Total Landscape Care

landscaper of the year fi nalist University of Idaho's landscape architecture program. As the single mom of then-10-year-old daughter Kodi, she studied land- scape architecture via distance education, becoming the fi rst person to attend the school's program remotely – all while continuing to work full time. Her hard work paid off, and she launched The Garden Artist, a high-end design/build fi rm specializing in outdoor living areas, in 2004 in Boise, Idaho. Sub success The company has an unusual structure, with only three em- ployees. Sims is the sole design- er and general contractor, and she hires trusted fi rms for the installation. She has formed a close working relationship with Curt Gallegos and Dave Wells of Cougar Mountain Landscaping and says the partnership offers the best of both worlds. "They build 85 percent of my projects," she says. "The beauty of not having them on my staff 3 6 To t a l L a n d s c a p e C a r e . c o m M AY 2 014 The Garden Artist created a waterfall that spills into a fi shpond, which is fl anked by a walkway of stones that appear to fl oat above the water. 1 Long-term view. This phrase, which is the company's mission statement, means they focus on their commitment to long- term relationships, continuing education, research and development, sustainability and community involvement. 2 Watch the clock. "Time effi ciency is our most valuable asset because however business savvy, no one gets the opportunity to recapture time," Terry Sims says. 3 Vendor relationships. "Because we develop long-term relationships, our vendors are familiar with our repeat purchases and keep these items in stock," Sims says. "We never wait for a shipment unless it's something we haven't ordered in the past." 4 Above and beyond. They don't just create well-designed outdoor areas that clients will enjoy – Sims and her team also include warranties, quarterly touchbacks, quick turnaround on warranty items, phased landscape improvements and annual walk-throughs to assess the health of plants. To hear more of Sims's tips, visit totallandscapecare.com/ sims-success. 4 TIPS TO SIMS' SUCCESS

• Cover
• Breaking Ground: Stop Playing It Safe: Why and how you should change your mindset about failure
• Field Report: 8 Lawn Care Myths: Exposing landscape realities-plus, " Pets We Dig"
• Editor's Picks: Stay Cool: Manage the heat, designs, irrigation systems and more with these new products and equipment.
• Safety Watch: Falling Fronds: What to do when trimming around power lines
• Equipment Matters: Max Out Your CTL: Ways to get the most from your compact track loader
• ProPickUp: Making Green: How propane autologs id hitting full stride
• Portfolio: Evolving Edibles: Landscaper seamlessly blends garden with hardscape elements
• Cover Story: Going Social: How to gain followers- and what to do once you have them
• Landscaper of the Year Finalist: Works of Art: Small company has big success because of landscaper's design skills, marketing and relationships
• Irrigation: Summer Irrigation: Keep lawns looking their best by following these water tips.
• Chemical Care : What To Do When Turf Goes A-Rye: It's hard to be selective when taking perennial ryegrass out of the mix.