April 2007
Volume 2
Issue 4

It's hard to believe that it's Spring in the Northeast! Many of us are praying that the Nor'easter coming our way doesn't bury us in snow so we can get out and get to work. Winter weather has caused travel troubles in the last month as well. I was unable to get to Chester Hollow and visit the CAC crew in Boston for their big New England Spring Flower Show, but luckily they took Second Place for their design (robbed!) and Chester Hollow will reschedule their Build-A-Pond for May 19th when they will be putting a turtle pond in their greenhouse.

I did make it to Chicago for Aquascape's Water Garden Excellence program (it was great to see everyone) and I presented a session on Web site content and e-marketing. Check out our presentation on our Web site! Next month - the release of Hively Landscaping's NEW site with a focus on their designers and their commitment to superior work in York County, PA!

Well, they aren't really clients but they are definitely worthy of the spotlight! During WGE Judy Harvey of Pond World organized a group of women to discuss the beginnings of a new group, Women of Watergardening (WOW)! In addition to Judy, this amazing group of women included Diane Baker of James Ponds, Wendy Holland of Chester Hollow and Aqua Scapes of New Hampshire, Marcia Vnuk of Wyld Creek, Judy Pierce of Bill Harvey Outdoorscapes, Jeanne Camp of Frontier Ponds, Debbie Gallagher of Gallagher's Watergardens, and myself. In addition Judy Guido of Guido & Associates joined in and lent her knowledge and experience to the group.

At the end of the day we had a great and productive event and felt we were ready to move forward. The goal of this group is to provide resources, education, and support for women in the industry at all levels of involvement. Our group is already growing and we are anxious for our next meeting at Pondemonium. If you, or someone you know, is interested in getting involved, please contact Judy Harvey or send your information to The Green Pen and we will be sure to send you the latest. Also, watch our site (which is under development ) www.WomenofWatergardening.com for future updates!

It's April which means Tax month! We've gone from thinking 'green' to hoping we won't be in the red! Red happens to be one of my favorite colors and when I see it I don't think 'stop', I think 'bold', 'rich', 'passion', and 'warm'. The point is color speaks volumes!

Whether you are doing Web design or designing marketing materials, color is an effective way to call attention to the most important information. When designing a business card, a bold color can call attention to your Web site address. On a post card mailing you can use a bright color to highlight the date and time for an upcoming Build-A-Pond seminar. If you want to highlight your news and events on the home page of your site, go with a bold but complementary color.

Bottom line, just because you do work in the great outdoors, doesn't mean we have to use so called 'natural' colors. The most vibrant colors imaginable can be found outside - golden flowers, bright pink blooms, oranges, purples - you name it they are all out there. Just remember to use colors that complement and stay on brand for you and your business.