Greenline | Spring 2020

Greenline THE VOI CE OF FLORI DA’ S NURSERY AND LANDSCAPE I NDUSTRY SPRING 2020

Plant Craze: A Look Back at TPIE

Feature: Veteran Garden Project

FNGLA Industry Awards: Submit Nominations

Jack Payne: A Chicken-and-Egg Situation

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Features 08 Competitive Landscapes

11 Jack Payne: A Chicken-and-Egg Situation

13 Chapter Spotlight: Frontrunners

15 FNGLA 2020 Industry Awards

16 Plant Craze at TPIE

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FNGLA Annual Convention Pictured is a booth display from the 2020 Tropical Plant International Expo featuring a moss wall from Architectural Supplements.

FNGLA PHOTO

20 FNGLA Certification Spotlight: Veteran Garden Project

President’s Letter‌ Shawn Thomas

Left to Right FNGLA past Northeast Chapter President Jerry Stageman, Mike Brandon, FNGLA Past President Buck Wurster, and President Shawn Thomas during set-up for the FNGLA Northeast Chapter’s Jacksonville Landscape Show. FNGLA PHOTO

T

WOMONTHS, two great trade shows. Following the overwhelming success of the 2020 Tropical Plant International Expo in January, FNGLA’s Northeast Chapter (as I pen this column), had just wrapped a great Jacksonville Landscape Show.

In typical Northeast Chapter fashion, it was a great, sold-out show. In fact, attendance was even higher than last year. It’s these smaller trade shows, like the Jacksonville Landscape Show, which offer a great opportunity to talk to people. I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with everyone and spending time together. Good conversations. Great fun.

I’d be remiss not to mention our show’s education classes were sold out! In fact, we even had to stop allowing people in the door after adding as many extra chairs as we could.

The Jacksonville Landscape Show is the FNGLANortheast Chapter’s largest fundraiser of the year. It’s also 100 percent volunteer-run and organized. And, all the money generated fromthe show is then turned around and given for scholarships, and to FFA and 4-Hstudents. The hope is to get these students involved in our industry -- and working for us. After all, they are the future of this industry.

TPIE’s numbers also exceeded expectations. Booth exhibitors and attendee numbers were high to the delight of many. As Ben Bolusky often says, “a tip of the FNGLAcap” is in order for FNGLAstaff and the TPIECommittee. And, very special thanks this year go to TPIEChairperson, Marcella Lucio-Chinchilla of Silver Vase. Very well done!

Back in North Florida, we’re getting increasingly excited for FNGLA’s 2020 Annual Convention. I look forward to a laid-back beach experience where we can all get together, relax and reflect on all the great projects and relationships which came together this year.

Before I sign off this month, I’d like to mention this is an election year and we’ll be coming up rapidly on November 3 - Election Day! We have some serious issues with

the possibility of the Florida Legislature passing some type of mandate requiring employers use the voluntary federal E-Verify work authorization system. This is just one among many issues for which we could definitely use our members’ help.

Whether you’re a grower, landscape professional, irrigation contractor, garden center retailer or horticultural supplier, you believe, as most of our members, FNGLA’s advocacy efforts are critically important to your business’ bottom-line. So, I urge you to send a contribution to the FNGLA-PAC. The FNGLA-PACis a separate, segregated fund which is used solely to support the election campaigns of state House/Senate incumbents and candidates who stand up and actively support our industry. We need to support our legislative friends!

FNGLA-PACis one of the most important tools in FNGLA’s advocacy toolbox and, right now in this election year, it really needs – and deserves - your financial help.

So, please send your contribution - business and personal checks are both good - payable to the FNGLA-PAC, 1533 Park Center Dr., Orlando, FL32835. Believe me, it will make you feel good doing your part for FNGLA’s grassroots!

Shawn Thomas Sabal Landscape Solutions Jacksonville Spring 2020 | Greenline

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This uplifting hashtag, part of TPIE Exhibitor Penang Nursery’s TPIE 2020 booth, was a selfie favorite at the show. FNGLA PHOTO

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Certification ‌• Feature

Competitive Landscapes

South Florida Horticulture Students Compete in Landscape Design/Build Competition

By Sandra Pellerin

S

TUDENTS FROM SEVERAL South Florida high schools took part in FNGLA Palm Beach Chapter’s Landscape Design Competition at the South Florida Fair in January with three teams taking home top honors.

The competition, sponsored by FNGLA’s Palm Beach Chapter, is a way to spark interest in horticulture as a career path for students, according to Chapter President-Elect Laura Corrigan.

Students from Western High School’s horticulture class took home the top honors for the Landscape competition, while horticulture students from McArthur High School took

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Spring 2020 | Greenline

home second place. Third place went to South Fork High, an all-freshman team.

Each school in the landscape competition was awarded a ribbon from the South Florida Fair and a monetary gift for the class from FNGLA’s Palm Beach Chapter.

The competition included more than 50 students from area schools -- some of whom are currently studying to earn FNGLA’s Certified Horticulture Professional designation, Corrigan says.

FNGLA’s Certified Horticulture Professional designation has been taught in an increasing number of Florida high schools for more than a decade, giving students the chance to both earn a professional certification to set themselves apart, and to network with other professionals in Florida’s nursery and landscape industry.

For more information on FNGLA’s certification designations, or what it takes to become FNGLA certified, please visit www.fngla.org. •

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| JACK PAYNE •‌ COLUMN |

A Chicken-And-Egg Situation A

HOMEOWNER OR DEVELOPER wants evidence that an innovation will pay off before investing $1,500 in it. Yet, the scientist

needs the $1,500 investment before he or she can deliver the evidence.

That’s how innovation stalls. We at the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences are asking the state to help us get it into gear.

There are products on the market now which, we believe, when added to lawn and landscape soils, can help dirt hang onto water.

This could reduce irrigation needs. It may also reduce the need for inorganic fertilizers which heavy rains may carry off into our waters.

We don’t know, though, until we try it on the scale of an experiment, in this case 200 homes.

It will cost about $920,000 to find out. The answer could help tens of thousands of households save money and do their parts to protect water quality.

Because of the potential immense public benefit, a public invest-

Pictured is UF’s water and turf expert Eban Bean, Ph.D. PHOTO COURTESY UF

ment is appropriate. So we’ve asked the Legislature to fund it. We can use your help. Please tell, call, write or visit your legislators about how UF/IFAS science helps your business. Or channel your input through FNGLA’s Ben Bolusky.

We know you already face risks aplenty -- destructive weather, volatile markets, labor shortages, changing consumer tastes. It’s part of the job of UF/IFAS to take on some of the risk of research. We try before you buy.

Our legislative budget request represents a classic land-grant partnership. Government support drives university research to address real-world needs identified by producers.

We still need an upfront investment fromFNGLAmembers. In this case, we’re talking about time and energy. We need allies to help us informTallahassee about the impact this science could have and the public benefit it could deliver.

The possible payoff is an investment of $1,500 to $1,800 per household in the right amount and kind of organic fertilizer could pay for itself in less than three years. The savings would come from reduced water bills as plants would need less irrigation, especially as they’re getting established.

Beyond this, we have anecdotal information so far that the amendment leads to fewer landscape failures. This means fewer expensive replacements of sod, plants or trees.

We believe by the time the state-funded research is done, we’ll be able to demonstrate a return on investment which will incentivize others to put money into soil amendments.

Wide adoption of this innovation could result in huge savings and greener landscape practices. Asurge of private investment, $1,500 to $1,800 at a time, could bring innovation to dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of new homes.

We believe the chance of success is high because we have accomplished scientists on the case. The new Center for Land Use Efficiency will deploy three water and turf experts on the study. We’re confident that A.J. Reisinger, Eban Bean and Mary Lusk will produce sound science.

AJ and Eban have already been working on soil amendments on a piecemeal scale – a house here, a house there.

But to establish solid science, they need a much larger sample size.

You can help us get the state support we need to support you by educating your state House and Senate representatives how important science is to the green industry. Please contact Mary Ann Hooks at mgosa@ufl.edu or Victoria Price at v.price@ufl.edu of our government relations teamto learn more about how you can help.

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.

11

CHAPTER SPOTLIGHT

Act of Kindness FNGLA’s Frontrunners Chapter Creates Infinity Garden for Local Rehabilitation Facility

S

ome of Florida’s best and brightest landscape professionals converged at a rehabilitation center on a crisp morning back in January to offer a little refuge for those battling Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Roughly 35 members of FNGLA’s Frontrunners and Northeast Chapters designed and installed an infinity garden - a landscape which includes continuous paths and sensory plants including sweet-smelling roses, for patients to enjoy. The group also installed a water feature so those who use the path can enjoy its tranquil, flowing sounds.

The garden was intended to bring a little bit of nature to residents and, hopefully, offer themsome peace, according to Heather Blake, the project leader.

“It was one of our best attended chapter projects,” Blake says. “It was great so many different member firms showed up with their staff and we were able to get it done professionally -- but quickly.”

Alzheimer’s symptoms include reduced memory, difficulty concentrating, and decreased reasoning skills, according to Mayo Clinic.

Ayers Health &Rehabilitation Center is a comprehensive care center offering inpatient and outpatient care in North Central Florida, according to its website.

Ayers Administrator Jo Buckles expressed her gratitude for all involved in the effort. “It was a memorable experience to see so many people impact the lives of the elderly in such a positive way.” • Spring 2020 | Greenline

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Industry Awards •‌ FEATURE

T

HETIMEIS nearly upon Florida’s nursery and landscape industry to sit back and reflect on the people who made 2020 what it was - innovative, prosperous, and warm. Now is your chance to submit a nomination.

FNGLA’s Industry awards recognize those member volunteers who give their time and talents to serving on committees, at chapter meetings, trade shows, or any of the other dozens of ways.

To recognize those invaluable efforts, FNGLAawards deserving individuals in a number of different categories: WENDELL BUTLER AWARD Named after Past FNGLAsuper-member Wendell Butler, this is FNGLA’s most prestigious award. It recognizes one who has worked to advance the industry and the association through his or her leadership and service.

FNGLA/FARMCREDIT YOUNGNURSERY PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR

leadership on the chapter level.

OUTSTANDINGVOLUNTEER This award recognizes an individual who has contributed faithfully and consistently toward advancing the industry as a whole.

OUTSTANDINGEDUCATOR This award is presented to an educator actively involved in shaping minds through their horticulture curriculums.

FNGLAHALL OF FAME This award recognizes the lifetime achievements of a deserving individual who has given most unselfishly to the industry through areas including pioneering new ideas, practices and techniques, teaching, production, legislation, marketing services and research.

Sponsored by FarmCredit Associations of Florida, this award honors an FNGLAmember under the age of 39 who has made an outstanding industry contribution.

The deadline to submit a nomination is March 20, 2020. Use this opportunity to recognize and thank someone you know is going above and beyond for our industry.

Awards will be presented at FNGLA’s 2020 Annual Convention, which will be held June 5-6 at the Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach Resort in St. Augustine, FL. To submit a nomination and view past recipients, visit FNGLA’s website at www..fngla.org/recognition. •

OUTSTANDINGCHAPTER LEADER This award goes to an outstanding individual who has made an indelible mark with their Past FNGLA Wendell Butler Award winners. FNGLA PHOTO

Spring 2020 | Greenline

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TPIE ‌• FEATURE

TPIE Welcomes More Than 6,800 Plant Industry Pros

F

NGLA’S 2020 TROPICALPlant International Expo was an exciting, hugely successful, upbeat, marketing showcase! More than 6,800 people attended the industry trade show over the course of the twoday event - an increase of 400 over last year!

Attendees flocked to Fort Lauderdale fromno less than 47 states, six Canadian provinces and 37 different countries.

Interiorscape buyers jumped up by eight percent over last year. Landscape buyers catapulted up by an astounding 24 percent. And, the number of retail buyers at TPIE2020 also increased by 41 percent.

Some 400 exhibitors took 850 exhibit booth spaces showcasing houseplants, indoor foliage, tropicals, products and services. Eye-catching merchandise displays and clever marketing ideas were abundant

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Spring 2020 | Greenline

throughout the nearly five-acre TPIEshow floor!

As for what the substantial increases in attendance can be attributed to, insiders say signs point to the exploding trend of houseplants as a retail product category throughout the United States.

“We extended our promotional reach for TPIEto include many of the online plants sellers, boutique plants shops and a wider range of produce and grocery markets,” explained Linda Adams, TPIE’s show manager. “TPIEhas always been the best place to learn trends about, be inspired by and connect with the commercial world of tropicals and indoor plants. And now, with consumers embracing indoor plants like never before, TPIEis a must-attend event for anyone wishing to take advantage of the year-round, higher margins which indoor plants can offer.” >>

Photo Courtesy Lauren Alsina

Plant Craze

Vignette, Penang photos courtesy Lauren Alsina

Abrand new FNGLArecord was set with 729 registrations for the TPIE Road Show and educational workshops for 2020. This is a mind-blowing 182 percent increase over last year!

More than 600 people packed into the TPIEOpening Session with Max Luthy of TrendWatching reporting on the key trends for 2020 -- and what they mean for interior foliage sales.

And, more than $28,000 was raised for research and scholarships at the National Horticulture Foundation’s annual TPIEreception where outgoing Foundation president David Liu (Foliage Design Systems) was honored for stewarding the foundation to new heights over the course of the past two years. During his tenure as president, the Foundation broke the $3 million mark.

ABIGtip of FNGLA’s cap goes to TPIEexhibitors, sponsors, attendees and the TPIEPlanning Committee for such a truly outstanding show.

Mark your calendars for next year’s TPIE- January 2022, 2021 when TPIEwill be in Tampa during the multi-year Broward County Convention Center’s expansion construction project.

For more on the 2020 Cool Product Award winners, and to see which exhibitors took home coveted Booth Awards, visit www.fngla.org. •

Spring 2020 | Greenline

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Convention ‌• FEATURE

2020 FNGLA Convention FNGLA’s 2020 Annual Convention will be a beach affair to remember

Courtesy Photo

F

NGLAINVITES MEMBERS to set sail for the 2020 FNGLAAnnual Convention, taking place June 5-6 at the Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort.

“FNGLA’s Annual Convention is a top-quality event for members to attend,” noted FNGLAPresident Shawn Thomas. “Its schedule is purposefully light so people have quality time to engage with colleagues and build significant relationships, yet still learn up-to-the-minute industry news and views and interact with political experts and agriculture leaders.”

This year’s theme is “La Florida” -- celebrating the timeless beauty of Florida through its flora (aka flowers, plants and trees) and the people and industry who are the horticulture stewards of Florida.

For those who wish to arrive prior to the convention for exploration of the area, FNGLAattendees will receive a 25 percent discount to take part in the St. Augustine Trolley Tours, one of the most convenient ways to visit the historic district of St. Augustine,

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Spring 2020 | Greenline

as well as other nearby attractions.

For those wishing to investigate the plants and environment of Anastasia State Park, FNGLAwill organize a group tour on Thursday, June 4. Individual tours are also available directly through the park whose entrance is located a short distance fromthe Embassy Suites.

The Embassy Suites is a new resort, and the only oceanfront convention hotel on St. Augustine Beach. Offering Embassy Suite added value standards such as complimentary breakfast and Manager’s Reception, the hotel has a grand pool and recreational deck which flows onto the sands of the Atlantic Ocean beach.

FNGLA’s special rate of $211 includes the resort fee which provides internet access, beach chairs, bikes, yoga, resort activities, access to the fitness center, two bottles of water daily, and beach towels. Adiscounted parking fee of $10 is also being extended to FNGLA attendees.

It’s not too early to book your hotel roomat www.fngla.org/Convention. •

PUT THE POWER OF PROPANE

TO WORK FOR YOU As a FNGLA member, your business is eligible to receive a 10% discount off new commercial business account propane rates and a free propane tank monitor.

In addition, Florida Public Utilities will contribute a portion of the price paid per gallon back to the Association.

If you use propane for irrigation pumps, commercial mowers, fork lifts, or space/water heating appliances, call us today to schedule a complimentary propane energy analysis at 888.371.9767 or visit our website for more information.

“This is a terrific program for both our members and the Association.

We appreciate FPU’s support and look forward to growing the program over the coming years.”

- BEN BOLUSKY, CEO OF FNGLA. L-R Ben Bolusky, FNGLA Chief Executive Officer, Sandra Pellerin, FNGLA Membership Manager and Lyn Cacella, Growth & Retention Planning and Development Manager for FPU

FPUC.com/FNGLA 888.371.9767 PROMO: MA19-080 072319

Certification Spotlight ‌• FEATURE

Back to Life Veteran Garden Project Helps Returning Vets Transition to Civilian Life Through Gardening

I

properties.

“I was already trying to start my own home gardening for the idea of helping my family visit. eating better, cleaner foods.” Crystal also “My therapist said, ‘Look, you need to do remembers thinking at the time, “I love nature. something where you’re getting out to connect I love plants, but how do I grow things?” with other veterans,’” Rob remembers. “She Aperiphery Internet search for gardening challenged me to go out and start a meet-up, classes brought her information on First Coast because I was basically hiding in my house.”

Technical College’s FNGLACertified HorticulSo, Rob thought it over. He talked with ture Professional (FCHP) training program.

Crystal, and ultimately decided to send an “I wasn’t really looking to become certified, email invite to his contacts list asking each to per se,” she remembers. “I just wanted the spread the word. The first meeting, held at a knowledge for myself.” local St. Augustine bar in 2015, drew around 50 Both Crystal and Rob completed the people. It solidified for both Rob and Crystal College’s nursery management and landscapthere were, indeed, veteran families around ing program, earning their FCHPprofessional themexperiencing similar hardships. designations in 2017. “I loved it so much,” Around the same time Rob was exploring Crystal remembers. this new connection with other veterans, The pair began gardening together in the Crystal was also staring down a new path. backyard of their St. Augustine home pretty Ayoga instructor and stay-at-home momto regularly after earning their certifications.

Hailey, the couple’s teen daughter, Crystal had At first, it was just a few orchids and >> recently turned to gardening and its healing staghorn ferns (Rob’s favorite) here and there.

T WAS ALITTLE over four years ago when Rob Timmons sat before his therapist listening to her appeals, yet again, to find a way to connect with other veterans.

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Spring 2020 | Greenline

Photo Courtesy Brian Miller, Totally Swell Studio

ASt. Augustine native, Rob enlisted in the Army in 2005. He served an extended tour in Afghanistan in 2007 before suffering a leg and traumatic brain injury in an IEDexplosion and later a mortar attack. Rob’s injuries forced him to medically retire fromactive duty service.

In the years following, Rob became no stranger to doctors’ offices. Inpatient, outpatient, psychiatric - the works. Anxiety and PTSDsymptoms dogged his transition for years fromcombat veteran to civilian.

“We were going through a lot – a lot of medicines,” Rob’s wife, Crystal, remembers, placing her arms around Rob’s shoulders as they sat together in their living roomone winter afternoon in January.

Maybe it was due to the build-up of frustration -- desperation, even, or the years’ worth of daily battles with anxiety, but, for whatever reason, Rob turned a corner on that particular

Photos Courtesy VGP

Continued • FEATURE

Then, slowly, it was planters full of lettuce varieties, a makeshift germinating station, and hanging planters.

These days, the garden looks and smells like a horticultural wonderland. Lush matts of fragrant jasmine are almost picturesquely draped over perimeter fencing, while citrus and tropical fruit trees punctuate the back part of the property which overlooks a small pond. There’s also a robust rosemary bush the size of a table-top Christmas tree occupying one delicious nook.

As the pair continued to build their backyard garden, they began to notice the healing taking root. Being around the greenery gave Rob, also a practicing yogi, a few minutes each day to get outside of himself – and provided a natural forumto meditate between manual tasks like pulling weeds and pruning branches. Breathing became a little easier.

And, the benefits for Crystal were twofold. “[Gardening was] a great way for me to step out, also as a caregiver, to kind of step out and have my own space.”

Naturally, as the couple began to see the healing fromthe combination of gardening and creating community with other veteran families, it only made sense for them to share it with others in need.

And, so emerged the Veteran Garden Project, a charitable, tax-exempt entity which places gardening and meet-ups at the heart of connecting veterans on their transition back to civilian life. Non-profit volunteers design and build backyard garden boxes for veterans and their families to assist in the transition.

“We all have very similar stories and a lot of people don’t understand the transition frommilitary world into civilian life is very difficult for everyone involved,” Rob says.

In 2019, the group built seven backyard gardens for veterans in the St. Augustine area.

This year, they’ve already committed to building six more for a new group of veteran families.

The plants grown are based on the veteran’s preferences and, in the past, have included vegetable and herb gardens, companion plants, lemongrass, scented geraniums, dill, fennel and marigold.

The programincludes roughly 65 volunteers who regularly meet up with the community of veteran families to install plant gardens -- and check in with each other.

“There are so many veterans here who are really in similar situations, and we look at ourselves as alumni now,” Rob adds. “We’re a little bit older than some of the incoming transitioning veterans and families, yet we’ve been through a lot. We understand.”

The project hosts a handful of potlucks each year with the hope that no veteran ever has to go it alone – at least not on Rob’s home turf, if he can help it.

Participants are selected for this programby filling out an online application, according to Crystal, which is then sent to the group’s leadership board.

The goal is, in the future, the group will grow to include enough funds, materials

and volunteers to never turn away any veteran wishing to have their own garden.

The pair are also working to grow the organization to both offer more raised backyard beds each year, and even build local community garden projects in the future.

“We really want to be able to grow more sustainable food and bring more awareness to creating a sustainable food forest,” Crystal says.

Rob adds, “One of our main goals is also to have a home base for the VGP- a piece of property where we can meet to hold our meetings, gardens and whatever else helps.”

For more information on the Veteran Garden Project and how to help, please visit www.veterangardenproject.org or email Crystal Timmons at crystal.timmons@4vgp.org. •

Spring 2020 | Greenline

21

Member News

Welcome to the FNGLA Family!

Association gained 45 new member companies from July 2019 - January 2020 ACTION Bearth Touch Lawn and Landscape LLC Nick Florio, Oviedo

Grove Services Inc of Miami Louis Carricarte, Homestead Morris Arboricola Nursery Sabrina Arce, Miami

UF/IFAS Hannah Wooten, Sanford

LAKE REGION

Cand S Logistics Jennifer Stidham, Eustis

Tropical Temptations Landscaping Services, Inc. Wayne Meadows, Auburndale

BIG BEND

MANASOTA

C&ALandscape Maintenance LLC Brighter Touch Landscape Chris Risalvato, Tallahassee Management LLC William Folsom, Sarasota

BROWARD

Tree Hugger Solutions, LLC Farrell Gerber, Weston Royal Design Borders, Inc. Dacia De La Rosa, Hollywood

OUT OF COUNTRY

cycadflorida.com Chip Jones, Davie

Beekenkamp Plants Petra Dubbel, Maasdijk, The Netherlands

COASTAL SPRINGS

Xiamen Green Imp./Exp Co., Ltd. Apple Chen, Xiamen, China

Brothers Pest Control, Inc. Sheryl Olliff, Land O’Lakes

OUT OF STATE

MIAMI-DADE

Steadfast Contractors Alliance, LLC John Faulkner, San Antonio, FL

Garcias Nursery and Landscaping LLC Jesus Torres, Homestead JDMAIndustrial Corp Juan Carrillo, Doral

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Stoneybrook Golf &Country Club Forest Crooke, Sarasota

Spring 2020 | Greenline

Maria Galeano Maria Galeano, Somerville, MA

Sunbelt Greenhouses Greg Hopwood, Douglas, GA Rapidtek LLC Al Denning, Hudsonville, MI Cosmic Coir John Hoffman, Portland, OR I Hsin Orchids, Inc. Mindy Hung, Lodi, CA

PINELLAS Fieldstone Landscape Services LLC Douglas Orange, Clearwater Tommy Todd Landscape & Design Thomas Todd, St. Petersburg

ROYAL PALM Erik Ramirez, Naples Simajscape Professional Landscaping, LLC Alexander Simaj, Fort Myers Peter Monti, Naples Island Home Service Juergen Schreyer, Sanibel AshKal Landscapes, LLC Jarrod Edenfield, Fort Myers

MPGPlanters Will Mallory, Evans, GA

Green Enterprises of Southwest Florida, Inc. Mike Green, Fort Myers

Monroe Truck Equipment David Taylor, Monroe, WI

Duke Farms Justin Orion, Fort Myers

SCCF Native Landscapes & Garden Center Jenny Evans, Sanibel

SPACE COAST Brevard County Extension Bonnie Wells, Cocoa Complete Lawn Mow & Landscape LLC Jason Trexler, Merritt Island River North Frank Alteslaben, Rockledge

TAMPA Dobbs Equipment LLC Augusto Salles, Riverview Hillsborough Co. Public Schools Kenny Gil, Brandon Dave, The Garden Guy David Schultz, Valrico

TREASURE COAST Rustic Creek Growers Meredith McIntosh, Palm City Daniel W. Magrane’s Riverside Lawns Inc. Danny Magrane, Sebastian Red Jay Nursery Steve Metz, Vero Beach Compass Pest Control Chris Hudmon, Vero Beach

FNGLA Calendar

| More Events at: www.fngla.org/events | March 17

Broward - Get Your Green On!

FNGLABroward Chapter invites you to our St. Patty’s Day Bash. Includes Shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, beer, wine and tons of fun!

March 27

Davie - FCLT Training

This hands-on training prepares applicants for FNGLA’s Certified Landscape Technician examat the UF/IFASFt. Lauderdale Research Center.

March 26

March 19

Bradenton - Manasota Chapter

Join FNGLA’s Manasota Chapter &Stallings Crop Insurance to learn more about the new Nursery Value Select pilot program.

May 11-12

Tampa - Casino Night

Join FNGLA’s Tampa Bay Chapter for appetizers, beer, wine, networking and prizes!

June 5-6

Orlando - Florida Flower Trials

FNGLA’s Florida Flower Trials serve as a great place to sharpen business skills and get a first-hand glimpse of how the newest annual plant varieties can boost profit margins.

FNGLA Annual Convention

FNGLAinvites members to set sail for the 2020 FNGLAAnnual Convention, taking place at the Embassy Suites St. Augustine Beach Oceanfront Resort.

BUILT FOR TIGHT CORNERS AND TOUGH WORKERS. The All-New Isuzu FTR. Now in Stock.

The Isuzu FTR Class 6 was crafted to keep your business moving forward. With an innovative low cab forward design, the FTR is a game changer when it comes to visibility and maneuverability.

Features include: • Improved line-of-sight and turning radius • Turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine • Spacious and comfortable cab design This is the perfect truck for the territory landscapers traverse. To learn more, visit www.nextranusa.com

Spring 2020 | Greenline

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