I have just joined a new community that is still very young but, could be on the cusp of changing the landscaping and horticulture professions for ever.
I remember when the only way you could raise your profile in the horticulture industry was to join BALI. The trouble was, if they didn't like you, regardless of whether you were a good egg or not, you could not get in.
Then the APL came along shouting that they were going to change things and become an equal to BALI. The shouting stopped and things returned to normal.
Now, the digital age has changed the world forever and this example of an online community is the future where self regulation will rule.
Your professional peers will become your judge and if you cross the line on quality or business the community will soon get to hear about it.
I urged the Association of Professional Landscapers to change their ways but unfortunately, it has fallen on deaf ears and they have missed the opportunity to do something similar.
I hope, the Garden Network (or similar) will become the type of self regulatory body that the industry needs. However, not run by a committee of ego chasing self serving archives but a fresh band of business hungry, success eager artistic and creative people.
In time, I hope to see areas where landscapers can obtain copies of terms and conditions that they can modify for their own use. Perhaps a legal eagle section where members can gain valuable advice (for free initially) and an area where services and skills can be traded.
The site is fresh and has that 'Facebook' feel to it and will appeal to today's tech hungry generation.
I will be back to cover the Garden Network again soon - check it out and see what you think.
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