Arricca Elin SanSone (TLC)BusinessHow to create fun and functional outdoor kitchensOutdoor kitchens are booming. “Clients are asking for it more often the last few years,” says Tony Prunty, vice president of All Oregon Landscaping Inc. in Sherwood, Oregon. “It’s usually a request as part of an outdoor living space, but we have requests for stand alone kitchens, too.” Designing an outdoor kitchen is an opportunity […]March 24, 2015Design-BuildUsing rock gardens in landscapingLong a standard in the arid West and high-desert regions such as the Rockies, rock gardens have become increasingly popular throughout the country. A rock garden, also known as an alpine garden or rockery, incorporates stones and boulders with dwarf shrubs and low-growing or creeping plants.March 20, 2015BusinessBusiness bests: Scheduling and rain delaysHow to get your people where they need to be even when the weather is against you Scheduling crews may seem like a simple task, but it requires equal parts experience and number crunching. Good scheduling helps you bid accurately and complete jobs on budget and on time. Knowing how to make the most of […]March 10, 2015BusinessChemical care: Five tips for pre-emergent herbicidesPre-emergent herbicides are the foundation of any weed management program. They aim to prevent weeds from getting established, rather than attempting to control them after they’ve taken over. “In general, pre-emergents inhibit root development,” says Peter Landschoot, Ph.D., professor of turfgrass science at Penn State University. “They’re designed to stay on the surface of the […]March 3, 2015BusinessHow sustainability helps your business thriveSustainability is more than a trendy phrase; it’s a concept that can improve your bottom line, expand your client base, and safeguard Mother Nature. Sustainability protects the building blocks of your business: Plants and people. “Most of us got into this industry because we love the earth,” says Jessi Bloom, owner of NW Bloom Ecological […]February 12, 2015BusinessTop plants for winterSpring, summer and autumn boast a riot of colors, lushness and bounty. But the winter garden has its own charms. Winter may seem like a time of rest for the landscape, but a well-planned design shines beyond its peak season. Plants with eye-catching good looks create a welcoming landscape regardless of the time of year.December 19, 2014Design-Build9 colorful plants that thrive in shadeJust like people, some plants like to sunbathe while others prefer to take it easy in the shade. But not all shade is created equal. Even in the most heavily shaded landscapes, conditions can vary.November 20, 2014Design-BuildSucculents Making Strong Comeback in LandscapingYour grandmother was on to something: If you remember Hens and Chicks, those easy-care, rosette-shaped succulents from her backyard garden, you’re in for a surprise.November 4, 2014Business8 ways to hire, nurture the best peopleAny smart business-person knows people are the heart of an operation. Employees can make or break you, bring in business or drive it away, and cause your company to thrive and grow or wither and die.September 24, 2014BusinessNine ways to deal with unhappy clientsNo matter what the source of your client’s discontent, it’s vital to your company’s future to listen, decipher and solve the problem without taking it personally.August 13, 2014Previous PagePage 3 of 5Next PageTop StoriesBusinessBoeing's outgoing CEO exits Caterpillar's boardDave Calhoun informed Caterpillar of his decision to forgo re-election at the 2024 annual shareholder meeting.Design-BuildHardscape North America 2024 registration opensEquip ExpositionGet ready to "test before you invest" at Equip ExpoNALP events/conferencesNALP unveils new Elite Partner programBusinessDisplaced bear cub hides out in excavator cab