by Andrew Pelkey January 2025 As we begin the new year, it’s a time to reflect on our past achievements and set our sights on the opportunities ahead. The landscape industry in New Hampshire continues to thrive thanks to the dedication and passion of our members. Looking back at the challenges and successes of the previous year, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is to stay adaptable and committed to the growth of our businesses and communities. With the winter months ahead, now is the perfect time to plan for the busy seasons to come, setting goals and strategies to keep moving forward. This year, we are focused on further strengthening the network of professionals in our Association. The landscape industry is constantly evolving, and we must stay ahead of trends and regulations that impact our work. The New Hampshire Landscape Association will continue to provide valuable resources, training opportunities, and connections to ensure that our members are well-prepared for the future. Whether through educational seminars, workshops, or networking events, we’re committed to offering the tools you need to succeed. Looking forward, I encourage all of us to take advantage of the exciting opportunities the new year brings. Together, we[...]

by Andrew Pelkey December 2024 As we approach the end of another busy season, I want to take a moment to reflect on one of the most valuable aspects of our industry: the importance of networking. Whether you’re just starting out in landscaping or have years of experience, building connections with your peers can be one of the most impactful ways to grow personally and professionally. The landscape industry is constantly evolving, and no one has all the answers. That’s why it’s so important to engage with others in our field, to share ideas, challenges, and solutions. Networking with fellow professionals opens up opportunities for collaboration, new insights, and learning from each other’s experiences. It also helps us build strong relationships that can be a valuable source of support, advice, and camaraderie. One of the best ways to connect with peers and foster these relationships is through our NHLA Dinner Meetings. We set viable topics and allow for discussion. These gatherings also provide an informal yet focused environment where we can engage with one another, exchange ideas, and learn from the diverse experiences of our fellow members. Whether you’re discussing the latest landscaping trends, best business practices, or industry challenges,[...]

by Andrew Pelkey October-November 2024 I am thrilled to share that our September Field Day was a resounding success! It was wonderful to see so many of you come together to celebrate our industry and engage in meaningful discussions. The event offered valuable networking opportunities, insightful workshops, and hands-on demonstrations that truly highlighted the skills and innovations within our community. We deeply value the commitment shown by company owners who prioritize the growth and education of their team members. Sacrificing a day of production to invest in learning reflects a dedication to not only individual development but also the long-term success of our industry. Your willingness to support your employees in this way is commendable and demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that will undoubtedly pay dividends in the future. A special thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to the day’s activities. Your enthusiasm and commitment to our mission were evident and made the event unforgettable. I hope you all found inspiration and new ideas to bring back to your own operations. As we look forward to future gatherings, let’s continue to build on this momentum and strengthen our bonds as an Association. Thank you for being a vital part[...]

by Andrew Pelkey September 2024 As we step into the heart of summer, I am thrilled to update you on the progress of our highly anticipated 2024 Fall Field Day. This year’s Field Day promises to be our most dynamic and engaging yet, and I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting developments and key information. Event Date and Location: Mark your calendars for September 18 when we will gather at The Belknap County Fair Grounds. Our event will run from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We have an incredible lineup of activities and speakers planned: Innovative Workshops: Our workshops will cover a range of topics from advanced landscaping techniques to sustainable practices. Each session is designed to provide valuable insights and hands-on experience. Industry Experts: We are thrilled to welcome a distinguished group of experts who will share their knowledge on emerging trends, best practices, and the future of landscaping. Networking Opportunities: Field Day is not only about learning but also connecting with fellow professionals. Enjoy ample networking opportunities throughout the day, including our networking lunch and evening mixer. Exhibitor Showcase: Explore the latest products and services from leading industry suppliers. Our exhibitor showcase will feature a[...]

by Andrew Pelkey August 20204 The landscape industry is ever-evolving, necessitating continuous education to maintain expertise and competitiveness. For members of the New Hampshire Landscape Association (NHLA), continuing education aligns perfectly with the organization’s mission to advance the Green Industry through knowledge enhancement and high standards. The landscape sector continuously sees new trends, technologies, and sustainable practices. Continuing education ensures professionals are knowledgeable about the latest advancements, such as eco-friendly landscaping techniques and smart irrigation systems, allowing them to offer clients cutting-edge solutions. Comprehensive skill development is crucial in landscaping, covering horticulture, design, project management, and environmental stewardship. NHLA provides numerous educational opportunities, helping members to deepen their knowledge and stay proficient in their field. Landscape regulations and standards evolve, focusing on environmental concerns and safety. Continuing education helps professionals stay compliant, avoiding legal issues and ensuring their work adheres to current industry standards. NHLA promotes legislation beneficial to the industry, aiding members in navigating regulatory changes. Clients prefer knowledgeable and up-to-date professionals. Continuing education, often provided through NHLA’s certification programs, enables landscape professionals to showcase their expertise and attract more business. Exposure to new ideas and techniques through continuing education can inspire innovative and creative solutions in landscaping. NHLA[...]

by Andrew Pelkey July 2024 As we transition into summer, I am thrilled to share some exciting updates and upcoming events with you all. Our preparations for this year’s Field Day are in full swing. We are partnering with the New Hampshire Arborist Association to expand our hands-on educational offerings significantly. This collaboration aims to provide an enriching experience that will allow members to engage in practical learning and skill development. Mark your calendars for September 18! We continue to focus on providing top-notch industry education through our various programs and courses. Your engagement and participation are what drive our success. Currently we are conducting the NHCLP Plant Identification Summer Course, which began on June 11 and runs to September 10. This course consists of fourteen 3-hour sessions focusing on plant identification, a vital skill for any landscaping professional. On June 19 we held our Landscape After Hours at the Cathedral of the Pines in Rindge. NHLA members explored the beautiful 236-acre landscape and networked with fellow members. The next Landscape After Hours event is scheduled for July 17 at a Governors Island Residence, providing an evening of learning and camaraderie. Looking ahead, our Annual NHLA Golf Tournament, scheduled for[...]

by Andrew Pelkey June 2024 The NHLA Board and its committee members continue to work to bring you all a full offering of educational events throughout this summer season. I wanted to take the time to recognize a couple of people who have been instrumental in our success in putting the events on this year’s calendar. Amy Papineau, Education Coordinator, and Mike Barwell, Education Chair, have been instrumental in enhancing our educational event offerings. These two volunteers make it to our Board Meeting each month, host an Educational Committee meeting each month via zoom, and log in many hours the rest of the month communicating with sponsors, venues, vendors, etc. It’s people like Amy and Mike who make NHLA what it is today. The love for the industry and the people in it here in New Hampshire shows through in the work they do. We thank you both! In order to continue making strides in our offerings, we need to continue to grow the Association. We implore you all to recommend NHLA to friends in the industry. Bring them along to an event with you to show them the value. Our work continues to build the foundation for our next[...]

by Andrew Pelkey May 2024 The green season is in full swing after a couple of late season snowstorms. I think that it goes without sayingjust how diverse our industry is. Think of the snow vs. green equipment swap in both the spring and the fall. This season the snow to green spring swap happened twice, which isn’t easy, nor cheap. On top of this your days are certainly dynamic, between running the internal portions of the business like book keeping and HR, or the production side of the field and keeping it all going with equipment maintenance. What you are all doing is simply amazing; keep up the good work! It can be lonely at the top (as an owner). Know that all your hard work is appreciated even if you aren’t told it on a daily basis. NHLA is geared to provide you with resources to make this all easier. Our Education Committee is poised to put out a full calendar of events to suit the different facets of your business. Plan to check the events calendar on the website as we head into the season. Wishing you all the best spring!

by Andrew Pelkey March-April 2024 By the time you all are reading these notes, spring should be in the air! This will be my 18th spring season in our industry. Although I am nearing two decades of the “spring rush,” I still get excited each year! Spring to me means new opportunities. Each year in business we get to embark on new contracts/jobs. Each one will bring different challenges, learning experiences, and hopefully profit! At a recent event 20 of our member companies participated in a seminar hosted by Jim Houston, a Green Industry consultant. The group worked from their profit and loss statements to determine their true costs and desired target gross margin and net margin. This means that 20 companies in the State left with understanding their numbers and will be starting the 2024 green season poised to generate profit. Profit is essential. Owners need it to survive and companies need it to thrive. NHLA is newly committed to offering both hands-on training for those in the field, and also educational resources to owners to help grow and refine their business. I was very excited to see the participation in this event, and will look to grow this[...]

by Andrew Pelkey February 2024 Winter finally showed up! Like most of you in the Green Industry, you are also involved in snow operations in the winter months. We are coming off our fourth service area-wide plowing event, and its already the end of January. One of the areas NHLA has yet to cover from an educational standpoint, at least during my involvement, is the snow side of our industry. I will bring this to the attention of our Board for further review! In the spirit of getting the ball rolling, let’s talk about both commercial and residential plowing services and their associated contracts for a moment. Not too long ago, I can remember seasons in which we would be on our fourteenth weather event! I won’t spark a debate regarding global warming, but I will say, we must be prepared for different winters during different time periods. Whether you are pricing and contracting commercial or residential work, you need to make sure your pricing reflects capturing your carry costs of equipment and general overhead. With varying weather cycles, you need to consider covering the cost of plowing and de-icing services. On a year when average temps are on the[...]