Episodes

  • The Importance of Communication in the Landscape Business
    May 13 2024
    In this episode, Joseph King of the Landscape king Podcast stresses the importance of clear communication in landscaping, emphasizing the need for setting specific project objectives and discussing costs upfront. Reflecting on past miscommunications, he highlights the importance of continuous improvement in communication practices.

    At Landscape King, we're enhancing communication by adding an office coordinator to streamline interactions and prioritize transparency. Join us for insightful discussions with industry experts to gain valuable insights and practical tips for landscaping.

    Timestamps
    02:00 Starting Out in Landscaping

    05:08 Importance of Clear Communication

    07:04 Adaptability in Landscaping Projects

    08:02 Improving Communication Practices

    11:18 Engaging with Landscape King

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    12 mins
  • Nikki Krieg of Sweet Fern Landscapes | Landscape King Podcast
    May 6 2024
    Join us in this episode of the Landscape King podcast as we chat with Nikki Krieg, a dedicated horticulturist from Sweet Fern Landscapes. Nikki's journey from childhood nature adventures to advocating for native plants and sustainable landscaping practices is both inspiring and informative. From her expertise in wildlife ecology to promoting biodiversity through eco-friendly designs, Nikki's passion for creating thriving ecosystems shines through in this engaging discussion.

    Timestamps
    02:54 Love for Plants and Native Landscapes
    03:48 Experience Working with Forest Service in Wyoming
    04:32 Education and Passion for Wildlife Ecology and Horticulture
    05:52 Sweet Fern Landscapes Mission
    06:53 Importance of Native Plants for Ecosystem Support
    08:17 Balancing Client Preferences with Ecological Practices
    09:23 Native Nursery and Sustainable Practices
    10:45 Utilizing Biochar for Soil Health
    12:42 Favorite Landscape Style: Cottage Garden
    15:27 Favorite Native Plants and Their Benefits
    16:59 Weed Management and Eco-Friendly Practices
    20:42 Industry Challenges: Overuse of Chemicals
    23:40 Trends in Landscaping: Embracing Natural Looks
    25:16 Attracting Beneficial Insects with Native Plants
    27:27 Achieving Low-Maintenance Landscapes with Natives
    31:07 Landscape Design Process and Client Engagement
    32:56 Community Event: Milkweed Giveaway
    35:23 Exploring Alternatives to Common Landscape Plants
    36:02 Continuous Learning and Plant of the Week Announcement
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    37 mins
  • Top 10 sun loving bedding plants in Baton Rouge
    Apr 29 2024
    Join me in this episode of the Landscape King podcast as we explore the top 10 bedding plants perfect for full sun in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

    From vibrant Diplodinia to insect-repelling Marigolds, low-maintenance Lantana to butterfly-attracting Pentas, these plants offer beauty and functionality to any landscape. Regardless ofif your goal is to add color to flower beds or enhancing commercial spaces, these plants thrive in the Baton Rouge climate with proper care.

    Stay tuned for more plant varieties and landscaping tips as we journey through beautifying landscapes one plant at a time on the Landscape King podcast.

    00:29 Exploring the Top 10 Bedding Plants for Full Sun

    07:49 Sweet Potato Vine and its Versatility

    09:42 A Sneak Peek into Native Plants Discussion

    10:02 Plant of the Week: Hydrangeas

    If your in the Baton Rouge area you can hire the Landscape King for your Landscape Project by visiting:
    OUR WEBSITE

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    11 mins
  • The 10 Mistakes People Make When Installing a Flower Bed
    Apr 22 2024
    Joseph King, Host of The Landscape King Podcast sits down with Jim Chapman from Envision Podcast Production and he shares essential tips for avoiding common mistakes when installing a flower bed.
    From plant spacing to watering techniques, he provides practical insights based on his landscaping expertise. Discussions also cover the importance of landscape lighting, weed control, and drainage systems.

    Timestamps
    02:11 Mistake #1: Spacing Plants

    03:12 Mistake #2: Sunlight Consideration

    04:06 Mistake #3: Watering Practices

    05:49 Weed and Feed Timing

    08:13 Overwatering Woes

    09:44 Weed and Feed Strategy

    12:40 Plant Sizing Consideration

    15:00 Importance of Landscape Lighting

    18:03 Bed Preparation Importance

    19:33 Drainage Concerns

    23:21 Exterior Paint and Gutter System Importance

    26:03 Weed Prevention and Management

    37:21 Irrigation Systems and Safety Measures

    42:34 Community Strength and Recovery from Floods

    If your in the Baton Rouge area you can hire the Landscape King for your Landscape Project by visiting:
    OUR WEBSITE

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    50 mins
  • Top 10 Warm Season Perennials in Baton Rouge
    Apr 15 2024
    Today on the Landscape King podcast, we delved into the top 10 warm season perennials for Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I began by explaining the difference between perennials and annuals, emphasizing that perennials come back year after year.

    First on the list was plumbago, a tropical plant that typically returns each season, boasting beautiful blue and white flowers perfect for adding color to flower beds. Next, we discussed lantana, known for its various colors and sizes, with the yellow variety being a favorite due to its vigorous growth.

    Moving on, we explored perennial salvia, particularly the purple variety which complements bedding plant areas. Mexican heather, a type of kufia, was also highlighted for its consistent return each year. Variegated flaxseed, known for its green and white foliage, was lauded for adding visual interest to landscapes.

    Blue days, though sometimes considered an annual, was commended for its striking blue flowers and its potential to perennialize in certain conditions. Foxtail fern, which returns consistently each year, was praised for its unique appearance that adds texture to dense shrub landscapes.

    Cuban gold Duranta, popular for its bright foliage color, was noted for its annual return in many yards. Gumfrina, with its purple-pink flowers, was described as a loose-shaped plant that also tends to return yearly. Lastly, Coneflowers or Echinacea, in various colors and varieties, were highlighted as reliable perennials.

    Additionally, we introduced the concept of a plant of the week segment, featuring Distillium and knockout and drift roses in previous episodes. The drift rose, known for its continuous blooming from spring to fall, was singled out for its low maintenance compared to other rose varieties.


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    11 mins
  • Top 10 Plants That Grow in Shade in Baton Rouge
    Apr 8 2024
    Today on the Landscape King podcast, Justin King, owner of Landscape King explores the world of shade-loving plants in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

    He shares insights on the top 10 plants thriving in shady areas. From the textured Ligularia to the winter-blooming Camellia Japonica, we discover how these plants can enhance shady spots.

    He also discusses the Weeping Japanese Maple, Soft Caress Mahonia, and Split Leaf Philodendron for unique landscaping options. Highlighting fern varieties, Monkey Grass, Liriope, Hydrangeas, American Beautyberry, and the resilient Cast Iron Plant,

    He offers a diverse range of shade-loving plants for a vibrant garden. Stay tuned for our new segment, Plant of the Week.

    Timestamps
    0:37 Exploring Shade-Loving Plants in Baton Rouge

    5:00 Diving into Top 10 Shade Plants

    6:13 Highlighting the Beauty of Ferns in Landscaping

    6:55 The Allure of Hydrangeas in Shady Gardens

    7:36 American Beautyberry: A Native Shade Delight

    8:18 Thriving Cast Iron Plant: Shade's Champion

    If your in the Baton Rouge area you can hire the Landscape King for your Landscape Project by visiting:
    OUR WEBSITE


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    10 mins
  • Toby Massengale on Building his Landscape Business From the Ground Up
    Apr 1 2024
    In this episode, Toby Massengale shares his journey in the landscaping business, starting from working with his father's landscape business to selling his own in 2016. He emphasizes the importance of reputation, product quality, and customer satisfaction for industry success. Toby highlights team culture and values alignment. He explores industry evolution, noting trends like operator-less mowers and battery-operated equipment. Transitioning to EOS implementation, Toby advises on reputation, response times, and customer expectations, underscoring hard work, consistency, and debt management as success pillars in landscaping. Toby's insights encapsulate the essence of delivering excellence and building a reputable business amidst industry transformations.

    Timestamps:
    3:15 Growing the Business
    06:07 Winning the Mall Project
    08:53 Working with H-2B Workers
    10:38 Family Business Expansion
    12:31 Bonding with Hispanic Workers
    13:07 Overcoming Challenges
    13:25 Transition to Commercial Work
    14:07 Building the Organization
    15:07 Implementing EOS
    16:09 Struggles with Leadership
    20:25 Delivering Exceptional Service
    22:04 Fixing Landscape Issues
    24:41 Aligning Expectations
    26:26 Pursuit of Excellence
    27:24 Work-Life Balance
    31:40 Building a Healthy Organization
    33:43 Importance of Leadership
    34:47 Selling the Business
    38:48 Future of the Industry
    45:06 Customer Focus and Reputation
    46:47 Advancements in Technology
    50:10 Managing Debt
    51:12 Importance of Online Reputation
    52:19 Speed and Efficiency in Delivery
    52:50 Setting Expectations
    53:55 Key Steps to Starting a Landscape Business
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    56 mins
  • The Ten Most Commonly Used Plants in Baton Rouge, Louisiana
    Mar 25 2024
    In this episode of the Landscape King podcast, Joseph explores the top 10 most commonly used plants in Baton Rouge.

    Joseph discusses the knockout rose, drift rose, distillium, Japanese yew, variegated flax lily, foxtail fern, camellias, hollies, hydrangeas, southern magnolias, and liriope, highlighting their features, maintenance, and landscape applications.

    He emphasizes understanding plant categories and upcoming episodes on shade-loving plants, flowering shrubs, and more. The podcast aims to educate plant and landscaping enthusiasts on popular and durable plant species for outdoor spaces.

    Timestamps


    03:00 Distillium: The Dwarf Evergreen Shrub

    04:49 Japanese Yew: Ideal Hedge Plant

    05:25 Variegated Flax Lily: Colorful Border Plant

    06:24 Foxtail Fern: Unique Texture and Appearance

    07:41 Camellias: Beautiful Blooms for Different Sun Preferences

    09:06 Hollies: Versatile Evergreens for Landscaping

    12:15 Hydrangeas: Summer Blooms for Shaded Areas

    14:49 Liriope: Commonly Known as Border Grass

    If your in the Baton Rouge area you can hire the Landscape King for your Landscape Project by visiting:
    OUR WEBSITE

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    20 mins