The Buckeye - May/June 2023

BUCKEYE the

INSIDE: Training Matters

2023 Member Directory

DIAGNOSTIC WALKABOUTS

These interactive, hands-on, in-the-moment events are unique alternatives to traditional classroom sessions or passive webinars. Attendees are invited to ask questions and take pictures along the way to customize their educational experience.

May 8 Cincinnati, OH

SOLD OUT Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum

June 5 Cincinnati, OH

ALMOST FULL Mt. Airy Arboretum & Forest

July 10 Cincinnati, OH

ALMOST FULL Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

July 13 Elmore, OH

The Schedel Arboretum & Gardens / The Joseph J. & Marie P. Schedel Foundation

July 27 Columbus, OH

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium

August 7 Cincinnati, OH

ALMOST FULL Smale Riverfront Park

August 10 Akron, OH

Summit Metro Park

September 11 Union, KY

ALMOST FULL Boon Co. Arboretum

September 21 Cleveland, OH

Cleveland Metro Zoo

THE BUCKEYE is the official publication of the Ohio Green Industry Association and is published six times a year.

EDITORIAL / ADVERTISING

ISSN 1536-7940

Subscriptions: $75/year sara@ogia.org

OFFICERS

Genevieve Reiner-Mills President Oakland Nursery, Inc.

Molly John Immediate Past President M.J. Design Associates, Inc.

Joe Lewis President-Elect Yard Solutions

DIRECTORS

Michael Hall Harrell’s LLC

David Hupman T. R. Gear Landscaping, LLC

Peter Lowe

The Dawes Arboretum

Ron Schultz Premier Plant Solutions

Abby Thompson Acorn Farms

Matt Turner Turner Landscaping LLC

Lori Zatroch Cuyahoga Community College

STAFF

Tracy Schiefferle Executive Director

Roni Petersen Membership & Certification

Sara Cantees Communications

Jim Scott Professional Development

Natalie Mitchell Finance

THE FINE PRINT

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

FEATURED STORIES

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE

PRESIDENT’S PERSPECTIVE

GENEVIEVE REINER MILLS Oakland Nursery, Inc. 2023 OGIA President geneviever@oaklandnursery.com

By the time you read this letter, we’ll all be deep into the busiest and most profitable (hopefully!) part of the year, but as I write this, I’m lying on my couch recuperating from emergency gallbladder surgery (don’t worry, I’m fine!). I share this personal medical info with you because when I was sent to the ER a week ago with some alarming lab results, I had the sinking feeling that I wouldn’t be seeing my office for a while. Yet, here we were, mere days away from May, with truckloads of annuals and tropical plants coming in, and eyeballs deep in many interior installs. Could something go wrong in my sudden absence?

Turns out, my fears were completely unfounded. My immediate team of about twenty has carried on— closing sales, training our newer members, making final preparations for the big summer push, installing moss walls, interior plants, and annual containers, and generally functioning quite well without me. And while I love to be needed, I frankly wouldn’t want it any other way.

It has taken us a long time and a great deal of work to get to this point. About six years ago, when we were a smaller department, we had a similar situation and the main holder of all info and knowledge of the department was suddenly absent unexpectedly. The handful of us who remained figured it out and kept it (mostly) together, but it was a serious challenge. I learned a lot from that experience and it has shaped how I have built my team since.

This is where the theme of this issue and training, defined processes, and bench strength come into play. In Oakland Green Interiors, we’ve spent a great deal of time making sure we have the right people in the right seats, that they know their job responsibilities and how to do them, and that we have—while not perfect—some degree of onboarding and a training schedule for our new hires. It has taken a great deal of work, forcing ourselves to look up from the drama of the day-to-day, some investment of time and money, and constant asking of questions. (My favorites: Can we do this better? How? Who has ideas?)

We’ve seen our younger team members grow, learn new skills, take on new responsibilities, and seen their confidence and professionalism rise accordingly. Plant people are an inquisitive and curious group, and if you give them an environment in which to learn, they’ll take almost any given opportunity to expand their knowledge.

I’ve found that when I encourage my team to watch webinars, go to seminars, or spring for them to travel to a convention, they bring back ideas and practices that THEY want to implement—a far cry in attitude from the boss coming in with the newest idea or process and foisting it upon them.

And yes, training is making sure you have manuals and basics of the actual tasks your team needs to perform, but what about customer service, first aid and safety, or equipment use? Spend a half day giving your team the tools to manage challenging customer service situations, and you’ll empower them to seek solutions, while freeing yourself from solving all the problems. (Who actually likes the “I’ll need to call the manager” calls?) Safety standards and regulations aren’t going anywhere, so embrace them, equip your staff with the information and skills they need, demonstrate that you value their wellbeing, and keep them safe. Plus, you can save some serious money: according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), businesses see an average return of $4 to $6 for every dollar invested into their workplace safety programs.1

By investing in training (and certifying!) our teams, we’re doing several things: we’re building a stronger, more educated and competent workforce, which in turn translates into employees who can interact professionally and comfortably with clients and customers, therefore raising the perception and value of our industry. Training sets standards for our people so they know what is expected and know the right (and wrong) way to do their jobs. By taking the time to train our employees we demonstrate that we value them, want to invest in them, and want them to succeed at their work and in this career. This moves us past the “we just need a body” mentality and allows us to build a sustainable, long-term workforce.

There’s no doubt that this is a process, and it takes the entire industry to agree that we’re going to help build a professional workforce at all levels. This is where your OGIA comes in—we’re excited about the training webinars, seminars, workshops, and a refreshed certification program that are coming down the pipeline! (And if you want us to offer a particular training, let us know!) So, sign up for training, certifications, and other mechanisms for creating accountability and knowledge growth, and know you are securing the future of your companies and your employees. Plus, you can always rest a little easier knowing that your team has it covered when you want to take a much deserved vacation, or, perhaps, your gallbladder acts up.

Have a great season!

1https://www.osha.gov/businesscase/benefits

Battling boxwood blight?

These dense, dwarf,

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Get ready!

While you are busy with clients, projects, inventory, and sales so is your OGIA team as we prepare for several exciting events. We have a full slate of ways for you and your team to ENGAGE, LEARN, and SHOW OFF.

TRACY SCHIEFFERLE OGIA Executive Director tracy@ogia.org

OGIA’s Annual Conference and Vendor Showcase is set for November 6-7 at the Columbus Convention Center. We are so excited to offer two full days of education, networking, product showcase, and celebration. This is the perfect opportunity for ALL industry professionals to engage and learn as there is something for everyone. It is a terrific way to encourage your employees to become more vested in your company because you invest in them.

midwestGREEN will feature:

• 40+ different educational session offerings on innovative ideas as well as must know industry topics.

• Collaboration sessions focusing on different industry segments.

• Modified trade show featuring up to 50 vendors to highlight products and meet with attendees.

• Networking and industry celebration.

Do not miss this opportunity to Connect. Learn. Thrive. at midwestGREEN. Aside from vendor booths, sponsorships are available.

And while you are at it – why don’t you show off a bit?

OGIA’s Annual Landscape Awards are accepting submissions and winners will be announced and celebrated at midwestGREEN’s Celebrate reception. Last year, we added over ten new categories to include not just projects but marketing and employee recognition to name a few. Not just for landscapers – something for all segments to enter. And this year – EVERY OGIA member can enter one award for FREE. So, what’s your excuse?

We are also accepting nominations for the OGIA Annual Awards if you feel there is a deserving individual – please take the time to nominate them.

Visit our website at ogia.org/annualawardnominations to submit nominations.

OGIA’s High School Landscape Olympics will be held in October and there are several sponsorship opportunities available for you to engage with up-and-coming future industry professionals. This is an amazing event if you have not experienced it – you can just feel the excitement from these students about their future in the profession. OGIA has partnered with SkillsUSA to provide even more exposure opportunities for competing students. OHLO will serve as a qualifier for the SkillsUSA Ohio competition.

OGIA will be “Out and About” traveling around the state to host member networking events at spotlighted locations. If you are interested in having OGIA members to your business for an event or tour please let us know. We welcome the opportunity for you to show off a bit.

We are working hard to engage with as many of you as we can to hear your thoughts about your membership and what we can do for you. We have some exiting things in the works and as always we welcome your input.

2” Crimson Sunset Maple

1.75” - 2” White Oaks

2” Armstrong Gold Maple

2” Pink Heartbreaker Redbud

2” Vanessa Persian Parrotia

2” - 3” Regal Prince Oak

2” - 3” Slender Silhouette Gum

24” - 30” Field Ground Green Mountain Boxwoods

3” Tulip Poplars

QUALITY YARD AND HOME MAINTENANCE

BY ALANA SETTLE

Jeremy Nestor started Quality Yard and Home Maintenance, based out of Pataskala, in 2010 with just a pickup truck, mower, and trailer. Over the past thirteen years, Jeremy has grown his business to include 49 employees and $4.67M in annual revenue.

OGIA: How do you set your company apart from your competition? What are you most proud of?

Jeremy: I focus as hard as I can on the culture of our company. I want a place where employees can work in a clean environment and be encouraged. If an employee ever parts ways, I want them to say they have grown and are better off than when they started with me.

Sometimes, in our industry, the work environment can be very negative, with harsh comments, inappropriate joking, etc. and folks have to watch their backs. I don’t allow that in my company. The world throws enough at people and I don’t want our company to be a place where folks have to put up a guard. We have monthly meals so we can break bread together and just enjoy each other’s company and get to know others from different departments.

I also love being heavily invested in my community and give back every chance I can. I love my hometown and I’m glad I can sponsor churches, daycares, little league teams, etc. We like to have a community day each year where I pay everyone’s salaries and we all go and do a project, such as installing the landscaping at our new police department and YMCA.

OGIA: How do you invest in your employees?

Jeremy: I am big into training and education. I love sending folks to industry trade shows and training opportunities so my employees can become professionals themselves versus just doing something because the boss said to. I love exposing them to how big the industry is, and the many directions one can go. I also realize that I can only teach so much and that others can explain things differently or have more knowledge. Sometimes it’s just easier to hear things from someone other than the boss.

OGIA: Regarding day-to-day operations, anything you’re proud of that you’d like to share? What are you working on?

Jeremy: There have been a few things that I look back at that have been game-changers.

Photos via Quality Yard and Home Maintenance Facebook & Instagram @QualityYHM

Right: Employees Josh and Jordan after receiving their “Master Certified Technician” OCNT certificates

In the beginning I bought and started using QuickBooks. I think this is the best software for a business to have all financial data at your fingertips with a few clicks.

When I got close to the $1 million mark, I hired my first production manager and started splitting responsibilities which allowed us to manage more workflow and growth. Two years later we hit $1.75 million and I started putting a few managers in place for different divisions. Things were going well so I hired a consultant, Phil Harwood, (whom I still work with today) to learn what we were doing well so I didn’t mess it up. It has been a blessing being able to tap into someone else’s gifts.

The first thing the consultant did was help us establish a leadership team and set up bonuses for division managers, which led to each of them taking ownership of their areas of the company while growing and thriving.

Around the same time, we switched our CRM software over to Arborgold which allowed us to send out better quotes more efficiently and streamlined our renewal process. As we started to grow, the old way of doing things was getting to be way too time-consuming and wasn’t scalable. The more organized our jobs were tracked the better we could understand our efficiency #’s and start tracking for the crews to see.

One thing we are trying to get better at is our snow removal. This is an area we are very weak and downright behind most companies our size. My excuse is that we are 90% residential

with all our green services, so it’s hard to attain commercial snow contracts, but we are learning how to be more intentional in attaining contacts and bidding commercial snow accounts.

OGIA: What are your goals for the company?

Jeremy: I really want to be a blessing to our community and our employees. Our mission statement is “The Mission of Quality Yard & Home Maintenance is to Honor God with Business then to run a successful all-around company to serve local customers a high-quality service with integrity and morals.”

I’ve felt led to start a mentorship in our area, at no charge, for other business owners to share what I’ve learned with “trusting and honoring God through business”. It seems very common in the business world to be dishonest and shady, but if a person is willing to do things God’s way, paths become straight. There is no safer place than in the middle of God’s will. It’s most rewarding getting the opportunities to encourage folks along the way!

OGIA: Any advice you’d like to share for landscape business owners who are just getting started?

Jeremy: If you make a mistake, do whatever it takes to make it right. This is the best ROI there is. And fix it immediately once it’s brought to your attention, not once you get the rest of the chargeable jobs done. Our company rule is all service calls must be completed within 24–48 hours.

Realize that every client may not be the best fit for your company. It’s better and easier to attain clients by doing great work that is priced right. Folks don’t mind paying good money for work if they are getting what they paid for. Being the cheapest guy is not a sustainable business model. Unexpected expenses will pop up. The winner of the “race to the bottom” gets to file bankruptcy. You don’t want a company full of clients that refer to you as the cheap guy. You’ll run yourself ragged. The key in the beginning is to know your value and price your jobs properly. And if someone leaves you for the cheapest, don’t worry about it, that’s not the kind of client that you really want anyway.

Understand the cost of trying to do everything yourself vs leveraging labor from other people. Don’t be afraid to hire someone that seems out of your price range. Cheap employees normally cost you money. Expensive employees can make you money. Make sure any employees you bring on know how much you appreciate them. Be a blessing to them. They will take care of you.

Learn more about Quality Yard and Home Maintenance at qualityyhm.com

I want a place where employees can work in a clean environment and be encouraged.

ADVOCACY UPDATE

CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE TO HOUSE BILL 507 FILED IN COURT

Background

TONY SEEGERS

1803 Consulting, LLC

tony@1803consulting.com

Tony is the governmental affairs liaison for OhioPLANT, of which OGIA is a member. OhioPLANT is a coalition of pesticide, landscape, agriculture, nursery and turf professionals. For more information, visit OhioPLANT.com

You may remember my article in a previous edition about the success OGIA, as a member of OhioPLANT (Coalition of Pesticide, Landscape, Agriculture, Nursery, and Turf professionals), achieved at the end of the 134th legislative session in December with the passage of a bill, House Bill 507, that included “pesticide preemption” language we drafted. Our pesticide preemption amendment protects private pesticide use by preempting local governments from banning or regulating pesticides for use on private property or private property open to the public (think golf courses). Unfortunately, the constitutionality of HB 507 has been challenged in court. To understand the lawsuit, I need to give a little background on the bill’s journey through the General Assembly.

HB 507 Becomes Law

The bill originally was introduced by State Representative Kyle Koehler to reduce the number of poultry chicks sold in lots. The bill was amended in the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee to include food safety amendments requested by the Ohio Department of Agriculture, and amendments revising the law governing environmental health specialists and environmental health specialists in training. The bill was favorably reported out of Committee on March 31 and passed the full House on April 6, 2022.

The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee amended the bill to include OhioPLANT’s pesticide preemption language as well as two amendments for the oil and gas industry. The oil and gas amendments made changes to current law allowing drilling for oil and gas on state property and included “natural gas” in the definition of clean energy. The Committee favorably reported the bill on December 7 and was passed by the full Senate the same day. The House concurred with the Senate amendments and Governor DeWine, after many requests from environmental groups to veto the bill because of the oil and gas amendments, signed HB 507 into law on January 6 of this year. The bill became effective on April 7.

Lawsuit

On April 6, the Ohio Environmental Counsel, the Sierra Club, and Earthjustice (“Plaintiffs”), filed a verified complaint in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas for preliminary injunction, permanent injunction, and declaratory judgment (“Complaint”). Mary Mertz, the Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and Dave Yost, Ohio’s Attorney General, were named defendants in their official capacities. Plaintiffs allege in the Complaint that HB 507 is unconstitutional because it violates the single subject clause and the “three hearing” clause of the Ohio Constitution. Plaintiffs are asking the court to hold that HB 507 is unconstitutional and therefore void. It is important to note that our pesticide preemption language is not the subject of the challenge to the bill, it solely is the inclusion of the two oil and gas amendments.

With the filing of the Complaint, the Plaintiffs also filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction (“Motion”) to prevent the oil and gas provisions of the bill from going into effect. The court heard the Motion on April 10 and issued an order denying the Plaintiffs’ Motion.

Claim One: Violation of the Single Subject Clause, Article II, Section 15(D)

Plaintiffs contend that the oil and gas amendments violate the single subject clause in Article II, Section 15(D) of Ohio’s Constitution, which states,

No bill shall contain more than one subject, which shall be clearly expressed in its title. No law shall be revived or amended unless the new act contains the entire act revived, or the section or sections amended, and the section or sections amended shall be repealed.

Plaintiffs contend that because the bill’s original subject was agriculture and amendments added by the House dealt with food purity, the oil and gas amendments had no relationship to the bill. They claim that because the oil and gas amendments are distinct and separate from the subject of agriculture and food purity, the bill violates Article II, Section 15(D) and should be ruled unconstitutional.

Claim Two: Violation of the “Three Day” Clause of Article II, Section 15(C)

Plaintiffs contend the oil and gas amendments added in the Senate Ag and Natural Resources Committee and passed in HB 507 violated the “three day” clause of Article II, Section 15(C) of the Ohio Constitution, which reads, Every bill shall be considered by each house on three different days, unless two-thirds of the members elected to the house in which it is pending suspend this requirement, and every individual consideration of a bill or action suspending the requirement shall be recorded in the journal of the respective house. No bill may be passed until the bill has been reproduced and distributed to members of the house in which it is pending and every amendment been made available upon a member’s request.

Plaintiffs argue the oil and gas amendments “vitally altered” the bill, therefore requiring the Senate to hear the bill on three further separate days and that the House failed to do so when HB 507 returned to the House for concurrence on the Senate changes.

What Will Happen?

The outcome of the case is uncertain. Plaintiffs have asked the court to declare the bill unconstitutional and therefore fully void because of the two oil and gas amendments. However, courts have been reluctant to rule entire bills to be void and instead sever the challenged provisions from the law allowing the other sections to remain. Hopefully this is what will happen in this case.

Training Matters

BY ALANA SETTLE

The OCNT certification added validity to a career that I had chosen or maybe chose me. I have been blessed to work in the Green Industry 35 years and being an OCNT has opened many doors. It has given me an industry accreditation, something I have always been proud of and encourage others to do!

Scott Huvler | CEO, T.D. Landscape Inc.

More than ever, employees across industries feel empowered to expand their knowledge and skills and are seeking companies who support them in their career development. Workers under 40 are especially determined—74% of Millennial and Gen Z employees said they plan to quit their job due to a lack of skills-building support from their employer, according to a 2022 study by research firm Workplace Intelligence.

There is no shortage of training events or development opportunities in the green industry. For businesses who want to show a greater commitment to their employees’ growth, certification through OGIA’s Ohio Certified Nursery Technician program is an affordable and attainable option to offer to ambitious staff. Getting certified can turn an employee into a true industry professional; what they considered just a “job” becomes a burgeoning career.

What is the Ohio Certified Nursery Technician program?

The OCNT program was established more than 25 years ago to increase the credibility and professionalism of the industry. There are currently more than 700 OCNTs working at 376 companies across Ohio. The program is overseen by the OGIA’s certification committee, whose members regularly review the content of study manuals and exams.

Individuals may become certified in three specializations: Garden Center, Grower, or Landscape. A Master OCNT status is available to individuals who receive certification in all

Anytime you can elevate your game and receive a certification in your industry it is a win. I am proud to have my OCNT.

Todd E. Pugh | Founder of Enviroscapes

three specializations. An OCNT carries their certification with them if they move companies; businesses cannot become certified.

How do you become an OCNT?

OCNTs must pass a written exam administered by the OGIA staff. There is no required coursework or in-person class to attend. Individuals study autonomously and register for an online exam when they feel adequately prepared. Exams are held once a month.

Work experience is also required. OCNTs must have worked at least 1,000 hours in the green industry or worked 500 hours in the green industry and be currently enrolled in or have completed a recognized high school or college horticulture program. Individuals who have worked 1,500 hours as a volunteer in the green industry are also eligible.

Study materials are available for purchase from OGIA for $75¬–$125 ($150–$250 for nonmembers) per specialization and can be shared. Exam registration fees are $35 ($70 for nonmembers) and re-testing is allowed. Renewal fees are $25 per certification or $50 for a Master certification every three years.

How do you make the most of certification?

Certification shows your clients, job candidates, and the general public that your company has professional standards and follows industry best practices. Not anyone can do what you do—it takes training, education, and experience—and

I have been an OCNT for many, many years! The main reason I chose to become certified was for the professionalism it projects to potential and current clients. When you are building a business, anything you can do to get a “leg up” on the competition is a good. Presenting yourself as a professional in the landscape industry certainly helps the customer choose you for their landscape needs.

John Ryman | President, Quality Lawn, Landscape, & Fence, Inc.

employing certified professionals can give you a competitive edge. Add the OCNT logo to the bios of certified employees on your staff webpage. Congratulate new OCNTs on your social media accounts and regularly promote that you have certified employees on your website and sales documents. In your job postings, promote that you encourage your employees to work toward certification.

Encouraging certification and providing incentives to get certified can build loyalty among staff and bolster an employee retention plan. Most companies pay for an employee’s certification and continuing education. Some employers provide a pay raise or use certification as a condition for advancement within the company as well.

As an individual, promote your certification by adding it to your email signature and LinkedIn profile and updating your business cards and resume. Work toward Master Technician status. Most importantly, don’t let your certification lapse. OCNTs are required to complete five credits of continuing education every three years and report those credits online to OGIA. Credits can include OGIA programs, online webinars, and other education events (OGIA regularly updates its online calendar with opportunities).

For more information about the OCNT program, contact Roni Petersen, OGIA Membership and Certification Manager at roni@ogia.org

I chose to become a OCNT when I went out on my own and started my business. I thought that it would be a great form of credibility, and would provide me with continuous knowledge as to what was going on in the industry. I wasn’t wrong.

Blair Elliot | Owner, Elliott Land and Hardscaping

OGIA SCHOLARSHIP SPOTLIGHT

BY SARA CANTEES

Regan Draeger’s passion for horticulture started at a young age on her family’s small farm in Lindsey, Ohio. She was always curious about the proper conditions required to grow crops and produce food. As she grew up, she discovered her skill for floral design and joined the Woodmore FFA floriculture team in eighth grade. This led her to start her own wedding design business and intern at Corso’s Landscape, where she discovered her true passion for landscape design.

Regan’s dedication to horticulture led her to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Plant Systems with a specialization in horticulture and a minor in production/ management from The Ohio State University. During her time at Ohio State, she participated in the Pi Alpha Xi horticultural honors society and served as a CFAES Ambassador. She will be continuing her academic journey by pursuing a Master’s degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication at the University of Tennessee this fall.

Aside from her academic pursuits, Regan finds joy in creating beauty through art and floral design. She has taken on many art and floral design projects in open classes through 4-H at the Sandusky County Fair. She believes that there’s beauty in helping others and has dedicated most of her time to doing just that. Horticulture provides Regan an avenue to give back to others and make a difference in the world.

Regan’s first job in the horticulture industry was at Bench’s Greenhouse and Nursery in Elmore, Ohio, where she was responsible for creating sale displays, assisting customers with questions, and maintaining plant health. Although she enjoyed working directly with plants, she sought a position that involved more design. Through her involvement in the greenhouse and floral design aspects of the horticultural industry, Regan discovered her true passion for landscape design.

Recently, Regan began an internship at Corso’s Landscape in Sandusky, Ohio, where she works within the landscape design department. She is excited to return to Corso’s this spring, where she will be taking over and expanding the annual commercial container department and continuing as a landscape designer. Regan hopes to become an active contributor in this industry by developing landscapes that push design boundaries and are sustainable for the environment.

Regan’s greatest mentor is her grandfather, Ron Timmons, who always made time for the most important people in his life and worked to make a difference everywhere he went. She aspires to be like him and make a positive impact on the world around her.

Regan strongly encourages the next generation to pursue careers as green professionals. She believes that the industry provides an abundance of opportunities and avenues to pursue one’s true passion. It’s a career that allows individuals to make a difference and leaves a lasting impact on the environment.

COMMUNICATIONS CORNER

REVIEW: “THE ABCS OF TREES - A FIRST BOOK ABOUT TREES

he ABCs of Trees - A First Book About Trees” by long time OGIA member Scott A. Zanon is an informative and captivating children’s book that explores the fascinating world of trees. With the use of the alphabet, the book presents readers with a unique perspective on different types of trees and their characteristics.

SARA CANTEES OGIA Communications Manager sara@ogia.org

The book is illustrated by Mitchell James, and the illustrations are bright, vivid, and full of character. Each letter of the alphabet is accompanied by an illustration, which brings each topic to life. Zanon has a clear passion for trees and the environment, and this shines through in the pages of the book. His love of nature is infectious, and the book is sure to inspire young readers to develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty of trees.

One of the most impressive things about this book is the amount of information it presents in an accessible and understandable way for children. Each page includes a fun fact about the tree corresponding to the letter. These little nuggets of information are presented in a way that is easy to understand, and they help to spark curiosity in young readers.

In addition to the informative content and endearing illustrations, the book is also a great educational tool for parents and teachers. The book can be used to teach children about the environment, the importance of trees, and the role they play in our daily lives. The book also includes coloring pages at the end, which encourage readers to find specific types of trees covered in the book.

Overall, “The ABCs of Trees - A First Book About Trees” is a wonderful addition to any children’s library. It is beautifully illustrated, well-written, and informative. This book is a great tool for teaching children how trees work in a sense. It is also a great way to spark curiosity in young readers and inspire them to explore the world around them.

If you’re looking for a book that is both entertaining and educational, “The ABCs of Trees - A First Book About Trees” is worth checking out.

OGIA 2023 MEMBER DIRECTORY

Visit

1st Impressions Landscape & Garden Center Sunbury, Ohio 1stgardencenter.com

9 Trees Landscape Construction Hilliard, Ohio 9treeslc.com

A & J Lawn Care, Inc. Grove City , Ohio

A & J Landscape Center Sylvania, Ohio AandJlandscape.com

A. Brown & Sons Nursery, Inc. Phillipsburg, Ohio brownsnursery.com

A. M. Leonard, Inc. Piqua, Ohio amleo.com

A’s Lawn Service Medina, Ohio aslawnservice.com

Abbruzzese Brothers, Inc. Hilliard, Ohio

Acme Tree & Landscape, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio

Acorn Farms Galena, Ohio acornfarms.com

Advanced Turf Solutions Fishers, Indiana advancedturf.com

Albyn’s Landscape & Nursery Center, Inc. Newark, Ohio albynsnursery.com

All Season Landscape & Maintenance, Inc.

Loveland, Ohio

All Season Landworks, Inc. Sunbury, Ohio allseasonlandworks.com

Allison Landscaping, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio

Allscape Property Services LLC Lebanon, Ohio

American Native Plants Chase, Maryland americannativeplants.com

American Safety & Health Management Consultants, Inc. North Canton, Ohio

Andy’s Garden, Inc. Piqua, Ohio

Angle’s Nursery LLC Bellefontaine, Ohio

Ansley & Associates Columbus, Ohio

Arbor Doctor, LLC Cincinnati, Ohio arbordoctor.com

Arbor Farms Nursery Fort Wayne, Indiana arborfarmsnursery.com

Arcadia Nursery Rockwall, Texas

Arcola Creek Nursery Madison, Ohio arcolacreeknursery.com

Aristotle Design Group, Inc. Newbury, Ohio

Arselli’s Landscape & Design Chillicothe , Ohio

Art Form Nurseries Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Avon Landscaping, Inc. Avon, Ohio B B & H Landscaping Strasburg, Ohio

Back Tree & Landscape Inc Cincinnati, Ohio backtree.com

Bailey Nurseries, Inc. St. Paul, Minnesota baileynurseries.com

Bailey’s Tree & Landscape, Inc. Sandusky,Ohio

Baker’s Village Garden Center Powell, Ohio

Barbeau Lawn and Landscape LLC Westerville, Ohio

Barber Cuts Landscaping & Grooming Akron, Ohio

Bardos Landscaping & Lawn Care, Ltd. Maineville, Ohio

Barnes Nursery, Inc. Huron, Ohio

Bartlett Tree Experts Columbus, Ohio

Beardslee Nursery, LLC Perry, Ohio

Beavercreek Landscape & Nursery Dayton, Ohio beavercreeklandscaping.com

Beck’s Greenhouse, Inc. Bellville, Ohio

Beining Nursery & Landscaping, LLC Cloverdale, Ohio beiningnursery.com

Benanzer Nursery, Inc. St. Henry, Ohio

Bench’ Greenhouse & Nursery Elmore, Ohio

Benchmark Landscape Construction, Inc.

Plain City, Ohio

Berger Horticultural Products Columbus, Ohio

Berns’ Greenhouse & Garden Center, Inc. Middletown, Ohio bernsgardencenter.com

Best Landscaping Reno, Ohio

Bildsten Landscape Services, Inc. Columbus, Ohio bildstenlandscape.com

Biodiversity Landscape Design & Nursery Sales, Inc. Painesville, Ohio

Blooming Designs Norton, Ohio summit-landscape.com

Bluestone Perennials, Inc. Madison, Ohio bluestoneperennials.com

Bobbie’s Green Thumb Shaker Heights, Ohio bgthumb.com

Bobcat Enterprises, Inc. Hilliard, Ohio

Bowlings Nursery Simpsonville, Kentucky

Bremec Garden Centers & Bremec Group Chesterland, Ohio

Briar Rose Nurseries Perry, Ohio briarrosenurseries.com

Brockhage Landscape Company Cincinnati, Ohio

Brotzman’s Nursery, Inc. Madison, Ohio

Brown County Rental Aberdeen, Ohio

Bry Pan, LLC Newark, Ohio

Buck & Sons Landscape Service, Inc. Hilliard, Ohio buckandsons.com

Buckeye Ecocare Miamisburg, Ohio

Buena Vista Landscaping Springfield , Ohio

Builderscape, Inc. Plain City, Ohio

Burger Farm & Garden Center, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio burgerfarms.com

Bzak Landscaping, Inc. Milford, Ohio bzak.com

C

C. & C. Garden Design, Inc. Hinckley, Ohio

C. M. Brown Nurseries, Inc. Perry, Ohio cmbrown.com

Cable Bros Outdoor Services Trotwood, Ohio

Cahoon Nursery & Garden Center Westlake, Ohio

Campbell Landscaping LLC Canton, Ohio

Canton Road Garden Center, Inc. Akron, Ohio

Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board Columbus, Ohio

Cardinal Landscape, Tree Service & Lawn Care Oregonia, Ohio

Carmar Gardens, Inc. Nevada, Ohio

Carroll Landscape & Nursery Monclova, Ohio

Cascade Lighting Inc. Akron, Ohio cascadelighting.com

Cassinelli’s Glendale Nurseries, Inc. Fairfield Twp, Ohio

Centerville Landscaping, Inc. Centerville , Ohio centervillelandscape.com

Central Ohio Bag & Burlap, Inc. Columbus, Ohio centralohiobagandburlap.com

Central Ohio Landscape Co. Waldo, Ohio centralohiolandscapeco.com

Central Ohio Turf Columbus, Ohio

Chagrin Valley Nurseries, Inc. Gates Mills, Ohio

Cherokee Manufacturing, LLC South St. Paul, Minnesota cherokeemfg.com

Christal Clean Landscapes LLC Columbus, Ohio

Cianciolo Designscape, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati Nature Center Milford, Ohio cincynature.org

Classico Landscapes, Inc. Louisville, Ohio

Clean Cut Landscape & Lawn Bellbrook, Ohio

Columbus Hardscapes, LLC Baltimore, Ohio installmypatio.com

Columbus State Landscape Alumni Association Ashley, Ohio

Columbus Turf Nursery, Ltd. Ashville, Ohio columbus-turf.com

Combs Landscaping Westlake, Ohio

Contree Sprayer and Equipment Company Beaver Dam, Wisconsin contree.com

Cornwell Lawn & Landscaping, LLC Columbus, Ohio cornwelllawn.com

Corsaro Landscaping and Design Inc Mayfield Heights, Ohio

Corso’s Flower & Garden Center Sandusky, Ohio corsosperennials.com

Crawford Nursery, Inc. Bucyrus, Ohio

Creative Waterscapes Hebron, Ohio

Creech’s Lawn & Garden Center, Inc. Lebanon, Ohio

Custom Landscape Contractors Washington Court House, Ohio customlawn1.com

Custom Landscape Service Waynesburg, Ohio

Custom Touch Irrigation, Inc. Hilliard, Ohio ctirrigation.com

CustomTree Inc. Fairlawn, Ohio

D & D Landscaping Supply, LLC Portage, Ohio D & D Maintenance Medina, Ohio ddmaintenance.net

Dailey’s Lawn & Landscaping Dayton, Ohio daileylawnandlandscaping.com

Darwin Designs Plain City, Ohio darwindesigns.biz

Daves Landscaping Service LLC McConnelsville, Ohio

Davey Tree Expert Co Wooster, Ohio davey.com

Davies’ Landscape & Lawn Care Cincinnati, Ohio davieslandscape.net

Davis Tree Farm & Nursery, Inc. Valley City Ohio davistreefarm.com

Dayton Bag & Burlap Dayton, Ohio daybag.com

Dayton Nurseries, Inc. Barberton, Ohio

Dean’s Landscaping Inc. Xenia, Ohio deanslandscaping.net

Decker’s Nursery, Inc. Groveport, Ohio deckersnursery.com

DeHoff Flowers, Greenhouses & Landscaping Alliance, Ohio dehoffs.com

Deitering Landscaping, Inc. Leipsic, Ohio

Delhi Landscape Inc. Radnor, Ohio

Delventhal Landscaping & Nursery, Inc Waterville, Ohio delventhallandscaping.com

Denny McKeown, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio bloomingarden.com

Detailed Gardens Ltd. Mantua, Ohio

Detillion Landscaping Co., Inc. Chillicothe , Ohio detillionlandscaping.com

Diamond Cut Lawn & Landscaping Services, LLC Columbiana, Ohio

Dig-It Excavating & Landscaping Hubbard, Ohio

Dill’s Greenhouse Groveport, Ohio

DLL Landscaping & Tree Service Columbus, Ohio dlllandscapingservice.com

Don Mould’s Plantation, Inc. North Ridgeville, Ohio donmouldsplantation.com

Down to Earth Landscaping Garfield Heights, Ohio

Dresden Landscaping, Ltd. Dresden, Ohio

Druffel Design & Landscape Maineville, Ohio

Dumont Seed Co. Canton, Ohio

Durbin Landscaping, Inc. Cleves, Ohio

EE. F. Pouly Company Orrville, Ohio efpouly.com

Earth Works, Inc. Dayton, Ohio landscapingearthworks.com

Eason Horticultural Resources, Inc. Fort Wright, Kentucky ehrnet.com

East of Eden Nursery, Inc. Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Ebright Landscapes, Inc. Pickerington, Ohio

Eddybrook Tree Farm Johnstown, Ohio eddybrook.com

Enoch Farms Circleville, Ohio

Envirocare Lawn & Landscape, LLC Perysburg, Ohio

Environmental Enhancement, Inc. Westfield Center, Ohio

Environmental Management Services, Inc. Dublin, Ohio

Envirotech Consultants, Inc. Somerset, Ohio envirotechcon.com

Envision Lawn and Landscape Sylvania, Ohio envisionlawnlandscape.com

Envu

Hilliard, Ohio

Ernst Conservation Seeds, Inc. Meadville, Pennsylvania ernstseed.com

Essential Landscaping & Irrigation Miamisburg, Ohio essentiallandscaping.com

Estate Landscaping Service, LLC Columbus, Ohio

Evergreen Landscaping Services, Inc. Milford Center, Ohio evergreenlandscapingohio.com

Evergreen Seed Supply, LLC Lambertville, Michigan evergreenseedsupply.com

Executive Landscaping, Inc. Vienna, Ohio

Exscape Designs

Novelty, Ohio

F

F&W Properties

Columbus, Ohio

Facemyer Landscaping, LLC Galena, Ohio

Fairview Evergreen Nurseries, Inc. Fairview, Pennsylvania fariviewevergreen.com

Farrell’s Lawn & Garden Center Bryan, Ohio farrellslawnandgarden.com

Father & Son Property Maintenance, LLC Louisville, Ohio

Fitzwater Tree & Lawn Care Greenville, Ohio

Five Seasons Landscape Management, Inc. Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Fleetcor Atlanta, Georgia

Floralandscape, Inc. Toledo, Ohio

Flores Landscaping & Nursery, Inc. Painesville, Ohio

Florimar, Inc. Georgetown, Ohio

Follow the River Designs, LLC McConnelsville, Ohio

Franklin Park Conservatory Columbus, Ohio

Fred’s Water Service, Inc. Perry, Ohio fwservice.com

Fullmer’s Landscaping, Inc. Dayton, Ohio Fullmers.com

G G & G Nursery, Inc. Lesage, West Virginia gandgnursery.com

Galehouse Tree Farms Doylestown, Ohio

Garden Guru, Inc. Hilliard, Ohio gardenguruohio.com

Garden Of Eden Landscaping Services, LLC Richwood, Ohio edensproduce.com

Gardens Alive Tipp City, Ohio

Gardenscapes by Joanna LLC Oberlin, Ohio

Gateway Gardens & Nursery Streetsboro, Ohio

Gehret Nursery, Inc. Minster, Ohio

Gilb Landscaping, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio gilblandscaping.com

Glass City Landscape Holland, Ohio mynaturescorner.com

Glass-n-Greens East Palestine, Ohio

Gold-N-Touch Landscaping, Inc. Dayton, Ohio

GoodSeed Farm Landscapes Peebles, Ohio goodseedfarmlandscapes.com

Gorman Landscape Contractors, LLC Spring Valley, Ohio gormanlandscape.com

Gotch & Company, Inc. Carrollton, Ohio

Grasshuggers Columbus, Ohio Grasshuggers.com

Green Acres Landscaping & Nursery, Inc. Fairfield, Ohio

Green City Resources Cincinnati, Ohio greencityresources.com

Green Girl Garden, LLC Cincinnati, Ohio greengirlgarden.org

Green River Garden Center & Landscaping Inc. Daniels, West Virginia greenriverservicesinc.com

Green Shades Garden Center Roseville, Ohio

Green Velvet Sod Farms Ltd. Bellbrook, Ohio greenvelvet.com

Greenbush Professional Services, LLC Camden, Ohio

Greenhouse Landscaping, Inc. Beavercreek, Ohio

Greenlawn Farm LLC Piketon, Ohio

Greenleaf Landscapes, Inc. Marietta, Ohio greenleaflandscapes.com

Greenleaf Nursery Co. Park Hill, Oklahoma

GreenScapes Landscape Co. Columbus, Ohio

Greenspire Grounds Management, Inc. Hilliard, Ohio

Groovy Plants Ranch Marengo, Ohio groovyplantsranch.com

Ground Pro Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio thegroundpro.com

Grunder Landscaping Co. Miamisburg, Ohio

H

H & M Landscaping, Inc. Oakwood Village, Ohio hmlandscaping.com

H. A. M. Landscaping, Inc. Cleveland, Ohio hamlandscaping.com

Halter Lawn & Landscaping, Inc. New Lebanon, Ohio

Hapner Lawn and Landscape LLC Eaton, Ohio

Harrell’s LLC Lakeland, Florida harrells.com

Hartman Landscaping Zanesville, Ohio hartman-landscaping.com

Hartville Hardware Hartville, Ohio

Hedge Landscape, LLC Columbus, Ohio

Hemlock Landscapes, Inc. Chagrin Falls, Ohio hemlocklandscapes.com

Hickory Lane Farms Nursery & Landscape LLC Raymond, Ohio hickorylanefarms.com

Hidden Creek Landscaping, Inc. Hilliard, Ohio 2thecreek.com

Hillcrest Lawn & Landscape LLC South Vienna, Ohio hokeslandscaping.com

Hobby Nursery Loudonville, Ohio hobbynursery.com

Holscher & Hackman Garden Center Cincinnati, Ohio plantingthefuture.com

Hoover Nursery & Landscaping, Inc. Maximo, Ohio

Hope Timber Garden Center, Ltd. Newark, Ohio hopetimbergardencenter.com

Hornberger Landscape & Nursery, Inc. Pleasant Plain, Ohio hornbergerlandscape.com

Hortica, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group Edwardsville, Illinois hortica.com

Hubert’s Landscaping Company Incorporated Avon Lake, Ohio hubertslandscaping.com

Hunter Green Services, Inc. Aurora, Ohio

Huss Nursery and Landscaping LLC Genoa, Ohio

Hyde Park Landscaping, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio

J

J. Barker Landscaping Company Bedford, Ohio jbarkerlandscaping.com

J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. Boring, Oregon jfschmidt.com

J. R. Thomas Landscaping, Inc. Loveland, Ohio jrthomaslandscaping.com

J. S. Goode Landscaping, Ltd Circleville, Ohio jsgoode.com

Jason Weigandt Landscape Co. Sidney, Ohio jasonweigandt.com

Jeffrey Allen Corporation Cincinnati, Ohio

Jenkins Tree Farms Medina, Ohio jenkinstreefarms.com

Joe’s Landscaping of Beavercreek, Inc. Fairborn, Ohio joeslandscaping.com

John B. Jacobs & Son Nurseries, Inc. Blanchester, Ohio

John K. Leohner Co. Inc. Carroll, Ohio

John T. Baker Enterprise, Inc. Hudson, Ohio johnstreeonline.com

Johnny O’s, Inc. Canton, Ohio

Johnson Property Services, LLC Marion, Ohio johnsonpropertryservices.net

JRM Chemical Inc Cleveland, Ohio soilmoist.com

JTS Landscaping Co. Seville, Ohio jtslandscape.com

JTS Tree & Landscape LLC Westerville, Ohio jtstreellc.com

K. & E. Design Management

Montville, Ohio

Kate Wilson Design Worthington, Ohio katewilsondesign.com

Kemper’s Landscaping Versailles, Ohio

Ken Helmlinger Co. Columbus, Ohio kenhelmlingerco.com

Kendrick and O’Dell Landscaping Inc. Cold Spring, Kentucky

Kevin Flory Landscape & Lawn Care, Inc. Greenville, Ohio

Kevin McCoy Landscape, Ltd. Coshocton, Ohio

KGK Gardening and Design Corp Hudson, Ohio

Kibler Lumber Do-It Center Mt. Orab, Ohio kiblerlumber.com

Kile Landscaping Sabina, Ohio

Kindig-Coudriet Nursery & Landscaping Inc Seville, Ohio

Kleinhenz Landscape Powell, Ohio kleinhenzlandscsape.com

Klyn Nurseries, Inc. Perry, Ohio klynnurseries.com

Knollwood Florists, Inc. Beavercreek, Ohio

Konen Landscaping Inc Dayton, Ohio konenlandscape.com

Kurtz Bros. Inc. Westerville, Ohio

Kurtz Bros., Inc. Independence, Ohio kurtz-bros.com

LaCava’s Landscape LLC Grand River, Ohio lacavaslandscape.com

Lakeview Nurseries, Inc. Fairfield, Ohio lakeviewgardencenter.com

Lamanna’s Lawn & Landscaping Kettering, Ohio

LandCare Galena, Ohio landcare.com

Landfare Ltd. Columbus, Ohio landfareltd.com

Landform Svc, Inc. Fairfield, Ohio

Landscape By Design New Lebanon, Ohio

LandscapeHub Chicago, Illinois

Landscapes and OuterSpaces, LLC Hillsboro, Ohio

Landscapes by Terra, Inc. Marysville, Ohio

Lanhan Contractors, Inc. South Euclid, Ohio lanhanlandscaping.com

Larry’s Landscaping North Canton, Ohio

Lawn Lad, Inc. Gates Mills, Ohio lawnlad.com

Lawn Masters & More Albany, Ohio

Lawn Masters Lawn & Landscaping, Inc Springfield, Ohio lawnmastersohio.com

Lawn Scapes, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio lawnscapescincy.com

Leaf Filter Gutter Protection Hudson, Ohio

Leo Berbee Bulb Co. Inc. Marysville, Ohio berbeeus.com

Leuty Nursery Novelty, Ohio

Lifestyle Landscaping, Inc North Ridgeville, Ohio lifestylelandscaping.com

Lilly Lawn and Landscape LLC Ravenna, Ohio lillylawnandlandscape.com

Listerman & Associates, Inc. Beavercreek, Ohio

Locke’s GoGreen Landscaping and Garden Center Oberlin, Ohio greensideup.info

Lowenoak Landscape Development Findlay, Ohio

Lowes Greenhouse & Gift Shop, Inc. Chagrin Falls, Ohio lowesgreenhouse.com

LTD Landscapes, Inc. Milford, Ohio ltdlandscapes.com

Lubrecht’s Landscaping Cincinnati, Ohio

Luther Landscaping Ross, Ohio

Luxury Landscapes Dublin, Ohio

LWB Design, LLC Willoughby, Ohio lwbdesign.com

Lynch Design Solutions LLC Canal Winchester, Ohio

Lyons’ Pro Lawn Care Bellefontaine, Ohio

MM Miller Services LLC Cleves, Ohio

M. J. Design Associates, Inc. Plain City, Ohio

Madison Lawn Care, Ltd. London, Ohio

Madison Tree Care & Landscaping, Inc. Milford, Ohio madisontreecincy.com

Mark Webber’s Landscaping Company Liberty Twp, Ohio webberlandscaping.com

Mateva Gardens Cincinnati, Ohio

Maumee Valley Growers Association Oregon, Ohio maumeevalleygrowers.com

Maxville Quarries Inc. Logan, Ohio

McArthur Lumber & Post McArthur, Ohio mcarthurlumberandpost.com

McCarty Gardens, LLC Sabina, Ohio mccartygardens.com

McCullough’s Landscape & Nursery, LLC New Albany, Ohio mccland.com

McKinnon’s Landscaping & Irrigation Springfield , Ohio

Meadow Beauty Nursery Madison, Ohio

Meadowood Enterprises, LLC Madison, Ohio meadowoodenterprises.com

Medina Turf Farms Inc Seville, Ohio

Metroscape Columbus, Ohio metroscapeshls.com

Meyer’s Garden Center & Landscaping, Inc. Fairfield, Ohio

MGZ Lawn & Grounds Care Piqua, Ohio

OGIA 2023

MEMBER DIRECTORY Michell’s King of Prussia, Pennsylvania michells.com

Mid-West Landscape, Inc. Columbus, Ohio

Midwest Landscape Network, Inc. Harrison, Ohio

Millcreek Gardens LLC Ostrander, Ohio millcreekplants.com

Miller Landscapes of Westerville, LLC Westerville, Ohio

Miller’s Country Gardens Delaware, Ohio millerscountrygardens.com

MirrorScapes, LLC Lancaster, Ohio mirrorscapes.net

MJK Unlimited Inc. Chagrin Falls, Ohio

Mondo Polymer Technologies Reno, Ohio mondopolymer.com

More Than Curb Appeal Clayton, Ohio

Mowery Landscape & Design, LLC Westlake, Ohio

Mox Nursery Delphos, Ohio

Moyer’s Nursery & Landscaping Massillon, Ohio

MPM Landmark Concord, Ohio

MTC Horticultural Services Oberlin, Ohio

Mycorrhizal Applications Grants Pass, Oregon

NNational Nursery Products, Inc. Crestwood, Kentucky nnpinc.net

Nature’s Own, LLC Springfield, Ohio naturesownlandscapes.com

Nelsons Seasonal Decor Zanesville, Ohio nelsonsseasonaldecor.com

Neville Landscape & Tree Co. Holland, Ohio

New Leaf Landscape Construction, Inc. Marysville, Ohio

Nextdoor Lawn and Landscape, LLC Columbus, Ohio nextdoorgl.com

Nick’s Lawn Service Ltd. McCutchenvile, Ohio

Nil Gallagher, Inc. Berkey, Ohio

No Limits Landscaping, Inc. Maineville, Ohio nolimitslandscaping.com

Nolan Nursery & Farms Canton, Ohio nolannursery.com

North Branch Nursery, Inc. Pemberville, Ohio northbranchnursery.com

North Coast Perennials, Inc. Madison, Ohio northcoastperennials.com

North Creek Nurseries, Inc. Landenberg, Pennsylvania northcreeknurseries.com

North Dayton Garden Center Dayton, Ohio northdaytongarden.com

Nursery Growers of Lake County Ohio, Inc. Perry, Ohio nglco.com

NYP Corp. Elizabeth, New Jersey nyp-corp.com

OO-Heil Site Solutions Dayton, Ohio

Oak Leaf Landscaping Danville, Ohio

Oakland Nursery, Inc. Columbus, Ohio oaklandnursery.com

Oberfields LLC Delaware, Ohio oberfields.com

Oberlander’s Tree & Landscape, Ltd. Bucyrus, Ohio oberlanders.com

Ohio CAT Broadview Hghts, Ohio

Ohio Green Works LLC Waynesville, Ohio ohiogreenworks.com

Ohio Landscaping Corporation Caledonia, Ohio

Ohio Nursery Exchange LLC New Carlisle, Ohio

Owl’s Nest Garden LLC Piketon, Ohio owlsnest.farm

Pace-Sankar Landscaping New Philadelphia, Ohio

Pacific Impressions, Inc. Mansfield, Ohio

Pacific Mulch, Inc. Henderson , North Carolina pacificmulch.com

Palmer Energy Company Toledo, Ohio

Pam’s Perennial Plant Farm Norton, Ohio pamsperennials.com

Paragon Landscapes, LLC Ashland, Ohio

Paramount Lawn Service, Inc. Loveland, Ohio

Park’s Lawn Care LLC Caledonia, Ohio parkslawncare.com

Parks Garden Center Canfield, Ohio

Peggy Goodwin Loveland, Ohio

Penn-Ohio Wholesale Painesville, Ohio

Perfection Landscape & Greenhouse, LLC New Washington, Ohio perfectionlg.webs.com

Perfection Lawns, Inc. Clayton, Ohio

Perrino Landscape, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio perrinolandscape.com

Personal Touch Landscaping & Consultations, Inc. Urbana, Ohio

Petitti Garden Centers Oakwood Village, Ohio

Phelps Ohio Nursery Madison, Ohio phelpsnursery.com

Phillips Land Improvement Center Beavercreek, Ohio phillipscompanies.com

Picciano Landscaping & Irrigation, Inc. Orange, Ohio

Pinnacle Landscaping Columbus, Ohio pinnacleohio.com

Planted Earth, LLC. Cincinnati, Ohio

Pleiman Landscaping LLC Maria Stein, Ohio

PP. V. P. Industries, Inc. North Bloomfield, Ohio pvpind.com

Poleo Associates Ann Arbor, Michigan

Pond Supplies of Ohio, Inc./Hoffman Tree & Land Svc Inc

Uniontown, Ohio pondsuppliesofohio.com

Pony Lawncare & Landscaping, LLC Delaware, Ohio ponylandscape.com

Ponzani Landscape Co. St. Clairsville, Ohio ponzani.com

Post Excavating and Landscaping LLC Fort Recovery, Ohio

Premier Landscapes, LLC Hamilton, Ohio

Pro-Cut Grafton, Ohio procutlandscapes.com

ProScape Lawn & Landscape Services, LLC Marion, Ohio

QQuality Lawn, Landscape & Fence, Inc. Casstown, Ohio

Quality Services North Ridgeville, Ohio

Quality Yard & Home Maintenance Pataskala, Ohio qualityyhm.com

R

R & J Farms, Inc. West Salem, Ohio rjfarms.com

R. B. Stout, Inc. Akron, Ohio rbstoutinc.com

R&R Lawncare & Landscaping, LLC Dublin, Ohio

Rain One Inc. Blacklick, Ohio rain1.com

Raley’s Pine Ridge Tree Farms Hinckley, Ohio

Reading Rock Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio readingrock.com

Red Wheelbarrow Gardens, LLC Chillicothe, Ohio

Reichle Brothers Westerville, Ohio

Reynolds Landscape Co. Belpre, Ohio

Rhoads Garden Center & Landscaping Circleville, Ohio rhoadsgardencenter.com

Rice’s Landscapes Redefined Canton, Ohio ricesnursery.com

Rich O’Donnell Landscape, Inc. Warren, Ohio

Richard Rodomsky Construction & Landscape Girard, Ohio

Richards’ Landscaping, Inc. New Washington, Ohio richardsgardens.com

Riepenhoff Landscape, Ltd Hilliard, Ohio riepenhofflandscape.com

Rindler Landscape, LLC Kettering, Ohio

Rine Landscape Group, Inc. Columbus, Ohio rinelandscapegroup.com

Ritenour Custom Lawn Care, Inc. Butler, Pennsylvania

Rocky Fork Company New Albany, Ohio rockyfork.com

Rocky Gardens Landscape Group LLC Beloit, Ohio

Roger Lake Trucking Inc. Sunman, Indiana

Rohr’s Nursery, Inc. Canton, Ohio

Royal Landscape Gardening, Inc. Garfield Heights, Ohio

Runkel Landscape Associates, Inc. Lima, Ohio landscapeassociates.net

Rush Truck Centers Columbus, Ohio rushenterprises.com

Ryan-Brothers’ Landscaping Columbus, Ohio ryanbrotherslandscaping.org

Ryan’s Landscaping Delaware, Ohio ryanslandscaping.net

S & S Landscaping & Tree Service LLC Findlay, Ohio snslandandtree.com

S. & S. Farms, Ltd. Cardington, Ohio

Sabo’s Woodside Nursery, Inc. Madison, Ohio

Sal’s Landscaping & Construction Co. Brecksville, Ohio

Sandy’s Landscaping, Inc. North Canton, Ohio sandyslandscaping.com

Schill Grounds Management North Ridgeville, Ohio schillgroundsmanagement.com

Schneider Landscaping Toledo, Ohio

Schoenbrunn Landscaping, Inc. Dover, Ohio

Schultz Lawn Service & Landscaping, Inc. Munroe Falls, Ohio Scioto Gardens Westerville, Ohio sciotogardens.com

Scott Biggs Consulting Columbus, Ohio

Scott’s Garden Center, Inc. Powell, Ohio

Second Nature Landscaping, Inc. Willoughby, Ohio Sedgwick Dublin, Ohio sedgwick.com/OhioTPA

Seely’s Landscape Nursery Hilliard, Ohio seelyslandscape.com

Seibert Keck Insurance Columbus, Ohio

Seiler’s Landscaping LLC Cincinnati, Ohio seilerslandscaping.com

Sestili Nursery, Inc. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Sharon Nursery Maineville, Ohio sharonnursery.com

Shaw Tree Surgeons Cincinnati, Ohio shawtreesurgeons.com

Shearer Landscaping Inc. Lewis Center, Ohio shearerlandscaping.com

Shelby Landscaping & Garden Center Sidney, Ohio

Sherman & Sons Lawn Care LLC Grafton, Ohio shermanandsonslawncarellc.com

Shoemaker Landscape, LLC Fredericktown, Ohio

SiteOne Landscape Supply Plain City, Ohio siteone.com

Smith Bros., Inc. Medina, Ohio smithbrosmulch.com

Smith Landscaping, Inc. Beloit, Ohio

Smith’s Camargo Landscape Amelia, Ohio

Smith’s Gardens, Inc. Delaware, Ohio

Specialty Crop Farm Labor Contractors, LLC Rochester, New York

Spectrum Analytic, Inc. Washington CH, Ohio spectrumanalytic.com

Spieles Nurseries Lima, Ohio

Spring Grove Cemetery and Arboretum Cincinnati, Ohio springgrove.org

Spring Lake Nursery Perry, Ohio springlakenursery.com

Spring Meadow Nursery Inc. Grand Haven, Michigan

Star Roses and Plants / Conard-Pyle West Grove, Pennsylvania conard-pyle.com

Stefani Landscaping, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio

Steinman Lawn & Landscape Westlake, Ohio

Stepleton’s Outdoor Development Lima, Ohio stepletons.com

Stone Ledge Designs Inc Garrettsville, Ohio

Stout’s Tree Farm, Ltd. Utica, Ohio

Strader’s Garden Centers, Inc. Columbus, Ohio

Strausburg Nursery Xenia, Ohio

Stropkey Nurseries, Inc. Painesville, Ohio

Stutzman Lawn & Landscaping New Philadelphia, Ohio

Sugargrove Tree Farm, Inc. Ashland, Ohio sugargrovefarm.com

SummitView Landscape and Design LLC Wapakoneta, Ohio summitviewlandscape.com

Sunbeam Gardens, Inc. Avon, Ohio sunbeamgardensinc.com

Sure Shot Landscaping LLC Fairfield, Ohio

Surface Nursery, Inc. Gresham, OR

Surroundings, Inc. Loveland, Ohio

Sutherland’s Landscaping & Excavating, Inc. Pataskala, Ohio

T. H. Blue, Inc. Eagle Springs, North Carolina

T. L. C. Landscaping, Inc. Solon, Ohio tlclandscapinginc.com

T. R. Gear Landscaping, LLC Fairfield, Ohio tr-gear.com

T.D. Landscape, Inc. Fredericktown, Ohio tdlandscape.net

T2 Design Norton, Ohio tdrjacks.com

TAH Benefits Westerville, Ohio tahbenefits.com

Tall Oaks Lawn & Landscaping, LLC Hamilton, Ohio

Taphorn Landscape Services Milford, Ohio

Taylor Terrace Lawnscapes Norwich, Ohio

Teen Lawn LLC Pleasant City, Ohio

The Cottage Gardens, Inc. Perry, Ohio cottagegardensinc.com

The Dawes Arboretum Heath, Ohio

The DiSanto Companies, Inc. Cleveland, Ohio disantocompanies.com

The Employers’ Association Maumee, Ohio

The Formal Garden LLC Columbus, Ohio

The Garden Path Landscaping, LLC Hamilton, Ohio gardenpathlandscaping.com

The Greatest Scape, Inc. Mt. Vernon, Ohio

The Greenhouse Shoppe Wooster, Ohio

The Keller Group Limited Columbus, Ohio kellerf.com

The Nicolaus Company, LLC Batavia, Ohio

The Pattie Group, Inc. Novelty, Ohio pattiegroup.com

The Plant People, Inc. Orient, Ohio

The Seed Center Ostrander, Ohio theseedcenter.com

The Siebenthaler Co. Beavercreek, Ohio siebenthaler.com

The Site Group, Inc. New Carlisle, Ohio sitegroup.com

TheDon Landscaping Cincinnati,Ohio

Thomson’s Landscaping Marietta, Ohio thomsonslandscaping.com

Timber Run Gardens, LLC Zanesville, Ohio

Timberwood Landscape Co. Inc. Dublin, Ohio timberwoodlandscape.net

Tinkerturf Lawn & Landscape, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio tinkerturf.com

TMK Nursery, Inc. Atwater, Ohio

Todd’s Enviroscapes, Inc. Louisville, Ohio growinggood.com

Tom Goodman & Associates LLC North Lewisburg, Ohio

Tom Green Nursery Sales, LLC Louisville, Ohio

Tom’s Lawn Service Sidney, Ohio

Top Notch Landscaping & Supply Wheeling, West Virginia

Tree Tyme Nursery, Inc. Austinburg , Ohio treetyme.com

Tri-State Nurseries Ironton, Ohio

Trinity Gardens, Ltd. Parma, Ohio

Turner Landscaping, LLC Saint Paris, Ohio turnerlandscapingllc.com

United Label & Sales Co. Cleveland, Ohio unitedlabel.com

Universal Farms Fremont, Ohio

UpShoot LLC Fairport Harbor, Ohio

VVarga’s Greenhouse & Assoc., Inc. Bay Village, Ohio

Vicki and Company, LLC Louisville, Ohio

Village Green Floral and Garden Center Wapakoneta, Ohio

Virgin Landscape LLC Gahanna, Ohio

Vizmeg Landscape, Inc. Stow, Ohio vizmeg.com

W. A. Natorp Corp. Mason, Ohio natorp.com

Wade & Gatton Nursery & Landscape LLC Bellville, Ohio

Wade Gardens Landscaping & Gift Shop Mansfield, Ohio wadegardens.com

Warstler Bros. Landscaping, Inc. Canton, Ohio warstlerbros.com

Welker Tree Farm, Inc. Columbus, Ohio

Wellmaster Tillsonburg, ON wellmaster.ca

Wengerlawn Nursery Co. Brookville, Ohio wengerlawnnursery.com

West Fairfield, Inc. Amanda, Ohio

West Point Landscape & Design Co. Marysville, Ohio

UUltra-Turf, Inc. Hamilton, Ohio

Under the Tree Design LLC Upper Arlington, Ohio

Unilock Ohio, Inc. Rittman, Ohio unilock.com

Union III Outdoor Living Marysville, Ohio unioniii.com

White Oak Garden Center, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio WhiteOakGardens.com

Wilcox Farms, Inc. LaGrange, Ohio wilcoxtreefarm.com

Wilde Nursery, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio

Willo’dell Nursery, Inc. Ashland, Ohio willodellnursery.com

OGIA 2023 MEMBER DIRECTORY

Willoway Nurseries, Inc. Avon, Ohio willowaynurseries.com

Wilson Garden Center, Inc. Hamilton, Ohio wilsongardencenter.com

Wilson Landscape Associates Columbus, Ohio

Wilson’s Garden Center Newark, Ohio great-gardeners.com

Wimberg Landscaping Milford, Ohio wimberglandscaping.com

Winchester Landscape Gardens, Inc. Groveport, Ohio

WinnScapes, Inc. Columbus, Ohio

Witte Landscape Specialists, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio

Wolf Creek Company McKinney, Texas

Wollam Ag Center, Inc. Continental, Ohio

Worthington Landscape Co. Inc. Plain City, Ohio

Wright’s Tree Service, LLC Columbus, Ohio

Yard Barbers, Inc.

Columbus, Ohio yardbarberslandscape.com

Yard Smart, Inc. Grafton, Ohio

Yard Solutions Groveport, Ohio

Yardmaster Inc. Painesville, Ohio yardmaster.com

Yellowstone Landscape Reynoldsburg, Ohio yellowstonelandscape.com

Your Personal Gardener Ostrander, Ohio

Your Way Landscaping LLC Marietta, Ohio

Zupcsan’s Nursery Madison, Ohio

Inspection & Maintenance Certification for Stormwater Control Measures in Ohio

This certifying course was developed to educate and train a workforce to fill this growing niche and will give your employees the required knowledge to confidently identify stormwater control measures, inspect facilities, develop reports, make recommendations, and carry out maintenance.

Registration will open May 30th Courses will be held in Columbus & Cleveland this August!

To learn more, scan the QR code, visit https://sswcd.summitoh.net/node/35 or contact Brian Prunty at 330-926-2448 or bprunty@summitoh.net

HUMAN RESOURCES FEATURE

BOB BETHEL VP of HR & Learning Services

The Employers Association is an OGIA service provider offering FREE HR assistance and more. Check it out and learn more about this benefit of your OGIA membership at ogia.org/serviceproviders.

SHRM study confi rms value of training opportunities inattracting employees — Survey Results (Aug.

22, 2022)

via Wolters Kluwer (cch.com)

Workplace learning and development (L&D) is the primary tool for organizations to fill theknowledge gaps in almost every American company. To understand the current state ofL&D in America’s workplaces, the SHRM Research Institute and TalentLMS surveyedU.S.based HR managers and employees to learn what employees want and expect inthe L&D space today, as well as what organizations are willing and able to provide. According to the new report, 2022 Workplace Learning & Development Trends, L&Dserves a dual purpose for organizations: to reskill and upskill current employees to fillbusiness needs, and to recruit and retain talented workers who want to continuouslylearn. More than 8 in 10 HR managers (83 percent) believe training is beneficial toattract talent, and many employees (48 percent) agree that training opportunities were afactor in choosing their current company.

“Organizations must maintain a steady growth of knowledge and skills among theirworkforce if they wish to succeed, both from a business standpoint and to attract theright talent,” said Jim Link, SHRM-SCP, SHRM chief human resources officer. “And whilesome leaders were hesitant to invest in talent during the Great Resignation, our researchshowed that 86 percent of HR managers believe that training is actually beneficial inretaining talent.”

Key survey findings include:

• 55 percent of workers said they need more training to perform their job moreeffectively, and 38 percent want training that is more relevant to their current role.

• 32 percent want training to have a social element, such as peer-to-peer learningand learning groups.

• 32 percent want to be sure what they are learning is current.

• 31 percent want more control over the training programs, including being able tochoose methods that match their learning style and development opportunities that make sense for their career progression.

• Instruction using simulations was the most popular choice (64 percent) among ninedifferent methods that included coaching/mentoring (51 percent), video (50percent), webinars/lectures (38 percent),

textbooks and other print materials (34percent), microlearning (32 percent), audio/podcasts (25 percent), role-playing (19percent), and blogs and other Internet sources (17 percent).

• When it comes to the soft skills employees want to develop and what employersprovide, there are some discrepancies. For example, 61 percent of employersprovide time-management training but only 42 percent of respondents said this wasan area where they wanted training. Employers and employees are more closelyaligned around leadership skills: 54 percent of respondents said they want thistraining and 53 percent of employers provide it.

“Workplace training impacts another key pillar of peoplecentric organizations – and thatis employee journey,” said Dimitris Tsingos, co-founder and president at Epignosis, thecompany behind TalentLMS. “Reinforcing employee experience is a leading training goalfor over 9 in 10 HR managers, our research revealed. Showing that L&D is crucial inshaping employee experience and creating a positive and caring culture.”

The research also found that how you deliver that training is crucial if you want a returnon your investment. While 75 percent of employees surveyed said they are satisfied withtheir training, organizations need to look closely at how they train employees, how oftenemployees receive training, and its relevancy to their immediate jobs. They should alsoheed workers’ desire to develop leadership skills as well as training in life skills and self-management, according to the report.

Source: Society for Human Resource Management.

OGIA EVENT CALENDAR

Subject to change. Visit ogia.org/events for more information.

May 8

Spring Grove Cemetery & Arboretum Diagnostic Walkabout

Cincinnati, Ohio

June 1

July 10

July 13

July 27

August 7

August 10

September 11

September 13

September 21

October 11 - 12

November 6 - 7

OCNT Testing Online

Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Diagnostic Walkabout

Cincinnati, Ohio

The Schedel Arboretum & Gardens Diagnostic Walkabout

Elmore, Ohio

Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Diagnostic Walkabout Powell, Ohio

Smale Riverfront Park Diagnostic Walkabout

Cincinnati, Ohio

Summit Metro Parks Diagnostic Walkabout

Akron, Ohio

Boone Co. Arboretum Diagnostic Walkabout Union, Kentucky

OGIA Connect - Networking Event The Dawes Arboretum | Newark, Ohio

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Diagnostic Walkabout Cleveland, Ohio

Ohio High School Landscape Olympics

OSU ATI | Woooster, Ohio

midwestGREEN Conference

Greater Columbus Convention Center | Columbus, Ohio

NEW MEMBERS

The following companies have been approved for OGIA membership, pending the completion of the application process, which includes requesting comments from the current OGIA membership regarding the qualifications and/or dues classifications of applicants within three weeks following receipt of this issue of The Buckeye.

The following companies are applying for ACTIVE membership:

John Hird

Custom Touch Irrigation, Inc.

Hilliard, Ohio

Rick Wenham

East of Eden Nursery, Inc.

Chagrin Falls, OH

Kasey Chambers

Green River Garden Center & Landscaping Inc.

Daniels, WV 25832

Paul Burwell

Ground Pro

Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Martin Coudriet

Kindig-Coudriet Nursery & Landscaping Inc

Seville, Ohio

Michael Miller

M Miller Services LLC

Cleves, Ohio

Devin Day

Teen Lawn LLC

Pleasant City, Ohio

Address Service Requested

LANDSCAPE PLANTS FOR OHIO

Updated for 2023 - Landscape Plants for Ohio: A Professional’s Guide. An 80 page printed publication including, evergreens, ferns, grasses, perennials, shrubs, and trees. This book is designed to help everyone from home gardeners to professional landscapers identify plants, optimal growing conditions, planting tips, and more!

For more information, visit ogia.org/LandscapePlantsOhio