I was going to write about compost. I am such a huge fan. That rich nourishing smell of the earth, the way the steam rises off a warm rich freshly turned pile. Something I love and know a lot about! However, being that the release of this article (Nov 7), I thought I would try writing about something I know absolutely nothing about! Deer Season! That time of year when beards start to grow, the gear gets brought out, rifles get sighted, PTO that has been saved is about to be used, and the nursery is almost vacated of staff and customers.

What gives? I thought I would do a little research and see what all the hype is about. And boy did I learn a lot!

Of course, my immediate focus was ‘hunting and the challenges to the landscape’.  However, as I was educating myself on all things “whitetail”: scouting, the Rut, scrapes, rubs, food, disease, etc., I was totally intrigued by this thing called “hunting”! I get it!

Even though I couldn’t shoot or use a bow, the opportunity to be in the woods, the excitement in the air, and the camaraderie between fellow hunters must be an awesome experience. So why the decline in hunters? It was interesting to read about the decline and the ripple effect it has on the economy.

Public opinion has had a direct effect, and this year had the biggest decline in 30 years. Demographics have had a huge impact on the approval rating. Only 65% of African Americans approve of hunting, 61% of Hispanics, and 69% of people 18-39. The highest favorability was those who hunt regularly, shoot recreationally, fish, are male, caucasian, live in the Midwest or rural areas and are 35 years old or older.

The decline of hunters has vast funding issues for the state government. Fewer licenses being sold hurts state and federal programs. Hunting pumps hundreds of millions into conservation efforts. Unfortunately, without that funding, there is a less detailed approach to many programs. Most importantly, controlling and managing the herd!

As much as I like hearing my hunter friends bragging about that 8-point buck, it seems the responsible approach to managing the herd lies with the does. With the decrease in hunters, the deer population is rising. This increase in the deer population has many great concerns.

I could certainly continue in many different directions. I could go on about all the cool clothing and garb, best practices, safety, and even about programs aimed at building renewed interest in the sport. There is so much more to the sport then picking up a weapon and heading in the woods. Educate yourself, respect the landscape, and be mindful of the footprint you leave behind. Have fun and be safe!

But, most of all, good luck!

There’s something to be said about impeccable customer service. If you take a “customer is always right” attitude when servicing your clients, you start from an excellent place with a servant’s attitude. Something that, frankly, in this day and age, isn’t as common as it used to be. Many of the most highly regarded business recommendation books carry some level of that advice.

"We don't want to push our ideas onto customers, we simply want to make what they want." Laura Ashley

However, there is an argument to be made that merely satisfying your customers is not the best answer for industries that rely on creativity. And even if you think landscaping isn’t a creative field, it is… or it should be. I often think of two famous quotes when I think about a customer survey or a focus group. Henry Ford supposedly said, “If I would have asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.” And Steve Jobs said, “It’s really hard to design products by focus groups. A lot of times, people don’t know what they want until you show it to them.”

We often see the same version of landscaping repeated street after street, city after city. In some cases, regulations make the similarity mandatory. In other cases, efficiency of production has created matching homes, since they were all built and landscaped almost in an assembly line fashion.

There are many reasons to diversify your customers’ landscapes.

• Diversity prevents mass devastation – Think of Boxwood blight or Emerald Ash Borer
• Diversity encourages mental stimulation for everyone involved, from the designer to the homeowner, to the passing neighbor that’s sleepy on their commute.
• Diversity increases diversity. With different landscapes come different habitats and food for creatures. You can see this in the bee population… diversity gives the pollinators more food at different times of the season with more opportunities to pollinate and it can create honey variations.

Over the years, mass production has increasingly whittled away at the natural diversity of everything from grocery store selection to fashion to transportation.

Having made the case for a wilder version of landscape, I also realize that some customers will not love a creative landscape. They need uniformity and a basic level of landscape.

The difficult dilemma is finding those customers who don’t know they’re waiting to be delighted by the unexpected.

Note: I do realize the irony of quoting Henry Ford, the same man who successfully implemented the assembly line and said, "Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants, so long as it is black” in an article about creativity.

A few weeks ago, I got to go out to Oregon and visit several nurseries to see their selection. It was very cool to see the variety of plants that they can grow that we can’t. Geographically, we’re almost straight across the country from each other with our southern borders hovering around the 41-42° North parallel line. We are zone 5 and they are zone 8 or 9 depending on where along the coast you are. It was amazing to hear that they can potentially gain up to 12” on a Japanese maple in one growing season or to see 4.5’ emerald green arbs that they say in a few weeks will be nice 5-6’ arbs. It was a very busy trip as I saw 10 different nurseries in 4 days, but it was totally worth it.

It’s that time of year again. The weather is hot, and the days are long. The plants are growing, blooming, and the season is in full swing. The last thing on your mind is spring bulbs! This time of year, bulbs are at the forefront of mine.  Updating our bulb selection and preparing for our Early Order Bulb Program can take quite a bit of time. Last year, we revamped the program. Largely due to the quantity increase from 50 tulips per box to 100 per box and the daffs from 50 to 75. Along with the increased quantities in these bulb sizes, we added an additional value to our customers by offering quantity breaks at 2 boxes for all of our Crocus and unusual varieties, including Chionodoxa, Hyacinthoides, Iris, Muscari, and Scilla.

The Early Order Bulb Program allows our customers to take advantage of some substantial savings. Although there is still a discount for the more boxes you buy, it doesn’t even compare to the savings of getting that order in quickly!

This season we have added a few more selections to choose from.

Unfortunately, every season we lose a few varieties that we have enjoyed. The good news is that there are so many fun choices it is exciting to see what each season holds in store! Be on the lookout for our bulb mailer that should land mid-July, but you can digitally check it out and print it if you click here! (The password is the same as the availability password on your e-mail) We also have the flyers at all our service counters. And don’t forget your BulbTone!!

Marketing is like magic. Magic is all about misdirection and sleight of hand. The performer will have you so focused on what the left hand is doing so that you never notice the right foot. Marketing can be very similar, focus on the positive and redirect from the negative. Everybody, I’m sure, remembers the expandable garden hose craze. For $25, they were great! Until you got 1 teeny tiny little hole, but nobody mentioned that the stretching feature comes at a cost of durability. Concrete wall and pavers are in the same boat, they have been advertised and promoted as low maintenance, especially compared to traditional wood decks. But what does that really mean, low maintenance? Let me redirect your focus over here then.

‘Low’ does not mean ‘none’. And, that does not always mean quick and easy, either. Concrete is a sponge; its pores will trap all sorts of dirt and debris. Rusty water, red soda stains, tree sap and salt residue are just a few examples of what your concrete products can soak up. This does not affect the strength or longevity of the brick but it sure can alter the color and appearance of it. To bring it back to almost a new appearance you will need to wash it!

So how does one wash a brick? It does not involve any toothbrushes or mops, but it does involve some specialized cleaners depending on the stain or material you are trying to wash away. Not all, but most chemical cleaners have some small amount of acids in them, this is why you rarely need to scrub the concrete. The cleaner is designed to either soften or dissolve the materials, then simply rinse away with a garden hose. But with that dissolving effect comes a warning, left for too long or too strong of a mix could start to dissolve the concrete’s smaller particles which will leave the concrete pitted and appear much more aged. Always test on a small obscure place on the concrete to test the effects. There are cleaners that specialize in gum, oil, tar, rust, and organic material like food condiments and popsicle drippings.

After the cleaning, you now have an opportunity to seal the concrete, if you so desire. Years and years ago you would have to wait 6 months to a year for the efflorescence to work its way out of the concrete. Back then the sealers were not breathable, they trapped everything in. Now they have water based breathable sealers that can be applied shortly after installation. But why would one want to seal the concrete, especially if you can simply clean it? Think of sealer like shoe shine, it helps protect the shoe’s material while it helps to improve the appearance. It will make cleaning stains much easier as well as help maintain or enhance the color of the concrete. This could be very important around cooking and dining areas. You don’t have to seal every year, maybe not even every other year, but you will have to reapply again at some point to maintain the same protection and appearance.

Sealing can be both a blessing and a curse. It is so nice to take the hose to a grape jelly blob and simply hose it away. But you may have one more thing to add to an ever-growing list of springtime chores. I choose to live dangerously; I go sealer free. But I also have an amazing washing system, a yard full of kids and a hose. The car, house, dog, tree, neighbor kids, and most times the patio get a good washing many times during the summer. But if you do not have a high fructose fueled (kids with popsicles) washing system like me, stop by the Hardscape Center and let us help you make your stains and grime disappear, magically!

There are so many reasons for individual homeowners, and hardscape or landscape installers to use a professional landscape designer when it is time to create an outdoor space.

Some of the best hardscape and plant installers I know have an artistic eye and can create beautiful outdoor areas. Can those incredible spaces be done without professional input or planning of some type? Sure, but only considering the aesthetic can have detrimental downsides. For example, installing the wrong paver on a driveway can result in broken pavers and unhappy clients. Installing the wrong plants can mean dead plants, the wrong balance of plants, or plants that outgrow the space they were intended for.

While it might seem quicker to just show up on a site with a truckload of random plants and start installing them on a property, there is a higher chance of failure. If you’re providing a warranty on those plants, that is money out of your pocket in time, manpower, and loss of installation time on another site that could be making you money.

Everyone has their favorite part of an installation. Whether it’s hardscape or softscape, we all have our opinions on what’s most important. While I love a good hardscape, I am most passionate about plants. But as a professional designer, I realize that the plants I use can be made to look more impressive if they are incorporated with a good hardscape. The reverse is also true. The simplest hardscape design and installation can be better when plants are added to showcase its structure, use, colors, etc. It’s my job to sense the whole picture and meld both of those items for the best result. Melding both is how the best designs are created. Then, of course, professional designers can add lighting, pots, structures, and many other design elements to step it up to the next level. A professional designer always keeps the big picture in mind and never just focuses on one aspect of the outdoor space.

The best designers listen to the clients’ needs and wants and work to achieve a buildable and sustainable overall plan. The hardscape must serve the needs of the homeowner while working within the limitations of the site, building codes, and product limitations. The plant selection needs to be attractive, and long-term with the right care. That care must fit the homeowner’s ability to do the work, or their willingness to hire a pro to care for it. When selecting plants, this information can make a difference in the long-term happiness of the client.

Did you know that our industry dumps thousands of new plants onto the market each year? Using a designer that is highly trained, has hands-on knowledge and continues to stay up to date on the latest plants, problems, products, and trends can make for a better installation process and result for the entire group of people involved. Save yourself the time and headaches of sifting through all the nuances by utilizing a designer.

A professional design doesn’t happen in the blink of an eye. Site information needs to be collected. Client desires, lifestyle, the intended use of the spaces, etc. must be considered. Then, the design process starts. It’s a time-consuming process that needs to be thought through to meet all the criteria for all parties involved. There is VALUE in good design. I’ve owned my own design/build firm. I have worked for other firms. Now, I do freelance design for many companies and homeowners. For my entire career in the green industry, I’ve stressed the fact that designs should never be given away. There is value in good design, and it needs to be treated with that respect.

If you would like to talk more about the pros and cons to professional landscape design, Beth Rowley can be reached at barowley02@gmail.com or 734-890-9386.

For many years, people and companies have spent countless hours and dollars on re-inventing themselves. We’ve witnessed changing logos, hairstyles, business practices, flavors, and cultures. But did they really re-invent anything, or were they just bored?

This winter, Christensen’s updated our point-of-sale system to the current model. There was nothing wrong with the version of the software we were using, except that it was older, and the manufacturer would no longer support the old version with updates to keep it credit card compliant. In other words, a forced upgrade. So here we are with the new version. It looks almost the same as the old version. The colors are different, and there are some buttons in different places. But overall, the systems operate the same and look very similar.

Like Coca-Cola becoming New Coke and then going back and becoming Classic Coca-Cola. Nothing really changed, and perhaps it never should have. Frequently, we are asked to look and see the newest, latest, and greatest shiny thing. However, very often, the original is way better, works more effectively, and did not even really go out of style.

Much of the nursery and landscape industry is just this way. We do many of the same tasks that we have done for 100 years because it is the right thing to do. Pruning, mulching, plant care. It is wise to make sure, in your company, you are not changing just to change. Some of our industry’s greatest strength comes from the fact that we perform time-tested services to ensure the best possible outcomes. It is also wise to avoid the fad that only looks good for the moment. I think that it is time that our industry celebrates our endurance and stability. We should be telling our clients that what we do has stood the test of time. While we may tweak what we do, our history is what makes us stand apart from others.

For our 92^nd year in business, Christensen’s is maintaining itself as your premier partner in the landscape industry in Michigan. And this year is starting out with a good outlook. Fuel prices are beginning to stabilize, and even drop in some areas. This is allowing freight to stabilize across the country. Hardscape material shortages of the past years have been dealt with and the manufacturers are not anticipating large issues in supply this year. Plant material remains in tight supply. The past several years of sales have not allowed the supply of plant material to catch up to the demand. And unfortunately, it will take years for this to catch up. But rest assured that our team of professional buyers are doing their very best to find all of the material that you need for this year. After all, it is what we do.

While most people in our industry are very active throughout the busy season, as November dwindles into December, many of you will head toward hibernation and less movement. Personally, as my roles have changed here at Christensen's, I’ve found myself at a desk for more and more of my work day.

Of course, we know that there are an astounding number of health and productivity benefits associated with exercise and physical activity. Aside from obvious cardio and flexibility benefits, physical activity can improve concentration, lower stress, and help cut down on snacking at your desk. It really can make the day easier to get through!

When I was working outside I never really thought about how many steps I took, or if I got my heart rate up a couple of times per day, it just happened. Now,I have realized that staying active and flexible needs to be a built-in part of my day.

Here are a couple of ways to fit exercise into your busy schedule:

Stretching is something that I wish I had been doing my whole life. Now, I start the day with a morning stretch as I roll out of bed. It’s a mashup of yoga and a high school gym class warmup. I look like an idiot, but it sure feels great afterward. It only takes a couple minutes!

If the mood hits me right, I’ll immediately follow the stretching with some basic Qigong exercises. Qigong can easily be fit in during a workday. Internet search “qi clearing” for tips on thymus thumping, leg slapping, bouncing. Think about moments when you have a spare couple minutes like when waiting on the microwave at breaktime, or when you get back to your desk before you sit down. I like doing one of my favorites called “knocking on the doors of life” whilst talking on the phone.

Something that I found important to do in the afternoon is getting my heart rate up. That last hour of the day can be tough to get through, but it’s a lot easier when you are feeling invigorated with your blood pumping. Jogging in place is one way, doing some push-ups against a desk works, too. Each day at 3:30 our computers tabulate the days business activity. This “countdown” event has turned into a great a reminder to get up and move! In the Hardscape building, we have endearingly called this afternoon cardio session “Countdown Calisthenics”. Our method encompasses a Nordic walk with a straight leg stretch and a torso twist. Stop by the Hardscape center sometime and mention the "cardio walk." I’ll show you how to do it, and we can share a healthy laugh. 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. I know, with all the pink popping up, it’s probably hard to forget. Since 1 in 8 women will be affected by this debilitating disease in their lifetime, you may even know someone diagnosed and receiving treatment. While my grandmother fought it twice and was victorious both times, my aunt passed away 12 years ago at the age of 46. As you can see, this cause is very personal to me.

There are many ways to join in the fight against breast cancer, but one of the easiest for people in the horticulture industry is to buy and install the Invincebelle® Spirit II Hydrangea arborescens.

The Invincebelle® Spirit II takes the groundbreaking breeding of the original and improves on it with brighter color, more abundant flowers and a stronger rebloom. The entire plant is more compact and bushier with stronger stems.

The Invincebelle® series is a step forward in arborescens breeding, but what makes Spirit really unique is the mission to eradicate breast cancer. Donating one dollar per plant, Spirit and, now, Spirit II have raised over one million dollars for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Myra Biblowit, BCRF President & CEO, has said, “Proven Winners has made a real and tangible impact on advancing breast cancer research—raising over $1 million since 2010 to fund more than 23,000 hours of critical research through BCRF.”

Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, BCRF-funded investigators have been deeply involved in every major breakthrough in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. This year, BCRF will support the work of more than 275 scientists at leading medical and academic institutions across 15 countries, making BCRF the largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide. BCRF is one of the nation’s most fiscally responsible nonprofits and is the only breast cancer organization in the U.S. with an “A+” from Charity Watch and Charity Navigator’s highest rating of four stars. Proven Winners® is very pleased to be working with the BCRF and plans to continue fighting this deadly disease.

Even if this particular cause isn’t close to your heart, it may affect your customers. I chose to plant an Invincebelle® Spirit in my aunt’s memory and have planted even more because the show of color is spectacular. Consider choosing this beautiful variety when installing Hydrangeas. It may mean only a little to you or your customer, but it might mean the world to women affected by breast cancer.

I like to call this time of year ‘the season of anticipation.’ Over the years, as I’ve developed my patience, I have come to enjoy the sweet ache of waiting. My son, on the other hand, is in anguish waiting for each holiday to arrive, starting with Halloween. And after each one is over in the blink of an eye, he’ll be in anguish until the next one arrives.  

Of course, I have been trying to teach him the value of waiting. We've defined "patience" as "waiting with a good attitude" in our family.  If you ask him what patience is, he'll use that exact quote with an eye-roll and sing-song voice... which is sort of the opposite of the definition. 

In true childhood fashion, the lesson didn’t really sink in until his teacher had them plant seeds and they watched them germinate in a clear cup. He dutifully informed me that, “Even though you can’t see it, the seeds are working hard underneath the ground, taking up nutrients and growing roots.” I told him that the holidays were the same thing. Even though he couldn’t see it, Mom and his family were working hard to prepare for the events. He scowled and ran off.

Nothing in horticulture elicits more anticipation than bulbs. As so many aspects of our life have sped up (I blame online shopping), nature continues to keep her own time. And, for me, there’s something reassuring in having to patiently wait for an investment into the landscape. I’m sure for you, as landscape professionals, bulbs can be a hard sell in a “Want-It-Now” culture.

But the reward of early spring blooms in multiple colors and forms is something that everyone loves. This time of year, it’s important to communicate with your customers about the benefits of planting spring bulbs now.

Come in and see the many options we offer. Take pictures to share with your customers. I love our “wall of bulbs”. It’s a wonderful way to see and choose your favorites. This beautiful and tempting full rack of color is the reason I purchased way more bulbs than I can plant by myself. Fortunately, I have a ready supply of labor because my son has become very excited about planting. Of course, once we plant our tulips, daffodils and allium, I’m sure he’ll be in anguish for spring.