Green Industry Leaders Network

There are few things more frustrating than seeing a plant or tree you've nurtured, that's been overtaken or demolished by insects. Caterpillars, worms, mites, beetles, aphids and more... infecting your plant, and left to their own devices, can quite literally suck the life out of it!That's where beneficial insects can come to the rescue! in the right environment, they can help take care of issues with destructive insects. The best part is, attracting beneficial insects can be as simple as planting flowers that creates a welcoming environment, and can be done naturally and organically. Done well with the right beneficial insects, you will reduce the presence of the bad ones so you can just enjoy your garden.On this episode, we're discussing beneficial insects and more with Jenny Cobb, assistant growing manager at Spring Meadow Nursery of Proven Winners. She is the head of their Biocontrol Program and has a B.S. in Environmental Biology. Jenny has served in the U.S. Peace Corps working in forestry and agricultu

As we're wrapping up this historic year, planning has been under way for our sales and marketing strategies which at this point are some pretty big question marks. Much of what we do from year to year like in-person trade shows, advertising, forecasting and the list goes on... is all up in the air. Being uncertain about what is in-store for 2021 as the Covid cases begin the feared second wave in these last remaining months of 2020. Which begs the question, how do you plan for a year of uncertainty??In this episode, I take a look at information we factor into our planning for the coming year with the assumption, we have to expect the unexpected. Given what we've learned in 2020, trends we've seen and communicating with industry peers, we've planned out a roadmap for our strategies in the new year. It's anyone's guess as to what is in store and what our new normal will be like.Join me on this episode where I share some insights we've learned about the industry and how we continue to engage with new gardeners, w

For centuries toxic plants have been well known throughout history and claiming their share of victims, including Greek philosopher Socrates. He drank hemlock as his preferred method of carrying out his death sentence.Deadly Nightshade (Atropa belladonna), Castor Bean (Ricinus communis) and Oleander (Nerium oleander) are but a few known to be lethal. Plants use their toxins as a defense mechanism to keep predators at bay, whether insects, pets or humans. And coming in contact with one could have dire consequences...perhaps tightening your throat and closing your airway, intense nausea or vomiting, and in some cases, prove to be quite deadly.It's likely that when you step out into your garden and landscape there are toxic plants all around. Sometimes unknowingly, that beautiful flower or shrub you have growing in your yard, could be highly toxic. So it's important to know which plants are, and where to look if you come in contact with one.On this episode, expert horticulturist Stacey Hilvela, of Proven Winners

We've seen a lot of homeowners and gardeners getting outside this year, whether planting a garden or taking care of neglected projects. Without a doubt, given the current climate of an ongoing pandemic, many people are turning to their yards for growing fresh fruits and vegetables to feed their families.One great place to start is by planting a fruit tree. That might scare people who think they don't have the space or don't want to maintain it, but there are many different varieties of trees available to fit your space and still produce plenty of fruit.Joining us on this #treechat episode, Damon Mori of Praxxis Manufacturing, developers of the H2oWize water ring, is a 3rd generation nurseryman and talented Landscape Architect who still owns and operates growing grounds in the San Fernando Valley area. He's a trained horticulturist at Cal Poly Pomona, bringing his expertise on the topic of growing fruit trees, that will help educate and inspire new growers.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTConnect with Damon on H2oWize Fa

Saying that 2020 has been quite a year is probably a huge understatement. The events of this year has changed us all and so much has happened making it a year like most have never seen. But one of silver lining of this unforgettable year, is the record number of people who turned to gardening, as a way to work through stay-at-home and quarantine. As an industry, we were all fortunate to see the homeowners taking up their tools and getting outside in the yard and landscape. Many for the very first time.Now as fall comes around, this episode is to encourage those who enjoyed the outdoors, and sharing some tips on what you should and should not be doing this time of year in your garden and yard. And here's a spoiler, the answer is...very little! Gardens actually require very little work between now and spring, so don't throw in the trowel!On this episode, we've invited advanced horticulturist and marketing specialist, Stacey Hirvela, of Proven Winners to share her thoughts on what you should be doing in your gar

No matter where you live, installing a drip system helps ensure that you get water right where the plant needs it. But how do you know if you're using the right emitter and delivering the right amount of water to the plant?With several drip irrigation options, it's easy to grab whatever is available and hope it's right. 1 GPH, 4GPH, button emitters, mini stake sprinklers, shrubblers or bubblers... how do you decide?? How do you take  out the guess work select the correct one based on the plant's needs? What's the formula or science behind choosing the right one?Our guest, Michael Derewenko, Territory Sales Manager and Marketing Manager at Jain Irrigation, helps provide his expert advice and what you should factor when choosing. Considerations include;Crop Coefficients: (breaks down how we calculate a plants demand)SDCWA Landscape Guide: (shows relevant plant watering demands)JAIN Contractor Design Guide: (tips on how to convert to drip and apply water with drip)JAIN Complete Home Garden Kit: (all in one kit f

Currently there are over 7 billion people on the planet and our global population is predicted by the U.N., to reach nearly 10 billion by 2050. The Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that global food production will need to increase by up to 70 percent, to meet our future population demand.So how will food producers meet that challenge to increase production, without chemicals which could have a lasting impact to the environment and people? Nanobubble technology is one method that is showing success in large scale food production operations. It's a fascinating and relatively new technology that could also be developed to one day enhance turf growth, and even the backyard garden.Joining us for this landscapechat episode to shed some light on nanobubbles technology is Nick Dyner, the CEO of Moleaer, a California-based nanobubble technology company. Moleaer has partnered with more than 100 food producers in the last three years, to use nanobubble generators to improve crop yields.  This method provides

We're all becoming more familiar these days with Zoom, Skype, Teams to conducting virtual meetings. With more video conferences being conducted rather than phone calls, things have changed and the likelihood that they ever go back, seems to be less and less.Our 2020 industry shows have been canceled for the remainder on the year and stretching into 2021, virtual is here to stay and many green industry brands and organizations are embracing the technology to host face to face meetings. With all these virtual meetings and events going on, it's time to take a look at your own virtual strategy and up your game to the next level.What tips do you need to know to do them successfullyFinding available resourcesHow will you stand out among other virtual meetingsHow will you use the technology to drive your businessWhat equipment is needed for a good virtual meeting presentationMobile vs DesktopThere are a lot of great opportunities with virtual meeting and we'd love to hear your ideas on how to have a successful event

Something we hear a lot about, since the Covid pandemic is that people have turned to their gardens and backyards more than ever. Certainly working from home has made it more accessible and giving homeowners some extra time to spend outdoors but also as a means of growing fresh food for the family when access and supply isn't available. It's being referred to as pandemic gardening, and more and more homeowners are jumping in and growing fruits and veggies in their back yard.I recently connected with a backyard grower, Cameron Akrami,  who began growing fruit trees long before the pandemic, but has been sharing his knowledge and passion for growing them in his small backyard orchard, on his YouTube channel, The Busy Gardener. He servers as an inspiration to folks just starting out, shares great video tips and lessons learned, as well as engaging with new growers.Want to see the video interview with Cameron? Check it out on Corona Tools YouTube.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTCameron Akrami - The Busy Gardener YouTubeCON

Now more than anytime in our recent past, homeowners have taken to their gardens as a source of fresh food, exercise and beauty. As an industry we have to look at this momentum, make adjustments and plan for the future. In a recent survey conducted by the National Garden Bureau, they helped provide some insights on what's important to gardeners. What are they growing, why they're growing, what they are looking for in their local garden centers and more.For the green industry, the survey helps uncover new opportunities and sheds some light on where we should be focusing our communication, products and services. As a means to help sustain this robust momentum and interest in gardening and landscapes, for years to come.Joining us for this episode is Diane Blasek, director of two non-profits, National Garden Bureau and All-American Selections to review the findings, what they mean and what the industry can takeaway from it. CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTDiane Blasak at National Garden Bureau blog - Facebook and Pinterest

From our humble beginnings on Twitter to our 100th episode, we've seen a lot of changes in social networks, digital media and the industry itself. When started this journey in 2010, there wasn't a lot of industry chats or conversation that connected organizations directly to the general public. It was a great platform to connect, build relationships, learn and have fun. We even coined the term "edutainment" and looked forward to another week.Since then we've seen a lot of changes from Twitter, to live video including Periscope and Meerkat, podcasting and the way we connect with each other. As these platforms progress, we continue to do the same. While I'm recognizing this 100th episode as a milestone, I also wanted to recognize all the incredible guests and hosts who took time to share with us.More than everything we've done here over the years, recognize that it's YOU, our listeners who make it all possible. As long as you're still listening and interested in topics in the green industry, well suffice it to

Cultivate Virtual is in the books and this episode has some industry reactions from regular  attendees to the in-person event. We'll cover what they got from the virtual experience, things they learned and would apply to future events and how virtual could impact future industry events. I spoke with a mix of attendees including a session presenter, exhibitor, and editor of an industry publication, each providing their unique participation of the showHaving attended the Cultivate in years past, this episode provides some perspective on how live vs virtual compares, the good and the areas that could improve and strategies for successful future virtual events.Don't forget to check out Cultivate Virtual and a Future for Virtual Events - Pt 1Our guests on this episode include;- Diane Blasek, Executive Director of the National Garden Bureau- Barbara Wise - Sales manager at Crescent Containers- Kate Spirgen - Editor of Greenhouse Management, Produce Grower and Garden Center magazinesCONNECT WITH USEnjoy this episode

Cultivate Virtual is in the books and this episode has some industry reactions from first-time attendees to this event. We'll cover what they got from the event, things they learned and would apply to future events and how virtual could impact future industry events. What's interesting, is that these industry contacts were able to experience this event only because it was virtual. This kind of platform can lead to great exposure and visibility to a much larger audience than might never had access to before, whether it was due to travel or scheduling. It validates the idea that used creatively virtual could be here to stay.Our guests on this episode include;- Alison Edwards - Marketing & Communications, Burgon & Ball- Warren Gorowitz - Director of Corporate Social Responsibility,  Hunter Industries- Peggy Riccio - Owner of pegplant.com and fellow Gardencomm memberCONNECT WITH USEnjoy this episode or have questions? We want to hear from you. Connect with Chris Sabbarese at Corona Tools on Twitterand our

It's summertime which means soaring temperatures and heat that can cause extreme stress on a plant. Yet some plants manage to flourish in heat, while others struggle. On this plantchat episode, we're joined by expert horticulturist and marketing specialist, Stacey Hirvela of Proven Winners who helps explain some of this. From understanding what characteristics help protect against the heat by way of various adaptations to survive, to physiological adaptations as like a deeper root system. She also discusses how wilting plants can be a plant's survival mode and doesn't require water.This episode is packed with some great insights that every gardener, homeowner and professional landscaper should know when selecting plants. You can also watch our first video interview with Stacey on our YouTube channel.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTStacey Hirvela at Proven Winners - Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.CONNECT WITH USEnjoy this episode or have questions? We want to hear from you. Connect with Chris Sabbarese at Corona Tools

This is an inside look at how the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) was essential in helping landscape contractors to continue working, as the country began shutting down in the face of the Covid 19 pandemic. Through hourly changes in regulations, Sandra Giarde, executive director at CLCA provides an account of how the organization helped its members to interpret the regulations coming down from state and local governments while providing guidance on continuing to work safely. Nearly 4 months into the pandemic, things are still changing and with a record number of Covid 19 cases being reported for a single day, it raises more questions and doubts about the future.In this discussion it becomes clear that as a landscape business, it's times like this when being a member of an organization like CLCA becomes so crucial. Changing how we must evaluate outside forces and prepare as best as possible. Being able to adapt to new forms of communication and connecting to keep your business running. Also

Lots going on in the industry these days in the wake of COVID-19 as the country reopens. Besides this being a busy time of year for the green industry in general many are still working remotely and almost all trade shows have been canceled for the remainder of the year.TSA has stated that people have begun flying again, reporting 500K daily passengers at TSA checkpoint throughput. Still far below pre-Covid levels of nearly 2.7M which appears will be a long road to reach that level. Even if travel increases, how many will travel to trade shows and what will attendance be like? If travel is down overall, what does that do for attendance?Many scheduled events have virtual options takes a different approach and thought process. There are a lot of moving parts in terms of preparing content, graphics and logistics of how people will interact with your virtual display. On this episode, we ask the question, are you ready for virtual??Gaining experience now and going through this process makes us realize we need to ad

This short episode came to me as I was preparing for my son's 8th grade graduation. Like any parent with a child graduating during this pandemic, it's easy to get caught up with the unfairness of missing out on the graduation ceremony and all the pomp and circumstance. But I see students from all over embracing the new normal and making the best of the graduating in the midst of social distancing.I dedicated this episode to my son, who doesn't show signs of disappointment. He excelled with distance learning and graduated with his class online. It made me realize, as an industry there is a lesson we can learn from the Class of 2020.The new normal continues to unfold each day and we've all had to adapt to make things work. The  Class of 2020 demonstrates that the new normal is what we make it. Even during a crisis like Covid 19, we can embrace it and make it work. Being connected, staying essential and creating new paths. Congratulations Class of 2020 and thank you to the next generation of green industry profe

During this period of social distancing and stay at home, the landscape industry has remained an essential business and service. Throughout the industry, the pandemic has changed how we work now and for the foreseeable future.While Covid 19 has taken its toll , Jain Irrigation has hosted its weekly webinar series, called "Lunch and Learn" We were invited to join an esteemed panel, to discuss how Covid 19 has impacted our businesses. The panel was a great mix of manufacturing (Corona Tools), distribution (Horizon), and contracting ( Landscapes USA).Please enjoy this #landscapechat episode and be sure to check out other Lunch and Learn sessions presented by Jain Irrigation. You can view the video webinar and the past sessions.CONNECT WITH USEnjoy this episode or have questions? We want to hear from you. Connect with Chris Sabbarese at Corona Tools on Twitterand our new GILN Facebook Group. This closed group is like-minded individuals who care about and discuss, gardening and plants, trees and landscaping relate

There is no doubt about it, during these stressful times of quarantine, shelter in place orders and social distancing, more people have turned to their gardens. Maybe as something to pass the time, to relieve some of the stress, or as a way to get some physical exercise. But as the country is itching to get back to work and ready to venture out, will this interest in gardening be sustained once we return to our normal routines?After speaking to many green industry professionals, there seems to be a consensus that we will all experience a new normal. Even if this pandemic ended today, it's going to take a long time for the engine that drives our food supply and economy to get back to where we were before this all started. So there are many reasons to think that we could still see people turning to gardening for growing food, relieving stress and feelings of depression, as well as physical activity.On this #plantchat episode, I asked well-known garden expert Melinda Myers, a television and radio host, what she

Being at home during the Covid 19 pandemic has given way to many homeowners tackling yard work projects to get through this period of isolation and social distancing. One of the bigger tasks includes tree care and pruning them.Before you begin it's important to know the when to prune and thinking about why you're doing it. Things like reducing the size, reshaping  or something else? As homeowners, it's important to think through why you need to prune a tree, how you're going to do it and when.While some pruning tasks are well suited for a homeowner, there comes a point when you need to seek the help of a tree care professional. With the current economy and many people being out of work, more and more homeowners are hoping to take care of the work themselves though these uncertain economic times.Joining us  to help understand some basics of tree pruning is Kurt Stenberg, tree care professional and owner of Cochrane Tree Care. When he's not hanging out in trees or working on certification in arboriculture, he s