Tip of the Month
To avoid spreading insects in an account, service the troublesome area last. Even though you clean your scissors and wash your hands, it’s never enough. That insect could be hiding in your apron pocket!
8 12, 2024
1 12, 2024
Deep Spring Cleaning
Okay, that’s silly, even giddy! But that’s how I get when I think of spring. I get a feeling of rejuvenation, of making a fresh start. You know what I’m talking about. After weeks of dark, cold, and maybe snow, one morning I notice that the sun is shining even though it’s still early. Spring—it’s in [...]
24 11, 2024
Control Strategics!
When a disease is detected in the interiorscape, it must be controlled or eradicated. Left unchecked, a biotic (infectious) disease can spread throughout an entire interiorscape. And an abiotic (noninfectious) disease may develop secondary infections, leading to further complications. Before implementing control measures, know what type of pathogen (disease-causing agent) is infecting the plant, the length [...]
10 11, 2024
Winter Weather and Foliage Damage
We tend to use a few plants to decorate the exterior pots at building entrances that are a bit on the edge of their safe zone. Cold weather, wind and snow can damage or kill these plants. When the outdoor temperatures get so cold that soils freeze plants can't draw up moisture to their leaves. This [...]
3 08, 2024
What’s in Your Potting Soil?
What are the elements of good potting soil? The next time you add more potting soil to the plants in your accounts, you may be wondering what all those granules you see in the soil are? Here's a quick and simple guide to the beneficial elements found in good potting soil. Perlite: What is [...]
27 07, 2024
10 Questions to Assess Customer Service Skills
What's your customer service score? Customer service is not a perfect science. You can’t write a formula for how to respond to each situation. People are unpredictable, so interactions will always have to be individualized for each situation. A key to being successful in dealing with customers is to remain flexible. Each interaction is [...]
20 07, 2024
Plant Spotlight – Fishtail Palms
Caryota mitis - Fishtail palm What is the correct way to trim a fishtail? Do I use pinking shears or just cut straight across? The answer to this question is of course neither... if you are needing to trim tips, it’s because you are doing something terribly wrong in caring for the plant. Many [...]
13 07, 2024
A Brief History of Plant Pests
Many insects affect plant health About 10,000 years ago, the last of the Pleistocene glaciers had retreated and it was the dawn of a new age for humans. Someone picked some seeds from a favorite grain plant and saved them. Then, in a favorable place where game was plentiful, this person planted these seeds. [...]
6 07, 2024
10 Pesticide Safety Tips
Use pesticides responsibly Sometimes it's necessary to treat the plants in your care with pesticides. Their health is important and yours is, as well. Always be sure to apply these 10 safety tips the next you use pesticides. Always read the label and follow the instructions exactly. Never eat, drink or smoke while using [...]
27 06, 2024
Handling Conflicts & Confrontation
All of us... our families, our friends, our casual acquaintances, and our customers, are worried about the economy, job security, national security, global warming and everything else our modern society has to throw at us. These are trying times. Think back over the past year, how often have you walked into an account to find empty [...]