Paul's Backyard Blog

How's My Driving?

2011-07-15T12:20:00.000-07:00

Why is it that vehicles sporting signage posing a question about its operator’s driving abilities invariably are the ones that need it the most? “How’s My Driving?” Let me tell you …

Drivers of company fleet vehicles, whether it be landscape trailers, produce trucks, etc., need to be extra wary of how they are driving. Safety should be the No. 1 priority on the road, of course. But, fellow motorist and pedestrian well-being aside, the company’s reputation also could be in peril. The vehicle in question might not have a “How’s My Driving?” emblem on the bumper for quality control purposes, but -- most likely, the company’s name, logo, phone number, and website are all in plain sight.

Cutting other drivers off, tailgating, having debris flying out the back, not using turn signals, or any other careless driving-related action identified with that company vehicle not only reflects poorly on the operator, but also the company that employs the vehicle and its occupants. Something of this nature will cost an operation probably more than it really knows, especially since it’s occurring outside office walls.

Image might not be everything for a business, but it sure counts for a lot in our react-fist, ask-questions-later society.

Buckle up, stay in your lane, be courteous, and drive safe.

Sensory Appeal

2011-04-11T06:41:00.000-07:00

While sifting through snail mail at work the other day, I came across a postcard from the Florida Department of Citrus announcing its new digital campaign. While the info about its to-come eNewsletter was noteworthy, I was more drawn to the card’s text and main image on the cover. The headline is kitchy, but the scratch-n-sniff orange underneath it is old-school cool. Nowadays, the worlds of marketing and publishing (in particular) strive to give their target audience multiple avenues to access and experience content. While this postcard’s verbiage does enough to whet the appetite for a coming product, and the obligatory URL at the end serves its purpose for finding more info, it’s the odoriferous scratch-n-sniff orange that makes this piece of mail stand out. It’s a simple element, but one that takes full advantage of a much-forgotten sensory tool---smell. Sure, fragrance ad material uses this method ad nauseam, but you don’t see it too much anywhere else. Produce and garden/landscape industries should take note. If there is a simple and affordable way to capture a key essence of what makes a particular piece of fruit, veggie, and or flowering plant unique and deliver it to potential consumers, would you bite? It makes perfect “scents” to me.

Check Please!

2011-03-08T11:45:00.000-08:00

OK, here’s an update from the field on my fire ant fight. As I reported in a recent post , a unique approach to controlling fire ants came to my attention and I wanted to give it a shot.

I did, and it looks like it’s back to the drawing board.

Per instruction, I applied club soda (yes, you read that right) on several active mounds around my yard. I conducted the experiment on different days, kept track, even re-applied in a couple cases; but to no avail. Although the carbonated concoction seemed to agitate the ants, that’s about all it did. The mounds remained quite robust [see photo].

So, in the end, this pest management method turned out too good to be true ... at least in my yard. Perhaps I needed a higher proof beverage? Though it appeared my soda had plenty of pop. From now on, I’ll save the club soda for cocktails. Cheers.

The Power Of Nature

2011-02-16T14:06:00.000-08:00

Mother Nature often takes center stage of the evening news, particularly when someone or something is incurring its wrath. Hurricanes, freezes, floods, and blizzards, oh my! Examples of each around the globe (some locally) grabbed headlines and major air time all within the last month. These kinds of events are hard to ignore (bloated news feeds or not).
Of course, you don’t necessarily need a large-scale show of power from nature to evoke the occasional ooohh and/or aaahh. Those in the field of horticulture know this well. A simple bloom at the right time can make a grower's day.

Thanks to a recent lunch outing, I can provide a firsthand example of this: The other day, my co-workers and I noticed a strange-looking mark on the side of a landscape tree adjacent to the gas station we had pulled into. While our associate was filling his tires with air, a couple of us got out for a closer look. Upon further review, the mark actually was an open wound revealing remnants of what looked to be a make-shift tree brace … er or garden hose … from years gone by. It does appear the mature holly is winning the battle against its once rubber and plastic shackles though. Hell, blur your eyes a little and it kinda looks like snake-skinned smile. Almost like the specimen is getting the last laugh.

Scanning over a nearby tree, a similar situation was playing out with another type of guying implement. All in all, both trees appeared to be healthy. Not sure if their “permanent additions” will do them any harm down the road. Time will tell.

Our main takeaway as we drove back to the office: Nature finds a way. Whether it’s a Sabal palm punching its fronds up through sealed blacktop next to the roadway, a runaway jasmine vine that totally engulfs a fence, or a tree that literally covers up a landscape mistake, it’s impressive---even if it’s not headline news fodder.

Bartender’s Guide To Pest Control

2011-01-10T12:56:00.000-08:00

For anyone who’s ever been bitten by a fire ant or two or three … knows 1. how much it stings, 2. how unsightly the mounds make a yard or grove look, and 3. how difficult it is to get rid of them and keep them at bay.
I have tried the conventional route of spreading commercial agrichemical bait/granules all around my yard. Despite mild success employing this method, the red devils have come back with a vengeance each time --- even quicker now after every application. Treating the mounds individually with the bait or powder has yielded the same results. Pure frustration and desparation has led me even to pour boiling water down the holes. Nothing. Believe it or not, banging the mounds with a shovel and yelling didn’t do the trick either. Go figure. At least that failed exercise is a good stress reliever.
Recently, I received a newsletter in the mail from a landscape company I featured on the cover of Ornamental Outlook a little more than two years ago. Winter Garden, FL-based Biosphere Nursery has made its mark by taking a softer approach to gardens and landscapes through promotion of native plantings, basic landscape design principles, and other water-saving/sustainable techniques. I enjoyed learning about the company then and after perusing its latest newsletter, I am really happy to still be on the mailing list. Why? I spotted a little tidbit about a new possible fire ant control method. According to the blurb, University of Georgia ag department researchers have a recommendation for a concoction to possibly control fire ant colonies that is safe enough to drink. Really? So, what is it you ask? Brace yourself (insert drumroll)….club soda. Yep. Apparently, the CO2 released in the beverage kills the queen. That’s all the damage you need to mow over any fire ant mound.
OK, I’m game. Verbiage from the newsletter says to pour two capfuls of club soda directly into the mound. And that’s it. Sounds easy enough.
Not surprising, I have several active mounds ready to experiment on.
I will mark them, pour (shaken, not stirred), track what I hope is the demise of that particular colony, and report back.
In the mean time, bottoms up!

Sugar, Spice, And Everything Nice

2010-12-14T11:38:00.000-08:00

Ahh, the holidays --- it’s the perfect time for giving. It’s not bad for receiving either. The other day, I was notified via eMail by Fresh From Florida that I had won a prize [pictured] they were giving away on their blog. Sweet! …Or, in this case, spicy. The package arrived yesterday, much to my delight. Having been (and being) a big fan of Everglades Seasoning products, I knew this “Gift Shack” had found a good home.
With this kind of luck, perhaps I should have gone out and purchased a few lotto tickets, too. Lucky or not: In this case, I was handsomely rewarded for simply following and leaving a comment on a blog of interest that was highlighting one of my favorite spice-rack staples. Not too shabby.
Rewarding loyal customers and/or followers is a great way to maintain and build upon the base of any business. It’s easy to look past your existing clientele and expend all your energy to entice new blood. But those actions can and will drive away the people that got you there.
Giveaways --- especially during this time of year --- are a slam dunk in customer relations and PR. Everywhere you turn around, someone seems to be giving away an iPad. Hell, I even gave away something on this blog earlier this year. Done not so much for the intent of building a blog-follower empire (obviously), but just for fun.
What you give doesn’t really matter. The point is: People like to get things. And if you can offer them something, even a little something, expect that to come back to you in some way—hopefully what would be considered a good return on investment.
Happy holidays!

Pocket Full Of Shells ...

2010-11-24T06:37:00.000-08:00

Landscaping projects – whether on a professional scale or homespun – usually draws its energy from an inspired vision. If the final product can look anywhere near what the computer-generated renderings, hand sketches, or images in your head are, then you are doing something right. Of course, it often happens where things stray from an original plan for one reason or another.
Pictured with this post is an image that is quite contrary to the title. What you are seeing there actually is roughly one ton of crushed shell. This is the basis for a front-yard landscape project that I’ve had in mind for a while now. I have/had the inspiration. The hard part was finding the time and getting the material.
The project is under way and coming together. However, borrowing a line from one of my all-time favorite movies: “We’re gonna need a bigger boat.” Well, in this case, I’m going to need more shell. Good things take time, and so far, so good.
Stay tuned. More to come …

You Never Know ...

2010-10-22T07:13:00.000-07:00

Taking a risk can be a scary proposition. However, sometimes you have to take that leap to move forward in life as well as in business. Agriculture is a prime example where -- despite gobs of statistical data showing what works and what doesn’t -- many a dice are still rolled to find ways to produce bigger, better, and more crops for longer periods of time. Besides the obvious, there probably is a lot of finger-crossing going on regarding fundamental things such as whether to make that large investment, change in a vendor, tweak to production philosophy, or alternative crop planting.
Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting Canal Point, FL-based Erickson Farm to conduct the photo/video shoot for the cover story I was writing. A combination of experience and experimentation has driven this grower, packer, and shipper of tropical specialties (mangos, avocados, carambola, longan, lychee, sapodilla, etc…) for nearly 100 years. I was able to score some of exotic edibles during my visit, BTW [see photo].
As explained to me, the 62-acre farm I was standing in was where five generations have lived and worked. It’s hard to fathom how many changes have occurred between now and then. In order to survive and sustain for that long, you know risks were taken along the way. I suppose trying to grow “tropical” edibles in a subtropical environment would be among the biggest. However, once that first mango tree was planted long ago, they learned the parcel’s proximity to Lake Okeechobee provided a unique microclimate that allows for growing things others around them cannot. They reaped the reward from that risk, found their niche, and have stuck with it.
In speaking with two generations of Ericksons on their farm (father Dale and his two daughters Kim and Krista), I see where the experience meshes with the younger generation perspective and input. That generational transition has played out several times over for the Ericksons and continues to help them branch out for new growth. Read more about how this operation nurtures its knack for niche in the November issue of Florida Grower. Check out the videos, too.

The door is open – just like it always has been -- for the future of modern agriculture, especially given the latest advancements in communications, technologies, and chemistries, to name a few.
Not trying different things in different ways is a risk we all cannot afford to take.

For Your Amusement

2010-09-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

Take a trip to the many “attractions” around the Orlando Metro area, and you are bound to see something that will catch your eye. After all, that’s the whole point of going to theme parks: to see and experience extraordinary things. In order for there to be a successful “theme,” the setting has to be tailored to deliver that genuine experience. Everything has to be spot on---down to the very last detail. I never really thought about this aspect of amusement parks much until during a recent outing at SeaWorld with the family.
While meandering around the park scanning for a place for us to sit down and dine, my eyes were drawn beyond the poor park staffer broiling in the orca costume to a nicely appointed garden area outside of The Terrace (formerly the Hospitality House --- aka beer garden).
A nice variety of primarily cacti and succulents are used to create what looks like an under-the-seascape … but on land. Plants of contrasting shapes, textures and colors meld well on a bed of stark-white crushed sea shell. Sporadically placed boulders add a nice touch, too. This planting bed flanks the Terrace structure and outlines a small body of water that is frequented by ducks, ibis, and other birds.

There are numerous landscape creations --- equally as cool --- tucked in the many nooks and crannies of this particular park and many others like it. Why did I feel compelled to stop and take note this time? Not sure. Last year, Ornamental Outlook featured the landscape team that sets the stage at the Worlds of Discovery (which includes SeaWorld, Discovery Cove, and Aquatica). So, I know full well what kind of work that goes into creating an amusement-park memory. I guess this is the first time I really appreciated it from a visitor’s perspective and not just from an ag journalist’s view.

So, you want to fuel your garden-design inspiration? Take a stroll around a theme park. You just might find yourself taken with something that's not actually the main attraction.

Look Sharp

2010-07-15T12:09:00.000-07:00

When one thinks of cactus and succulent plants, images of the desert Southwest --- no doubt --- spring to mind. However, the more I look around my Central Florida digs, the more I see these supposed desert dwellers thriving amid the heat and humidity.

Despite the prickly nature of the majority of these plants, I have come to warm up to not only their unique, detailed appearances, but also their durability in the landscape. Yes, you have to watch the razor-sharp barbs when gardening around certain specimens, but I gladly take the risk in exchange for the low- to almost-no-maintenance input I exert for such high return.

One of the most reliable things that grow in my yard is zebra aloe (a 2010 Florida Garden Select plant, btw). I have successfully dug up and transplanted several of these groundcovers without any casualties (besides a few scrapes on my arms and some snapped leaves). In addition to the expected heat and drought-tolerant nature of these plants, they also can take on the cold and have the ability to roll with the heavy downpours of our six-month-long rainy season, too.

Another reason to like cacti and succulents: They lend themselves to one’s creative side as the plants can be placed just about anywhere and displayed in numerous ways. From colorful combos in decorative planters to showing off striking contrast within a tropical-themed landscape to an attractive centerpiece in a living wall, the versatility is vast.

The City of Orlando obviously saw/sees the benefits of using cactus and succulents in the landscape on a larger scale. Every time I’m driving along the East-West Expressway (408) heading to and from downtown, it’s hard not to notice the large, sculpture-like agave standing out and mixing in with native grasses, bottlebrush, and the state’s signature sabal palms. All smart choices for highway medians as each require very little care from landscape crews and save on irrigation.

By the way, I snapped these shots from
the safety of the front passenger seat.

So, will these types of plants replace the familiar, post-card images of lush foliage and palm-lined landscapes the Sunshine State is known for and expected to have? It’s highly doubtful. But there’s nothing wrong with having the best of both worlds ... if you can. Let’s call it “subtropical succulence.” Now, I like the sound of that.

King Sago Saga Update

2010-07-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

It's been a little more than two weeks since I decided to take a caffeinated approach to landscape pest management. Asian cycad scale, a widely known invasive that has marred many a king and queen sago in Florida landscapes for more than a decade, was now making itself at home in my front yard. (Take note: The key word in the last sentence= “was.”)

Two days after the initial application of the coffee ground mulch (courtesy of Starbucks’ “Grounds For Your Garden”), I noticed a much slowed progression of the pest.

After a week, I didn’t see any activity at all. I rinsed off the scale residue left over on the fronds and applied another bag of spent coffee grounds around the base since recent abundant rainfall had washed away a majority of the first batch. I even sprinkled a little bit over the interior fronds so it would settle in down around the petioles.

Two weeks in and I am pleased to report no scale present on this sago.

The short-term results of my crop protection experiment have proved positive on this particular specimen. I will be keeping a close eye on how things fare in the long run. Either way: So far, so good. It could have bean a lot worse.

Caffeine Buzz

2010-06-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

Bugs, bugs, and more bugs. In Florida, no matter where you are, insects will find you and eventually your plants, too. The other week while doing a few chores outside, I walked by the king sago (Cycas revoluta) growing near my garage and noticed a decent portion of its inner, lower fronds near the petioles turning white. Upon closer inspection ... Hey wait a minute, some of this white stuff is moving! Yep, tiny white specs were roaming all over the inside of this cycad and apparently attempting to suck the life out of it.
Not sure how they found my sago (guess it doesn’t matter), but it appears the dreaded Asian cycad scale has landed in my front yard. This pest has put a hurting on Florida landscapes by wiping out multitudes of king and queen sagos, cardboard palms, and coonties ever since its Sunshine State discovery near Miami in 1996.

Now knowing what I was facing, I had a plan for these buggers thanks to recalling an article I wrote about two years ago. In the piece, I interviewed Tom Broome, owner of The Cycad Jungle in Lakeland, FL, about a somewhat unorthodox method of pest control he found to be successful on Asian cycad scale. The weapon of choice --- spent coffee grounds.
Packed with beneficial nutrients for nitrogen-loving plants, spent coffee grounds used in gardens as a top dressing and a compost addition is nothing new. However, the grounds’ main ingredient (caffeine) apparently makes a mere top dressing into something with natural insecticide properties, too. According to Broome, the caffeine alkaloids left over in the coffee grounds kill the scale. And, the higher the caffeine content (e.g., what you find in espresso beans), the better.

In my mission to gather grounds, I didn’t have to brew pot after pot to get what I needed. A quick stop at my nearest Starbucks to ask for a bag of its “Grounds For Your Garden” was all it took. The five-pound bags of the used grounds, which are part of the coffeehouse giant’s ongoing environmental initiative, are complimentary to customers and anyone who asks.

With my bag of busted beans in hand, it was time to trim and treat my sago. The infestation was pretty dense in the fronds I removed.

Mulching around the entire root area is important for the method to be effective. Since the rainy season has arrived here, there will be plenty of precip to help the alkaloids sink in and do their work.

Crop protection, whether organic, conventional, or even unconventional --- as in this case, is something all Florida growers, landscapers, and home gardeners need to take into account and have a plan for. Many pros usually have multiple plans of attack in their arsenal.

Thanks to our hospitable climate and multiple ports of entry, invasive pest pressure is always going to be present. Frequent scouting and early intervention with the right chemistries are keys to productive pest control.

That's all for now regarding this sago saga. Hopefully the end result will be one that not only purges the pests, but also perks up the plant.

A Valuable Lesson

2010-06-04T08:52:00.001-07:00

About every other day, my 4-year-old daughter brings home something from school that represents the fruits of her labor. I’m always interested to see what she is working on and learning about in the classroom and outside of it. It’s cool to see the book she’s made, the picture she drew, or any of the other clever items she helped make that were designed to nourish her creativity and expand her growth in knowledge. The other day, I was quite pleased to see her bring home a little squash plant. The tiny seedling, which was barely peeking out over the plastic cup in which it was placed, was none the worse for wear after digging it out from the bottom of her back pack. While there are many effective learning tools available, there’s nothing like a living, tangible object to drive home a point. And what a fine lesson this could be in not only how plants grow, but also where food really comes from.

Often, the hard work that goes into growing, packing, and shipping foods that feed the world is taken for granted. While the local supermarket is quite a sight for a wide-eyed child, us adults know the food that fills the shelves doesn’t just magically appear. Given that fact, it doesn’t hurt to teach and/or remind our future generations how food truly gets from the plot to the plate.

The other day, when I went to visit my daughter’s elementary school for a scheduled function, I stumbled upon a nice surprise as I was walking through the campus. Two decent-sized edible garden areas were focal points around the courtyard. There was a good variety of attractive veggies and herbs in different stages of growth and development: how very symbolic of the dynamic that makes up every school community. Kudos to the teachers and school administrators in sharing this concept with our kids. Talk about feeding young minds.

High marks for this elementary school veggie garden.

In a little more than a week’s time, my daughter and I have since transplanted her seedling into a bigger pot to let it stretch its roots. So far, the daily routine of morning sun, mid-day heat/humidity, and afternoon/early evening rain has done the little squash plant some good. It has gotten taller and produced four more leaves and counting. I’m really looking forward to watching the continued growth in this little plant and in my little girl, of course.

Better Safe Than Sorry

2010-05-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

As busy as we all are in our daily lives, sometimes the most common-sense actions can be lost in the mix. Unfortunately, a momentary lapse in judgment can have a long-lasting effect --- depending on the situation. The saying: “better safe than sorry” can be applied in some way to just about any physically demanding activity I can think of. One example that comes to mind involves those who work often or exclusively with high-powered machinery (tractors, mowers, etc..). Those mechanized marvels help pros and homeowners alike get the job done, but are usually chock full of fast-moving, sharp pieces and parts that require an operator’s full attention to successfully and safely navigate from one task to the next.

No matter if you think your operating skills are beyond honing, it certainly doesn’t hurt to brush up every once in a while on proper procedure, whether you are a professional or if you are a backyard weekend warrior.

With all that being said, I found it appropriate to mention a safety-awareness initiative Kubota Tractor Corp. is promoting. Part of this campaign includes its “Ten Commandments of Tractor Safety.”

According to the literature, the “Ten Commandments of Tractor Safety” are as follows:
1. Know your tractor, its implements, and how they work.
2. Use ROPS (rollover protective structures) and seat belt whenever and wherever applicable.
3. Be familiar with you terrain and work area --- walk the area first to be sure and drive safely.
4. Never start an engine in a closed shed or garage.
5. Always keep your power take-off (PTO) properly shielded.
6. Keep your hitches low and always on the drawbar. Otherwise, your tractor might flip over backwards.
7. Never get off a moving tractor or leave it with its engine running.
8. Never refuel while the engine is running or hot.
9. Keep all children off and away from your tractor and its implements at all times.
10. Never be in a hurry or take chances about anything you do with your tractor.

Click here to see more of Kubota’s take on the importance of tractor/equipment safety.

While these safety tips should already be ingrained in the heads of everyone who operates these machines (especially professionals), bad things can and do happen when we’re in a hurry, tired, distracted, or all of the above. In a situation where your tools can injure, maim, or even kill, if not used properly, a little extra precaution and preparation can go a long way in preventing such an occurrence.

Oh, and by the way, as part of Kubota’s safety message, they came up with a nice little safety prize promotional pack. The safety prize pack includes a Kubota duffel bag and inside you will find:
· A T-Shirt
· LED Flashlight
· Custom Puzzle and Kubota Safety Coloring Book (fun for the kids) and
· The "Ten Commandments of Tractor Safety" brochure

Kubota was gracious enough to provide me with a safety prize pack to give away to one lucky reader of this blog. Interested in winning this item? Log into Twitter and go to my Twitter feed and be the first to Direct Message me the answer to this:
Out of the “Ten Commandments of Tractor Safety,” which commandment do you think is the most important one to remember? (Hint: There is no wrong answer, since they are all important. I just want to see who is paying attention).

Good luck and, more importantly, stay safe.

A Learning Opportunity

2010-05-03T12:37:00.000-07:00

Florida and citrus go hand in hand. They just go together. The deep-rooted history that surrounds producing citrus fruit and juices for the masses is truly iconic and a large part of what makes the Sunshine State special. Indeed, Florida does recognize and appreciate its citrus heritage. After all, the official state license plate bears an image of an orange and its signature blossom.

It's pretty cool, too, that us locals are privy to such a multitude of fresh citrus in our supermarkets and farmers markets. Better yet, it doesn't get any more fresh when you can either squeeze a glass of orange juice or cut into juicy grapefruit harvested from a tree in your own yard.

With all that in mind, I stopped by Apenberry's Nursery in Orlando this past weekend. My visit, however, was not to check out the plethora of flowering plants, fruiting trees, and hardgoods the garden center had on display, but to learn more about a new collaborative, consumer-oriented campaign from KeyPlex and Lake County-based container citrus grower Record Buck Farms.
Representatives from both operations were on hand to discuss details of the "My Citrus Tree" program, which features an informational website (MyCitrusTree.com) and showcases the rollout of KeyPlex Citrus H/G --- a new dooryard citrus micronutrient formula. The entire promotional package is geared specifically to citrus-caring homeowners.

After taking time to speak with Rich Johnston of KeyPlex Direct and Danny Finch of Record Buck Farms (see videos) at the event, it's clear the campaign's foundation is built on the basics of education. The main lesson being taught: A healthy citrus tree not only looks more attractive and produces consistent fruit, but also is better equipped to fight off pest and disease. The latter being of utmost importance.

Unfortunately, our subtropical climate, which makes it ideal to grow citrus, also can be the perfect breeding ground for invasive plant pests and diseases. Major case in point: The Florida citrus industry has been struggling with HLB (citrus greening disease) ever since it was first reported in South Miami-Dade County in August 2005. Much time and effort has been put into trying to find a cure for this devastating disease. With few promising leads and a possible solution still years away, a lot of those efforts lately have shifted in finding ways for growers to cope with HLB. Though the exchange of research-based information has been fast and furious on the industry side of things, the general public's knowledge of such a serious problem is minimal at best.

Kudos for the campaign's proactive nature. Timing couldn't be better for an initiative like this considering the need for basic information. Going off what little most people know about citrus greening gathered from mainstream media reports (unfortunately, the majority not very comprehensive), homeowners might be feeling pressure to cut and remove their otherwise healthy citrus tree(s) in lieu of possibly hosting a destructive, economically impacting disease in their own back yard. Who can blame them?

While cutting and removing HLB-infected trees has been a common practice in infected groves for years, more growers today are trying different methods to live with greening thereby prolonging their investment's productivity. Nutritional supplementation combined with vigilant psyllid (the disease's carrier) control is proving successful for some and is now being recognized as a viable avenue for growers fighting to stay in business.

In hopes of getting the message out and spreading the word about the campaign, KeyPlex and Record Buck Farms will be taking their show on the road (plastic pink flamingos and all) and hosting similar events at multiple garden centers and nurseries around the state, according to Johnston. Locations and dates are still to be determined.

Homeowners who care to keep their citrus, or who are interested in purchasing a citrus tree for their yard (like myself), certainly need to understand the scope of greening's challenge. Sharing industry knowledge on a grand scale --- especially with those willing to learn what to look for and how to proceed --- is only going to help in this case. And, if that means protecting and ultimately saving citrus in professional groves as well as in back yards, even better. That's something all us citrus-loving Floridians can agree on and drink to --- OJ that is.

A Picture Can Be Worth ... A Lot

2010-04-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

When it comes to making purchasing decisions nowadays, most people rely heavily on digital technology to gather vital information. I know I do. In an instant, you can boot up your computer and/or just open the browser on your iPhone to compare and contrast specs on just about anything from toaster ovens to 3-D TVs to waterfront homes. Along with all the important listed features, up-close, detailed images with all types of enhanced views and 360-degree angles also are included to aid the shopper's search.

Though price is usually the ultimate deciding factor in most transactions, how the object of your desire appears at first glance is what is going to make or break a potential deal. All functionality aside, if something is not suited for your specific taste or style (you know, if it's ugly) then taking a pass and looking at the next option is how the normal chain of events progresses. I know, we're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but we all are guilty of it at one time or another.

On the seller's side, it's hard to account for taste. But when you're in a competitive market, having quality product and services make a difference. The ability to effectively show off what you have to offer (especially in the digital domain) is vital for success and a key to survival for many.

Today's photographic technology options make it hard for even the least-experienced novice to take a bad picture. Yet, plenty of less-than-flattering images of people, pets, plants, and property (to name just a few) are published and posted all the time. When in doubt, hire a professional to secure the photos and help present the image you want your company and its products and services to be portrayed. Now, if you were taking a Marketing 101 class, no doubt a similar passage spewing the same kind of "wisdom" would be in the textbook. Yep. It's basic stuff, but cannot be stressed enough. Now, if you don't want to or cannot spend the extra money, re-focus your efforts, practice, and learn how to take a better picture. It's not that hard, especially when you have attractive subject matter (i.e. a greenhouse full of beautiful hydrangeas or a virtual scratch-and-sniff landscape teaming with twisting vines of Confederate jasmine---BTW, proud to say, both my pics) on the other side of the lens.

Indeed: "A picture is worth a thousand words." When in business to sell, the right picture could be worth at least that and hopefully much more in potential profit. Click!

Pumping Up Promotion

2010-04-02T07:14:00.000-07:00

From plants and flowers to fruits and vegetables, new varieties are something to get excited about. Typically, years of diligent work and research go into producing something that improves on a predecessor. Whether it be more vibrant colors, enhanced cold hardiness, proven pest and disease resistance, or better taste, these are all horticultural scientific breakthroughs that should be celebrated.

For those of us who cover ag for a living, new product news is something we search for and report on a daily basis. The press releases we receive from companies promoting their wares and accomplishments are the tools we need to get the info out to our readers and then for them to get to their clients, and eventually end consumers.

Recently, Costa Farms and Suntory teamed up to create a product promotion meant to make a big impact for the Sun Parasol line of flowering plants. The video presentation of their recent spring kick-off event not only is a good example of using today's modern technology, connectivity, and instant worldwide reach to get the message out, but also a way to create buzz and excitement about a product line they believe in and one they believe people will buy into.

Though the scope (mainly time and money) of this kind of production might not be easily duplicated by just anybody, the concept of a simple video and distribution via YouTube, website, blog, or eNewsletter sure can. Not to mention, other means of slick communication choices (podcasts, webinars, etc..) Here's to continue showing us what you got. We'll be watching and waiting.

Spring Forward, Think Ahead

2010-03-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air, and my azaleas know it.

It appears just about every plant and tree around my Central Florida yard knows what time it is: early spring. The azaleas are in full bloom and putting on quite an impressive display. My pink tabebuias are sporting scores of trumpet-shaped flowers. The twisting vines of star and confederate jasmine are starting to pop, and countless crinum lilies are sprouting anew from old, withered stalks left behind by this year's cooler and wetter than normal winter. Oh, and my weeds are really green and robust, too --- sigh --- but I digress.

Even though the threat of freezes has melted away for this season and the emerging color and warmer weather are beckoning many to get their yards back in shape, a little hindsight and foresight is needed by all to set things right.

Despite the freezing temps being a royal pain for growers, those who were able to endure and protect their supply are sitting pretty. Things are picking up for garden centers and nurseries with good material and selection. I visited a local IGC this past weekend and the place was mobbed with eager homeowners like myself and landscapers looking to stock up. This scene was impressive, especially since a nearby Home Depot, located just down the street, was advertising a spring "doorbuster" event. BTW, HD was mobbed, too.

As I was perusing displays scouting new plant material to replace what was lost to those cold January nights, there was a little voice inside my head telling me to "be smart" and don't make the same mistake as before by choosing borderline plant material that stretches and often breaks the limits of cold hardiness. Easier said than done, however. You can rationalize almost anything when within striking distance of a point of purchase. Reality tends to prevail in the end after you spend an afternoon or two tearing out another ill-advised landscape addition.

Now is a prime time for Florida garden centers and nurseries to be pushing cold hardy, site appropriate plants. It's a great selling point, especially with this past winter's cold spell still fresh in the minds of many. The temperature may be in the upper 70s and 80s now and soon to be 90s, but thinking ahead to what next winter might bring is a good move that will pay off in the long run.

Looks and performance are great attributes when looking for things like a car or landscape specimen. I think more people are beginning to see the value of performance --- I know I am --- and that's a beautiful thing.

Right Plant, Right Place

2010-02-13T21:03:00.000-08:00

This big live oak tree went way beyond serving an aesthetic purpose in the landscape.

It's easy to take for granted all the things plants and trees do for us on a daily basis. But there are times when their value goes beyond mere aesthetics, the food and safe harbor they provide for multitudes of creatures, the mini microclimates they can create, and-- not to mention -- the very air we breathe.

The other night, I was watching TV with my wife when the quiet of a mild evening was broken by the sound of locked-up brakes trying their best to halt whatever was doing the hauling. Now, this kind of noise isn't unusual around where we live. We have some fairly heavy traveled thoroughfares in relatively close proximity. Seconds-long screeches normally result in silence that signifies a near-miss event. The jolting thud that put the period on the end of this screeching sentence was the exception. My wife and I gave a look to each other that said without words, 'that didn't sound good.'

About 20 minutes later, I stepped outside and noticed a plume of smoke wafting over my neighbor's house across the street. Man, just how close was this crash? In the next few minutes, I found out the answer to that question: very close.

After spotting the reflection of flashing lights on a window down the street, I walked down to the end of my street and around the corner to see 4 fire trucks, several police cars, and at least two dozen onlookers (most of them my neighbors) watching rescue personnel flanking a pickup that veered across the road, over a grass median and sidewalk, plowed through a wood fence, mangled part of a chain-link fence behind it, and finally came to a rest at the base of a large live oak tree.

Perhaps it was the fumes of the dieseling fire/rescue trucks starting to get to me while we were watching the top being cut off the vehicle, but a thought crossed my mind that if the big oak tree wasn't there, this accident scene could be a lot worse. Beyond the fences and tree was the back yard of one of my neighbor's where patio furniture and a lanai were next in the path.

The tree -- which by the sheer size of it probably has been there about 40 years --looked no worse for wear considering it just took on about two tons of hurtling metal. Amazing and scary as we all stood in shock and awe for more than an hour as the driver was carefully extracted from the vehicle. The other amazing thing was that the driver was alive.

In Florida, "Right Plant, Right Place" is a big mantra in defining the textbook Florida friendly yard. In this case, that couldn't have been more true.

Cold, Hard Facts Of Life

2010-02-05T09:37:00.000-08:00

Ice, ice, baby! In my Florida back yard? Yep.

When one thinks of Florida, the usual staples of sun, sand, palm trees, and -- most notably -- warm weather come to mind. Every once in a while though, the sometimes long, cold, cruel hand of Mother Nature reaches down into our peninsula and gives us a smack.

It has been several weeks since a record-breaking cold streak made its mark on the Sunshine State. So, I've had time to contemplate and build my case against cold weather as the worst of its kind. While an occasional freeze/sub-freezing event might be a novelty to some of us down here not used to experiencing the thrill of the chill (I still can't understand that), it is a major pain for those who toil in the ag industry.

Cold spells make for long days and longer nights of time and energy spent in trying to save crops --- whether they are fruits and vegetables or tropicals and foliage. Freezes aren't anything new to Florida farmers. Nonetheless, when they strike, the damage inflicted can range from having to regroup for some to total devastation for others. The crop and production loss figures from January's freezes have been staggering --- and are still growing.

It's amazing how fine the line is of being cold and being too cold. It's all part of the risk that comes with working in agriculture and doing it in a subtropical climate. The rewards can be great, but the risks are high. Covering the Florida ag industry for a living, I know this all too well.

In addition to my professional interests, as a homeowner and a freezing-weather foe, I have my own personal reasons for disliking cold weather. After all, a temperate climate is one of the reasons why I live and work in Florida. So, when reminders of when I used to live up North come calling, I bristle ... and just because I've caught a chill.

My blood certainly has thinned since becoming a Floridian. Besides the sky-high heating bills, having to scrape frost off my car windows in the morning with one of my credit cards, and/or having to wear bulky sweaters better left at the back of the closet or in a never-to-find-again time capsule ... the following are a few more of my LEAST-favorite things about the cold when it visits my neck of the woods:

Burned-out bougies

Crinkled crotons

Not-so-regal anymore royal palms

Bleach-beige grass

And ... melted legions of lilies

The war zone-like scene around my yard (as captured in the above images) and most other landscapes like mine is the rule right now around Central and South Florida as opposed to exception. I know it is a temporary situation (well, for the most part), but that doesn't make it any less aggravating. Since I took the photos, things have started to green up a bit.

Whether you are a farmer or a landscaping weekend warrior, there's not much to do in the meantime except to see how things shake out, get ready to prune, replant, and wait for some "normal" Florida weather. I think that usually takes place some time between fire season and hurricane season.

The Chime Is Right For This Belle

2009-12-18T08:07:00.000-08:00

When Peter Chaires of the New Varieties Management & Development Corp. stopped by the office the other day with a bag of oranges, we knew we were in for a treat. You see, what he was dropping off was the first University of Florida-created citrus variety meant for commercial production --- aka the Sugar Belle. The news about this cultivar broke a couple months back. Now, we were about to get our sneak preview. One of the perks of being an ag editor.

The Sugar Belle is a Mandarin orange hybrid that is made up of a cross between a sweet clementine and the Minneola. The bell-shaped beauty was bred to be high in flavor and low in seeds. An early maturing fruit, this orange also is suited for winter-holiday marketing purposes.

OK, enough background info, let the peeling begin --- which I must say, was easy. As the skin was peeled back, a very strong aroma of the fruit's citrus oil began to permeate. My colleague commented how he could smell the orange half-way across the office. It was pretty potent. So was the taste going to match the Sugar Belle's aromatic prowess?

I would describe my culinary experience as quite juicy and flavorful. The sweetness was a high note for me. I wouldn't call it "sugary sweet," but it was definitely satisfying. The stringiness was minimal on the flesh and I only found one small seed in the fruit.

Overall, I can honestly say Sugar Belle met my expectations as well as the ones built up by my co-workers since learning about it. We'll have to see if the Sugar Belle rings true when it hits the stands. I know I'll be looking for it when it does.

Out Of Gift Ideas? Try A Plant

2009-12-16T05:46:00.000-08:00

Year after year, the holiday season turns up the pressure cooker on those trying to find the right gift to give -- especially in the cases when it is for a distant relative you see maybe once a year or the office worker you were stuck with in the holiday gift exchange. Either way, gift giving certainly can be a challenge.

While the buzz of high-tech toys and gadgets are a cool gift choice, they can be a bit pricey. Gift cards, while practical, are kinda boring. And hey, nothing says "re-gift" like a slightly disheveled box that contains a Snuggie.

OK, let's explore some other options. Clothing: Attempting to shop for someone in this department is a sure-fire way to find yourself in the dog house. Taste is a hard thing to account for --- especially in clothes. Taking this route normally leads to a number of equally tragic scenarios following the receiver's frantic search for a gift receipt: a one-time wearing of said garment and never to be seen again; the garment doesn't make it out from an unfortunate dryer incident; or perhaps it finds itself on a one-way trip to the Goodwill pile. Either way, the chances of the oversized sweater, shirt, or ugly tie you gave showing up on the catwalk is not very likely. Let's pass on this, shall we?

Jewelry: Don't even go there.

Come on, time is running out before the onslaught of the company holiday parties and family get-togethers begin. This year, instead of falling back on the old reliables (or unreliables), consider giving the gift of a plant or plants. Though hard to wrap, there is no shortage of variety, size, shape, and color to choose from --- all at relatively reasonable prices. In short, your much sought after gift idea might be as close as your local garden center or even in your own nursery.

Poinsettias are popular during the winter holidays. Although they tend to get lost in the shuffle and discarded once the confetti has settled from the New Year's bash, these colorful foliage plants can really be a solid gift choice any time of the year.

Stepping off the beaten holiday path a bit, orchids are a nice desktop and/or counter-top adornment. They also now are being marketed for ease of care and convenience. Case in point, Just Add Ice Orchids launched earlier this year by packaging attractive orchids with easy maintenance instructions. As the name suggests, the watering secret is to add 3 ice cubes once a week (according to the directions) and that's it. People like things that are pretty simple. Pretty and simple is even better. An orchid on the rocks, please. I like the sound of that.

Mini container gardens of succulents or bromeliads also are attractive, cool-looking low-maintenance gift-giving options. You could go with bigger specimens (depending how much you like the person you are getting the gift for) like a ficus and/or a potted palm. The spectrum of height, width, color, and texture is extremely broad. That ensures the gift's originality. All plants, even if they are the same species, are unique.

While you still might get that less-than-enthused reaction when you give a plant as a gift, tell them you got it for their health. There are several studies showing the benefits of having indoor plants around. For example, "Project Carbon," an ongoing three-pronged study is seeking to provide the additional science that would support an expansion of the certification to indoor plants. Preliminary results released a couple of months ago (more to be revealed during the Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition next month in Ft. Lauderdale) show that a total of 216 4-inch plants of Ficus benjamina, pothos, philodendron, sansevieria, aglaonema, and spathiphyllum, clearly fix carbon. Research like this not only bodes well for the foliage industry, but also for us who enjoy breathing. It's good information to have when giving a plant as a gift, too. You can call it a gift that keeps on giving.

Now, if the aforementioned suggestions and all else fails, perhaps it's time to go with Plan B: Can you say Chia Pet? Like I said earlier, there is no accounting for taste.

Happy holidays to all, and here's to getting as good as we give!

One (S)hell Of An Idea

2009-11-19T11:07:00.000-08:00

I'm a big proponent of the "Buy Local" philosophy. There are food packages a plenty in my pantry and fridge with the words "Fresh From Florida" emblazoned on them. There's a sense of pride that comes with using items built, grown, and/or harvested in your own back yard. I guess it's that kind of thinking that instinctively led me to the Shellscape booth at this year's Landscape Show in Orlando. When I got in for a closer look, I noticed that the organic alternative groundcover product on display was, in fact, shell.

Available in several colors, this mulching option lends a distinct, decorative look and texture to the landscape that is uniquely Florida. Recently, I have become intrigued about mulch alternatives like recycled glass. Colored recycled glass looks really cool, but from what I know, it's kinda expensive and it's not easy to find as I've come up empty trying to locate it at several local box stores and garden centers. The more I saw of the shell product, the more I wanted to learn.

After speaking with Shawn Sundall and Ryan Krinsky of Shellscape, I was able to find out more about the product and its advantages. One big plus is that the shell is a byproduct of mining done right here on the sunny shores of the Sunshine State. A home-grown product. Now you are talking.

According to Shellscape's product literature, some of the advantages of using shell include:

An organic byproduct from Florida mining (nice plug for those looking for a "green" angle)
Shell can maintain its appearance longer
It does not have to be replaced, just re-colored if desired (good for those looking to reduce costs)
Allows optimal water flow and drainage
Moderates soil-temperature fluctuations
Natural fertilizer: Shell releases nutrients that plants need including calcium and phosphates
Safe for kids and pets
Colored shells can be maintained via spray application of a water-based natural coloring: Shells are colored via a dying process that is totally water based and has no toxins to affect either plant or living organisms
Does not provide a natural habitat for insects and other pests
Retains moisture

Can be applied around fruit and vegetable plants where other mulch alternatives like rubber cannot

Sundall and Krinsky added that they have contacted the University of Florida about conducting research on the effectiveness of using shell as a landscape groundcover. I'm looking forward to those results as it should motivate more people to try shell as a landscape application.

During my booth visit, I was thinking in the back of my mind how this product could complement my landscape. I was able to snag a few hand-size samples (blue, red, and a natural color) and place them in a planting bed mixed with pebbles.

I really like the splashes of color and different texture it adds. Throw in the other environmental and low-maintenance benefits, and I can't wait to see what kind of impact a larger quantity of Shellscape shell has on my Florida yard.

Test Run: KeyPlex H/G

2009-11-10T11:09:00.000-08:00

It's always fun going to trade shows and seeing the latest and greatest products suppliers have to offer. After hearing about and reading up on KeyPlex H/G (Home & Garden) at this year's Landscape Show in Orlando, I knew I wanted to try it out. According to product information, the chelated micronutrient and protein-based formula geared to home gardeners is an ideal supplement to a fertilizer program and can be applied to a host of plant material including flowering annuals and perennials, trees and shrubs, fruits and nuts, and veggies. Similar to KeyPlex's other line of products, H/G works by triggering a plant's natural defense mechanism, protecting it from disease and spurring new growth.

When I inquired about the efficacy of the product, Rich Johnston of KeyPlex Direct said, "Try it on anything that's green and grows." Hmmm. I had several plants at home in need of some TLC. So, I decided to take him up on the challenge.

Instead of trying the product on several different plants, I wanted to focus on one plant and take it from there. A pygmy date palm in my front yard was to be the test subject. Despite being on the heels of an average rainy season, the palm had recently started to droop and was displaying browning in the bulk of its fronds. Although the browning was heaviest on the lower leaves, some discoloration had found its way up into the canopy. Yep, this was going to be a good test.

Before applying the product for the first time, I pruned off all the fronds that were completely brown and had no green in them at all. Next it was time to read the directions, lock, load, aim and fire. For sickly looking plants, applying the product directly to the leaves until the point of runoff is recommended for those using the hose-end sprayer method.

About of minute or two of spraying took care of the initial foliar application of this diminutive specimen. The directions call for this same application process once a week until good color and "vigor" is back. Then it scales it back to once every 3-4 weeks for maintenance purposes.

My Impressions And Observations:

The environmentally friendly angle of the product is certainly of value and attractive to the end user. I liked the convenient hose-end sprayer, the lack of odor, and not having to wear gloves or a mask for protection during application.

After five consecutive weeks of applications, I have noticed marked improvement. New leaves have emerged and there are no signs of browning on them. I'd like to see a little more pop, however, before I say we've reached the point of vigorous. But I think we are getting there.

With that, my 32 oz. bottle has run its course. Luckily, I have a second bottle I will continue treatment with on this palm and then try on another candidate.

Stay tuned to see how things progress.

Cool Tools

2009-10-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

Reading through the latest issue of Popular Mechanics, I was pleased to see a couple landscape equipment items among the winners highlighted in the magazine's feature on the 10 Most Brilliant Products of 2009. Popular Mechanics describes their list of 2009 Breakthrough Products as: "Brilliant innovations -- most of them, at least, make their greatest contributions once they become products people can buy. This year's winners trim energy use, enhance communication, and just make life more fun."

So what were the "breakthrough" products for landscapers?:

The Hustler Zeon: the world's first all-electric zero-turn radius mower.

The LEHR Eco Trimmer: a four-stroke string trimmer powered by propane.

For me, seeing these products listed is not only cool because tools of the trade for landscapers are getting a shout out, but also the fact that Ornamental Outlook featured both in our New Products section earlier this year.

With advancements in technology continuing at a frantic pace, so does the ingenuity in the tools we use on a daily basis. I'm looking forward to what suppliers have in store for 2010. I'm sure landscape professionals are, too. Keep the good ideas coming.

The Landscape Show-Day 3

2009-10-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

Well, another Landscape Show has come and gone. As always, it was fun to walk around the exhibit hall and see cool plants at the displays, learn at informative demonstrations and short-course sessions, gawk at the new, innovative products and have a chance to catch up with everybody I saw.

The overall mood was relatively positive. Of course, I'm sure expectations were low going in. I think it's obvious that acceptance of current marketplace challenges has fully taken place and everyone--myself included---is ready for the healing to begin. When will that happen? If you go by the numbers (see opening general session), we have a ways to go. Perhaps we'll get there faster. The only way that can happen is by sticking together and sticking it out. Showing up and showing your best at an industry trade show is a good way to display solidarity and resiliency. Good show, everyone. Good show.

Show Standouts

Booth Winners

Best of Show: Acosta Farms

Island Display:

Plant, 1st Place: TreeTown USA

2nd Place: Excelsa Gardens

Allied 1st Place: Pottery Patch

Allied 2nd Place: BWI Cos.

300 Sq. Feet+

Plant, 1st Place: Triple O Nursery

2nd Place: Soaring Eagle Nursery

Allied, 1st Place: Larry's Cap Rock & Stone

Allied, 2nd Place: Marshall Pottery

200 Sq. Feet

Plant, 1st Place: American Farms

2nd Place: Hopkins Tropical Fruit Nursery

Allied, 1st Place: AM Leonard

Allied, 2nd Place: Capital Garden Products

100 Sq. Feet

Plant, 1st Place: Tropical Landscapers

2nd Place: Chapman's Orchids

Allied, 1st Place: EcoWalls

2nd Place: Easy Garden Box-A Boman Kemp Product

Most Unusual Plant Specimen:

Wollemi Pine from Beds And Borders South

Click here to see more about Wollemi Pine.

The Landscape Show-Day 2

2009-10-02T19:51:00.000-07:00

A day of recognition and learning going into the second day of this year's Landscape Show.

For the last 11 years now, Ornamental Outlook and Meister Media Worldwide have honored the nursery profession by recognizing operations that excel in the field of innovation, leadership, and a commitment to the future of the green industry. It was an honor for me to present the 2009 Ornamental Outlook Operation of the Year award to Ruskin, FL-based Sun City Tree Farm. The award was presented to the company at their booth during the show.

Sun City Tree Farm will be featured in the upcoming November issue of Ornamental Outlook. I'll be heading out to their operation in Ruskin to conduct the photo shoot and interview next week.

Demonstration Education
I was able to take in a few demonstration sessions during the show today. Michael Orfanedes from UF/IFAS led a talk about grading trees. The session, directed to landscape inspectors, discussed ways to measure, inspect, and spot the signs to know if the tree you're looking at is a "Florida Fancy" or a cull.

The Roots Plus Field Growers Association of Florida provided a tree grading cue card for the presentation that listed helpful tips, including:

Look inside the crown of the tree at the trunk form

Check branch arrangement

Choose appropriate tree matrix type (Type 1: spreading and rounding shapes; Type 2: pyramidal shapes; Type 3: columnar/upright shapes; Type 4: vase shapes; and Type 5: oval shapes)

Measure the caliper of the trunk (measured 6 inches from grade on trees up t and including 4 inches in caliper, and 12 inches from grade for larger trees.

Grade the tree based on crown spread

Grade the tree according to structural uniformity

Click here to see more helpful steps from the cue card.

Not only a good demonstration for landscape inspectors, but also a timely topic as more scrutiny is being put on the quality of material that is going in to landscapes.

Veggie Gardening By The Square Foot
Kevin and Theresa Riley from Rockledge Gardens led a demonstration titled "Gardening by the Square Foot." Edible landscaping is a hot topic right now and this presentation showed an easy way for IGCs and/or landscapers to provide a "full-proof" way for a client/homeowner to succeed in veggie/herb gardening and for green industry professionals to take advantage of a profitable niche.

Kevin built a small, 2x2 garden box as Theresa discussed some of the advantages to creating a veggie garden this way. It showed how easy it was to construct it and then to accentuate it to produce a managable landscape element that can give back. Lots of interest and questions from attendees.

"The number one goal for us is for our customers to be successful," Kevin said.

Stay tuned for video clips from these presentations to appear on OOTV.

Speaking Of Recognition ...
The Landscape Awards of Excellence event was held tonight. The Roy Rood Award went to the creative team behind the beauty of Aquatica. The Worlds of Discovery team took home a few other awards, too. Click here to see a complete list of winners.

Another full day in the books. Tradeshow fatigue is starting to set in. One more day to go.

The Landscape Show 2009-Day 1

2009-10-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

With the economy top of mind for everyone, what better way to kick off this year's Landscape Show in Orlando with an opening general session addressing that very subject. Henry Fishkind from Fishkind & Associates spoke to a full room of very interested industry professionals. FNGLA retained the consulting services of Fishkind to conduct an in-depth, six-month study about economic trends and how they affect the Florida nursery and landscape industry in particular.

All the numbers and graphs aside, Fishkind says "there is light at the end of the tunnel." Though, the light is a ways off. He says that numbers indicate the economy has bottomed out and the losses are slowing or stopping. Thanks to stimulus money, consumer confidence is starting to come back and the forecast calls for a technical recovery to give way to sustained recovery in 2010. "Things will get better, but we're not off to the races," he says.

Unfortunately, the wait will be a little longer for Florida, according to Fishkind. Indicators show for the rest of 2009 into 2010, it will be "more of the same," he said. All signs point to a slow recovery with housing starts moving up and improvement in population growth in 2011-2012.

On the bright side for the Florida green industry, floriculture sales are on the way up. He cautioned to "keep your seatbelts on" if you're in greenhouse and nursery sales.

From the reaction of the crowd, it doesn't appear that any of the information presented was a shocker: just more reinforcement of what we already know. The trick is to find a way to get to that light at the end of the tunnel relatively unscathed.

When it came to "Defining Your Economic Future," Fishkind offered these words of advice to those attending: "Be smart, vigilant, and careful." For those looking to make structural changes he said to "be prudent." Message received.

Go Green

Sustainability is still a hot topic. I sat in on Joe Lamp'l's short course presentation on "Greening Your Business For The New Eco-Savvy Shopper."

He says today's target audience are looking for safety and more eco-friendly alternatives when seeking out lawn and garden services. "The green industry needs to be a source of information for them," Lamp'l said. "People are asking more questions and we need to be ready to answer them."

Lamp'l pointed out some noteworthy trends for the industry:

Home vegetable gardening is spiking (Bonnie Plants had its best year ever in 2009---2010 looks to be even better, according to Lamp'l)

There's more interest in rainwater harvesting

Bayer Advanced is looking to introduce a new eco-friendly product line called Natria

Espoma is enhancing its natural line of products

There is a demand for alternatives. The biggest hurdles for the nursery and landscape industry in connecting with the eco-savvy consumer are economics and lack of consumer education. "We need to be a trusted source so we can manage their expectations," Lamp'l concluded.

Get Vertical
In keeping with the "green" theme, I noticed several stunning examples of vertical walls around the demonstration area. Not a gardening practice seen too often around Florida---yet, the message was loud and clear that vertical gardening is not as hard as it looks and could present potential landscape service opportunities for those willing to reach up for them.

Really cool displays and impressive how much goes into not only putting them together, but also keeping them looking good.

Good first day. Gearing up for the second.

Reclaiming The Yard--Part II

2009-09-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

The last time we checked in on my latest DIY home landscape project, it was just a concept in my head vs. a big mess of vegetation choking out valuable real estate in my back yard. While other duties called and the "rainy season" lived up to its name, any work intended toward this challenge was delayed.

Recently though, there was enough of a break to allow Phase I (clearing and cleaning out) to get under way. The displaced bugs and snakes are a little confused, but they'll get used to it.

The clearing will continue and eventually give way to Phase II (tilling of the soil and plant selection that can complement the big oak, take away attention or conceal the chain-link fence, cope with the shade and other conditions related to my Zone 9B location, and most of all--look good).

No amazing discoveries digging through this jungle yet. I have found a few stray balls that undoubtedly found their way over from my neighbor's some time ago and got lost in my outback out back.

There is some light at the end of the tunnel and it's finally penetrating this area.

Well, one thing at a time. Rome wasn't built in a day and reclaiming this part of my back yard certainly won't be either.

Stay tuned.

Whatever Works ...

2009-08-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

Given all the new high-tech gadgets being thrown at us today, it's hard to choose which one or ones to go with. However, sometimes simplicity is the best solution. With that being said, a press release about a new landscape product passed on to me by a colleague caught my eye. No, it was not a new ultra-modern looking mower or a gps-guided edger for those precise cuts. The featured product in the release was .....(insert drum roll here) a white board. A white board? Yep.According to the release, the 31-Day Crew Schedule from Magnatag is a fused-printed magnetic whiteboard system that's available in 4 sizes to accommodate 4 to 16 crews for up to 4 months. It includes magnetic cardholders to show job locations and specifications. Magnet circles in 10 colors for special job detail codes. Magnetic month and date sets and write-on tools are included, too.

Pretty neat little organizational tool that doesn't have to re-invent the wheel.

I love digital doo-dads as much as the next guy. But, practicality can be cool, too. Despite all the modern conveniences of high-speed digital communication and cell-phone reminders, we still use a big white board here at the office, I have two white boards up around the house, and have a plethora of sticky notes in both locations. You can never be too organized.

Now if we can only figure out how to populate that big crew schedule white board with lots of landscape jobs. I wonder if that comes included?

Social Media Madness

2009-08-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

It's all the rage right now: People who barely know each other or who haven't seen each other for a long time are connecting, becoming friends and exchanging ideas and thoughts. It's happening all over the world at an astounding pace and is still growing. This phenomenon I speak of is the social media craze that has taken over as a primary means of communication.

Digital-based forums like Facebook and Twitter have led the way in this social media revolution. Yes, it is true that these sites are social communities, but that doesn't mean relevant information isn't there. More and more businesses have come to realize this and are taking advantage of the reach and immediacy of this technology.

An interesting study just came out confirming that those in the ag industry are quite plugged in (even more than what people probably think) to today's digital media tools.

According to a newly released Agriculture New Media Usage Study (corn and soybean segment focus), 85% of respondents indicated that they visit websites related to their farm operation and 76% check manufacturers' websites. The study also explored the presence of crop producers actively engaged on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites. The study goes on to details growers' usage of blogs, forums and/or message boards, and search engine usage and preference also were explored. For more details on the research, click here.

This research confirms what we already know. Information is power, and if there is a faster, more efficient way to get it and disseminate it, then people will follow.

Ornamental Outlook will be exploring this topic further in our upcoming September issue and featuring an article on social media opportunities and what they can do for your business. From what we've learned so far, a growing amount of Florida nursery and landscape professionals are taking part in these social networking circles. More will follow. If you haven't checked out these sites, do it now. You might be missing out.

Gator Tale

2009-08-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

Man, I should have saved my alligator photo for this blog post. Oh well. Just recently, another instance of man vs. nature (or in this case woman vs. nature) reared its ugly head here in Florida. A landscaper pulling weeds out of decorative pond in Sanibel was bitten on the hand by a six-foot alligator. The gator did a pretty good number on her hand. Though shaken, the landscaper will be OK. The gator, on the other hand, didn't fare so well with the subsequent meeting it had with Fish and Wildlife.

This news piece is an interesting story (click here to go to OrnamentalOutlook.com to read it) and a painful lesson learned for the landscaper. Shortly after we posted this news item to our website a few days ago, the comments started rolling in from our subscribers. About a dozen so far have come in (BTW--this is much above the average we receive for other articles). Reading through the feedback, I was pleased to see such interactivity from our readers. I also am a little surprised to see how many comments were in favor of the alligator and blaming the victim for invading the reptile's territory.

To me, this is simply a case of wrong place, wrong time. The landscaper probably did know better. People who live here and work here-- especially outdoors -- are aware of the natural risk factors out there. A previous blog post of mine touched on this very subject matter. The Orlando Sentinel had a front-page article earlier this week about the hazards Floridians live with every day.

Plain and simple: Landscaping (especially in Florida) is not an easy job, but somebody's got to do it!

The Deep End

2009-07-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

Florida may be a peninsula, but it often feels more like an island when it comes to water issues. A combination of population explosion, drought-like weather patterns, and environmental water quality has allowed water consumption to swim its way to the hot-topic surface. Nursery and landscape professionals know this all too well. Water restrictions impact their very livelihoods.

Water restrictions around the state, especially in South Florida, have finally eased lately thanks to tropical-moisture fueled storm systems that have dumped nice amounts of precipitation in the last couple of months. Though the regulations might have softened, the problems are still bubbling. South Florida is coming off the worst drought since 1932 (since recordkeeping began). Recently, the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties launched an online discussion and survey to get the pulse of people's attitudes on water conservation. This comes on the heels of a study on water resources in the future. I'm curious to see what the banter and the survey dredge up. After all, this water problem runs deeper than just nursery and landscape businesses. This is not just an industry issue, this is a community/lifestyle issue.

Is there enough water to go around? Well, the water management districts say no. However, I get a different message when I drive by and see irrigation systems in commercial parks and even residences running at full tilt in the middle of a downpour (especially disheartening, during last year's four-day soaker, aka--Tropical Storm Fay). There is plenty of technology out there to prevent such ignorance from happening. There's even low-tech ways like looking out the window to see if it's raining.

Either way, progress and solutions need to be discussed now and put into action before the next "drier-than-normal" season rolls around. The Florida nursery and landscape industry have made great strides to promote smart plant purchases and install more Florida-friendly landscapes. This has been a good start, and needs to continue to make up for those who are not so water wise and those who refuse to be.

Hurricane Hunting - Microsoft Style

2009-07-20T08:56:00.000-07:00

Mother Nature beware. Bill Gates is after you. According to news reports, the master of Microsoft is looking to put a hurting on hurricanes and tropical storms. He, along with a list of other inventors/contributors, submitted applications to the U.S. patent office that offer a way to weaken or break up the monster storms. For those who live and work in a hurricane-vulnerable state like Florida, this is interesting news.

In short: It sounds like the plan would consist of fleets of barges to ride out ahead of the storm and chill the sea temperatures by dumping and stirring up cold water in the storm's path thus depleting it of its main fuel source.

Hmmm. I understand the reasoning behind the effort and applaud the creativity, but but you have to wonder about some of the effects this kind of climate control would have.

Some of the questions that come to mind:

By eliminating these storms, does that mean Florida's rainy season should change its name to the drier muggy season?
How much lead time will these barges have on the storms? Storms can develop and diminish pretty quickly; and I wouldn't necessarily put the words "fast" and "barge" in the same sentence.
How will fish and other marine life react to all this cold water being dumped into the warm currents?
When it comes to really large storms like Andrew, Katrina, and Ike, how much water displacement are we talking about?
Can this really work?

If this concept has any legs whatsoever, these questions, along with the multitudes of others, will be addressed in time. This is not the first time an idea has been pitched to disrupt hurricanes, and I'm sure this won't be the last. Of course, none of those ideas were powered by Microsoft. So, watch out sun. You might be next.

In the meantime, we'll watch the tropics this hurricane season and -- like always -- rely on preparation and good judgement to deal if disaster does indeed make a threat.

Reclaiming The Yard

2009-07-14T09:50:00.000-07:00

In these budget-crunching times, more people are spending time at home and in their yards. Outdoor living is a way of life in Florida and a well-planned "staycation" starts and ends in the yard. This a good thing for local garden centers, growers, and landscapers. Whether it's DIYers looking for plant and hardscape material or those with a larger budget looking for a professional to do the heavy lifting, there is opportunity.

As a homeowner and someone who covers the Florida nursery and lanscape industry for a living, I understand the value of a well-groomed landscape. Click here for more reasons to love landscaping.

Documented research certainly can help with the marketing of plant products and landscaping services in an environment where buyers are weighing the value of their investments more than ever.

My family and I enjoy doing things like hanging out, grilling, and playing in the yard. I'm sure I'd love it even more if it were a tropical oasis--but I do what I can, when I can. There's a budget and timeframe out there for everybody. BTW-Like most, mine is limited on both accounts.

But I digress. Indeed, there are some areas around my yard that I'd like to address. Case in point:

This mess is located along my back fence under the cover of a live oak tree. Overgrown with ferns, lilies, and other assorted items planted by the previous owner--not to mention all of the live oak seedlings that have sprouted up from the mother tree -- this part of my back yard is unusable. I'd like to reclaim this part of the yard by clearing it out and laying some sod to extend the main lawn and maybe carve out a planting bed around the base of the oak for contrast and to soften the fence area.

This has literally become no man's land. A little breathing room would be nice.

Instead of a space I can enjoy (let alone even get to), this area is a haven for snakes, a hangout for mosquitoes, and a hiding place for other creepie crawlies. Believe me, I've seen enough of all of them to know. It's going to be fun digging through this jungle.

Can anyone say hodge podge?

Yep. This is going to take some time. Got any ideas on what I can do with this space? Feel free to leave a comment. Feedback is welcome as I come up with a gameplan to try and tackle this project. Check back as I give updates as things progress. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.

Cool Concept

2009-07-09T13:16:00.001-07:00

While compiling information for an upcoming Ornamental Outlook New Products feature, I came across this eco-friendly concept mower from Husqvarna. Pretty slick looking, and silent to boot. Man, I'd like one of these.

Right On, Retail

2009-07-06T13:51:00.000-07:00

Looking around my yard, there are some projects I'd like to tackle. After factoring in time and budget, I know I can't do everything at once. OK. So, let's start with some mulch. Time to go stimulate the economy.

Every time I drive by Lukas Nursery in Oviedo, I have a hard time remembering that we're currently experiencing a down market. During a visit a couple of months ago, the parking lot of this independent retail garden center was filled with cars and was bustling with activity inside. My most recent visit, this past Friday afternoon, it was more of the same. I wasn't expecting as many people on a blazing-hot, late afternoon on a holiday weekend.

The lines of customers waiting to be rung up not only was a welcome sight for the garden center, but as I see it, also is good news for the Florida nursery and landscape industries. Indeed, people are out spending on plants, garden supplies, and landscaping. Count me in as one who understands the value of landscaping. Is the economy on its way back? I'm not completely sold yet. However it's good to see some positive signs at this IGC in my neck of the woods.
Based on my observations - past and present - this garden center/nursery has done and continues to do a nice job of maintaining and building its client base. I had a fruitful visit and captured some pictures while I was there. I'll be back for more photos and product soon. I promise.

Take a seat or two...

Hardgoods anyone?

Good product placement and selection.

Nice water feature display near the entrance.

Interested in plants or not, the onsite

butterfly encounter is a nice draw.

Pottery barn---literally.

Welcome to Florida.

SMACK!

2009-07-01T08:56:00.000-07:00

It's rainy season, and you know what that means: green lawns, vigorous plants and flowers, and armies of mosquitoes outside your door. Man, I hate mosquitoes. But they love me. I can ignite myself in a blaze of citronella oil and they'd still attack.

Here in Florida, we actually "celebrate" Mosquito Control Awareness Week. Last week, Hillsborough County started the blitz to educate local residents about methods to prevent these buggers from overtaking their yards. I took note of an e-mail I received from Hillsborough titled Top 10 Mosquito Prevention Tips. I pared it down to a few that were somewhat related to the industries I cover.

If you have bromeliad plants in your yard, regularly rinse them out with a garden hose. Mosquito larvae need water to grow and evolve, and bromeliads are an excellent host. The average bromeliad can be expected to produce around a hundred mosquitoes per year. That may not seem like much, but if you have ten or twenty plants in your yard, that’s several thousand mosquitoes! [Yikes, I have at least 50 bromeliads growing in my yard--see picture above. Potential mosquito breeding ground or not, I have no intention of getting rid of these. I'll rinse 'em out thank you very much.]

Take special precautions in high mosquito areas. Use head nets, long sleeves and long pants if you venture into areas with high mosquito populations, such as salt marshes. Also use insect repellent containing DEET on any exposed skin. Please read the label before using the product and avoid direct application to the face. [There aren't too many places I can think of that aren't high mosquito areas during this time of year]

Watch out for puddles in your yard. Irrigate lawns and gardens carefully to prevent water from standing for several days. [Good advice no matter what]

If interested in more mosquito prevention tips, go to www.hillsboroughcounty.org.

When I'm out in the yard for any length of time after dusk, I'm armed with a can of OFF! I'm sure you can find a can or two thousand if you look long enough in a landscape professional's equipment truck and/or somewhere in close proximity to a nursery's shadehouse.

Here's a mosquito-prevention method I recently tried for the first time. Sometimes I just don't feel like spraying myself down with a DEET-laced product--especially if I'm not going to be bathing anytime soon after. In those cases, I have tried rubbing my arms and legs with a fresh dryer sheet and then stuffing it in one of my pockets. I heard somewhere that the scent throws the blood suckers off. Well I'll be ... it's worked for me ... so far. It might be only a matter of time before the mosquitoes are on to it and then I counter with a full body suit of dryer sheets. Now that would be a sight--scary.

Ad Placement Is Everything

2009-06-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

Advertising is a funny thing. As essential a tool it is to get the word out to a specific target audience, it is often the first budget-item casualty for businesses when times get tough.

Now is not the time to be bashful. Luckily, there are plenty of cost-effective ways to boost your company profile. It's true, the economic downturn has forced companies to become more creative in their marketing strategies ... but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Thinking outside the box will continue to raise the sales and marketing bar. So one must be ready with concepts to rise with and above others in your competitive set.

The photo above is a good example of creative, effective ad placement. For this Sarasota-based landscape firm, there's nothing like letting your work do the talking.

Gardening On A Budget

2009-06-15T09:05:00.000-07:00

A colleague of mine recently forwarded me an e-mail he received about how to effectively manage gardens and landscapes on a tight budget. A timely topic of interest amid today's economy-conscious society. The e-mail contained tips from Steve Jacobs, president of San Diego-based Nature Designs Landscaping.

The content seemed mostly aimed at the end-consumer. However, there were a few points of interest I think are good reminders for those in the landscape industry, such as:

Plant perennials instead of annuals. Annuals are short lived, use excessive water and must be replaced, while there is a large selection of drought tolerant perennials that can live for many years and offer plenty of beautiful color.
Eliminate lawn where you are not using it. Lawns are one of the most intensive maintenance and water consuming plantings in a landscape, requiring weekly mowing, edging and recurrent irrigation.
Prune naturally instead of formally. When you prune for the natural growth habit of the plant you will reduce the amount of pruning needed per year, resulting in decreased costs. Hedging and balling your plants will create a need for frequent pruning, and the tools and/or professional landscape maintenance services that goes with it.
Identify and rectify irrigation problems.
Select drought tolerant plants. These plants, like the Mediterranean and native variety, will use less water and can require very little maintenance.
Put the right plant in the right spot. Install plants that can grow to maturity where they are planted with minimal care or pruning. Such “zone appropriate” planting will ensure the plant or tree won’t outgrow its space and need to be frequently pruned or, worse, relocated at risk of losing the plant all-together.
Apply fertilizer modestly. Fertilize only as needed based on the requirements of your individual plants.

Basic stuff, yes. Good info to keep in mind, you bet.

Safety First

2009-06-12T10:28:00.000-07:00

Flying debris, sharp power tools, frequent exposure to loud, obnoxious noises and various chemicals are just some of the daily hazards landscape professionals deal with (see Florida for snakes, gators, and hurricanes, too). This time of year, the hot weather conditions can be particulary challenging for those who work outdoors for a living. The storms are nothing to mess with either.

Even though Florida is known as the "Sunshine State," it's also the lightning capital of the world. If you live here, you can pretty much set your watch by the thunderstorms that blow up around the same time every afternoon during the rainy season.
Landscapers are often, if not always, out at a jobsite during this time of day. There have been plenty of times that I've driven by a group of landscapers mowing, trimming, etc.. in the middle of these monsoons. I guess there are some jobs that just won't wait.

Unfortunately, the bevy of metal-based equipment and tools used also are great lightning rods. Case in point: Just recently, a South Florida landscaper was struck and killed by lightning while mowing a lawn at a Coral Springs apartment complex. According to the Weather Channel, there were seven reported lightning deaths across the U.S. (including the one in Florida) during the week of May 31-June 6 alone. Three out of the seven were garden/yard/landscape-related activities. Frankly, I'm surprised this kind of thing doesn't occur more often.

According to statistics, farming/ranching and tree-cutting-related jobs rank as some of the most dangerous occupations. OSHA has a web page dedicated to landscape/horticultural service hazards and solutions. There's some basic info there, but there also are some items that put some of on-the-job dangers in perspective.

As a weekend warrior, I might not be able to totally identify with what landscapers endure on a daily basis. But as a journalist who covers the Florida nursery and landscape industry, I do appreciate and respect the risks taken. Keep up the good work and be careful.

Remote Control Mowing

2009-06-09T08:21:00.000-07:00

A Roomba with teeth is the best way to describe the Automower from Husqvarna. The battery-operated, self-charging 260 ACX is touted for "semi-professional use" in public spaces that have low-noise requirements like hospitals, hotels, and office locations (Apparently no noise requirements around my office building. Our mow, blow, and go guys take no prisoners in our parking lot every Tuesday morning around 7:30 with every piece of equipment available cranked up to full song).

The Automower doesn't need any supervision. According to Husqvarna, if anything should happen during operation, this mowbot can send a text to your cell phone asking for help.

What will they think of next? I wonder if it is smart enough to avoid anything the dog may leave behind.

Tuned Into Landscaping

2009-06-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

There aren't a lot of television shows I watch on a regular basis, but I'll have to admit, I do enjoy DIY Network's and HGTV's lineup of landscape-reality programming. OK, most are far from reality---especially budget wise---but they do entertain me nonetheless.

After watching, I do find myself inspired to go out in my yard and try some of the things they were doing on the show. My inspiration usually turns into reality once I'm actually standing in my yard. I soldier on to cut the grass, weed, and prune to the best of my ability. Aahh, another successful project completed---at least for this week.

Although scripted, I think these kind of "reality" shows do have some value to the landscape industry. Anything that promotes the hard work behind and the value of landscaping is good thing in my book.

If you haven't yet, check out some of these shows:

-Yard Crashers (probably my favorite--they filmed a show that aired recently from this year's Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival)

-Super Scapes (If I only had the budget these people have to work with)

-Get Out, Way Out! (See comment above)

-Desperate Landscapes (Describes a few yards in my neighborhood)

-The King Of Dirt (New show--don't have an opinion yet)

Happy viewing.

A Little Help Here

2009-06-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

A little help goes a long way, even for DIYers like myself. When going to big box stores-be it for parts, paint, or tools, I usually have questions and hope for the right guidance. I expect the same when I'm shopping for garden supplies and plants.
Given this, I was pleased to hear that in an effort to help Orange County Utilities get the water-conservation message to consumers, the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association (FNGLA) is heading a training program for big-box garden center employees around the Orlando area during the month of June. The course is a modified version of Florida Certified Horticultural Professional and the Florida Yards & Neighborhoods program. Word is that more than 100 garden-center employees from area Home Depot and Lowes are signed up for the four sessions.

The curriculum will cover topics such as:
* Soil conditions
* Plant selection
* Efficient watering
* Mulching
* Fertilization
* Weed and pest control
* Maintenance

Kudos to FNGLA for reaching out with an initiative like this. And huzzah to HD and Lowe's for being receptive to this continuing education opportunity. This only can help open the lines of communication between the middle man and the end user. I shake my head when I see things like bottle or coconut palms on sale at box stores around my Central Florida neighborhood. A training program like this should be able to help prevent a lot of dead plants and frustrated customers.

FNGLA is planning to make this a model for a training program that could be utilized by other utilities companies across the state.

With this kind of much-needed and essential training, "You Can Do It, We Can Help" (I know it's HD's old slogan) never rang more true.