[Stonehenge]

Cochran - What kinds of things do you find don't correlate with your area?

[agla]

I think the hardest concept to get a grasp on is what a "typical" landscape company is. I've worked for a number of companies, some at different levels in the market, but some that were in the same market and at the same level. Many of you probably worked for others in your early years when you did not have full access to how they operated outside of the job site, although some of you did see more of that. The thing that I found and continue to find most interesting is that once you are inside, you find that companies that appeared very similar on the outside were run very differently.

What is a "typical" landscape company? I think it is a good subject for a Masters Thesis, as one of my professors used to say.

[Cochran]

Stone,

The biggest area I find problems with is plant material. Plant material for the Southeast and plant material for the Southwest are truly borderline in my region and many species I don't recommend planting because of our heat, humidity, rainfall, etc.. they don't fit in around here. We're right at the border of Zone 9b/10 (we're labeled 9b, but can easily be 10 with our climate--we had a 30 degree night last week, oen of the coldest in the past couple years...) and the heat really plays havoc on some plant varieties down here that are recommended for southeast and the moisture plays havoc on those recommended for southwest.

I guess that's probably the main problem I have with being labeled by region--I can't really think of anything else that would actually be affected negatively since most other aspects--hardscaping, maintenance, etc--would still pertain.

OK, so maybe I should refine my previous comment so say--Why don't we do plant material by Zone instead of Region?

[Mac]

For the Largest categories, I think Dan hit the nail on the head when he suggested

Hardscaping
Softscaping
Landscape Maintenance
Business Practices

I would also add irrigation to that master list.

From there, we can break each category down in whatever way we decide is best, possibly by zones for example. However, with out a clear outline of how this is going to be structured, it surely will not reach its maximum impact.

[Stonehenge]

I think we should always have in the back of our minds that this is intended to be a manual, ISO-style. ISO certification usually hinges on having manuals detailed enough that any person off the street could be handed a manual and do the job adequately.

I also think we shouldn't hamstring ourselves too much with regimenting a tree of tasks, because this thing is going to likely be fluid and in need of minor and major adjustments as we go along, and will be flexible enough to do that.

[dan deutekom]

I like adding Irrigation as a Major Heading. I also agree that this has to be a flexible easily changeable project. Methods and practices change over the years and this should reflect that as it goes along. When I think back to what a good lockstone job was 20 years ago and now, the difference is night and day.

[dan deutekom]

While surfing the web I came across this by Landscape Ontario.

Landscape Standards
http://www.horttrades.com/displaynews.php?n=283

It is not exactly what we want to do but it is worth looking at for some inspiration.

[fakie99]

this sounds like a great idea - count me in jeff.

i have pretty good experience in the development and presentation of techincal data. my feeling on a project of this sort is that it should be comprised of "modules". modules would be created for each functional area of the business (brick paving, estimating, planting procedures, retaining walls, mowing, etc.). then, a company would take only modules related to his/her company. anyhow, i have a ton of existing stuff - i'd be happy to collaborate....

jim

[Stonehenge]

Good.

I believe I've found a software system that will work well for what we need to do, and won't require each of you to become a programmer to contribute (you would be amazed at how unintuitive and just plain difficult Wikipedia's system is). I will likely need to spend a week or so getting the software set up the way it needs to be, then we can set the basic framework for the content, then get rolling.

[mdvaden]

I think I know what you are aiming at. And I think some organizations have attempted it in writing.

But there is an advantage to someone else like you - with help - doing another.

One, it can probably be done better.

It also keeps other organizations from monopolozing - even paralyzing - industry standards.

You could keep it as a test file - say MS Word - and we could read a copy and insert steps and components.

Or insert options.

Some lists have been too legalistic and omitted options when options exist.

Sounds like something I'd like to interject ideas into.

My main project, if I keep going, is an informal DVD on pruning tips and techniques. I was going to start this spring, but think I'll wait a year. We were planning to move in 3 years, but may put our place up for sale in the next 6 months.

North Oregon has a better plant selection to video pruning stuff.

[TerraVerde]

did this ever get off the ground?

[Stonehenge]

It got off the ground, but it's flying at extremely low altitudes.

The site itself is capable of doing what we want it to do - I just have to make sure all the appropriate security measures are in place, and instructions are created for the site's use (it will be harder to use than GTX, and there's just no way around that).

Because it seemed the interest died off pretty quickly, so did this project fall down my list of priorities. When winter rolls around I'll likely make the final push to get the site officially launched and running.

But before I do, I want all to know that the expectation is that this site will be created and edited by you (*points out into the internet space), just like Wikipedia. And just like Wikipedia, you'll be able to write your own policies or procedures and edit those of others.

[Hamons]

Amazing isn't it how us business owners are so reluctant to take the time to sharpen the saw -- instead we sit here grinding away with our dull same-as-always saw.

I'm the worst at taht.

I think - for landscapers - the "prodigal" winter makes things worse because we THINK we will have all this free time to do all this work --s o we put ti off until then. However, -- Wintertime turns int about 2 weeks and we fill those 2 weeks with things a lot more relaxing than writing business policies.

[fitzg2md]

Ive been interested in this project for some time now, and like most, think it has some real potential for being a standard in the industry. Stonehenge - Let me know if there is anyting I can do to help on the tech level. I have a good amount of experience in that world and want to offer my help setting up any of the backbone of the site. -Mike

[GLAN]

LOL

I know we all jumped on board the hay ride...........but it appeared we had no horse to pull the wagon.

It's still a great idea....most probably needed right around now in this industry.

As the days get shorter I'll see what I can put together