October 2016 | Volume 37, Issue 10
FNGLA’S MONTHLY PUBLICATION: DIGITAL MONTHLY ISSUE LOCATED AT HTTP://GREENLINE.FNGLA.ORG
Another 2016 Success: The Landscape Show! Lush, towering palms canopied the ceiling while nature’s vibrant hues adorned the aisles at the Orange County Convention Center for The Landscape Show 2016. The three-day event drew more than 7,000 industry professionals from across 38 U.S. states and 16 countries. More than 400 vendors were spread across the convention center space this year in over 800 booth spaces. “It was a great show,” said Pete Dunnington, Chairman of the 2016 Landscape show. ““Business seems to be picking up, and the attitude on the floor was very positive. It’s one of the better shows we’ve had in quite a few years since the recession,” Dunnington added.
7,100
Industry professionals across 38 U.S. states and 16 countries attended
95%
Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives Steve Crisafulli was a special guest at the event on opening day. He spoke with industry members as he made his way around the show floor.
The percentage of attendees who came from Southeastern U.S.
As an accent to this year’s theme Where Business Makes Sense was a Trend Stage Sensory Garden. The garden featured plants and products which engaged the five senses.
56%
The Trends Stage also served as the backdrop for various awards presentations and events including the “Cool Products” presentation where a team of industry buyers selected 15 unique products from exhibits at the show considered especially business-worthy. Also taking place at the Trends Stage were the Fresh From Florida Yard-To-Table Chef ’s presentations. “The Chef ’s presentations put the sensory theme of the show in action, offering a chance to use almost all the senses, especially taste,” said Linda Adams, FNGLA’s Chief Operating Officer. “With edible landscaping still a big trend, the chefs provided several creative food offerings using herbs and foods from the landscape. Attendees enjoyed samples of pickled vegetables, nutty pesto, flavored salts and tangy drinks as a few inspiring yard-to-table ideas.” FNGLA also recognized The 2016 Landscape Show Awards winners at the event. FNGLA’s Landscape Awards program recognizes exceptional landscape projects designed and installed by industry members. The prestigious Roy Rood Award winner was Groundtek of Ocoee (landscape contractor), and Larry M. Smith of Maitland (landscape designer), for their maintenance of the Orange County Convention Center Maintenance. The FNGLA Continued on page 3
The percentage of attendees who identified as growers or landscape professionals
80
The number of first-time exhibitors
PRESIDENT’S LETTER
Robert Shoelson, FCLC FNGLA 2016-2017 President
100 MPH: From Many Industry Happenings & Events to The Landscape Show Quite a bit of activity has happened since my last article. There has been a hurricane, a FNGLA Chapter installation dinner, another Chapter meeting, industry issues with mosquitoes and most importantly, a fantastic tradeshow in Orlando in case you weren’t aware. It always seems this is the time of the year when everything starts moving one hundred miles per hour. I am enjoying my travels around the state visiting different FNGLA Chapters and events. I seem to work better when there is more on my plate than not. In my last article, I mentioned hurricane season was upon us and we had been lucky for the past several years. Not more than a week after writing that, Hurricane Hermine took some crazy turns and decided to make a trip through North Florida. I spoke with several growers from the area hit and it seems they did get very lucky. Except for a few downed trees, the storm spared us for what could have been much more serious damage. Hopefully, industry members took Hermine as a practice drill and have prepared their properties because now we face Hurricane Matthew and we might not be as lucky this go-around. Earlier in the month, I had the pleasure of attending the FNGLA Palm Beach Chapter’s installation dinner. President Brandon Balch did a nice job hosting the event staged in conjunction with the Chapter’s golf fundraiser. It was a packed house and everyone seemed to have a fun time. I am curious as to where they come up with all the great raffle items. I was fortunate to walk away with two gift certificates to Home Depot. Congratulations to the new officers and board members in FNGLA’s Palm Beach Chapter. My next trip was up to FNGLA’s Treasure Coast Chapter hosted at Calusa Creek Tree Farm for its monthly meeting. UF/IFAS Dr. Tom Yeager was on hand to discuss best management practices. I am a firm believer in the BMP program and I actually had a hand in helping rewrite the manual several years ago. Our industry has really stepped up to the plate in helping to conserve and protect Florida’s
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most valuable natural resource - water. Without a doubt, water is one of the biggest issues facing our industry and every nursery should be doing its part to help. By signing up for the BMPs, you are doing your part as well. There may even be some cost share money available as well. I wish to thank Deb Joneck and Cindy Hall for inviting me to participate in this informative meeting. I also wish to thank Dr. Yeager for all he has done for the BMP program and our industry. In case you haven’t noticed, a problem in Miami has come up related to mosquitos and the Zika virus. Unfortunately, several local officials have placed blame on bromeliads because they hold small quantities of water. After doing some research myself, it seems the claim is unfounded and unfair. There are two species of Wyeomyia mosquitos which will lay eggs in bromeliads, but these are not necessarily the type of mosquitoes which carry the Zika virus. There is no research showing the Aedes aegypti mosquito (which is the most common species spreading Zika) breed and live inside bromeliads. It is very unfortunate this kind of ‘knee jerk’ reaction to this public health issue unsupported by scientific research has already put fear in the public eye. Several landscape contractors have told me they have cancelled orders and have ripped out bromeliads on existing landscapes. Hopefully, with the right information putting things into the proper perspective, people will realize removing bromeliads or not planting them in the first place is not the answer. FNGLA is working with the Department of Agriculture as well as the University of Florida (IFAS) to get the right information out to the public. The fact is we live in Florida and everywhere you turn you will run into water. Last, yet certainly not least, my month’s activities wrapped up with The Landscape Show. A big hat’s off to the Landscape Show Committee and the FNGLA staff for putting on a fantastic show. The seminars were packed and the exhibit halls were loaded with attendees. It was great catching up with all the folks I haven’t seen since last year. Pretty much everyone with whom I spoke was positive and optimistic regarding business. There seems to be quite a bit of work coming through the pipeline. Product is still more on the scarce side, yet that should start to catch back up in the next year or two. Continued on page 3
FNGLA HAPPENINGS Continued from page 1
Floriculture Award went to Nanak’s Landscaping, Inc. of Deerfield Beach (landscape contractor), and Lifescapes International of Newport Beach, CA (landscape architect) for their project at the Margaritaville Hotel & Resort. This project was judged to show the most effective use of plant material, creating color and texture in the landscape. Adding a level of excitement on the show floor were this year’s booth award winners. Included was one award for Most Unusual Plant Specimen, which went to Sunscape Landscape Nursery, Inc. for Dracaena draco. The Best of Show award went to Excelsa Gardens. Aside from all the activity on the show floor, attendees had the chance to mingle and network during several Ideas & Sharing Sessions, and at the Opening Night reception, sponsored by TreeTown USA. Catering to the under 40 crowd, the Tapped In networking reception also drew dozens of young industry professionals who shared a chat and a cocktail at The Rosen Plaza. The Knowledge College, the show’s primary education element, saw 475 industry professionals attending one or more of the 18 specialty workshops. Attendees were provided both classroom and hands-on training. From learning how to increase sales through their landscape designs; how to implement innovative design techniques with landscape lighting and LED usage; to a new plants session to create successful pollinator gardens, attendees were able to take practical tools back to their business and easily implement new ideas into their business strategies. Special thanks to all of the 2016 presenters and participating companies. Along with our sponsors, Disney’s Horticulture team, SeaWorld, Florida Coast Equipment and Ameriscapes Landscape Management Services provided time and resources to make the 2016 Knowledge College a very successful event. FNGLA also put on a career showcase, which attracted almost 300 students from across the state. “As part of FNGLA’s initiative, the mission is to welcome incoming members of the workforce, and provide some mentoring to help make our industry successful for generations to come,” said Merry Mott, FNGLA’s Director of Certifications. Also taking place at the show was the FNGLA Certifications Showcase, hosted by Certification Committee Chair Gary Weitermann, FCLMT of SeaWorld Horticulture. The Certifications Showcase included information on the five professional certifications the Association offers. “We highlighted the opportunity for attendees to test their skills in Plant Identification, Job Evaluation, Irrigation Parts Identification, Plan Layout and Grading & Drainage,” Mott said. “They each represented actual exam sections of a variety of FNGLA’s certification exam offerings.” Part of the certification showcase were also representatives of three state water management districts who highlighted the Florida Water Star Accredited Professional certification. Teeing off prior to the Show kick-off was the annual golf tournament, held on Wednesday, September 14. That event drew 100 golfers, and raised around $13,000 for the FNGLA endowed research fund at SHARE, a program that supports agricultural research and education through the University of Florida. Next year’s Landscape Show will take place September 14-16 at the Orange County Convention Center’s North building. The anticipation has already begun, according to Dunnington. “People are already talking about what to expect from next year’s show.”
Continued from page 2
I had the privilege of walking the show with Florida House Speaker Steve Crisafulli. He is a powerful ally for FNGLA and our industry, as well personable and friendly. Hopefully, he will decide to run for Commissioner of Agriculture in 2018. Congratulations to the winners of the booth awards. There were some spectacular booths this year. I also wish to congratulate the winners of the prestigious FNGLA Landscape Awards. There were some really beautiful projects submitted. The award recipients took center stage at the
show to accept their accolades to the delight of a nice crowd. Remember to submit your projects for consideration in next year’s show. Until next month, here’s to cooler weather and a busy and safe fall. Robert Shoelson, FCLC Getting Green Plant Service, Inc. (Davie) & Betrock Information Systems, Inc. (Hollywood) robert@gettinggreen.com
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THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
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FNGLA HAPPENINGS The Landscape Show Spotlighted The Best of the Best: FNGLA’s Landscape Award Winners With five projects announced as FNGLA 2016 Landscape Award winners and surrounded by the industry’s top event in Florida, The Landscape Show, these exceptional projects were honored and three higher awards were revealed as the FNGLA Landscape Awards Presentation which took place at The Landscape Show. Nearly 7,100 industry professionals attended the show, and FNGLA’s Landscape Awards is a much-anticipated, signature show happening.
FNGLA spotlighted the winning firms and projects: SPONSORED BY: • Yellowstone Landscape of Daytona Beach (Landscape Contractor) for its project for the City of Ormond Beach • Groundtek of Central Florida, Ocoee (Landscape Contractor) and Larry M. Smith of Maitland (Landscape Designer) for their project at the Orange County Convention Center Maintenance • Yellowstone Landscape of Davenport (Landscape Contractor) for its project at the Swan & Dolphin Resort in Orlando • Nanak’s Landscaping of Deerfield Beach (Landscape Contractor) and SMI of Palm Beach (Landscape Architect) for their project Barnett Residence • Nanak’s Landscaping of Deerfield Beach (Landscape Contractor) and Lifescapes International of Newport Beach, CA (Landscape Architect) for their project at Margaritaville Hotel and Resort in Hollywood, FL Three higher-level awards were revealed: The Roy Rood Award winner was revealed as Groundtek of Central Florida, Ocoee (Landscape Contractor) and Larry M. Smith, Maitland (Landscape Designer) for their project Orange County Convention Center Maintenance. This project was deemed the Most Outstanding Entry for 2016! The FNGLA Floriculture Award was awarded to Nanak’s Landscaping, Inc., Deerfield Beach (Landscape Contractor) and Lifescape International, Newport Beach, CA (Landscape Architect) for their project Margaritaville Hotel & Resort– judged to be the entry showcasing the most effective use of plant material creating color and texture in the landscape. The final special award, the Florida Friendly Landscape™ Award, was presented to SunDance Marketing, Orlando (Landscape Contractor & Designer) for its landscape renovation. This project was judged to be the entry showcasing the most-effective use of the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Principles.
The FNGLA Floriculture Award Winner
The 2016 Roy Rood Award Winner
Florida Friendly LandscapeTM Award Winner
The 2017 Landscape Awards program will again take place at The Landscape Show, September 15, 2017 at the Orange County Convention Center’s North Building.
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GLA HAPPENINGS The Landscape Show/SHARE Golf Tournament Sponsors: Champion Sponsor
Breakfast Sponsor
Lunch Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
The Landscape Show/ SHARE Golf Tournament Tops Fundraising Goal With 100 golfers registered and an elevated level of sponsor support, The Landscape Show/SHARE 2016 Golf Tournament brought in more than $13,000 to support FNGLA’s Endowed Research Fund at SHARE/ UF. The FNGLA Golf Fundraising Committee had set an ambitious goal of $10,000 to raise this year, and with the committee’s extra effort and enthusiasm in getting new sponsors and players, they were able to well exceed their goal. The annual tournament took place Wednesday, September 14 at Celebration Golf Course, held in conjunction with The Landscape Show. The new location was well received by the golfers, many of whom found it more challenging than the average golf course, and also more fun. Trophies were given to first, second and third place winners: First: Eric Kellough, Doug Barber, Steve Edwards and Brad Carter Second: the AG3 team, led by Mike Rinck and Tyler Donn Third: Richard Courville, Scott Lowdell, Jerry Pioneer and Cameron Pioneer Special recognition was given to the new Champion-level Sponsor SiteOne Landscape Supply, Lunch Sponsor, Syngenta and Breakfast Sponsor, FIS Outdoor. These three new levels of sponsorship were important to the success of the fundraising. The Golf Tournament Committee worked hard not only to increase the financial success of the tournament, but to add more contests, prizes and give-a-ways. Committee members included Chairman Matt Antos, LPL Financial; Peter Goodwin, ILC Specialty Fertilizers; Jason Platzer, BWI; Ed Bravo, Big Tree Plantation; Will Womak, Tampa Bay Landscaping and, Dennis Mahr, Ted Mahr Supply.
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors ARM International | Ted Mahr Supply Co., Inc.
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Over 100 golfers and generous sponsors helped The Landscape Show/SHARE Golf Tournament raise $13,000 for industry research.
FNGLA HAPPENINGS FNGLA Launches New Series: Education On the Go! Coming to industry members this Fall, FNGLA has partnered with Envisor’s team to offer a series of business-oriented workshops for landscape professionals who want to grow, prosper and succeed. Two workshops are offered, each with two different dates and locations: Keys to Business Success and Account Manager Boot Camp. Whether landscape professionals are looking to build their business to the next level or strengthen their middle management team, these programs will show them how. Gain a greater understanding of how to business life cycles work. Find ways to foster stronger communication and develop lean application strategies. It’s time to engage in a systematic approach to top-notch customer service. Meet the Workshop Instructors: Envisor Consulting – www.envirorco.com:
Ben Gandy
Ben has developed operating systems and implemented key strategies that have propelled several businesses to profitability, market leadership, and successful transitions including Scapes Landscape, one of the top 100 companies in the US. Ben’s lean production expertise is unparalleled, having spent several years working with the nation’s largest landscape provider deploying their lean initiatives on a national level. He has been to virtually every landscape market in the US implementing lean on a cultural and practical level. A long time PLANET member, Ben has a down to earth, practical approach. He is committed to simple solutions that drive results. With a passion for operations; systems based management strategies and lean thinking, Ben is positioned to guide others in pursuit of their vision.
Keys to Business Success November 18 | Clearwater, FL January 17 | Ft. Lauderdale, FL This workshop led by Gandy.
Account Manager Boot Camp December 9 | Orlando, FL February 24 | Jacksonville, FL This workshop led by Thomas.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Ken Thomas
Ken started his first business fresh out of college with $1,000 and a pickup truck. From there, he grew to $5 million before selling to LandCare in 1998. Ken is also the former owner and managing partner of award winning Scapes Landscape, which was one of the top 100 landscape companies in America. Scapes was acquired by ValleyCrest in 2008. Ken spent 2 years in leadership at ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance as Sales Leader for the southeast region. During his 30 year career, Envisor founder Ken has owned three of Atlanta’s most successful landscape companies. An astute businessman who’s not afraid to dig in the dirt, Ken knows the secrets and systems of thriving landscape operations. A long-standing member of PLANET/ALCA and past president of the Metro Atlanta Landscape and Turf Association, Ken is a true visionary with a down to earth approach. For more information about the program and registration, visit http://www.fngla.org/ events/education-on-the-go/ index.aspx or contact Linda Reindl, lreindl@fngla.org.
Ben Gandy
Ken Thomas 9
FNGLA HAPPENINGS Great Reasons to Exhibit at TPIE 2017 TPIE is the place where interior design and plant design connect and where the industry looks to discover new products and technologies which can lead to enhancing their business. It’s also a venue for energizing creativity and an opportunity to meet new people, see new business opportunities and old connections with a new perspective. If you’re not exhibiting, here are a few great reasons to be a part of TPIE:
6,200 Total Show Attendees in 2016 Regional Demographics of TPIE Buyers:
1. Gather qualified leads for postexhibition company follow-up. 2. Introduce new products or services to market: Showcase your new products on the show floor at the Exhibitor Showcase. 3. Give your customers the opportunity to meet the expert: you! 4. Connect face-to-face with buyers not easily accessible to your sales force. Over 10% of TPIE buyers travel from out of the country. TPIE brings these buyers to you. 5. Take advantage of advertising and sponsorship opportunities to enhance your presence outside of your booth. 6. Network with industry professionals and colleagues. 7. Open doors for future sales calls. 8. Directly influence top decision makers: 84% of TPIE buyers are direct influencers or final decision makers for purchases. 9. Reach dealers, reps and distributors and further develop these relationships. 10. Reinforce your company brand.
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5
YEAR HIGH
2016 set an attendance record: TPIE saw more than 6,200
exhibitors and buyers from 43 U.S. states and 46 countries
44% of attendees are
business owners or presidents of companies.
Reserve Your Spot: bdeal@fngla.org
INDUSTRY NEWS Communication is Key in Moving Science from Lab to Lips By Jack Payne, University of Florida senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of IFAS, jackpayne@ufl.edu | @JackPayneIFAS While the public has embraced the latest technological advances putting ever more sophisticated smartphones into your hands, agricultural scientists feel there hasn’t been the same openness to technology to improve what’s on your plate or in your yard. Kevin Folta, according to one of his colleagues, has done as much as anyone in the past decade to help the public understand the biotechnology behind its food and plants. His work in getting the public excited about science has been compared to that of Neil deGrasse Tyson, Bill Nye, and Carl Sagan. Folta chairs the UF/IFAS Department of Horticultural Sciences and does pathbreaking research on the use of light to manipulate the color, flavor, and nutrient content of fresh produce. He also crisscrosses the country to explain the evidence-based risks and benefits of agricultural biotechnology. Few scientists do this as effectively as Folta. That’s why the Iowa-based Council of Agricultural Science and Technology is recognizing him with its Borlaug CAST Communication Award in October during a side event at the World Food Prize gathering. It’s also why he’s been attacked relentlessly, from obscenity-laced social media messages to death threats. Folta wants to help people conquer their fears. Because we live in an age of so much information, we also live in an age of misinformation. Oftentimes, I find the very point of misinformation is to induce fear. Activists and celebrities have wide audiences for their messages biotechnology is a threat to healthy food – messages that are not backed by evidence. Relying on misinformation can lead to unhealthy choices, food shortages, and a drag on efforts to put a stop to 3.1 million children a year worldwide dying of malnutrition. Folta wants to replace fear with fact. He’ll do this almost anywhere he can, from elementary schools to retirement homes. He has a highly rated science podcast on iTunes. He Tweets out science. He blogs it. He meets people where they are. He does this because getting science out of the lab and to the people who can benefit from it is as important to him as discovery itself.
Kevin Folta, UF/ IFAS Department of Horticultural Sciences Chair
Fear is among the most powerful things of emotions. It’s up to scientists to help remove one of its leading causes – the unknown. We don’t have enough scientists yet who have conquered their own fears of being targeted because they bring people the science to help conquer theirs. It’s the hope of CAST, of Folta, and of me that the recognition he’s getting in Iowa this month will inspire more scientists to talk more to the public and not just to their peers.
Jack Payne is the University of Florida’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. More detail on Kevin Folta: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Folta#Research
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INDUSTRY NEWS Florida and Mosquitoes: Putting Things Back into Perspective Let’s put things into perspective: With Zika as the latest mosquito-borne virus to hit Florida, bromeliads in South Florida are getting an unfair rap because they hold small quantities of water. Over-the-top press are fanning flames of unneeded hysteria over the small quantity of water collected in bromeliads. Let’s face it, as a subtropical state, Florida has lots of mosquitoes. With mosquitoes come lots of health risks such as dengue, chikungunya, encephalitis, West Nile and, now, Zika viruses. Of course, public health is absolutely paramount. Yet, it is unreasonable to expect homeowners to eliminate standing water by taking hammers to their birdbaths; emptying their swimming pools; or, dismantling the gutters on their homes. Local officials are not going around filling in potholes and ditches. And, unless the canals, ponds, lakes and the Everglades itself are drained, Florida will always have water. So, it’s a logical assumption: As long as Florida has water, Florida will have mosquitoes. Compared to these scenarios, bromeliads are a vastly smaller concern. It is unreasonable for these iconic bromeliads to be ripped from beautiful and functioning Florida gardens and landscapes. If people wish to eliminate mosquitoes from their yards, one of the simplest things they can do is manage their yards, gardens and landscapes by flicking the water collected in all containers and plants. FNGLA is working with Miami-Dade County, UF-IFAS Extension, Florida Department of Agriculture and Miami-Dade Farm Bureau and FNGLA Chapter to develop and make widely available a consumer fact sheet based on common sense, science and research. Rather than overreacting by removing or stop buying these popular colorful and drought tolerant plants, consumers and public officials will be informed they have opportunities to use simple precautions. Final touches are also being made on a “Florida Nurseries Flip Before We Ship” campaign so buyers can be confident growers are shipping plants without standing water. Buyers also need to understand there is no Zika in Florida’s bromeliad production areas. Besides, bromeliads shipped out-of-state are used primarily as indoor foliage plants, so mosquitoes are of no concern. FNGLA has been working with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services which has now released an official statement underscoring how Florida nursery growers promote safe handling and shipping of plants to prevent the spread of mosquitoes. Access the FDACS statement at http://tinyurl.com/hkor6tw.
FNGLA Sponsors Indoor Plants Awards Contest to Honor Grassroots Efforts of Florida Businesses Do you marvel at the savory spathe that line the counter top of your morning coffee spot? Or have you appreciated, lately, the ambiance a few floor plants have contributed to the waiting room at your doctor’s office? Nominate them for a Florida Gardeners Interior Plants Award. FloridaGardening.org, the information resource for gardening, is a consumer website from the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association. In honor of National Indoor Plant Week (yes, that’s a thing), the initiative seeks to recognize the grass roots efforts of Florida-based business owners who beautify their interiors with plants. Anyone can submit a nomination! To nominate a business: Just snap a pic of the business’s plantscape you love and enter: https://interiorplantawards.hscampaigns.com.! Be sure to also include the name of the business. Two winners will be selected by a jury of professionals in the plant industry, and will each receive a pair of tickets to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. The deadline for entries is October 28, 2016. More than one winning location is expected/awarded on merit of the location. Winners will be announced on FNGLA’s website, Facebook, and Twitter pages, and notified independently.
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INDUSTRY NEWS Garden Media Group Releases 2017 Trend Report: 8 Trends Inspire Clean Gardening 365 Days-a-Year The backyard and kitchen counter have a lot in common this year; they’re both ideal places to grow. New changes in indoor gardening technology combined with an ever increasing demand for clean food means it’s easier than ever to garden 365 days-a-year. Garden Media Group’s annual Garden Trends Report for 2017, Grow 365, introduces eight industry trends that inspire gardening year-round. It reflects consumers’ increasing desire to access healthy food, fresh air and clean medicine no matter the season. The 2017 report mirrors what modern technology has known for years: Mother Nature doesn’t have jurisdiction indoors. “Gone are the days where we have to limit our growing options based on our climate, soil conditions, water or space,” said Susan McCoy, president of Garden Media. “New technology turns any kitchen counter or almost any indoor space into a vegetable garden. Clean, healthy and delicious food is now at our fingertips all year long.” The report emphasizes the clean food movement and how it is redefining indoor gardening for the modern age. Millennials, especially demand to know where food comes from and what’s in it, so more people are growing their own groceries than ever before. “The stigma once placed on hydroponics is long over,” she explains. “The demand for clean food, the surge in canna-businesses and the concerns about the environment are just a few reasons why growing 365 days-a-year is booming.” The Grow 365 report also notes the elevated consumer interest in both indoor and outdoor growing is creating a love of flowers and plants, and, as a result, more interest in horticulture not only as a hobby but as a career. The complete 2017 Garden Trends Report: Grow 365 is available for free download now: http://grow.gardenmediagroup.com/2017garden-trends-report. Read Garden Media’s GROW! blog for weekly trend updates and industry news: http://grow.gardenmediagroup.com.
October is “Farm-to-School” Month October is National Farm to School Month and the 2016 theme, One Small Step, highlights the simple ways one can take small steps to get informed, get involved and take action to advance farm to school in their own communities and across the country. During October, the One Small Step program features weekly themes to advance its mission: Education (October 3-7); Healthy School Meals (October 10-14); Farmers + Producers (October 17-21); The Next Generation (October 24-28). Learn more at http://www.farmtoschool.org.
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INDUSTRY NEWS UF/IFAS Hops Research Nationally Honored Hops research by University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences researchers is gaining national scientific recognition in addition to media attention. Three UF/IFAS scientists are not only trying to see if hops will grow in Florida’s hot, humid climate, but they also want to know whether they can quench the thirst of the fast-growing micro-brewing industry. Brian Pearson, a UF/IFAS assistant professor of environmental horticulture, is one of three members of the hops research team. Pearson’s research to date won him third place in the Early Career Award for scientists at the American Society of Horticultural Sciences (ASHS) in early August. The Early Career Competition is for new faculty and professionals to share their discoveries to a peer audience. “This is just the beginning of our alternative and specialty crop research,” said Pearson, a faculty member at the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center in Apopka, Florida. “Working with hops, fennel, safflower and skullcap, we hope to bring an array of viable, high-value alternative crops to Florida growers.” Also taking honors among UF/IFAS faculty and students in environmental horticulture were: Professor Kim Moore, a faculty member at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center; Professor Gary Knox, a faculty member at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center; Associate professor Mack Thetford, a faculty member at the UF/IFAS West Florida Research and Education Center; Krisha Bhattarai, a doctoral student working under the supervision of professor Zhanao Deng at the UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center; and, Pearson’s master’s student, Richard Smith, won third place among graduate students in the oral competition for his presentation on hops research.
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INDUSTRY NEWS Report: Florida’s Citrus Acreage at Historic Low The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported citrus acreage for Florida and the decline is devastating, the lowest in the agency’s 50 years of reporting statistics. It declined to 480,121 acres for 201516, according to the report. Among the crops with the lowest decline are oranges, grapefruit and tangerines. Oranges alone are 89% of the state’s citrus acreage. In 1970, the state planted 715,806 acres of oranges, 124,050 acres of grapefruit and 101,615 acres of specialty fruit or tangerines and tangelos. Today the comparison is stark: oranges are a mere 425,728 acres, grapefruit, 40,316 acres and specialty fruit, 14,077. Of the 27 citrusproducing counties, 24 recorded acreage decreases, according to the report. Highest production by crop: Indian River produces the most grapefruit acreage while the central region leads in the production of oranges and specialty fruit.
More at The Lakeland Ledger, http://www.theledger.com/news/20160912/ numbers-not-good-for-struggling-florida-citrus-industry, and The Packer, http://www.thepacker.com/news/florida-citrus-acreage-lowest-history.
U.S. House Approves Citrus Tax Incentive The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a measure to provides growers with an incentive to plant more trees and bolster the ailing Florida citrus industry. By a 400-20 vote, Republicans and Democrats approved the Emergency Citrus Disease Response Act which allows growers to immediately expense the cost of planting new citrus instead of the standard 14-year depreciation period under the current IRS rules. The tweak to the IRS code is designed to increase slumping production. Track this bill: https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/housebill/3957.
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13.8% of All Florida Jobs: Agriculture & Natural Resources About 1.56 million people worked fulltine or part-time in agriculture, natural resources and food industries in 2014, an increase of about 40,000 workers from 2013, and nearly 29% from 2001, according to a recently-released University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences economic report. Direct employment in the agriculture and natural resources sectors accounted for 13.8% of all jobs statewide. Employment in these sectors grew from 1.24 million jobs in 2001 to a peak of 1.34 million in 2008 before the recession, then recovered to 1.56 million in 2014, the latest year for which information is available. “I would characterize that as modest growth in the industry, although the growth rate was higher before and after the recession (before 2007 and after 2010), and ag/food fared much better during the recession than many other leading industries such as construction and tourism,” said Alan Hodges, Extension scientist with the UF/IFAS food and resource economics department. “Growth in economic activity of agriculture, natural resources and related food industries continues to contribute to the stability of the state’s economy.” More at Florida Trend, http://www. floridatrend.com/article/20735/floridaagriculture-natural-resources-employment-up29-percent-in-13-years and with the complete UF-IFAS Report: at http://bit.ly/2d5xOLe.
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.
Ready. Set. Go. Get Certified
It’s Your Future. And it starts now. FNGLA offers an array of certification programs designed to elevate your professionalism as part of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry. This is a powerful opportunity to distinguish yourself from others. FNGLA Certified Professionals: We Know What Grows! Get started today: www.fngla.org/certifications
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DESIGN
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MAINTENANCE 9/2/2016 6:15:56 PM
CERTIFICATION NEWS Two more Florida Water StarSM Training Dates Planned Offering the chance for water conservation education, training/testing dates have been added for the Florida Water Star Accredited Professional (FWS-AP) certification at the following locations:
Gainesville
Training takes place 8:30 a.m., Oct. 26 at the Forestry Division’s training room, 408 W. University Ave., Suite 106. Those who attend the training course are invited to take the test from 1-5 p.m., October 27, at Alachua County Environmental Protection Department. To sign up, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/florida-water-staraccredited-professional-fws-trainingtest-tickets-27580715663. Those who earn the FWS-AP designation qualify for self-inspection under Alachua County’s new Landscape Irrigation Design and Maintenance Standards ordinance.
Lecanto
Citrus County welcomes FWS on November 1 & 2 with training taking place 8:30 a.m., November 1 at the UF-IFAS Citrus County Extension, 3650 West Sovereign Path #1, and testing taking place from 8:30 a.m. to noon, November 2. To sign up, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/florida-water-staraccredited-professional-fws-trainingtesting-tickets-27581486970.
Homestead
Join the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), the UF/IFAS Miami-Dade Co. Extension and FNGLA for this January 10, 2017 training and testing program for water conservation education. Training is January 10 beginning at 8:30 a.m. with the optional exam taking place January 11 at 8:30 a.m., both at 18710 SW 288 St in Homestead. To sign up, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/florida-water-star-accredited-professional-fws-trainingtest-tickets-28262293280. Florida Water StarSM focuses on Florida-friendly landscape alternatives and irrigation requirements that may have a major impact on water usage. It also provides Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to FNGLA Certified Professionals, licensed irrigation professionals and Registered Landscape Architects. The St. John’s River Water Management District has contracted with FNGLA to administer the Florida Water StarSM Accredited Professional exams in irrigation and landscape. Nearly 250 professionals have earned one or both of these designations since testing began in 2010. For more information, see FNGLA’s certifications Facebook page or contact Merry Mott at FNGLA, mmott@fngla.org, or call 800-375-3642.
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CERTIFICATION NEWS SeaWorld Horticulture Hosts Central Florida FCLT Exam FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Technician (FCLT-Installation) exam returned to SeaWorld Horticulture in Orlando Saturday, August 27, and provided a certification opportunity for industry members from Florida’s Panhandle to Homestead. Altogether, 15 industry professionals took part in the testing exercise. FNGLA is fortunate to have industry partners to assure the success of its certification exams. Synergy Rents in Orlando generously loaned us the use of a Bobcat at the SeaWorld Horticulture site for the FCLT Equipment exam. Thank you, Synergy!
Thank You to Our Judges! Host: Gary Weitermann, FCLMT, SeaWorld,
FNGLA offers five unique certification programs designed to showcase your professional expertise to allow your business to stand out from competitors.
• Billy Copeland, FCLMT, BrightView • Tim Harris, FCLC, BrightView • Larry Harripersad, FCLT, SeaWorld Horticulture • Lee Lovett, FCLC, Forest Hills Landscape • Ken Martin, FCLC, Ken-Lin Landscaping • Christian Martinez, FCLT, ValleyCrest • Avery Nesbit, FCLT, Atlantis Resorts • Michael Nixon, FCLT, Atlantis Resorts • Luis Perez, FCLT, ValleyCrest • Frank Pollard, FCLC, Midwestern Construction • Don Rolle, FCLMT, Atlantis Resorts • Diane Sappington, FCLD, A Landscape Vision • Mahendra Setaram, FCLC, Dynamic Groups • Ed Simpson, FCLD, Ed Simpson Landscaping • Kris Thiel, FCLT, Lowes • Linda Tootle, FCLC, Tootle Construction
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MEMBER NEWS LegacyScapes is Now CherryLake
2016 EPAF Friends of Extension Award Winner: Steve Brown
In a return to familiarity, LegacyScapes and Cherry Lake Tree Farm have united and are now CherryLake. Still part of IMG Enterprises, a diversified agri-business, CherryLake tags itself as Growing beautiful,
The Extension Professional Associations of Florida (EPAF) recently named its “Friends of Extension” Award and among its winners was nursery and landscape industry member Steve Brown, Seed2Source and A & S Horticulture.
functional and sustainable landscapes.
CherryLake is one of the largest wholesale producers of ornamental trees, palms and shrubs in the Southeast United States and was recently ranked 36 among The Golden 100 Top Privately-Held Companies by the Orlando Business Journal, based upon 2015 gross revenue. CherryLake is also the second largest family-owned business in Central Florida, according to a 2015 report, also from Orlando Business Journal.
Lennar to Acquire WCI Communities Lennar Corp, the No. 2 U.S. homebuilder, said it has firm plans to acquire WCI Communities Inc., which makes luxury homes, in a $643 million-deal that will combine two of the largest homebuilders in Florida. The transaction gives WCI a total equity value of approximately $643 million and an enterprise value of $809 million. Much of Florida’s nursery and landscape industry’s products are used in new construction and the transaction will include a portfolio of owned and controlled land totaling approximately 14,200 homesites, located in most of the highest growth and largest coastal Florida markets. In a forward-looking statement, terms have been agreed upon and the sale is expected to be finalized in December 2016 or January 2017. More at Florida Trend, http://www. floridatrend.com/article/20720/lennar-toacquire-wci-communities.
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Steve has served on many committees and boards over his 30 year service to the industry including FNGLA’s Board of Directors, the FNGLA Marketing Award winner Steve Brown with his wife Committee, The Great Southern Tree Andrea and two sons, Russell and Nick. Conference and, with his never-ending enthusiasm, has been intricately involved in developing FNGLA’s Certification programs. Congratulations Steve!
Ron O’Connor: Long-time Industry Advocate Retires For many, Ron O‘Connor is synonymous with Farm Credit. Ron is a native Floridian born in Tampa and is a graduate of the University of Florida. He began his Farm Credit of Central Florida career in 1987 as Marketing Manager and was recognized in 1997 as National Farm Credit Marketer of the Year, among many awards and honors through his tenure. Through the years, many recognize Ron as part of the industry-- as do most of Florida’s agriculture industries as Ron is active in many segments of ag. His duties as Senior VP & Director of Marketing and Government Affairs at Farm Credit of Central Florida include coordinating advertising and marketing programs to enhance awareness of Farm Credit. Additionally, he assists the Board and CEO in the area of legislative affairs. Ron will retire this month after 30 years of service. Congratulations Ron!
FNGLA Saddened by Member Death It is with great sadness we report the death of long-time industry member Sydnor M. “Syd” Speer. Syd died September 2 at the age of 93 at his home and nursery with his children by his side. He began business as a Wholesale Florist in the late 1940’s, and continued in the horticultural trades thereafter, for the last 46 years as a local nurseryman and internationally iconic Seedsman. Syd will be missed.
MEMBER NEWS
Welcome New Members BROWARD American Eagle Liners Carlos Torres 3551 SW 132 Ave Miramar, FL 33027 786-251-7780 Cayco Property Maintenance, LLC Tony Rollins 1100 15th Ave Pompano Beach, FL 33069 954-876-1254 City of Hallandale Beach Joshua Collazo (Supportive) 410 SE 3rd St Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 954-457-1452 Jim Threlkel Florist & Foliage Jeff Sophir 820 W Oakland Park Blvd Wilton Manors, FL 33311 954-566-7571 Rec’d by: Tri County Truck Macar and Sons, Inc. Eddi Macarian 3000 SW 15th St. Ste AB Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 954-571-9505 The Tree Team, Inc. Daniel Remy 1501 SW 5th St Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954-523-3900 Rec’d by: Tri County Truck V Maintenance Landscaping Victor Martin 1431 SW 38 Ave Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 954-889-4077 MANASOTA Brewer’s Nursery and Landscape Services Lee Brewer 15110 SR 64 E Bradenton, FL 34212 941-746-0333 MIAMI-DADE A & B Pipe & Supply, Inc Merkin Stewart Full 6500 NW 37th Ave Miami, FL 33147 305-691-5000 Rec’d by: Tri County Truck Anzac Contractors, Inc. Russell McNamara 7475 SW 50th Ter Miami, FL 33155 305-669-1986 B & G Property Maintenance Benjamin Essig 11490 SW 93 Street Miami, FL 33176 305-370-8176 Beach House Gardens Joel Cossio 104475 Overseas Hwy Key Largo, FL 33037 305-453-9377
Landscaping USA, Inc. Pedro Torres 12091 SW 51st St Miami, FL 33175 305-525-1233 Miami Dade County Jerry Frye (Supportive) 24801 SW 187 Ave Homestead, FL 33031 305-242-7934 Mobile Billboard Miami, LLC Steven Baptiste 19820 NE 10th Ct Miami, FL 33179 305-594-9038
Rock Pop, Inc. Ian Lewis 2221 NE 164th St North Miami, FL 33134 305-993-1024 Santino-Service, LLC Nadia Kernytska 18956 NE 4th Ct Miami, FL 33179 305-537-0097 Sun Communities Maria Ann Wilson 59151 Overseas Highway Marathon, FL 33050 305-289-0011 William Lehman Leasing Corp. William Lehman 21400 NW 2nd Ave Miami, FL 33169 954-971-4022 FRONTRUNNERS SiteOne Landscape Supply Nathan Rumble (Associate) 2320 NW 71st Pl Gainesville, FL 32653 352-371-8011 OUTSIDE FLORIDA J K Lawn & Garden Supplies, Inc. Katie Qin 3623 Platt Ct S Pleasanton, CA 94588 321-262-4676 PALM BEACH Air One Air Solutions, Inc. Robert Watford 123 N Congress Ave Ste 307 Boynton Beach, FL 33426 561-744-3377 ATA Company Charles Goldman 601 S Federal Hwy Boynton Beach, FL 33020 561-818-4886 Chef Chef Chef Jean-Pierre Blouin 1065 SW 15th Ave Delray Beach, FL 33444 561-450-5330
The following are new FNGLA members from August 31, 2016 - September 30, 2016 Elegant Landscape & Design Eric Koeppel 11102 Stonewood Forest Boynton Beach, FL 33473 561-236-5774 Rec’d by: Tri County Truck
Legacy Landscaping Services, LLC Gary Scharf PO Box 151397 Cape Coral, FL 33915 239-771-3162 Rec’d by: Bob Cook, Weeds and Seeds, LLC
Greystone Landscape & Lawn Jennifer Innes 2674 N Federal Hwy Boynton Beach, FL 33435 561-405-5191 Rec’d by: Tri County Truck
Stahlman Landscape Co. Joseph DeJohn PO Box 888 Naples, FL 34106 239-384-9654 Brian Creel, Creel Tractor Co.
M J Truck Nation Neil Dick (Affiliate Member) 3775 Interstate Park Rd Riviera Beach, FL 33404 561-840-9800
SPACE COAST Deep Roots Contracting Matthew Hall 4425 Crooked Mile Rd Merritt Island, FL 32952 321-536-1217
Montenegro Bros Gardening Service Inc. Jose Montenegro 595 Tallulah Lantana, FL 33462 561-859-4888 Schilling Enterprises, Inc. Daniel Schilling 2151 NW 20th Rd Boca Raton, FL 33431 561-997-7964
TAMPA BAY K C I Technologies Eric Rose 10401 Highland Manor Drive Tampa, FL 33610 9419146144 Lebel Landscaping Eric McCarthy 12217 Grovewood Ave Thonotosassa, FL 33592 813-778-4072
ROYAL PALM Bobby’s Plant Service Bobby Fuentes 27608 Pullen Ave Bonita Springs, FL 34136 239-462-2542
Josh Thomas Josh Thomas (Student) 606 King Henry Ct Seffner, FL 33584 813-731-5291
Farm Credit of Florida Don Cruitt (Supportive) 11903 Southern Blvd Ste 200 Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411-7644 561-267-8916 Four Season Lawncare & Landscaping, Inc. Lucas Montejo 24032 Mountain View Dr Bonita Springs, FL 34135 239-309-2115 Rec’d by: John Schwind, Steele Truck Center
TREASURE COAST Carapace Rock Science Mark Osowski 17650 Orange Ave Fort Pierce, FL 34945 561-736-7171 Viridian Landscape Brian Lynch 1920 SW Crane Creek Ave Palm City, FL 34990 561-351-7971
Ground Effects of Southest Florida, Inc. Michael Hertog 12481 Shawnee Rd Fort Myers, FL 33913 239-415-9777 Rec’d by: Matt Fleming, Steele Truck Center
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
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Calendar of Events
Contact Us
See and submit events at http://www.fngla.org, under calendar
October 6-8:
America In Bloom National Symposium, Arroyo Grande, CA
7-9:
2016 Independent Plant Breeders Conference, The Morton Arboretum, Lisle, IL
11:
Limited Commercial “Roundup License” and Limited Lawn & Ornamental Seminar and Exam, Twin Lakes Park, Sarasota
12:
Pruning PLUS: A Special Engagement! hosted by Florida ISA, Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, Pompano Beach
18:
Landscape U: Introduction to Plant Problem Diagnostics, UF-IFAS Orange County Extension Service, Orlando
19-21:
GIE+EXPO, The Green Industry & Equipment Expo, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville, Kentucky
19-22:
International Plant Propagators’ Society (IPPS) Western Region Annual Meeting, Phoenix, AZ
19-22:
National FFA Convention & Expo, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN
26&27: Florida Water Star Accredited Professional Training and Exam, Gainesville 27:
Best Management Practices for Protection of Water Quality (GI-BMP), UF-IFAS Osceola County Extension Service, Kissimmee
29:
Introduction to Florida-Friendly Landscaping - The 9 Principles, UF-IFAS Manatee County Extension Service, Palmetto
November
1&2: Florida Water Star Accredited Professional Training and Exam, Lecanto
FNGLA 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
2016-2017 STATE OFFICERS
President Robert Shoelson, FCLC Getting Green Plant Services & Betrock Information Systems PO Box 840107 Pembroke Pines, FL 33084 (954) 680-1819
President-Elect Ed Bravo Big Trees Plantation, Inc. 104 SW 131 St Newberry, FL 32669 (352) 332-2150
Past President Billy Butterfield, FCLC AmeriScapes Landscape Management Services, LLC PO Box 568762 Orlando, FL 32856-5041 (407) 872-0855
Secretary/Treasurer Will Womack, FCLC Tampa Bay Landscaping 5821 Maple Lane Tampa, FL 33610 (813) 368-9891
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