'Smiling faces, Beautiful places'

COLUMN: Keeping our S.C. 'Smiling faces, Beautiful places'

February 06, 2011 - The last couple of weeks, I have been attending some of the different S.C. Horticulture Industry meetings (what we affectionately call the Green Industry meetings) around our state. Last week it was the S.C. Landscape and Turfgrass Association; this week it is the S.C. Nursery and Landscape Association. We also have a local group of Green Industry folks called the Pee Dee Plant Professionals who have an educational meeting the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Horne’s Restaurant. I think these meetings are vital to Green Industry folk like landscapers, nurseryman and greenhouse growers, but I also believe these meetings are very important to you.

First of all, I know no one who doesn’t want the best yard in the neighborhood. These meetings are where these Green Industry folks stay informed on the ever-changing horticulture industry. Where else are they going to learn the best plants, procedures and techniques to make your yard excel?

Next, by S.C. law if you hire anyone to apply any type of chemical to your yard (even Roundup) they must have a commercial pesticide license. This license not only guarantees that they know how to safely apply chemicals but also indicates that they are insured if something does go wrong. This is important because you are ultimately responsible for everything that happens in your yard and if they are not licensed or insured, you are liable if something goes wrong. {continued}