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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Successful integrated pest management (IPM) programs tailor a series of pest control strategies to the specific pest damaging the plant. The first step in any IPM program is to correctly identify the pest to be controlled. Insects vs mites Insects and mites are animals belonging to the Phyla Arthropoda and have similar basic characteristics such [...]
