L&L on the Road: Growing relationships

Growers and landscapers came together in early August to get a tour of Ball Horticultural Co.'s headquarters and gardens, and to talk about issues involving the two sets of green industry professionals. Not only was it an opportunity for networking, but four panelists took part in a discussion moderated by Lawn & Landscape Associate Editor Brian Horn.

James Russell of Armstrong Growers; Jim Clesen of Ron Clesen Ornamental Plants, Terry Carter of Designs by Sundown and Carly Rizor of Christy Webber Landscape gave their thoughts on how growers and landscapers can work together. Attendees were also given a tour of the grounds.

"What we try and do is provide additional services for our growers where we are talking to the end customer of the growers that we sell to," says Jeff Gibson, Ball Landscape business manager.

"In this case, we have a whole house of landscapers that are examining what's new for the landscapes for 2012 and beyond. We spend a lot of time talking about the importance of pre-booking with your grower, which is terribly important, and ensuring that you get the varieties that you need." To see all the photos, visit www.facebook.com/lawnandlandscape.

 

Everyone received a tour of The Gardens at Ball and had plenty of time to roam around them on their own. The gardens spread over nine acres and are open to the public (left image). Visitors had the chance to see the new Easy Wave Red Improve Petunia, which blooms all season in landscapes and tolerates both heat and cooler conditions (top right). The Whopper Rose Green Leaf is one of the new plants that attendees had the chance to learn about and see. The plant can be used in the landscape and can grow 15 inches high and spread 28 inches wide (bottom right).