Gardener News April 2017

TAKE ONE April, 2017

Gardener News Serving the Agricultural, Gardening and Landscaping Communities GARDENERNEWS.COM

TAKE ONE No. 168

Power Equipment with No Gas, No Cord and No Emissions

By Tom Castronovo Executive Editor

Tom Castronovo/Photos

Doug Petersen, left, holds a Stihl BGA 85 battery-powered handheld blower, while his brother Keith wears a Stihl BGA 100 battery-powered backpack blower in their family’s power equipment dealership, The Eardly T. Petersen Company in Westfield, Union County, N.J.

As a kid, I remember cutting my grandmother’s lawn with a push reel mower.

The grass clippings fell right back into the lawn.

The fancier ones had cloth bags on the back to catch the clippings. I clipped the hedges with hand-held, long-handled shears. I trimmed the lawn edges on my knees with small hand held shears. I raked the leaves. There was almost no noise associated with my chores. It also took forever to complete my chores. I could easily hear the call for lunch and dinner.

A few years later, I used electric shears for the hedge trimming, a small hand-held, re-chargeable battery operated grass shear to trim the lawn edges and an electric mower to cut the lawn. The cord always got in the way. I remember being scared to run over the cord with the possibility of getting electrocuted. I swept the sidewalk, the curb and driveway with a broom. Very time consuming. Those were the days. I don’t even want to talk about the electric line trimmer, or more commonly known as a weed whacker.

All I can tell you is I used a lot of black electrical tape.

As time went on and I got older, the lawn and garden chores got easier with the advancement of technology.

Soon I was cutting grass with a gasoline-operated mower and cleaning up with (Continued on page 24)

2 April, 2017

G A R D E N C E N T E R D I R E C T O R Y GardenerNews.com

Magnificant Flowers in All Colors

Vegetable Garden Headquarters Mother’s Day Flowers

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April, 2017 3

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Jeff & Cheryl

4 April, 2017 April is that special month of the year which coaxes most all of us in the Northeast into a feeling of anticipation and renewal.

Winter has become a recent relic and now we can concentrate on the activities that take place outside of our homes.

Daylight is longer, the sun is brighter, the temperature is slowly rising, gentle rains are expected, the ground begins to warm and spring is truly here. Of course, nature surprises us each year. So no uneventful season really exists like the one we are dreaming about. Still, most people are expecting good weather.

Now is the time to plan your garden and landscape.

Take a look around and decide if what you see is really for you and your family.

There is so much plant material available. Expert advice and neighborhood garden centers in New Jersey are awaiting you. New Jersey is a horticultural hub, producing the finest plants, the most varieties and the latest trends in gardening.

GardenerNews.com NJ Dept. of Agriculture

By Douglas H. Fisher Secretary of Agriculture

Your Garden: Anything You Want It To Be We grow not only for the 9 million residents of the state, but for the major metropolitan areas around us as well.

Do some research and try not to select the venerable favorites exclusively. It can be fun to experiment and try new varieties. There are plants that can solve almost any problem you have in your yard. Want more shade?

Have an area where things are a bit rocky? Love to cook with fresh herbs? Need an area that is more secluded?

Want to attract birds and butterflies? Want plants to grow only so wide and high?

Thinking about brightening up an area long given up for just being drab? It’s all doable with plants and landscaping.

The possibilities are endless, if you take the time.

No matter where you live, there is virtually no reason you can’t make a place tailored to your individual taste. Reed beds, patio garden containers, hydroponic growing systems and climbing vertical walls are all available for you to use.

It’s really about your creativity, the time you have available and the desire to make these spaces into places that will pull you in and put you under their spell. I’ve seen meditation gardens, a hummingbird and honey haven, fruit orchards, and many more examples that easily can be created on your property.

Have you ever seen weeping tree roses or tree peonies? How about a five-inone apple tree that produces five different varieties on one

Look Who’s Reading the Gardener News!

It’s in the news

Tom Castronovo/Photo

New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association (NJNLA) Executive Director Lori Jenssen looks over the March Gardener News at Plant Detectives Nursery and Garden Center in Chester, Morris County, N.J. The NJNLA is a passionate advocate for the nursery and landscape industry in New Jersey and drives successful initiatives that have high impact on improving the business environment for their members. They are a go-to resource for high value, relevant and timely information for industry professionals. They have a robust and diverse community of members and maintain a high retention rate by consistently delivering and communicating value in membership. The NJNLA was founded in 1915. Jenssen is the first female executive director in the association’s 100-plus-year history.

tree trunk? Chestnuts, figs, hazelnuts, butterfly bushes, or even the New Jersey native red oaks and native concords are all expressions of their very own taste.

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Jersey Grown website, at www.jerseygrown.nj.gov, has a list of nurseries and garden centers to visit to find just what people need when it comes to spring planting.

New Jersey has more than 1,400 certified nurseries growing more than 20,000 acres of nursery stock. We rank sixth in the nation in nursery stock sales and 11th for total number of operations. Find one of these places near you and let them know what your horticultural needs and desires are.

The people who own and work at these places are very knowledgeable. They can give sound advice on what will work for your type of soil and often have exactly what fits your needs. It’s not only an opportunity to support local businesses, it’s also a great way to get exactly what is needed to help you meet your goals.

So, whether you are looking for something in the short-term for a special occasion, or thinking about a landscaping project for longterm enhancement, that feeling of renewal is a real possibility here in the Garden State.

Editor’s Note: Douglas H. Fisher is New Jersey’s Secretary of Agriculture. He is the department’s executive officer, secretary to the State Board of Agriculture and a member of the Governor’s cabinet. Secretary Fisher fulfills executive, management and administrative duties prescribed by law, executive order or gubernatorial direction. He can be reached at 609.292.3976.

For more info, please visit: http://www.state.nj.us/agriculture

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April, 2017 5

Support NJ Agriculture JERSEY GROWN

Nursery Stock JERSEY GROWN

Sunflower Birdseed JERSEY GROWN

Firewood

JERSEY GROWN

When you’re shopping for JERSEY GROWN nursery stock, you know the trees, shrubs, plants and flowers are checked for quality, disease, are pest free, and accustomed to the Garden State’s climate and soil conditions.

Annuals & Perennials Made With JERSEY GROWN

Wood Birdhouses & Bird Feeders

Governor Chris Christie Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher

jerseygrown.nj.gov

6 April, 2017

RUTGERS NJAES/RCE

Stacy Bonos Named 2016 Crop Science Society of America Fellow Stacy Bonos (GSNB’97), associate professor in the Department of Plant Biology, was elected a 2016 Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) Fellow, the highest recognition bestowed by the CSSA to its members based on their professional achievements and meritorious service.

Bonos’ research is focused on developing improved, pest resistant and stress tolerant turfgrasses, which can be utilized for resource conservation and environmental enhancement anywhere cool-season turfgrasses are grown. Specifically, she is leading research projects on breeding for disease resistance and salt tolerance.

Her work to develop modern strains of turfgrass that stand up to a variety of diseases and reduce the need for chemical applications has been well received by the turf industry. In addition, she is working to develop high yielding cultivars of switchgrass that can be utilized for biofuel production. These high biomass grasses are a potential renewable energy source that could help decrease reliance on fossil fuels and reduce the release of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

Bonos has been previously recognized as the Young Crop Scientist of 2005 by the Crop Science Society of America. In 2009, Bonos was honored with the multi-state Plant Breeding Coordinating Committee inaugural Early Career Excellence in Plant Breeding Award and was named to its “40 under 40” list by Sports Illustrated Golf Magazine in 2010.

She received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from Gettysburg College, and a master’s degree in Plant Science and Technology and a doctoral degree in Plant Biology and Pathology from Rutgers University.

Extension Specialist Andrew Wyenandt Honored with a Distinguished Service to New Jersey Agriculture Citation Rutgers Cooperative Extension specialist Andrew Wyenandt was one of two individuals who were honored with Distinguished Service to Agriculture Citations by the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture during the New Jersey State Agricultural Convention in Atlantic City on February 8.

Mercer County farmer Scott Ellis also received a citation.

“New Jersey is fortunate to have outstanding individuals who have dedicated their lives to the betterment of the Garden State’s agriculture industry,” said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher. “The leadership and experience of Scott and Dr. Wyenandt have had a lasting impact on farmers and young people interested in agriculture.”

Wyenandt is an associate professor in the Department of Plant Biology and has been an extension specialist at Rutgers University since 2005. He has been on the Executive Committee and a section leader for Sustainable Agriculture Systems for the Department of Plant Biology, and has served on the Greenhouse Committee for the Rutgers Agricultural and Research Extension Center in Bridgeton.

Wyenandt has chaired and organized several organizations and activities. They include being chair of the Fungicide Resistance Development in North America for the 21st Century Workshop and Chair of the Northeast Vegetable IPM Working Group.

He has also been President of the Northeast Division Phytopathological Society, is on the board of directors for the New Jersey Agribusiness Association and is a member of the Rutgers Cooperative Extension Vegetable Working Group and Mid-Atlantic Vegetable Working Group.

Wyenandt was a co-author of the book, “Fungicide Resistance in North America” published in 2016. He has also written for more than 20 electronic publications and journals.

The topics have included fungicide resistance, skin separation in bell peppers, cucurbit viruses in commercial fields and the effects of nitrogen fertilizer on pumpkin yield.

Organizations who qualify to send delegates to the New Jersey State Agricultural Convention may nominate a state farmer for the award.

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From the Director’s Desk

Rutgers Outreach Provided by Larry S. Katz, Ph.D. Director

Rutgers Against Hunger: University Partnerships to Feed New Jersey Families Rutgers NJAES Cooperative Extension integrates the scientific advances of the university into information that assists New Jersey residents, and in doing so we have the chance to observe and address community needs.

For instance, as we research cutting-edge agricultural techniques relevant to food production, we are also increasingly aware of the challenges many residents face regarding food security. Over one million New Jersey residents, and nearly one out of five children, experience hunger.

Because we believe that implementing viable solutions is as important as identifying the problems our communities face, Rutgers Cooperative Extension launched Rutgers Against Hunger (RAH) in 2008 in response to a growing need and the university’s desire to contribute to solutions.

We felt then, and continue to believe, that an initiative by the university to help alleviate hunger in the state must support and enhance the existing efforts and organizations already focused on the needs of food insecure families. While material and financial support of these programs is desperately needed, as an educational institution, we must ensure that efforts to generate donations are accompanied by appropriate learning opportunities for students. Thus, many members of the university community have become engaged in the campaign, and the leadership of the university has played a visible and active role.

The purpose of RAH is to help food banks and pantries feed our food-insecure population while addressing the issue through research, outreach and education. One of our keystone projects is the Adopt-A-Family initiative, where sponsors from Rutgers partner with social service agencies to provide food and gifts to families in need.

When the program began in 2009, it quickly brought people from many academic disciplines together for the good of supporting community members. Rutgers staff member Kathy Goundrey described the first Adopt-a-Family campaign as “characterized by a contagion of joy, generosity and connection that tied people from all over the Rutgers campuses together.

Everybody talked about their [adopted] families, gifts purchased and how they wanted to make a difference in someone’s life. It was as if we were one family, coming together to spread joy in our gift-giving to others.”

The program has grown over the years, and in 2016, RAH coordinated the sponsorship of over 300 families in New Brunswick and Newark. To show their gratitude for the donations, a group of New Brunswick mothers organized a dinner for RAH volunteers comprised of foods from their native Central American countries. As part of her holiday “wish list,” one sixth-grade girl requested clothing that sports the Rutgers logo, saying that the Adopt-A-Family program had inspired her to work hard in school so that one day she might attend the university.

Current RAH Coordinator Amanda Bialek reflects, “Adopt-A-Family was both a heartwarming and humbling experience. Not only did I witness the struggle that so many of our local families endure, but also the generosity and compassion of members within the Rutgers community. The whole experience made me proud to be a part of the Rutgers community.”

Because hunger is not restricted to the holiday season, RAH efforts continue year-round.

During the academic year, we partner with Student Organized Rutgers Against Hunger (SORAH) to coordinate football and basketball food drives in collaboration with the Rutgers Athletics Department and Alumni Association; meal packing events where campus organizations assist in packaging donated groceries for families in need; and departmental collections of food and funds for hunger relief efforts in New Brunswick and beyond.

Our partner agencies indicate that donations to food banks and pantries decline at variable times of the year, but especially during the months when we are farthest from the holiday season.

As the weather warms and summer vacation approaches, many local families are concerned over whether they will be able to supply full, balanced meals to their children during their days away from school, where breakfast and lunch are often both available. RAH helps to ease this concern by collecting donations of food at summer events throughout the city, including at three locations of the New Brunswick Community Farmers Market.

To date, RAH contributions total over 252,600 pounds of food and more than $284,000 in monetary donations that have been channeled directly back into our New Jersey communities under the guidance of both Cooperative Extension and the Rutgers University Office of the Secretary.

However, our work is far from finished. For the first time in 2017, RAH is a proud recipient of the Whole Foods Community Giving Day grant, which will allow us to enhance community gardens that grow food for donation to local residents in Camden, Mercer and Burlington Counties.

To learn more, volunteer, or make a donation, please visit our web site at rah.rutgers.edu or contact us at rah@rutgers.edu.

Editor’s Note: Lauren Errickson, M.S., is the Senior Program Coordinator for the New Brunswick Community Farmers Market with Rutgers Cooperative Extension and a member of the RAH Advisory Board, as well as a doctoral student of Nutritional Sciences at Rutgers University.

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RUTGERS NJAES/RCE

One ‘Bell’ of a Plant

Many of our spring-blooming perennials are best referred to as spring ephemerals, since they enter dormancy shortly after they finish blooming and setting seed.

For the plant, it is an act of survival, since it rests during the hottest and driest months.

To the garden designer, the plants are a challenge, since the disappearance of the foliage yields holes in the summertime garden tapestry.

Initially, I avoided the challenge this group provided.

However, with time, I better understood how they can best enhance the spring garden without becoming a distraction in summer. One of my favorite spring ephemerals has long been Virginia Bluebells, or Mertensia virginica.

Mertensia is in the Boraginacea or Forget-Me-Not family and has upward of 62 species native to western China, northeastern Russia and most of North America. It is believed that this genus originated in

Asia between 23 to 25 million years ago and spread into North America via the Beringian Land Bridge. This bridge connected Russia and Alaska between 13,000 and 15,000 years ago, following the retreat of the ice sheets and before the bridge vanished beneath the rising seas.

The genus name was originally penned by the German botanist and physician, Albrecht Wilhelm Roth (1757-1834) in 1797, honoring his friend and fellow botanist Franz Carl Mertens (1764-1831). Mertensia virginica was undoubtedly the species he was studying, since it is the “type” species upon which all the other species within the genus are evaluated and potentially ascribed to this genus.

Interestingly, Roth originally named the plant Mertensia pulmonarioides, since the flowers resembled those of another member of the ForgetMe-Not family – Pulmonaria or Lungwort. Unbeknownst to Roth, the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) originally described the plant in 1756 as Pulmonaria virginica.

The species epithet refers to

the colony of Virginia, which during the 1700s stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River and north into the Northwest Territory.

The mycologist Christian Hendrik Persoon (1761-1836) correctly altered the genus name in 1806, but failed to correctly describe the plant. It was not until 1829 that the German naturalist and botanist Johann Heinrich Fredrich Link (1767-1851) properly described and finalized the name of the plant.

Naturally growing from North Carolina and Ontario, west to Minnesota and Kansas, rosettes of four-inch-long, oval, bluish-green leaves appear in late-March in central New Jersey.

In early-April, stems adorned at the tip with small flower buds appear, initially nestled in the leaves before they rapidly extend to their mature height of 18 to 24 inches.

The stems are clothed with leaves appearing alternately along the stem. As the stem elongates, the distance between the flower buds also expands, with the terminal four to six inches of the stem ultimately sporting flowers.

Rutgers Day Set for April 29, 2017 The 9th annual Rutgers Day will continue to have a statewide presence in 2017 with programming in Camden, New Brunswick, and Newark. There is something for everyone at each location! Experience hands-on learning activities, see exhibitions and demonstrations, enjoy entertaining stage performances, and more! We’ll also celebrate Alumni Weekend with Rutgers graduates and their families. Taking place on the last Saturday in April each year, Rutgers Day is the annual spring event to attend.

Everyone is invited, so save the date, April 29, 2017, and check back in early April for more information and to plan your visit. No registration is required. All are welcome and admission is free!

What is Rutgers Day? Rutgers Day is your chance to get a glimpse of exciting things happening at New Jersey’s state university. With free performances, exhibits, hands-on activities, and demonstrations, Rutgers Day will engage and inform you about the valuable contributions the university makes to the people of New Jersey and beyond. Departments, schools, classes, and student organizations will show you what they are teaching, learning, and doing as part of a Rutgers education.

Who should attend?

Everyone is invited to Rutgers Day. Bring your family and friends. This is also a great field trip for school groups. There will be interesting, informative, and entertaining activities for parents and children, teens, current and prospective students, faculty and staff, and the general public. It is an especially great day for alumni to bring their families and share stories about where they went to school.

How can I plan my day?

Beginning April 1, browse programs on this website by your area of interest or by location. Most programs run continuously from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., but some have specific times listed. The website will also have maps and a PDF of our program booklets that you can download so you can better plan your day. Booklets will also be available when you arrive.

Use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones Rutgers University has instituted a ban on the recreational use of unmanned aerial vehicles, remotely operated model airplanes and helicopters, and other remotely operated flying vehicles on university property, and the recreational use of any university-owned UAV equipment under any circumstances in any location. Failure to comply with this ban may result in confiscation of the UAV, imposition of disciplinary measures, and possible state and/ or federal penalties.

The flowers are pink in bud, maturing to blue upon opening into one-inch-long trumpetshaped flowers. The change in color from pink to blue is typical to members of the Boraginacea and is in response to an increase in pH and its impact on anthocyanin pigments within the cells of the petals.

Interestingly, it is a different process and form of anthocyanin pigments than in Hydrangeas, since their flowers are blue when the soil has a lower pH and more aluminum is absorbed into the plant.

Although the flower stems are rather delicate when newly purchased in containers, in the garden, they are impressively strong and proudly display the flowers for close to a month. In June, the foliage rapidly fades to yellow, then light tan before vanishing until the following year.

Plants will gradually naturalize in well-drained, woodland soils and will develop sizable colonies over time. The key is to intersperse them with clump forming ferns, sedges, violas and other shade-loving

April, 2017 7 perennials, which will expand and help to conceal the holes left from the declining foliage.

Spring ephemerals like Mertensia virginica provide challenges for the gardener who is just beginning to learn plants and the art of weaving them together.

However, it is well worth learning how to weave Virginia Bluebells and their glowing blue flowers into the garden, since it is a true Southern Bell of a plant. Even for northern gardens!

Editor’s Note: Bruce Crawford is a lover of plants since birth; is the managing director of the Rutgers Gardens, a 180-acre outdoor teaching classroom, horticultural research facility and arboretum; an adjunct professor in Landscape Architecture at the Rutgers School of Environmental and Biological Sciences; regularly participates in the Rutgers – Continuing Education Program; and the immediate pastpresident of the Garden State Gardens Consortium. He can be reached at (732) 932-8451. For more information, please visit www.rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu

5ඎඍ඀ൾඋඌ &ඈඈඉൾඋൺඍංඏൾ (එඍൾඇඌංඈඇ 3ඁඈඇൾ 'ංඋൾർඍඈඋඒ Atlantic County Phone: 609-625-0056 Bergen County Phone: 201-336-6780 Burlington County Phone: 609-265-5050 Camden County Phone: 856 216 7130 Cape May County Phone: 609-465-5115 Cumberland County Phone: 856-451-2800 Essex County Phone: 973-228-2210 Gloucester County Phone: 856-307-6450 Hudson County Phone: 201-915-1399 Hunterdon County Phone: 908-788-1339 Mercer County Phone: 609-989-6830

Middlesex County Phone: 732-398-5260 Monmouth County Phone: 732-431-7260 Morris County Phone: 973-285-8300 Ocean County Phone:732-349-1246 Passaic County Phone: 973-305-5740 Salem County Phone: 856-769-0090 Somerset County Phone: 908-526-6293 Sussex County Phone: 973-948-3040 Union County Phone: 908-654-9854 Warren County Phone: 908-475-6505

8 April, 2017

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New Jersey Legislative Update Oroho Bill Creating Opportunities for Hard Cider, Mead Producers Legislation sponsored by Senator Steve Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris) to expand opportunities for new hard cider and mead producers by creating a new license under the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control was passed by the New Jersey Senate.

“Craft beverage aficionados always have an eye out for the best local products,” Senator Oroho said. “New Jersey is already home to dozens of breweries and wineries, and this measure could give consumers even more to choose from while providing a huge boost to the state’s economy at the same time.”

The legislation, S-2570, creates a cidery and meadery license for the manufacture and sale of hard cider and mead. Holders of the license would be able to make and sell to up to 50,000 barrels of cider and 250,000 gallons of mead per year. They could distribute their product through wholesalers and retailers or sell directly to consumers for consumption on or off the licenses premises where they could also offer samples.

Under current law, holders of a plenary winery and farm winery license can produce hard cider or mead. However, unlike those licenses – which require the use of at least three acres for growing grapes or other fruit — the new cidery and meadery license does not have an acreage requirement.

The bill follows in the footsteps of a 2012 law that established new regulations regarding the operation of craft breweries in New Jersey and lift some of the more archaic restrictions that had been placed on the production of beer in the state. Since that law was passed, the number of craft breweries in the state has grown from just a handful in 2012 to nearly 70 in 2017. The craft brewing industry contributes more than $1.2 billion to the state’s economy, according to the Garden State Craft Brewers Guild.

“This success of this previous legislation gives us plenty of evidence that shows us what can happen when we loosen some of the overbearing regulations that too often stand in the way of economic growth in New Jersey,” Senator Oroho said. “With this measure, we have opportunity to spark opportunities for new local businesses that can drive economic activity and create new jobs in their communities.”

Senator Oroho noted that he has a cidery in his legislative district at present – Twisted Limb in Stillwater.

Dancer bill protecting nursery businesses from unfair state competition approved by committee A bill protecting New Jersey nurserymen and commercial growers, sponsored by Assemblyman Ron Dancer, cleared the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on March 6. The bill (A3031), approved by a 5-0 vote, prevents the New Jersey State Forest Nursery from selling landscape plants and trees below market value.

Ron Dancer “Right now, state-run nurseries have a competitive advantage, but this pro-jobs, pro-business bill levels the playing field for the hardworking private nurserymen in the Garden State,” said Dancer (R—Ocean). “The state should be focused on promoting and protecting New Jersey business, not under-cutting them and driving them out of business.”

The Department of Environmental Protection operates the state nursery, which opened in 1982 to propagate and sell indigenous plants for forest restoration.

“The state nursery exists to provide a source for suitable native plants for reforestation projects. They do their mission well, but they should not be in direct competition with private plant-sellers in the marketplace,” said Dancer, whose bill also prohibits the state nursery from selling forestry stock for use in landscaping or for ornamental or aesthetic purposes.

Taliaferro & Andrzejczak Bill to Help Protect & Preserve Pollinators Vital to Crop Production Clears Assembly Panel The Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Monday, March 6 released legislation sponsored by Assemblymen Adam Taliaferro (D-Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem) and Bob Andrzejczak (D-Cape May/Atlantic/Cumberland) to help protect the health of pollinators like bees and monarch butterflies, which are in serious decline in this country.

There are several hundred thousand species of flowering plants, many of which cannot grow and reproduce without pollination. Bees, butterflies, wasps, flies, moths, bats, beetles, and birds are all pollinators engaging in this important process that supports a variety of ecosystems on farms, and in wilderness, cities and towns. Insect pollinators such as bees and butterflies are especially important to agriculture in the United States where the value of crops dependent on them was estimated at $15 billion in 2009. Unfortunately, pollinators are in serious decline in the United States and worldwide.

“The decline of pollinators like the honey bee and butterflies threatens agricultural production,” said Taliaferro, who is vice-chair of the committee. “Considering the nutritional and economic impact of such a decline not just on our state, but the country and the world, it is crucial that we develop an action plan to address this before it becomes too big a problem to solve.”

“We are dependent on these pollinator populations for much of our food. We must ensure their health and sustainability so we can continue to meet our own needs,” said Andrzejczak, who chairs the committee. “This is worldwide problem. It’s going to take all of us to do our part to fix it.”

The joint resolution (AJR-144) would establish the Healthy Pollinators Task Force The 15-member task force would be charged with: Developing a pollinator research action plan compiling the most useful research and strategies for addressing the problem of protecting and bolstering the health of pollinators, such as bees and monarch butterflies, including, but not limited to, the studies, research, and strategies generally described in the joint resolution; developing a public education plan and program to promote public-private partnerships; developing recommendations for implementing the pollinator action plan, public education plan, private-public partnerships program, and any beneficial strategies identified by the task force; and submitting a report to the governor and the Legislature, within one year after the task force organizes, summarizing the activities and findings of the task force, and setting forth its recommendations.

The task force would be composed of: the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Commissioner of Transportation, the Commissioner of Corrections, the State Apiarist, the President of the New Jersey Farm Bureau, one representative from the New Jersey Audubon Society and a recognized statewide environmental organization appointed by the governor, one representative from the New Jersey Green Industry Council and the New Jersey Utilities Association appointed by the Senate president, an apiary entomologist or scientist and a representative from Rutgers appointed by the Assembly speaker, and three members of the general public who have an understanding of the issues for pollinators and their health, including climate change, pesticide use, and diseases affecting pollinators appointed by the governor, the Senate president and the Assembly speaker.

The task force would dissolve 180 days after submitting its report.

Taliaferro and Andrzejczak also sponsored a bill (A-3403) to designate the Common Eastern Bumble Bee, which is native to New Jersey and vital to working farms as key pollinators of blueberries, cranberries, tomatoes and peppers, as the New Jersey State Native Pollinator.

GardenerNews.com

April, 2017 9

Around The Garden

By Tom Castronovo Gardener News

Happy Birthday, Help Wanted, and a Not So Happy Snow Report!

First and foremost, the April issue of Gardener News begins our 14th year.

To the Gardener News family, Happy Birthday!

A big special thank you goes out to all of our advertisers, columnists and readers who continually support the paper.

I have fully enjoyed meeting all the great folks in the agricultural, gardening and landscaping communities. You are a terrific bunch of passionate people.

Since germinating in 2003, Gardener News has become the New Jersey metropolitan area’s most influential monthly agricultural, gardening and landscaping publication, both online and in print, covering local industry news and events.

Help Wanted My passion and love for the green industry began working side-by-side as a young teenager with my uncle at his florist and garden center.

I learned how to properly care for plants and to give gardening advice to anyone who was willing to listen. I also learned how to operate a garden tractor. It was a Cub Cadet. At that point in time, I considered a career in the garden center industry. It was then off to school for some formal education. Education led me to a professional landscaping career for over 20 years. Then to News 12 New Jersey as the station’s “Backyard Gardener” for six and a half years. After lots more continuing education, I’m now a columnist, executive editor and publisher of the Gardener News.

And it all started with a garden center.

If you don’t want to be tied to a desk all day, consider applying for a position at a garden center. There are plenty of opportunities for people who like the feel of dirt on their hands and sunshine on their backs as they work in the great outdoors.

Working at a garden center offers many career opportunities, especially for people who enjoy customer service with elements of plant care and business management propagated in.

In the spring, garden centers are always looking for help. No formal education is usually necessary. Most garden center owners will train you on how to properly care for plants like my uncle did. You can also learn about soil science, horticulture and plant propagation. And most of all, increase your growing knowledge.

All garden centers offer rewarding work in a beautiful environment. Most garden centers offer generous employee discounts as well.

If you are looking for part-time, seasonal or even full-time work, please consider stopping by your local garden center today. You’ll meet great people like yourself, enjoy terrific education in your passionate field, and help people learn more about plants.

Not So Happy Snow Report The National Weather Service should be embarrassed for misleading everyone on the so-called March 14 blizzard. You cried wolf on this one. How are we supposed to trust you next time?

This shout goes out to snow plow contractors. Why in the name of snow plowing stupidity did most of you plow snow into the road? As I drove around after the storm, all I did was dodge windrows of snow across the road. It was like driving over logs after the township trucks cleared the roads so nicely. And to boot, most of you left large snow piles on the opposite side of the road that protruded into the travel lanes. Holy Dangerous and Deadly Consequences, Batman!

Acts like this can cause accidents by drivers trying to avoid obstacles in the road. I even witnessed homeowners shoveling and blowing snow into the road. What are you thinking about when you are doing this?

In most towns, if not all towns, it is illegal to deposit snow into the roadway. And most of all, your actions can cause someone to get injured. And you would be liable.

If you have a contractor hired to plow your driveway, please put your cars into the garage before it snows. If you have shrubs planted at the top of your driveway, plan on moving them this fall so there is a place to deposit snow.

Several days after the storm, I was still dodging snow piles protruding from the road side into my travel lane. Really, folks!

I firmly believe that the police should be writing tickets to anyone caught depositing snow in the road, for the sake of safety.

Road department snow plow operators work long hours trying to clear the snow so we can all travel safely. Why do some of you make their job harder? And why do some of you make it more dangerous for us to travel the roads after a storm?

I hope that I was not too abrasive with the snow rant. I think I can hear most of you laughing and applauding me for putting my snow thoughts in writing. If I offended anyone, don’t put snow in the road!

I’m now looking forward to visiting my local garden center, warm sunshine, green grass, garden beds filled with flowers, birds chirping, and celebrating Earth Day on April 22.

As always, I hope you find the information in the Gardener News informative and enjoyable.

Until next time…Keep the “garden” in the Garden State.

-Tom Editor’s Note: Tom Castronovo is executive editor and publisher of Gardener News. Tom’s lifelong interest in gardening and passion for agriculture, environmental stewardship, gardening and landscaping, led to the founding of the Gardener News, which germinated in April 2003 and continues to bloom today. He is also dedicated to providing inspiration, and education to the agricultural, gardening and landscaping communities through this newspaper and GardenerNews.com.

SEED STARTING HEADQUARTERS

10 April, 2017

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There seems to be quite a bit of discussion lately about the preponderance of “fake news.”

But what is fake news?

Some might think that fake news is a fabricated story that is deliberately passed off to appear as if it is true. Others might believe that fake news is the presentation of facts put forth in a slanted manner for the purpose of helping to bolster an argument. Fox News and MSNBC are fitting examples here from both the Right and the Left. Still another definition might be a piece that was intended as satire or fiction that was taken by some to be true (think Orson Welles’ famous “War of the Worlds” scare).

But whatever your own definition might be, it does seem as if we are entering an era where the lines between fact and fiction are becoming increasingly blurred.

This phenomenon is not just present in the news and media industry, but is becoming more and more apparent in all areas of society. Yes, even here in agriculture, we are dealing with our own issues of fake news.

Besides some of the mainstream news stories that spill over into the realm of agriculture, such as

growers here in New Jersey put on by Rutgers Extension, a fruit specialist gave a rather long presentation on a new product that was being introduced that year.

After about a half hour or so, in his concluding remarks, he recommended that growers not use the product. At the time, I was miffed that he had taken 30 minutes to do so, but in looking back, I realize that if I hadn’t listened to his reasoning, I might have still been tempted to try the product.

As the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan once said, “Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but they are only entitled to one set of facts!”

The Town Farmer

By Peter Melick Agricultural Producer

Fake News those associated with topics like climate change and immigration reform, there are also some more specific ways in which farmers can be affected.

The area of agricultural research is an example. Since the inception of the Land Grant College system in this country, growers have come to rely on these agricultural universities and Extension systems (Rutgers here in New Jersey) to perform unbiased research on new products and techniques that are utilized in modern agriculture.

Whether it was new treatments for pest control, innovative growing systems, or even new strains or cultivars, the universities could always be counted on to provide unbiased research on the efficacy and usability of these items. These results would then be published, and many times peer reviewed,

and then made available to anyone who was interested in their findings. And it was this type of solid research that provided the strong foundation for what would become the preeminent agricultural industry in the world.

But unfortunately, all good things must come to an end.

Across the country, agricultural experiment stations are a shell of what they once were. Due to the fact that it takes far fewer farmers to feed our country than it once did, agriculture does not have the voice that it used to have, either. This lack of political influence, coupled with poor decision-making and outright mismanagement by many university higher-ups, has set back agricultural research 150 years.

Now, due to the lack of funding, universities are forced

Census of Agriculture Countdown Begins for America’s Farmers and Ranchers America’s farmers and ranchers will soon have the opportunity to strongly represent agriculture in their communities and industry by taking part in the 2017 Census of Agriculture. Conducted every five years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the census, to be mailed at the end of this year, is a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches, and those who operate them.

“The Census of Agriculture remains the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agriculture data for every county in the nation,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “As such, census results are relied upon heavily by those who serve farmers and rural communities, including federal, state and local governments, agribusinesses, trade associations, extension educators, researchers, and farmers and ranchers themselves.”

The Census of Agriculture highlights land use and ownership, operator characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures, and other topics. The 2012 Census of Agriculture revealed that over three million farmers operated more than two million farms, spanning over 914 million acres. This was a four percent decrease in the number of U.S. farms from the previous census in 2007. However, agriculture sales, income, and expenses increased between 2007 and 2012. This telling information and thousands of other agriculture statistics are a direct result of responses to the Census of Agriculture.

“Today, when data are so important, there is strength in numbers,” said Hamer. “For farmers and ranchers, participation in the 2017 Census of Agriculture is their voice, their future, and their opportunity to shape American agriculture – its policies, services, and assistance programs – for years to come.”

Producers who are new to farming or did not receive a Census of Agriculture in 2012 still have time to sign up to receive the 2017 Census of Agriculture report form by visiting www.agcensus.usda.gov and clicking on the ‘Make Sure You Are Counted’ button through June. NASS defines a farm as any place from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products were produced and sold, or normally would have been sold, during the census year (2017).

For more information about the 2017 Census of Agriculture and to see how census data are used, visit www.agcensus.usda.gov or call (800) 727-9540.

to severely curtail their research activities or have chosen to divert it to where they can receive alternative monies to fund their research.

And this is where the fake news comes in. Due to the dearth of sound, solid and trusted advice, growers must go elsewhere for their information.

In many cases, the information they obtain is just fine, as there are many fine upstanding and honest crop consultants out there whom growers have been relying on for decades. But more and more, I have seen sharp-looking advertisements which have the appearance of an unbiased study, that are actually nothing more than a promotional piece touting a particular company’s product.

I can remember one instance, while attending an educational session for fruit

Editor’s Note: Peter Melick is co-owner of Melick’s Town Farm in Oldwick and a 10th-generation New Jersey farmer. Peter is currently the Mayor of Tewksbury Township. He also served as a director for the New Jersey Farm Bureau and is a past president of the New Jersey State Board of Agriculture. Peter has also been featured on NJN, News 12 New Jersey and on the Fox Business Network.

2017 Outstanding Fruit Grower Award Winner

Tom Castronovo/Photo

Pete Melick, co-owner of Melick’s Town Farm in Oldwick and Califon, Hunterdon County, N.J., and a featured columnist in the Gardener News, received the 2017 New Jersey State Horticultural Society’s 31st Annual Outstanding Fruit Grower Award.

Melick was presented with the award at the North Jersey Commercial Fruit Growers Meeting in Flemington, Hunterdon County, N.J., on March 1 for his Outstanding Management Service and Leadership in the Fruit Industry.

The society was organized on August 17, 1875 at Geological Hall, Rutgers College, New Brunswick, N.J., by a group of farmers from all over the state. At the time, there were few other collective groups for farmers in the state to use for collaborating and sharing information. The society was formed with the goals of increasing information distribution, political awareness and scientific advances.

Melick’s Town Farm is the largest tree-fruit grower in New Jersey.

GardenerNews.com

April, 2017 11

Conserve Wildlife Foundation Rocks

By Jeannie Geremia Garden Club of New Jersey

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There is something compelling in the name Conserve Wildlife. It gets your attention as it is a plea and urgency that you feel can’t be ignored, and Conserve Wildlife Foundation was formed to educate and inspire New Jersey citizens to take action on many fronts.

Every gardener is aware of the diminishing wildlife population as we go about planning, planting and harvesting our everexpanding varieties of plants, trees and shrubs, while an undercurrent feeling of despair and dread percolates in our subconscious.

We are optimists, for sure, as we always know there’s a next season or next year where Mother Nature may be kinder and weather will conform to the calendar year and not be spring, summer, fall and winter every fourth day.

Despite feeling we can always rebound from the vagaries of our weather, that knowledge dwells in our heart of hearts that something is amiss. That “something” is the dwindling numbers of our wildlife population. Where are the turtles, frogs, birds, toads, bats, butterflies, bees of our youth?

It is alarming to contemplate the tremendous loss of species upon species if we don’t take action and thankfully, we have several organizations that exist to instruct us on positive steps we can take to insure that future generations will not be bereft of the precious wildlife we have had the privilege of enjoying.

Conserve Wildlife Foundation is one of these non-profit organizations “dedicated to protecting New Jersey’s endangered and threatened wildlife and the habitats they depend on for survival.” They have launched a major campaign enlisting their expert biologists to use the latest in innovative technologies and ingenuity to help our rare and endangered wildlife species beat the odds. Those technologies include restoring beaches for horseshoe crabs

and migrating shorebirds that have been devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

One of the species of shorebirds that is on New Jersey’s Endangered and Threatened Species List is the piping plover showcased in the Disney film “Piper” that just won an Oscar for Best Animated Short Film with the cutest little plover ever, learning how to “fend” for itself with mama plover in close proximity. Please watch the short on the web and know that, thanks to our environmentalists, the piping plover population rose to 115 breeding pairs in 2016.

Helping our birds, CWF bands geolocators onto raptors and shorebirds to track and study their global migrations. Conserve Wildlife Foundation also constructs new vernal pools for at-risk salamanders and builds and repairs nesting platforms so our endangered raptors can safely raise their young. CWF is also providing safe wildlife corridors such as culverts for wildlife to move under roads, installs fencing, posts signs and educates communities in their efforts to grow our at risk wildlife species.

Wildlife species that are considered “Endangered and Threatened” here in New Jersey include mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates, which include butterflies, dragonflies and mussels. The total number of endangered and threatened species is over an astounding 180 species, from bats to whales. These species are succumbing to habitat destruction, invasive species, pollution, disease, climate change and overharvesting. We can help by becoming a volunteer, supporting legislation, and through donations.

Partnering with CWF is famed artist James Fiorentino, who was commissioned

by Edward Danberry to paint the black swallowtail butterfly prior to this butterfly becoming New Jersey’s Official State Butterfly. Mr. Danberry also commissioned Mr. Fiorentino to paint 25 Rare and Endangered New Jersey Wildlife Species including the bobcat, goldenwinged warbler, red-headed

woodpecker, barred owl, and checkered white butterfly.

These inspirational watercolor images are featured in The James Fiorentino Traveling Art Exhibit, along with a book entitled “Rare Wildlife Revealed” that features these paintings along with a foreword by Gov. Tom Kean.

Conserve Wildlife Foundation’s Executive Director and wildlife author David Wheeler stated: “Mr. Fiorentino’s incredibly evocative artwork inspires viewers by reconnecting them with the natural world all around us. His watercolor paintings help to educate and engage viewers about the precipitous declines that many of these vulnerable wildlife species have suffered, and helps bring attention to the very tangible steps that people can take to save these species.”

Sponsors of Conserve Wildlife Foundation include Omni Distribution, LLC, Flying Fish Brewing Company, Merrill G. & Emma E. Hastings Foundation, Studio 7 Fine Art Gallery, and Somerset Patriots. A big thank you goes out to Edward Danberry, Group One’s CEO that includes Omni Distribution, LLC, and G1 Graphics.

Ed embodies the American tradition of a successful businessman who “gives back” to New Jersey in so many ways. His philanthropy includes veterans, CWF, GCNJ, and his philosophy is stated, “What we do in life echoes in eternity.”

Editor’s Note: Jeannie Geremia is the Community Gardens Chair, the Butterflies & BeeGAP Chair and the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Chair for The Garden Club of New Jersey, Inc., and is a National Garden Clubs, Inc., Accredited Life Flower Show Judge for the GCNJ. Jeannie is a member of Neshanic Garden Club and her email address is: jgeremia42@gmail.com The Garden Club of New Jersey website is: www. gardenclubofnewjersey. com and phone number is: 732-249-0947.

12 April, 2017

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FLORIST 700 Springfield Avenue Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922 Phone: (908) 665-0331 Fax: (908) 665-9804 email: hallsgarden@earthlink.net www.hallsgarden.com

GardenerNews.com

April, 2017 13

Please forgive me, I just need a moment….WOW! Spring time is here again?

Are you seriously pulling my leg? How could this be?

Not only was this one of the warmest winters on record, in my book it was the quickest.

All of the sudden, it was St. Patrick’s Day and for the businesses down at the shore, it is kind of a signaling of the new summer season, where we start to see signs of life again.

I honestly woke up thinking I was going to be writing an article about corned beef hash, all the St. Pat’s day celebrations at the shore and the excitement of spring, then it hit me, “You idiot, it’s April!”

Which is just fine, because that means I’m heading down to the Florida Keys with my family for relaxing, fishing, swimming and, of course, eating! Not bad. Then comes all the preparation for summer and all its glory. It has been a good year down here and the shore area looks better than ever.

So on to this month’s topic, one which I really enjoy, the curing of fish, in this instance salmon. Cured salmon, or lox,

-using a small plate or flat object that fits into the container, place on top of the fish -find a heavy weight, such as heavy cans of food, and place on top of the fish to weigh it down -place fish in the refrigerator overnight -after 24 hours, turn the fish over and weigh the fish down again, repeat this for three days -on the fourth day, take out the fish, remove the plastic and wipe off the cure -slice thinly on a bias and serve with a mixture of half mustard and half sour cream, mixed together or just straight up by itself, or perhaps on a bagel!

ENJOY!!!

Holy mackerel! It’s a constant battle, and when you get right down on top of it and take a good look, it’s unbelievable!

But, being outside as a profession, you simply have to bring some of it back into the house with you. Add that to all the “stuff’ on the sidewalks and roads and all of a sudden you can plant potatoes in the runner in the hallway off the front door!

Just the other day, for a construction company, I inspected a number of their jobsites. What I came home with was muddy boots, pants, jacket, pretty much everything I had on, including my socks, were all caked in it. Of course, my muddy boots picked up all the sand on the walkway from the truck to the porch and, yes, I brought it right into my home.

Being tired after working a 12-hour day, do I go and get the vacuum cleaner? Nope. I typically wait until Saturday and then do a very thorough vac of the entire house with

From the Deep

By Craig Korb Executive Chef

Curing fish (even if they’re not sick) is a major food source for people around the world. It has been done for thousands of years using various methods.

These include using salts, nitrates or by smoking.

One of the earliest forms of preserving was dehydration, almost like a “jerky.” The term cure is derived from Latin and means “to take care of.” We cure salmon a few different times a year and the leftovers never go to waste. Most recently we cured fish using salt, sugar, dill, black pepper and some Irish whiskey.

There are countless recipes, and ours is a basic one.

You can easily use different herbs and spices, as well as different alcohols, such as gin being one of the more popular.

It is very easy to do at home as well, it just takes patience and a few days and you will have

a great appetizer or snack that will definitely impress your friends.

You can use farm-raised salmon or wild salmon, based on your preference. It is definitely not rocket science and anyone can do it. I hope you have fun with this one as well as enjoying the healthiness of it. Be well, good luck and have fun!

Cured salmon (serves 4-6 easily as an appetizer) 1 lb. fresh salmon of your choice, skin on fillet 1 cup coarse Kosher salt 1 cup sugar 1 bunch dill, chopped 1 Tbsp. fresh black pepper *OPTIONAL- 1-2 Tbsp. alcohol of choice, whiskey, gin, vodka or tequila for example Method-wash and dry salmon using cold water and set aside

-in a mixing bowl combine all ingredients, except alcohol if using -cut salmon fillet in half trying to make it as equal as possible -place 1 piece of salmon in a container at least twice its size skin side down -coat very liberally with salt/sugar mixture, pressing down into the flesh if the fish (it’s OK to add plenty) -if using alcohol, drizzle liberally over coated salmon, adding a little more of the salt/ sugar mixture if necessary to coat entire fish -place other half of fish directly on top of the first piece meat side down, skin side up, so that the cut sides face each other -wrap fish in plastic wrap as tightly as possible and place back into container

The Miscellaneous Gardener

By Richard W. Perkins Freelance Writer

Waaaaay Too Much Getting Inside My Home! a great vacuum cleaner that has the clear canister so you can see how much detritus is in there. I then use a hand held with three different attachments to get all the built up grit out of the corners and where the floors met the walls. I have a great wand / brush attachment that is brilliant on cleaning the carpet runner on the stairs.

All in all, this is quite the workout.

Then, of course, I dismantle both vacs and clean them thoroughly including washing out all the closed cell foam filters.

I mean, woof, this is a full-blown production that afterwards I need to relax and have a beer!

This past weekend, after I spent two solid

hours vacuuming up all the grit that snaps, crackles and pops as it gets sucked into the container, I had a brainstorm. Why don’t I create something that gets rid of the dirt BEFORE it enters the home. Plus, getting rid of the snow packed on the boots is a good idea too. Snow with salt, all over the hardwood floor, is taking the varnish right of it!

I have a couple welcome mats on the porch that are pretty much useless.

Kicking the clapboards to knock stuff loose from my boots is actually knocking paint off and denting the clapboards.

I have composite toe boots that are pretty tough. At the base of the bottom porch step where it meets

the concrete sidewalk is a small segment of concrete about half the size of a normal sidewalk panel.

I have created a plan where I am going to remove that concrete panel, dig out a small, sixinch-deep indentation, and then re-pour it leaving a recessed lip for something to sit in. That something is what I call my stainless steel “cattle grate” that I will have my friend custom fabricate in a 12-inch-wide by 18-inch-long rectangle with a metal lip.

I worked on many farms in my day and at the end of the road lots of times the wooden gate would be mistakenly left open. Cows will walk right through that gate unless you have a cattle grate on

Editor’s Note: Craig Korb is executive chef at The Crab’s Claw Inn, Lavallette, New Jersey. He has an Associates degree in Culinary Arts and a Bachelors degree in Food Service Management from Johnson and Wales University. For more information visit www.TheCrabsClaw.com or phone (732) 793-4447. the ground to stop them.

A steel barred grate has fairly large openings that a hoof slides around and spooks the animal. But a human can easily walk on and cars can drive over.

I have watched cows and they never even try to cross one of these and I said to myself, what a great way to get crud and snow off my boots that will fall into the six-inchdeep indented area. When the dirt accumulates, I lift the grate up and clean it out. With wet snow, I will do it right away because if it freezes and fills the space, and that will put an end to my boot snow removal project.

I am also going to get the metal plate with the two brushes on either side to clean off the entire lower half of the boot. I seriously do not like to vacuum… has anyone picked up on that?

Thanks for reading and see ya next month.

Editors Note: Check out Richard’s photography at; rwperkinsphotography.com

14 April, 2017

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April, 2017 15

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16 April, 2017

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Yellow Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum)

By Hubert Ling April is the month when my native plant garden really comes alive.

Out of 170 types of native plants in my garden, 44 bloom in April. One plant that I really look forward to seeing again each year is the beautiful yellow trout lily, Erythronium americanum, which is a very easy-to-grow and reliable perennial.

The trout lily is in a large group of plants, the monocots which includes grasses, palm trees, orchids, and lilies. Like other lilies, trout lily has three petals, three sepals, six stamens, and a pistil divided into three chambers. Since the petals and sepals in lilies are similar in size and coloration, these plants are referred to as having six tepals. The tepals of trout lily are a bright yellow on the inside and a darker reddish-brown on the

outside. However, as the two-week-long flowering period progresses, the tepals become more and more curved backward, exposing only the cheerful yellow surface. During nighttime, the one-inch flowers close up so that only the reddishbrown surface is seen.

Trout lilies survive winters as corms buried five to 12 inches in the ground. In spring, a corm may send up several shoots; generally each small shoot from small young corms will only form a single green and purple mottled leaf. This mottled leaf is colored like a brook trout, hence the name. Corms are white and oval, somewhat reminiscent of a tooth.

When corms are four to eight years old, larger shoots are produced which may produce two leaves. Only shoots with two leaves will produce flowers. To encourage your trout lily to bloom in four years, plant your corms over a large piece

of slate buried horizontally about five inches under the surface; your trout lily will respond to restricted root growth by blooming early.

Mature blooming plants are six to 12 inches high.

Even after eight years, flower and seed production is sparse; areas of a colony where most shoots have large double leaves are uncommon. Thus, places where the forest floor turns a bright gold from numerous flowers are a sight to be treasured.

The seeds which are produced have lipid-rich, fleshy surface structures called elaiosomes. These structures are a favored ant food, and trout lilies reward ants for distributing seeds with this tasty snack.

Most reproduction in trout lilies is asexual; corms send out underground stolons, which swell to form additional corms. As this process continues, large colonies can be formed; some of these colonies are an estimated 300 years old.

In late-spring, after trout lilies have all died back, a new set of stolons emerge from the corms. These grow to the surface, twist along the leaf litter and then penetrate back into the ground. These unusual above-ground stolons are termed “droppers,” and may aid the plant in colonizing pockets of soil in rocky areas.

Our native yellow trout lily is a true woodland spring ephemeral which shoots up quickly in earlyspring before the canopy completely forms to block the light; the plants grow, flower, set seed, and wither down to the corms long before July 1.

Yellow trout lilies are native to Canada and the Northeastern United States. There is another rare New Jersey trout lily, E. albidum, which is very similar to yellow trout lily but E. albidum is white.

Out West, we have two additional common relatives of trout lily:

glacier and avalanche lilies. Glacier lily has yellow flowers, is slightly larger than yellow trout lily, and glacier lilies may have up to three flowers on a stalk. Avalanche lily is white and bears only a single flower per stalk. In contrast with E. albidum, the leaves of avalanche lily are not mottled purple.

Native Americans made a root tea from trout lily for fevers and a leaf poultice was used for hard to heal wounds. Dried and fresh leaves and roots were used as an emetic and expectorant, so the plants should be considered to be mildly toxic.

Give trout lily a space in a shaded area of your garden; they will reward you with an early splash of color every spring.

Editor’s Note: Hubert Ling is the Horticulture Chairman for the Native Plant Society of New Jersey. He can be reached at milhubling@verizon.net

The Design Process - The Importance of Scale: Part 3

By Brian Bosenberg Last month, we explored the topic of Form vs.

Function.

This month, we will touch upon issues related to scale; perceptions of our surroundings, spatial relationships, materials, plant selection/location and their effects on the design process.

The understanding of scale is crucial in all stages of design development.

Consider the following: How does it feel to walk through a forest? Are you comfortable as you walk through your garden; does the garden give you a hug? Do you think about scale when walking along a coastal beach? The ripples on a sandy beach scaled up a thousand times become a series of hills and dales in a landscape, drastically transforming our visual experience.

Scale determines if a space is comfortable or inhospitable, it affects our

perception, whether we realize it or not. As landscape architects, we consider a number of perceptions of scale during the design process: human, flora, fauna, and ecosystem scale, just to name a few.

During our initial site analysis, scale is thoroughly evaluated; it shapes the way in which we look at any site.

What size is the home in relationship to the property and the available open space? What are the desires of the client? Would they like a terrace or swimming pool? A patio or other landscape elements need to be appropriately scaled in relationship to the existing home, the landscape and property in order to create a comfortable outdoor living space.

Creating a patio or terrace for a small residential home differs greatly from designing one for a country club or corporate office building. Various design solutions are utilized to accommodate a different

number of uses, creating different types of outdoor experiences, all based around scale. Adding an arbor, trees or garden walls to a design introduces vertically scaled elements to balance large horizontal expanses in the landscape. Considering scale in the early stages of the design process often yields superior design solutions.

A pea gravel garden path hints at feelings of contemplation and privacy, highlighting the intimate scale of the material and the space. Apply the same gravel treatment to a courtyard or driveway and you are taken to a more rural setting and a larger scale. Using a fourinch-by-eight-inch handmolded brick paver versus a 12-inch-by-12-inch concrete paver dramatically changes the intimacy and scale of a small patio space. As we play with the scale/size of the applied materials, we tinker with how the space is experienced and perceived.

Would you plant an oak tree in your foundation

planting? You may want to think that one over! Many times, trees and shrubs are selected for their flower or leaf color with only the best intentions and no consideration is given to their ultimate size.

Trees are often planted in locations that in time they will outgrow. On occasion they may even damage a building or block a favorable view.

A large tree of any type should be planted a minimum of 20 to 40 feet from a building and from other trees of similar habit.

This will to allow the tree to flourish and become a specimen providing shade and scale in the context of the site. Many times, ornamental trees are planted too close to the corner of a home and become too large in just a few years, never allowing the plant to reach its mature size and beauty.

Small shrubs, perennials, ornamental grasses and groundcovers are more appropriate for

foundation plantings as well as plantings adjacent to patios and walkways. An allée of shade trees will reach its maximum visual impact and scale on longer driveways; too short of a drive and the allée is merely a few trees planted across from one another, beautiful, but without the dramatic effect of creating an elegant scaled entry to a property.

In the short and long term, scale is one of the many guiding forces in design that can make or break the experience of the finished landscape and the sense of place.

Editor’s Note: Brian W. Bosenberg is a practicing landscape architect licensed in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maine and Vermont, and a principal in the firm of Bosenberg & Company Landscape Architects, Far Hills, N.J. He can be reached at 908-234-0557, info@bwbosenberg.com or www.bwbosenberg.com

GardenerNews.com

April, 2017 17

WEED BEATER

WEED BEATER

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18 April, 2017 This past February, I was invited on a trip of a lifetime.

The kind of trip that has you at “one” with nature and leaves you absolutely speechless.

Flying into Bozeman, Montana, I quickly understood what “Big Sky Country” meant and everything just felt larger than life. Traveling from Bozeman to West Yellowstone on Highway 191, I quickly started to identify plant material.

Represented in huge numbers were juniper, particularly Rocky Mountain and common types, and it was then that I understood why many nurseries continue to grow this plant in vast numbers.

Day one, of this four-day snowmobiling adventure, had us traveling into Yellowstone National Park on a guided tour.

The lighter of the three days on snowmobiles, we still covered some 65 miles.

Traversing the Madison River, I felt like I was in a National Geographic film. Bald Eagles, trumpeter swans, elk, coyote and even muskrats were all happy to be a part of our experience. However, for me, it was the bison, whose immense presence had us stopping our snowmobiles and respectfully letting them pass right in front of us. Their sheer presence suggested that our vehicles and ourselves were no match for

GardenerNews.com Unique Plants

By Bob LaHoff Nursery Specialist

Big Sky Country them and we knew the pecking order here.

Our tour guide, Mindy, spoke of the ruminant nature of bison as they were feeding on prairie grasses buried several feet below the snow.

As we traveled around just a small portion of the park, I was most impressed to see a stand of Quaking Aspen, Populus tremuloides. This particular grove, along a hillside, showcased stilts of beautiful, predictable white bark erupting out of the winter snow.

Quaking Aspen grows in a wide variety of soil types and has the widest geographical distribution of any North American tree. Unfortunately, we missed its outstanding golden-yellow fall color, perhaps a trip for another time.

Other highlights this day were the five types of geothermal features we learned about, including the ever popular Old

Faithful geyser.

The next two days had us being a bit more aggressive, covering nearly 100 miles each day on our snowmobiles.

The first of these days had us traveling through the groomed trails of Gallatin/Targhee National Forests. Literally hundreds of miles of open trails exist here and you can travel over the state lines of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming quickly.

Two Top Snowmobile Trail was the highlight on this day and as we crested the summit, we passed through monstrous Engelmann spruce, Picea engelmannii. Capable of growing every bit of 100 feet, I had to remember that we were traveling on several stories of compacted snow.

The most common spruce found in the Rockies, this is an important timber tree for the West. A spruce durable enough to handle “harsh winds,

extreme cold and deep snows” (missouribotanicalgarden.org), I felt like these were giant marshmallow trees and the Green Giant would welcome us at any moment.

The “Weather Gods” were kind to us on this day, as we could see Wyoming’s Teton’s, Idaho’s Centennial Mountains and Lionshead in Montana.

However, for me again, it was the trees that gripped my attention. “Constant driven winds create ghostly ice patterns plastered on the trees at the top of this mountain creating famous ‘snow ghosts.’”(visitmt. com) Imagine, for a moment, feeling like you’re on top of the world at an elevation of 8,200 feet in the Rocky Mountains.

The last day of snowmobiling had us circling a few of the vast number of “bowls,” looking over huge drop offs and cliffs.

Lodgepole Pine, Pinus contorta var. latifolia, was the tree of

choice this day. The most common tree in the Yellowstone area, it has its common name from American Indian tribes using the tree to make frames for their lodging. Growing in such abundance and proximity to one another, they almost look fastigiate as they fight for space.

What seemed like millions of totem poles rocketing out of the ground, it was this tree that held my attention the longest.

A precursor to this exciting trip, I watched the movie The Bucket List with Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman on the plane heading to Bozeman.

A story of two terminally ill men knocking off a to-do list before they die. And while snowmobiling in Montana was not on that list, I think it should be an experience everyone has before they go.

Editor’s Note: Bob LaHoff is co-owner of Hall’s Garden Center and Florist in Union County, a member of the Union County Board of Agriculture, the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association, Reeves-Reed Arboretum Buildings and Grounds Committee, a lifetime member of the Conifer Society and past member of the retail council for Monrovia Growers. He can be reached at (908) 665-0331.

GardenerNews.com

April, 2017 19

“Itches: Imagined or Real?”

By William A. Kolbe B.C.E. Many (if not all) of us gardeners at one time or another will experience a “bite” of some sort when working in the garden. In the structural pest control industry, this can be one of our technicians’ most difficult problems to deal with…”itches.”

This article deals with those situations where itches or bites are attributed to or blamed on “insects” or “bugs” of some type. Many times the “bugs” are invisible. This article does not deal with real insect problems or delusory parasitosis (insects coming out of the body) but rather focuses on causes of itching or dermatitis. Many times, itches inside buildings or while working in the garden are from environmental irritants.

Itches fall into several categories. Some are caused by insects, mites or other arthropods. These are usually easy to identify and resolve.

Medical issues such as allergies, Spring is in the air, and I, like most of you, get excited about getting out in the garden.

No, we did not have a very rough winter, but short days and gray skies make us all yearn for warmer days.

We peruse the plethora of gardening catalogs arriving daily, start seeds indoors, order plants, and get a little too anxious to plant something. Do not fear, there is plenty of time. We could still have a killing frost.

This is a good time to evaluate your woody plants, and provide some tender loving care. What little snow we had may have broken stems, especially on evergreens. Shrubs like boxwood, azalea and holly should be examined carefully, and any damaged parts pruned out. This is a good time to apply fertilizer and replenish the mulch.

Only an inch or two; too much mulch is bad for the plant. Remember, roots need air and water, so don’t suffocate them or deny them moisture.

Your trees need attention, too. Small trees

skin rashes associated with diabetes, jaundice, chicken pox, and circulatory problems can also cause itches. Imaginary itches where insects are inside the body and “coming out” are medical issues and must be treated as such. The real challenges are those “bites” caused by environmental irritants and blamed on insects.

Even more challenging is a combination of the above factors. In the garden, most “bites” are blamed on spiders.

In actuality, spider bites to humans are extremely rare.

During cold winter months, the humidity inside buildings will drop to 12 percent. This is a very dry environment and employees that work with materials that become airborne start getting “bites.” During summer months, working in air-conditioned offices, humidity levels rise and fall.

Air conditioning actually takes moisture out of the air. Working in yards or gardens, using suntanning lotions, or exposure to solvents may cause contact dermatitis. The opening and

closing of skin pores allows irritants to quickly cause dermatitis and cause what some call a “bite.”

IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM: The first thing to is an assessment of the situation.

A good rule of thumb to follow is: “If you experience an ‘itch’ or ‘bite’ on your skin and you look (before you scratch) and a ‘bug’ is not present…chances are it is not an insect or bug bite.” Insects or bugs that are able to penetrate the skin and cause a bite are usually visible.

If insects are causing the bites, you should find and have them identified. Cotton balls dipped in rubbing alcohol or baby oil are the best materials to take swab samples. Place insect glue monitors to trap irritants or “insects” if present.

You may catch some gnats or other small insects.

The list of things that cause contact dermatitis continues to grow. It includes: static electricity (facial rashes) and dry air, carbonless copy paper, paper fibers (tearing forms or computer paper),

fabrics, insulation, drapes, upholstery, nylon (carpets and stockings), allergens (cat and dog dander), fungi (humidifies and A/C systems), mold, mildew, pollen, insect parts (cockroach allergens), volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic compounds, soaps, deodorants, creams and fragrances, etc.

SOLUTIONS: If environmental irritants are causing the dermatitis (skin sensitivity or eruption) remove the irritant or protect the skin.

Moisturizing the skin may help alleviate the problem. Keep in mind it is nearly impossible for the medical community to diagnose an insect or bug bite to the skin without having an actual specimen. Most people will scratch and damage the skin at the site before the visit to the healthcare provider. Once this happens, it is impossible to see the original skin eruption and make a medical determination.

CONCLUSION: It is important that you are aware of materials that can cause contact dermatitis in the garden

Tree Notes

By Steve Schuckman NJ Certified Tree Expert

‘Spring Cleaning’ for Your Trees like dogwood, redbud and ornamental cherry can easily be inspected from the ground, and any dead or damaged branches pruned out. Hollies can be pruned now, for shape and size control. All small trees need a nice mulch ring, again only one to two inches deep. I like to mulch out to the drip line. This keeps mowers and string trimmers away from the tree, preventing damage to the bark. Mowers and string trimmers are a young tree’s worst enemies.

Large shade trees should be inspected by a New Jersey Certified Tree Expert or ISA Certified Arborist. These professionals are trained to identify structural problems, diseases and pests, and then make recommendations for any work necessary. Early-

spring is a great time for inspections; there are no leaves to interfere with visual inspections, and if deemed necessary, a climber can ascend the tree for further investigation. If your trees have been cared for in the past, usually the only work needed is to prune out dead or broken branches.

Another reason for retaining a certified professional is they know things most don’t. For example, elm and white birch should NOT be pruned now. Fresh pruning cuts attract pests and may lead to bigger problems. These trees should only be pruned in winter.

If you have ash on your property, they will soon have Emerald Ash Borer (EAB).

It’s not IF, it’s WHEN. Your

only option is to remove the tree or have it treated. Only a professional can direct you properly.

If you have any of the red oak group on your property – red oak, pin oak, black oak – bacterial leaf scorch is a real problem, especially in South Jersey. Schedule these for inspection in latesummer, and have them tested if suspect. There is no treatment; the trees will eventually succumb and die. Better to be prepared. I have observed trees in Essex County that show symptoms, and I plan on testing them this year. Sad, because the red oak is the New Jersey State Tree. Imagine it gone.

Do your big shade trees need mulch and fertilizer?

Yes! Any mechanical damage to the roots or

environment. Solving “bites” or “itches” that are not insect or bug related are complex issues. The key is education, and a thorough inspection to find and identify the cause of the environmental irritant. I would highly recommend you read this article by Dr. Nancy Hinkle on Delusory Parasitosis to get an idea on just how complex “biting insect” issues (real or imagined) are: https://www.ces.ncsu.edu/ depts/ent/notes/workshops/ elluminate/delusory-hinkle.pdf Editor’s Note: William A. Kolbe, BCE is Director of Technical and Training for Viking® Pest Control based out of Warren, NJ . He is a Board Certified Entomologist and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Entomology with a minor in Ecology from the University of Delaware. Bill is a member of The Denville NJ Community Gardens.

His career in Professional Pest Control started in June 1974. He can be reached at 732-356-3100 or visit www.vikingpest.com trunk may result in fungal infections, and these can be severe. Decay fungi may result in structural weakening, putting you, your family, your house, your neighbors, at risk. A ring of mulch keeps the mowers at bay.

Some thoughts on fertilizer. While we spend lots of money to apply fertilizer to our lawns and flower beds, we never consider doing the same for our trees. Why? As I have stated in the past, there are no elves in the forest cleaning up the leaves.

They remain to decay to return nutrients to the soil… nature’s fertilizer. So yes, fertilize your trees. They will be very happy.

Editor’s Note: Steve Schuckman is owner of First Mountain Aboriculture, which provides horticultural consulting and community forestry services.

He is currently the consulting forester for Bloomfield, Hawthorne, Maplewood, and Montclair, in New Jersey. He is also a New Jersey Certified Tree Expert. He can be reached at smschuckman@verizon.net

20 April, 2017

GardenerNews.com

New Jersey Green Industry, Landscape Tradeshows are often the most tangible affirmation of value for industry associations. They can be the largest source of revenue, provide attendees with education, networking opportunities and new product innovations, and help member or affiliate companies achieve their sales and marketing objectives.

On February 28 and March 1, the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association (NJNLA) participated in and endorsed the Townsquareowned NJ Plants Show that was held at the New Jersey Convention Center In Edison, Middlesex County. This two-day New Jersey Plant Show showcased a plethora of educational sessions, horticultural supplies, nursery stock and landscape equipment to the trade. The show drew together landscape professionals, garden center owners, nursery growers, suppliers and commercial groundskeepers. On the show’s opening day, Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman and the NJNLA dedicated the show to Tom Boglioli from Storr Tractor. Boglioli, who passed away in 2015, was very instrumental in helping to launch the show.

On March 8, the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA) presented New Jersey Landscape 2017 in the Meadowlands Convention Center, in Secaucus, Hudson County. This was their 40th Annual Trade Show & Conference, which is owned by the association.

Landscape contractors exchanged ideas and developed connections that can help make the season ahead more educational and profitable. This show mainly featured lots of trucks and trailers, and landscape equipment, with a hint of horticultural supplies and nursery stock. A drone even made a flyover in the far corner of the building.

Both of these shows also support the financial well-being of the above associations.

NJ Plant Show Dedication Plaque Presentation

Tom Castronovo/Photo

NJ Plants Show Dedication Ceremony

Tom Castronovo/Photo

Kevin Hoban, left, Sales Consultant, Storr Tractor Company; Bob Kaufman, second from left, Director of Sales Distribution, Storr Tractor Company; Bill Anlas, second from right, Territory Manager, Storr Tractor Company; and Lori Jenssen, Executive Director of the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association.

Bill Anlas, left, Territory Manager, Storr Tractor Company; Kevin Hoban, second from left, Sales Consultant, Storr Tractor Company; Bob Kaufman, third from left, Director of Sales Distribution, Storr Tractor Company; Tom Boglioli In Memory Poster, center; New Jersey Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman, third from right; Bob Heitzman, second from right, President of the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association; and Pat Barkett, Director of Sales and Marketing for Bobcat of North Jersey.

GardenerNews.com

April, 2017 21

and Nursery Trade Show Happenings

NJ Plant Show Welcome

Tom Castronovo/Photo

Bob Heitzman, left, President of the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association, officially welcomes New Jersey Senator Christopher “Kip” Bateman to the NJ Plants Show in the association’s trade show booth.

New Jersey Landscape 2017

Tom Castronovo/Photo

Call Before You Dig

Tom Castronovo/Photo

Tom Castronovo/Photo

The trade show floor

New Jersey Landscape 2017

Tom Castronovo/Photo

Joel MacLeod, left, and Doug Urbano from Landscape Materials in Hillsborough, Somerset County, N.J., presented decorative stone and mulch samples from their landscape supply yard to show attendees.

New Jersey One Call was represented at both shows. New Jersey law requires anyone digging to call 811 or 800-272-1000 any time of the day or night, at least three full business days (not counting weekends or holidays), prior to beginning work.

New Jersey Landscape 2017

Tom Castronovo/Photo

Pets in the Landscape

Fly High Aerials from Belmar, Ocean County, N.J., demonstrates one of their drones high above the trade show floor. Drones offer many great labor- and time-saving opportunities for a wide range of professionals, including landscape contractors, golf course superintendents, sports field managers, irrigation specialists and arborists.

Keynote Speaker Brian T. Voynick, DVM, CVA, owner of the American Animal Hospital in Randolph, Morris County, and Host of The Pet Stop on News 12 New Jersey, spoke to a captured audience from 1 to 2 p.m. on February 28 at the NJ Plants Show. His topic was Helping Dogs and Landscapes Play Nicely Together.

22 April, 2017

GardenerNews.com

Spring is here and we are all glad for it. April begins one of the busiest periods in a landscape contractor’s calendar.

Landscapes need to be surveyed for winter damage and plans need to be made for any restoration. Damaged trees and shrubs can be pruned and cleaned up in anticipation of bud break and new growth filling in the damaged areas. If any feeding was missed in the late-fall/ early-winter, those tasks can be performed now.

Use of a rich micronutrient fertilizer that will provide essential mineral elements would be recommended. The use of beneficial bacteria will also aid in the recovery of winterdamaged plants. There are some plants which have burned leaves or needles, which will recover on their own. For this reason, having your landscapes inspected by a trained professional will give property owners and managers a more complete diagnosis.

Calling a landscape professional will provide a more clinical approach to formulating a landscape plan. All properties, no matter what size, should have a plan for maintenance, as well as renovation. Maintenance should be set up on a calendar for the season. This would include the results of a spring survey.

Early pruning and recovery and

Soil considerations are also very important.

Our native soils are very tight and acidic by nature. A welldrained loam is our target when installing a landscape. Many times this requires replacement or at least the tilling in of organic matter to help amend the consistency of the soil. During this process, a soil test will determine the pH, which can be altered from acidic to alkaline with the addition of certain mineral elements. Any time soil is amended, it is important to incorporate these amendments into the native soil. When planting some large specimen or shade trees, a well-drained native soil is sufficient. The key ingredient is drainage.

A good management, design or planting plan is of paramount importance in the success of designing, renovating and managing your landscape. Your local landscape professional can help develop your plan of attack to ensure a successful landscape season.

On March 1, 2017, I attended a meeting of the Allied Associations during the New Jersey Plants Trade show that is sponsored by New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association (NJNLA). At this meeting were some of the leaders and key personnel of at least six major associations in the State of New Jersey that represent our industry.

I was surprised to learn that only about 20 percent of the registered landscape contractors or someone who makes a living in the green industry belongs to some sort of trade association.

There are over 20 trade organizations in New Jersey that cater to every facet of our industry, from the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA) to the NJNLA, Irrigation Association of New Jersey and New Jersey Turf Grass Association, just to name a few. All of these associations can help your business thrive and grow if you take advantage of all that the association has to offer.\ Here are some great reasons you need to be part of a trade organization: You have access to training and education. Whether it be the association that offers the education directly or it points you in the right direction, you

The Landscaper

By Evan Dickerson Landscape Professional

It’s Time to Plan for Success nutritional help can be scheduled in this calendar. Proper fertilizer and pesticide application must be scheduled. All licensed pesticide applicators are required to provide this information and the numbers of emergency and information services as well, yearly.

Weed control also is an important part of a landscape plan. Certainly, an application of a chemical control is the most common way to provide a weedfree environment. However, there are alternatives that will minimize the amount of pesticides used on our properties.

Good cultural practices can impact the amount of weed growth in the landscape as well.

Proper mowing height can help minimize the abundance of weeds. A full, healthy lawn cut at 2.5 to 3 inches will not be as susceptible to weed growth. Soil testing will show the calcium/ magnesium ratio in the soil.

Raising the calcium on lawns with

an out-of-balance ratio can impact some weed growth as well.

There are a few corn gluten products which are available offering a natural alternative. Corn gluten is a dried protein separated from corn during the manufacture of starch for the food industry.

It is a common ingredient found in pet food. When applied to your lawn or beds, this product inhibits root development in seedlings. Germination occurs, but the seedling dies from lack of a root system. We can affect the germination of crabgrass, creeping bentgrass, smart weed, dandelion, redroot pigweed, purslane, lambsquarter, foxtail, barnyard grass and Bermuda grass. These are the most prevalent weeds in your landscape.

Your landscape survey will point out areas which need remedial help. Damaged plants may need replacement, and this may be a good time to think about a landscape renovation. Many

times, older or improperly placed plants are more susceptible to winter damage. A plan of action can be created now to implement changes in the landscape which will prevent the same kind of damage.

There have been advances in plant breeding and development making them slower-growing and more resistant to insect and weather problems. The proper placement of plants in the landscape will influence their performance as well. If there have been dramatic changes in the conditions, ie: loss of upper story trees or an addition on surrounding buildings, on your property, this will have an impact.

Drainage is a very important consideration. Our area is very susceptible to frequent changes in weather. We can go from very dry conditions to near flood levels in the course of weeks. This makes proper drainage an integral part of the landscape. No plants can survive wet feet for very long.

The NJLCA Today

By Nelson Lee Association President

No guilt by these associations will have access to advanced education and training programs, which will help you keep your skills sharp and maintain your edge as a professional in your field; Associations have access to licensing and certification programs. This will support its members’ licensing and certifications, some of which may be required or others that may be optional. This gives its members an excellent opportunity to expand their skill sets, their qualifications and their marketability to the general public; It can add to your competitive advantage by utilizing association resources.

It can help you earn and maintain an edge over nonmember competitors thanks to advanced training opportunities and inside information which you don’t get from the outside; Potential cost savings

to members only.

Some associations have members that grant discounts to other members within the association for services or products, thereby saving money and allowing them to price more competitively and increase their profit margin; You can also find out what is going on in the industry as far as legislative and government affairs. This information may put a strain on how you operate your business in the state of New Jersey or certain towns.

Being a part of an association gives you a voice in what the outcome may be; Enhance your reputation.

Trade associations help sort out the contractors through self-regulation, which helps the reputations of all their members. Trade associations offer, at times, awards and certifications which can help build consumer confidence in

your products and service; Networking and social gathering opportunities, which I feel is one of the most important benefits of any association. It allows members to network with other professionals and entrepreneurs in our field and help each other out with answers to some challenges or obstacles they may be experiencing, and discuss some wins they may have had that made them successful or just have a good time with friends in the industry outside of work.

Networking with other industry leaders can help you set the bar high for yourself to achieve more than you may have thought you could.

Depending on your company’s needs, you may want to consider joining multiple associations or even associations outside our

Editor’s Note: Evan Dickerson is owner of Dickerson Landscape Contractors and NaturesPro of North Plainfield. He has been pioneering the organic approach to plant health since 1972. Evan can be reached at 908-753-1490 industry. By doing this, you could network outside our industry in order to sell your products or services to people who need it.

There are so many other reasons why you should join a trade association. I only named some of the key reasons why I joined multiple associations.

So what are you waiting for?

Isn’t your company worth that small investment every year?

Here is a brief list of some associations that you can join for a nominal yearly fee: New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association; New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association; New Jersey Turf Grass Association; Irrigation Association of New Jersey; New Jersey Agricultural Society; New Jersey Green Industry Council; New Jersey Society of Landscape Architects.

Editor’s Note: Nelson Lee is president of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA). He is also Founder and President of Landscapeworks, Inc., Advanced Mulch Services, Inc. and Advanced Hauling.

Lee can be reached at nlee@landscapeworks.net or by calling the NJLCA at 201703-3600.

GardenerNews.com

April, 2017 23

They say a smile goes a long way, so why are so many people crabby?

I don’t mean crabby, “mean,” or crabby paddies, like on “Sponge Bob Square Pants.” I mean, why are so many homeowners obsessed and concerned about crabgrass?

If the warm weather continues like it started in mid-February, you may see crabgrass show its ugly face before summer arrives.

Homeowners from Virginia to New England started calling in February, asking, “Should I put down crabgrass control? Is it too late if it’s up to 70 degrees?”

Crabgrass starts to germinate when soil temperatures reach 55 degrees. Even if it has been 70 degrees outside a number of days, the soil temperature is not necessarily reaching 55 degrees. Even if the soil temperature does reach 55 degrees that means crabgrass “could” start to germinate.

Crabgrass can germinate over eight to 10 weeks based on different geographical locations. The amount of sun and soil types, and the health

you to apply grass seed on the same day is Siduron, the trade name is Tupersan.

Yes, you can apply this product and grass seed on the same day safely and the grass seed will still germinate. If you have bare spots, please do seed them this spring. If you do not, they will fill in with ugly weeds. If you only have a few bare spots the size of a towel or trash can lid or blanket, you can put these down over the spots you wish to seed, apply Dimension and then gently peel back the towel-blanket so no product drops on the area you are applying seed.

If the warm weather continues, you may seed the next stage of broadleaf weeds, including the dreaded dandelion, which could show up in your lawn soon. We’ll talk about that next month.

Good luck this year on your lawn adventures.

Turf ‘s Up

By Todd Pretz Professional Turf Consultant

Are you Crabby? of turf grass, play a large role in how well crabgrass establishes. If you have a soil thermometer, monitor the soil temperature at your home to decide when to apply controls.

If you have a healthy growing lawn, why are you so worried? A thick lawn is the best defense against crabgrass, other weeds, insects and drought. Have you been following my advice over the years on how to create a better lawn? Is it really a gamble to skip applying crabgrass preventer if you have a great looking lawn void of crabgrass for a number of years? I don’t think so. Why not give the environment a break or consider using an organic weed preventer, one that contains corn gluten?

If crabgrass has been a real big problem over the years, you want to apply a crabgrass preventer application in midApril and then again at the end of May to get better control into summer months of this pesky weed. Usually crabgrass appears midsummer along hot driveways or sidewalk edges or from heavy foot traffic that scuffs up the ground, perhaps killing some of the grass allowing crabgrass to establish.

Some of the older technologies that are available do not control crabgrass if applied after crabgrass germinates. This family of products is referred to as “dinitroanilines” or “yellow” products, including Team, Barricade and Pendimethalin.

But, have no fear…

Dithiopyr is here (that

rhymes). The trade name for Dithiopry is “Dimension” and there are lawn products available that contain Dimension crabgrass control.

There are many features of Dimension: it controls crabgrass before and after it germinates, up to the three-leaf stage of crabgrass growth. Dimension is clear and odorless, so no staining of sidewalks, shoes, fences or the dog will occur.

Dimension uses a teaspoon of active ingredient to treat a 5,000 square foot lawn area so it is very environmentally friendly, too. If you are planning to apply grass seed, do not use these products listed above.

If you are seeding, be careful what product you choose to apply to control crabgrass. One that allows

Editor’s Note: Todd Pretz is Vice President of Jonathan Green, a leading supplier of lawn and garden products in the northeast. For more information, please visit: www.jonathangreen.com

AT T E N T I O N L A N D S C A P E R S !

Visit the Turf-Pro Distributor near you for top-notch, professional landscape lawn care products: Joseph Golia Services 37 Vassar Ave. Stamford, CT 06902 203-324-6705

Country Mile Garden Center 1108 Mt. Kemble Ave Morristown, NJ 07960 973-425-0088

Pride Landscape Supply 350 Ernston Road Parlin, NJ 08859 732-721-0554

Route 7 Mason Supply 217 Ethan Allen Hwy/Rt 7 Ridgefield, CT 06877 203-664-1520

Empire Supplies 1232 North Ave. Plainfield, NJ 07062 908-668-0244

Sweet Valley Farms 1034 Rt. 202 Ringoes, NJ. 08551 908-892-9701

Lawton Adams Constuction 260 RT. 100 Somers, NY 914-232-3275

NEW JERSEY:

Goffle Brook Farm and Garden Center 425 Goffle Rd Ridgewood, NJ 07450 201-652-7540

W.H. Potter & Son, Inc. 470 Red Hill Road Middletown, NJ 07748 732-671-0552

Pollack Paint & Field 119 Woodworth Ave. Yonkers, NY 10701 914-968-6006

John Guire 187 Brighton Ave Long Branch, NJ 07740 732-374-9383

Carmel Winwater Works 86 Fair Street Carmel, NY 10512 845-228-4086

Mike’s Country Market 200 Riva Ave Milltown, NJ 08850 732-821-7144

Copia Home & Garden 475 Smith Ridge Rd. South Salem, NY 10590 914-533-7242

CONNECTICUT:

Animals & Gardens Unlimited 14 Jacobstown Rd. New Egypt, NJ 08533 609-752-0000 Celtic Concepts 91 Broad St Eatontown, NJ 07724 732-496-2113 Charlies Nursery 275 River Road N Arlington, NJ 07031 201-998-8206

NEW YORK:

Gedney Farms 870 Mamaroneck Ave White Plains, NY 10605 914-949-4100

Priority Landscape Design 1861 McDonald Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11223 718-376-3344

Whispering Pine Landscape Supply 1 Windsor Rd. Mahopac, NY 10541 914-248-5100:

PENNSYLVANIA: Prospero’s Nursery 1120 Knollwood Rd. Farm & Garden Station White Plains, NY 10603 1370 Almshouse Rd. 914-592-3748 Ivyland, PA 18974 215-396-6898 Sweetbrook Nursery 2371 Forest Ave Staten Island, NY 10303 718-448-5661

Moyer & Son Inc. 113 East Reliance Rd. Souderton, PA 18964 215-799-2004

4/17

24 April, 2017

GardenerNews.com

Power Equipment with No Gas, No Cord and No Emissions (Continued from page 1) gasoline-operated blower on wheels. Soon after that, I was using a two-cycle (gas and oil mix) engine backpack blower and a weed whacker.

The noise level increased dramatically. I found myself wearing ear muffs and/or ear plugs. It also made it harder to hear the call for lunch.

It also made my chores go faster. I didn’t have to worry about the dinner call.

With the advancement of technology came the everincreasing prices for power equipment.

Every day, there are sounds of gasoline-operated backpack and hand-held blowers, lawn mowers, weed whackers, hedge trimmers, etc., all throughout the neighborhood. Landscape contractors are in and out like the flash of lightning.

Now people are developing a problem with the noise and emissions produced by gasoline operated power equipment. Without these advanced tools, which are huge time-savers, we are going to go back in time. I think I might have a problem with going backward in time.

I’m always looking toward the future.

Several towns in New Jersey have either banned or are in the process of banning gasoline-operated backpack and hand-held blowers.

Homeowners and landscapers are being told to use rakes and brooms during certain times of the year.

Think about landscape contractors who base their

services on time. They will be forced to charge more if these advanced tools are taken away from their inventory.

Is there a solution in the future? There might be.

Another option that is being offered by the towns is the use of battery operated power equipment. The technology of these types of tools is slowly progressing to be the future of lawn and garden maintenance.

Advances have been made in the effectiveness of power and battery longevity. In my opinion, they do not have the same power as a gasolineoperated machine. Use of this type of equipment will have the same result at the end; it will just take more time to achieve it. I will say that they are much quieter. As times goes on and technology advances, I’m sure that the power will increase and the battery longevity will increase as well.

One advantage of not using gasoline-operated power equipment is the use of gasoline. It deteriorates over time, causing a heap of trouble in the carburetor department.

Even though engines are designed to run on ethanol fuel, the fuel in itself creates hard-to-start conditions in small engines. Back in the day, when gasoline power equipment arrived on the scene, the engines started up with a single pull of the cord.

Now it takes several tries.

And I mean several tries.

Ethanol fuel, a gasoline additive, is everywhere!

Nowadays, the gasoline you pump from almost every gas station contains a blend of gasoline and ethanol. The percentage of ethanol blend is indicated by the E number. For example E10 means the gas mixture contains 90-percent gas and 10-percent ethanol.

In automobiles, ethanol fuel won’t do much harm to your car’s engine. However, when you’re using gasoline with ethanol mixture in your outdoor power equipment, you run the risk of engine damage and incurring costly repairs.

Did you know that ethanol is also an excellent solvent.

Simply put, it will dissolve plastic, rubber, fiberglass and much more, potentially causing serious problems to small engines.

With all of this new technology come problems.

Every power equipment dealer out there will tell you to always keep your gasoline fresh! Never buy and store gasoline for more than a 30-day supply. And if possible, purchase ethanolfree gas.

I’ve listened to pros and cons on both gasolinepowered and batteryoperated equipment. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. In order to move heavy, wet leaves, you definitely need the help of a gasoline backpack or a hand-held blower. If you are working near an open door or a window, I think a batteryoperated backpack or handheld blower would be the

Tom Castronovo/Photo

Shawn Lipani, Manager of the Mower Shop at Central Jersey Nurseries in Hillsborough, Somerset County, holds a Husqvarna 136 LiHD45 battery-powered hedge trimmer.

Tom Castronovo/Photo

Claire Petersen walks behind a Stihl RMA 510 battery-powered lawn mower outside of her family’s power equipment dealership, The Eardly T. Petersen Company in Westfield, Union County, N.J. choice, because they don’t emit any fumes, making them environmentally friendlier.

This past winter, I used my gasoline backpack blower to clear the snow from my walk, steps and shrubs. It was quick, easy and clean. I also like to use my gasoline backpack blower to clean up my sidewalk, driveway and curb line after I apply granular fertilizer to the lawn. I don’t want to take a chance on any of it getting into the storm sewer and contaminating the underground aquifer system.

The only real problem I see right now with batteryoperated equipment is the higher cost. Gasoline equipment might be cheaper, but in the long run it will be more expensive. On the positive side, battery-operated power equipment does not require any mechanical maintenance such as tune ups.

And the operator comfort and ease of use is a positive, being that they are much lighter to

use than gasoline models.

When I need a new hedge trimmer, blower or weed whacker, I’m going for the battery-operated one. I have a pretty big lawn, so I’ll wait on the battery-operated lawn mower for a while.

The solar electric hybrid lawnmower is a story for another day.

Editor’s Note: Tom Castronovo is executive editor and publisher of Gardener News. Tom’s lifelong interest in gardening and passion for agriculture, environmental stewardship, gardening and landscaping, led to the founding of the Gardener News, which germinated in April 2003 and continues to bloom today. He is also dedicated to providing inspiration, and education to the agricultural, gardening and landscaping communities through this newspaper and GardenerNews.com.

GardenerNews.com

April, 2017 25

Farm To School and School Garden Fund Tax Check-Off Available Contributions to Help Improve Student Nutrition New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher reminds New Jersey taxpayers about an opportunity to support Farm to School activities in the Garden State through the “Farm to School and School Garden Fund.� This “check-off� can be found on Line 64, number 19, on the 2016 New Jersey State income tax form.

This new fund was established to allow taxpayers to donate a portion of their tax refund or make a contribution to help establish school gardens and purchase equipment and educational materials to promote students’ consumption of local produce. “Eating more fruits and vegetables is an essential part of a healthy diet and the Farm to School Program not only increases children’s consumption of produce but teaches them about good nutrition and where our food comes from,� said Secretary Fisher. “Contributions to this fund will go towards helping our schools and farmers connect and building school gardens.�

The New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School Program works to connect schools with New Jersey farmers to source more than 100 types of Jersey Fresh produce grown here in the Garden State. Opportunities exist for New Jersey farmers to provide agricultural products to school food service departments throughout the growing season. Serving more local produce in school cafeterias not only supports local farmers but helps improve student nutrition, provide healthy options and nutrition education opportunities that will last a lifetime.

The Farm to School Program also includes school garden activities, which teach students where food comes from by growing it themselves. Students benefit by learning the science behind farming and the nutritional values of fresh products and gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the environment. Educators can use school garden programs to teach any subject - math, science, language arts, health and nutrition, art or social studies. Farm to School Programs promote and create a sense of community for all involved.

For more information about the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School Program, visit www.farmtoschool.nj.gov.

Knock Out Roses Now Come In Three New Colors :(67 *529( 3$ ĘŠ 6WDU 5RVHV DQG 3ODQWV LV LQWURGXFLQJ WKUHH QHZ FRORUV WR WKH .QRFN 2XW 5RVH IDPLO\ ĘŠ the White Knock Out Rose, the Coral Knock Out Rose and the 3HDFK\ .QRFN 2XW 5RVH ĘŠ DIWHU D GHFDGH VLQFH WKH ODVW .QRFN Out introduction.

White Knock Out Rose’s pure white blooms and dark green foliage make the shrub rose stand out in a landscape. It blooms from spring through fall with a compact habit and a slight citrusy scent.

Coral Knock Out Rose’s unique color performs the strongest in hot, humid climates. When foliage is young, it gives off a bronze red color that accentuates the bold flowers. It blooms from spring through fall, producing an upright to rounded habit.

Peachy Knock Out Rose blooms a peach color combination of pink petals with a yellow center from spring through fall.

The color is more intense in cooler temperatures, and can fade to blush with the onset of heat and humidity.

N.J. Will Celebrate Arbor Day in Camden The New Jersey Tree Foundation is proud to be partnering with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection’s Urban and Community Forestry Program and the City of Camden’s Office of the Mayor to co-host the state’s 2017 Arbor Day event in Camden, Camden County. This event will commemorate 15 years of tree planting in the City of Camden while also recognizing the forestry accomplishments of cities and towns across the state. Trees will be planted at Camden Day Nursery School in enhanced tree pits designed to absorb stormwater runoff and reduce combined sewer overflows.

Arbor Day is April 28th, 2017.

Landscape Contractor’s Meet State’s Lieutenant Governor

Glenn Fisher/Photo

Nelson Lee, left, President of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association, and Richard Goldstein, right, Vice President of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association, spoke to New Jersey Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno regarding the well-being of the landscape industry in the Garden State at the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey’s Special Breakfast on Tuesday, March 7, at the Saddle Brook Marriott in Bergen County.

26 April, 2017

GardenerNews.com

The Premier Gardening Monthly Newspaper Number 168 Published Monthly Contact Information Phone: 908.604.4444 Website: www.GardenerNews.com E-Mail: Mail@GardenerNews.com Staff Executive Editor/ Publisher . . . .

Art Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tom Castronovo Justin Kukuc Tom Castronovo

April Columnists Tom Castronovo Evan Dickerson Douglas H. Fisher Larry Katz Craig Korb Steve Schuckman

TO RESERVE AD SPACE IN GARDENER NEWS CALL: 908.604.4444

Todd Pretz Nelson Lee Bob LaHoff Peter Melick Richard Perkins

Contributing Writers Bruce Crawford Brian Bosenberg Hubert Ling

Jeannie Geremia William A. Kolbe B.C.E. Lauren Errickson, M.S.

Gardener News is published monthly by

Gardener News, Inc. 16 Mount Bethel Road #123 Warren, NJ 07059 The Gardener News invites correspondences on gardening subjects of interest. Gardener News, Inc, and its Publisher reserve the right to accept, refuse, or discontinue any editorial or copy, and shall not be liable to anyone for printing errors, misinformation or omissions in editorial or copy. The information contained in articles herein represents the opinions of the authors and, although believed to be accurate and complete, is not represented or warranted by Gardener News, Inc. to be accurate or complete.

All advertising is subject to the Gardener News advertisement rates, and must be PAID IN FULL at time of submission. Publisher reserves the right at its absolute discretion, and at any time, to cancel any advertising order or reject any advertising copy whether or not the same has already been acknowledged and/or previously published. In the event of errors or omissions of any advertisement(s), the newspapers liability shall not exceed a refund of amounts paid for the advertisement.

NOTE: All editorial, advertising layouts and designs and portions of the same that are produced and published by Gardener News, Inc., are the sole property of Gardener News, Inc. and may not be reproduced in any form unless written authorization is obtained from the publisher. POSTMASTER: Send all address changes to: Gardener News, 16 Mount Bethel Rd - #123, Warren, NJ 07059. (c) 2017 Gardener News, Inc.

Full Moon, April 11, 2017 Eastern Daylight

TIP OF THE MONTH

Take care of your snowblower now so it works next winter. Siphon out as much of the gas as you can after the last predicted snowfall. (You can add it to your car’s fuel tank.) Then start the snowblower and run it dry. After the engine cools, drain the carburetor bowl. When you fuel up next winter, use only fresh gas to which you’ve added stabilizer. Remember, gasoline is a highly flammable liquid, and its vapors are hazardous to breathe. Therefore, work in a well-ventilated area, or better yet, outdoors if possible. And be sure to keep any electronics, sparks and open flames away from the machine at all times.

GardenerNews.com

April, 2017 27

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28 April, 2017

GardenerNews.com