Articles written by guest contributors
Bill Gardocki
Finish the job
By Bill Gardocki, Interstate LandscapeA few months ago I was at the iLandscape trade show in Chicago to give a seminar. Whenever I fly, I schedule it so I arrive the day before in case I have travel problems. I arrived in Chicago on time, set up my seminar room, checked out the show floor being set up, checked in to my hotel room and headed to my usual location the night before I speak – the hotel bar.
After ordering soup, a burger and a local draft beer I found myself listening to an animated discussion between 2 fellow bar patrons. I leaned in close to try to catch the topic of the conversation. After listening for several minutes I introduced myself and told them their conversation was really intriguing me.
That was when I met Ben Geffre from Long Lake, MN and Jay Murray from London, Ontario. Ben works for Alta Falls & Pond Supplies. Jay owns TLC Landscaping as well as Greenius, an online training company for landscapers.
Ben was speaking very intensely and passionately about the need for contractors to “finish the job.” Ben sells all types of products that help distinguish our jobs from the usual run-of-the-mill patio or outdoor living space. Ben could not understand why we, as the designer and installation contractor of our jobs, did not add on items such as furniture, sculptures or other distinguishing out-of-the-box features to our jobs.
I was totally intrigued by what Ben was saying. Sometimes I feel like I have fallen into a design rut of non-creativeness and I need a kick in the pants to get going. I said to myself, “Come on Bill, what added touches have you seen out there that makes you go, ‘Wow, that is awesome!’”
Standard crushed stone drip edges can take on a fairly institutional look, especially next to a home with high-end exterior finishes. Cut fieldstone placed on top of the crushed stone still allows the water to infiltrate, while adding a level of detail that matches the house. Strategically sized, shaped and placed ‘splash rocks’ placed at roof valleys accommodate varying intensities of runoff, carrying the rainwater back into the drip edge. Photo & caption by Greg Grigsby.
The next day before my class, I committed to looking at all the projects that had been submitted for the Construction Awards program at the iLandscape show. I saw creativity in the entries that was inspiring. I thought back to the HNA Hardscape Project Awards program entries I enjoyed seeing in October too. A light bulb went off for me. I said, “I can do that.”
I realized it doesn’t take any special skills to add some of these items that really finish off an installation. It just takes creativity and an open mind. And, taking the time to observe what other very creative people are coming up with. I have discovered that what keeps me going after 43 years in this business is the opportunity to learn about new tools, techniques, tricks, technologies and design ideas every day.
As Ben suggests, we need to think outside the box. I have talked in past articles about how on every patio quote I add in line items for lighting, seat walls, pillars and fire pits. On every walkway, I add a line item for a snow melting system.
Greg Grigsby, Senior Landscape Architect/Project Manager for Pellettieri Associates, Inc. in Warner, NH says before they start a design, they ask the client to do a survey. They ask things like: How often do you plan to entertain in the new space? Are you a morning or evening person? What types of activities do you plan to hold in your yard?
Basically, he is trying to pull out information that may not be communicated in the normal quoting process. Pellettieri Associates has created some of the most dramatic, creative, and stunning landscapes in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Greg encourages his colleagues to look at every project with a creative eye.
So, my advice is to search out those passionate special people in our industry who are trying to make sure that our creative juices keep flowing. Just as the 5-time Super Bowl champion New England Patriots listen to coach Bill Belichick’s advice to “Just do your job,” let’s listen to Ben when he says, “Just finish the job.”
Bill Gardocki is the owner of Interstate Landscape Co. Inc. in Londonderry, NH, installing hardscapes for over 40 years. Bill has taught over 100 classes as an NCMA and ICPI certified instructor. He also provides hardscape seminars for dealer/contractor education days, and in 2013 became the Landscape Construction instructor at his alma mater, the University of New Hampshire. Contact Bill@InterstateLandscapeNH.com
A small section of Bill's backyard patio features simple but elegant furniture, flower urns, and a water feature sculpture.
Adding sculptural embellishments along this pathway to a Japanese inspired tea house is a simple way to heighten the experience and create a sense of place. Photo & caption by Greg Grigsby.
Furniture and accessories go a long way toward finishing out this entertainment area.
