My trip to Calscape was wonderful. Best Calscape ever. Congratulations to all who volunteered and to the PIA staff.

As usual, there were many interesting products at the small Trade Show. One was particularly interesting so I thought I would share.

If you do Color Bowls, and floral work, or just need something to accent your interiorscape work, check out www.medusafloral.com. Natural topiaries, wreaths, flower pots and natural material used to cover a wealth of interesting shapes. Stick in an orchid or two, a succulent mix and you have a focal point to write home about. Just an interesting tidbit to make your day. Toll Free: 877-766-5328 and tell them you got the info from Barb Helfman at TOPsiders.

Otherwise, consider my Client Keeper Newsletter Program. It is the 21st Century way to market to your clients. Call me at 513-205-8195 or email me at barbhelfman@aol.com

For some it is all year round, for others it happens in the Spring and continues through til first frost.  What is it?  White shoes?  Nope, it an extension of your interiorscape business, Blooming beds and Containers.  These are usually placed to accent an entrance, company logos, etc.  They act as visual signage.  They are an expected part of Office Park, Shopping Mall and Ofice Building.

Usually you will be working with the property owner or manager.  The property owner is most probably open to a high end look (more color changed out several times), while the property manager is more concerned about the cost.  UNLESS, the building is in the leasing stage in which case, the property management firm needs the imp0act and may be more interested in a WOW look.

Appearance is everything here.  A few 4" bedding plants planted in May may provide the right look by September but for the months prior?  You need and they want, instant gratification.  Show them, physically show them, the size most others use, the plugs vs your 6" or 8" finished product.  They’ll get it!  In this case the visual is important.  Spacing is important.  Options are important.

Future work is critical.  Remember seasonal work is just another form of recurring revenue even if it is for 6 months instead of 12.  om while the beds are in bloom this season and still spectacular, meet with your contact and discuss your ideas for "next year".  Lock in your participation.  Think outside the box.  Daylilies, pansies, bright colors mixed with greenery, even large tropical plants can make a real statement.  There was once upon a time, an interiorscaper in my city who each Summer installed a huge Banana Plant in front of a downtown restaurant.  WOW!  Did it ever get attention for the eatery.  "Meet me at the Banana Tree", could be heard around the downtown area.  One huge plant.  One attention getting Exotic.  Increased business for the client.  They repeat it year after year after year.  And, it is not just a Specimen that gets attention.  Color surrounded by greenery such as ivy or lirope can give a "full,saladlike, lush look."  Play with it and have fun.  Be elegant OR controveresial. The choice is yours and your clients.  Pique their interest.

Next, now that the season is in full swing, take a drive around town.  Check out other ‘s blooming installations.  Are they spectacular, just Ok, a mess?  Note the good and bad and make it part of your sales plan while the season is still in the swing of things.  Don’t be afraid to contact the property manager and point out the failings.  Have photos on your cell of your work.  Quick and easy.

And, for the winter months in cold climate areas, there are other Exterior Options for the savvy ‘scaper.  Think Holiday where lighting of trees and bushes is a real option and eyecatching. And, if you live in year round friendly climes, color and or tropicals in containers are good to go year round.   

Now, go out there and get ‘em, Tiger Lilies.

Stuck in a doctor’s waiting room last week, the only thing to read was a Wedding Magazine.  Paging through the issue (sells for 10 bucks!), I came across advice on how to save on the florals for cost conscious brides.  Well, we are always trying to be frugal while still giving clients the best and often we have to provide knockout arrangements, so….

1. Use More Greenery than Flowers
2. Swap Out Costly Flowers for less Expensive Blooms.  Did you know that peonies cost five times as much as roses?
3. Include Non Floral Product.  Grasses, Curly Willow, Fruit, moss covered branches etc.
4. Buy Flowers that are in Season.
5. Stick to just one or two kinds of Flowers.  Simplicity is Key.

Now, there are lots of other tips, but let’s just concentrate on these 5 as a start.  Also, most of us have photo capability on our cell phones.  Use them as you visit your hotels, other cities etc.  Keep these photos for inspiration.  Now, go out there and get ‘em, Tiger Lilies.

In years past, at the tail end of the Holiday Season, some ‘Scapers have been known to throw "Poinsttia Bashing Parties".  Not only that but they often referred to points as the "devil plant".  Why, you might ask?  Why such animosity toward such a beautiful, red, vivacious harbinger of the Season?  Well, friend, poinsettia are beautiful, yes, but they are very testy.  They require almost perfect watering,need to be replaced midseason, and, often, are the reason a client will call.  And this need for attention always, always happens at the worst possible time..when staff is super busy, when weather conditions are abysmal, and when traffic is rushed.  So it is that the interiorplantscaper has a love/hate relationship with the Poinsettia.

AN END TO ALL THAT IS NEAR   It gives me great pleasure to announce a new product from TOPsiders, the Joey Pouch for Bloomers and Poinsettia (JPPT).  These little beauties work for all your blooming needs, broms, orchids, mums, kalanchoe, and, of course, poinsettia.  They stretch the  watering interval from days to weeks, keep the plant at consistent moisture and oxygen mix, and so, the plant lasts and lasts.  This past season, Joey Pouch inventor Joe Byles got 12 weeks from his Joey’ed poinsettia!  Now, we don’t promise 12 weeks but they should go beyond the 6-7 week season thus eliminating the need for an expensive, labor intensive replacement mid season.  This means that, per poinsettia "spot", you will save lots and lots of dollars and stress.  Yep, just think.  A poinsettia in a JPPT, one for the whole season, once a week or longer between "fill ups" depending on the amount of water available to the plant,  reusable over and over again, and no client complaint calls.  A "scapers dream come true.

ONE IMPORTANT WORD.  And that word is "reservoir".  Place the joey pouched bloomer in a very deep saucer or watertight liner (old decorative etc).  The more water the plant is sitting in, the better.  It cannot be overwatered even if it is up to the top.  The more water availble, the longer between waterings.

HOW?  Well, we are asking that you review your past history of Poinsettia use, come up with the number and place orders NOW.  We will only bill you once they ship in early October.  We are only producing TO YOUR ORDER and not keeping tons of these on the shelf in advance.  This means that if you do not order by late August, you will not be able to receive product.  This is how we can save dollars and keep both our costs down.

SO HOW MUCH, HOW MUCH?  JPPT is available be the case (72 per case) at $3.80 apiece ($273.60 per case) plus shipping costs.  Figure out how many you will need and let us know at TOPsiders (800) 533-7661.  For questions, you can call me at (513) 205-8195 between 9-6 EST before May 15th and after that, between 12-7 EST.

Valentine’s Day is next week.  The Groundhog at the NY Zoo bit Mayor Bloomberg’s finger on Groundhog Day.  In most of the country it has been a hard, cold winter.  Oh, Spring, hurry.  We need you!

Now, you and I are not the only ones thinking Spring.  Your clients are as well.  Maybe we can use this longing as a way to thank, solidify relationships, and just plain, bring a smile to the face of our clients. How?  Why by bringing them a breath of Spring.  A small, brightly colored blooming plant that says, "Spring".  I suggest going to your bedding plant wholesaler and seeing what he has available in mini daffodils in a 4" pot.  Throw a speed cover or aluminum or plastic on it, attatch your card and go deliver.  It is a great excuse to stick your head in the contact’s door and say "Hi".  Who knows where this could lead? 

Best of all, it is unexpected..a surprise, it is small and takes up little room, and it is inexpensive so the client doesn’t feel "obliged or compromised" in any way.  It is you and the flower bringing cheer.  And, who knows, this happy visit just might remind someone that plants are needed on the 5th floor. 

The Grandaddy of all Horticulture Shows is the TPIE Show in Ft. Lauderdale, FL starting Thurs, January 17-Sat January 19, 2008.  Presented by FNGLA (Florida Nurseryman and Growers Association), the show and its accompanying Seminar is the place to be if you are a tropical plant person.  With a huge, sold out trade show and seminars of interest to ‘scapers, this is the show to attend.  Plus, if you come in a day early you can take a tour of Nurseries on a specially scheduled bus.  They do the driving and you do the Learning.

This Year it is All About Green  
I know we’ve been Green since the Beginning of Time, but in today’s world, Green has a whole other meaning.  To that point, the Seminars all have speakers and topics that will increase your understanding of the new position open for including interiorplants in offices, hotels, and residences.  One of the most popular speakers is Patricia Fripp.  An acknowledged expert in Sales and Marketing, Patricia has received accolades from audiences all over the country.   She will be kicking off Friday’s Program as well as presenting a course especially for interiorscapers, Superstar Sales Presentations: The Inside Secrets.  It is an hour and 15 minutes of inspiration. 

Plus All the Other Stuff  
Along with being able to visit the booths of the Top Growers, Container Manufacturers, and Suppliers, TPIE is a great time.  Spend and share experiences with industry friends, attend the Opening Night Party at Gulfstream Park, and just relax in the Sun.

For Info  
Get all the details by logging on to www.tpie.org or call 800-375-3642.

Come see me in Booth 814.  I have a new revoutionary product (not a container) that will make your life 50% easier and save you money as well. 

Couple of months ago I was visiting a friend and he took me to see a Mall he maintained.  There, every plant was healthy and perfectly pruned.  It was a beautiful job…except..except for the bromeliads.  Some were faded. some blooms were slightly brown, others were still OK.  "Barb,  he said, I’m having a heck of a time getting broms.  The replacements for these won’t be in for two more weeks and it is driving me nuts". 

My Solution?  Paint ‘Em! 
To his surprise, I walked him over to the Craft store in the Mall and went to the Silk Floral Paint Section where I purchased three cans of Designmaster Floral Paint, one can of red, one of purple, and one of pink.  Then we walked to the rear of the Mall having stopped to grab three of the faded broms.  As we walked,  I explained that years ago I found myself in the same position.  The broms at a Mall we maintained were gone and it was two weeks before the points would arrive.  To buy all new broms or even mums would have set us back over $2,000 for replacements and they would have to be removed when the points came in.  Huge waste of money. (Sound Familiar?)

Then, grabbing some newspaper lying around, I took one of the broms, fixed a cone of newspaper around the bloom, like the plastic cone colar they put on a dog when they don’t want it to scratch its ears, shook the can of Red Floral paint, and sprayed just the bloom lightly.  A second coat and the result was astonishing. 

My friend gasped.  "But won’t that kill the plant?" he asked.  Probably, I replied, in a few weeks after which your replacements will have long arrived. 

Here’s How It Works 
The part we buy a bromeliad for is the colorful bloom or spike and that is the first part to go while the foliage stays alive for a long, long time.  So, if you can get color back to the bloom either by clipping the old out and replacing with an artificial spike (another timely trick), or by painting the bloom with a floral paint, voila, you have just saved the look, the job and a bunch of dollars.

Designmaster, a Careful Hand and a Good Eye  
The trick is to get the right product, Designmaster, available at Craft, Floral Wholesalers, and some Fabric stores.  Choose the right colors from the wealth available.  The color on the can is not always the same as what comes out.  When just starting out, buy single cans of several different reds, pinks, and purples, then test and choose the most realistic.  And, when painting remember that less is more.  Spray one coat and then another.  Keep it light.  You don’t want gobs of paint on the spikes.  After a few tries, you will get the hang of it. 

My friend went back to the Mallthat very night and painted the 120 broms.  His client was thrilled and commented that they were the best broms he’d seen in a while.  My friend continued to water (remember it is still a living plant,  it just has some makeup on it),  And when they were replaced with the Points, he said they still looked great.

Now, we are not suggesting you do this to your broms instead of the usual replacement program you are charging a client for, but, once in a while, schedules and deliveries get screwed up and here is an answer. 

We’d love to hear about your creative problem solvers. 

There is an ancient riddle that asks,"If everybody has the same Zebras are they still Zebras?

Well, maybe its not so ancient but it is definitely a question I ask myself periodically.  Example, when Interiorscaping was just beginning the use of a live, blooming florist mum was definitely a Zebra.  It was unique and unusual.  Time went on and people began to tire of Mums.  "Give us something different", they cried.  So we used other color plants like kalanchoe, azalea, lilies and always, always the wonderful poinsettia.  More time passed, and the client again began to ask, "Isn’t there something else?  So, being ever resourceful and anxious to rid ourselves of blooming plants that required twice a week maintenance, we showed the client  (ta dah)  Bromeliads.

Next Came the Exotic Orchid
Beloved of Designers and Shelter Magazines everywhere, the exotic orchid became the next "zebra".  In color bowls they graced boardroom and dining room alike.  Finally, we thought, we’ve finally found the answer.  Bromeliads and Orchids.  The first with its bright pinks, purples, oranges, and reds, the latter with its ethereal white, yellow and purple blooms.  We have our "Zebras".

Again We Hear the Plaintive Cry 
And so life was good for a few years.  But, hark, what is that I hear?  Client murmurrings? (murmurrmurmurrmurmurr)  In St. Louis, Chicago, San Diego and Portland again is heard the cry,"We’re tired of bromeliads, we’re even tired of orchids.  What else is new and different?"

Think A Floral, A Colorbowl, A Fruit
At Calscape this past month, I watched as ‘scaper after ‘scaper submitted beautiful colorbowls to be judged for awards.  They were filled with mosses of varying hues and textures.  There were lichens and curly willow, sticks of bamboo and small green plants.  Broms and Orchids were present as well but while they popped the color, the other material was chosen for its texture or shape.  Very impressive.   Also, while at Calscape I walked into the lobby of one small resort/nongaming hotel.  There displayed front and center on an oval glass table were 5 (uneven number is key) glass vases of varying widths and heights.  In each vase, clear plastic "cubes" were used to hold the floral stems in place.  The flowers themselves were large orange calla lilies, bound together in a bunch but placed off angle in the vases.  Some were even in a bunch laid across the top of one of the vases.  Spectacular!  It looked like the flowers were suspended in an icy, cool drink.  Just the right visual accent for a Desert. property.

  The next day the florals were gone.  I asked the Hotel Manager about them and he assured me that the florist who did them would be returning in two days with a totally different statement.  We spoke for a while and he told me that, yes, the florals were costly but every guest who entered commented on them. And there was nothing else in the Hotel that received so many positive comments and they were worth every penny.

Another hotel I visited also had glass vases in a group on a credenza in the Main Lobby, however this time the vases were filled with fruit.  Real lemons, one on top of the other, filled the tallest one (about 30") and still more, sat side by side by side in a long, low clear glass dish.  In another clear vase, also tall (24") werer stacked balls of green moss.  Perfect as a backdrop.

Another display showcased glass vases of varying heights filled with different wrapped candies.  On the tabletop below, wrapped lollypops fanned out like a skirt.  The look?  Truly unique and clever.

My Point?
Not every "blooming" focal point has to be a live mum, bromeliad or orchid.  Today’s floral styling allow us to play with fruit, dried materials, and so on.  It is all up to your imagination and, the funny thing is, that while we spend tons of time on the live green stuff, it just might happen that your playful, unique "color spot" just might steal the show.  Go visit your local floral wholesaler for ideas and materials and…..have fun creating a brand new zebra.

When we start out doing Holiday work, we are so excited and it is all so new that we cannot even begin to think about five years down the road.  Well, suprise, surprise.  Five years is here before we know it.  Now we are covered up with so much "stuff", we can’t hardly turn around without bumping into a tree.

Storage Options is the Name of the Game 
Renting storage space is not that difficult.  Paying a fair and low price can be.  Every area is different.  In some places empty storage places abound and for a monthly fee, it’s yours.  For others who are more willing to explore, a space that is already in use by another company may have space that can be sublet.  For others, its a barn on Uncle Jim’s farm.

One ‘Scapers Solution…and it Works!  
Good friend Al Fini  (Fini’s Plants), has been an interiorscaper for a bunch of years and has been through the Holiday Wars many times.  Over the years he has tried many storage options and has finally come up with a solution that works for his company.  He buys used shipping containers.  Thats what you see on the backs of 18 wheelers and on cargo ships.  According to AL, "As far as used containers we are very lucky.  We are 100-200 miles from several major ocean ports so there are plenty of good used containers always available.  Prices range from $1,200 for 20 footers up to $2,000 for 40 footers.  I would buy 2-20 footers instead of one 40 footer ( a lot less walking from end to end)".  

Benefits  
What a creative and smart solution.  The containers can be moved from one plot of land to another, keep precious contents dry, can be locked or put behind fencing for more security, can be used as fabricating as well as storage space, and if ever not needed can be resold.  All you need is a place to put them.  And, one more idea.  If you get a humongous Holiday job (and I hope you do), you could attach the container to the job site, park it in the parking lot, and work out of it for set up.  Great idea, thanks Al.

Couple of other last remarks.   Make sure wherever and however you store to get the proper insurance coverage for offsite assets and make sure to increase coverage as the years go by and the value goes up.And, if yu haven’t ordered Sippers for your Poinsettias, do it now.  Supplies are fine right now but tend to get slammed as the season hits.  They will give you 2 weeks in between watering, replacement in the single digits (saving big dollars), and can be reused over and over again for all your blooming plants.  To order, call TOPsiders (800) 533-7661.

Holiday Safety
As we head into the Holiday season I’m reminded of Holidays past.  Most are a blur of red poinsettia and sparkle that won’t come off your hands and face, but some years stand out for other reasons.  There was the year we set up the 20-foot live poinsettia tree and the year we decorated the Riverboat and made it snow inside over the 30-foot tree.  And then there are the years remembered but not because of an outstanding design but because of something sad.  Like the year one of our installers was taking down a wreath and fell off the 10-foot ladder breaking his leg in two places.  Or the year another Holiday Elf fell back off the loading dock.
As I write this e-tip it is still September.  Still time to have a company meeting and review safety measures.  Still time to give out that ounce of prevention and save a pound cure.  From proper footwear to ladder work, from proper lifting techniques to how best to anchor a tree or wreath.  An hour spent now could save bones, dollars, and workmen comp claims up the road.  So, please take the time.  Have a safety procedures meeting.

 Poinsettia Organizing
And, speaking of poinsettia, you probably use them in several ways but, for the most part, you use the 6” red plant placed into a watertight decorative container or basket with saucer inside or speedcover.  You may or may not add a bow, and away you go.  Suggestion – standardize, standardize, and organize.  There is nothing worse than holding up a crew waiting in a vehicle while one-person hunts all over the facility for the basket or the saucer.  Figure out what you are doing and how.  Set the components in stacks so that everyone knows where they are and can see them as they sprint to load the truck.  Standardization and organization – the keys to a very Merry Holiday.

Fabricating Tips 
One of the crises that happens each year is that you buy Holiday Product back in Jan or Feb long before the new jobs are sold.  Then, come September, you find yourself out of the 4" red and gold balls you need for that big job.  Like a bunny you get on the phone to order from you importer only to be told, "no more available".  What to do?  Check out your local floral wholesaler and, even, your local Home Depot, Lowe’s and any other retail store for product that will meet your needs.  So what if you have to pay 2 bucks instead of 1.50?  Retail prices are still low due to seasonal demand and the ability of the retail venue to pay less than you pay, is just a fact of life since they buy such huge quantities.  So, save yourself some grief.  Buy it locally and get it done.