The Importance of Water Conservation

Spencer Phillips
Research Irrigation Inc.


Is conserving water use in the landscape important to you and your business? Of course it is! And if you don’t believe me you will soon discover water conservation practices will change the way you operate your business. If it’s not by water restrictions or a water use permit being revoked it will be in the laws written to mandate water efficient landscape designs. Some how some way the water issue will be affecting all of us if it hasn’t already.

According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection landscape irrigation consumes over 60% of the potable water supply to an average household. Does this mean our landscapes need this amount of water to flourish and look beautiful? No, on average a landscape should only consume 20 – 40% of the total water supply of an average household. What does this fact mean? We have plenty of room for improvement.

We all play a vital role in the green industry. Some of us are landscape growers, landscape designers, some install the landscape, and some maintain the landscape. And everyone in each role plays a part in conserving water. We should all be aware of how water conservation can help our business and the entire green industry.

Everyday our industry is faced with regulatory and legislative issues that will affect how all of our businesses operate. Not too long ago the City of Tampa banned the use of all irrigation for a short amount of time. This did not only affect the irrigation contractors but also the sod and landscape industry. New installation of landscape material was put on hold because there was no way to water the material under the irrigation ban. Lately the most important issues the green industry has been dealing with concern the use of water to grow and maintain landscapes. If we fail to lead the way in water conservation we will be forced to follow.

As a landscape designer the opportunity exists to design with “Florida Friendly” plantings. This will reduce the amount of water required for the landscape. It is possible to save up to 50% of water by using native or Florida Friendly plants in a landscape. It is also important to group plantings by their water use requirements. If the landscape is grouped into separate zones or hydrozones it will be possible to irrigation the areas more efficiently. A water budget could also be considered for the site and it will be the landscape designer’s job to create a landscape that will thrive within a set water budget.

The landscape contractor has the responsibility to install the landscape per the plans and specifications. But this does not leave the contractor a loop hole out of water conservation. The contractor has the opportunity to inspect the soil where the plants will be permanently planted. This is a greatly underestimated job. The soil structure at the root zone of the plant will drastically affect the future look and growth of the plant. The soil type will also change the way the area will be irrigated. If it is a clay type soil the run time for an irrigation event will be reduced to avoid runoff. But if it is a sand type soil there could be longer runtimes to effectively soak the root zone. The contractor must also consider using soil amendments to encourage the ability of the soil to hold moisture for longer periods of time.

Probably the category playing the biggest part in water conservation is the landscape maintenance contractor. The most common nemesis to water conservation in the landscape is improper watering schedules. It is important to be able to recognize under or over watering and relay this information to the irrigation contractor managing the irrigation system. This brings up the point of proper communication between the landscape and irrigation contractors. It is important to explain the plant water use requirements to the irrigation contractor so that an accurate watering schedule is achieved. One of the quickest and less expensive ways to save more water in a landscape is to create an accurate watering schedule. This can be done by having a certified professional prepare a watering schedule based on the efficiency of the irrigation system, plant water use, and soil conditions.

It is also prudent to stay aware of new irrigation management technology. Everyday a new product is released that will save more water without the user contributing too much of their own time. This will make it easier for the contractor and the end user. We call this smart irrigation technology. The water management districts are also beginning to promote the ‘Florida Water Star’ program which includes smart water technologies. This is a program all green industry professionals should support and promote to their customer base.

Well, the opportunity is ours. As landscape and irrigation professionals we can be smart enough to tie together water conservation and profit for our business. Do we try to retrofit and update the existing landscape and irrigation systems? Or do we just accept the way it has always been and continue to maintain a mediocre landscape and a mediocre irrigation system? It’s your choice!

Remember to be proactive in your approach to water conservation!

The author, Spencer Phillips.

You may be busy, but take the time to just be a plant nerd

By Tristen Bowen, Gaylord Palms Resort, Orlando, FL


It seems like only yesterday we were planning out and booking our poinsettias for this winter. Wait! That was February. Where does the time go? It is already August, and the work world keeps forging on.

It is a time that you are working on fall color rotation, as well as renovations. You have to think about your team and how to keep them motivated. Maintenance never ends, of course, and you can never turn a blind eye to it or you’ll be sure to get overwhelmed.

On top of it all, you are reconciling your checkbooks and watching your budget. The deadline for 2010’s budget is only tomorrow. Forecasting the rest of the year’s expenses is extremely important right now. Also, have to process those invoices…put in those vacation requests…learn the new purchasing system… obtain certificates of liability insurance…send off those soil samples…write this blog…coordinate a few contractors…and stop to take a deep breath! I am very positive that this is everyone’s world right now…everyone is staying later, taking on more and trying to move ahead.

But for me, there is a light in the very near future, a breath of very fresh air, something that I look forward to every year, The Landscape Show! It is my opportunity to escape all of the hustle and bustle of real work life, to remove myself from all the daily business, and for a few short days be a horticulturist.

I am surrounded by industry folk, plant people, plant nerds! It takes me back to the core of everything I truly love. I get to browse aisles of interesting plants, colorful booths and a surplus of horticulture hard goods. It is an opportunity to sit and listen to extremely talented speakers and pick up a few new ideas. You get to see that vendor you talk weekly to on the phone and actually look them in the eyes! It is a few days full of hearty handshakes, business cards and geeky plant talk. It is pure bliss.

So, in retrospect, I know we are all very busy, but I am for sure going to make the time to indulge in the pleasure of The Landscape Show. I’ve been looking forward to this for quite awhile. Maybe I’ll see you there?

Brilliant Leadership in times of Change

By Simon T. Bailey
www.SimonTBailey.com

As I travel around, I continue to hear stories of gloom and doom. Corporations are tightening their belts, consumers have closed their wallets, and when I look into the faces of many people I see a blank stare. It’s as if they are saying, I am just here, I’m merely going through the motions.

Snap out of it! Rattle the cage! Tip the boat! Grab your life by the shirt collar and pull it forward into the future! You’re a leader, and this is what you signed up for when you became one, right? Did you know that everyone is looking to you as a barometer, and they are feeding off of your energy and taking a cue from you in how to pursue? Perhaps this may come as a shock to you, but people are watching you. They are looking to you to see how they should behave, think and believe.

Brilliant leaders embrace change as a friend instead of a foe. They believe change offers wonderful opportunities for growth. And no matter what is happening around them, brilliant leaders remain optimistic. As defined by dictionary.com, optimism is a tendency to expect the best possible outcome or dwell on the most hopeful aspects of a situation. Brilliant leaders know that pessimism and cynicism feed on one another and produce negative thoughts and negative actions. Winston Churchill said it best: “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

Perhaps you subscribe to the school of thought that says you are neither an optimist nor pessimist but a realist. That’s very nice, very sweet and very special. But in the words of Dr. Phil McGraw – how’s that working for you? Please know that whatever you believe, this is the greatest time in the history of the world. Why? Because adversity gives us the chance to be brilliant! Hard times determine our true characters.

Here are seven arrows to put into your leadership quiver (I am using this metaphor because Alan Roberts introduced me to Cabelas and even though I don’t live in Oregon, Idaho, or Montana, I sure wish I did. The next time we visit I will have to tell you about my first horse riding experience in Bozeman, Montana. It’s one for the ages. Anyway, I digress.)

• Share with your customers what you are willing to do to earn or keep their business. They don’t really care about what you can’t do or all of the hoops you have to jump through to make something happen. Be straight with them. People are tired, and their tolerance is very low after watching the stock market plunge, retirement plans diminish, and lay-offs happen all around them.

• Remember names, facts and details about customers. What is the name of his dog or cat, of her son or daughter? When is his birthday? What is her favorite cuisine or type of book? Alan Berg, VP of Strategic Solutions for The Knot, says, “Raise the bar on everything you do. Be the kind of business or person you would want to do business with.”

• Your greatest asset in this economy is not your house, your car, your 401k, your savings account, or the money under your mattress. Your greatest asset is your confidence and that of your team. Protect that confidence; grow it and watch what happens. It is your bailout plan.

• Customer Service is a mindset, not a department. Everyone should be in the business of surprising and delighting customers. More businesses do more to run customers off (automated phone trees that launch us into a plethora of choices). Don’t fall into the trap of choosing your own convenience over providing good service.

• Make sure your company is investing in You, Inc. Organizations that spent an average of $900 per employee on learning experienced 57 percent higher net sales per employee, 37 percent higher gross profits per employee, and a 20 percent increase in market-to-book value ratios. (Source – American Society of Training and Development.)

• Host your own “chew and chat” or “lunch and learn.” Buy customers or employees a meal or treat them to lunch in the employee cafeteria. Prepare at least three questions to prime the conversation pump. The first should be personal. This creates a bond and answers the question of why you wanted to invite this person to lunch. The second question should be business related, which creates a connection between the two of you within the company. The third question should be future related, which gives you a chance to listen to and support the hopes and aspirations of that employee or that customer.

• Create an Oh Brilliant One Award so you can celebrate brilliance in your organization and highlight what employees are doing right instead of what they are doing wrong.

I had the great opportunity to work with 200 of the top leaders of Sterling Savings Bank in Spokane, Washington recently, and I am thrilled to say, “Sterling Savings, you have a brilliant culture.” And I don’t say that just to blow smoke up your leg. As leaders, you are contagious optimists instead of annoying pessimists.

You are excited about the opportunities this economy is presenting you, and you truly care about your customers and each other. When I was with you, I could tell there was something authentic about all of you. You are the real deal! In the words of your president, Greg Seibly, the real business that you are about is building trust and dreams.

As leaders, you are contagious optimists instead of annoying pessimists. I believe that all of you are brilliant leaders, and that, in these tough times, you can either create history or just read it. I believe all of you are committed to embracing change and to remaining confident and hopeful. Here’s the bottom line: Change, or be changed by change. You decide, Oh Brilliant One!

New this year! Define your Business’ Future with help from one of Florida's premier economic consultants

October 1, 9:00 a.m.

Don’t miss a landmark opening presentation to exhibitors and attendees by Dr. Henry Fishkind who will reveal industry trends and how you can enhance your business’ future.

FNGLA has retained the consulting services of Fishkind & Associates to perform an in-depth six-month study leading to the October 1st unveiling of the results in this grand opening presentation. This hard-hitting presentation will provide insight into how external factors are affecting the industry in Florida and nationwide. Learn about market trends, changes in the economy and how other major factors impact buying patterns within Florida’s nursery and landscape industry. This will be much more than just an economic talk!

This can’t-miss, kick-off event is FREE to all attendees and exhibitors and is scheduled before the trade show opens so all exhibitors can attend. Define your Future at The 2009 Landscape Show.

Dr. Henry Fishkind, Ph.D., has worked extensively on large and complex economic cost benefit analyses, including the Florida Everglades Environmental Restoration Project.

The Landscape Show 2009 - Defining the Future

Defining the Future …of your business …of the industry

October 1-3, 2009 Orange County Convention Center, Orlando FL

Join over 8,000 attendees and define the future of your business by attending the southeast’s premier landscape and horticulture conference and trade event. The Landscape Show features 200,000 sq. ft. of trees, shrubs, equipment and more from over 500 exhibiting companies. In addition to the extensive trade show, numerous events promoting certification and industry surround The Landscape Show. Enhance your future by enrolling in Short Course sessions covering everything from production and landscape management to design and retail. Or, expand your knowledge and attend any of the free demonstrations held hourly each day.

The three-day event features:
• Opening Day reception
• Educational sessions
• Complimentary demonstrations
• Certification reviews and testing opportunities
• The opportunity to earn CEU’s
• An interactive Green Zone area
• FNGLA/SHARE Golf Tournament
• FNGLA Landscape Awards Gala
• FNGLA Career Fair

Who should attend The Landscape Show?
Everyone who is involved in professional and commercial aspects of landscape and its added value economically, environmentally and aesthetically:

• Developers
• Home Builders
• Landscape Architects and Designers
• Landscape Contractors and Management Companies
• Garden Center Professionals
• Plant Brokers and Rewholesalers
• Resort and Facility Managers
• Golf Course Superintendents
• Wholesale Nurseries
• City and Municipality Landscape Professionals
  
• Chain Store Garden Centers
  
• Industry Educators
• Garden Writers

Registration opens in July. It’s your future. Take Control and Define it at The 2009 Landscape Show.

www.thelandscapeshow.org | (800) 375-3642
Sponsored by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA)