FNGLA's August 2017 Newsletter

August 2017 | Volume 38, Issue 8

FNGLA’S MONTHLY PUBLICATION: DIGITAL MONTHLY ISSUE LOCATED AT HTTP://GREENLINE.FNGLA.ORG

Bring Your Vision to Life at The Landscape Show The Landscape Show buzz is in full swing as more than 7,000 industry professionals make plans to connect at Florida’s largest annual event for the nursery and landscape industry. Taking place September 14-16 at the Orange County Convention Center, The Landscape Show fills five acres of exhibit hall space, with nearly 450 companies filling 800 booth spaces showcasing their best and newest plants, trees and industry-related products and services.

“We’re excited about the upcoming show and particularly our show theme,” said Pete Dunnington of Brantley Farms and chairman of the 2017 Landscape Show. “With so many of our members involved in designing and implementing landscapes, having a vision is key to their success. The Landscape Show offers all the components needed to bring a vision to life, whether it’s plant material, hard goods, new resources or education and training.”

The Landscape Show Trends Pavilion is the place to see trending industry topics. Outdoor living spaces and recreational gardens continue to be among the hottest trends in both residential and commercial venues. See ideas from exhibitors who are bringing their visions to life for outdoor kitchens, outdoor dining, outdoor family space, outdoor recreation and small space gardens to life at the Trends Pavilion. Have you played pickleball yet? You can at The Landscape Show Trends Pavilion!

Ongoing Idea Sharing Sessions take place in the Trends Pavilion with such topics as foodscaping, agritourism, fertilizer secrets, Continued on page 3

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Ed Bravo, FNGLA 2017-2018 President

Drive, Unity & Collaboration Strengthen FNGLA Ready, Set.... Go! We, the FNGLA officers for 2017/18 are off and running!

Within the first 30 days of our tenure, we’ve installed seven chapter boards and traveled in excess of 2,000 miles to deliver this message to the membership: “We are here to serve you and to find out how FNGLA can help your chapter with local issues and concerns.”

Will Womack, Shawn Thomas, Robert Shoelson and I are committed to visit as many FNGLA chapter events as possible this year to learn what unique needs a chapter may have and if there’s something we can do to help. So far, we’ve identified a variety of issues we are already discussing with staff and seeking their assistance on behalf of each chapter.

While visiting each chapter, I will also continue to investigate the complex issues related to opioid addiction and its effects on our labor force. I hope to create a program for FNGLA member businesses to help us identify the problems, treatment options, as well as employer responsibilities and liabilities. You will be hearing more on this important subject very soon.

As I sit to write this article on hurricane preparedness, Tropical Storm Emily is breaching Florida’s west coast and forecast to cross the center of our state with sustained winds of 45 mph, gusts up to 60 mph and rainfall at 1-3” per hour. Although this will not be a major storm, I hope and pray our FNGLA members and their families are safe and prepared their homes and their operations with an emergency plan for this hurricane season.

Using FNGLA’s Hurricane Preparedness guidelines, my Frontrunners Chapter created a Hurricane Guide in 2006 in response to the devastation of our industry and members left in the wake of Hurricane Wilma which surpassed the combined impacts of Katrina and the infamous storms of 2004. This is a quote from a letter by then Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson to Governor Jeb Bush: “Horticulture - agriculture’s leading sector - has suffered catastrophic losses. Greenhouses and packing facilities are in shambles. Nursery plants that survived the initial blast of

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Wilma are now subject to scalding and other threats. Such a severe blow to this sector could lead to economic meltdown in many rural areas.”

The purpose of the chapter manual is to help our members plan and prepare their families and businesses in the event of a major disaster so we may help each other to save our inventories. It contains planning instructions and a list of needed items before and after a storm, as well as lists of stockpiles and equipment which members are willing to make available to assist other folks.

The manual includes tips for: structures; crops and equipment; pre-planning means to communicate with employees and fellow growers; “old-fashioned” written phone lists for employee families, all chapter members, power companies, FEMA, USDA Farm Service Agency; UF/IFAS Extension; FNGLA office, Emergency Management and the U.S. Small Business Administration. It also includes shelter locations and recommendations for documentation before and after, along with crop insurance suggestions.

The most important aspect to the manual is a map of the location of all the member businesses. With this map, we’ve created a “buddy” system to check and help each other when it hits the fan! Each member is charged with checking on a few of their closest FNGLA chapter neighbors and getting the word out if they need any help. This is done only after your own family and employee safety is resolved.

I strongly suggest each FNGLA chapter form a “disaster preparedness committee” and build your own list of resources on paper to distribute along with a map and contact information. You can either help each other be prepared or you can dig yourself out! This exercise in group survival builds trust within your chapter and, one day, could save your business.

Respectfully, Ed Bravo Big Trees Plantation (Gainesville, FL) bigtreesplantation@gmail.com

FNGLA NEWS Continued from page 1 compost tea, water gardening, Zika controls and more will be discussed.

Each session is 30 minutes with a group leader initiating discussion and participants adding their knowledge, experience, ideas and questions.

The Landscape Show Opening Reception takes place on Thursday, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Rosen Centre Hotel. This is the favorite meet-up spot following the first day of the show to make more connections and rendezvous for dinner with colleagues.

Tapped In, a networking event for young professionals ages 40 and under, takes place Friday, 5 – 6 p.m. in the Northside Restaurant at the convention center. This is the place where emerging industry professionals can connect with colleagues with whom they will be doing business for many years to come.

New at The Landscape Show will be the FNGLA Garden Center Swap Shop. It takes place on Thursday, following the Opening Reception from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Garden Center professionals are invited to exchange their best ideas from the spring season and unique plans for fall and the holiday seasons. No registration or fee is required to attend.

The Landscape Show Exhibitors Showcase makes it easy to discover new plants and products as well as special items exhibitors know you will want to see. Check out trending items at the showcase and then follow up with exhibitors at their booths for more information.

The FNGLA Certification Showcase is the place for FNGLA certified professionals and certification professional wannabees to stop by for CEUs, to experience exam station demonstrations and learn more about certification opportunities. Earn two CEUs for attending The Landscape Show and three CEUs each Knowledge College Workshop attended.

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For only $20 (advance price) your ticket includes: • • •

Three-day admission to the trade show Admission to the Opening Day Reception Access to New Plants and Products featured in the Exhibitor Showcase

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A seat at any of the Trend Pavilion Idea Sharing Sessions

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A seat at The Landscape Show Cool Products Presentation

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Admission to Tapped In, a networking event for young professionals 40 & under

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Access to the FNGLA Certification Showcase for increased professional development

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Connections with more than 7,000 nursery and landscape professionals

The Landscape Show is moving across the street! The show will be in the North Concourse of the North/ South Building of the Orange County Convention Center. The North Concourse faces Universal Boulevard.

FNGLA will be announce development of its new Irrigation Certification program, a new industry standard for water efficiency practices on Friday, September 15 at The Landscape Show.

The Rosen Center (not the Rosen Plaza) is the show’s headquarters hotel and location of the Opening Reception. Shuttle service will be available to and from the convention center, the Rosen Centre, the Hyatt Regency Orlando and the Hilton Orlando.

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FNGLA HAPPENINGS FNGLA Introduces New Industry Job Board With labor as one of the most pressing issue facing our industry, FNGLA has stepped forward to help bridge the gap accelerating the launch of FNGLA’s Job Board.

FNGLA members may post job openings for free! The platform, located on FNGLA’s website, is a new member benefit.

Postings run for 30 days.

Nonmembers can also post industry job openings for a $99 charge per post.

A “Job Alerts” signup allows job-seekers to sign-up for either daily or weekly email alerts to access newlu added job openings. FNGLA will update social media -FNGLA’s Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin pages -- to keep industry professionals up-to-date on the latest additions.

There is no limit as to how many jobs may be posted to the site. FNGLA members are strongly encouraged to list open positions: http://fngla.boxwoodgo.com/jobs.

FNGLA members were supplied an access code to use for free listings in the August 8 edition of “Ben’s Bullets” or contact FNGLA’s Kate Clary at kclary@fngla.org to obtain a member promotional code.

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Continued from page 3

FNGLA NEWS Representing Florida’s $21 billion industry, The Landscape Show is the place to find all the elements you need to bring your vision to life, right now!

See whose visions are hailed as the top winners at FNGLA’s Landscape Awards Presentation on Friday, September 15 at 3 p.m.

FNGLA’s 2017 Landscape Award Winners Presentation is your chance to see visions brought to life through top landscape design, installation and management projects in Florida. Although the award winners are announced in advance, it is at this presentation when the Roy Rood Award Winner, the program’s top award, is revealed.

The newly rebuilt Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Club will be the place for golfers to gather at this year’s golf tournament. The Landscape Show/ SHARE Golf Tournament mixes fun and business as industry vendors and customers spend the morning on the greens. Proceeds from the tournament support the FNGLA Research Fund at SHARE/UF.

The Landscape Show Rocks – Share a smile at The Landscape Show by leaving a decorated rock for someone to find. Following a fun trend which many communities are initiating, The Landscape Show encourages you to bring a small river sized rock with your own happy message or brand image to share, or decorate a rock at the show to share. There will be painted rocks to add your message. If you find a rock, you can keep it, or find a new place for it for someone else to discover.

The Landscape Show/SHARE Golf Tournament takes place on Wednesday, September 13 at its new location: the Rosen Shingle Creek Golf Club, with an 8 a.m. shotgun start.

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FNGLA HAPPENINGS The Knowledge College Offers 24 Learning Sessions, More Than 40 Expert Presenters Expanding its presence for 2017 to offer even more opportunities to expand your vision, The Knowledge College sessions offer an abundance of in-depth training, literally something for everyone.

With 24 sessions from over 40 expert presenters, sessions complement the show floor’s comprehensive offerings and add to your show experience with easy-to-implment tips and valued business strategies.

Top experts from across the U.S. will cover key topics each of the show’s three days with the majority of sessions taking place Thursday and Friday during show hours. Most are offered as three-hour sessions -- morning and afternoon blocks. Two design workshops offered as full-day sessions. Lunches are not included with your registration.

Some sessions are traditional classroom style, while others are practical, hands-on “workshop” type training sessions. Many of the latter take place right on the show floor -- and all are designed to bring you to your next level.

Talks address a wide range of industry issues from pragmatic issues such as design; irrigation; plant borders; plant selection; container issues; pruning tips and techniques; landscape maintenance issues; and, hardscape enhancement to overall business strategy sessions such as brand positioning; increasing profit margins; recruitment and hiring; and, garden center management.

All Knowledge College sessions are approved for three FNGLA CEUs. Most sessions are priced at $75 per workshop, preregistration pricing-- with four exceptions (two lower priced and the two full-day design workshops priced higher).

Session details including topics, speaker details, times and fees are located online at http:// remote. fngla.org/

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DEVELOP YOUR

KNOWLEDGE DEVELOP YOURSELF

MANY THANKS TO

The Landscape Show Sponsors

AN FNGLA PRODUCTION

FNGLA HAPPENINGS Zone Pushing: FNGLA Touts Tropicals at Garden Writer Conference What better way to breathe warmth and sunshine into one of America’s Northern border cities than with a little Florida sunshine. And that’s just what was on the FNGLA agenda as the 2017 Annual Garden Writers Conference approached.

Known as an American pillar for yesterday’s grain, steel and automotive industries, Buffalo, New York’s second most populated city behind NYC, sits on Lake Erie and is known as “The Queen City,” “The Nickel City” and, most significantly, “The City of Good Neighbors.”

Buffalo’s Garden Interest Surges

Buffalo is also home to Garden Walk Buffalo-- a 24-year-running garden tour touting more than 400 creative urban gardens open and welcoming the general public. And they flock... to the tune of 65,000 garden enthusiasts. Those behind the garden walk have created a very unique culture among Buffalonians. In fact, gardening is credited in many ways for the rebirth of Buffalo. It’s estimated Garden Walk Buffalo creates $4.5 million in economic impact annually for the greater Buffalo area. In turn, nearly $100,000 in grants have been awarded to block clubs, community groups and non-profits for more than 70 beautification projects around the city. And its effect -- garden tourism is thriving and residents are acutely interested in improving their outdoor spaces and becoming gardeners.

The Power of Collaboration

Capturing the opportunity to reach this extended gardening audience, FNGLA and Fresh From Florida paired with Garden Walk Buffalo organizers to supply a range of Florida tropicals to beautify and add tropical interest to their event-- more precisely, 25 three-foot and four-foot containers of tropicals were sent and planted for use with the public event... and then the containers and plants were repurposed and used again as America’s army of garden writers converged in Buffalo for their annual conference starting the very next weekend.

Additionally, a panel of four Florida writers (Keri Byrum, formerly of Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando; Sylvia Gordon of Landscape by Sylvia Gordon, Miami; Teresa Watkins of SHE Consulting, Orlando; and, Jennifer Nelis of FNGLA, Orlando) talked Florida tropicals at an education session at the conference offering advice to northern writers on which plants to winterize; which to buy as new; and, showcase creative ways to use Florida’s tropicals in virtually any garden in America.

What’s Next?

FNGLA courted and welcomed a garden writer contingency to TPIE in January 2016 and in 2017. In fact, the association for garden communicators, known as GWA, held its board meeting in concert with the show. In 2018, we expect to see an array of garden communicators attend and will offer VIP seating at the TPIE Opening Session; a special Chairman’s Tour; access to education sessions; and, a seat on the bus of their choice of TPIE Road Show tours. This is R-O-R, return on relationship, and FNGLA is excited to bring Florida’s tropicals to the nation’s garden communicators so they can spread the message, help strengthen sales and promote Florida’s tropicals nationwide!

For more details on FNGLA’s involvement with the nation’s garden communicators, contact FNGLA’s Jennifer Nelis at jnelis@fngla.org.

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INDUSTRY NEWS Perdue to Visit Florida Focused on Boosting Citrus Efforts At the invitation of Florida Congressman Tom Rooney, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue is visiting Charlotte and Lee Counties to discuss Florida’s citrus industry with local growers, researchers and industry stakeholders.

They’ll tour a private grove in Punta Gorda, then host a Citrus Farm Bill Listening Session in North Fort Myers moderated by Florida Citrus Mutual’s Mike Sparks.

Rooney recently introduced a bill reauthorizing programs to research a cure for citrus greening disease and to assist growers in the replanting of abandoned groves. This effort may breathe fresh energy into the citrus industry’s greening woes.

The bill aims to expand the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Tree Assistance Program to further efforts aimed at replacing diseased trees with healthy ones.

FNGLA and Fresh From Florida collaborated to supply 25 three and four foot containers worth of Florida tropicals for Garden Walk Buffalo, which were then repurposed for the annual Garden Writers Conference. The impact is wide-reaching as 65,000 gardeners attendeed the walk and GWA’s 450+ garden communicators who telescope messages to garden enthusiasts across the US were also engaged in the effort.

Special thanks to Agri-Starts, Inc. (Apopka), to Barbara Wise and Crescent Garden.

The Florida Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is a non-profit organization committed to serving the needs of Florida’s professional arborists and tree-care consumers.

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25 Years Later: Reflecting on Hurricane Andrew’s Impact

by Jennifer Nelis, FNGLA’s Director of Communications and Public Relations

Official images from FNGLA’s archives show the widespread devastation. Officially, 65 people perished as a result of the storm, yet speculation puts the number far higher given the destruction of large swatches of migrant farmer housing. Nursery owners reported never hearing back from many of their employees.

Some feared they had died, others believed many simply moved on.

Mangled metal adorns a storm-tattered tree at Bullis Bromeliads in Homestead. Structures were shells of what they had been just the previous day and, across South Florida, rebuilding was a slow and arduous task.

Many in Florida’s nursery and landscape industry define their careers, and some even their lives, by before and after Hurricane Andrew.

FNGLA’s Linda Reindl was in her first year of working with the industry.

She joined an all-industry relief team August 23, 1992 is not a date easily forgotten for many. Nursery after nursery-at ground zero which included Lee block after block. Just devastation. The reported 160 mph winds tangled Goode (Agri-Starts, Inc.), Mike Rinck greenhouse structures, scattered shadehouses and redefined South Florida’s nursery (AG 3), Paul Finora (Grandview industry.

Botanicals), Debbie Reason, Vicent Rayez Jr., Rex King and Gary Markle When all was said and done, the National Hurricane Center and NOAA’s official (all from Wekiwa Gardens), and tally reported the figure of $25.3 billion in damage in Florida. then FFA Executive Director Steve Munnell.

Ground Zero: Cutler Ridge, Florida City and Homestead.

More industry In 1992, records showed 842 nursery operations were in members Dade County and most of these were located in or near traveled Homestead. independently and others Mainstream media reported officials saying “Homestead Air stayed in Force Base no longer exists.” The same was true for MiamiCentral Florida Dade’s nursery industry. At least for most of it. People were coordinating numb and dazed. And no one really knew where to begin. relief shipments from all corners FNGLA’s Linda Reindl, 1992.

Many nurseries were literally blown off the map. Losses of the U.S. accounted for an estimated 25 to 30 percent of the state’s tropical foliage production and, to add insult to injury, very few nurseries had crop A newbie to the industry in 1992, insurance. And of those who did, most had minimal coverage. When acres were Linda was struck at how everyone tabulated, there were 7,200 nursery acres flattened or nearly flattened. pulled together at the most critical juncture.

In a measure of solidarity, almost immediately, and true to the salt-of-theearth character of nursery folks, FNGLA (then FNGA) and the Florida Foliage The group made their way through Association joined forces to establish an emergency relief program. Many in the military blockades setting up shop nursery industry in unaffected areas of the state dropped everything to coordinate, at Costa Farms. The team tirelessly gather and deliver semi-trucks loaded with food, water and life essentials to their organized the mass outpouring of South Florida counterparts. Costa Farms’ then new loading dock became “relief supplies from the industry-- servicing central.” anyone who showed up. And when they realized people couldn’t reach the And once the human needs were satisfied, the industry’s character shone brightly supply center, they mobilized taking as truckloads of shadecloth, pots -- even chainsaws -- and many of the essentials supplies directly into the hardest hit needed to rebuild nursery structures and get people back in business were sent in areas. This was before even FEMA droves. This is the still the very nature of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry. could reach the area.

As we remember the impact 25 years later, we acknowledge its devastation and remain in awe of the power of Mother Nature. Yet, 25 years also brings a certain level of perspective from which we can move forward.

Andrew was the most destructive hurricane ever to hit Florida and the costliest in the U.S. until Hurricane Katrina nearly drowned New Orleans.

Yet, we use much more than dollars to measure Andrew’s impact: We tally the struggle -- and the faces of those who fought their way back into business in the industry they loved. Industry peers, and even competitors, became family.

For many, the memories of Hurricane Andrew are still clear as day. For the South Florida nursery community, Hurricane Andrew is one storm which will never be forgotten.

Linda recalls, “We worked and worked because there was just so much to do. People were literally left with nothing. And they were counting on the supplies we had so we didn’t hardly stop, even to sleep.”

Among her most vivid memories today, Linda recalls, “The landmarks were gone. There were no street signs.

Trees in the landscape had no leaves.

There were no bugs, no birds. It was just plain eerie.”

INDUSTRY NEWS Dr. Martha Roberts: 2017 Woman of the Year in Ag Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam recently announced Dr. Martha Rhodes Roberts as the 2017 Woman of the Year in Agriculture. Dr. Roberts dedicated 35 years of service to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, where she championed policy changes for the advancement of Florida’s agriculture industry, trade and production practices. The award, now in its 33rd year, recognizes women who have made outstanding contributions to Florida agriculture.

“I’m honored to name Dr. Roberts the 2017 Woman of the Year in Agriculture,” said Commissioner Putnam. “During her tenure with the department, Dr. Roberts advanced Florida agriculture.”

Dr. Roberts joined the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Division of Food Safety in 1968 as a Microbiologist/Chemist. She was appointed Assistant Commissioner of Agriculture in 1984, and was the first woman in the United States to hold this position. From 1991 to 2003, Dr. Roberts served as the department’s Deputy Commissioner and played a pinnacle role in shaping agricultural policies to improve practices in each stage of production. Beginning in 2003, Dr. Roberts served 13 years as Director of Industry Relations and then as Special Assistant for Government Affairs for the University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).

The Woman of the Year in Agriculture award is sponsored by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Florida State Fair Authority. The award will be presented to Dr. Roberts during the 2018 Florida State Fair in Tampa.

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INDUSTRY NEWS USDA Forecast Shows Citrus Continues to Suffer

Fighting Pest With Parasites

USDA’s forecast finalizing the 2016-17 year shows Florida’s citrus industry continues to suffer, with both orange and grapefruit volumes falling significantly yearon-year.

Estimates indicate growers harvested 68.7 million boxes of oranges during the season, which is a 16% recent drop and a 29% decline since 2014-15.

Valencia orange production fell 22% year-on-year to 35.7 million boxes, while the non-Valencia saw a smaller reduction of 9% to 33 million boxes. And, grapefruit numbers also dropped 28% to 7.8 million boxes.

A glimmer of good news among the bad: Florida tangerine and tangelo production continued to rise 14% to 1.6 million boxes.

“Ending the season on a positive note is a big deal because it shows there is still investment in Florida’s signature crop. It takes quite serious effort to produce every single piece of fruit,” said the Florida Department of Citrus’ executive director Shannon Shepp.

“Every additional box shows promise for Florida Citrus.”

The first crop forecast of the 2017-18 season takes place in October and although the industry has been on decline for many years, hopes are up for a solid prediction.

And Florida is not alone in experiencing low numbers.

The California crop fell 18% to 48 million boxes according to USDA figures.

Photo by Lyle Buss UF/IFAS Department of Entomology and Nematology Scientists with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services are fighting pests with parasites in a bootson-the-ground effort to defend Florida’s citrus industry.

The tiny, flea-sized wasps, called tamarixia, hunt the Asian citrus psyllid and feed on them. They also lay eggs inside young psyllids killing them-- lessening the live bacteria causing the disease.

Once a tree is infected, the plant’s phloem are blocked which starves the tree. Partially green fruit are just one of the visible symptoms as the tree slowly dies.

Citrus greening, also known as huanglongbing, is caused by a bacterial infection which progressively blocks a tree’s ability to transport fluid resulting in eminent death for the tree.

Florida residents can apply online to the department for tiny parasitic wasps called tamarixia.

Researchers supply more than 1 million tamarixia every year to commercial citrus growers through mass-rearing labs located in various places throughout the state including Gainesville.

The tamarixia release program is one of several tools researchers and growers have to slow greening’s spread, including pesticides to kill the disease-causing bacteria.

But there’s no single solution to a complex problem like citrus greening. It’s infected nearly 100% of the state’s mature citrus trees, said Steve Futch, a citrus agent at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred.

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INDUSTRY NEWS Irrigation Association and the Principles of Efficient Agricultural Irrigation The Irrigation Association has taken another step forward in its mission of promoting efficient irrigation with its recent release of Principles of Efficient Agricultural Irrigation. The document outlines nine key principles growers should follow to most efficiently use water when irrigating.

Efficient agricultural irrigation represents an important development within both agriculture and the irrigation industry. As the global population continues to increase, efficient agricultural irrigation will play a crucial role in providing enough food, fiber and fuel to meet world demand.

In the United States, irrigated agriculture produces about half of the total value of crop sales despite comprising only 17 percent of U.S. cropland. However, irrigated agriculture also represents the largest share of consumptive water use in the nation. Efficient agricultural irrigation helps to balance the incredible value of irrigated agriculture with the need to be conscious of water use.

If you are looking for a document to share with your growers about ways to irrigate efficiently, look no further. Visit the IA website for more information about Principles of Efficient Agricultural Irrigation, including downloadable versions of the document and a summary: http://www.irrigation.org/IA/FileUploads/IA/Advocacy/Principles_of_Efficient_Agriculture_ Irrigation_7-17.pdf.

Florida Job Growth Rate Continues to Outpace the Nation Governor Rick Scott announced recently Florida is tied with Georgia for the fastest private-sector job growth rate of the 10 most populous states in the nation over the last year. Also, compared to all states, Florida had the third-fastest annual privatesector job growth rate in the nation behind Nevada and Utah. For 63 consecutive months, Florida’s private-sector job growth rate has outpaced the nation’s.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud Florida continues to lead the nation’s largest states in job growth, which is sending a message across the country that our state is the best place for businesses to grow and for families to find great jobs. Florida’s job growth has also outpaced the nation’s for nearly five-and-a-half-years, and we are leading the country in a variety of industries, proving our efforts to diversify the economy are helping to create new opportunities every day. With the newly established $85 million Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, we will continue to attract job creators to invest in Florida and ensure we remain a leader in job creation for generations to come.”

With the increase in job availability, our industry continues to struggle for qualified workers. To counter this gap, FNGLA responded with an industry job board. FNGLA members can list positions at no cost, non-members pay $99. Access the job board at http://fngla.boxwoodgo.com/jobs and, if you are an FNGLA member in need of the promo code, contact Kate Clary at kclary@fngla.org. See page 4 for additional job board info.

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INDUSTRY NEWS From the Family Farm to UF/IFAS: The New Chair of Environmental Horticulture

By Brad Buck, UF-IFAS News | bradbuck@ufl.edu When he was 4, Dean Kopsell moved with his family to a 200acre nursery in northern Illinois. He spent days roaming the farm, wading in the creek that ran through the property and playing in the barns.

In high school and college, Kopsell worked summers with his dad, selling shade trees and shrubs. It seemed natural he would study plants in college. After he earned his bachelor’s degree, Kopsell, returned to the family business and worked in the nursery.

One factor attracting Kopsell to UF/IFAS is the size and scope of the nursery and landscape industry in Florida. Kopsell harkens to his early days at the family nursery when relating to the horticulture industry. He irrigated plants, helped with planting new stock material, helped with propagation and equipment maintenance, cultivation and loading trucks.

“Florida leads the nation in the production of many horticultural crops, and it is a tremendous opportunity to work with the industry,” he said.

After his parents retired, Kopsell went back to college, earning advanced degrees. Then he got his hands dirty – in a different way — toiling for nearly 20 years in research fields and labs and teaching plant sciences. Now, he is the newly-named chair of the UF/IFAS department of environmental horticulture.

Kopsell’s first goal as chair will be to visit environmental horticulture in the UF/IFAS research and education centers.

Secondly, he wants to continue the strong relationships already established with the Florida green industry. Thirdly, he wants to get to know UF/IFAS and the university system.

Kopsell comes to UF/IFAS from the University of Tennessee, where he worked since 2004, the last four years as professor plant sciences. Before UT, he worked as an assistant professor of plant sciences at the University of New Hampshire.

“A good understanding of on-campus entities will help me serve the department and mentor younger faculty and staff,” Kopsell said.

Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, named Kopsell to the position following a national search.

“We had to choose from a number of high-quality applicants, but Dr. Kopsell stood out from the rest because of many factors,” said Payne. “He brings a broad vision and a wealth of knowledge about plant industry research, Extension and education that can help UF/IFAS continue to build its relationships with Florida’s burgeoning nursery industry.”

Kopsell starts at UF/IFAS August 25. Kopsell gained valuable administrative experience by working as the research coordinator for his academic department at UT, as well as vice president of the research division of the American Society of Horticultural Sciences.

“One of the greatest strengths is the applied horticulture within the department,” Kopsell said. “Whole-plant horticultural physiology and plant improvement are two areas in high demand within industries. Faculty in the department are having big impacts in these areas, as well as environmental horticulture as a whole.”

His fourth goal is to develop a new strategic plan for the department. For the future of the department, Kopsell emphasized how important it is to keep current with technology; stay relevant; reduce financial burdens related to research, teaching and Extension; and, attract and train the next generation of horticulturists.

At Tennessee, his research program focused on mineral nutrition and plant physiology, specializing in increasing the nutrition of specialty crops for improved human health.

He served as lead author or a co-author on about 140 peerreviewed articles.

Kopsell earned his bachelor’s degree in agribusiness from Illinois State University, and his master’s and doctoral degrees in horticulture from the University of Georgia.

He remembers his days in the nursery with fondness – days which laid the foundation for his current career.

“Some of my best memories were working with the crew and having them teach me how to ball and burlap hand-dug plant material,” Kopsell said.

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CERTIFICATIONS Fall Exam Certification Schedule Features New Test Site With fall just around the corner, FNGLA’s certification schedule features additional training and testing opportunities.

Contact Merry Mott at FNGLA at mmott@fngla.org or 407-295-7994 for more information.

Training

Exams

Landscape Technician/Maintenance Technician Knowledge College at The Landscape Show Friday, September 15

Landscape Technician/Maintenance Technician Exam Florida Gateway College, Lake City Friday, October 13

Landscape Designer (FCLD) Knowledge College at The Landscape Show Saturday, September 16 Landscape Technician/Maintenance Technician Florida Gateway College, Lake City Friday, September 22 Landscape Technician UF Ft. Lauderdale REC, Davie Friday, October 27 Landscape Technician Bilingual UF Miami-Dade Extension, Homestead Saturday, October 28 FNGLA administers several industry certification programs encompassing all aspects of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry. Look for professionals with FNGLA’s certifications: FNGLA Certified Horticulture Professional (FCHP) FNGLA Certified Landscape Technician (FCLT) FNGLA Certified Landscape Maintenance Technician (FCLMT) FNGLA Certified Landscape Contractor (FCLC) FNGLA Certified Landscape Designer (FCLD) FNGLA Certified Exam Judge (FCEJ) Florida Water StarSM Accredited Professional

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Landscape Technician Bilingual Exam UF Ft. Lauderdale REC, Davie Friday, December 1

Showcasing ‘All Things Certification’ at The Landscape Show As you prepare your Landscape Show itinerary this year, be certain to include a visit to FNGLA’s Certification Showcase.

The booth, located on the show floor, includes a wealth of information on all FNGLA certifications.

The display highlights exam stations to practice your skills – including Plant Identification, Job Evaluation and Plan Layout. It’s a great way to learn more about industry certification exams – or be awarded CEUs if you’re already certified.

The display is open during show hours and staffed by FNGLA’s Certified Professionals, Certified Judges and FNGLA’s Certification Committee members.

For more information on FNGLA certifications or CEU details, contact Merry Mott at mmott@fngla.org or 407295-7994.

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MEMBER NEWS Markel Announces Investment In Costa Farms Markel Corporation and Costa Farms recently announced they entered into a definitive agreement for Markel to acquire a majority interest in Costa Farms and its related operating companies. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the coming weeks.

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Costa Farms is the largest producer of ornamental plants in the world. Founded in 1961 by Jose Costa, Costa Farms is a third-generation, family-owned business stretching over 4,000 acres globally and employs nearly 5,000 people.

Along with thriving indoor and bedding plant divisions, Costa Farms operates merchandising services and young-plant production divisions, with operations domestically in South and Central Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, and abroad in the Dominican Republic and Asia.

Jose Smith, CEO of Costa Farms, said, “This partnership with Markel allows us to partner with a company with similar goals and values. We share the same desire to win and provide solutions to our customers.”

Markel, through its subsidiary Markel Ventures, makes long term investments in high quality companies. “The Costa family and its team have spent generations building a company that beautifies people’s lives and homes with millions of plants and garden flowers each year”, said Tom Gayner, Co-CEO Markel Corporation. “We love what they do and the way they go about doing it, and when they approached us looking for a partner to support the continued growth of this incredible company for future generations, we couldn’t have been more excited.”

Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. The Company’s principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. In each of the Company’s businesses, it seeks to provide quality products and excellent customer service so it can be a market leader. The financial goals of the Company are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value.

Through its subsidiary Markel Ventures, Markel makes investments in businesses operating outside the insurance marketplace.

The Markel Ventures businesses operate with a high degree of autonomy and share the goal of positively contributing to the long-term financial performance of Markel Corporation. Visit Markel Corporation on the web at markelcorp.com.

FNGLA Saddened by Industry Death: Elise Ryan FNGLA is saddened to report the death of Elise Ryan of Color Gardens Farms, Loxahatchee. She died unexpectedly from an acute intestinal infection on Sunday, July 23.

Elise was active in FNGLA’s Palm Beach Chapter.

She is survived by her husband; three siblings, one of whom is involved in the industry; her three children; eight grandchildren, and, nieces and nephews.

A devoted mother and grandmother, generous friend, and a passionate dog-lover, she enjoyed chronicling her rich family history, entertaining friends, tirelessly advocating for good government in her community, cheering on her children and grandchildren in all of their endeavors and traveling to be with her widely-dispersed family. She will be missed!

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MEMBER NEWS

Welcome New Members ACTION Bluefire Direct LLC Eva Lai 3765 N John Young Pkwy Orlando, FL 32804 407-456-4518

INTERNATIONAL Flora Pack, Inc. Mike Boekestyn 4019 13th St Jordan Station, ONT L0R 1S0 Canada 905-562-6440

Robinson Nursery, Inc. Eugene Um 2136 W Kelly Park Rd Apopka, FL 32712 407-886-1925

LAKE REGION Hanes Geo Components Brooks Fussell 2715 Crystal Lake Acres Dr Lakeland, FL 33801 813-610-0099

Roedell’s Landscaping Kenneth Roedell 1707 E Semoran Blvd Apopka, FL 32703 407-880-1060 Rec’d by: Matt Aultman, International Iron Winter Springs High School Michael Mangan (Supportive) 130 Tuskawilla Rd Winter Springs, FL 32708 407-320-8750 BROWARD Casual Patio of The Palm Beaches James Rine 2101 W Atlantic Blvd Pompano Beach, FL 33069 561-876-2986 Rec’d by: Steve Weiss, Tri County Truck Dump Squad Junk Removal, Inc. Samson Rubinov 6261 SW 24th Pl #211 Davie, FL 33314 954-440-9710 Rec’d by: Steve Weiss, Tri County Truck Garden Time, Inc. Matt Cohen 111808 SW 48th St Fort Lauderdale, FL 33330 954-200-4880 Rec’d by: Steve Weiss, Tri County Truck Green Life Maintenance LLC Pablo Bazano 2340 N 69 Ave Hollywood, FL 33024 561-713-5824 Rec’d by: Steve Weiss, Tri County Truck MBS Communication, Inc. Bruce Lima 20 NE 45th Ct Pompano Beach, FL 33064 954-642-6182 Rec’d by: Steve Weiss, Tri County Truck RFM Landscaping LLC Roberto Masson PO Box 277843 Miramar, FL 33027 954-302-7927 Rec’d by: Steve Weiss, Tri County Truck COASTAL SPRINGS Driftwood Furniture by Mark Arnett Mark Arnett Full PO Box 403 Homosassa, FL 34487 352-220-2651 FDL Investments, Inc. dba A Little Off The Top David Fry Anna McCoon (Associate) PO Box 306 New Port Richey, FL 34656 727-842-5251

The following are new FNGLA members from June 1 - June 30, 2017:

NORTHEAST 3 Rivers Nursery, Inc. Josh Sale (Associate) 4172 Venetia Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32210 850-673-9691 Rec’d by: Justin Williams, Williams’ Plant Nursery Aussie Landscape Management LLC Michael Sciardi 4106 CR 218 Middleburg, FL 32068 904-318-9267 Rec’d by: Justin Williams, Williams’ Plant Nursery, Inc. Grass Roots Southern Living Nathan Wells 1753 Coulee Ave Jacksonville, FL 32210 904-718-3510 Rec’d by: Justin Williams, Williams’ Plant Nursery Inc. Pallai Services Rob Pallai 197 Tollerton Ave St. Augustine, FL 32259 904-662-7071 Rec’d by: Justin Williams, Williams’ Plant Nursery, Inc. The Solution Maker Scott Curry 220 Skywood Trl Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 904-466-3143 MIAMI-DADE Action Rentals HST LLC Bruno-Elias Ramos 27742 S Federal Hwy Miami, FL 33032 877-693-8210 All Tropical Plants, Inc. Jeanette Mincey-Martell 25205 SW A1A Ave Homestead, FL 33031 305-246-1868 Dixie Landscape Company, Inc. Jeff Reamer (Affiliate) 12950 NW 113th Ct Medley, FL 33178 305-884-5700 Giardini, Landscape Design & Construction Linda Lubick 3141 Virginia St Miami, FL 33133 305-299-4248 Rec’d by: Mick Gnaegy, Mix’d Greens, Inc. Sunset Nursery, Inc. Rocio Orellana 7150 SW 118 Ave Miami, FL 33183 305-412-3646

1. Action 2. Big Bend 3. Broward 4. Central East Coast 5. Coastal Springs 6. Miami-Dade 7. Frontrunners 8. Highlands Heartland 9. Polk

10. Manasota 11. Northeast 12. Palm Beach 13. Panhandle 14. Pinellas 15. Royal Palm 16. Space Coast 17. Tampa Bay 18. Treasure Coast

Jennifer Valdes (Student) 26620 SW 122 Ave Homestead, FL 33032 305-984-9793 OUTSIDE FLORIDA Boulder Designs/Border Magic Jennifer Mogavero 2324 Robinson Dr Waco, TX 76706 254-742-2021 Jackson Pottery Dave Oram 2146 Empire Central Dallas, TX 75235 214-357-9819 Landscape Unlimited Michelle Kirkland PO Box 1313 Fitzgerald, GA 31750 229-423-1080 PALM BEACH A 1 Quality Sod, Inc. Alec Schwey 1958 33rd Ave Vero Beach, FL 32960 772-562-8726 Rec’d by: Steve Weiss, Tri County Truck Bedrock Stone Company Fab Nunez 16469 Southern Blvd Loxahatchee, FL 33470 954-394-4625 Melina Home Solutions LLC Joe Miller 16113 E Edinburgh Dr Loxahatchee, FL 33470 954-818-0822 Rec’d by: Steve Weiss, Tri County Truck Proline Seamless Gutter Co. Timothy Serrott 300 Wickline Blvd Lantana, FL 33462 561-585-3489 Rec’d by: Steve Weiss, Tri County Truck The Robert D’Amelio Corp.

Robert D’Amelio 1445 N congress Ave #6 Delray Beach, FL 33445 954-426-0020 Rec’d by: Steve Weiss, Tri County Truck Urban Solar Group, Inc. Michael Vergona 3395 N Dixie Hwy Boca Raton, FL 33431 561-609-2664 Rec’d by: Steve Weiss, Tri County Truck

PINELLAS Certified Irrigation Designs, Inc. Rob Hoogeveen 309 4th Ave N St. Petersburg, FL 33701 727-437-6272 ROYAL PLAM Agriscape, Inc. Debbie Clark 24208 Production Circle Bonita Springs, FL 34135 239-948-3300 Rec’d by: Tom Scott, Steele Truck Center Felda Grinding and Recycling Tony Ginoris 81 Morris Taylor Rd Felda, FL 33930 239-834-2496 Florida Evergreen Landscape and Lawn Care Bruce Ward 171 Commercial Blvd Naples, FL 34104 239-561-9184 Rec’d by: John Schwind, Steele Truck Center Forestry Resources Ecological, Inc. Rick Joyce 4353 Michigan Link Fort Myers, FL 33916 239-334-2493 Rec’d by: John Cauthen, Forestry Resources, Inc. Jose Mares Lawn Services, Inc. Jose Mares 4547 31st Pl SW Naples, FL 34116 239-465-9372 Rec’d by: Tom Scott, Steele Truck Center, Inc. MD Mayorga Corp.

David Munoz 417 Desoto Ave Lehigh Acres, FL 33919 236-977-6955 Rec’d by: Steve Weiss, Tri County Truck Oak Landscaping, Inc. Oscar Ramos 1329 SW 1st Pl Cape Coral, FL 33991 239-209-1387 Rec’d by: Matt Fleming, Steele Truck Center U.S. Lawns Stefano Ghirimoldi 4292 Canal St Fort Myers, FL 33916 239-690-1725 Rec’d by: Steve Weiss, Tri County Truck

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Calendar of Events

Contact Us

See and submit events at http://www.fngla.org, under calendar

FNGLA

August 15-17:

IGC show, Navy Pier, Chicago, Illinois

22:

Oldcastle/Belgard Hardscape Seminar, Hampton Inn, Estero

23:

Oldcastle/Belgard Hardscape Seminar, Hilton Garden Inn, Tampa

23-25:

FarWest Show, Oregon Convention Center, Portland, Oregon

24:

Nematode Management for Ornamentals, Lawn & Sports Turf, Osceola County Extension, Kissimmee

26:

FNGLA Certified Landscape Technician and Maintenance Technician Exam, SeaWorld, Orlando

29:

Oldcastle/Belgard Hardscape Seminar, Florida Concrete Products Association Headquarters, Orlando

September 6-9:

SAF Palm Beach Annual Convention, The Breakers, Palm Beach

14-16 The Landscape Show, Orange County Convention Center North

Concourse, Orlando (includes FNGLA Certification Training Classes) 15:

FNGLA’s Landscape Awards Presentation at The Landscape Show, Orlando

17-20:

Association of Zoological Horticulture Conference, Naples

22:

Exam Prep FNGLA Certified Landscape Technician and Maintenance Technician, Florida Gateway College, Lake City

22-23:

Florida Wildflower Symposium, Orange County Extension Service, Orlando

Phone: 407.295.7994 Toll-free: 800.375.3642 Fax: 407.295.1619 E-mail: info@fngla.org Web: www.fngla.org

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Ben Bolusky

GREENLINE EDITOR Jennifer Nelis, jnelis@fngla.org

2017-2018 STATE OFFICERS

President Ed Bravo Big Trees Plantation, Inc. 104 SW 131st St Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 332-2150

President-Elect Will Womack, FCLC Tampa Bay Landscaping 5821 Maple Lane Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 368-9891

Past President Robert Shoelson, FCLC Getting Green Plant Services & Betrock Information Systems PO Box 840107 Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 (954) 680-1819

Secretary/Treasurer Shawn Thomas Southern Green Chemical Lawn Care 9456 Phillips Hwy Ste. 10 Jacksonville, FL 32256 (904) 598-4358

Connect with us: About FNGLA This publication is produced by the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA) as a service to its members and the industry at large. The statements and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of the Association, its staff, Board of Directors, Greenline or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers or their identification as members does not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services.

The mission of the Florida Nursery, Growers & Landscape Association is to promote and protect the interests of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry.

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Read the latest FNGLA news inside & visit Greenline online at http://greenline.fngla.org