Dear Sir,
I find PG&L to be very interesting as well as a valuable source of information.

Jose Simas
California Garden Care Services
Los Angeles, CA

Dear Jeff,
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for sending PG&L to each one of my foremen as well as myself. The guys really get a lot of valuable information from your publication. I thoroughly enjoy many of the articles, but I get the most pleasure out of the outrageous pictures in the "What's Wrong With This Picture" series. Sea-West is grateful to your insights and my guys really get a kick out of hearing about other peoples mistakes, instead of listening to me moan at them all the time. We are thankful that you provide our industry with PG&L, truly a periodical that cares about the Green Industry.
Also, I would greatly appreciate it if you could send PG&L to a couple of our clients. We honestly believe that they will better understand the "malarky" we feed them if they could use your publication as an information source to keep us on the straight and narrow.

Thanks a Million!
Dan Trotter
Sea-West Landscape Design
La Mesa, CA

Letter to the Editor . . . or whatever,
Howdy partner!
Your publication, PG&L is very good and your first Texas Edition (you call it your Southwest Edition) is even better. Much of the credit goes to articles such as the very credible report in "Once Upon a Time . . . " about the "Grosso-Poto", by Robert P. Deason, of Dearborn Valley, California.
Poor, Bob! We Texans understand because we are used to things being Bigger and Better! Glad to learn that there are places like that in California, too!
Keep 'em comin', Sean! We like seeing PG&L getting classier all the time.

Optimistically,
Charles Heinselman
Pine Haven Nursery
Houston, TX

P.S. Bet most of the skeptics look like the Lone Gardener, too!

Dear Editor,
You guys blew it this time! My January issue is missing eight pages (9-16)! What happened? What did I miss?

Faithful Reader,
George Hall
Phoenix, AZ

Starting with our January issue we started our Regional Editions. Since you live in the Arizona you receive the Southwest Edition of PG&L (look at the cover of your magazine). The January West Coast Edition was 64 pages and the Southwest Edition was 56 pages. The missing sixteen pages consist of advertising from the West Coast region and editorial material that pertains only to the states in the West Coast region. So really, being in Arizona you missed nothing at all. Because of the way the magazine is printed the page numbering left eight pages "missing". As our advertising base continues to grow in the Southwest your edition will continue to get bigger. If you want even more confusion, starting with this issue we now have three editions à West Coast (72pgs), Southwest (56pgs), and Southeast (48pgs). Eventually we expect to have five regional editions covering the entire country.

Dear Reader,
This is the April Fools' issue isn't it?

Seriously,
THE Lone Gardener

P.S. I really look like Charles "Chuckie Baby" Heinselman!

Dear Mr. Turnage,
Your letter of February 20th, addressed to our Sacramento store has finally found it's way to me.
We would be delighted to assist you by distributing free copies of Professional Gardening & Landscaping magazine to our customers at our three Northern California stores. At least for the first few months I would recommend that you ship 150 copies to our Concord store, 75 to Sacramento and 50 to San Jose. Then sometime in June or July we can re-evaluate these quantities and make any necessary adjustments.
It appears to us that you are well on your way to establishing a niche for yourself within our industry. Keep up the good work. We're pleased to be a small part of your growth.

Sincerely,
Thomas L. Blosl
President
Bay Irrigation & Turf Supply, Inc.
Concord, CA

Dear Sirs,
Where can I get a post hole digger like the one in Mowbots (January, 1987). I'd like to make him my landscape foreman. It's just what my crew needs!
Thanks for PG&L, we love it.

Sincerely,
Nat Banks
Houston, TX

Dear Sirs,
We are proud to announce a new concept in landscape education in Southern California. Beginning September 3, 1987, The Landscape Management Program will initiate its thirty-eight course curriculum.
Landscape companies most valuable resource à employees à can now improve job skills, increase technical knowledge, and enhance their landscape careers while remaining in their own work environment.
Our highly experienced staff, together with outstanding industry speakers, will travel to their facility and provide the most advanced and up-to-date landscape curriculum available.
If your readers are interested in receiving more information they can call (714) 835-5550.

Sincerely,
Wayne Smith
Program Director
The Landscape Management Program
Orange, CA

Dear Editor,
We really appreciated the article on weeds by Cynthia Drake in the December and January issues. We have made copies of both articles and passed them out to our workers to use in the field. Keep material like this coming each month. Thanks.

Sincerely,
Ed Johnson
Dallas, TX

Dear PG&L,
Just wanted to write a quick note to say I've never seen such an up-to-date and readable magazine. Keep up the good work! Now please start sending my copy to my home. It disappears too fast at work.

Thank you,
Tim Baker
Azusa, CA

Dear Sirs,
I just finished reading part three of the Turf Renovation article. I thought it was great, but I didn't get parts one and two. In fact, it seems like I only receive your magazine every three months or so. What gives? I think the magazine is excellent and very helpful in my business.

Sincerly,
Ed Martin
The Grass Groomers
Dallas, TX

The magazine was, once upon a time, free of charge. Unfortunately our paper, printing, and postage is not. So a while back we started charging a subscription. We are currently offering a one year subscription for only $10.95. Now that's a bargin! Back issues are available if you want parts one and two à and yes we charge for those too! $2.25 apiece.

Dear Sirs,
PG&L is the best trade journal I receive. In fact, it's the only one I read cover to cover. Enclosed is my subscription check. Notice it's for $15.00, not your special offer of $9.95. Your magazine is worth more than ten bucks to me. I'm sure you appreciate praise, but most of us enjoy the compliment in the pocket book better. Keep up the good work.

I'm speechless! I'm also leaving to go out and spend the extra money. Thanks.

Dear Editor,
A recent editorial in the San Diego Union (4/4/88), "The Immigration Amnesty must be Extended", by Carol Halistrom cites the case of Juan who establishes a small landscape and yard maintenance business in San Diego in 1980. Juan was working his employees without workman's compensation. An employee was injured and filed against Juan. Juan is afraid that if he comes forward for amnesty, this incident will be known and he will be deported.
Those of us who operate our business on the up and up know this may be the least of Juan's worries. If Juan comes forward, he will probably become known to the IRS who will collect 8 years of back taxes. He will also probably be forced to operate his business legitimately, which means he won't be able to work cheap, which means he will have to compete fairly with landscapers who are legitimately in business. California law requires anyone who contracts to do landscape work to be licensed by the Contractor's State License Board if the total price of the job (including labor and materials) is $300 or more. Juan will have to learn english, go through a journeyman program and pass an examination to get this license in order to comply with this law. In addition, running a small business in America is complicated and expensive. There are management decisions to make, paperwork to do and laws to know and comply with (such as the recent law on employee eligibility verification.) Quarterly taxes, licenses, liability and workman's compensation insurance, vehicle insurance, contracts, labor laws, health and safety laws, pesticide laws (by the way, Juan, California also requires you to have a pesticide applicator license to spray those rose bushes,) and so on.
Finally, with Juan's new overhead and the need to charge his customer's a lot more to survive in business, he is going to find himself in competition with newly arrived illegals (and a lot of Americans) who go into business for themselves, work cheap for cash under the table, do not pay taxes and, of course, have no workman's compensation for their employees.
Perhaps, for Juan, deportation might be a blessing.

Kurt L. Olney
Landscape Progressions
Encinitas, CA

Or perhaps amnesty may bring Juan into the legal fold. He does not need a contractor's license to operate a maintenance business, but he would have to pay workman's compensation, withholding taxes and other taxes. But there are ways for small businessmen to handle these legalities without becoming lawyers. Bookkeeping services can handle payroll deductions and taxes. A good insurance agent will setup your worker compensation program. And services that require licensing (such as pesticide application) can be handled by licensed contractors. So a complete re-education for Juan is not necessary, but he will have to charge competitive prices to cover his new overhead.

ANOTHER SATISFIED CUSTOMER!

Dear Sirs,
Over the past 11 years I've subscribed to all the trade magazines and papers and I've found yours to be the most informative. Keep up the excellent work.

Peter L. Frey
Frey Landscaping
Felton, CA

Sirs,
I am a horticulture student at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and am very interested in receiving your publication.

Thank you,
Mary Redwine
Student
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Just a reminder: all horticulture and landscape students are eligible for free subscriptions.

Dear PG&L,
About a week ago I was given a copy of your January issue. I had never seen a copy of PG&L before.
I really, really really enjoyed it. My good friend, a fellow gardener, liked it too!! PLease, send us your magazine. We are looking forward to more of that great stuff!!

Thanks,
Chris Connelly
Carey Pinnell
San Jose, CA

Dear Sirs,
We have received GREAT responses from our ads in your magazine. Keep up the good work. It's a great magazine.

Sincerely,
Joy Speir
Maibo Pruning Systems
Roland, OK

AM I REALLY FAMOUS?

Dear Sean:
WOW!! What else can I say. The article you ran about me in your February issue was unbelievable. Thanks for the great article. I enjoy receiving your magazine each month.

Jack Vrtar
Forever Green Landscape Management
Brea, CA

FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS AND FREE ADS TOO!

Sirs,
I saw a copy of your magazine and was very impressed. There were many job related articles. I loved reading them. I noticed that you offer free subscriptions to all in the Green Industry. I would like to take advantage of your generous offer.

Thank you,
April Stewart
Green Horizons Landscaping Service
San Mateo, CA

Dear Mr. Richards,
We would like to thank you for the Texas Association of Landscape Contractors advertisements that you are running at no cost to us. We appreciate your support and help.

Sincerely,
Jeff D. Martin
Executive Director, TALC
Austin, TX

NEVER DISCUSS POLITICS OR RELIGION

Sirs,
(Re: Letters, February 1987, Mark Hanson, page 11)
Dear Mr. Hanson,
What do you mean "so what!" You are a businessman. If you offend your customers you will no longer have any. You are also a human being. If you insult other human beings you will soon find it very difficult to get along with anyone. That's one of the problems in our world today, too many people are inconsiderate of each other's beliefs and customs. It is inconsiderate to send a religious card to someone who may be offended. Do you have so many customers and friends that you can afford to freely insult some of them? If so, then you must be a wealthy man.
And another thing. You are right. Christmas is a holy day, but it's a holy day for several religions not just Christians. Besides, the Christ was born in Spring not Winter.

Sincerely,
Brian Boru O'Neill
Emerald Landscapes
San Diego, CA

Dear Sirs,
In your February issue you ran a letter from a Mr. Hanson who commented about sending religious cards to customers. I disagree with Mr. Hanson. I am a Christian myself, but I know that not all of my customers are of the same faith. I respect their beliefs. In business I try to avoid discussing politics or religion. Off hours I work with my fellow church members to spread the word. Sometimes I speak with my customers, but they know I'm not there on business. I think it's a good practice to separate the two.

Thanks,
Jack Samuels
Portland, OR

Dear Sirs,
Re: Letters, February 1987, Mr. Hanson. I think Mr. Hanson was off base in attacking you for running an anti-religion article. I read the article and found it quite reasonable. It is often easy to misconstrue polite intentions as humanistic leanings, but I doubt that was the case with your article. In defense of Mr. Hanson I would like to say that it is nice to hear from a fellow Christian who backs up his faith with deeds. I agree with everything else he had to say. I too am thankful for what God provides.

Sincerely,
Martin Williams
The Lawn Mowers
Dallas, TX

COMPUTER BUGS

Dear Sean,
How come, after I "get rich" ("Trade Show Computer Calulator", February 1987, page 55, West Coast Edition) I have to "spend $ on drugs" ?

Bill Hagan
Norco, CA

Sorry, Bill. That was supposed to read "send $ to Sean Richards, Editor".

STARTING UP

Dear Sirs,
I am a student currently in the process of getting a gardening/landscape business off the ground. I am receptive to your concerns for professionalism in this business. With this in mind, I would appreceate any and all information pertaining to the starting and operating of this type of small business.

Thank you very much,
Gary Matheny
Norwalk, CA

We're glad that you are planning on starting on the right foot, but "all" the information is a tall order. I would recommend that you start by acquiring the back issues of PG&L as we have run many articles during the last year on starting your business and running it. Also subscribe to all the other trade magazines. Most important of all à join your local chapter of the Southern California Gardener's Federation and the California Landscape Contractor's Association.

DRIP . . . DRIP . . . DRIP

Dear PG&L,
I enjoyed your article on drip irrigation ("Farmer and Landscaper Solve Tough Soil Problem", Februray 1987, page 22). I've been using drip for years and it constantly amazes me how many landscapers are unaware or simply not knowledgeable about drip irrigation. Keep articles like this coming. Eventually the word will get to everyone.

Sincerely,
B.J. Finlay
Finlay Landscaping
Las Vegas, NV

A RELATIVE TALE

Dear Editor,
Normally I love your "Once Upon a Time" stories, but the "Mongo" tale in the February issue is insulting. It features the sterotypical dumb, strong field worker type of landscaper. This is an image that should have passed on a long time ago. For a magazine that preaches professionalism I'm surprized you would run such a degrading story.

Kurt Mayo
Phoenix, AZ

Dear Sirs,
I look forward to receiving PG&L each month. Not only do I learn something new from each issue, but I get a real kick out of some of the columns like "What's Wrong with this Picture?" and "Once Upon a Time". "Mongo's Theory of Relativity" (February 1987, page 34) was absolutely GREAT! I sent a copy to my old high school physics teacher and he thought it was a riot. He also liked your "Products of the Future", but he explained why it wouldn't work.
You have columns on just about everything, but what about landscape installation techniques?

Sincerely,
Robert Forney
The Green Garden Company
San Francisco, CA

Good idea, Robert. Would you like to write it?

Dear Sean,
I would like to take this opportunity to let you know how our staff looks forward to the articles in your magazine that are written in Spanish. As these articles appear, we take photo copies of them and distribute them to our Hispanic employees. They have commented how they look forward to receiving them and how informative they are.
We enjoy receiving your magazine and look forward to future copies.

Very truly yours,
Jack Vrtar, Owner of
Forever Green Landscape Management
Secretary of Long Beach/Orange County Chapter CLCA

Dear Editor,
The enclosed was on an old brick wall that I photographed while on vacation in the Carolinas. It was in a park or plantation garden and I think it's worth reading and thinking about.

Oh, Adam was a gardener, and God
Who made him sees
That half a proper gardener's work
Is done upon his knees.
So when your work is finished
You can wash your hands and pray
For the glory of that garden
That it may not pass away.
- Rudyard Kipling

Also, do you know where I can find spare parts for "Howard" brand rototillers or rotovator? It's a British made piece of equipment and there's none better made anywhere. I have two that are over twenty-five years old. I think you are missing a good bet unless you can do some articles on rototillers and the various makers, their performances and costs. Every landscaper has to have at least one and if you look through your magazine there is no information regarding this necessary piece of equipment.
You have an easy to read informative periodical that, unlike most trade periodicals I receive, I go from cover to cover and really learn new things.

Sincerely,
David Geller
North Hollywood, CA

Well, David, let me tell you what I went through trying to find information about your British made tiller! The first thing I did was to get in touch with the NFPEDA (National Farm and Power Equipment Dealers Association). They gave me the name of four manufacturers with the name "Howard". Well . . . two are out of business and wouldn't you know it, they were Howard Rotovator and Howard Manufacturing . . . kaput, gone, no more! The other two companies never even heard of Howard Rotovators. But, onward I trudged! I contacted PPEMA (Portable Power Equipment Manufacturers Association). Another dead end. You should see my phone bill! The only thing left is to put out a general S.O.S. to our readers. If any of you think you can help David Geller find his parts please write to PG&L.

Dear Sean,
Thank you for Professional Gardening & Landscaping Magazine; it is indeed a great idea. The students in our Landscape Technology Program are receiving copies from one of their instructors and find PG&L both useful and entertaining.
Our program was just visited by the ALCA Certification Team and we will soon receive notice of certification. The program includes courses in all aspects of Landscape Construction, Maintenance and Irrigation as well as Interior Plantscaping and Nursery Operations.
The faculty, students and I encourage you to continue your quality filled publication. Thanks again.

Sincerely,
J. Graham Smart
Associate Dean
Health Sciences Division
(Including Landscape Technology)
Pima College
Tucson, AZ

Sirs,
Your magazine is a good example of informative and well balanced journalism. I am looking forward to future issues.

Joe B. Katich
General Contractor
Manhattan Beach, CA

Dear Sirs:
I have recently seen, for the first time, your magazine and am very enthused with its content and diversity. Kindly place me on your mailing list.

Sincerely,
Dave M. Kopec
Extension Specialist
Department of Plant Sciences
University of Arizona
Tucson, Az

Dear Sirs:
I am writing to both compliment you and complain to you. First, the complaint. I received September '86, missed October '86, and then received November '86. Please get your act together in the circulation department.
Now the compliment. I am a read-aholic and think you present a very good format that addresses the needs of the "little guy" in this industry. I noticed you even consider the lone gardener who I enjoy educating. Many of the loners do subscribe to your magazine. I've been reading Grounds Maintenance for years and found your magazine helps balance the magazine/education aspect of getting reading material that informs and teaches you. I have a masters degree in hard work and experience, and appreciate your approach to writing articles that inform and teach. I appreciate the humor and wit you have included in your magazine. To be a successful gardener or landscaper, you have to persevere and there are only a few who have the physical and mental make-up to be able to cut it. A good sense of humor is a needed tonic in life, without it you can get very coarse.
Yes, there are many "El Dumbo's" running around in the grimiest trucks who lack organization and scheme. I find them anxious to read your kind of articles. For example, so many are afraid of irrigation repair they think I'm a magician when I show them how quick a broken head-line can be repaired. I've been reading your magazine since it started and hate to miss it.
Please, see to my subscription problem. I hope to submit some articles to you in the future.

Sincerely,
Alonzo L. Duran
Long Beach, CA

If any of you have experienced a problem receiving your subscription please write to us IMMEDIATELY!!! The post office won't tell us if your magazine didn't get to you. Alonzo's problem was easy. There was a typo in his address.

Dear Sean,
I really enjoy your sections on Professionalism and the Reader Service Card - Advertisers Index. I think your in depth publication will enable us all to benefit from it.

Thank you,
Randy Harris
Frontier Landscape
Las Vegas, NV

To PG&L,
Please, send me your free subscription. This is the most down-to-earth magazine I have ever read. You tell it like it is.

Thank you,
Rick Hunter
Riverside, CA

Dear PG&L,
I'm glad I'm on your subscription list. I read PG&L cover to cover.
In response to Micheal Cain's letter in your December issue: Michael have you tried asking the Mesa College Administrator if they can find Daytona area info? You can also call Florida Nurseryman and Growers Association (305) 345-8137 and ask them for info on the Florida Certified Nursery Professional Program.

Thanks
Jon Ray
Port of the Islands Resort
Marco,FL

Dear PG&L,
We all enjoy your magazine very much. I particularly like your "light" touch. Keep up the good work.
If your offer still holds, we would like to get at least 20 copies to distribute to our landscape contractor trade.

Thank You,
Harold Fay
Aqua-Flo Supply
Goleta, CA

Sirs,
The enclosed page contains the names and addresses of our employees who are interested in your publication.

Very Truly Yours,
Thomas P. Connelie
Director of Facilities
Pomona Unified School District

Thank you very much! Chalk up 16 more subscribers. If you are an employer and would like your employees to receive their own subscription to PG&L simply send us a list with their name, address, and job title to PG&L, Imperial Bank Tower, 701 B St., Ste. 1300, San Diego, CA 92101-8194.

Sirs,
Just read the October issue and enjoyed it. I'm in the market for a small trencher and can't seem to find anyplace that sells them. Any information would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Don Quiel
Quiel Landscape
San Bernadino, CA

Now that's an easy one. Just circle (73) on the Reader Service Card for information on trenchers from Teledyne Total Power, distributor of Brown Trenchers.

To Whom it may Concern:
I enjoy your magazine, PG&L, very much. It is very fun and interesting to read.
I have a problem à my manager receives it and by the time I get it (up to 1 1/2 months later!) a new edition has come out.
Would you please sign me up for a subscription A.S.A.P.
Keep up the good work!

Sincerely,
Peter Charcut
Travinol Labs
McGraw Park, IL

You should be reading this in your very own copy! Have fun.

Dear PG&L,
I've been reading your magazine for six months now and find it very informative, but I'm puzzled by one thing. In your listings of Professional Organizations you list the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. That covers everone in the west except Nevada! Is this an oversight on your part, or don't us Nevadans have enough pride in our work to set up and operate a professional organization. If your magazine knows of any state organizations that my company can join then please let me know. If not then maybe landscapers in the silver state had better start the wheels turning and get organized.
Thanks for the info and keep up the good work.

Ladd Smith
A-1 Gardening
Reno, NV

There is a landscape contractors group in Southern Nevada, but we do not have an address or any other information on them. Currently we know of no group in Northern Nevada. Our listings are provided free of charge to any Green Industry group or association that provides us with the information. We also provide a free display ad for any association to promote membership. So far no group in Nevada has taken us up on our offer. So to any Nevada landscape or gardening associations out there, give us a call and receive FREE support for your group.

Dear Sean,
Enclosed are copies of our new promotional advertising. Would appreciate any insertions in future issues of the magazine that you can make for us.
Thanks for all your help and support.

Sincerely,
Allan Shulder
Executive Director
PGMS
Pikesville, MD

Dear PG&L,
Please put me on your magazine mailing list. I really learn alot from your magazine and I send you my appreciation.

Sincerely,
Jack Hudkins
SRF Church
Pacific Palisades, CA

Dear Sean,
Hey Buddy! Guess who? Remember those early morning workouts at the Sports Medicine Center? That's right! It's me, Eddie Tulimero (Steady Eddie) your former trainer.
While I was at Las Vegas Lawn Equipment picking up a few mowers, I started looking through the PG&L and saw your picture. I had read PG&L before, but had not noticed you were the editor. I was really thrilled and excited for you for having created such a great and informative magazine for the average landscaper and gardener. It's about time someone took advantage and noticed the need for such material. Again - congratulations!!
I took a big chance moving my business from San Diego to Las Vegas, but it worked. I have a very prosperous service now with several steady employees, two new trucks and custom trailers, nearly 75 accounts and I haven't stopped yet.
Sean, we've both taken advantage of the opportunities of the landscape and maintenance industry. Your magazine is really spreading through Las Vegas. Mower shops and landscape suppliers all have them on their counters. It's a great magazine and you've done a fantastic job!

Keep up the great work guys!
Eddie Tulimero
Steady Eddie's Lawn Service
Las Vegas, NV

Dear PG&L,
Glad to see your magazine doing so well and that you so strongly support the California Landscape Contractors Association. Trade associations are the best thing to happen to a businessman interested in his own success.
As the newly elected President of the National Equipment Service Dealers Association, "NESDA", I would like to welcome you to the ranks of the read. Along with Outdoor Power Equipment Magazine and Garden Supply Retailer, etc., I try to sift through them all to keep up on everything. Unfortunately I don't get as much time to read as I would like because my store is so successful and the customers keep us pretty busy.
I don't want to get too long winded in my first communication to you but just wanted to say, keep up the good work.

Dave Parke
President,
J&N Garden Equipment.
Vice President,
Lawn Equipment Dealers Association.
President,
President National Equipment Service Dealers Association.

Dave Parke is this month's guest writer for EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE.

Dear PG&L,
Your magazine is the greatest. I've read them all since issue one, but have just now decided I want to build a reference library of your issues. Can you please send me copies of issues one through four?
I have been picking up my copies of PG&L at Star Nursery and Turf Equipment here in Las Vegas. I have particularly enjoyed the articles and info on "Professionalism" in the green industry.
What I could really use now is some info, articles, books, etc, on the most effective and efficient ways to organize an office, accounting, and client info files.
Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,
Robert Taylor
Taylor's Estate Maintenance

Dear Sirs,
I just finished reading your October issue of Professional Gardening & Landscaping Magazine. In your Q&A Article - by E.W. of Las Vegas, where his problem was to change his worn out and short edger blades: For years I have solved this problem by adjusting the edger all the way forward or down so the blade rests on the sidewalk or some other hard surface then unscrew the nut with a socket wrench or a sprinkler head wrench. It works great.

Thank You,
C.T. Goldsmith, jr
San Diego, CA

P.S. Could you please send my subscription to my home address instead of my business address because other employees "swipe" mine. Thanks.

Dear Sirs,
Looks like a great start to a very good magazine. This is the first time I've seen it. Please start my subscription.

Thank you.
Frank Thomas
Thomas Landscape Company
Lakewood, CA

P.S. How about some back issues?

Back issues are running low, but are still available. They are now $3.00 per issue (that includes postage).

Dear Editor,
At the present time I am enrolled at Mesa Community College taking classes towards landscape design. I am very interested in interiorscaping and design and may want to pursue a career that way.
My major question is what classes do you feel would benefit me most towards this career? My wife and I are also relocating to Florida (Daytona Beach area). Do you or anyone on your staff have any information that would be of help to me. Any would be appreciated, maybe about some colleges there.

Thank you,
Michael A. Cain
Santee, CA

P.S. I think your magazine is fantastic and very knowledgeable. keep up the good work!

Classes to help you in interiorscape would be any horticulture classes. Plant identification, diseases, plant growth, etc. Your best source is the head of the horticulture department at your college. Let them know what your goals are and they will advise what courses to take. As to information about Florida I wouldn't be of much help. Maybe some of our readers might have some information? Let us know.

Dear PG&L,
Thanks for the informative subscription! A magazine so popular around here that by the time I get it, it's almost impossible to read! Please send an additional eight copies so that each man on our crew gets their own. I showed your magazine to a few of our nursery friends and they are requesting at least three cases to distribute. Their address is 1701 S. Mountain Ave., Ontario, CA 91761. Contact Joy. Thanks again!

Bill Shannon
Shamrock Landscape & Maintenance
Ontario, CA

Your eight new subscriptions are on the way. Thanks for the tip on the distribution. Our Circulation Manager, Jeff Turnage, will contact Joy about getting magazines to her nursery.

Good Morning!
I am presently teaching H.S. Agriculture and am interested in recieving a subscription to your magazine and any other materials which would be helpful in the classroom (posters, magazines, etc.).

Thank you!
Don Borges
Modesto, CA

Well, we can help with the magazine subscription - can anyone else help with other materials? Let us know.

Dear PG&L,
Please put me on your magazine mailing list. I really learn alot from your magazine and I send you my appreciation.

Sincerely,
Jack Hudkins
SRF Church
Pacific Palisades, CA

Dear Sean,
Hey Buddy! Guess who? Remember those early morning workouts at the Sports Medicine Center? That's right! It's me, Eddie Tulimero (Steady Eddie) your former trainer.
While I was at Las Vegas Lawn Equipment picking up a few mowers, I started looking through the PG&L and saw your picture. I had read PG&L before, but had not noticed you were the editor. I was really thrilled and excited for you for having created such a great and informative magazine for the average landscaper and gardener. It's about time someone took advantage and noticed the need for such material. Again - congratulations!!
I took a big chance moving my business from San Diego to Las Vegas, but it worked. I have a very prosperous service now with several steady employees, two new trucks and custom trailers, nearly 75 accounts and I haven't stopped yet.
Sean, we've both taken advantage of the opportunities of the landscape and maintenance industry. Your magazine is really spreading through Las Vegas. Mower shops and landscape suppliers all have them on their counters. It's a great magazine and you've done a fantastic job!

Keep up the great work guys!
Eddie Tulimero
Steady Eddie's Lawn Service
Las Vegas, NV

Dear PG&L,
Glad to see your magazine doing so well and that you so strongly support the California Landscape Contractors Association. Trade associations are the best thing to happen to a businessman interested in his own success.
As the newly elected President of the National Equipment Service Dealers Association, "NESDA", I would like to welcome you to the ranks of the read. Along with Outdoor Power Equipment Magazine and Garden Supply Retailer, etc., I try to sift through them all to keep up on everything. Unfortunately I don't get as much time to read as I would like because my store is so successful and the customers keep us pretty busy.
I don't want to get too long winded in my first communication to you but just wanted to say, keep up the good work.

Dave Parke
President,
J&N Garden Equipment.
Vice President,
Lawn Equipment Dealers Association.
President,
President National Equipment Service Dealers Association.

Dave Parke is this month's guest writer for EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE.

Dear PG&L,
Your magazine is the greatest. I've read them all since issue one, but have just now decided I want to build a reference library of your issues. Can you please send me copies of issues one through four?
I have been picking up my copies of PG&L at Star Nursery and Turf Equipment here in Las Vegas. I have particularly enjoyed the articles and info on "Professionalism" in the green industry.
What I could really use now is some info, articles, books, etc, on the most effective and efficient ways to organize an office, accounting, and client info files.
Keep up the good work.

Sincerely,
Robert Taylor
Taylor's Estate Maintenance

Dear Sirs,
I just finished reading your October issue of Professional Gardening & Landscaping Magazine. In your Q&A Article - by E.W. of Las Vegas, where his problem was to change his worn out and short edger blades: For years I have solved this problem by adjusting the edger all the way forward or down so the blade rests on the sidewalk or some other hard surface then unscrew the nut with a socket wrench or a sprinkler head wrench. It works great.

Thank You,
C.T. Goldsmith, jr
San Diego, CA

P.S. Could you please send my subscription to my home address instead of my business address because other employees "swipe" mine. Thanks.

Dear Sirs,
Looks like a great start to a very good magazine. This is the first time I've seen it. Please start my subscription.

Thank you.
Frank Thomas
Thomas Landscape Company
Lakewood, CA

P.S. How about some back issues?

Back issues are running low, but are still available. They are now $3.00 per issue (that includes postage).

Dear Editor,
At the present time I am enrolled at Mesa Community College taking classes towards landscape design. I am very interested in interiorscaping and design and may want to pursue a career that way.
My major question is what classes do you feel would benefit me most towards this career? My wife and I are also relocating to Florida (Daytona Beach area). Do you or anyone on your staff have any information that would be of help to me. Any would be appreciated, maybe about some colleges there.

Thank you,
Michael A. Cain
Santee, CA

P.S. I think your magazine is fantastic and very knowledgeable. keep up the good work!

Classes to help you in interiorscape would be any horticulture classes. Plant identification, diseases, plant growth, etc. Your best source is the head of the horticulture department at your college. Let them know what your goals are and they will advise what courses to take. As to information about Florida I wouldn't be of much help. Maybe some of our readers might have some information? Let us know.

Dear PG&L,
Thanks for the informative subscription! A magazine so popular around here that by the time I get it, it's almost impossible to read! Please send an additional eight copies so that each man on our crew gets their own. I showed your magazine to a few of our nursery friends and they are requesting at least three cases to distribute. Their address is 1701 S. Mountain Ave., Ontario, CA 91761. Contact Joy. Thanks again!

Bill Shannon
Shamrock Landscape & Maintenance
Ontario, CA

Your eight new subscriptions are on the way. Thanks for the tip on the distribution. Our Circulation Manager, Jeff Turnage, will contact Joy about getting magazines to her nursery.

Good Morning!
I am presently teaching H.S. Agriculture and am interested in recieving a subscription to your magazine and any other materials which would be helpful in the classroom (posters, magazines, etc.).

Thank you!
Don Borges
Modesto, CA

Well, we can help with the magazine subscription - can anyone else help with other materials? Let us know.

ANOTHER SATISFIED CUSTOMER!

Dear Sirs,
Over the past 11 years I've subscribed to all the trade magazines and papers and I've found yours to be the most informative. Keep up the excellent work.

Peter L. Frey
Frey Landscaping
Felton, CA

Sirs,
I am a horticulture student at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and am very interested in receiving your publication.

Thank you,
Mary Redwine
Student
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

Just a reminder: all horticulture and landscape students are eligible for free subscriptions.

Dear PG&L,
About a week ago I was given a copy of your January issue. I had never seen a copy of PG&L before.
I really, really really enjoyed it. My good friend, a fellow gardener, liked it too!! PLease, send us your magazine. We are looking forward to more of that great stuff!!

Thanks,
Chris Connelly
Carey Pinnell
San Jose, CA

Dear Sirs,
We have received GREAT responses from our ads in your magazine. Keep up the good work. It's a great magazine.

Sincerely,
Joy Speir
Maibo Pruning Systems
Roland, OK

AM I REALLY FAMOUS?

Dear Sean:
WOW!! What else can I say. The article you ran about me in your February issue was unbelievable. Thanks for the great article. I enjoy receiving your magazine each month.

Jack Vrtar
Forever Green Landscape Management
Brea, CA

FREE SUBSCRIPTIONS AND FREE ADS TOO!

Sirs,
I saw a copy of your magazine and was very impressed. There were many job related articles. I loved reading them. I noticed that you offer free subscriptions to all in the Green Industry. I would like to take advantage of your generous offer.

Thank you,
April Stewart
Green Horizons Landscaping Service
San Mateo, CA

Dear Mr. Fleming,
We would like to thank you for the Texas Association of Landscape Contractors advertisements that you are running at no cost to us. We appreciate your support and help.

Sincerely,
Jeff D. Martin
Executive Director, TALC
Austin, TX

DRIP . . . DRIP . . . DRIP

Dear PG&L,
I enjoyed your article on drip irrigation ("Farmer and Landscaper Solve Tough Soil Problem", Februray 1987, page 22). I've been using drip for years and it constantly amazes me how many landscapers are unaware or simply not knowledgeable about drip irrigation. Keep articles like this coming. Eventually the word will get to everyone.

Sincerely,
B.J. Finlay
Finlay Landscaping
Las Vegas, NV

A RELATIVE TALE

Dear Editor,
Normally I love your "Once Upon a Time" stories, but the "Mongo" tale in the February issue is insulting. It features the sterotypical dumb, strong field worker type of landscaper. This is an image that should have passed on a long time ago. For a magazine that preaches professionalism I'm surprised you would run such a degrading story.

Kurt Mayo
Phoenix, AZ

Dear Sirs,
I look forward to receiving PG&L each month. Not only do I learn something new from each issue, but I get a real kick out of some of the columns like "What's Wrong with this Picture?" and "Once Upon a Time". "Mongo's Theory of Relativity" (February 1987, page 34) was absolutely GREAT! I sent a copy to my old high school physics teacher and he thought it was a riot. He also liked your "Products of the Future", but he explained why it wouldn't work.
You have columns on just about everything, but what about landscape installation techniques?

Sincerely,
Robert Forney
The Green Garden Company
San Francisco, CA

Good idea, Robert. Would you like to write it?

One of our Toro product managers, Mike Hoffman, drew my attention to Rita Runnel's drawing of a "mowbot", a "product of the future", in the June 1986 issue of your informative, new publication.
We'd like permission to reprint it in the October issue of our Commercial Division's newsletter to our nationwide network of distributor sales people. The newsletter is printed internally in our in-house print shop. I've enclosed an issue with this letter.
I have also enclosed a write-up on your magazine to accompany the mowbot drawing in our October issue. I hope it meets with your satisfaction and that you give us permission to reprint the drawing.

Sincerely,
Dennis Anderson
The Toro Company
Minneapolis, Minnesota

Dear Sirs,
Would you please send us some more of your free magazines, Professional Gardening & Landscaping. We own a small repair shop in North Las Vegas. Our customers just love it.

Thank You,
Jim & Georgia Ronley
Motor Manor
North Las Vegas, NV

Sirs,
Thanks for the free subscription.

Julio Gonzalez,
Gardener/Student
Las Vegas, NV

You're welcome, Julio

Dear Sirs,
I recently read a copy of your magazine and wish to subscribe. I am interested in the gardening and landscaping industry and think your magazine would be helpful to me.

Thank You,
Steve Kenagy
Brawley, CA

Dear Mr. Richards,
In regard to your column in the June issue, we are indeed very interested in having any information which you publish in Spanish sent to us. Also, if you have a mailing list for future Spanish publications, we would like to be placed on it. Thanking you in advance.

Cordially,
Ken Millius
KRM Garden Management
Sun Valley, CA

Sir,
We are constantly doing our own landscaping projects, maintenance, and installing irrigation systems. We found your publication and articles very helpful. Your advertisements by suppliers helps us find sources of materials.

Thank You,
Art Jaenke
Asst Manager
Joe Sherman Girl Scout Camp
Mt. Center, CA

Dear PG&L,
Your magazine has been an absolute blessing to our company. The August issue was excellent! This magazine will undoubtedly be used in a powerful way. It will help bring professionalism, integrity, & respect to a part of the Green Industry which very much needs and deserves it.

Sincerely yours,
Jeff T. Dowler
Coast Landscape Management
San Diego, CA

Thanks, Jeff.

Editor, PG&L,
We here at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, teach courses in all of the areas which are covered in your publication, and many more. We have faculty with specialties in contracting and maintenance. I would appreciate you sending eight copies of each issue to the Horticultural Department. These will be distributed to Professors Angley, Breckenridge, Conner, East, Mullany, Lassanske, and Zhons, and will be made available to your future readership, our students.

Thank you,
Wes Conner, Prof.
Interim Dept. Head
OH Department
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo, CA

Sir,
Could you please send a bundle of your magazine each month. Our customers really enjoy your magazine.

Thanks,
Erma Jensen
Adams Lawnmower
San Diego, CA


Dear Sean,
Please send a copy of your GREAT magazine to my home address on the subscription form. I'll never get to see it if you mail it to the Town & Country Hotel.
You may also want to send a copy to our Head Gardener, Bruce Thompson at the address above. (He gets to spend lots of money!)

Thanks!
Karen Hazinski
Town & Country Hotel
San Diego, CA

Dear Sirs,
We are very interested in the new magazine called Professional Gardening & Landscaping. Please put us on your subscription list.

Thank you,
Dennis Clark, President
Glendale Landscape & Maintenance
Burbank, CA

Dear Sir,
I am a member of the Orange County Gardeners Association, which has an enrollment of over 300. We are one of the 23 chapters of the SCGF.
I request subscription cards to distribute to our members, so I need at least 300 for those who are interested in receiving your excellent, and informative magazine. Thanking you in advance.

Gratefully yours,
Yil W. Park
Orange, CA

Dear Sirs,
The Once Upon a Time stories have been great. Rich Showalter tells a good tale. I notice in one issue you were requesting stories, but so far all the stories have been by Mr. Showalter. Is this his column or will you accept stories from others? Also, I have some good stories, but I'm not much of a writer. Would you still be interested in them? And can someone like Mr. Showalter spruce them up?

Sincerely,
Art Porter
Pomona, CA

Careful, Art. We might subject your submissions to the Lone Gardener! But yes, do send them in!

Dear Mr. McGann,
I appreciated your information on sowbugs in the Horticultural Problems & Solutions column (August 1986). We have been experiencing pest problems on a maintenance project of ours and we had not considered sowbugs until now (despite the great numbers of them). Now that we have identified the problem it will be much easier to control.

Thank you.
Barry Fieldings
Highlands Homeowner Association
San Diego, CA

Dear Sean,
I think your magazine is great! I liked the articles on computers and am thinking of getting one for my business. I think you need to remember that most of your readers are novices when it comes to computers. Some of the abbreviations (CADD) and references are not understood. Please write some articles for beginners. Also, what does CADD stand for?

Kathy Moore
Tempe, AZ

Computer Aided Drawing and Design.

Dear Sir,
I was leafing through your magazine and found my organization unlisted in Professional Organizations. Would you be so kind as to list us in your future issues. We'd appreciate it.

Thank you,
Diana Goforth
Publicity Chairman
PWHLA
San Diego, CA

We'd be happy to add your organization to our list. Any other groups out there getting missed? Let us know!

Dear Editor,
Just a quick pat on the back. Keep up the good work!

Thanks.

Dear Sirs,
I just received my copy of Being a Pro: A Series on Professionalism. I've read it twice and found it to be very useful. Well worth the $$. Thank you.

No, THANK YOU!

Answer to Barney Gonsalves:
You must own a Macintosh. Or can you really read Cyrillic letters and transpose them with English letters? Good work!

Gentlemen,
It is with keen interest I always welcome the reading and contents of your magazine, green industry's and horticulture's working arm with gardening care of our plant and vegetation world.
I thank the editor, publisher and staff for my copies, continue them please, with the request for some high-light that would be appreciated by this landscape architect and descendant of a past landscape architectural firm.

J.E. Trossbach
Landscape Architect
Phoenix, AZ

Dear Sirs,
I would like to thank PG&L for doing their part in assisting in the introduction of Curbmate mowing strips to many landscapers in the San Diego area. Most landscapers who try Curbmate once, use it on almost every job. Much of this exposure is due to PG&L. I owe you my thanks for making Curbmate a success in San Diego.

Mitchell Weiss
Curbmate of San Diego
Olivenhain, CA

Dear Editor,
I enjoy reading your magazine. It helps me to stay up to date with landscape maintenance matters.
I was interested to read a letter in the Vol. 2#5 edition from Mr. Robert Vasallo, Future Green, in Las Vegas putting forward claims to the success he has had with planting bougainvillea in the can--after removing the bottoms.
Let me share a little comment regarding this practice as it relates to pyracantha.
Several years ago some landscapers put plants in the ground without removing the can. It's legacy to landscapes today is a large number of unthrifty plants that don't respond to the usual remedies of deeper watering, more frequent watering, fertilizer applications, or even a dose of common sense, untilÃ
Until you look at the roots at ground level. Then the remedy is simple. Pull out the plant and throw it away. Its initial roots are wound round and round themselves and eventually strangle the trunk. Once in a while the doubled-over lip of the original nursery can remains.
Planting in the can may work well with bougainvilleaÃthough I don't know why that plant should be any different from the othersÃbut it seems to me to be a method to be used with caution. The "rogues gallery" in my office is full of dead plants with bunched-up twisted roots. It's a common form of plant death. I think one of them is a bougainvillea.

George Brookbank
Extension Agent
Tucson, AZ

Dear Mr. Fleming,
El Dumbo is an accident waiting to happen. I must say that I'm impressed by the fact that he at least parked on the street rather than the sidewalk like half the other cars in the neighborhood. From that point on, it's all down hill!

1) Tools hanging out in the street. Great way to pin stripe innocent motorist's vehicles.
2) The rake is prong side up. What a classic!
3) The visor is on his forehead. Not much protection from flying parts. Visors also make lousy sun shades.
4) Tennis shoes to do weed whacking? His brains must be in his feet. He doesn't seem to have any brains so what does he need feet for?

I was so moved by this display of ignorance, I wrote the following:

There once was a man named El Dumbo
His tools were a Mumbo-Jumbo
He stepped on his rake
Which made his face break
So now he makes no more dinero.

John LeMay
LeMay Enterprises
Long Beach, CA

Dear Sirs,
I can't tell you what a blessing your publication has been to me. I just got through reading all you back issues. It was like a crash course in professional landscape business management with 4 units credited! I keep all the articles and put them in a binder and constantly review various facets of the business. Especially sales techniques. My request to you is after each article can you insert just advertising on the opposite page so as to cut down on xeroxing. Either that or send me an extra copy. Thanks.

Peter Frey
Frey Landscapes