Landscape & Hardscape Design-Build

Landscape & Hardscape Design-Build - Jan 2012

J anuary seems to be the month for getting in shape whether its financially or physically Both categories fall at the top of the list of New Years resolutions Gym memberships and fitness equipment are being offered at the best price of the year and stores are full of gadgets to help you organize your finances Lets not forget the World Wide Web which is full of articles claiming to help you do both The website proactivechange com states that 40 to 45 percent of American adults make at least one New Years resolution each year Their statistics for keeping those resolutions are Past the first week 75 percent Past two weeks 71 percent After one month 64 percent After six months 46 percent I spent part of the weekend organizing my financial paperwork and setting up my budget for the year So far so good on one resolution However I couldnt ignore the call of the ice cream in my freezer Fortunately the container is now empty and Ive vowed to not buy more at least this week We have a new column starting this month The Drawing Board written by professional landscape designers This months column The Designer Contractor Relationship What they didnt teach in school by Julie Orr will be exclusively online at lhdesignbuild com Well have a direct link to the article through our new e newsletter Rocks Blocks and Beyond The e newsletter is where youll find industry news and events new products columns and other content we just cant squeeze into each issue Well be sending it out every month so look for it in your inbox Nothing can blow your budget out of the water faster than having your equipment stolen This month Patrick White tracked down some of the ways you can keep your equipment safe from theft or aid in the recovery of stolen machines and gear turn to page 8 While there is a cost for some of these others only require a little time thats smart investing If your resolution involved helping your clients with green solutions for their landscapes then turn to page 16 Marcia Duffy reports on a neighborhood project that incorporated many green features including permeable pavers solar streetlights rain barrels and plants chosen specifically for the areas climate Theres sure to be some ideas you can incorporate into future designs Whether youre trying to squeeze more out of your 2012 budget or squeeze into your favorite pair of jeans the pressure is on to make it happen this year They say having a buddy can make all the difference Who better to help you than your peers If youve made a resolution or two for your business log on to Design BuildSite com You can post what youre looking for ways to turn bids into sales how to increase job site safety ideas to improve business management and get answers from those who face the same challenges If youve got any ideas on how to resist the call of a pint of Häagen Dazs coffee ice cream then drop me note Im open to all suggestions Brooke A Rockwell Editor brockwell@ mooserivermedia com PHOTO COURTESY OF MIE AHMT ISTOCK PHOTO Editors Notes Feeling the Squeeze 6 Landscape Hardscape Design Build I JANUARY 2012