SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 Vol. 31, Issue 5
The Official Publication of Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association
INSIDE: Member Roundtable: Employee Incentive Programs Bobbie Schwartz' Ever-Evolving Gardens Call for Entries! ONLA'sLandscape Awards
ONLA GOLF OUTING FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2020 • BENT TREE GOLF CLUB • SUNBURY, OH Benefits the Ohio High School Landscape Olympics
10 am: Shotgun start $100 per player
Register at onla.org/golfouting
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Purchase a sponsorship online at onla.org/golfouting or email karen@onla.org All event sponsors receive: One golf foursome, recognition at the event, on ONLA’s website, social media, and in The Buckeye onla.org
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September/October 2020 Vol. 31, Issue 5
The Buckeye is published six times per year by Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. 72 Dorchester Square, Westerville, OH 43081 614.899.1195 | www.onla.org
EDITORIAL / ADVERTISING ISSN 1536-7940 Subscriptions: $75/year alana@onla.org OFFICERS Emily Showalter, President Willoway Nurseries, Inc. Tim Clark, Immediate Past President H. J. Benken Florist & Greenhouses, Inc. Devon Stanley, President-Elect Benchmark Landscape Construction, Inc. DIRECTORS Jason Cromley Hidden Creek Landscaping, Inc. Brandon Druffel Dan Druffel, Inc. Michael Hall Harrell's LLC Molly John M.J. Design Associates, Inc. Scott Knowles Wolf Creek Company Wendy Moore Davis Tree Farm & Nursery, Inc. Steve O’Neal Columbus State Community College
CONTENTS 3
Executive Director's Message
5
President's Perspective
FEATURE STORIES
8
Be a Learn-It-All by Marty Grunder
16
Member Roundtable: Employee Incentives
19
Making Adjustments by Bobbie Schwartz
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE STAFF Ken Fisher, Executive Director Karen Lykins, Accounting Roni Petersen, Membership & Certification Alana Settle, Marketing & Communications
THE FINE PRINT The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, directors or staff and do not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as members of the ONLA does not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services.
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ONLA Scholarships
10
Ohio High School Landscape Olympics 2020 Sponsorships
13
ONLA Landscape Awards
24
Classifieds, Calendar of Events
25
Advertising Index
Looking for a Legislative Update? Visit onla.org/buckeye to download this month's article.
On the Cover: Bobbie Schwartz' garden. Learn more on page 19.
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September/October 2020
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S MESSAGE Ken Fisher, ONLA Executive Director, ken@onla.org
The “beginning of the end” or the “end of the beginning”? Covid medications are rapidly advancing to treat the most serious patients. Several promising vaccines are starting stage 3 trials with the hope for “good news” by the end of the year. Vaccine manufacturers are ramping up manufacturing capabilities to produce hundreds of millions of doses. Schools are trying to reopen with appropriate health and safety protocols. Businesses have invested in worker and customer safety processes to safely transact business. The government has pumped trillions of stimulus dollars into the economy to keep the markets and consumers optimistic. I’m hopeful we are entering the “beginning of the end” of this historic pandemic that has impacted every part of our world and we will all be back to “normal” in the coming months. But realistically, this might be just the “end of the beginning”. We’ve absorbed the initial body-blow but now begin the process of figuring out a new normal as the pandemic recedes but doesn’t go away. Stubborn unemployment lingers for several more quarters, consumer spending declines, and the recession causes some businesses fail. A divided political class fails to maintain support for the economy, social unrest continues to create chaos, and it takes a while for the results of the November elections to take hold. We will have to adjust to a new economic, political, social, and health environment. Oh, and there’s no Big 10 Football this fall. Could it get worse? I hope this isn’t the scenario, but we could be experiencing the “end of the beginning”. What does this mean for the Green Industry in Ohio? Ultimately, we’re a consumer goods industry. A large portion of our products and services end up sold at retail or to residential landscape customers. Another portion is purchased by commercial real estate and public sector clients for their landscaping needs. Consumer spending, unemployment, and the general economic health affects their spending. So regardless of the phase we’re in, as business owners and managers we need to set a personal and professional course that will safely deliver us to the other side. Strong consumer demand this season was a welcome surprise. If a small business owner met or exceeded their 2020 operating plan, that’s probably a good place to start for 2021. But expect continued higher operating costs from worker and customer safety requirements. Health care costs – both direct and premiums – will likely climb. Perhaps not in the short term, but in the medium term the influx of government stimulus, strain on the energy sector, business closures and constrained/ consolidated supply chains may result in a level of inflation for input materials and services. The revenue increases this season reported by both growers onla.org
and garden retailers were not likely a result of additional production – although some growers may have planned some expansion and made in-season adjustments. But a significant amount of the revenue growth was a result of less product shrink and limited supply chain discounting. Driven by need and potential market constraints, growers and retailers utilized better coordination and supply chain communication to manage shipments and inventories resulting in optimized performance. The industry demonstrated that consumers will pay a fair price for horticulture products and retailers don’t need to be timid about the price and value of our products. Business owners would be wise to be prepared for a “downside” scenario by carefully managing debt, aggressively managing working capital (inventory, shrink, AR/AP), and keeping a close eye on fixed and variable cost increases. Labor will continue to be an issue. The H2A program seems safe at this time, but our entire industry will be impacted by reduced H2B workers in landscape. Even though unemployment may remain high, don’t expect a large pool of workers or lower labor costs. Slow and steady wins this race in 2021. Consumers “staying at home” have demonstrated they will buy our industry. A strong economy before the pandemic, and government stimulus during, created an economic environment that gave consumers reasons and resources to purchase plants. With high unemployment and a lingering recession, there are no similar guarantees for 2021. While there are no signs that suggest our industry should pull back from the plan entering 2020, extrapolating 2020 final results to 2021 might prove to be a bit aggressive. Strong pricing and revenue growth can be achieved with careful management of product shrink and limiting discounting in season. Moderate growth projections with sound cost and cash management will be necessary. Know that your ONLA team will continue to monitor the changing business environment, fight for our industry, and keep you informed of changes you need to be aware of. What we do together matters—now more than ever!—when it comes to growing and protecting the future of our industry in Ohio and beyond. I appreciate your continued support of ONLA. Help us get the word out: the industry benefits from a growing ONLA membership. B
Ken can be contacted at ken@onla.org September/October 2020
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#PlantsDoThat Inside! Where We Work GREENING THE GREAT INDOORS Having plants in workplace is an important component of creating a sustainable indoor ecology and healthy minds and bodies. Indoor plants remove air pollutants and stabilize CO2, whlie decreasing our stress and helping us heal faster.
RELAX AND REFOCUS
Hard task ahead on your computer? Add a plant nearby: it will help to lower your blood pressure and reduce stress and tension all while increasing your focus on the task at hand.
GET IN THE GROOVE
98% of respondents to a survey believe the presence of plants enhances work motivation.
PLANT APPEAL
Offices with plants are simply more appealing! More attractive spaces reduce stress.
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MODIFY YOUR MOOD
People say they’re just in a better mood when they’re around plants.
CREATIVITY IS KING
Workers in the office with plants felt more comfortable, productive, healthier and creative.
BE HEALTHIER
Plants at work— on your desk, in the office, out the window—reduce sick leave and reduce eye strain.
ENERGY BOOST
Offices containing plants have workers that are 30% less fatigued. Workers also coughed less and showed fewer signs of physical discomfort.
LOVE YOUR JOB
People in offices with plants and windows have increased job satisfaction and report a higher quality of life.
PRODUCTIVITY BREAKTHROUGH
The more plants in view, the greater workplace productivity.
PLANTS MAKE PROS
Healthy plants inside the office/workplace promote professionalism and feelings of warmth and caring, thus fostering a more favorable business image.
ACCELERATE OUTPUT
Placing plants in windowless rooms resulted in 12% faster reaction times to the computer tasks at hand.
Infographic produced by National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture (NICH). Discover more about the power of plants in this series at ConsumerHort.org.
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PRESIDENT'S PERSPECTIVE Emily Showalter, Willoway Nurseries, Inc. Our Responsibility to Educate
Early statistics of just how much the COVID-19 pandemic has affected our industry are astounding. Research from economists and garden center groups report that somewhere in the range of 30 million new consumers entered the “gardening” sector in 2020. New interest in horticulture, house plants, improving curb appeal, upgrading/renovating your backyard for staycations, edible gardening, cut flowers, and related green industry activities have become the focus of many consumers’ free time throughout the pandemic. I wrote about the silver lining of COVID-19 in The Buckeye last month and I am happy to report that many of our ONLA members continue to see increased sales and profits as we enter month 5 of battling the virus in the US. What do we do now? It is the responsibility of our industry, ONLA members, and green industry business owners to keep the foot on the gas pedal. We can do this through education. These approximate 30 million new garden enthusiasts have our attention. We must keep them engaged in their newfound love of plants by educating end consumers on the health, well-being, and economic benefits of plants. I will not argue that plants are beautiful but the facts surrounding why consumers need plants in their lives is very powerful and must be promoted by every ONLA member, right now.
Most employees will be open to learning the numbers and you will find that many of them had no idea of the actual costs of running the company. But once they are informed, they will be able to help make better daily decisions and ultimately impact your bottom line. There has been and will continue to be an economic downturn in response to the pandemic. The future is filled with unknowns. Does anyone remember that the only industry to experience increased spending during the Great Recession in 2008–2009? The answer is…pets! I love my dog dearly, but plants have so much more to offer than pets in the areas of increased health, well-being, and economic impact. (As far as I know, owning a dog does provide a 109% ROI on my home.) The green industry can continue to compete for consumer business through the pandemic as long as we do our part to capture our new audience through education. And no Ohio State football this fall means more time to garden! Stay strong as we continue to navigate this stressful time. Please reach out to anyone at the ONLA for assistance, questions, comments or concerns. We are in this together and are here to help or just listen. B
Education material related to the benefits of plants can be found in many places, including the #PlantsDoThat infographics at consumerhort.org. Some ideas to promote this material include: place the infographics around your nursery, garden center, or on the back of your landscape crews’ clipboards. Share the information in your company newsletter or at your next department or company meeting. Email the infographics to your friends and families. Post the links on social media— frequently. Include facts on the back of your invoice, quote, or statement to customers. Encourage your customers to share the benefits with their customers. Ask the local newspaper to publish the material, too. Making sure your staff understand the purpose behind why we do what we do is of the utmost importance. Once the staff understands their impact on the environment they will buy in and promote the benefits of our products without even thinking about it. While you are educating your staff about the true positive impact of our products (above and beyond beauty) this also opens the door for increased transparency in other facets of your business. If your employees do not know the input costs to run your business, they surely do not understand the value of the products when installed in the landscape or sold at the Garden Center. Start by teaching some of the numbers including cost of labor (general summary, not individual salaries), cost to run your fleet (fuel, maintenance, insurance, etc.), cost of health insurance or other employee perks, and other inputs such as soil, pots, utilities, equipment, tools, etc. onla.org
Emily can be contacted at eshowalter@wwninc.com September/October 2020
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Welcome New Members! The following companies are applying for ACTIVE membership:
Cory Christopher 4949 Tealtown Rd Milford, OH 45150
Brehob Nursery, Inc. Erick Brehob 4316 Bluff Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46217
DLL Landscaping & Tree Service Stephanie Richardson 3080 Lamb Ave. Columbus, OH 43219
Central Ohio Landscape Co. Timothy Crump 188 Twp Rd. 158 Waldo, OH 43356 Cincinnati Nature Center
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Maxville Quarries Inc. Jeff Stimmel P.O. Box 737 Logan, OH 43138
River Plant Co. Jennifer Hihn 2600 Rocky River Oval Rocky River, OH 44116 The following individual is applying for PROFESSIONAL INDIVIDUAL membership: Valerie Reinhardt, Lake Metroparks
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BE A LEARN-IT-ALL, NOT A KNOW-IT-ALL Marty Grunder, Grunder Landscaping Co. In the past few months, my team at Grunder Landscaping Co. has had a wealth of opportunities to learn and grow as we’ve adapted to the ongoing challenges of COVID-19 and implemented new technology. And that goes for me, too. As business owners, it’s easy to be a know-it-all, and even to feel like you need to have all the answers for your team and clients. After all, you’re at the top of the org chart. Isn’t it your job to know everything? Yet the most successful business people I know all have one trait in common: No matter how much knowledge and experience they have, they are constantly striving to learn more, and they know good lessons can come from anywhere—whether it’s inside their industry or outside, whether it’s from a seasoned expert or a young new hire. That’s why I try to stick to this mentality myself, and why I’m always looking for people and companies I can learn from. At GLC, our director of design-build, Dalton, has been a great role model this year, and I have learned so much from the way he navigates the obstacles we face. He remains impressively calm and patient and doesn’t dwell on anything for long. If there’s a disagreement or disappointment one day, he has let it go by the next.
experience, and they deliver on it consistently. They always have my favorite products in stock, and if I ever have a question or need assistance, they bend over backward to help. From DLM, I’ve learned to always be acutely aware of what our GLC clients want and to ensure we deliver on that and more. We make sure we provide quality landscaping while also executing on the small touches, like bringing up client trash cans or gifting them surplus plant materials, that go beyond the expected and set us apart from the competition. Take a look around your company and the businesses you frequent. What can you learn from the people you work with and buy from to make your business better? If you challenge yourself to be a learn-it-all rather than a know-it-all, the sky is the limit for how far you can go. If you want to keep learning and growing your landscaping business, join me online for one of our upcoming virtual events at The Grow Group. We’re offering one a month through the end of the year; learn more at growgroupinc.com/upcomingevents. B
Dalton gives his direct reports the grace they need to learn without being discouraged, and his humble and steady leadership style has helped team members to grow as leaders themselves. Dalton may be more than 20 years my junior, but he’s taught me to be more patient, to ask more questions and jump to fewer conclusions, and to let go of any bad feelings or stress at the end of the day. Our teams are filled with people, young and old, to learn from if we have the right attitude. I believe you can also learn from every business you interact with, if you pay attention. In Dayton, Ohio, where GLC is based, we have a fantastic local grocery store called Dorothy Lane Market. I have shopped there for years and continue to marvel at how well they run their business. They have handily beat out Whole Foods in our area, despite being a small local operator competing for the same clientele. It’s a classic David-and-Goliath story. How is this small grocer succeeding against a national company with vast resources? By taking careful aim and exceeding customer expectations every step of the way. DLM is extraordinarily committed to quality: they have fresher produce, better meat and seafood, and delicious prepared foods made in house and by hand. They also have friendly, knowledgeable, and truly passionate team members. They understand what their customers want in their shopping onla.org
Contact Marty at marty.grunder@ grunderlandscaping.com September/October 2020
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ONLA 2021
SCHOLARSHIPS GREEN INDUSTRY STUDENTS STUDYING: • Horticulture • Landscape • Nursery/Greenhouse Production DEADLINE TO APPLY: NOVEMBER 19, 2020
Applications are now being accepted for the ONLA 2021 Scholarship Program. ONLA's Phil Kozel Memorial Scholarship Program provides assistance for college students and high school FFA students pursuing degrees in horticulture and related fields. An ONLA President’s Scholarship, a $3,000 scholarship, will be awarded to one college candidate from the pool of applicants. Several $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to college candidates. Several $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to high school FFA candidates.
TO APPLY, VISIT: ONLA.ORG/SCHOLARSHIPS
onla.org
September/October 2020
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Inspire & Educate Future Green Industry Professionals! ABOUT THE EVENT The Ohio High School Landscape Olympics tests students’ skills through hands-on, competitive events designed by industry professionals. OHLO broadens the high school education experience and introduces students to the many career opportunities available in the green industry.
WHY SHOULD YOU GET INVOLVED? We know that retaining quality employees is a priority, and ONLA is dedicated to building a strong workforce for our industry. Through OHLO sponsorship, you can have a direct impact at the right time—when young adults are exploring their career options and making plans for their future. And, your involvement guarantees that your business’ name and brand are top of mind with this future workforce as they enter the job market in a few years. In 2019, the event welcomed more than 250 students from 18 schools across the state. Excitement is already building for the fifth annual event. Your support will make OHLO 2020 bigger and better.
OHLO 2020 Thursday, October 15, 2020 Willoway Nurseries, Inc., Avon, OH
Competitive Events: Hardscape Installation • Compact Excavator Operation Landscape Maintenance • Landscape Plant Installation Sales Presentation • Skid Steer Operation Turfgrass • Knot Tying • Low Voltage Lighting Irrigation • Truck and Trailer Operation Plant Identification • Cost Estimation
Career Exploration Connecting companies and students and broadening perceptions of the industry and its careers
Awards Ceremony (Virtual) Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for individuals Team trophies
Safety and social distancing guidelines will be followed.
Sponsorship deadline is September 4, 2020 To secure a sponsorship, visit onla.org/ohlo 10 The Buckeye
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2020 Sponsorship Opportunities Gold Sponsor • • • • • • • •
- $5,000
Remarks at Opening and Closing Ceremonies Logo recognition on all print and digital marketing materials, event program and event signage Logo recognition on event t-shirt Option to distribute giveaway with your company logo Verbal recognition at Opening and Closing ceremonies Complimentary booth Space to display items at competition site (e.g. trailer, tent, equipment) Recognition in The Buckeye magazine, ONLA website and social media
Silver Sponsor • • • • • • •
- $2,500
Logo recognition on all print and digital marketing materials, event program and event signage Logo recognition on event t-shirt Option to distribute giveaway with your company logo Verbal recognition at Opening and Closing ceremonies Complimentary booth Space to display items at competition site (e.g. trailer, tent, equipment) Recognition in The Buckeye magazine, ONLA website and social media
Bronze Sponsor • • • • •
- $1,500
Logo recognition on all print and digital marketing materials, event program and event signage Logo recognition on event t-shirt Verbal recognition at Opening and Closing ceremonies Complimentary booth Recognition in The Buckeye magazine, ONLA website and social media
Breakfast, Lunch or Snack Sponsor • • • • •
- $1,000
Choose breakfast, lunch, or snack Logo on signage of sponsored area/function Recognition on all print and digital marketing materials, event program and party signage, and event t-shirt Verbal recognition at Opening and Closing ceremonies Recognition in The Buckeye magazine, ONLA website and social media
Supporting Sponsor - $500 • • •
Recognition in event program and event signage Verbal and multimedia recognition at Opening and Closing ceremonies Recognition in The Buckeye magazine, ONLA website and social media
SPONSORSHIP DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 4, 2020 To secure a sponsorship, visit onla.org/ohlo onla.org
September/October 2020
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4 8 TH A N N U A L L A N D S C A P E AWA R D S
CALL FOR ENTRIES TO APPLY Your hard work deserves recognition. ONLA’s Landscape Awards program honors skilled professionals who are going above and beyond with their outstanding workmanship. Eligible Projects Include: • Residential or Commercial, Design/Build or Maintenance • Seasonal Color, Container or Perennial Gardens • Theme Gardens or Retail Displays DEADLINE: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2020 Learn more and submit your entry at onla.org/landscapeawards
TIPS FOR A WINNING ENTRY Invest in high quality photography. The only way judges can evaluate your project is through photos, so make sure to submit the highest quality images possible. Hire a professional if needed. Tell a captivating story. Write your description as a narrative. Describe the project, your inspiration, the design and installation process, or the quirks or conditions imposed by the client and your creative solutions to issues. Plant selection matters. Materials should be well adapted and properly used. For example, a plant requiring full sun used in shade is an obvious flaw.
RECOGNITION Award winners will be notified by ONLA in November, 2020. All award winners will be recognized through print or digital displays at ONLA events, in the March/April 2021 Buckeye magazine, and promoted through ONLA’s social media and regional consumer and trade media outreach.
Pictured: 47th Annual Landscape Awards Project of the Year by Grunder Landscaping Co.
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Consider past projects. Projects may be up to five years old at submission. In general, a more mature job will make a better display. Client driven designs. Client objectives are an important component in landscape design/build and judges take into account how you have incorporated your client’s wishes. Submit projects in multiple categories If you enter the same project in more than one category, tailor your photos and written description. You are encouraged to reuse your application to submit entries in other state and national competitions
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY!
Not a landscaper? Support the program that rewards your customers! Sponsors receive logo recognition on print and digital promotional materials and help present awards to winning companies. For more details, visit onla.org/landscapeawards
September/October 2020
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AWARD CATEGORIES RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL INSTALLATIONS May include any or all of the following features: plantings, hardscapes, structures, water features and lighting. Category 1: Residential Installation Under $15,000 Residential design/build projects valued at $15,000 or under may be entered, with 8–20 project photos and a written description. Site plan/design is required. Category 2: Residential Installation $15,001 to $50,000 Residential design/build projects valued $15,001 up to $50,000 may be entered, with 8–20 project photos and a written description. Site plan/design is required. Category 3: Residential Installation $50,001 & Over Residential design/build projects valued at $50,001 or greater may be entered, with 8–20 project photos and a written description. Site plan/design is required. Category 4: Commercial Installation Under $75,000 Commercial design/build projects valued at $75,000 and under may be entered, with 8–20 project photos and a written description. Site plan/design is required. Category 5: Commercial Installation Over $75,000 Commercial design/build projects valued over $75,000 may be entered, with 8–20 project photos and a written description. Site plan/design is required.
Category 8: Use of Seasonal Color, Container Gardens, or Perennial Gardens Seasonal color entries must include images depicting a progression of seasonal color on a single client’s project. Seasonal color or container garden entries could include window boxes, patio planters, street planters, etc. and may include the use of annuals, perennials, bulbs, etc. Perennial garden entries must feature the predominant use of perennials and/or grasses, with 8–20 projects photos and a written description. Plans or plant lists are not required. Category 9: Student Project Students, individually or as a team, are encouraged to submit creative designs while being mindful of the practical considerations of site opportunities and constraints, program requirements, local government rules, and environmental issues. Students are not restricted by a design and construction budget. All entrants must be ONLA student members. A list of all team members must be submitted with the entry form. Entrants should submit a landscape plan, maximum size 24”x36”, for a garden or residence. All plants and hardscape elements must be clearly labeled. The plan should be drawn to scale and include a graphic scale and north arrow. Additional supporting drawings such as elevations, details and perspective sketches may also be included. No student names or the name of any school should appear on the plan. Print or high resolution digital images of plans may be submitted.
LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE Category 6: Residential Landscape Management Category 7: Commercial Landscape Management Must include one project where the plantings under consideration have been cared for by the entrant for a period of 12 months or more. No plans are necessary in this category, however, images showing seasonal progression and maintenance details are highly recommended. 8–20 project photos with written descriptions required. Indicate in your written description whether your maintenance project includes lawn care.
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Category 10: Theme Gardens or Retail Displays of Horticultural Products or Services Projects may include permanent or temporary installations or product/merchandise displays, such as: displays at garden centers or in landscapes; landscape or garden center company headquarters; garden show, mall, trade show, or state/county fair displays; knot gardens; butterfly gardens; rock gardens; dwarf conifer gardens; etc. No plan is required. Submit 8–20 project photos and a written description that states the intended theme.
onla.org
PROGRAM RULES Eligibility Requirements The awards program is open to ONLA members and non-members. Ohio-based ONLA members may submit projects completed within or outside of Ohio. ONLA members based outside of Ohio and all non-member companies may only enter projects completed in Ohio. Projects are eligible up to five years after installation. Entrants must have executed or designed the major portion of the submitted project (excluding management categories). Any project may be reentered in the same category in a following year, unless that project received a previous ONLA Grand Award. Previous Grand projects may be re-entered in a different category. Copyrights and Client Permission The entrant assumes the responsibility for copyrights, photographic fees, and client permission for further use of images by ONLA for marketing and public relations purposes. ONLA is not responsible for the pictures selected or any edited copy used from the press package sent to the media. Photographs and entries become the property of ONLA and may be used for publication or for any other purpose the association deems appropriate. Digital Photography You may submit up to 20 photos, numbered in the order that the judges should view them. At least three of the photos must be HIGH RESOLUTION and HIGH QUALITY. All photos must be submitted as .jpeg files. A separate thumb drive of images must be submitted for each project. Each image should be named and include a written description (use the downloadable template for guidance). Indicate one photo you would prefer to be used as a featured image on your awards plaque (photo must be horizontal/landscape orientation). Your company name must not appear on any images. Photos cannot be edited in any way, except to blur/mask a logo or company identifier or to correct color brightness/contrast/balance.
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Entry Fee $75 ONLA members; $150 non-members per each project entered. Student entries are free. Recognition Award winners will be notified by ONLA by December, 2020. Awards will be presented at the winning company’s place of business at a time of their choosing. A complimentary commemorative plaque is provided; additional plaques are available for purchase. ONLA promotes winning projects at its events, on its website, social media, and in The Buckeye magazine. ONLA sends information on winning projects to regional media and trade publications. Judging & Awards Two types of awards may be granted in each category, when warranted. All awards are granted based on a 100-point system. Points are awarded by a panel of judges for each entry in a category. Awards may not be granted in a category if no entry is awarded an appropriate score. • • •
All entries scoring a minimum of 75 points receive Merit Awards. One Grand Award will be granted in each category to the project that has the highest score above 85 points. A single Project of the Year Award is granted to the project with the highest score among all entrants.
A jury of distinguished professionals in the fields of landscape architecture, education and horticulture evaluate entries. The judges determine the quality of materials (both plant and construction), design, completeness of installation, workmanship, and horticultural correctness in the landscape installation using only the images and descriptions submitted with each entry. Judges view the project images in sequence as directed by the entrant. Review the Judges’ Criteria Forms (available from the ONLA office) for details on a specific category. All entrants receive copies of judges’ critiques. Each project is judged individually against the industry standard, not against other submitted projects.
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Member Roundtable
Employee Incentives An aerial view of EMI's annual employee appreciation party. Employee incentive programs, when linked to a company’s core values, can boost productivity by 75%, according to the Society for Human Resources Management.
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ONLA asked several landscape companies to share highlights of their initiatives to provide professional development and recognition for their employees. The companies who responded below range in size, but each of them are dedicated to creating hard-working, motivated teams and engaged employees who want to help drive production and profits to new levels.
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Cori Swain, Five Seasons Landscape Management We have several employee recognition programs for various things like obtaining certifications, or receiving compliments from properties that are extremely critical. These include monetary rewards, social media posts, or shout outs in the break room with a sign recognition, etc. One thing we do that might be different than others is a coin program that reiterates our company's core values. It was an idea brought to us from one of our employees who is a Navy veteran. It’s similar to a system used in the military where coins are presented by unit commanders to a member of the unit in recognition of special achievements. We have five Challenge Coins—Leadership, Going Above and Beyond, Creativity, Teamwork, and Mastery—that we encourage our employees to obtain. • •
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The Leadership coin is given when an employee enhances morale, has the confidence to get the job done and focuses on customer service, job quality, and integrity. Going Above and Beyond is doing the job a little better and more efficiently or taking the extra time to help someone pull weeds in their flower bed or lend them your ear… these little things go a long way. Teamwork reiterates that we are "better together"! We are a family. There is no room for bad attitudes.
16 The Buckeye
Creativity encourages thinking outside the box, being imaginative and coming up with ideas that can enhance a job, particularly in seasonal color, enhancements and design build. Mastery recognizes that an employee's skill level and expertise is unmatched. They have proven success.
These coins are given to an employee when he or she exceeds the company’s expectations in a particular area or skill set. They are not earned in any particular order and no one coin weighs heavier than the other. The employee receives one coin to keep and the company puts another of the same coin on a plaque that is hung in the office. The employees who get all five coins receive a wooden box to display the coins on at home. Gail Reinhart, Hidden Creek Landscaping We offer monetary incentives, including a monthly social media contest ($200 gift card for the winner) and a reviews contest in which $25 gift cards are rewarded to employees garnering a positive review from a client. We have an employee of the month program and employees receive a $25 gift card on their birthday, as well. Employees that refer a new hire receive a $300 referral bonus if the new hire remains employed after 90 days. Before the pandemic, we hosted a Christmas party and a summer family and friends company picnic (this year would have been our fifth annual picnic). The picnic is typically a large event with food and beverages, a bounce house, inflatable slide, dunk tank, and water balloons for the kids. Hidden Creek pays for all continuing education and encourages certification. The company pays for certification fees as well. If the employee needs to retake the exam, they cover the cost upfront and then we reimburse them when they pass. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package. Employees receive a clothing credit. And all employees earn an additional PTO day for each year they work with us. onla.org
Devon Stanley, Benchmark Landscape Construction Inc. Speaking in general terms of what we do here at Benchmark— outside of trying just about everything under the sun in our 24 years in business— we have found ourselves currently using an incentive program for our field supervisor personnel that is based in monetary and PTO rewards. For Field Supervisors (Crew Foreman), monetary earned quarterly bonuses are based on performance. They can also earn additional paid time off, beyond their normal vacation days, on a monthly basis. Earned based on evaluated requirements: • Gainfully and continually employed for the previous 12 month calendar year • Adherence to all company policies, etc. • Produce assigned weekly production volume • Meet or beating assigned weekly/monthly estimated hours • Actual hours matching entered payroll hours (accounted for) • All required paperwork or data entry submitted timely and accurately • Attendance: One no call/no show or a non-scheduled/ non-approved missed day disqualifies the supervisor for that month • Negligent equipment damage/loss disqualifies for given month/quarter • Negligent property damage to client property disqualifies for given month/quarter • No repeated service work orders issued by management for repeated site issues/or return visits required to fix contracted work for poor performance • No unexcused absence or late arrival to assigned company meetings/trainings As for professional development, Benchmark pays for all seminars/trainings/continuing education required for personnel who hold industry certifications. Benchmark will pay one testing fee for any employee who wants to obtain industry certification. If the employee needs to retake the certification exam, they will need to pay the fees upfront until they pass, but reimbursement is available.
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Internal training outside of COVID-19 is performed weekly with crew supervisors and monthly with field labor and supervisors together. Joe Lewis, EMI Part of EMI’s mission is to develop our landscape professionals in order to better serve our clients. We believe this commitment to our employees distinguishes our company as a destination employer. Our individual employee is EMI’s greatest asset and we are committed to providing the best possible climate for maximum development and goal achievement for all employees. Having the best trained Landscape Professionals ensure our clients’ needs will be realized and EMI will remain an affordable and exceptional value to our clients. Some highlights of what we offer: We offer various referral incentive opportunities for both the employee that refers someone as well as the new hire. In most cases, the bonuses are paid after 60–90 days of employment and range from $100 for a crew member and up to $750 for a landscape installation foreman. On each employee’s anniversary, they receive a $100 credit to be used on new apparel or boots. Five-year, ten-year, and twenty-year anniversaries are celebrated with logo merchandise ranging in value up to $320. EMI was able to achieve over 90% retention in 2017–2019. Of its 325 employees, 51 employees have been with EMI 10 year or more, and 27 of the 51 have been with EMI over 15 years. The average years of employment is 7.5 years. EMI has a department dedicated to the training and development of each employee—from entry level crew members to foremen/forewomen, administrative staff, account managers and sales teams. We provide: • • •
Tuition reimbursement for full-time employees and a scholarship program. Payment of all industry certification and training fees. Opportunity to earn a Journeyman’s License through The
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The 78-page, fullcolor Landscape Plants for Ohio features key terminology & planting info for popular evergreens, ferns, grasses, perennials, shrubs and trees.
A Professional’s Guide
LANDSCAPE PLANTS FOR OHIO
On the first Friday of every October, EMI throws a party for our employees to celebrate the successes of the season at our Plain City, Ohio location. We will start the day with some team building competitions and end the morning a State of the Company address for our employees. We bring in food trucks for lunch. Lunch is followed by prize drawings for crews that were nominated throughout the season for excellence in customer service, safety, and overall job performance. An employee’s name can only be drawn once, which maximizes employee participation. After prizes employees and management compete in various games such as corn hole, giant inflatable axe throwing, an inflatable obstacle course, and more. B
mounde d. of the gard Best if planted in camoufl en where folia an area ge age fade. Grea d or hidden onc will be e settings t for borders and blooms . naturaliz ed
Campanula persicifolia Peach-leaved Bellflower This semi-evergreen plant grows 18– 24” tall. Flowers appear in summer and are 1–1 1/2” in diameter and saucershaped. Makes a good cut flower. Best grown in cool sites and neutral to alkaline soils.
A low-growing vigorous habit makes this a great ground cover or candidate for the mixed border. Grows 8–10” tall with low mounds of light green foliage covered with dark blue bell-shaped flower in the summer.
Growing High Quality Plants, People, and Relationships
SERVING GARDEN CENTERS AND LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS
Campanula carpatica ‘White Clips’ and ‘Blue Clips’ Bell Flower Have deep blue (‘Blue Clips’) or white (‘White Clips’), cup-shaped flowers in the summer and grow 8” tall in a compact mound. Makes a good groundcover or plant for the front of the garden border. Campanula glomerata Clustered Bellflower This plant grows 12–18” tall and has deep purple flowers in early summer that are arranged in upward-facing clusters. Tolerates wet soil. Divide every two years to promote vigor.
SINCE 1978
Annuals Combo Planters Grasses Hardy Ferns
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Proven Winners® Succulents Vines
Now growing Proven Winners® shrubs
p. 800-948-1234 f. 877-964-6446 sales@millcreekplants.com www.millcreekplants.com
Aquileg ia Origami x caerulea ‘Ori gami Mix Columbi ne ’ Numerou s of red and pendant flowers in shad yellow cove spring. r the plan es Blue Mist Shrub is aptly named as its t in late gray-green foliage is shrouded in a cloud of blue from mid to late summer. Arabis cau It is a well-behaved garden plant that Rockcre casica ss is very attractive to butterflies. Dark Knight has deep purple blue flowers Arisaem Tolerate Anenom a s heat and closely spaced on elong stems. Jack-in- ‘Green Dragon ‘Honor poor, dry drought the-Pul ine Job ’ soil. Gra as well as pit ert’ y-green in a mou Grows 3foliage grow nd Campanula punctata ‘Cherry Bells’ 10–12” Large leav 4’ tall and flowers tall. Frag s es cover the has dark Bell Flower ge that rant whi Cassia folia marilandica 2’ tall. Flow with three part Good for plant in green makes a te for s earl beautifu the grac a border Wild Senna on a shor er is a fleshy gree grow to garden. plant or y spring. in Septem eful, white, silk- l backdrop t in a rock Long red bell-like flowers appear in appearing stalk beneath the n spike like flow ber. ers late spring to early summer. Blooms are flower is April through Juneleaves, This dramatic tropical-like plant grows encl . The osed about 18” above the ground-cover-like called a 4–5’ tall and makes a great accent plant spathe (thein a modified leaf Anemon plant and droop down like bells. Cut be red or e sylv or placed along the estr back of a border. Snowdr reddish-v “pulpit”) that may ‘Maflowers back to the foliage after blooming. crantha op Ane 6” is bright red iolet. A The yellow, pea-like, monlong ’ cluster of e Vigorous spreader. Good for berries appears appear in August and September, in the fall. woodlan Beautifu d areas. l, 2” accenting the yellowish-green foliage. wide, whi flowers te, fragrant with Very drought tolerant. yellow in early Caryopteris x clandonensis spring. The stamens appear Artemisia tall. Whi plant grow Blue Mist Shrub te s 1–2’ These pere summer wooly fruit pers . A low-gro ists Centaurea silvery-g nnials are best spreads macrocephala wing pere into the kno ray, soft quickly. A dense, mound-forming 3’ shrub that nnial that Armenian foliage and wn for growing. Great for wooded Basketflower Smaller the edg areas. grows as a perennial or tender shrub. cultivars ease of in the land es of can be used Plant has gray-green, lance-shaped The blooms of this plant make great and larg scape as a bord e cultivars er plant leaves and blue or purple-blue flowers cut flowers. The 3” wide yellow flowers specime Aqu n plants are excellent for ileg in late summer and early fall. Great for Colu or as other pere grow onia34’ tall plants and bloom mbine nnials. Cut backdrops for attracting butterflies. cult in late spring to early summer. They ivars mak branches Armeria e great maritim and wre are bright and beautiful but appear dried arra of some Pride’ This a ‘Duesse aths. genus enco ngemen ldorf almost thistle-like. ts mpasses Sea Pink of somewhat plants withmessy, Drought tolerant. bloom coloa wide variety rang e and rs in the pastel Great on the cult various heights plants for dep the fron used for ivar selected. Flow ending or rock t of the garden. cut arramontana ers can Centaurea border ngemen Gro mou be ws nd about into a cush ts. Plants 6” tall. Mountain Bluet are iony pop up on 6” stem Rosy-pink flow ers s in earl y summer This aggressive plant has 2” wide . 2019 Lands cape Plants bluish-purple flowers on 2’ tall plants. for Ohio.i ndd Blooms May24through June. Also known Full Sun as the “perennial bachelor button.” Full Shad e Tolerant of poor, dry soils. May require Partial Shad e 24 staking.
Caryopteris ‘Dark Knight’ Blue Mist Shrub
Full Sun
2019 Landscape Plants for Ohio.indd 28
Anemon e ‘Marga rete’ Grows to 2’ tall and flowers on multi-br has double pink anched stems.
PERENNIALS
Campanula poscharskyana ‘Blue Waterfall’ Serbian Bellflower
After bloo ms stems back have faded, clip flow er attractive to the foliage for an accent plan the sum t for the mer. rest of
Full Shade
Partial Shade
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1/4/2019
2:24:10
LS
EMI recognizes our crew members for excellent work throughout the season with a “Crew of the Week” nomination based on manager recommendations, client feedback, and Google/social media reviews. We recognize these employees from each of our locations on a weekly basis. At the end of the season, we tally all of these nominees and award prizes at our Employee Appreciation Day.
Your Go-To Reference Guide
PERENNIA
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Landscape Management Apprenticeship Program through the US Department of Labor. Opportunity to represent the company at career fairs, mentorship programs, and other outreach events.
PM
1/4/2019 2:24:18 PM
EXCLUSIVELY AVAILABLE FROM ONLA • • • •
Education and training for employees Leave-behind item for clients Garden Center Retail Item Landscape Design/Build Sales Tool
Buy online at www.onla.org/store or call 614.899.1195
15088 Smart Cole Road, Ostrander, OH 43061
18 The Buckeye
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Making Adjustments By Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD
Paintings are stuck in the moment of their creation. Gardens are living art. And living art can never stay the same for too long. This painting, “The Iris Garden at Giverny”, is Monet’s encapsulation of the garden at the moment when he painted it.
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September/October 2020
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Unlike most of our clients, those of us who garden know that a garden will always need to be tweaked. The environment of the garden is rarely static. We may ask why one plant in a grouping dies while the others live but most of the time, we have no ready answer. There are constant changes in moisture, light, wind, and life. As trees grow or die, the amount of light changes. My east bed used to be very sunny but now is shadier than I would like in the afternoon. I have, therefore, needed to replace sun-loving perennials and shrubs with shade-loving ones. In addition to environmental changes, our goals and tastes can change over the years. I initially started gardening so that I could have flowers to cut and bring inside, thus foregoing trips to the florist. Instead, I became so enamored of the flowers in the garden, I couldn’t bear to cut them. Then I started dreaming about how to improve the garden itself. That’s just one instance of how goals can change.
find that the blue actually detracts so I’ve started taking it out. That led to adding some apricot and then some orange. One of my favorite perennials now is Penstemon barbatus. Once it starts blooming in July, its orangey-red flowers provide strong contrast to the pink of Echinacea and the white of Hydrangea paniculata. That was only the beginning of my affinity for this part of the color spectrum. Belamcanda chinensis is a softer orange as is the my double-flowered poppy but Crocosmia ‘Lucifer’ is in-your-face orange although I tend to place that toward the back with another strong colored perennial, the magenta Geranium psilostemon. When designing a garden, we rely on books and catalogs plus our experience to tell us how large a particular plant will be at maturity. The problem is that plants pay no attention to those strictures. For instance, in my back garden, I have a Juniperus chinensis ‘Eternal Gold. I planted it in 2007 assuming that it
Taste can change, too. When I first started gardening and designing, I relied on a color scheme of blue, purple, pink, and white. At that time, I planted Platycodon for its lovely blue color and its unusual balloon-shaped flowers. Little did I know how much maintenance would be involved. The flowers are beautiful when budded and when open but horrendous when done. I swear they look like used condoms. As that part of the west bed has evolved, I’ve added yellow Achillea to the pink and orange Echinacea and white Gaura and
Below: The original color scheme was mostly blue, pink and white. Drought tolerant perennials and shrubs: Hydrangea 'Limelight', Platycodon, Echinacea 'Sunset' (faded), Echinacea 'Green Jewel', Sedum 'Autumn Joy', Echinacea 'Tiki Torch'
The addition of yellow and shades of orange have added much more interest to my garden. Plants include drought tolerant perennials and grasses: Papaver somniferum 'Double Coral', Verbascum bombyciferum 'Polarsommer', Penstemon barbatus, Echinacea paradoxa, Platycodon, Sedum 'Black Jack' 20 The Buckeye
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would grow no higher than three feet. This was true for the first five years but since then I have struggled to keep it at that height so as not to hide the plants behind it. Now, only time and manpower are keeping me from removing it. I’m tired of pruning it and want a yellow conifer like Juniperus ‘Daub’s Frosted’ that won’t need constant pruning. The books also forgot to mention that New England asters have rhizomatous roots. Many years ago, I planted Aster novae-angliae ‘Hella Lacy’ for its strong purple color and the fact that it was a fall-bloomer. Little did I know that it would try to take over the right back garden. A few years later, I added Hibiscus Summerific ‘Summer Storm’, not realizing that it would grow over the stone path in that part of the garden. This year I decided to stop fighting with them. I dug out most of the aster, leaving only a bit that I will have to watch so it doesn’t spread too much. Then I transplanted the Hibiscus further left
away from the path and am waiting for its huge pink blooms to open. I am also widening the path to make maintenance easier. Over the years, I came to realize that my front gardens needed conifers to help carry them through the winter. I have two cultivars of blue spruce placed asymmetrically, two yellow conifers across the front of the center bed plus one tall one in the back, and some green cultivars of Thuja. These are my “bones”. What I’ve learned is that we need to constantly assess our gardens and then make necessary changes. I assume that I will keep tweaking my garden forever. B Bobbie may be contacted at bobbie@bgthumb.com. Photos courtesy of Bobbie Schwart
Left, top: The juniper was pruned in early spring but is still hiding the hydrangea behind it. Other plants include: Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea', Ipomoea 'Margarita' in pot, Sedum aizoon, Juniperus 'Eternal Gold', Penstemon 'Dark Towers', Euphorbia 'Excalibur', Celosia 'Kelos Fire Magenta', Lantana, Bacopa lavender, Verbena 'Homestead Purple'.
Left, bottom: Aster 'Hella Lacy' and Aster cordifolius 'October Skies' the year before I planted the Hibiscus.
Below: Hibiscus ‘Summer Storm’ not overwhelmed by asters. Fall garden plants include Solidago, Anemone japonica 'Alba', Aster novae-angliae 'Hella Lacy', Hibiscus 'Summer Storm'
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simple, successful, solutions.
AVON | BROADVIEW | HILLIARD WWW.PREMIERPLANTSOLUTIONS.COM 22  The Buckeye
onla.org
PREFERRED SERVICE PROVIDERS An exclusive member benefit! ONLA members are entitled to the following services designed to reduce company expenses while addressing the specific needs of green industry businesses. The providers below were chosen by ONLA, and many offer discounts to ONLA members.
Energy Program: Growers Energy Solutions (GES) Grower Energy Solutions (GES) programs help manage your energy costs by bringing ONLA members together as one buying group. GES is an energy program that provides the opportunity to manage your energy needs and save on your natural gas & electric costs. Our programs can offer pricing to members located in all Ohio gas and electric utilities that allow third party supply. Joe Perlaky perlaky@bex.net Fuel/Fleet Program: SuperFleet Whether you have one company car or a fleet of over 100, your business can save an ongoing 5¢ per gallon on fuel with the SuperFleet MasterCard Program®. SuperFleet is offering new accounts .15 cents off per gallon at all Speedway locations (2,878) nationwide for the first three months using the SuperFleet cards. Holden Moll holden.moll@fleetcor Health/Life/Income Insurance: TAH Benefits The ONLA Insurance & Employee Benefits Programs has partnered with various insurance plans to offer a wide variety of benefit options for members including medical, vision, dental, life, and disability. Our insurance representatives will help tailor-make a program specifically to fit your needs, including advanced plan designs, management techniques, and improved benefits administration that can result in substantial cost savings and reduction of employee benefits liability exposure. Jay Hazelbaker info@tahbenefits.com IT: Streamliner Solutions Group Streamliner Solutions Group, LLC is proud to offer ONLA members discounts on all of our services. These include VoIP, Backup and Data Recovery, Networking, Web Design and more. We're dedicated to putting you on track for tomorrow. Lora Gray lora.gray@ssghris.com Legislative Advocacy: Belinda Jones ONLA works with Capitol Consulting Group, provides legislative updates to its members, and plans advocacy events. Belinda Jones, bjones@capitol-consulting.net, 614.224.3855 Property/Casualty Insurance: SeibertKeck Save on your property and casualty insurance with SeibertKeck. SeibertKeck’s group program is designed for ONLA members to save at least 15 percent with the best coverage rates for your liability, fleet and equipment. Marc McTeague mmcteague@ seibertkeck.com
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Safety Services: American Safety & Health Management Consultants, Inc. American Safety & Health Management Consultants, Inc (ASH) fills the growing need for professional safety and health management services for companies of all sizes. ASH has the capabilities to provide Total Safety Management, from working on a single problem area to evaluating, developing and administering an entire comprehensive safety and health problem. Gary Hanson ashmci@aol.com Soil & Plant Tissue Testing/ Ag Hort. Consulting Services: Spectrum Analytic (formerly CLC LABS) ONLA members receive a 10% discount off list prices, including testing of soil nutrients, soil texture, soilless media nutrients, plant tissue nutrients and irrigation water suitability testing, plus consulting services on all aspects of testing. Mike Hall, Mike@spectrumanalytic.com, 800-321-1562, spectrumanalytic.com Wealth Coach Financial Services Wealth Coach provides comprehensive financial planning tools including: Basic Financial Planning; College Fund Strategies and College Planning; Tax-Saving Strategies; Retirement Plan Services for Businesses and their Employees; and Insurance Strategies for Businesses and Individuals. Mike Sullivan, Mikes@wealthcoachfinancial.com Workers' Compensation: CareWorksComp The ONLA Workers’ Compensation Group Rating Program has saved its members over $21.4 million in the last 11 years. Through CareWorksComp, members are offered multiple savings levels, ranging from the BWC maximum to a lesser percentage, for companies with claims. Free, no obligation analysis of potential workers’ comp premium savings. Cordell Walton cordell.walton@careworkscomp.com If you have any questions regarding details on a benefit, please call 614.899.1195 or email roni@onla.org. Please ensure that your correct email is on file with ONLA so that you receive important member announcements and updates.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Ads listed here were current as of press time. For details, or to place a classified ad, visit onla.org/ careers Construction Supervisor Grass Groomers Reynoldsburg, OH
Estimator Grass Groomers Reynoldsburg, Ohio
UPCOMING EVENTS Subject to change. Visit onla.org/events for more information. O designates qualifying OCNT recertification events. Diagnostic Walkabout: BGSU Firelands O September 10 Huron, OH onla.org/walkabouts
Diagnostic Walkabout: Sunset Memorial Park O September 24 North Olmsted, OH onla.org/walkabouts
OCNT Exams September 17 Westerville, Ohio onla.org/ocnt
ONLA Ohio HIgh School Landscape Olympics October 15 Avon, OH onla.org/ohlo
7463 West Ridge Road P.O. Box 189 Fairview PA 16415 800.458.2234 Fax 800.343.6819 e-mail: info@FairviewEvergreen.com FairviewEvergreen.com
ONLA Golf Outing September 18 Sunbury, OH onla.org/golfouting
Share Your Event! Are you hosting an open house, an educational workshop or webinar, or a networking event? Email alana@onla.org with details! ONLA Member events will be listed in the Buckeye and online at onla.org 24  The Buckeye
Sc with your smartone Scan phone
CALL YOUR BUSINESS PARTNERS www.BuckeyeResources.com Tony Sciambi or Mike Satkowiak
937-462-8346
For complete listing & product descriptions, visit
www.BuckeyeResources.com
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ADVERTISER INDEX Artform Nurseries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
IT'S TIME TO BOOK YOUR 2021 ADVERTISING!
artformnurseries.com Buckeye Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 buckeyeresources.com Cascade Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
ONLA offers affordable advertising options: The Buckeye E-Newsletter Banners Program Sponsorships Contact Alana Settle for a media kit alana@onla.org • 614.899.1195
cascadelighting.com Davis Tree Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 davistreefarm.com Ernst Seeds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 ernstseed.com Fairview Evergreen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 fairviewevergreen.com Green Velvet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Restoring the native landscape
greenvelvet.com Millcreek Gardens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 millcreekplants.com Premier Plant Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 premierplantsolutions.com Spring Meadow Nursery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 colorchoiceplants.com
Ad Rates & Info Contact Alana Settle, alana@onla.org, 614.899.1195
ernstseed.com sales@ernstseed.com 800-873-3321 onla.org
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Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association 72 Dorchester Square Westerville, OH 43081-3350 Address Service Requested
DIAGNOSTIC WALKABOUTS Discuss how to find, diagnose, and control landscape pests during early mornings walks. Discussions are tailored to the audience, weather and time of year, and characteristics of the location—no two walkabouts are ever the same. Learn more at onla.org/walkabouts
BGSU Firelands Thursday, September 10
Sunset Memorial Park Thursday, September 24 Social distancing guidelines will be observed.
