Customer Service Through Technology

SEASON 2 EPISODE 4 Design Software for Our Industry— What to Look For

Do you want to be on our podcast or nominate someone? Scan the QR code to fill out a quick form or visit our website at www.synkd.io/podcast-synkd!

SYNKD South Fall 2023 9

Q A WHAT TECHNOLOGY IS ESSENTIAL FOR OUR INDUSTRY TO EMBRACE? 10

SYNKD South Fall 2023

Joe Langton Acting CEO of Automated Outdoor Solutions Woodstock, Illinois Let’s face it, automation is coming in the professional landscaping space. It will force leadership in the space to see properties differently. It will force them to ask questions like: How much does it cost to mow per square foot or per acre? What is the cost to mow with automation? As I travel from show to show, I am shocked by how many people don’t know what it costs them to mow traditionally! Before you come to a show and tell me this won’t work, learn your current costs per acre or per space as they are not all created equal. Next you must ask if these automated units are insurable? How will this affect my company’s profitability over five years? How will this affect our current carbon impacts? How will it impact our workforce safety? Do our customers want daily mowing or traditional weekly mowing? How will I charge them? Does my company traditionally purchase or lease equipment? Do we traditionally use a subcontracting model, and are there automatic mowing companies that fit that model? Do you see where I am going? All the shows showcase these new pieces of equipment, but all you should ask is what will it do for my team’s ability to grow market share in the space and profit from the automation revolution.

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Joel Northrup CEO of Deep Lawn Inc. Austin, Texas The world has changed a lot over the last 10 years. The average consumer is now used to shopping for anything on Amazon, calling an Uber and ordering groceries with just a few clicks from their smartphone. They are used to instant gratification. It is important that lawn care and landscaping companies adapt to this new world that we live in. Making it super easy for customers to sign up for your company’s services is crucial. Some of these tools include utilizing instant quote products to give quotes on your website or over the phone, AI measurement tools to calculate pricing and smart spray technology to track what chemicals were applied and where. The list goes on. By adopting new technologies, your company can stay competitive in this new world that we live in.

Jon Aguilar Owner of JTA Stoneworks Austin, Texas Using a cellular confinement system has been a game changer for my projects for several key reasons. First, the individual cells’ containment aspect combined with the tensile strength of the underlying fabric prevents rutting or other surface failures. Additionally, the system’s design ensures that there is no migration of aggregate materials due to load-bearing forces. One of the most significant benefits is the substantial reduction in excavation and infill depth requirements, leading to considerable cost savings. Importantly, the system is specifically engineered to bear the weight of heavy vehicles, such as a fire truck. Finally, it can be used for both impermeable and permeable systems, making it suitable for installations like driveways, parking areas or patios

www.synkd.io

SYNKD South Fall 2023 11

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FLOWER POWER From Rooted Traditions to Blossoming Success: The Journey of Flor Espinoza & Bellis Pros Landscaping

lor Espinoza launched Bellis Pros with hard work, grit and passion. The name “Flor” means flower in Spanish, so it feels like destiny that she ended up in the landscaping business. In fact, her company Bellis refers to Bellis perennis, the scientific name for the English daisy. The two names represent two flowers, two languages and a beautiful blend of cultures.

Flor Espinoza The daughter of Mexican immigrants, Flor grew up in Illinois. Her father, Octavio Espinoza, started out in landscaping as a laborer and worked his way up to manager. His employer Valley Crest became part of BrightView commercial landscaping company. In 2003, Octavio started his own family-owned business.

12 SYNKD South Fall 2023

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“I remember helping my dad at a young age, doing work for him at just 12 or 13,” Flor recalls. After high school, she received an associate’s degree in horticulture and continued to work with her dad. Later, Flor got married and she and her husband, Daniel Guzman, moved to Georgia last year. Flor started working for a large landscaping company in metro Atlanta but ended up quitting because of the unfriendly culture. She says that while the firm hired her for her skills and portfolio, some of the team members were put off by working for a female. “There was a lot of machismo there,” she says. “I remove myself from any situation that isn’t going to help me grow or take me to the next level.” So, she decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and start her own landscaping business. “I figured, why not take the leap,” she says. “My dad always put me front and center, and my husband supports me as well and has a background in construction.”

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Flor says some vendors and clients assume her husband is the boss and don’t take her as seriously at first because she’s female. She says being Mexican-American also brings its own set of benefits and challenges. She’s been fluent in Spanish and English since a young age, which has helped her communicate with many of the industry’s Hispanic workers. “But speaking both languages also affects the way I’m treated sometimes,” she says. “I have to earn people’s respect from both cultures.” Bellis specializes in landscape design and installation. Flor employs a crew of five workers and uses subcontractors as needed for lighting and fence installation, for example. Flor is just 35 years old but seems much more experienced. Emulating her father, she’s learned to work hard her entire life and admits it hasn’t always been easy. Flor says she’d love to get a bachelor’s degree one day, but so far hasn’t had the time. “Work picked up so quickly for me

after starting our business, I was surprised,” she says. “While I’d love to major in landscape architecture, I’ve also learned so much being in the field. I like to get myself in the mud and learn as I go.” Flor is constantly learning from her father and also follows Hardscape Mentor on Instagram, who provides helpful tips on materials and equipment. She’s taken workshops offered by Unilock to learn the most current version of the Uvision 3D Landscape Creator Software. Flor says showing her clients the designs helps them see her vision, and they end up buying more plants and materials. “I’ve also reached out to fellow

SYNKD South Fall 2023 13

synkd | our community

landscapers in the area for help, and they’re great,” she says. “It’s important to make friends in the business. It’s not a competition.” Flor says when you’re first starting a business, it takes practice to create effective quotes and make sure you’re covering your expenses. “If customers are questioning prices, then they either don’t understand the job and you need to be more specific or they’re not interested and probably not worth getting into business with in the first place,” she says. Flor also shares that marketing and word-of-mouth have been key to her success as a new business owner. Before launching Bellis, she and her husband drove around metro Atlanta to find areas

with the most potential for landscaping work. With data from the U.S. Postal Service, she targeted a few zip codes near the community of Dallas and has been successful with Every Door Direct Mail. She also purchased a few Google ads and had face-to-face meetings with nurseries to connect with people. “You need to learn marketing in this business—it’s the most important thing,” she says. “I’ve been so surprised with all the referrals and how busy we’ve been.” She and her husband have settled into their new town and are getting used to the sloping landscape—and the Atlanta

14 SYNKD South Fall 2023

traffic. Her dad recently paid them a visit to check out some of their latest landscaping work. “He’s taught me everything he knows,” Flor says.

GET IN TOUCH WITH

Flor Espinoza

Owner of Bellis Pros Email: flor@bellispros.com Phone: (678) 521–7357 www. bellispros.com

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INDUSTRY QUALITY & PERFORMANCE Inside OLM Inc. | Using Metrics to Recognize & Invest in Quality Landscaping Work

ccountability is often discussed within landscape companies, teams and even individual professionals. It is something that fosters ownership in performance, trust in peers, quality customer service and a property’s appearance. The benefits of an accountable workplace and workforce are widely understood and prioritized, but can tend to be constrained within various organizations. Prioritizing accountability across the entire industry could be key to raising the standards of landscapers, their clientele and anyone else who interacts with the green industry. Many trade fields utilize various tools to reassure their clients that they offer quality service or products. This helps clients trust the company and often inspires repeat business. A health inspector in the restaurant industry, for example, offers hungry customers peace

of mind when they choose where to eat. A restaurant with a positive inspection rating is more likely to serve people than a restaurant with a poor rating. Landscape customers do not have the same luxuries. This leads to an uneducated clientele base and a sense of distrust between clients and their landscape service providers.

ED JENSEN, VICE PRESIDENT OF OLM INC.

OLM Inc. in Kennesaw, Georgia, fills this

gap. The group is a third-party management company that specializes in the preparation of standards and specifications for properties. OLM works on behalf of commercial real estate owners and property managers, including high-rise buildings, office/industrial, multi-family, business improvement districts and resorts. Ed Jensen helps lead the team. “I earned a degree in Ornamental Horticulture from Clemson, then put in five years with a small landscape company as an operations manager,” Ed says. “From there, I morphed into a role with a commercial real estate developer, helping manage landscapes from an in-house position. I interfaced with the landscape architects, the development team, all the way through the handoff to the property management and long-term maintenance team. During this time, I learned how quality workmanship helps owners lease space. In 1989, I joined OLM Inc. where I could have an impact on improving quality for property owners and, along the way, help teach and show landscapers how they could do better work. OLM compiles the information necessary to create the performance payment-based specifications for the client and helps conduct the bid process.This helps clients identify their true operations budget and determine whether their price point is too low, too high or just right. Once the contract is in place, they inspect the landscaper’s work to be sure it is following the specifications and industry standards. Their measurements of various contracts and companies are fully performance payment-based and deliver results. If the contractor does not pass the monthly site inspection with a score of 87 percent or greater, they lose 25 percent of their monthly invoice. “When people experience bad service, they look down on the industry as a whole and aren’t as willing to invest in quality work,” Ed says. “People who understand the meaning of quality landscape maintenance and its purpose are more confident in their service providers. They are willing to pay

16 SYNKD South Fall 2023

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what is necessary to get the job done right on the first try. In essence, we enable companies to charge more.”

Ed says quality landscaping is about far more than just aesthetics. “It isn’t about clean stripes left by a mower or the t-shirts and advertising logos,” he explains. “While these things have a place and a purpose, the real value is found in small details … things like the

bedlines and the weed control, the space between a shrub and a building, the sunlight access to plant material and a consistent maintenance schedule. Quality landscaping is understanding how to keep plant materials healthy, build installations that last and educate the workforce and clientele on what is necessary for a thriving ecology.” Regardless of the scope and type of a property, OLM focuses on the fine details. They’ve used this technique during the last 35 years in business and have yet to see others develop a formula as successful as what OLM Inc. created.

industry. Our team inspects an incredible amount of properties each month, which proves how necessary this is.” Accountability may look different for various areas of the industry when considering aspects like company size, project value, time of year and even location. Regardless of the logistics, though, it is about consistency, education and quality performance. OLM’s work promotes positive change for landscape maintenance businesses and truly raises the bar for quality landscape maintenance.

GET IN TOUCH WITH

“It is like a McDonald’s and Burger King sitting next to each other on a street corner,” says Ed. “Quality competition is important to drive pricing, innovation and quality of service. We want to see others doing what we do because our service helps our

PROUDLY SERVING THE SOUTH SINCE 2006.

Ed Jensen

Vice President of OLM Inc. Email: ejensen@olminc.com www.olminc.com

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SYNKD South Fall 2023 17

Where Landscape

DESIGN, BUILD & MAINTAIN Are All Under One Roof

WHEN:

WHERE:

FEBRUARY 13-15, 2023

GAS SOUTH CONVENTION CENTER IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA

THE TALKS |

TOPICS OF THE PRESENTATIONS, PANEL DISCUSSIONS & FIRESIDE CHATS THAT WILL BE GIVEN AT SYNKD LIVE 2024

PRESENTATIONS & FIRESIDE CHATS Growing Your Business Through Mergers & Acquisitions | Culture Crafting: Making Your Business a Talent Magnet | Modern Stonecraft: The Art of Dry-Laying | Rainwater Harvesting from Industrial to Homeowner | Paving the Way: Sustainable Hardscape Options | Seal the Deal: Secrets to Sales Success | Tech Tactics: Elevate Your Business with Smart Tools | Demystifying Automation—Open Q&A | Adopting Cutting Edge Strategies & Solutions | Change For the Better | Emotional Intelligence | Office to Field: Improving 2-Way Communication | More to be Annouced PANEL DISCUSSIONS Landscapes of Tomorrow: Visions of a Connected Future | Voices of the Industry: Exploring How Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Can Drive Business Success | Pioneering Sustainable Landscapes & Evaluating the True Costs |The Power of Associations | Quality in Our Industry—How Can We Improve

TICKET PRICE INCLUDES: All keynote talks, presentations and panel discussions as well as entry to the curated exposition of innovative products and services. There will also be social events organized as the event gets closer! If you are interested in team tickets, please email Angelique at angelique@synkd.io.

VISIT WWW.SYNKD.IO/LIVE-EVENT FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SYNKD LIVE 2024

THE SPEAKERS |

INTRODUCING THE GUEST SPEAKERS & PANELISTS AT THIS YEARS SYNKD LIVE 2024

Keith Kalfas

Kona Gray

Correta Koen

Claire Goldman

Pam Dooley

Matthew Green

Jim McCutcheon

Marvin Salcido

Jeffrey Scott

Joe Langton

Wei Zhang

Frank Mariani

Flor Espinoza

Tommy Aiello

Robyn Schmitz

Jamie Rosenthal

Roy Heintz

Jon Aguilar

Weston Zimmerman

Mary Kay Woodworth

ACCESS UP TO 10 CEU ACCREDITED TALKS & RECORDINGS OVER THE TWO DAY EVENT! SCAN THE QR CODE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS Jane Beggs-Joles

Mini

INTERVIEWS

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20 SYNKD South Fall 2023

Michael Bodo

Misty Gill

Vice President of Sales, Echo Valley Ann Arbor, Michigan

Recruiting Specialist, Myatt Landscaping and Construction Fuquay Varina, North Carolina

www.wholesale.echovalley.com

www.myattlandscaping.com

What advice would you give to someone entering the green industry? Be a sponge and absorb as much as you can from your peers and don’t be afraid to ask questions or fail, because mistakes will and do occur. The difference is those who succeed learn and grow from them and rarely make the same mistake twice. What’s the best part of your job? Being a small company, I have the good fortune of being able to wear a lot of different hats besides sales and marketing. I’m heavily involved in product and packaging development, in addition to overseeing our quality and compliance initiatives. Thus, there’s never a dull moment. What’s your favorite place you’ve ever visited? Amsterdam. I absolutely love the history, culture, architecture and people. What are you most proud of? The fact that our company has survived and thrived in the hardware and lawn and garden industries for over 40 years. We’ve seen a lot of high-flying companies come and go in that time, yet we’ve been fortunate and blessed to stay the course. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? The pandemic. No question about it. We’re still adjusting and dealing with the after-effects three years later.

What inspired you to get into the industry? I grew up on a Christmas tree farm, so I knew I wanted to work outside with my hands growing and caring for plants. What’s the best part of your job? The best part of my current job is telling the next generation about the landscape industry and how they can have a challenging and rewarding career. I also enjoy helping current employees learn more and move up in the company. What’s the one thing that would make the industry better? To get the next generation interested in the industry, we must look at tech to help us be more alluring to future workers. Putting the same resources into landscape installation and maintenance that have been implemented in farming would be a great way to get people interested in landscaping as a career. Who do you most admire in the industry? The president of our company comes to mind. Scott Myatt has retained many members of his management team for anywhere from 10-25 years, which is truly a testament to the culture he has created. What three items would you take with you on a deserted island? Satellite phone, solar-powered charging station, life vest.

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SYNKD LIVE 2024 EXHIBITORS MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON!

Scott Bernard Owner, Flowerworx Atlanta, Georgia www.flowerworx.net What inspired you to get into the industry? Wanting to be one with nature my whole life, playing soccer and being outside working in this industry since the age of 13. What’s the best part of your job? The process of designing for my customers, creating joyful outdoor environments that instill color, beauty and tranquility and the ability to create something new each fall and spring season for them to enjoy. What would you blow your money on? Muscle cars and a Ferrari. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? Working with companies that marginalize floriculture; designers are always the first to be let go when the company is struggling. Who do you most admire in the industry? Mary Kay Woodworth with the Georgia Urban Ag Council here in Atlanta. She is a true leader and advocate for our industry. What’s the key to great design? Vision and research. Knowing what flowers to pair with each other in beds and containers that will thrive together.

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SYNKD South Fall 2023 21

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DEBOR AH COLE OLD VS. NEW

Deborah Cole on Embracing Setbacks as Opportunities for Growth

elieve it or not, a day may come when changes feel like the enemy rather than a bosom buddy. You know the TV ad where the counselor works with people struggling against personal habits similar to their parents? My friends, it happens to all of us. One day, we wake up to find that “same” feels good. As a person somewhat addicted to miles of tradeshow aisles where scads of new products are shown, I can agree that new is exciting. There is an adrenaline rush when a new piece of equipment is acquired or a piece of new technology is downloaded. There is the promise of greater efficiency, faster reporting and improved quality. And then we hope. But as new and exciting becomes an everyday occurrence revealing itself faster and faster (think AI technology), it is also critical to be discerning. We know that there are five phases of adoption of new ideas, products and services. Business leaders fall into one of these categories based on personal factors and learned habits. There is a place for all of these, but where do we choose to be and why? And how does it ultimately affect our businesses and personal lives? The five phases are: 1. Innovators are the first to try new products/services and are the highest

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risk-takers. They tend to have more available financial resources with which to take risks. They acquire when things are first released and at the highest cost. But the thrill of the acquisition outweighs any fear of risk. 2. Early adopters acquire products and services early in the game because they are “in the know.” As a highly educated group, they have done their homework and evaluated risks before taking the plunge. They are cautiously optimistic about outcomes. 3. Early majority group members are in the largest group on the bell curve of adopters. These individuals are relatively risk averse and have waited until they are among the leaders who have taken the safe path to the new. They may not be thought leaders in their own right, but have sought out the opinions of many others who have already made the decision to adopt. 4. Late majority individuals are typically skeptical about anything new and are very risk averse. They often do not try something new; however, if they do, it is only after the majority of the market has been saturated. The pricing of the object has dropped and is now affordable for the late majority. As new entrepreneurs, we often start out in business as a late majority member

when our resources are limited and risk cannot be tolerated. 5. Lastly are the laggards (what a label!). These individuals hate change and by the time a product or service that was once new is old, it may even be on its way out and be replaced with something new. Know anyone who swears by the flip phone? We all fall into one of these categories. Which is the best? Only we can determine that for ourselves based upon personal traits, business practices and comfort level. We all know people who have the first shiny object off the shelf but nothing to show for it. We also know those who happily plug along using old technology and old ideas and are completely satisfied with the results. Only we can know our own level of comfort and satisfaction. There is no arbiter of right and wrong when it comes to being happy with only the old or only the new. What are our personal vision and goals? What is our definition of success? How much time can we invest in researching? And, at the end of the day, can we not just trust our own gut?

About Deborah Cole Deborah Cole is the founder of a commercial landscape firm with multiple locations throughout Texas. She now devotes herself full-time to speaking, writing and consulting. www.deborahcoleconnections.com

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synkd | our community

DAMON ABDI BEATING AROUND THE BUSH Damon Abdi, Ph.D ., Gives Alternative Evergreen Shrubs for Borders

oxwoods (Buxus sempervirens) are a staple in the landscape, often serving as a hedge or border plant. These plants are often meticulously maintained and shaped to create distinct forms that can serve as a geometric feature in the garden. While certainly a suitable option, relying excessively upon one plant for this purpose can be problematic. A monoculture of plant materials does not provide much resistance to pathogen issues, as infestations can rapidly wreak havoc and decimate the landscape when there is a dearth of diversity in species selection. Hedge your bets by considering these two alternatives to boxwoods. Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria): Yaupon hollies are available in a wide range of sizes and forms, with dwarf varieties such as “Nana” providing similar stature to

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boxwoods. The small, white flowers in spring are an interesting, albeit inconspicuous, feature of this plant; however, they give way to red berries that provide added interest in the fall and winter months. Keep in mind that not all hollies will produce fruit. Hollies are dioecious plants, meaning that plants have either male or female flower parts, and fruit set will only be observed on the female specimens. Ensuring that a male yaupon holly is in reasonable proximity to the female plants will provide more opportunity for fruit set. Conversely, consider planting only male specimens if fruit is not desired. The small leaves of yaupon hollies offer a fine textured foliage feature to the landscape. Japanese Yew (Podocarpus macrophyllus): Japanese yews range in size from small, compact plants to larger tree forms. These plants take well to shearing, so pruning is not necessarily a problem. The leaves of this plant are a more needle-like, lanceolate form, where the leathery, waxy green foliage offers a unique color and texture that contributes to the landscape. The small, creamy white flowers are fairly inconspicuous; however, they give way to pleasant, powder

blue berries in summertime. This species is also (typically) dioecious, so consider that in your designs. The “Pringles” variety remains compact and is great for hedges, while the “Mood Ring” variety has an appealing bronze hue to the new growth that adds some fresh color to the landscape. Boxwoods can be a great feature in the landscape, but consider expanding your evergreen options to create aesthetically pleasing and more diverse designs. This adds interest to the landscape and helps offer protection against disease outbreaks that can mangle monoculture plantings. Using these two alternatives can be a valuable contribution to landscape compositions, as observed in the accompanying photo.

IMAGE: A planting of Japanese yews surrounds the inner plantings of yaupon hollies. The sharp shearing creates a multi-tiered evergreen aesthetic that complements the textures of the foliage.

GET IN TOUCH WITH

Dr. Damon Abdi, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Landscape Horticulture at LSU Ag Center Email: dabdi@agcenter.lsu.edu

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synkd | our community

ANGELICA & MATT NORTON ENHANCING LANDSCAPE DESIGN THROUGH 3D MODELING & LIDAR TECHNOLOGY Angelica & Matt Norton, Landscape Designers & Owners of Open Envelope Studio

n our previous article, we discussed the significance of precision in-site documentation during the design phase and its potential to bolster a designer’s business. However, one persisting issue within the field of landscape architecture is the disconnect between design concepts and construction constraints. To address this, we built a comprehensive design and construction firm under one roof, focusing on the pivotal ratio of impact to effort in design. Our shift toward primarily using 3D design has proven instrumental in creating designs that blend impactful concepts with practical solutions. Traditional 2D design methods necessitate designers to possess a three-dimensional mental grasp of their ideas, a skill that requires time to develop. Moreover, clients often struggle to interpret 2D representations, leading to misunderstandings and unrealistic expectations. Transitioning to 3D design has not only aligned our visions with clients’ expectations, but has also made it significantly easier to convey our concepts. Numerous 3D modeling software options are available, each with its own strengths. We have predominantly utilized SketchUp due to its user-friendly nature and widespread familiarity among project managers, tradespeople and clients. Initially,

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we used SketchUp as a tool for brainstorming and conveying design ideas. However, as we grew more proficient, we began harnessing its capacity to import and export valuable digital data. The model itself serves as a resource for generating counts for project estimation as well as predict accurate solar paths for shade studies. Our latest advancement involves importing data into the model from a LiDAR scanner. LiDAR technology, once financially out of reach for smaller businesses, has become an essential design tool. Our interest was sparked by the rudimentary LiDAR capabilities of the iPhone. After extensive research, we adopted the Leica BLK 2 GO for its accuracy, portability and user-friendliness. Unlike conventional stationary LiDAR systems that require multiple scans and stitching together with software, the BLK 2 GO scans while the user walks the site, revolutionizing our base map creation process. We can now scan an entire site within 30-60 minutes, providing a digital twin for measurements and model creation. This reference is invaluable for site condition assessments of complex shapes or verifying critical as-built components.

While our adoption of 3D modeling and LiDAR technology has vastly improved our design output, we’ve also encountered an unexpected challenge: the risk of design concepts becoming homogeneous and sterile. In our next article, we will delve into the importance of emotional experience in design and its often overlooked role in the value of space-making.

GET IN TOUCH WITH

Angelica Norton, ASLA Owner & Principal Designer of Open Envelope Studio LLC Phone: (512) 925-0155 Email: angelica@openenvelopestudio.com www.oes.design

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inspirational works

synkd | our community

INSIDE INSPIRATIONAL WORKS THIS MONTH PAGE 28 LORI HAWKINS: CREATING A BACKYARD OASIS IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD | PAGE 33 JTA STONEWORKS: MODERN STONECRAFT & WILD

SOUTH 3

September|October 2022

SPACES | PAGE 38 CLARK CONDON: EMBODYING THE LONE STAR STATE

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synkd | inspirational works

CREATING YOUR OWN

BACKYARD OASIS IN A

POST-PANDEMIC WORLD By Lori Hawkins

f the pandemic taught Americans anything, it is that we need to cherish time with our families and friends. It also taught Americans that they want to live and work in comfortable spaces that give them peace. Nowadays, “home” is also the “office” or “entertaining space” or even a “therapy room.” Those changes in the way Americans live can also be seen in the outdoor spaces they are requesting and we are creating. One sample project in which the owners captured this lifestyle change and transformed their backyard living is located in Summerfield, North Carolina. The contractor selected for the installation was Ayers Hardscape and Landscape out of Oak Ridge, North Carolina

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synkd | inspirational works

The main objectives of the design included:

Create additional patio and entertaining spaces. The owners had a small existing patio off of the kitchen and upper family room, but it was too small for their large family and frequent entertainment needs. An existing sloped lot with minimal patio area created an additional challenge. They did have expansive views across the lot that they wanted to capitalize on in the new spaces. The areas we focused on included: The Upper Patio: The proposed upper patio area needed to incorporate a private hot tub and a large dining patio with a custom fire feature. We chose Belgard Origins pavers for the flooring and natural Tennessee fieldstone veneer for the other walls and landscape elements. The Lower Patio: The proposed lower patio needed to incorporate a dramatic custom stone fireplace and a large lounging patio. The custom fireplace is dramatic and is also veneered in Tennessee fieldstone.

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synkd | inspirational works

Adding elements of drama. The owners loved the unexpected and the dramatic. They wanted their family and friends to find some unexpected treasures when they visited their backyard space. Fire features. The owners have a love of fire features and so two styles were selected for the upper and lower patio areas. In the upper area, a more contemporary fire “table” with fireglass was added. The gas line was installed and the body of the fire table was made of masonry covered in Tennessee fieldstone set in an ashlar pattern. The lower fire feature was a custom wood-burning fireplace.

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synkd | inspirational works

Using water as a focal point. The owners loved the sound of water and also the views that were allowed in their large, expansive wooded lot. This created an opportunity for a really special water feature that would transcend the site. It was decided that a large recirculating river bed would begin from the upper patio and travel down the lot to the lower entertaining patio. The sloped lot and access to the lower patio allowed the owners to view the new water feature from all the entertaining areas of the backyard. The rushing water or “white noise” created a peaceful atmosphere in the space. After about eight weeks of installation time, the space was completed and the party was able to begin! The owners love their new space and the peace and serenity it brings to their lives.

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Photos courtesy of ©Micciche Photography.

ABOUT Lori Hawkins Lori Hawkins, RLA, ASLA has been a registered landscape architect for over 30 years. She is registered in both NC and SC and has her own private practice in the Greensboro, NC area. You can follow her on Instagram @3Dlandscapearchitect or check out her website www.HawkinsLA.com for more information.

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synkd | inspirational works

MODERN STONECRAFT

& Wild Spaces

JTA Stoneworks | What’s Possible With the Drystone Method in the 21st Century

lthough the dry stone method is one of the world’s oldest building techniques, modern structural building and landscaping trends overlook its full potential. The question architects and designers should be asking is “What’s possible with the dry stone method in the 21st century?” Jon Aguilar of JTA Stoneworks uses dry stone principles along with modern technologies to show that the only limits are one’s imagination. As an artist and stone builder who uses natural stone, Jon is not willing to use concrete, traditional masonry techniques (with mortar) nor concrete products. Although many landscape architects, designers and professionals have limited knowledge

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about stone and the dry stone method today, Jon is hoping to educate and create awareness about its potential. Most people think of the long roadside walls built from local rock when they hear the term “dry stone,” but this ancient technique is amazingly adaptable. It can be used to build six-figure, modernthemed residential, commercial projects or for a small meditation space by a creek with rock gathered on-site. In 2016, Jon was contacted by a customer in Truckee, California, requesting a modern design for a complete outdoor design-build project. The design themes given were 1 Finished firepit area 2 Three-piece stone sculpture sketch 3 Stone cube sculpture “tumbled” in the planting area

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synkd | inspirational works

“warm, contemporary, minimal and mountain.” Unsure how the dry stone technique would be able to accomplish his vision without using concrete, the customer asked Jon to show him a plan first and gave him a $1 million starting budget. Jon knew what was possible, and he engaged with his team of collaborators to turn the customer’s idea into reality. “For this project, I simply innovated,” he says. “I created the Modern Stonecraft method, which combines the dry stone building method, machine-based stereotomy and lifting technology to meet the demands of modern design. Every stone on the entire project was set with an excavator or telehandler-mounted friction lifts or a vacuum lifter.”

There were two excavators and one telehandler on site at all times as well as three types of vacuum lifters and friction lifts. A cellular confinement system was also utilized under the entire stone portions as a highly cost-effective option that provides a high level of base stability and stone surface permeability. His innovation opened the door to a world of opportunity, combining old and new into a unique design-build approach for outdoor features.

28 different types of cuts that all came in oversized and then we did the final cuts in the field. We rotated three textures for all of the top surfaces or exposed faces, including Adze, Lychee and Thermaled, because texture awakens stone’s potential.”

Two building seasons and over 300 tons of stone later, Jon and his team completed construction on the massive $4.1 million project that also included a multimillion-dollar landscape installation and the use of a new subsurface heating and cooling system. “We created a series of experiences … on the journey from inside the house or from the motor court down to the large outdoor fire lounge,”

INSTALLING THE GRANITE SPHERE

SPHERE SCULPTURE 5 YEARS LATER

Working with his friend and colleague, Jared Williams, who owns Arris Stoneworks (a Seattle-based importer), all of the basalt and granite for the project was quarried, fabricated and textured in southern China and shipped to the Port of Oakland. “We essentially designed and built this like stone Legos,” explains Jon. “We had about

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synkd | inspirational works

Jon says. “I designed three playful, geometric sculptures that were ‘tossed and twisted’ about from point A to point B to bring in some vertical aspects to the landscape. Along the way, there were plenty of opportunities to pause and sit on the basalt plank walls. We set four big 25-square-foot stone landings for the transitions down to the fire lounge. The trees and plantings were purposefully planted close to the very long walkway so that the client would feel enveloped by them.” On the opposite side of the dry stone spectrum, you can also find Jon using this method to create what he calls “wild spaces.” Over the last decade, he has built four of these spaces around Colorado and Arizona and has very specific criteria he set for himself for the project to be called a “wild space.” All of the rock must be collected by hand from the local land, the feature must be big enough for other people to enjoy, and it must remain in place for anyone to use. He explains, “I build the feature for free using the dry

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synkd | inspirational works

In an industry where, unfortunately, concrete tends to rule, Jon— and many other incredible dry stone masons—are proving that the dry stone technique is the better, more beautiful and much more sustainable way to build outdoor features.

stone method. It costs no money at all, just my time and some fuel for the truck.” In 2013, when he was living in the Animas Valley north of Durango, Colorado, there was a mudslide in the La Plata mountains that pushed mud and debris onto the county roads. When the local crews cleaned off the roads, all of the mud and rock was pushed to the shoulder. Taking advantage of the opportunity that nature had provided, Jon collected the rock, threw it into the back of his truck and transported it back to his rental home. With the newly acquired material and his son Aidan’s help, he created a 60-inch-

GET IN TOUCH WITH

Jon Aguilar

Owner of JTA Stoneworks

wide stone fire bowl under a large willow tree in his backyard. “When we wanted to have a bonfire, I put the lid of an oil barrel down to prevent the fire from discoloring the rock,” he says. “The next morning, I’d remove the lid and we’d have a stone art piece to look at until the next bonfire.”

Phone: (425) 530–5414 Email: jontaguilar1@gmail.com www.jontaguilar.com

Meet and learn more from Jon at SYNKD Live—Feb 13-15, 2024.

QUALITY LASTS. Dry-set Gothic arch with cantilevered stone stairs by Russ Beardsley of Borrowed Ground in Bellingham, Washington

Call for a free catalog 1-800-451-4349 45 So. Main St., Barre, VT 05641 www.trowandholden.com Follow us on Facebook

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synkd | inspirational works PROJECT DE TA I L S Location The Marriott Marquis in Houston, Texas Size of Pool Deck 5,600 square feet

EMBODYING THE LONE STAR STATE Texas-Shaped Lazy River Becomes a Houston Icon

arefully designed with precise edges and curves to perfectly mimic the rivers and roads that create Texas’s borders, a spectacular rooftop pool deck in downtown Houston is proudly celebrated by a city, state and worldwide corporation. The 8th-floor rooftop of the downtown Marriott Marquis Houston hotel showcases a massive Texas-shaped lazy river. Outdoor lounging space and firepits, bountiful foliage, an event lawn, custom lighting and paving and even an interactive splash pad complement the expansive lazy river on the amenity deck. All aspects were intricately designed to offer each hotel visitor a luxurious and unforgettable experience.

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The lazy river holds roughly 75,000 gallons of water and is four feet deep throughout. Underwater jets gently push the water, moving guests around the state’s border from east to west. At the far corner of the pool, where El Paso is located, a four-inch thick acrylic sheet creates the “infinity” phenomenon. The current pushes people toward the transparent wall as if they will fall right off the edge of the building, then slowly pulls them south, along the outline replicating the Rio Grande. Bringing this vision to life took incredible coordination and innovation between the design and build teams, and their efforts paid off. This unique deck is a premiere

project for the Houston-based landscape architecture design firm Clark Condon. It is also widely celebrated in Houston and across the state of Texas, often listed as a must-visit destination for both tourists and Texas natives. The entire deck stretches roughly three acres—about 5,600 square feet—and provides picturesque views of downtown Houston. Clark Condon served as the landscape architect of record for the project. A non-affiliated firm developed the conceptual deck drawings based on the initial vision set forth by Marriott leadership. Mat Funk, PLA and senior associate, helped create the landscape construction documents, select materials

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and furnishings and bring the client’s vision to fruition. “We worked as the landscape architect of record for the amenity deck at Marriott Marquis Houston, which is atypical for our firm,” says Mat. “Typically, we like to be involved at the conceptual level, but the project type and client gave us the encouragement to move forward. Several aspects of installing an expansive lazy river on the 8th floor of a building were especially challenging. We considered various constraints and construction concerns as we developed the design.” Creating the intricate shape of Texas on the roof deck required a balance between the best possible construction method and types of materials to ensure constructability. Due to the amenity deck’s 8th-floor location, a variety of factors were considered including weight, pool layout and fabrication methods. The final strategy consisted of lifting large sheets of stainless steel to the rooftop for fabrication of the pool, spa and lazy river on site. A vinyl liner was placed into the molded stainless steel basin to provide aesthetic texture, safety and waterproofing. Structures made of lightweight concrete form the planter walls that surround the Texas-shaped lazy river and provide a lush, landscaped environment on the rooftop. The pool and planters are located on a structural slab recessed four feet down to support the entire amenity deck. A paver pedestal system created an elevated walking surface that established a void between the structural slab and pavers where numerous utilities were routed to reduce visual clutter, as well as for maintenance and access.

and jets pump water through openings on the deck surface and the water drains back into the pavement, another feature made possible by the pedestal design.

“Watching everything come together was an exciting part of the process,” Mat says. “In the beginning, the site was in disarray with scattered materials and construction occurring across every inch of the deck.”

“The pedestal system was a major focus throughout the project,” Mat explains. “It provided flexibility to mitigate the sloping roof deck and conceal utilities while still providing an accessible walking surface throughout the amenity space.”

Over time, though, the elements were installed, & I began to see a space form reflective of the drawings we produced. It blew me away.

Another feature that the hotel prioritized was the transparent walking bridge over the lazy river. An acrylic bridge structure was engineered to balance a key design goal to support the weight of the guests without adding excessive weight to the pool deck and not obscuring the shape of Texas from above.

The sentiment is shared by many who see the pool, whether in person or in the media. When the hotel opened, the deck received international attention from groups like CNN and U.S. News and World Report, among other media outlets. The rooftop amenity deck opened in 2017,

An interactive spray ground is situated within the state of Texas and a large star marks Houston on the map. The feature is self-contained and circulates like a traditional in-ground pool. As this is located within the larger river area, a circular stainless steel water trough was fabricated and placed on a concrete layer within the pedestal system. Spray nozzles

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synkd | inspirational works

just in time for Super Bowl LI in Houston. The iconic image of the lazy river often finds the spotlight during Houston-based events, such as the 2022 World Series broadcasts and even local news coverage. Mat and the Clark Condon team feel a sense of pride when they see their work on display. “I often see the Texas-shaped lazy river on television, in tourism advertisements and on social media,” he says. “It is a feather in my cap to know I helped create this wonderful site. Knowing this would become a great icon was absolutely a driving factor for the team as we worked. Every person involved in the project can revel in their contribution, be it the designers or construction crew.” Mat says this project is one of many rooftop installations he has worked on since the COVID-19 pandemic. Residential and commercial building owners now use their rooftop spaces for pools, office space, kitchens and lounge areas. He says clients are showing a growing interest in enhancing the outdoor spaces of their buildings, especially in densely populated urban areas. The emergence of building on rooftops has presented new challenges for architects, designers and

construction crews; however, these new outdoor environments offer a variety of future opportunities. “Design and construction on ground-level projects routinely pose unique challenges while navigating site constraints such as drainage, grading and other factors,” Mat adds. “Transporting materials to upper floors and working within an urban environment takes the challenges to new heights. As we continue working on similar sites, our team strives to capture what we learn and share it with others in the industry. We hope our colleagues can use the information to achieve outstanding results as well.” All Photos courtesy of ©Clark Condon and Geoff Lyon

GET IN TOUCH WITH

Elizabeth Gilbert

Managing Principal of Clark Condon Houston, Texas Office Number: (713) 871–1414 clarkcondon.com

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raise the bar

synkd | our community

INSIDE RAISE THE BAR THIS MONTH PAGE 42 JANE BEGGS-JOLES: THE POWER OF PLANT BREEDING | PAGE 45 SIZZLE & BLOOM: NEW HEAT-TOLERANT PLANTS | PAGE 47 MULCH MATE: FASTER WORK, STRONGER

SOUTH 4

September|October 2022

LANDSCAPES | PAGE 50 JAY WORTH: CHANGE MANAGEMENT PART 2–THE FIRST STEPS www.synkd.io

synkd | raise the bar

THE POWER OF Plant Breeding Jane Beggs-Joles Talks Us Through the Why, What & How When it Comes to Developing New Plant Varieties

Q: Why are so many plant cultivars being introduced to the market? What is the goal of plant breeding/introducing new plants? A: Cultivars are introduced because someone sees a need for them. They are sometimes the result of a particular goal, such as better disease resistance or a more compact habit. Sometimes they are happy accidents; someone with a good eye spots a seedling or branch sport that is noticeably different from existing varieties.

room for improvement, a plant breeder will get to work.

Before a plant breeder begins a project, the first step is to research and evaluate existing cultivars. If there is already a selection that meets the breeding goal, then it isn’t a good project. But if there’s

We’re also seeing a lot of interest in new genera and species, especially those native to North America. We’re just scratching the surface of what is possible with native species. I’m optimistic that

The most common reasons that we work on developing a new variety are more compact size, disease resistance and bloom time. People want more color in less space, and everyone wants low-maintenance plants. A plant that stays small and flowers all season without needing any spraying is always in high demand.

there will be many new selections that have the great qualities of our native species but fit better into residential yards. Q: Can you tell us about the ‘best’ ones that you have developed for our southern publication (13 states in the southeast)? A: We’re very excited about the Perfecto Mundo® azalea varieties. These come out of the North Carolina State University breeding program of Dr. Tom Ranney. The expanded bloom time and floriferous nature of these varieties is just outstanding. Some varieties have resistance to lacebugs, and that’s pretty desirable, too.

Q: How long before a new plant can be used in a design and can be sourced easily by landscape professionals to install? A: It’s going to depend on the plant, of course, but from the time we introduce a plant to it being readily available for landscapers, I’d plan on about three to four years. Most plants will take one or

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two seasons to grow to landscape size, and it may take our growers some time to get the quantities needed for a plant to be easily sourced.

The best thing a landscaper can do to be sure they have the plants they want is to talk to their nursery growers. There’s only so much a grower can grow on a spec.

New

PERFECTO MUNDO® AZALEA VARIETIES FOR THE SOUTHEAST REGION

Azalea Perfecto Mundo® Red

Azalea Perfecto Mundo® Orange

Azalea Perfecto Mundo® Double Dark Pink Bloom

Azalea Perfecto Mundo® Double Purple Bloom

If you regularly use large numbers of a particular plant, or anticipate needing something for a big job, let your supplier know as soon as possible. They are making decisions now that will determine what you have available in 2024 and 2025 and beyond. Q: Do you have stats on how many new plants you introduce to the market each year? Or a range? A: Usually 10-20. 1 Perfecto Mundo® Double Pink flowers in flower pots 2 Perfecto Mundo® Double Pink flower azalea All photos courtesy of ©Spring Meadow Nursery

GET IN TOUCH WITH...

Jane Beggs-Joles

Landscape Program Manager for Spring Meadow Nursery Inc. Email: jane@springmeadownursery.com Phone: (616) 223–3369 springmeadownursery.com

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Azalea Perfecto Mundo® Double White Bloom

SYNKD South Fall 2023 43

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synkd | raise the bar

Purple Pillar® Hibiscus syriacus Tight spaces? No problem.

his columnar althea fits nicely into many projects. Whether used as an attractive screen to add privacy, a low-maintenance commercial planting or a specimen plant for a tight space, this upright plant will provide beautiful purple flowers in late summer and fall. Pollinators love those flowers; your clients will be thrilled by the hummingbirds visiting their property next summer. Like other H. syriacus, it’s a rugged performer that tolerates heat, poor soil and dry conditions. Purple Pillar® will thrive in the challenging conditions of a commercial or urban project and tolerates both air pollution and salt. Purple Pillar® grows 10-16 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide and is hardy in USDA 5-9. Purple not your thing? That’s OK. Check out its sister plants: White Pillar® and Red Pillar™. Find out more at www.mypwcolorchoices.com/landscape-professionals/.

SIZZLE & BLOOM Flowers that Beat the Southeast Heat

Little Hottie® Bailey’s Nursery

ittle Hottie® is a new, compact panicle hydrangea that covers itself in large, upright blooms from top to bottom. And that’s not all! This shrub was bred in Georgia for heat tolerance, so the flowers of Little Hottie® don’t get heat stressed or turn brown in excessive heat. The tight flower clusters stand tall on strong stems without flopping. With natural basal branching, this introduction requires little pruning to grow into a well-shaped plant. Little Hottie® continues to deliver beauty into the fall as the sparkling white blooms slowly age to antique shades of pink. Little Hottie® is a strong performer in residential landscapes, where it provides drifts of color and is great for mixing with other shrubs, annuals and perennials. And in commercial properties, Little Hottie® is a perfect fit for planting near foundations, sidewalks, patios and parking lots. Learn more at firsteditionsplants.com/product/little-hottie-panicle-hydrangea/.

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FASTER WORK,

STRONGER LANDSCAPES Reviving Florida Soil, Saving Water, Keeping Employees Safe & Doubling Revenues with Mulch Mate

o you remember the last time you found yourself shoveling material out of a truck bed or trailer? Can you fathom doing that all day, every day, to keep up with the changing needs of your customers? Despite how simple the task may seem from an outside perspective, this can be an extremely physically demanding job, even in ideal weather conditions. Add in record-high summer heat, and the task becomes more dangerous by the hour. “Imagine standing inside of an aluminum truck body and shoveling mulch while the sun is reflecting off that aluminum,” says Nick Carlson, former landscape business owner and current founder and CEO of Mulch Mate. “You’re literally standing in an oven and most people, until they experience that, don’t think about it. They’re not going to realize how high of a safety risk and liability situation they’re creating.”

Mate DS1000 and DMT Mulch Mate Trailer are specifically designed to eliminate the shoveling process when unloading mulch, gravel, compost and more on the job. A tarping mechanism pulls material and feeds it directly into wheelbarrows, saving landscape companies time and reducing the amount of labor needed to finish a yard. Being the first of Nick’s many inventions, the original Mulch Mate concept was simply meant to fill an efficiency gap he witnessed with his own landscaping

company that he recognized as a source of tension between members of his team. He knew he needed to do something to increase the job satisfaction of his employees and keep things moving. Unbeknownst to him, the need for Mulch Mate trucks and trailers would extend far beyond what he could envision at the time.

I never would have thought that this machine that I initially developed for mulch would turn into this allencompassing solution. “I’m just a landscaper with no credentials,” says Nick. My name’s not Nick Toro or John Deere. I’m coming out of nowhere. I developed this product. I have to make it undeniable and make

Nick is a self-proclaimed landscaping problem solver. Out of his collection of ground-breaking products, the Mulch

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synkd | raise the bar

amending the soil. When they build a house down here, it’s on ground-up shell, hardpan and stuff like that. Oftentimes, they just lay sod right on that. Then, I’m bringing in really good compost with my Mulch Mate to put on top of it. If I can get under the grass before they lay it, that’s awesome. But I can also, right after they lay it, add that compost which will work its way through that grass and into the soil.” The compost of choice for all top-dressing Mulch Mate customers we spoke with is called COMAND by Life Soils. In addition to the carefully researched structural, nutritional and biological soil amending attributes, according to Darren Midlane, vice president and chief technical officer of Life Soils, what makes COMAND unique is the innovative composting methodology that reduces labor and retains more nutrients than other options.

every detail perfect so people can have some faith in us. Now, we’ve got the industry’s faith and trust. We’ve been around, we’re not going anywhere,” Nick says. Like Nick, when SYNKD began gathering information to write this article on Mulch Mate, we had no idea how deep this story would go. There is a treasure trove of writing material contained just on the Mulch Mate website (www.mulchmateusa.com) and speaking with Nick, hearing his passion for identifying and resolving pain points within everyday tasks, unlocked a plethora of hard-hitting questions on the future of the landscaping industry across the country. The original plan was to speak with Nick and his customers to highlight a product line that, while incredibly revolutionary, seemed to require little explanation. Then, as we began our customer interviews, we quickly realized that Mulch Mate is an integral part of a much larger story, not just about doubling revenues and keeping employees safe, but about reviving soil, rethinking development practices and preserving water, particularly in the state of Florida. Florida’s subsoil is dry and inert. It doesn’t hold water well, and it lacks the nutrients, microbes and organic matter that nurture prospering plants. On top of this, and in part because the

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state is experiencing unprecedented development rates, the soil is constantly being compacted in residential areas, leading to poor aeration and root penetration. Illinformed Floridians have attempted to put an expensive bandaid over this problem by watering excessively and using disproportionate amounts of pesticides and fertilizers, leading to harmful red algae blooms and other unintended environmental consequences. As bleak as the situation may seem, the key to fortifying Florida landscapes is surprisingly straightforward and manageable with a Mulch Mate truck or trailer on hand. “You can do top-dressing year-round in Florida,” explains Joey Mckinny of Mckinney Landscapes. “You’re basically

“We had a broken sprinkler in a customer’s lawn, and it had been broken for a while, Josh Harding of Cardinal Solutions recalls. “There was a huge washout around the pipe, and all I had was a bag of COMAND in my truck that I’d never used before. So I dumped it in the hole, and I filled it in. Then, we came back two or three weeks later for a followup visit. The growth habit of that turf, how it repaired around that sprinkler and just pushed out some of the healthiest grass, much higher than the other grass next to it, what a huge eye-opener. I’m thinking, Wow, how can I put down more? How do I apply it in wider areas? The answer was Mulch Mate.” Another remarkable benefit of COMAND compost is the improved water retention properties the product adds to the soil.

SWITCH-N-GO LOADING

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It’s that speed that has made the profit margins incredible.”

The way Nick and his happy customers see it, these products could easily replace the work of one or two employees depending on the use. You may find that the price of your Mulch Mate truck or trailer is comparable to an employee salary—without the liability, the sick days or sudden quitting risk. Nick views his products as high-quality solutions unlike anything on the market, and the results described by his customers are extraordinary.

Darren and Territory Manager and Soil Ecosystem Restoration Specialist at Life Soils Mark Singleton provided many insights on water conservation in Florida. It is a topic to revisit at our 2024 SYNKD Live event this February in Atlanta with Life Soils, the Mulch Mate crew and their loyal customers. Our repeated discussions about top-dressing in Florida highlight the importance of communication across the design, build and maintain sectors. It is astonishing to think that a short conversation between a soil restoration expert and a developer could avoid so many environmental ramifications and unnecessary expenses for Florida homeowners wanting to enjoy

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their yards. Regardless of the Mulch Mate application, though, it is refreshing to hear how involved Nick strives to be in finding the right solution for his customers, no matter the cost to his business. “I lost the remote controls for the unit a couple of weeks ago, called Nick at Mulch Mate up and said, ‘Hey I need some remotes. Just bill me, but please send them overnight,’” Tom O’Brien of Oxford Lawn remarks. “He just shipped them out. We haven’t even seen a bill for it. I don’t think he’s going to send one. He just really does treat people well, and we would not be able to do the level or quantity of work that we are doing if it wasn’t for Mulch Mate and how fast that thing lets us get through a yard.

GET IN TOUCH WITH... Nick Carlson Founder & CEO of Mulch Mate Email: nick@mulchmateusa.com Phone: (888) 776–8524 mulchmateusa.com

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synkd | raise the bar

CHANGE MANAGEMENT PART 2

THE

FIRST STEPS By Jay Worth, Marketing Manager for Single Ops

s I discussed in my previous article, change management is the process of implementing major changes to the structure or workflow of your business in such a way that your team willingly agrees to implement the change.

at each remaining step. If people don’t see it, walk them through why there’s a problem. If people still don’t see it, consider that maybe it’s a personal preference (i.e. “I want it done this way”) rather than a business problem.

Let’s dive into practical steps for change management. (Note: these steps come from the Harvard Business Review article by John Kotter and have been adapted for the green industry.)

You need your team to help you implement this change. Making unilateral decisions won’t work if you want the change to stick.

Step #1–ID the Problem You must be working toward a solution that is widely recognized in your business. A good rule is to have agreement from 70 percent of your staff impacted by this change before starting the process. Once you’ve got that buy-in, move to the next step.

Step #2–Assemble a “Change Team”

The team must have enough senior leaders to enforce the change and a mix of mid-level and frontline workers giving input to ensure the change is practical and viable. Select people who have titles, but also those who influence the rest of your team, regardless of their “official” job title. Avoid stacking the team with either only frontline workers or only senior leaders; you’ll encounter resistance from the wider company. Lastly, ensure that the entire company knows that this team has been empowered to research the problem, develop a solution AND implement it. Communication about this is vital to success.

Step #3–Create the Vision This step is about how you will communicate this change. Once the change team has researched solutions and a new path is selected, you need to communicate with the rest of the company by using a vision statement. Here are critical items to include in that statement: • What is the problem the change team is trying to solve? • Why is this a problem? • What is the solution to this problem? • What does the future look like once this problem is solved? Make sure that the vision is as straightforward as possible. Tweak it until a majority of the change team agrees.

If few people see the need for change, you’ll face pushback

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Then, share it with discreet employees outside the change team and people outside the company whose feedback you trust. Ask if it’s clear. If not, rework the statement until a majority of people who hear it understand the answers to those questions.

That vision statement has to become something that’s embedded in your way of business moving forward. Memorize it yourself. Have other senior leaders memorize it. Ask your mid-level managers to memorize it.

Warning: Don’t hijack this process. If you’re an owner, CEO or president, you’ll be tempted to take over the “solution” step. Don’t.

Talk about it at morning huddles, one-onones and when you drop by the job sites. Connect the dots for your team between the problem, the solution and how the “new way” is going to benefit everyone.

Just because your team might arrive at a slightly different solution than you doesn’t make it wrong. It makes it different. Allow them to work it out. If you are authoritarian, you might as well have made the decision. Doing this poorly will also break the trust of those influential people on your change team.

Step #4–Communicate the Vision Once your change team has identified the problem, arrived at a viable solution and created a vision statement about the upcoming change, you need to roll it out to the company at large. A good rule of thumb for this part of the process is this: Don’t stop talking about it. Ever.

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And this last point is especially important; we are all more likely to do something if it benefits us. Your team is no different. Talk about how the change makes their lives easier, better, less stressful, etc. When you draw a direct line between “problem > solution > benefit,” they’re more likely to do it.

company knows they’re empowered to work on a particular issue. 3. Create a vision statement that clearly articulates the problem, why it’s a problem, the solution AND what the future looks like once the solution is implemented. 4. Communicate this vision incessantly—in morning huddles, performance reviews and casual conversations. When you’re saying it in your sleep, you might be talking about it enough. In my last article, I’ll detail the practical steps for this process to help you nail this the first time, thereby saving you employee morale and keeping retention high.

Wrapping It All Up Here’s a quick summary of the four steps for change management: 1. Identify a real business problem to solve. Don’t fix something that isn’t broken. 2. Assemble a team of people with both seniority and influence. Ensure the

GET IN TOUCH WITH

Jay Worth

Marketing Manager for Single Ops Email: jay@singleops.com www.singleops.com

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