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2011 & Directors 2011 VNLA VNLAOfficers Officer & Directors OFFICERS
1 YR DIRECTORS
2 YR DIRECTORS
President
SONYA L. WESTERVELT Technology ‘10 Saunders Brothers Inc 2717 Tye Brook Highway Piney River, VA 22964 (434) 277-5455 fax: (434) 277-5394 sonya@saundersbrothers.com
CHERYL LAJOIE Certification ‘09 Lancaster Farms 5800 Knotts Neck Rd Suffolk VA 23435-1353 757-484-4421 Fax: 7575-686-8637 Cheryl@lancasterfarms.com
MARK MASLOW Southern Landscape Group PO Box 397 Evington VA 24550-0397 434-821-6004 Fax: 434-821-2133 mark@soscapes.com Vice President STEVE GRIGG – Education Grigg Design Inc ‘09 8193 Euclid Ct #A Manassas Park, VA 20111-4810 703-368-7539 Fax:703-368-2894 sgrigg@gdiva.com Secretary/ Treasurer MATT SAWYER – Research Bennett’s Creek Nursery ‘07 5635 Shoulders Hill Rd Suffolk, VA 23435-1807 757-483-1425 Fax: 757-483-9058 Matt@bcnursery.com Ex-Officio Past President ED TANKARD – Resource Development Tankard Nurseries ‘07 PO Box 649 Exmore VA 23350-0649 800-552-2088x17 Fax:757-442-5372 ed@tankardnurseries.com Executive Director JEFFREY B. MILLER Horticulture Management Associates LLC 383 Coal Hollow Road Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 1-800-476-0055 Fax: 540-382-2716 info@vnla.org
VNLA Newsletter
VNLA Newsletter
STEVEN MOORE Legislative ‘10 Hortica Insurance 10800 Midlothian Tpk Ste 140 Richmond, VA 23235-2724 (804) 690-0071 Fax: (877) 221-5843 smoore@horticainsurance.com TOM THOMPSON, Environmental Affairs ‘10 Natural Art Landscaping 3540 S Belmont Rd Richmond VA 23234-2912 (804) 674-5703 Naturalartlandscaping @yahoo.com DOUG HENSEL Beautiful Gardens ‘08 Great Big Greenhouse & Nrsy 2051 Huguenot Rd Richmond, VA 23235-4305 804-320-1317 FAX: 804-320-9580 doug@greatbiggreenhouse.com
Educational Advisors DR. ROGER HARRIS VA Tech Horticulture Dept Head Saunders Hall (0327) Blacksburg, VA 24061-0001 540-231-5451 Fax: 540-231-3083 rharris@vt.edu Dr. Laurie Fox HARAREC 1444 Diamond Springs Rd Virginia Beach, VA 23455-3351 (757) 363-3807 ljfox@vt.edu
JOHN BARBIERI Membership ‘08 Riverbend Nursery 5408 Meadow Chase Rd Midlothian, VA 23112-6316 804-363-6758 Fax: 804-639-5905 john@riverbendnursery.com MATT SHRECKHISE Communications ‘08 Shreckhise Nurseries PO Box 428 Grottoes, VA 24441-0428 540-249-5761 fax:540-249-5762 Matthew@shreckhise.com
MANTS’ DIRECTORS DOUG HENSEL’92 The Great Big Greenhouse & Nursery 2051 Huguenot Rd Richmond, VA 232354305 804-320-1317 FAX: 804-323-6247 JOHN LANCASTER ‘02 Bennett’s Creek Nursery 3613 Bridge Road Suffolk, VA 23435-1807 757-483-1425 FAX: 757-483-9058 TOM SAUNDERS ’96 Saunders’ Brothers Inc. 2508 Tye Brook Hwy Piney River, VA 22964-2301 804-277-5455 FAX: 804-277-8010
VIRGINIA REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Central Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association Jim Hassold 804-377-1977 Jim@glenallennursery.com
Eastern Shore Nurserymen’s Association John Owen 757-442-6717 jkgrowen@verizon.net Hampton Roads Nursery & Landscape Assoc Cheryl Lajoie (757) 484-4421 cheryl@lancasterfarms.com Northern Virginia Nursery & Landscape Assoc Paul Eden (703) 327-5161 x299 peden@ southridingnurseries.com Piedmont Landscape Assoc Brian Sobel 434-672-6655 bryans43@gmail.com Shenandoah Valley Nursery & Greenhouse Assoc Matt Shreckhise 540-249-5761 matthew@shreckhise.com
Beautiful Gardens® Plant Introduction Program LISA LIPSEY Program Coordinator VA Tech Dept of Horticulture (0327) Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231- 6961 Fax: 540-231-3083 llipsey@vt.edu
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Table Contents Table ofof Contents Ad - Bennett's Creek Nursery ..................................... 13 Ad - Bremo Trees ....................................................... 68 Ad - Buds & Blooms Nursery .................................... 27 Ad - Buy NCPlants.com ............................................. 56 Ad - Cam Too Camellia Nursery ................................ 11 Ad - Carolina Bark Products....................................... 54 Ad - CW Reeson Nursery ............................................. 5 Ad - Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia ..................... 21 Ad - Fair View Nursery .............................................. 54 Ad - Farm Credit ......................................................... 68 Ad - Goodson and Associates ..................................... 49 Ad - Gossett's Landscape Nursery .............................. 57 Ad - Guthrie Nursery .................................................. 57 Ad - Hanover Farms ..................................................... 7 Ad - Hardwood Mulch ................................................ 33 Ad - Hawksridge Farms .............................................. 51 Ad - John Stanley Associates ..................................... 48 Ad - Johnston County Nursery Marketing Assoc ....... 61 Ad - Lancaster Farms.................................................. 61 Ad - Landscape Supply ............................................... 45 Ad - Lilley Farms & Nursery...................................... 25 Ad - Maryland Plants & Supplies ............................... 53 Ad - Mid-Atlantic Solutions ....................................... 39 Ad - OHP - Biathlon ................................................... 19 Ad - Pender Nursery ................................................... 67 Ad - PLANTSOURCE N.C. ....................................... 41 Ad - Plantworks Nursery ............................................ 44 Ad - Shreckhise Nurseries .......................................... 29 Ad - SiteLight ID ........................................................ 31 Ad - Tankard Nurseries .............................................. 23 Ad - TD Watkins .......................................................... 5 Ad - Turtle Creek Nursery .......................................... 26 Ad - Virginia Turfgrass Council ................................. 62 Ad - Waynesboro Nurseries.......................................... 9 Ad - Willow Springs Tree Farms................................ 16 Ad - Winfall Nurseries................................................ 16 Editorial - Can we make it through another recession?7 Editorial - How slow is too slow?................................ 9 Events - Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course ....... 58 Events - Piedmont Landscape Assoc 29th Seminar ... 55 Events - South Carolina Trade Show/Seminars.......... 63 Events - Waynesboro Workshop ................................ 55 Legislation - ANLA Updates ..................................... 38 Legislation - How To Contact Congress ...................... 6 Letter - Agriculture In The Classroom ......................... 7 News - "Angry Mob" Derails Christmas Tree Promotion Program ........................... 10 News - Boxwood Blight: New Disease of Boxwood Recently Found in SE U.S. .... 20 News - Good News from Turfgrass Producers ........... 23 News - Homeowners Have to Follow the Law, Too‌.22 News - New Specialty License Plate Supporting Community Trees Available for Pre-order ... 12 News - Pest Alert: Japanese Cedar Longhorned Beetle................................... 18 News - Plant More Plants retail partners .................... 26 News - Roger Harris named Dept. Head .................... 24 4
News - State Fair of VA Files Reorganization ........... 11 News - VA Tech Biological Systems ........................25 News - Website Provides Resource for Planting in Greener Fashion ...................40 Research - Liverwort Control Update ......................... 42 Research - Non-Chemical Solutions To Reduce Root Escape In Pot-In-Pot Production .... 44 Research - Post-emergence Weed Control.................. 43 Tips - 10 New ideas from the Trade Shows ................ 47 Tips - Accepting Credit Card Payment On Your Mobile Phone .............................52 Tips - Landscape Safety .............................................. 50 Tips - Maintaining Customer Relationships .............. 53 Tips - Preparing Your Business for an I-9 Audit .......50 Tips - Sustainable Practices for Designed Landscapes for Landscape Bidding ........... 52 Tips - Sustainable Practices for Designed Landscapes (Part 1 of 3)............................ 29 VNLA - Beautiful Gardens 'VT Spirit' Daylily ............2 VNLA - Certification Class/Test Schedules ...............37 VNLA - Certification Promotional Signs ...................36 VNLA - Certification Quiz #58 .................................. 35 VNLA - Certification Quiz Article #58 ......................29 VNLA - Certification Test Application ......................60 VNLA - Certification Test Application ......................59 VNLA - Member Profile: Fort Valley Nursery ..........17 VNLA - Photo Contest Rules...................................... 15 VNLA - Photo Contest Winners ................................. 14
November / December 2011
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November/December 2011
Support VNLA Member Growers! online @ www.vnla.org/ For a print copy, contact the VNLA Office at 800-476-0055 VNLA Newsletter
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VNLA VNLAMission, Mission, Vision Vision and and Objectives Objectives for for 2006 2006
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dee2@sangresundance.net www.sangresundance.net dee2@sangresundance.net • www.sangresundance.net
PO Box 81402••970-240-0743 970-240-0743 November / December 2011 September/October 2011 55 PO Box1895 1895• •Montrose, Montrose, CO CO 81402 July/August 2006 2006 January/February
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Vol. 81 No. 6: November/December 2011 Editor: Jeff Miller
Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. 383 Coal Hollow Road; Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Internet E-mail Address: info@vnla.org www.vnla.org (Association Info) www.VirginiaGardening.com (Consumer Info) Telephone: 540-382-0943 or 1-800-476-0055 Fax: 540-382-2716 Disclaimer: Published for your information, this newsletter is not an endorsement for individual products or editorial comments.
President’s Message
With the new year upon us, it is time to address a few housekeeping items that will require each member’s attention. First, the General Assembly starts on January 11, 2012. This session is likely to be as busy as last years where we will need membership input. If there is specific legislation that you have concerns about, please voice them to our legislative chair or to Jeff. Without membership input we can not be sure we are lobbying in the best interest of our membership. By now, you will have probably taken our short survey in regards to legislative efforts, if not, please go to the VNLA website to do so. Be on the lookout for more information regarding the handing out of Violets to our legislators. We always need more volunteers to help with this PR event at the General Assembly in Richmond. Something else that we need is volunteers! We are actively scouting members that would be willing to participate as an at-large board member in the upcoming year. As we work diligently towards our strategic plan, we want people to join our team 6
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who can help push us forward. Do not be shy about offering your assistance. If you are unsure how you can help, just call me personally and I will talk to you about ways we could benefit from your service to the VNLA. Lastly, we need you to recruit membership. I am asking each current member to try to solicit one person to join the VNLA. We are continuously trying to grow our organization and your assistance in doing that is needed. When you are talking to potential members you could use the following three talking points to encourage members to join. 1. The VNLA is actively lobbying on behalf of its member organizations to prevent harmful legislation that could potentially hurt your business. 2. The VNLA has a remarkable certification program that you can participate in which will add to your credentials. The certification program is something you can use to market your skills to clients or employers. 3. The VNLA is a mega tool for funding research in the horticultural world. This research ensures that we as professionals are using the most up to date technology and methods. November / December 2011 November/December 2011
I hope everyone had a nice holiday break and I look forward to another great year with the VNLA! Mark Maslow, VNLA President mark@soscapes.com
434-546-1169
How to Contact Congress To contact your congressman and senator, go the www.vnla.org and click in the legislation tab/button, and then click on the “Legislative Update” or go directly to: http://capwiz.com/anla/va/home/
Here, you can find your congressman and senators’ contact info and can email them directly from this link. There are also summaries of current issues and sample letters. “The squeaky wheel gets the oil!”
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Support VNLA Member Growers! online @ www.vnla.org/ For a print copy, contact the VNLA Office at 800-476-0055
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
LetterLetters - Agriculture Thank you for supporting our 7th AnIn The Classroom nual Legislative Golf Tournament on
In the12 midst a volatile Springs market, you've June at of Mattaponi Golf made an investment in the future of Club. We had a terrific response with agriculture in Virginia that promises 112 players including a number of great returns...and that's no bull! Beelected and appointed state officials, cause of you, teachers in Virginia have 18-hole sponsors, three food and bevaccess to lessons and resources to teach erage sponsors and numerous spontheir students about the many ways that sors of and prizes. ThisBecause is a subfarminggifts impacts our lives. of stantial increase from past years you, teachers trained at Agriculture in thanks to your efforts. the Classroom workshops will touch thousands of not Virginia this This event is only a students very enjoyyear. Because of you, students have an able way to promote agribusiness to opportunity to learn about the food and all participants, but it also contributes fiber that sustain us all. to the Council’s ability to represent Thank you for interest the Virginia Nursery the and our industry’s throughout Landscape of $1,500, year with Association's the GeneralgiftAssembly, received September 2011.agencies, Your gift Governor’s office 30, state will help teachers in Virginia learn congressional delegation and the genabout agriculture and empower them to eral public. Our significant accomdeliver accurate information to their plishments are attributable to the supstudents. Please accept sincere gratport you provide. Thankour you. itude for your belief in the work of the
We look forward your joining us Agriculture in the to Classroom program.
again nest year for out 8th Annual gram's success with you during the Legislative gold Tournament. coming year. In the meantime, please
know howVirginia much Agribusiness we appreciate your Sincerely, Council support. Editor’s Note: The VNLA was a team F. Pryor President sponsor,Wayne prize and give away contributor and a hole sponsor. contact Karen Davis at 804-290-1142 or Karen.davis@vafb.com Arbor Day Thanks
Many thanks for the wonderful VNLA - Website Swamp White Oak that Upgrade was donated to Lorton Library for Arbor Day this year. It’s doing well and sprouting new growth even as I write. An article about the ceremony was featured on the library website www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ lo/oaktreeplanting.htm. It was a lovely
day and I know our neighbors will enjoy the tree for many years. Sincerely, Lorton County Library
BeEditor’s watching for the new upgraded Note: Vice-Presiden,, Louwebsite Kobus, with provided thestore tree and VNLA online on behalf of VNLA. member login to update your information.
We look forward to sharing the pro-
VNLA –Summer Editorial - CanBoard we Meeting Minutes make it through another
Friday, June 23, 2006; recession? 9:00 am to 12:30 pm If the “GreatRoom, Recession” can Inn, be likVirginia Hampton ened to a Front massive coronary for the Royal, VA U.S. and world economies, then I 9:00 a.m. Callsaytothat Order – Richard guess we can we are still in Johnson, President meeting intensive care and called in the the process of to order with the following people undergoing extensive rehab. Recent present: Lizzy Jeff indicators also Pine, pointLesley to an Pine, economy Miller, Bonnie Appleton, Duane that isn’t responding as quickly as Shumaker, and Billy we’d hopedButch to theGaddy, medication and Crigler. rehab we’re in the process of administering. Guest Introductions – Bill Dutcher, President CVNLA, was introOn top ofofallthe this, our national debt duced and thethe meeting. debates andwelcomed reluctancetoon part of Congress to make the tough Secretary’s Report, Butchdecisions Gaddy has put usthat in athe non-enviable position reported minutes had been heading guess thatand is printed ininto the 2012. VNLAI Newsletter what S&P was hinting at in its downemailed to the Board. A motion was grading U.S.the treasuries in made to of accept minutes, earlier seconded the year given that a big part of its and passed. rating model is a reflection of current political environment. However,
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S&P’s unprecedented action hit the markets hard with its conclusion that our government is incapable making any rational decisions regarding our debt situation. While all of us are frustrated, the decision by S&P couldn’t have come at a worse time. What irks me about S&P’s downgrading and the subsequent market malaise is that once again we let this firm’s actions influence us unduly. Remember this is the same firm that missed the entire mortgage-backed securities problem right under its nose and gave Lehman Brothers a triple-A rating right before it tanked. Yet we let one company with a track record like this once again ignite disruption in the markets? Someone please explain to me the logic in that. The Federal Reserve and other regulators immediately pointed out the $2 trillion mistake in S&P’s math and warned folks not to take this downgrade seriously, but to no avail – the roller coaster in the stock market had already begun to take shape. The G-7 also stepped up and said that regardless of the rating, they were willing to do what it takes to keep liquidity flowing in financial markets worldwide. So what does this mean for the economy in general? First, most economic forecasters (with fairly accurate track records) are projecting modest GDP growth during the remainder of 2011 and into 2012. Consumer spending is expected to show modest signs of life after a disappointing showing the first half of the year. There are even modest projected gains in employment, if you can believe it. Housing activity is still expected to rise only slightly, particularly in the construction sector. The widening spread between rents and costs of home ownership are creating opportunities in the rental market, which may be a good thing since we need a more mobile work force in order for 8 8
folks to move to areas of the country where jobs are available. Business investment in new equipment and commercial real estate is expected to increase slightly in 2012 – a good thing since government spending is likely to scale back considerably, not only at the national level, but the state and local levels as well. Commodity prices fluctuations should lessen over the next year easing inflationary pressures. The Federal Open Market Committee has elected to keep the fed funds rate at near zero through mid-2013, an extension of their earlier policy and they have removed the quarterpercent interest rate it pays on the reserves banks hold at the Fed. Banks will likely be more willing to lend if they are not getting a risk-free, though negligible, return from socking away money at the Fed. This is good news for businesses as we head into 2012 that are looking to make strategic investments. Bottom line, the health of the economy is extremely fragile, with some of our leading indicators continuing to be negative, yet some trending positive. Mixed performance in the economy coupled with extreme weather conditions makes for a terribly challenging environment. I remain optimistic about the recovery, but then again, as you know, I pretty well find the silver lining in most economic storms. But what if my optimism does not pan out and things do not continue to improve, even modestly? What if Europe’s financial market unravels and propels the rest of the world into Great Recession: Part 2? What if the gloom and doom economists are the ones that are right and this is only the beginning of financial Armageddon in this country? Can we as an industry make it through another recession like this one?
have reason to believe that firms that are: (a) well positioned with their customers in the marketplace, (b) not overleveraged, and (c) clearly articulating their value proposition will be ok. However, those that aren’t probably won’t be around much longer. We will likely see continued structural changes across the industry supply chain as we morph into the more compact and efficient industry of the next decade. This will not only mean fewer key players in the industry but deeper, more strategic relationships among those left from the transition. We are not going to look the same; not even close. Yes, we (as an industry) will still be around (if we maintain our value, relevance, and authenticity to our end consumers), but the factors that will guarantee success in the future are going to change. Better brand management, more detailed SKU movement and replenishment analysis, greater efficiency in distribution and logistics, closer integration of genetic innovations and supply levels with consumer demand, and the assimilation of innovative marketing technologies (social media and otherwise) are the new key success factors of the future. Notice that growing a quality plant isn’t listed; that’s because it’s a given. Got to quality to even play in the game. Master these KSF’s and you’ll not only be postured better for the potential double dip in the short-run (if it does occur), but you’ll lay the groundwork for solid performance during any future economic downturn. Speaker at NLAE Webinar, Dr. Charles R. Hall, Ellison Chair in International Floriculture, 202 Horticulture/Forest Science Building, 2133 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-2133, Phone: (979) 458-3277, FAX: (979) 845-0627, E-Mail: chall@tamu.edu, Website: http://EllisonChair.tamu.edu
If I can elaborate on a couple of my comments a few months back, I still November / December 2011 November/December 2011
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Editorial - How slow is too slow?
To say that the economic recovery has been uneven is to restate the obvious. Initially, growth came back strongly, boosted by inventory rebuilding and strengthening private sector activity. Last summer, however, the recovery started to weaken and has slowed down markedly this year. Temporary factors, such as spiking commodity prices and supply chain disruptions related to Japan's natural disaster, held back economic activity earlier this year. But the slowdown cannot be explained by those factors alone. Over the past few quarters, the recovery has lost its momentum, and downside risks to growth have risen notably. Consumer spending, which accounts for approximately 70 percent of total demand, grew very modestly in the first half of this year. The higher cost of living and
the weak labor market are the likely culprits that have discouraged consumers from increasing their expenditures significantly. Recent consumer spending numbers were a bit higher than expectations, but still not at a level that would make for a robust recovery. But, at least consumers are spending, and at a level that is higher than pre-recession levels. The depressed state of the housing market is probably the bigger culprit that continues to discourage consumption, particularly for big-ticket items. The stream of foreclosures is continuing to contribute to a high inventory of homes for sale and keeping downward pressure on home prices. This inventory must clear out before we will start seeing any major improvement in new housing starts. Slow improvement in the labor market has been particularly disappointing. Job growth remains too low to bring down the unemployment rate, which remains slightly above 9
percent. People in all age groups continue to leave the labor force, and the employment-to-population ratio is now at its lowest level in over 25 years. Ironically, there are jobs in certain parts of the country, but qualified folks are straddled with mortgages to get there. The entitlement mentality that “everyone deserves to own his or her own home� has bitten us in the rear. At a time when we most need a work force that is mobile, they are anything but. In response to the slew of weakerthan-anticipated data, most economic quant-jocks (forecasters) that I follow have revised down their long-run estimates of gross domestic product (GDP) projections for this coming year and the next. The silver lining however is that they are projecting growth and not the other way around. Although the overall picture has worsened, there remain pockets of strength in the economy. Business investment is growing, in part sup-
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ported by low financing costs. Export growth also remains solid as economic expansion continues in our major trading partners. Employment in the energy sector has increased, providing a big boost to the local economy in energy-producing areas. On a national level, the negative effects of the unusual forces that restrained the economy in the first half of this year have diminished. While financial risks have increased (mainly from Standard & Poor’s downgrading of U.S. treasuries, most economists (including myself) do not expect a recession relapse. In my view, there is sufficient fundamental strength in the economy for a modest cyclical recovery to proceed while the process of necessary structural adjustments moves along. I personally believe the unemployment rate will come down very gradually over time, but there may be a new, higher level of what constitutes “normal” unemployment. One of the major structural adjustments that is currently holding back the recovery is deleveraging. Deleveraging is the process of reducing the debt burden of a household, a business, or a government. It has proved to be a potent force that has reduced the economy's ability to heal more quickly after the last financial crisis and the ensuing recession. Debt is not, in and of itself, a bad thing. Debt supports economic growth by allowing households, businesses, and governments to smooth their spending and investment over time. Borrowing and lending helps facilitate the allocation of capital to productive uses in the economy. But high debt levels can also result in lower economic growth and this is indeed what we have witnessed. Declining home values along with rising unemployment have set in motion a process of deleveraging by the household sector. Household deleveraging has occurred mostly through a combination of increased 10 10
savings, debt repayment, and also debt forgiveness. At the same time, there has generally been less access to credit for households as a result of stricter underwriting standards. The inability to qualify for home equity loans and other forms of credit has slowed the pace at which households replacing paid-down debt take on new debt. The effect is to reduce their debt burden over time. From its peak in 2009, total household debt has declined to around 90 percent of GDP (the lowest level since 2005), and the household savings rate has risen to about 5 percent. While the private sector—households and businesses—has made notable progress in lowering its debt burden, discussions of how to reduce public debt have only just begun. The government still needs to introduce major policy changes to put public debt on a sustainable path. Demographic trends (e.g. fewer Gen X’ers in the age bracket associated with maximum income earning and taxpaying) will make public debt reduction even more challenging. It is necessary that the process of deleveraging plays itself out, which may take several more years. But keep in mind that economies that are deleveraging cannot grow as rapidly as they might otherwise. That being said, we will likely see continued structural changes across the industry supply chain as we morph into the more compact and efficient green industry of the next decade. This will not only mean fewer key players in the industry but deeper, more strategic relationships among those left in the aftermath of the transition. Bottom line -- we are not going to look the same as an industry in the future; not even close. That might not be a bad thing. Speaker at NLAE Webinar, Dr. Charles R. Hall, Ellison Chair in International Floriculture, Phone: (979) 458-3277, FAX: (979) 845-0627, chall@tamu.edu, http://EllisonChair.tamu.edu
November / December 2011 November/December 2011
News - " Angry Mob"Derails Christmas Tree Promotion Program
The Obama administration has done an about-face on a new industrysupported promotion program. Last week’s Newsbrief reported on the long-awaited establishment of the Christmas Tree Promotion, Research and Information program, a partnership between the fresh Christmas tree industry and USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). The industry-driven program, years in the making, was intended to address lagging sales and changing consumer demographics in the real tree industry. Its structure, scope, and industry buy-in were shaped by a national Christmas tree industry task force. The program was formally proposed late in 2010 by USDA-AMS for two public comment periods, and was finalized on November 8, 2011. As finalized, the “Christmas tree check off” program would have levied an assessment of $0.15 per fresh Christmas tree produced, cut and sold by U.S. growers, or imported from Canada, in order to fund industrydriven promotion and research efforts. The program included a small producer exemption, and an exemption for fully organic producers. It enjoyed the broad support of growers and Christmas tree associations. Yet, things went terribly wrong for program proponents. Immediately after the rule was published, the conservative Heritage Foundation and opportunistic lawmakers, including Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC), attacked the VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
program as a tax, and the story went viral in even the mainstream media Environmental Affairs Report with minimal fact checking. Suddenan industry-driven to xly, Water withdrawal program regulations shape its live ownbodies futureofpotential from water is was still mischaracterized ongoing. We willaskeep“President memberObama taxing your Christmas ship posted as new tree.” details emerge. In the face of a hostile media barrage,
announced that the rulefolks would xUSDA Working on tiger baler to be set aside for an undetermined consider coming to field dayperithis od of Said usa what frustrated Chris yeartime. to show machine is Beytes of Ball Publishing Company, capable of. “I guess the media thinks it’s better to xbuy Need to stay on keeping a plastic tree vigilant from China than a up with all areas of the state to real tree from an American grower, tabs on any water restricwhokeep will be forced to sell his farm to tions that may be welfare imposedtoinfeed ara developer and go on eas with insufficient rainfall. his family.”
xIt is Have sent requests goverunclear if two and when thetoprogram Kaine’s to office to pass an exwill nor be allowed proceed; certainly, ecutive order to happen continue the nothing is expected before work of the invasive plants counJanuary, but 2012 election year poliRichmond. tics cil mayincontinue to stymie the effort. Meanwhile, other industries article with x Green industry recycling theirasown check-off programs, rangreminder on plastic and poly ing from pork to watermelons, are
mobilizing in the face of this new threat: the policy equivalent of an recycling still running in newsletangry mob capable of derailing a sisters to remind members of option ter industry’s own fledgling promoin TIMONIUM, MD. tion program. Submitted by: Rich Johnson, Written by, Craig Regelbrugge, ANLA Chair Of Environmental Affairs
Legislative Committee VNLA - Website Upgrade Lou Kobus, Chair
Around the Commonwealth The crops had been planted, summer arrived, school was let out, but the Legislature labored on. The regular session was adjourned on March 11th, but Gov. Kaine called the General Assembly back into special session on the 27th to address the budget and transportation issues. Finally on June19th the Senate approved the Be watching for the new upgraded budget, with the House concurring on VNLAthwebsite with online store and the 20 . Gov. Kaine has up to seven member login to update your infordays to offer amendments, veto, or mation. veto specific provisions, after which the General Assembly will reconvene to consider his recommendations and
News - State Fair of VA
take a final vote. However, Gov. Files Reorganization Kaine is requesting the lawmakers to return in August to re-address the transportation issues. In the meantime, a review of legislation considered in the regular session follows.
AGRITOURISM PASSED SB38 limiting the liability of persons engaged in the business of providing agri-tourism activities for the public when certain conditions are met such SFVA, Inc., Seeks Voluntary as posting a warning notice, ensuring Re-organization to Restructure that no Debt, dangerous conditions Fully Expects to exist, and the owner is not negligent. PaContinue Normal Operations, tron: Sen. Reynolds (D-Henry) Emerge and Host Events
BIO-FUELS Caroline County, Va.(December 1, 2011) SFVA, Inc., (SFVA) the notPASSED for-profit corporation that operates the HB680 establishing the BioState Fair&1423 of Virginia, today voluntarily fuelsfor Production Incentive Grant Profiled Chapter 11 bankruptcy protecgramto restructure & Fund for ten years which tion its debt. provides grants to producers of bio-
Ad –- Cam Cam Too Too Camellia Camellia Nursery Nursery
VNLA Newsletter 14 VNLA Newsletter
November / December July/August 2006 2011 November/December 2011
11 VNLA Newsletter 11
State Fair officials said they fully intend to continue normal operations during the bankruptcy proceeding and emerge on a firm financial footing. Curry A. Roberts, president and chief executive officer of SFVA, said the filing was necessary because the financial portfolio underlying its bank loan is currently half of what it was in 2007. The large majority of the loss occurred during the stock market drop in 2009, making it untenable to indefinitely continue paying principle and interest under the original loan structure. "The State Fair has operated in Virginia for 157 years and we will take every step necessary to protect and continue this wonderful tradition," Roberts said. "This is a one-time financial event which should support continued operations and allow SVFA to emerge with a sustainable financial structure. This is the responsible step to take to support the Fair and our other operations." Roberts said SFVA is current on its loan payments and that its multifaceted operations remain strong, with 2011 on track to be its best year ever in terms of total number of events and attendance at its location near Doswell, Virginia. Attendance at the State Fair two months ago posted a 32 percent increase in paid attendance over 2010. SFVA is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit corporation and receives no state or local operating support. It is one of only a handful of state fairs in America structured to operate without public funding. "SFVA is much more than just one event," Roberts said, "and we're so much more than midway rides and fried candy bars. Each year we provide a venue for tens of thousands of youth and families to showcase their farm animals, enter apple pies and Brunswick stews in food competitions and display quilts, paintings and handmade crafts." 12 12
Since its inception in 1854, the State Fair of Virginia has generated funds for youth to continue their education. Since 1989, more than $1.7 million in youth scholarships has been distributed to Virginia students to pursue post-secondary studies.
News - New Specialty License Plate Supporting Community Trees Available for Pre-order
In 2011, attendance at the State Fair was 269,000, and according to research, the number one reason to attend the fair was cited as animal agriculture. "The State Fair of Virginia is the Commonwealth's largest outdoor classroom," Roberts said. Roberts and SFVA board member William S. Mistr, a retired executive with Dominion Resources, Inc., made the announcement during a conference call today with the news media. The two said the organization had been working cooperatively with its lenders for two years to reach a new agreement. The decision to file for voluntary bankruptcy protection was made by the SFVA board unanimously after the organization could not reach a new agreement with the lender group. "We absolutely intend to emerge from this proceeding stronger than before with a sustainable financial model that will allow the State Fair of Virginia to build on its tradition of showcasing Virginia's cherished agricultural and rural traditions for generations to come," Roberts said. Roberts emphasized that SFVA will continue to operate as officials work through this proceeding. SFVA's regular calendar of events will proceed as scheduled. SFVA also operates the Strawberry Hill Races, founded in 1895, and the Meadow Highland Games & Celtic Festival, founded in 1995.
A new specialty license plate is available for pre-order in Virginia. The Virginia Loves Trees license plate features a community skyline enhanced by trees (with one tree even featuring a swing) in eye-catching blues and greens and is designed to raise awareness of the value of community trees in Virginia. In Virginia, 450 plates must be presold before the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will put the proposed plate into production. Pre-sales of the Virginia Loves Trees plate began October 1, 2011. After 450 are sold, funds are turned over to the DMV and plates will be available at any DMV location. Plates can be ordered online, or in the mail using forms downloaded from the Virginia Loves Trees website (www.valovestrees.org ). Supporting organizations include the urban forestry program at Virginia Tech in the College of Natural Resources & Environment, Trees Virginia, the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, and the Virginia Green Industry Council.
State Fair of Virginia; Doswell, VA (804) 994-2800 www.statefairva.org
November / December 2011 November/December 2011
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
Our plants are featured based on the characteristics for which they are most appreciated. You will find the main feature of each plant listed on the top right corner of its tag.
BLOOMS BLOO
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Go ahead …. shoot! Go …. shoot! Go ahead ahead …. shoot! a Plant Go ahead Plant…. shoot! a aNursery a Plant
Nursery a LandscapeaDesign or installation a Nursery a you Plantthink Landscape Design or installation any Green aIndustry object would make a great a Landscape Design or installation a Nursery any Green Industry objectphoto you think would make a great any Green Industry object you think would make a great a Landscape Design or installation photo VNLA – Photo Contest any Green Industry objectphoto you think would make a great photo
August 2011 - Jennifer Seay
Insert previous photo winner from Mar/Apr issue, page 13 “Iris sibirica”
June 2011 - Kelly Connoley-Phillips
Photo folder: IrisDSCF8271_edited1.jpg
October 2011 - Dwayne Jones
VNLA Photo Contest VNLA Photo Contest A winner and prize for each bi-monthly VNLA newsletter VNLA Photo Contest A winner and prize for – 6each totalbi-monthly per year. VNLA newsletter A winner and prize for each bi-monthly VNLA newsletter VNLA Photo Contest 6 total per year. One Grand Prize –winner chosen at the end of the year.
February 2011 - Brian D. Ross, Sr
December 2010 - Stephanie Blevins
April 2011 - Jane O’Keeffe
–winner 6each total per year. A winner and prize bi-monthly VNLA One Grand Prizefor chosen at the end of thenewsletter year. One Grand Prize – winner chosen at the end of the year. 6 total per year. Details at: www.vnla.org/AboutVNLA/photography_contest.htm DetailsGrand at: www.vnla.org/AboutVNLA/photography_contest.htm One Prize winner chosen at the end of the year. Details at: www.vnla.org/AboutVNLA/photography_contest.htm
Details at: www.vnla.org/AboutVNLA/photography_contest.htm
Winner of the November/December 2011 Photo Contest
Fall at Merrifield Garden Center
Photo Winner: Michele Fletcher Michele Fletcher Landscape Designs, Rockbridge Baths, VA
“Garden Center Displays” Category “
Win $50, submit your photos! Good Luck and Happy Photographing!
January/February Issue will be for the “Open Category” Photo Categories for 2012 • • • • • •
Jan/Feb - Open Category Mar/Apr - Landscape Designs May/Jun - Hardscapes Jul/Aug - Landscapes Sep/Oct - Grower Production Techniques, People at Work Anywhere Nov/Dec - Garden Center/Landscape Displays
VNLA - Photo Contest Rules 1. The contest is open to any photographer (amateur and professional) except members of Board of Directors of VNLA and their families. Entries are limited to VNLA members and their staff. 2. Each photographer may enter up to three (3) digital images per Newsletter deadline (see #6). Email images to info@vnla.org. Include your name, phone number and occupation. . One winning entry per photographer per year. You may re-enter non-winning entries. 3. Please e-mail images separately. Feel free to elaborate on any story surrounding the photograph. Photos should be 300 dpi high resolution. 4. All photographs submitted must have been taken within the past five years. 5. All photographs must be related to the Green Industry. The subject can be located in a nursery, back yard, or in a landscape--just so it is obviously related to the green industry profession. 6. Deadline for submission is 5:00 p.m. on the Newsletter Copy Deadline, which is the 15th of January, March, May, July, September and November. All submissions become the property of the VNLA. 7. Model Release forms are required with each photograph which contains a clearly identifiable person. Release forms are available from the VNLA office, on request, and are also available for download from the VNLA website at Model release in MS Word format or Adobe PDF format. Judging done by the VNLA Communication Committee. All decisions are final.
Plan for future Photo Contests Now!
VNLA Newsletter
VNLA Newsletter
November / December 2011 November/December 2011
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Susan Day, faculty member in the Shorts urban News forestry -program at Virginia Tech,Garden urges supply prospective buyers to dealers orderpost a plate as soon as record June gainspossible. “Plates won’t go into production until The latest from Re450 are report ordered, so the the National sooner those tail450 Federation shows building material founding plates are sold, the and garden supply dealers posted sooner the DMV can begin producing steady growth last month, up 8.4% unplates.” According to Day, “the value adjusted from the previous June. Howof the plate isn’t just supporting ever, seasonally adjusted comparisons community trees monetarily, from the previous month showbuta also 1% showing to isother Virginians you decline. This in line with thethat overall caresales about treeswhich in your neighborretail forthe June, show strong hood and community—it raises year-over-year increases but peoflat ple’s awarenessgains. of a valuable compomonth-to-month Sales rose 6.7% nent theirbutcommunity that 0.2% many over lastofyear, increased only take for granted until it is gone.” seasonally adjusted over May. “After months of speculation, consumers area The Virginia Loves Trees plate is beginning to pull back,” said NRF chief revenue-sharing specialty plate, economist Roasalind Wells. “Retailers meaning that $15 of the $25 plate fee can expect the second half of the year will go to the sponsoring organizato show moderate gains due to the tions. Revenue sharing begins slowdown in the housing market after and the first 1,000 plates are sold. Curother economic factors.” rently revenues will be divided between Trees Virginia and the Urban Forestry Program at Virginia Tech to fund education, outreach, and part-
AdAd –
nerships around Target the state to enhance Virginia’s community tree canopy. now second most-shopped retailer The plate was designed by a student Target is now second only to Wal-mart, graphic design group atForward’s Virginia Tech according to Retail recent and Tech marketing students are put- of ShopperScape report. One-quarter ting U.S. together a planhousehold to help spread the all primary shoppers word throughout the state. However, visit a Target, Target Greatland or Suat least 450store plates must beThe pre-sold perTarget monthly. report before this community tree promotion also found the retailer racks up repeat program Two-thirds can begin. of Target’s past 6visitors. month customer base returns to its Visit www.valovestrees.org for more stores on a regular basis. Children’s information or to order a plate. apparel, decorative home fashions, Dr. Susan D. Day, Assistant Professor,and small housewares and appliances Department of Forest Resources toys generate the most interest among & Environmental Conservation shoppers. Target and Wal-Mart typi& Dept. of Horticulture, Virginia cally share customers, the reportTech, shows. 310 Cheatham Hall, Blacksburg, VA Weekly Dirt, Carol Miller, 540-231-7264 sdd@vt.edu cmiller@branchsmith.com
New England summer retail sales slide
After a strong April, garden center sales across new England hit a decline due to a stretch of rainy weekend, said Bob Heffernan, Conn. Nursery & landscape Association Executive Secretary. Soggy gardening conditions were problematic Winfall Nurseries Winfall Nurseries Ad - Willow enough for the Boston Globe to run an article on the situation in June. Sale were particularly bad north of
Connecticut, he said. Many garden centers still have their yards filled with spring inventories. Area landscapers report more stable, steady business.
New tax deduction could apply to growers A new tax deduction could apply to nursery crops, ANLA has announced. The deduction, part of the American Jobs Creation Act, applies to gross receipts of any sale, exchange or other disposition of qualifying production property grown or extracted in the US. The deduction was phased in at 3% and will increase to 9% by 2009. One restriction is that the deduction cannot exceed 50% of wages paid by the taxpayer that year. The deduction is also available to individuals via their adjusted gross income. ANLA helped secure the online new tax deduction for nursAvailable at www.vnla.org/ ery growers in cooperation with the Foronline a print @ copy, contact the VNLA www.vnla.org/ SmallOffice business Legislative Council in at 800-476-0055 2004. For a print copy, contact the VNLA info@vnla.org Office at 800-476-0055 Science takes a shot at dormant weed seeds
Support VNLA Support VNLA Member Growers! Growers! Member
Weed control can be tricky, especially considering weed seeds can lie dormant for years waiting for favorable condiSprings Tree Farms tions. USDA scientists are looking at developing fungi and bacteria that will target these banks of thousands of million of dormant seeds. The concept is to bolster the activity of beneficial microbes that already exist in the soil. This concept could be considered “prepre-emergence control,” as traditional pre-emergence herbicides kill weed seeds just at the stage of germination when tiny seedlings are emerging from seeds. Weekly Nursery E-Mail, Todd Davis,
tdavis@branchsmith.com
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November / December 2011 November/December 2011
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
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Member Profile – Fort Valley Nursery and variety of plants and associated products and garden gift items, but also provide a unique shopping experience.
Brief History of Fort Valley Nursery Warren Schennum’s business partners, Randy and Terry Fogle, “moved to the Fort Valley in the fall of 1979 to begin a wholesale growing operation of field grown trees; target market: the Washington DC area. While the first crop was growing to marketable size, Terry and Randy did landscape maintenance; which built a customer base that evolved into landscape design and installation; a means of using what they grew. In 1984, this further evolved into a small garden center at the corner of Rt. 11 and Rt. 42 in Woodstock, the busiest traffic corner in Shenandoah County; another means to market what was grown in the "Fort". In March of 1988, the business had grown to the point of needing more manpower. Thus..the move with Warren’s family from Illinois to Virginia to join Terry and Randy as a partner in the business. Terry managed the retail operation; Randy the growing VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
The inclusion of the Garden Café in our garden center offers their customers the unique opportunity to have lunch or a glass of wine while they shop. The facility is also available to rent for events such as weddings, receptions, meetings, etc. The rest...as they say...is history.” operation on the farm in Fort Valley; and I would manage the landscape division, both designing and installing with Terry and Randy's help. The garden center grew into an important stop for plant lovers in the Shenandoah Valley. The farm began growing one (1) gal. perennials, utilizing a "pot-in-pot" tree growing operation in addition to the field grown trees and shrubs. The landscape design and installation service grew to include a full-time designer and eventually 2 crews; one for planting and one for hardscaping.
In 2006, as we outgrew the original 1.5 acre site, we began construction on our new garden center on 5 acres in the "commercial growth" area of Woodstock. This new garden center for Fort Valley Nursery has allowed them to expand not only the quantity November / December 2011 November/December 2011
Warren Schennum is co-owner of Fort Valley Nursery. Their market niche is the “baby boomer generation who “appreciate a unique shopping experience with the best service and plant selection” The nursery’s mission statement says “enhancing life with beauty, quality and expertise” Warren, Terry and Randy all met as employees of ChemLawn Corporation, in the Chemscape division in the late 1970s. The nursery lately has one of its biggest challenges in “building a new garden center the same year as the economy began to tank.” However in the future they hope to bring a new 17 17
aspect of hardscaping to their customers by doing paver driveways. Warren is currently transforming his driveway to use as a marketing tool. Warren says that he wishes that he knew when starting the business is that it takes marketing wizardry to make your business a destination place to shop.
Woodstock Fire Department. Warren’s hobbies are model railroading, golf, reading, VT football, Chicago Bears football, and playing hockey when there is ice available.
Some Interesting Facts About Warren: Favorite Plant: “Sugar Maple” Dislikes: “Plants that are pruned to look perfectly round or square.” Best Habit: “Being organized and thinking things through.” Worst Habit: “Too much work, not enough play.” Dream Vacation: “Visiting Norway, the home of my ancestors.”
Warren says that the industry has progressed from selling the bread and butter plants to more and more cultivars that provide more color, interesting foliage and compact growth. Every homeowner wants low maintenance plants and drought tolerant plants also. He says that he feels the slow economic recovery will greatly influence the green industry the next few years. He says that once the housing industry improves and new home construction picks up; so will the sale of plants and landscape installation. In the next ten years our industry will not reach the point it was before the downturn.
Hero: “My Father. His willingness to help friends and neighbors and his hard work ethic.” Favorite Quote: “Get the big picture”, my father’s favorite advice Aspirations: “Get the business back to a profitable level, sell it and retire.” Hardest part of the workday: “After a 10 hour day on a job site, returning to the office to do paperwork and make contact with customers that have called.” Best Part of the Workday: “Completing a landscape project and hearing that the homeowners are delighted with the outcome.” Helpful Hint When Handling Employees: “Treat them with respect and value their work. Without them your business would not succeed.”
Warren attended the University of Illinois and graduated in 1975. He was the outstanding senior in Forestry when he graduated from the University. He is a Virginia Certified Horticulturist and also an ISA Certified Arborist. He is also on the town of Woodstock Tree Board. He is also a member of the 18
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Hottest upcoming trend: “The creation of outdoor living spaces with outdoor kitchens. People are moving their lives outdoors again.” Best advice you ever received: “Always do the best you can in whatever endeavor you take on. Learn something from every job you perform, no matter how insignificant it may be.” How or why your Company managed to stay in business so long:” Delivering outstanding service to our cusNovember / December 2011 November/December 2011
tomers, working hard at every aspect of our business and having great business partners that are in it for the same reasons.” Most significant mentor: ”Gary Yew, who was Chief of the Woodstock fire department when I was Assistant Chief.” He had the ability to command with confidence and calmness had a great influence on how I developed as a fire department officer and landscape manger. Edited by Sandy Miller
News - Pest Alert: Japanese Cedar Longhorned Beetle Found in Maryland For The First Time I wanted to inform you that Japanese Cedar Longhorned Beetle, Callidiellum rufipenne, has been found and identification confirmed in Maryland for the first time. It was found on Cryptomeria japonica ‘Yoshino’ planted in the Severn area of Anne Arundel County. Identification was made by Gaye Williams and has been confirmed by SEL. We have been in contact with the Department of Agriculture of the out of state supplier of the nursery stock to see if the problem started there and are currently performing a survey in Maryland to determine whether it is established in the area where the infested stock was planted. Further information will be forthcoming as we get it. Be on the lookout for this pest. It was detected due to dieback of leaders and branches of the infested plant material. Fully developed adult beetles were found in tunnels in the infested plants. From: Bob Trumbule, Entomologist, Maryland Department of Agriculture Plant Protection and Weed Management, 301 982-3224, A USDA Pest Alert is available at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/jclbp ale.pdf
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
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News - Boxwood Blight: A New Disease of Boxwood Recently Found in SE U.S. Boxwood blight (also called “box blight” in Europe), caused by the fungal pathogen Cylindrocladium buxicola, was reported for the first time in the U.S. at two North Carolina production nurseries in October, 2011. Boxwoods originating from an infected block of plants at one of the North Carolina nurseries were planted in two production fields in Virginia. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are developing and implementing mitigation strategies aimed at aggressively removing the pathogen from infested fields and stopping the spread of this disease.
Figure 2: Dark stripes of cankers caused by C. buxicola
Infected branches develop long blackish-brown cankers that appear as stripes on stems (Fig. 2).
History
Figure 3: White stellate spore masses of C. buxicola
Boxwood blight was first reported in the United Kingdom in the early to mid 1990’s and had spread through Europe and New Zealand by 1998. The origin of the pathogen is unknown. It is not known how C. buxicola was initially introduced to the two North Carolina nurseries.
In mild, humid conditions the fungus produces clusters of white spores visible to the naked eye. Development of these spore clusters can be stimulated by incubating infected branches in a moist chamber for 24 to 48 hours at 70°F to75°F (Fig. 3).
Signs, Symptoms, Impacts
Figure 5: Healthy root system of boxwood infected with C. buxicola.
Repeated defoliation and multiple cankers can predispose plants to other diseases, such as Volutella blight, resulting in decline and eventual death. One unique characteristic of C. buxicola is that it does not appear to affect roots like other Cylindrocladium species (Fig. 5). This enables roots to regenerate and support new growth after a severe infection. Although boxwoods are not typically killed directly by C. buxicola, rapid defoliation renders boxwoods unmarketable and gardens unsightly. This disease thrives in humid environments, which are typically present in production nurseries and propagation houses. Once boxwood blight is established in production nurseries, regular use of fungicides is required to control the disease to produce a marketable product, thus significantly increasing production costs. Furthermore, C. buxicola has caused significant damage to boxwoods in European landscapes, which suggests this disease can potentially damage historic boxwood gardens in Virginia.
Biology
Figure 4: Cylindrical spores of C. buxicola on a boxwood stem Figure 1: Defoliated boxwood crop, caused by C. buxicola.
C. buxicola infects leaves and branches of boxwoods, causing severe defoliation and dieback (Fig. 1). 20
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The spore clusters consist of mycelial stalks (called conidiophores) bearing cylindrical spores. The spores can be viewed with the aid of a microscope (Fig. 4). November / December 2011 November/December 2011
All known species and varieties of boxwoods (Buxus spp.) are susceptible to C. buxicola. The pathogen spreads via air currents. The spores are activated by water and are most infective during high humidity and when spread by wind-driven rain or water splashed from overhead irrigation. The pathogen forms resting propagules (called microslerotia) within infected plant tissue. C. buxVNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
icola survives as microsclerotia in fallen leaves, other plant debris and in soil for years even after plant material decomposes. Infested leaf litter has been shown to harbor viable C. buxicola propagules for at least 5 years in soil. Long distance spread of this disease occurs via movement of infected plants, infested plant debris, soil or equipment.
Diseases that can be confused with Boxwood Blight
hough Volutella may follow Cylindrocladium infection, Volutella buxi is also an opportunistic pathogen that Symptoms of several other diseases is common on boxwood stems and of boxwood, including Volutella foliage following spring frost injury blight and root rot diseases, could (Fig. 6). ESN-117 Map with Ad/4.5x7.25 10:27 AM Page 1 be confused box blight.8/30/04 Alt-
Ad - Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia
Management When C. buxicola is introduced into a production nursery, regular applications of a registered fungicide are required to control outbreaks to produce a marketable crop. Increasing space between plants may reduce humidity in the presence of sufficient air movement and reduce spore production and infection by this pathogen. Overhead irrigation generates the humid conditions optimal for disease development and should be avoided. A drip irrigation system or another suitable irrigation system that does not create excess moisture or humidity is recommended. C. buxicola is not known to be established in Virginia or any other region of the U.S. The current strategy of nurseries should be to prevent this disease from spreading. When purchasing plants and rooted cuttings, examine plants carefully for symptoms. Closely monitor the new stock for symptom development and quarantine new stock from other nursery stock for several months after purchase. Asymptomatic boxwoods can act as a “Trojan horse” in the nursery, since symptoms may develop later. Suspect symptoms should be reported to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services or your local county Virginia Cooperative Extension agent (http://www.ext.vt.edu/offices/ ).
WH O C A R E S T H AT WE’RE PLANTED ON THE EASTERN SHORE? Maybe you should care. The Eastern Shore of Virginia is unique place – a narrow peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, we’re blessed with temperate growing conditions, refreshing shore breezes and plenty of sunshine year round. Which gives us the perfect environment Eastern for growing happy, healthy plants. Plus we’re in Shore the ideal location to get our plants to you ASAP. Nursery Of Call Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia Virginia today to order plants that have the best start in life money can buy. Keller, Virginia • 1-800-323-3008 • www.esnursery.com
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Figure 6: Symptoms of Volutella blight caused by C. buxicola.Volutella buxi on boxwood. Note spore masses on stem.
Like Cylindrocladium, it causes dieback of individual shoots but does not infect the roots. Volutella can be distinguished from Cylindrocladium by the color and shape of the spore masses: in contrast to the white stellate spore clusters (Fig. 3) of Cylindrocladium buxicola, Volutella forms salmon-colored amorphous spore masses (Fig. 7). Fungicides are not effective for controlling Volutella blight.
Figure 8: Browning of boxwood roots and foliage caused by Phytophthora root rot
These soil-borne pathogens do not directly infect the stems and no fruiting structures are formed on stems or leaves. Cultural problems, such as poor drainage or deep planting, can also cause a general dieback on boxwood. Norm Dart, Virginia State Plant Pathologist; Mary Ann Hanse, Extension Plant Pathologists, Virginia Tech; and Elizabeth Bush, Pathologists, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
News - Homeowners Have to Follow the Law, Too….
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The Act has very specific requirements for anyone who is using pesticides including homeowners. § 3.23939 B makes it…unlawful for any person to use or cause to be used any pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling or regulations of the Board… In addition, § 3.2-3914 requires Every pesticide manufactured, distributed, sold, offered for sale, used, or offered for use shall be registered. The “Label is the Law” is one of the best known phrases used when teaching applicators about the following the label. Homeowners, just like commercial applicators, have to follow the label and only use registered pesticide products. Laws and regulations are designed to ensure the protection of human health and the environment and reflect the differences in who is making the application. The Act has very specific requirements for commercial pesticide applicators and application businesses. For example, § 3.2-3930 (A). states
Figure 7: Salmon-colored spore masses of Volutella buxi on boxwood stem (Image courtesy of Florida Division of Plant Industry Archive, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org.)
Nematode feeding and fungal root rot diseases of boxwood, such as Phytophthora root rot and English boxwood decline, cause a more general dieback of the plant. Browning of fibrous roots is obvious when soil is washed from roots (Fig. 8).
owners make applications to their own property and use fewer pesticides. The pesticides which they purchase are typically only available at reduced concentrations or dilutions compared to those used by commercial businesses. While it is true that not all portions of the Virginia Pesticide Control Act (Act) and Regulations Pursuant to the Act (Regulations) apply to homeowners, they do have to follow certain portions of the Act and Regulations when applying pesticides.
We are often asked …“why do commercial pesticide applicators have to follow all these laws and regulations, for example, certification and recordkeeping, when homeowners, who buy and use the same products, don’t have to? Why are there different requirements? It is primarily because homeNovember / December 2011 November/December 2011
No person shall use …. or supervise the use of any pesticide in exchange for compensation of any kind …without first obtaining certification as either a commercial applicator or registered technician. In addition, § 3.2-3924 (A) states No pesticide business may sell, distribute, or store any pesticide without a VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
pesticide business license . These portions of the Act would not apply to homeowners. Commercial applicators and pesticide businesses are applying pesticides to someone else’s property, and are using pesticides (typically at higher concentrations) much more frequently than homeowners. More frequent usage results in increased exposure of applicators to pesticide residues as well as increased opportunities for releasing pesticides into the environment. Because of these reasons, they are subject to a greater number of laws and regulations such as those related to certification, licensing and recordkeeping. While we do not inspect homeowners routinely, the Office of Pesticide Services does investigate tips, complaints and any incidences related to the misuse of pesticides. Even though the homeowners are not required to meet all the same requirements as commercial applicators, they can be subject to enforcement actions, for example, civil
penalties for violations of the Act and Regulations. While we work with pesticide educators to train certified applicators and registered technicians, reaching the ~8 million citizens of Virginia to provide pesticide safety information can be challenging. The Virginia Pesticide Control Board recently launched a new website dedicated to providing pesticide safety information to homeowners. The website is designed to provide consumers with a central source of information on proper pesticide application methods, personal protection and tips on hiring a professional. The website also has resources that may be valuable to professionals. To learn more visit www.vapesticidesafety.com . You are also encouraged to share this website with your clients. Liza Fleeson, Program Manager & Micah Raub, Program Coordinator, Office of Pesticide Services, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
News - Good News from Turfgrass Producers International!
Turfgrass Producers International along with our coalition partners has had success in convincing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to remove the 40% turfgrass restriction in the landscape section of their WaterSense program. The EPA has announced a "Notice of Intent" to remove the 40% turfgrass restriction from the WaterSense single-family new home specification to accommodate for varying regional climate conditions. "Many TPI members may not realize the efforts that have gone into getting this done. This is a huge success for TPI and our coalition partners who have been working on this for over 3 years and have repeatedly met with EPA in an effort to remove the turfgrass restriction," said TPI's Ex-
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ecutive Director, Kirk Hunter, who was actively involved in meeting with and providing information to EPA decision-makers in Washington. The WaterSense single-family new home labeling program that enabled a new home to qualify for a WaterSense label had previously contained two options for landscape design: (1) adhere to water budget tool, or (2) restrict the use of turfgrass to 40 percent of the landscapable area.
News - Roger Harris named head of the Dept. of Horticulture at Virginia Tech
With the recent announcement by WaterSense, the only requirement for builders wishing to be eligible for this labeling would be to adhere to the water budget tool.
The official WaterSense "Notification of Intent" to remove the 40% restriction can be viewed at the following location: http://www.epa.gov/watersense/docs/NH _modification_NOI-final_508.pdf, Jim Novak, Public Relations Mgr., jnovak@TurfGrassSod.org Turfgrass, Producers International, Dundee, IL 847-649-5555
BLACKSBURG, Va., Nov. 2, 2011 – Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has named J. Roger Harris, of Blacksburg, Va., head of the Department of Horticulture, effective Oct. 1. Harris has held this position on an interim basis since July 2008. “The Department of Horticulture is a vital component of the college’s academic programs and its sustainability and green industry efforts, supporting Virginia communities and pioneering research in the field,” said Alan Grant, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “The college has truly benefitted from Roger’s experience and leadership. We are very pleased that he will continue serving the department in this capacity and that he is committed to leading its future growth.” Virginia Tech’s Department of Horticulture (http://www.hort.vt.edu/) offers graduate and undergraduate degrees in a range of applied plant science topics — from landscape design and sustainable urban landscaping to biotechnology, crop production, and plant breed-
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Harris first came to Virginia Tech in 1993 as an assistant professor and has taught classes in nursery crops, plant propagation, and landscape contracting. He has focused much of his research on tree establishment and root growth and has authored more than 60 manuscripts in scientific journals, along with numerous other publications. He has also advised more than a dozen graduate students on their research, theses, and dissertations. Prior to joining Virginia Tech, Harris worked at nurseries in Michigan and Virginia. He then moved to Florida where he worked as chief horticulturist for the largest landscaping company in northern Florida for 11 years.
Hunter went on to say, "Through our coalition efforts, we have also submitted letters and comments regarding the IGCC (International Green Construction Code) limitation of 40% turfgrass in the landscape which may have been influenced by the initial guidelines proposed by the EPA that are now going to be removed." Response from various green industry organizations echoed TPI's enthusiasm over the decision. John Farner, Federal Affairs Director for the Irrigation Association commented, "This announcement by WaterSense is a huge win...and green industry partners should celebrate."
ing. The department maintains active research and outreach programs that focus on solving applied plant science questions with state, national, and international impact.
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Harris earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial management from Georgia Tech and another in horticulture from Michigan State University. He also holds a master’s degree in environmental horticulture from the University of Florida and a doctorate in urban horticulture from Cornell University. He is a member of the American Society for Horticultural Science, the International Society of Arboriculture, and the Arboriculture Research and Education Academy. Nationally ranked among the top research institutions of its kind, Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (www.cals.vt.edu/) focuses on the science and business of living systems through learning, discovery, and engagement. The college’s comprehensive curriculum gives more than 2,400 students in a dozen academic departments a balanced education that ranges from food and fiber production to economics to human health. Students learn from the world’s leading agricultural scientists, who bring the latest science and technology into the classroom, Lori Greiner, (540) 231-5863, lgreiner@vt.edu
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News - VA Tech Biological Systems College Of Agriculture And Life Sciences Names Mary Leigh Wolfe Head Of Biological Systems Engineering BLACKSBURG, Va., Oct. 21, 2011 – Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences recently named Mary Leigh Wolfe of Blacksburg, Va., head of the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. “Dr. Wolfe has been providing outstanding leadership as interim head of the Department of Biological Systems Engineering (www.bse.vt.edu/ ) since December 2009,” said Alan
Grant, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “We are excited that she will continue her oversight of the department’s research and educational programs in the areas of land and water resources engineering and bioprocess engineering, as well as its Extension and outreach programs.” The biological systems engineering department - with undergraduate programs in the College of Engineering in addition to research and outreach programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is one of the oldest departments at Virginia Tech, having been established in 1920 as the Department of Agricultural Engineering. Today, the department’s programs integrate the biological sciences and engineering to solve agricultural, biological, and urban problems, supported by more than $6.5 million in external research funding every year. The graduate program is currently
ranked seventh nationally among similar programs by U.S. News & World Report, while the undergraduate program ranks ninth. Wolfe’s research and teaching efforts focus on hydrology, nonpoint source pollution control, and watershed management. She also conducts research related to engineering education and was a co-principal investigator on a National Science Foundation grant for department-level reform of undergraduate engineering education, titled “Reformulating General Engineering and Biological Systems Engineering Programs at Virginia Tech.” Wolfe is the U.S. project director for a student exchange and faculty mobility grant funded by the Department of Education and the European Commission. She has been active in engineering accreditation since 1991 through service to ABET, the accreditation organization for applied science, computing, engineering, and
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technology degree programs. Through the course of her career, Wolfe has received numerous awards, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary’s Honor Award, the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) Fellow Award, and the Virginia Cooperative Extension Natural Resources and Environmental Management Flagship Award. She serves on the board of directors of the ASABE Foundation and ABET. Wolfe earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural engineering from Virginia Tech, followed by a doctorate in agricultural engineering from the University of Minnesota. She began her career at Virginia Tech as an associate professor in 1992 and has served as the assistant department head for teaching since 2005.
Life Sciences (www.cals.vt.edu/) focuses on the science and business of living systems through learning, discovery, and engagement. The college’s comprehensive curriculum gives more than 2,400 students in a dozen academic departments a balanced education that ranges from food and fiber production to economics to human health. Students learn from the world’s leading agricultural scientists, who bring the latest science and technology into the classroom. Lori Greiner, (540) 231-5863, lgreiner@vt.edu
Nationally ranked among the top research institutions of its kind, Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and
News - Plant More Plants retail partners
It’s been more than a few months since we've given our retail partners an update on Plant More Plants. We're still getting good reviews from all sectors on the campaign. We'd hoped to be able to make a splash with more advertising this fall, but that didn't work out. But thanks to partners in Extension, Master Gardeners and others, Plant More Plants had displays at the Chesterfield Fair, the Virginia State Fair, at the Virginia GoGreen Festival and in two weeks at the Lynnhaven Now Festival in Virginia Beach. Facebook, Twitter and the blog also continue to grow.
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At Buds & Blooms we put in a lot of effort to grow stronger, healthier & the most beautiful plants. We also put in a lot of effort to deliver them to you in perfect condition. That’s why we have our own fleet of shelved delivery trucks. Every order you get from us arrives at your door in better shape, with informative color picture tags ready for your customers. Call us today & see how better grown plants from Buds & Blooms will help grow your sales!
Bloom After Bloom, Year After Year.
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Since our last note we've also gotten some survey information that helps show Plant More Plants was a success with the audiences we were trying to reach in Richmond, Hampton Roads and the D.C./Northern Virginia markets. So here are a few updates:
Research on the impact of PMP's spring campaign Soon after the campaign was completed, the Southeastern Institute of Research conducted online surveys in the three markets above plus Baltimore. The results have a standard 3.8 percent +/- margin of error. Their research showed that 21 percent of those surveyed had heard of and recalled the campaign. That may not sound like a large number, but it is extremely healthy for a campaign with our budget spread over three markets. It also translates to 1.56 million people in those three markets seeing and recalling Plant More Plants. Of that number 20 percent, or 312,000 people said they made a change in their landscaping practices as a result of seeing the campaign. The top three changes were "planting plants that would thrive in the conditions of their yard", "prepared the soil for deeper root growth" and "planted natives." Another 36 percent said they planned to make a change in the near future. Of those people who visited www.plantmoreplants.com, looking up local retail locations was the most cited use.
Retail Survey We had seven of our partners, who manage more than half of the 35 retail centers on the website, report their spring sales and respond to the two page survey we sent out. Because the sales figures were reported in several different ways it was difficult to say definitively what impact the campaign might have had. But it did appear that, compared to last year, this year's overall sales were down considerably in March, were up to some degree in April and May and down slightly in June. This would seem to 28 28
correspond with the campaign that started in Mid-March and ran well into May. Respondents seemed to agree that the campaign might have helped slightly, that weather seemed to help and that, again this year, the overall economy hurt. Respondents also reported that they were seeing more interest in native plants and that they would be willing to use PMP banners or signage (if we provided). There were mixed reactions to holding workshops and ask the expert days. There also seemed to be more interest in doing future advertising in the fall with lighter advertising in the spring.
Plant More Plant materials When you became partners each of you were sent a supply of palm cards and bumper stickers. We've since had both reprinted and have them available. We also have Plant More Plants banners available. Rather than just ship these out, we're trying to work with some of our partners to have them hand deliver these materials over the winter. We're thinking we might wait until closer to the spring season so they don't get misplaced in the meantime. But if you would like yours sooner, please let me know.
Future advertising We are still seeking funds to do another round of TV, online and radio advertising. It now looks like we might try to do some light advertising in the spring, perhaps focusing on radio, and heavier advertising in the fall of 2012. Nothing is carved in stone yet. I would be interested in finding out which of you would be interested in doing some trade-outs as part of any radio advertising. (i.e. you provide $25, $50 gift certificates to help increase radio time). Obviously we'll keep you posted as the funding situation becomes clearer.
An idea for a spring promotion As I mentioned, the retail survey showed there is more interest now in native plants. We've also heard that November / December 2011 November/December 2011
from talking with several of you. We hear from both consumers and retailers that it is hard to display natives. While Plant More Plants is not a native plant campaign we do encourage their use. On www.plantmoreplants.com we have four different landscaping or rain garden plans that feature native plants. The idea behind these particular plans is to show how you can incorporate rain gardens and native plants into an attractive overall landscaping plan for your home. One of our partners with Extension suggested that these plans could serve as the base for a nice display on natives. There are four plans, two appropriate for coastal Virginia, two for Piedmont. We've checked and about 90 percent of the natives are shown as available from Virginia nurseries as listed in the 2011 VNLA Growers Guide. Again, developing a native plant display using a portion or all of one or more of these plans might be a good way to help tap into what appears to be a growing market. You can go here to find the plans: http://www.plantmoreplants.com/reso urces-plans.shtml.
Social media Hopefully we'll never send you an update without reminding you of the opportunities Plant More Plants provides with our blog and Facebook and Twitter accounts. Please use Facebook and Twitter to announce sales, events or any kind of happenings. Likewise if you're interested in providing a blog please contact Julie Buchanan our campaign's social media coordinator. She is copied on this note so you'll have her address. I guess that's about it for now. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or Julie if you have any questions, concerns or ideas. Gary Waugh, Public Relations Manager, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, (804) 786-5045
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Tips – Sustainable Practices for Designed Landscapes (Part 1 of 3) VNLA – Certification Quiz Article #58
If you are a Virginia Certified Horticulturist, read this article and answer the quiz questions on page 35, fax/mail the Quiz Answer postcard and get 1 CEU towards your re-certification requirements.
Site Selection & Planning For guidance on the siting of facilities, agencies should refer to Instructions for Implementing Sustainable Locations for Federal Facilities.6 The Sustainable Locations document in-
cludes information on how site selection can promote transit-oriented development, walk ability and bike ability, and support development in existing central business districts and town centers. The planning stage of a sustainable landscape begins with an assessment of existing site conditions, resources, and opportunities by an integrated design team with expertise in landscape design, site engineering, and sustainable construction and maintenance practices. The information gathered during this stage can be used to evaluate opportunities and to incorporate existing resources into the site design. For example, microclimate conditions may influence building orientation and existing landscape materials may be reused or recycled. Elements of the site selection and planning stage should reflect the
complexity of the proposed action and include the following recommendations. A. Assess opportunities for site sustainability: This assessment should include environmental, economic, and social equity analyses and should inform decisions on site design, construction, operations, and maintenance. The assessment should determine if the site is a designed historic landscape and identify any contributing historic elements. Moreover, opportunities should be identified to protect and improve ecosystem services and sustainable strategies to guide the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the site. B. Use an integrated site development process: A multidisciplinary team experienced in sustainable practices, historic buildings,
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and cultural landscapes should be included in an integrated design, planning and implementation process. The team should document the integrated site development process, develop a communications process, identify site sustainability principles and goals, create a program plan, engage stakeholders and user groups, develop and manage construction oversight strategies, and create a landscaping maintenance and monitoring plan. In addition, the team should conduct an assessment of cultural, historic, and archaeological resources and options for sustainable outcomes that minimize adverse effects to those resources. C. Engage users and other stakeholders in the site design: Stakeholders include site users, affected government agencies at the Federal, state, and local levels, and members of the affected community. Stakeholders should be engaged during the site design process to identify their needs and concerns, and local knowledge from the community should be utilized. Supplemental outreach and engagement may be required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA),7 Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)8 and The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties with Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes. D. Avoid development of prime farmland: Protect soils designated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as prime farmland, unique farmland, or farmland of statewide importance.10 Additional information on the preservation of agricultural land is available in Section III, Soils, of the Sustainable Sites Initiative Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009. 30
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E. Preserve areas with permeable soils (Hydrologic Soil Group Class A and B, as defined by the National Cooperative Soil Survey) to the extent possible, for use in storm water infiltration and groundwater recharge. F. Protect floodplain functions: Protect floodplain functions of the site by avoiding or limiting development within the 100-year floodplain. G. Protect and conserve existing landscapes, forest and wilderness areas: In urban settings, use existing buildings and building sites, and introduce trees and other vegetation on available lands. In rural and suburban settings, conserve forest and wilderness areas, and re-forest on available lands. H. Preserve wetlands: Coordinate with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure all activities that impact wetlands are in compliance with Clean Water Act requirements. Avoid development of areas that contain wetlands, including isolated wetlands. Enhance degraded wetlands to compensate for any wetland or other natural values lost as part of site development. I. Preserve or restore continuous riparian buffer widths: When feasible and appropriate, preserve or restore continuous riparian buffer widths for natural drainages including ephemeral and first order streams. When feasible and appropriate, use the most stringent recommended buffer width for the applicable stream order and eco-region. Recommended buffer widths for water quality generally range from 50 feet to 175 feet, although smaller buffer widths may be applied to lower order streams. Riparian buffer widths of 300 feet or more have been recommended to maintain wildlife corridors along streams and rivers. J.
Minimize site disturbance: Min-
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imize the need to grade the site by concentrating development in areas with minimal nonengineered slopes and existing infrastructure and mitigate any construction disturbance. Avoid mass grading in favor of disturbing areas only as they are worked and stabilized before grading the next area. K. Preserve historic properties, including landscapes and archaeological sites: Protect properties and landscapes listed on, or eligible for, the National Register of Historic Places. Additional information on this type of development can be found in Section VIII of this document or in Sustainable Strategies for Existing and Historic Facilities. Where culturally significant buildings and landscapes exist, consider reuse of the buildings to minimize new materials use, waste, and negative effects on the landscape that can occur through construction, such as compaction and vegetation removal. Where possible, designate protection zones for areas containing archaeological sites and contributing features. Where adverse effects are unavoidable, minimize or mitigate those effects as required by law in the National Historic Preservation Act under Section 106. L. Preserve threatened or endangered species and their habitats: Avoid development of areas containing habitat for threatened or endangered plant and animal species. M. Improve linkages and connections to surrounding destinations and neighborhoods: New development should connect to existing open space corridors, sidewalks, transit, bike lanes, trails, and street networks. It should also incorporate urban design features and elements from surrounding neighborhoods (streetscaping, wayfinding, etc) to VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
ensure new development compliments existing community characteristics. N. Develop a network of complete streets: Where a project involves the development of a street network, the street design should support multiple modes of transportation in addition to ecosystem services. Streets should be designed to promote and facilitate safe pedestrian and bicycle activity. O. Incorporate security design opportunities: Thoughtful use and design of setback space can provide an opportunity to activate underutilized space, while increasing the safety of employees and integrating the building with the local community. Setback space can be used to enhance employee and community morale by preserving or enhancing open space, creating outdoor spaces for social interaction such as pedes-
trian plazas, gardens or amenity areas for employees and visitors. Permanent landscape security features such as tables, benches, seating walls, planters, and changes in topography may be incorporated instead of bollards or fences.
Soils Soils are complex, dynamic, living systems with both biological and nonbiological components. Soil provides a physical anchor for plants; a medium for water retention, infiltration, and availability; a site for exchange and retention of air, water and soluble nutrients; and a host for mycorrhizal association that aids water and nutrient uptake and the breakdown of plant organic matter. Ecosystem services and environmental values associated with the soil ecosystem include water infiltration, water filtration, carbon sequestration, optimization of the vegetative bio-
mass, and significant reductions in the use of potable irrigation water, fertilizers, and pesticides. Adverse influences such as compaction, chemical contamination, excessive slopes, and reduced organic matter and biological activity can negatively affect physical and biological conditions and thereby inhibit healthy soil processes. Where feasible, landscape practices should conserve, restore, and manage these essential processes and reflect the elements addressed below. Soil Conservation Existing native soils are highly valued and should be conserved. Soil physical integrity and chemical viability should be maintained over the long-term. Beyond being critical reservoirs of biological soil communities, pristine soil is usually the host for high-quality plant communities. Agencies should consider the following site design principles to address conservation of soil resources.
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A. Identify and protect Vegetation and Soil Protection Zones (VSPZs): As feasible, healthy soil should be conserved by mapping soils on site, performing tests of disturbed soils and reference soils, conserving the healthiest soils in topsoil salvage areas, and limiting work to appropriate sites for building construction. During construction, VSPZs should be protected with a fence or physical barrier that cannot be easily moved. Agencies should educate construction personnel regarding required protective measures and construction documents and specifications should explicitly state the consequences to construction personnel/contractors if boundaries are not respected and/or damage occurs. A VSPZ can encompass one plant or include groups of plants. To ensure adequate protection, boundaries for trees should extend out from the trunk, to a distance of two-foot radius (measured at ground level) per inch of diameter at breast height (DBH) or the full lateral extent of the actual root system. B. Prevent Soil Compaction: VSPZs should be considered as a method to avoid soil compaction during construction and maintenance. In addition, construction planning should be designed to preclude parking of all heavy equipment, vehicles, and materials storage within the footprint of the site to the extent possible. C. Prevent/Mitigate Soil Erosion: An erosion control plan should be implemented during construction so as to prevent damage or loss of critical soils during and after site construction. Where excessive slopes cannot be avoided, special provisions should be used to limit and mitigate soil losses. Soil Management The easiest method to ensure future soil health and integrity is the crea32 32
tion and implementation of a management plan that 1) identifies areas of highest soil quality and permeability, 2) limits damage to those soils, 3) protects salvaged topsoil, and 4) facilitates restoration of desired conditions for damaged soils. Agencies should consider the following site design principles to address management of soil resources. A. Create a soil management plan: A soil management plan protects on-site soil from contamination and compaction and establishes soil management and conservation priorities. It consists of a site plan including a soils map and grading plan, and indicates designated soil conservation areas. The soils management plan should be communicated to all construction contractors prior to construction in order to limit disturbance, assist soil restoration efforts, and define VSPZ locations and boundaries. Actions/techniques required for soil restoration should be included in site drawings and written into contract specifications. B. Minimize soil disturbance in design and construction: Identify and protect areas designated as VSPZs and other off-limit areas to construction and enforce construction limits with fences and on-site monitoring. C. Salvage healthy top soil: The term topsoil refers to the uppermost soil horizon and includes decayed organic and other materials capable of supporting vegetation. In order to conserve topsoil from site construction and excavation areas, topsoil should be completely removed prior to all construction. All topsoil removal should be done at the same time if possible to minimize compaction. In small areas where topsoil cannot be removed mechanically, removal should be performed manually. Topsoil containing hard soil, or large rock November / December 2011 November/December 2011
should be considered unsuitable and should be buried as fill. Topsoil should not be mixed with subsoil. D. Topsoil contaminated with toxic substances: Identify any contaminated soils prior to excavation through a Phase I or Phase II type of environmental assessment. Topsoil contaminated with toxic substances should be segregated from non-contaminated soils at all times. If regulated levels of toxic substances are present, determine if a regulatory response is required and if an assessment is warranted to identify the source and extent of the contamination. Remediation of contaminated soils may be required prior to or concurrent with site development. E. Restore soils disturbed during construction and/or previous development: Restoration techniques that improve disturbed soil conditions include amendment with organic matter (e.g., compost), reduction of compaction (by aerating, tilling or ripping) and restoration of nutrient profile. These techniques will positively affect infiltration rates, soil biology, and soil chemistry.17 Prior to construction, restoration goals should be established by using a reference site and soil testing should be completed for nutrient and textural characteristics. Techniques that preserve the functional and biological characteristics of the soil including soil salvage, soil amendment, and replacement topsoil should be considered as well as actions and techniques required for soil restoration in construction specifications. F. Amend topsoil or provide topsoil as needed: Compost is the best source of organic matter, because of its stability, biological activity, and soil structure building qualities. Organic compost materials should be selected from VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
sustainable and renewable sources to amend topsoil on-site. A qualified horticultural or soil professional should be considered when selecting and balancing amendments for healthy plant growth. Quality guidelines for compost are a carbon-to-nitrogen ratio below 25:1, pollutant concentration limits below U.S. EPA18 or applicable local regulations, and no viable weed seeds or invasive plant propagules. G. Prepare areas for topsoil placement: When preparing areas for topsoil placement, the area should be clear of construction debris. If severe compaction exists, where aerating or tilling the soil is not possible, then 6-18 inches of compacted soil should be removed. Soil composition, percolation testing, auguring, and other soil indicators will help determine the need for tilling or ripping.
H. Salvage on-site soil: Site design should include plans for on-site soil salvage prior to construction. Wherever possible, balance cut and fill, and reuse existing soils in design instead of importing new materials to the site. Always protect stockpiled soils during construction by either covering over or seeding stockpiles to prevent erosion.
Water Conserving and protecting water resources through water efficiency, reuse, and storm water management are vital to the goals of sustainable landscape practices. Integrating facility design with landscape design can conserve water, reuse properly treated wastewater and greywater (in accordance with local codes and regulations), harvest and use rainwater and snowmelt, reduce energy use, and protect and restore surface and ground water resources. Agencies should consider the following site
design principles to address protection and conservation of water resources. • •
• •
•
•
Reduce or eliminate use of potable water for landscape irrigation and water features. Manage stormwater on-site to the extent practicable while protecting ground and surface receiving waters and ecosystems. Design water features to use harvested runoff or snowmelt and avoid use of potable water. Design structures with dual plumbing and backflow protection to allow for the use of harvested rainwater, greywater, or reclaimed wastewater for nonpotable water use (e.g., toilet flushing). Protect and enhance on-site water resources such as streams, lakes, and wetlands. Protect riparian and shoreline buffers. Rehabilitate on-site aquatic resources to restore ecosystem
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• •
functions. Where feasible, use drip irrigation and soil amendments to conserve water. Choose plant species which are native to the area and therefore likely to require less irrigation water.
Water Resource Goals A. Reduce, with aim to eliminate, the use of potable water, natural surface water (such as lakes, rivers, and streams), and groundwater withdrawals for landscape irrigation: Agencies should set significant goals for reduction of water use and take measures to ensure they are using amounts of supplemental irrigation appropriate to the facility’s local climate. To ensure the designed landscape’s water requirement meets a basic measure of water efficiency , use the U.S. EPA’s WaterSense Water Budget Tool. Although generally employed for residential landscapes, the EPA’s WaterSense Water Budget Tool can be used as a guide for these purposes. B. Manage storm water on-site: Strive to replicate the hydrologic condition of the undeveloped site using historic data and undeveloped ecosystems within the region. The design process should consider all components of the hydrologic cycle (evapotranspiration, runoff, and infiltration), minimize impervious cover, and maximize use of soil- and vegetation-based methods. C. Design rainwater/storm water features to provide a landscape amenity: The design, construction and location of rainwater/storm water management features should consider amenities so they are visible and/or accessible from high-use portions of the site to maximize interaction, educational and human health and well-being opportunities. Where appropriate, use rainwater capture 34
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D.
E.
F.
G.
features that allow future use of the water for irrigation. Maintain water features to conserve water and other resources: Design and maintain water features created in the landscape with minimal or no makeup water from potable sources or other natural surface or subsurface water resources. Design systems to use gravity for water movement and recirculation where possible. Consider use of cisterns to capture roof runoff as a source for irrigation and water features. Protect and enhance on-site water resources and receiving water quality: Implement LowImpact Development (LID) technologies, and to treat discharge from developed areas using soil and vegetative systems as a watershed pollution prevention strategy, such as silt and pollution barriers. When necessary, provide appropriate storm water treatment for common storm water pollutants. For best practices, see EPA’s LID website www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/lid/ Protect and restore riparian, wetland, and shoreline buffers: Existing riparian, wetland, or shoreline buffers should be preserved or disturbed buffer areas should be restored in order to improve flood control, water quality, stabilize soils, control erosion, and provide wildlife corridors and habitat. Where practical, buffer widths of 300 feet or greater should be established with intent to provide protection of wildlife migration corridors and habitat for threatened, endangered, and sensitive species. Rehabilitate streams, wetlands, and shorelines: Rehabilitate lost or degraded stream channels and shorelines to stable geomorphological conditions. Where practicable, rehabilitate native plant communities, aquatic habitat, floodplain connections, and exist-
November / December 2011 November/December 2011
ing degraded wetlands. H. EPA’s WaterSense is a partnership program that seeks to protect the future of the nation's water supply by promoting water efficiency and enhancing waterefficient products, programs, and practices. WaterSense helps consumers identify water-efficient products and programs that meet efficiency and performance criteria. WaterSense also partners with irrigation professionals and irrigation certification programs to promote water-efficient landscape irrigation practices. www.epa.gov/WaterSense/about_ us/index.html I. For additional information about managing storm water onsite, please see the Section X, Additional References and Technical Guidance on Implementing the Storm water Runoff Requirements for Federal Projects under Section 438 of the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) as well as any subsequent related instructions or guidance issued under E.O. 13514. From “Guidance for Federal Agencies on Sustainable Practices for Designed Landscapes” http://www.whitehouse.gov/administratio n/eop/ceq/sustainability/landscapingguidance http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/ files/microsites/ceq/recommendations_on _sustainable_landscaping_practices.pdf You may find this useful when submitting bids for jobs on federal properties.- provided by Debbie Dillion, Loudoun County Extension
Complete the Quiz on page 35 and get 1 CEU for your Virginia Certified Horticulturist re-certification! VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
VNLA – Certification Quiz #58 If you are a Virginia Certified Horticulturist, answer the following questions from the previous article, mark your answers on the card insert to the left and mail or fax back to the VNLA office towards your recertification CEU’s for your Virginia Certified Horticulturist.
4. Which is not a recommendation for site selection and planning: A. Preserving wetlands. B. Removing endangered species to a new habitat. C. Protecting floodplain functions. D. Using an integrated site development process. 5. Streets should be designed to promote safe bicycle activity. A. True B. False
Prepared by: Nanette Rider Whitt
Guidance for Federal Agencies on Sustainable Practices for Designed Landscapes Quiz 1 of 3 - Site Selection & Planning, Soils, Water Prepared by: Nanette R. Whitt
1. A sustainable landscape begins with: A. Site engineering B. Assessment of site conditions C. Sustainable construction practices D. All of the above 2. Site assessment should determine: A. Historic landscape design. B. Amount of nitrogen run off. C. Amount of phosphorus in the soil. D. All of the above 3. Stakeholders should be engaged during site design. A. True B. False
VNLA Newsletter
VNLA Newsletter
6. VSPZ stands for: A. Virginia Soil Plant Zone B. Vegetation and Shade Plant Zone C. Vegetation and Soil Protection Zone D. Virginia Surface Plant Zone 7. Native soils found on site need not be conserved. A. True B. False 8. A soil management plan should: A. Be communicated to all construction contractors B. Protect on site soil from contamination C. Protect on site soil from compaction D. All of the above 9. The best source of organic matter for amending topsoil is: A. Nitrogen B. Compost C. Potassium D. Phosphorous 10. If contaminated topsoil is identified, it should be segregated from non-contaminated soils at all times. A. True B. False
November / December 2011 November/December 2011
11. Which of the following is not a site design principal for conserving water: A. Choosing native plant materials B. Reducing the use of potable water for irrigation C. Using drip irrigation exclusively D. Designing water features to avoid use of potable water 12. Shoreline buffers widths should be: A. 300 Feet B. < 300 Feet 13. A hydrologic cycle includes: A. Evapotranspiration B. Runoff C. Infiltration D. All of the above 14. Reducing or eliminating the use of potable water is a water resource goal. A. True B. False 15. LID technologies stand for: A. Low Impact Development B. Least Impact Design C. Limited Impact Development D. Low Impact Design
Need Extra CEU’s???
Write an Article for the Newsletter! Earn 1 CEU! Contact: 800-476-0055 Email: vch@vnla.org 35 35
Let Them Know! You’ve spent considerable resources getting your employees certified. Reap the full benefits by letting the public know! The VNLA has developed this 24” X 36” color banner as a flexible promotional tool. Graphic is printed on either high quality exterior grade banner material or high quality exterior grade rigid board. Both are printed with UV resistent inks for many years of exterior use. Order yours today! Call 1-800-476-0055 Flexible: $49.50 + t&s Rigid: $59.50 t&s
2012 VNLA Virginia Certified Horticulturist Review Class/Test Schedule
Make Your Buisiness Stand Out! Sign Up Your Staff to Become Virginia Certified Horticulturist Today! Review or Test
Dates 2012
Location
Time
Fees Mmbr
Fees Non Mmbr
Check Pay to
Contact Person
Phone
Class/Test Registration Deadline
6-9 pm
$ 55
$ 250
VNLA
Cheryl Lajoie
757-484-4421
Cheryl@lancaster farms.com
January 16, 2012
Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course, The Founders Inn Virginia Beach
6-9 pm
$ 75
$ 300
VNLA
Cheryl Lajoie
757-484-4421
Cheryl@lancaster farms.com
January 16, 2012
February 7 Lancaster Farms' March 8, 2012 Conference Tuesday/Thursdays Room, Suffolk
6-9 pm
$ 125
$ 150
VNLA
Cheryl Lajoie
757-484-4421
Cheryl@lancaster farms.com
January 24, 2012
Hampton Roads
Review
January 30, 2012 Monday
Hampton Roads
TEST Basic & Advan
March 17, 2012
Lancaster Farms' Conference 8am - noon Room, Suffolk
$ 55
$ 250
VNLA
Cheryl Lajoie
757-484-4421
Cheryl@lancaster farms.com
March 3, 2012
Hampton Roads
TEST
June 13, 2012
Lancaster Farms' Conference Room, Suffolk
$ 55
$ 250
VNLA
Cheryl Lajoie
757-484-4421
Cheryl@lancaster farms.com
May 30, 2012
Northern VA
Review
Hampton Roads
February 7-23, 2012 Merrifield Garden 6:00 -9 :00 Tuesday/Thursdays Center, Fair Oaks pm
$ 75
$ 150 NVNLA
Amy Ordonez
703-327-5161 peden@southridin x299 gnurseries.com
January 20, 2012
Northern VA
TEST
March 1, 2012
Merrifield Garden 5:30 - 9:30 Center, Fair Oaks pm
$ 55
$ 250
VNLA
Amy Ordonez
703-327-5161 peden@southridin x299 gnurseries.com
February 14, 2012
TEST
February 15, 2012
6:00-10:00 pm
$ 55
$ 250
VNLA
Deborah Chaves
703-771-6560
deborah.chaves@ lcps.org
February 1, 2012
TEST
May 9, 2012
10 am - 2 pm
$ 55
$ 250
VNLA
Deborah Chaves
703-771-6560
deborah.chaves@ lcps.org
April 25, 2012
Richmond
Review
January 30, 2012 Monday
Jan. 23 - March 5 2012
Henrico County Government Complex
6:30-9:30 pm
$ 25
$
75
VNLA
Terry Koci 804-305-1259
info@cvnla.org
January 9, 2012
Richmond
TEST
March 12, 2012
Henrico County Government Complex
6-10 pm
$ 55
$ 250
VNLA
Jeff Miller
800-476-0055
info@vnla.org
February 27, 2012
PLA Central & Sw VA
Review
VCH TEST
Jan 3 - 12 Tues & Thurs Jan16 - 25 Tues & Wed, 2012, Minimum 8
Charlottesville, TBA
5:30 - 8:30 pm
$ 150
$ 200
VNLA
Lesley Sewell
800-476-0055
info@vnla.org
December 16, 2011
PLA, Central & SW VA
TEST
Hampton Roads
Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course, The Founders Inn Virginia Beach
Advanced Test
Region
January 28, 2012
PVCC, Charlottesville, Room TBA
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
$ 55
$ 250
VNLA
Jeff Miller
800-476-0055
info@vnla.org
January 13, 2012
Northern VA Leesburg Northern VA Leesburg
Monroe Technology Center Monroe Technology Center
6-9 pm
You MUST pre-register with the VNLA Office, 2 weeks prior to the test/review class. NVNLA Register for Review Classes with the NVNLA.
For updated information, go to the VNLA website Certification page at www.vnla.org/ VCH Certification Study Manuals are available from the VNLA Office for $135.00 including tax and shipping; Horticopia A-Z CD's are available for Plant Identification review for $97.00 including tax and shipping. Check or credit card Order online at www.vnla.org
TestClassSchedule2012.xls
12/5/2011 9:23 PM
Legislation - ANLA Updates Asian Longhorned Beetle Woes USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently acted to enlarge the quarantine/eradication zone for Asian longhorned beetle (ALB) in southern Ohio. The expansion of the ALB quarantine area is in response to the recent detection of infested trees in Monroe, resulting from the movement of infested firewood. The expanded ALB quarantine area in southern Ohio is 56.2 square miles. Meanwhile, APHIS officials have also moved to expand the ALB quarantine area by an additional 12 square miles in Worcester County, Massachusetts. The expanded ALB quarantine area in Central Massachusetts now totals 110 square miles. ALB is a destructive wood-boring pest of maple and other hardwoods. ALB was first discovered in the United States in Brooklyn, New York, in August 1996. ALB was later detected in Chicago, Illinois, in July 1998. In October 2002, the beetle was found in Hudson County, New Jersey, and then in Middlesex and Union Counties, New Jersey, in August 2004. In August 2008, ALB was discovered in Worcester County, Massachusetts, and in July 2010, ALB was found in Suffolk County, Massachusetts. In 2008, ALB was declared eradicated in Chicago, Illinois, and Hudson County, New Jersey. Similarly, in 2011, ALB was declared eradicated from Islip, New York. Failure to eradicate ALB in North America would change the face of America's forests and landscapes. Because detection is accomplished only through intense visual inspec38
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tion, survey for the pest is expensive and resource-intensive. However, eradication efforts are aided by the fact that the beetle is large, conspicuous, and slow to spread naturally. Preventing long-distance movement of firewood is vitally important; visit www.dontmovefirewood.org for more information.
USDA Plans To Cut Industry Surveys In a budget-cutting move that is a harbinger of things to come, the National Agricultural Statistics Service has announced plans to reduce or eliminate a number of its specialized statistical products. The cuts include elimination of the floricultural and nursery production surveys. NASS indicates that it will look to provide much of the information gathered in specialized surveys via the Census on Agriculture. The next Census will be conducted in 2013, on data for 2012. ANLA and other interested parties are exploring options; if you have feedback on the importance of these surveys, contact Craig Regelbrugge, cregelbrugge@anla.org .
Green Industry Looks To Congress On The Courts To Save H2B The H2B program, widely used in the landscape industry as a source for legally authorized seasonal laborers, is under regulatory assault in the face of two rulemaking initiatives. The Department of Labor has published a rule mandating a new and artificially elevated wage structure. That rule was to take effect September 30, but has been delayed 60 days to November 30. It has been challenged in the courts; federal judges in both northern Florida and Louisiana are considering plaintiffs' request for a preliminary injunction blocking the rule from taking effect as the challenges are considered. On October 12, Reps. Rodney Alexander (R-LA), Rob Wittman (R-VA), Charles Boustany (R-LA) and Andy November / December 2011 November/December 2011
Harris (R-MD) introduced legislation (HR 3162) that would prohibit the Department of Labor (DOL) from implementing the H-2B wage rule and finalizing the H-2B proposed rule. Also, on September 21 the Senate Appropriations Committee passed a 2012 funding bill that would prevent DOL from enforcing the wage rule. A draft bill released by the House Appropriations Committee would prohibit DOL from implementing both the wage rule and the proposed rule. It may be months before the outcomes are clear, but ANLA is looking at all options for protecting this important legal labor safety net for seasonal employers.
Q-37 Changes In Works Quarantine 37 governs the importation of plants and other propagative materials, and USDA is in the midst of efforts to modernize the rules. USDA has extended until November 25 the comment period on the list of plants that it proposes to classify as "not authorized pending pest risk analysis" (NAPPRA). Importation of listed plants would be restricted because they are believed to be potential hosts of quarantine pests, or have the potential to become noxious weeds. USDA is also proposing to amend the regulations concerning the importation of plants and plant products by establishing a "controlled import permit" as a single type of authorization for the importation into the United States of otherwise prohibited or restricted plant material for experimental, therapeutic, or developmental purposes. This action would consolidate and harmonize the conditions for obtaining authorization for the importation of otherwise prohibited or restricted plant material for scientific or certain other purposes. USDA will consider all comments received on or before December 27, 2011.
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Finally, USDA plans to implement a risk-based sampling approach for the inspection of imported plants and propagative materials. In the past, USDA inspected 2 percent of consignments of imported plants regardless of evidence of the risk posed. The risk-based sampling and inspection approach will allow targeting of high-risk plants for more extensive inspection, while providing a speedier inspection process for lower-risk plants. In addition, for extremely low risk plant taxa, USDA is establishing a Propagative Monitoring and Release Program under which consignments of those taxa will be periodically monitored but not every consignment will be inspected. For additional information go to: http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/c omponent/main?main=DocketDetail&d=APHI S-2011-0092. This article is provided by the VNLA and ANLA as a Lighthouse Program partner benefit.
Support SupportVNLA VNLA Member Growers! Member Growers! Available online at www.vnla.org/
For a print copy, contact the VNLA online @ www.vnla.org/ Office at 800-476-0055 info@vnla.org For a print copy, contact the VNLA Office at 800-476-0055
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News - Website Provides Resource for Planting in Greener Fashion “Greener Plants” Initiative Featured in Save the Bay Magazine Fall is prime planting season and a recently launched website offers tips for growing in a greener fashion to help protect America’s great watersheds such as the Chesapeake Bay. Greener Plants® (www.greenerplants.com ), an initiative featured in the September issue of Save the Bay Magazine, is designed to help consumers and organizations learn how to steward the Bay and other waterways from their own backyards. Greener Plants was developed by Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia with the support of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation®. All of the nursery’s 400 varieties of trees and shrubs are grown under an award-winning nutrient and water management plan that minimizes impact on the environment and Chesapeake Bay. The larger aim is to instruct and encourage environmentally responsible growing practices at home that will help clean up and preserve America’s watersheds. The www.greenerplants.com website provides a wide range of detailed educational information, including in-depth guidance for better and greener fall planting. The site explains proper recycling, disposal, water conservation, fertilization and pesticide practices, as well as specific steps to a healthier lawn, xeriscaping, creating buffer strips and rain gardens. There is also contact information for area conservation and watershed organizations. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation advised Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia on the content of the Greener Plants website. “The Chesapeake Bay Foundation applauds Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia as a model plant grower for manNovember / December 2011 November/December 2011
aging nutrients in a manner that protects water quality in streams, rivers and the Chesapeake Bay,” says William C. Baker, President of the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “Their website is a very easy and useful tool for helping people achieve better results with less impact on our waterways.”
The initiative is capturing the interest and support of a range of environmental groups on the Bay and nearby watersheds. The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, West Virginia Rivers Coalition, Massachusetts Watershed Coalition, Mullica River Watershed Coalition, Friends of Bombay Hook, Potomac Riverkeeper, Shenandoah Riverkeeper, Lynnhaven River Now and the Elizabeth River Project are among the groups. “From the yard, streams, rivers, bays to the ocean, better growing care at home will help generate an improved water environment for all,” says Nick Covatta, co-owner of Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia. “The website was created as a how-to guide for consumers and groups to be better stewards at a grassroots level.” Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia was established in 1966 in Keller, Virginia on the watershed of the Chesapeake Bay. The wholesale nursery grows more than 400 varieties of trees and shrubs for garden centers, rewholesalers and landscapers from North Carolina to Illinois to Maine. The nursery is owned and operated by Covatta and his wife Robin Rinaca, along with partner Mark Hopkins. For more information, or to interview Nick Covatta or senior staff at Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia or the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, contact Scott McCaskey at Goldman & Associates Public Relations at 757-625-2518 scott@goldmanandassociates.com .For more information on Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia and Greener Plants, visit: www.esnursery.com, or contact 800-323-3008 or 757-787-4732. www.greenerplants.com and visit the Chesapeake Bay Foundation at: www.cbf.org .
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WWW.CNCNA.ORG
Research - Liverwort Control Update
There remains a critical need for selective control options for liverwort. I reported on my 2010 liverwort control experiments last year. I have continued this research in 2011, adding some new treatments. The results look promising. I repeated the large postemergence trial I conducted in 2010, with similar results occurring in 2011. At 1 day after treatment, the higher rate of Bryophyter (oregano oil), the higher rate of Racer, both rates of Scythe, and both rates of Weed Pharm 20% acetic acid gave 70% or greater liverwort control. Regrowth occurred in some of these plots by 19 days after treatment, as only SureGuard, Tower and the high rate of acetic acid provided over 70% control at this time. All treatments were reapplied to the liverwort. At 2 and 13 days after the second application, 80% or greater liverwort control was observed with the higher rate of Bryophyter, both rates of Racer, the higher rate of Scythe, SureGuard, Tower, and both rates of acetic acid. At 47 days after the second application, only SureGuard and Tower gave over 75% control, with Terracyte granules, the higher rate of Scythe, and the higher rate of acetic acid providing about 60% control. I included caladium in this trial. At 9 days after the first application, 20% or greater injury was seen with the higher rate of Scythe, SureGuard, and Tower. Caladium was able to outgrow this damage, and by 19 days 42
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after application injury was less than 20% in all treatments. At 2 days after the second application, 20% or greater caladium injury was noted with the higher rate of Bryophyter, Racer, the higher rate of Scythe, SureGuard, Tower, and the granular application of Terracyte. At 15 days after the second application only SureGuard caused greater than 20% injury. SureGuard can really only be in conifers, as most broadleaf nursery crops will not tolerate overtop applications. So although SureGuard provides effective preemergence and postemergence control of liverwort, its use in liverwort control programs is very limited. Scythe and Weed Pharm acetic acid are essentially contact nonselective herbicides. Although these two chemicals provide rapid control of liverwort, their use would be limited by the amount of damage I have seen in herbaceous nursery crops. Of the treatments I have evaluated, Bryophyter, Racer, and Tower appear to have the best combination of liverwort control and crop safety. A granular application of Terracyte outperformed the sprayed application I made, so perhaps the granular treatment needs to be explored in greater detail. To expand on this trial, I did a study this year comparing 2 rates of Tower (dimethenamid), 2 rates of FreeHand (dimethenamid + pendimethalin), and iron HEDTA. Tower at 32 fluid ounces per acre gave better liverwort control than at 21 fluid ounces. At 20 days after treatment, the higher rate of Tower gave 95% liverwort control while the higher rate of iron HEDTA gave 66% control. At 53 days after treatment, Tower at the higher rate gave 75% control with iron HEDTA providing 60% control. I did, however, see unacceptable injury in two sedum cultivars with iron HEPTA while Tower caused no injury. FreeHand caused some suppression of liverwort but did not provide acceptable control, probably because this is a granular formulation. Tower November / December 2011 November/December 2011
is a sprayable formulation and thus would provide greater surface area coverage than that seen with a granular treatment.
Since Tower contains an oil solvent, I wanted to determine if it was the oil solvent or if it was the herbicide itself that was providing the liverwort control. I was able to obtain a sample of the organic solvent used in the formulation and compared it to Tower. I did not see significant control with the organic solvent while Tower provided good control. So the liverwort control was due primarily to the herbicide itself. In that study I included Scythe for comparison. At 20 days after treatment, Scythe provided slightly higher control than the higher rate of Tower, but at 48 days after treatment Tower gave greater control than Scythe. We have indentified treatments that provide acceptable liverwort control, although repeat applications are generally needed for longer term control. The next question we need to answer is what nursery crops tolerate the treatments we have identified. I hope to answer this question in my 2012 trials. Jeffrey Derr, Weed Scientist, Virginia Tech, HRAREC, jderr@vt.edu
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Research - Postemergence Weed Control VNLA-Funded Research
A major need in container nursery production is the selective control of emerged broadleaf and sedge weeds. We have a choice of several products for controlling emerged grassy weeds. We also have excellent products for the preemergence control of annual weeds. There are effective granular preemergence herbicides for controlling broadleaf weeds in woody plant production, such as Rout, OH2, BroadStar, and Regal O-O. There are always escapes as one generally cannot obtain 100% control of all broadleaf weed species with these products. Also, these products generally cannot be on herbaceous nursery crops. Another limitation with the granular products is the very limited control of emerged weeds. Although these products may control cotyledon or one-leaf stage weeds, larger weeds generally will not be controlled. Another part to this story is that I have observed lower postemergence weed control with the newer coated BroadStar formulation compared to the old uncoated formulation. While the coating has improved crop safety by limiting the potential for leaf uptake, it also reduced postemergence weed control. I observed good control of doveweed, with considerable injury to crabgrass, spurge, and eclipta from the old formulation, with significantly less effect on these species from the new formulation.
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VNLA Newsletter
Another need in the industry is more sprayable products for weed control. In woody production we can use combinations such as Gallery plus Barricade. There are very limited alternatives to Gallery for preemergence broadleaf control. There are a few options for selective control of emerged broadleaf weeds. I have seen generally good control of bittercress with applications of Gallery, although that is the only weed where I have seen acceptable control. SureGuard and Goal control a wide range of emerged broadleaf weeds but their use in container production is limited primarily to conifers. In my trials, SureGuard gave excellent control of spotted (prostrate) spurge, eclipta, rice flatsedge, doveweed, and crabgrass. Others have reported early (cotyledon stage) control of spotted spurge with Tower, although my research has shown that this herbicide is a much better preemergence compared to a postemergence herbicide. Other researchers have also reported control of small spotted spurge with pendimethalin (Pendulum). Some of those results were obtained with the emulsifiable concentrate formulation of Pendulum, which tends to cause greater crop injury than granular forms. In my research trial, I have been evaluating other potential products for controlling emerged broadleaf weeds. One interesting treatment has been Iron HEDTA, a chelated form of iron. I have seen considerable injury to eclipta, with damage also seen in common groundsel, creeping woodsorrel, and mulberry weed. Treated plants, though, outgrew the effects from a single application and I need to evaluate the utility of 2 applications. The effects from iron HEDTA were contact in nature, explaining the need for multiple applications. I did not see any significant injury in iceplant, verbena, iris, canna, and liriope from the iron HEDTA application. It will be interesting to see if these species tolerate two appliNovember / December 2011 November/December 2011
cations. I have been evaluating sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). It has injured certain weed species in my trials but the level of control has not been acceptable. With higher rates and/or multiple applications, it may be possible to improve weed control with this material. Basagran (bentazon) has shown promise for common groundsel, eclipta, and sedge control. In my trial this year, iceplant, verbena, iris, canna, and liriope were not injured by Basagran. I have seen damage in certain liriope cultivars in previous trials, though. Basagran did not control creeping woodsorrel or spotted spurge. I observed significant injury to creeping woodsorrel, groundsel, and mulberry weed with Velocity and indaziflam, although these chemicals damaged iceplant and verbena, respectively. Indaziflam is a new herbicide that may receive registration for use in the nursery industry soon. Velocity is used in certain turfgrass species. Starane affected these weed species as well as providing excellent eclipta control although it also damaged verbena. Casoron 4G caused significant injury to groundsel, mulberry weed, and rice flat sedge, although it damaged verbena and canna. My plans are to continue this research, focusing on the products with the best combination of weed control and crop safety. The ones I am most interested in now would include iron HEDTA, Basagran, Starane, and indaziflam. Jeffrey Derr,Weed Scientist, Virginia Tech, jderr@vt.edu
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Research - NonChemical Solutions To Reduce Root Escape In Pot-In-Pot Nursery Production
container production systems were compared. Results indicated that the water reservoir container and fabric liner systems had less root escape than conventional PIP containers.
James S. Owen, Jr.,
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center jim.owen@vt.edu Jimmy Klick and Heather M. Stoven Oregon State University North Willamette Research and Extension Center
Significance to industry: One major disadvantage of pot-in-pot production (PIP) is that aggressively rooting crops will root out of the plant pot drain holes and grow into the surrounding soil. The rooting of the plant into the surrounding soil decreases harvest efficiency and results in broken containers, damaged crops and possible increased plant stress due to root severance. To address this issue, five PIP
Nature of work: Aggressively rooting plants grown in PIP often root out into the surrounding soil. To address this issue, growers often employ methods to increase air space between the socket and growing pot, use physical barriers such as geotextiles, and apply volatile chemicalcontaining products that form a gaseous barrier between the pots. Also, it has been suggested that regular pot
disturbance and biweekly 180-degree rotations of a plant pot will prevent the crop from rooting into the surrounding soil. However, labor costs render this prohibitive. Chemical control methods include copper-coated containers, copper-impregnated fabric liners and trifluoralin-injected nodules. SpinOutâ&#x201E;˘ may be incorporated in a fabric liner to prevent rooting out. Geotextiles impregnated with trifluoralin nodules (Biobarrier) applied to container interiors have been shown to control root escape in PIP. Biobarrier comes in different sets of nodules, with the efficacy of nodule number variable by species. Harris et al., successfully controlled root escape in PIP in river birch and Yoshino cherry using 8- and 40nodule Biobarrier, respectively. However, Ruter found that 128 nodules were not enough to prevent rootout in crape myrtle.
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The nursery where this study was conducted uses 64 nodules on willow, arborvitae and falsecypress without success (Craig Hopkins, Woodburn Nursery and Azlaeas, personal communication). Experiments were conducted at Woodburn Nursery and Azaleas Inc., Woodburn, OR, using Salix integra ‘Hakuro-Nishiki’and Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Gracillis’. Woodburn Nursery and Azaleas produced Salix integra ‘Hakuro-Nishiki’ (willow) that were grafted onto Salix x smithiana. They were transplanted into 22.7 liter (six-gallon) containers four months later and placed in PIP. Salix was sheared into a ball form shortly before experiment initiation. Biobarrier™ was removed from the existing system. Prior to experiment initiation every plant had roots growing out of drainage holes, which were pruned off prior to transplanting. Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Gracillis’ was grafted onto Thuja occidentalis ‘Emerald’ and potted in three-gallon containers before being shifted to sixgallon containers and placed in PIP one year later. Roots were not established at time of transplant and experiment initiation. The five container production systems included Anovapot-in-Anovapot (AA; Anova Solutions, Chapel Hill, Australia), Anovapot-in-conventional pot (AC; conventional pot was produced by ProCal Inc., Middlefield, OH), rotated conventional pot-inconventional pot (RC), un-rotated conventional pot-in-conventional pot (UC) and fabric lining in conventional-in-conventional pot (FC; High Caliper Growing Systems, Oklahoma City, OK). Woodburn Nursery & Azaleas use 22.7 liters (6 gallon) (#6 ProCal Inc., Middlefield, OH) conventional PIP containers with spacer (ProCal Inc., Middlefield, OH) and Biobarrier™ (BBA Nonwovens, Reemay, Inc., Old Hickory, TN) geotextiles with nodules that are treated with trifluoralin (Pic. 1). The media used in all treatments was 86% Doug46
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las fir bark and 14% pumice with 18 lb•yd-3 of 10-12 month 17-6-12 controlled release fertilizer incorporated. The planted Anovapot was placed inside an Anovapot holder pot. The holder pot had a wick attached to an impermeable layer (corrugated plastic) placed over the centrally-raised drainage hole. The planted pot, with three spacers (5 cm x 2.5 cm PVC) spaced evenly underneath the rim, was placed inside the holder pot. In AC treatment, the existing plant was removed from the conventional system and planted into an Anovapot containing fresh substrate from the base of the container to the top of the raised drainage hole. The planted Anovapot was placed inside a conventional holder pot without Biobarrier™ and spacer. In RC treatment, Biobarrier™ was removed from the conventional system. Planted pots were rotated 180 degrees every month. In UC treatment, Biobarrier™ was removed from the conventional system and the pots were left undisturbed. In FC treatment, a fabric liner (Pot Pruner™, High Caliper Growing Systems, Oklahoma City, OK) was placed inside the conventional Woodburn Nursery PIP system, without the Biobarrier™. The experimental design was a CRBD with four blocks of two repetitions per treatment in each block. All plants were irrigated with Netafim spray stakes. Pour-throughs were conducted by collecting leachate from each plant and measuring pH and EC. Variables recorded to measure impact on rooting out included: length of roots rooting out from container drainage hole to the end of the root; dry mass of roots outside containers; roots within containers and shoots; and a rating of root-escape severity. Visual root-escape rating was based on a scale of 1-5 (1=no root escape; 2=root escape is limited to 4 inches; 3=root escape is greater than 4 inches, no root escape observed into surrounding soil; 4=roots escaped into surrounding soil, but harvest was November / December 2011 November/December 2011
non-restrictive (Fig. 1); 5=roots escaped into surrounding soil, but harvest was restrictive).
Results and Discussion: Dry weight of willow roots escaped out of containers was greatest in UC . RC, AA and FC had the lowest root dry weights (Table 1) signifying the least rooting out. All dry weight contrasts showed differences between treatments. Root length of escaped roots was lowest in FC (Table 1). AC, AA, UC and RC had higher root lengths of escaped roots, however they did not differ form each other. All treatments had a lower root escape severity rating than UC (Table 1). For Chamaecyparis, the lowest root dry weight and length of escaped roots occurred when using AA. UC had a greater severity rating, root length and dry weight than all other treatments (Table 2, Pic 1). AA and AC were not different in impact on rooting out, perhaps allowing growers in some situations to use conventional pots in combination with Anovapot with similar results. Anovapot-in-Anovapot roots grew into the water reservoir but not into the surrounding soil. Ruter used a similar container called the “moat pot”, which also has a centrally raised drainage hole in the bottom of the pot, creating a water reservoir that reduces rooting-out via water root pruning. The moat pot successfully controlled root escape in Kwanzan cherry and Chanticleer pear. Additionally, growth and color advantages for plants in moat pots were reported due to trapping of leached nutrients. Similarly, the AA treatment had a two-fold increase (0.2 dS•m-1) in EC VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
Table 1. Dry weight, length, and severity rating of escaped roots of Salix integra ‘Hakuro-Nishiki’. 0 rating = no root escape, 5 rating = high root escape. ________________________________________________________________________ Container Type Dry weight (g) Length (cm) Rating ________________________________________________________________________ 56 a 5.0 Unrotated Convential (UC) 19 az Rotated Conventional (RC) 5c 38 ab 3.8 Anovapot-in-Anovapot (AA) 2c 57 a 3.3 Anovapot-in-Conventional (AC) 12 b 58 a 3.3 Fabric-n-Conventional (FC) 1c 31 b 3.3 ________________________________________________________________________ z Means followed by different letters within a column are significantly different based on Fishers LSD means separation procedure (α = 0.05). Table 2. Chamaecyparis dry weight, length, and severity rating of escaped roots. 0 rating = no root escape, 5 rating = high root escape. ________________________________________________________________________ Container Type Dry Weight (g) Length (cm) ating ________________________________________________________________________ 43 a 4.3 a Unrotated Convential (UC) 5.0 az Rotated Conventional (RC) 2.0 b 25 b 2.5 b Anovapot-in-Anovapot (AA) 0.1 b 14 c 1.1 c Anovapot-in-Conventional (AC) 0.4 b 15 c 1.5 c Fabric-n-Conventional (FC) 0.7 b 23 bc 1.9 bc ________________________________________________________________________ z Means followed by different letters within a column are significantly different from each other based on Fishers LSD means separation procedure (α = 0.05) over RC treatment. However, due to large root mass rooting out of the moat pot, postproduction handling difficulty, and stressing plants by severing roots, the moat pot is not recommended for production of the two species. However, stress severity is largely dependent on the amount of roots removed. Finding an economically sound solution to root escape will be difficult. Incorporating an alternative container type or fabric liner that may increase material costs will be challenging to introduce to PIP nursery production; however, these initial costs may offset increased labor needed to harvest plants that root escape. Issues with the Anovapot include rooting into the VNLA Newsletter
VNLA Newsletter
wicking system, possible stress from root pruning, and the available habitat for pests such as mosquitoes and slugs provided by the water reservoir. However, the severity of Anovapot issues is likely less than conventional system issues. In conclusion, RC, AA and FC reduced root escape and had little effect on crop quality. Additionally, these systems improve worker efficiency by facilitating ease of harvest. However, each of these systems has its advantages and disadvantages. Further research is warranted to understand economic impacts, field performance and stress effects of each possible system.
November / December 2011 November/December 2011
Tips - 10 New ideas from the Trade Shows around the World August and September are the trade show months around the world. It starts in Chicago with the IGC Trade Show and IGC University moves on to Warsaw in Poland with the “Green is Life” Show which is the main horticultural trade show for eastern Europe and then to Italy and Padua and the main Italian show and finally to Birmingham and GLEE. This is an opportunity for retailers to look for new ideas. The days when shows were places of order taking a have moved on. They are now ideas centres. 47 47
My top 10 ideas from the shows this year are as follows: Chicago Jeff Morey started the IGC trade show and conference five years ago and this gamble has resulted in this being the main trade show for independent garden centres in the USA and Canada. This year the show was even better and retailers were cautiously optimistic. My ideas from Chicago 1. Children’s Garden category I have been promoting that children are a new customer base and we neglect them at our peril. The children’s garden category needs to be taken seriously and there were a number or suppliers who have identified the trend and are presenting new products. Growums released their new range of children’s garden prod-
ucts. These products are using Pixtel characters to teach children how to grow the plants. The product is linking online trends with gardening and should prove to be a huge success with their target market. The other range of products that took the show by storm was the Fairy Gardening product range. This company started in January and has already gone international. They have created small fairy garden kits where the children can collect miniature garden furniture and create a small garden for the fairies. 2. Boxes become benches I like the idea from Hort Coulture who have designed their deliver boxes so that they become merchandising benches. This is an excellent example of the grower thinking for the consumer and understanding the process and how they can maximise sales for both parties.
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It also links into the sustainable movement that is occurring in the market place. 2. City Fashion Promotions The same company has also launched a city theme promotion campaign. There new promotion is based on “Cities of Fashion”. Imagine the theatre displays that can be put together around a theme on Paris, London, New York or Milan
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Warsaw The garden retail industry in eastern Europe is performing better than their cousins in western Europe. One reason for this was a good spring and a consumer who has weathered the financial crisis better than the euro zone. The growers in Poland put together some imaginative displays on how to merchandise plants, it does disappoint me that they do not pass these ideas on to retailers with planograms and advice on how to set the displays up. This is a lost opportunity to grow sales My favourities were 3. Heather Balls These were presented by Majewsky Nurseries and showed how we can take a value plant and create a premium range with the same product. On the public open day at the show, there were the most commonly photographed items on display. Zabieniec Nurseries produced a similar idea using Buddleia balls. I think we will see a lot more nursery stock being used in this way to create premium ideas for the consumer. 4. Large helps Sell Small I often talk about using large plants as a status to help sell smaller plants, next to the Majewsky display was Pudetek Nurseries who showed how simple this can be done by placing a display rack on a crate. Simple ,but very effective.
5. Buy A Bike Merchandising theatre can be created very easily. Sakolka Krzewow Ozdobrizch Nurseries showed how simple this can be created by just using a bike as a display prop. As retailers we need to look at how we can take props and be more creative with them to sell garden products. VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
Italy 6. 7 The Padua show is one of my favourites. It is located in a beautiful city and shows the best Italian growers have to offer. It is a plants persons show and it needs a good day to look at all the exhibits. Although it is dominated by the Italians ,I feel it is the Danish who actually shone at the show and showed new ideas. The Danes are managing to develop plant turnover plant material for the home and garden. As an industry we need to look at companies like Zara who are changing the clothing fashion industry and adopt that thinking process to the plant industry. Zara are increasing the stockturn in their stores by offering the consumer a constant seasonal change in ideas and fashion. The Danes seem to understand this concept at present and are introducing the ideas to the plant sector.
7. Small is beautiful The Italian market is gripped with euro fever and as a result consumers are not spending to the level that we would like. At the same time, the majority of consumers are living in apartments. This means that small is beautiful when it comes to plants. Taking a small low value plant and creating a high added value perceived product is seeing growth. This is a lesson for all plant businesses. How can you add value to low cost plants to develop a new desired plant range.
United Kingdom My final stop on the trade show journey was in the UK and GLEE which is recognised as one of the top trade shows in Europe. Like all shows it is smaller than in the past, but is constantly coming up with new ideas to
attract the target market. Delegate numbers are down ,as they are in most countries. Research is showing that the same number of businesses are attending these shows, but with less delegates per company. This means that those attending are the true target market. 8. Dare to be Different GLEE is a show that shows the retailer that it is okay to be different. Some of the displays on purpose are challenging. I do believe shows have a function to dare to be different and to challenge the retailer. I like the way GLEE presents those challenges and creates merchandising ideas that challenge the norm. 9. The Changing Face of Meerkats. For the last three years meerkats have been the most popular line sold in British garden centres. This craze started with a TV
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commercial and then consumers wanted these animals as ornaments in their gardens, replacing the traditional garden gnome. I believed this would be a one year wonder. But, in year two the suppliers started making British characters out of these animals and extended their garden life for another year. This year there are meerkats that can be planted and hence the life of the meerkat is extended by another year. I am not convinced that the trade will get a fourth year out of these characters, but it does show how a suppler can extend the life of a trend by constantly providing the next version. Many industries around the world are questioning the future of trade shows. My view is that they are becoming more regional and they have to give the delegate a reason to go. Just providing the same suppliers selling the same things will not generate the traffic needed to make a show viable. It is time to dare to be different!
Tips - Landscape Safety
Per (OSHA) Occupational Safety and Health Administration, landscaping and horticultural service workers are at risk of injury from a wide variety of potential hazards in this industry, including exposure to chemicals, noise, machinery, lifting, construction, and weather related hazards. Here are some of the potential hazards, within our industry.
Electrical:
•
Tips - Preparing Your Business for an I-9 Audit
Employers should conduct a job hazard analysis to identify and correct potential hazards prior to start of work.
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It Could Happen Tomorrow: It Could Happen to You!
Employer should make aware to employees the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
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Employer should train employees on electrical hazards and document training.
NLA, in conjunction with several state associations in the southeast, recently presented an informational webinar on I-9 Compliance. This webinar is now being made available to all. The ANLA member price is $49.99 and non-member price is $149.99. Click here for more: 50
Review and analyze your injury and illness records to determine whether there is a pattern of ergonomic-related injuries in certain jobs or work tasks.
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Analyze the jobs or work tasks to identify potential ergonomic problems before employee injuries occur.
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Analyzing tools may help in analyzing jobs.
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Seek employee input about the existence of ergonomic problems related to particular jobs or work task.
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Be aware of common contributing conditions within your industry or job classification. If other companies in the same industry have ergonomic-related problems, then it is possible these potential problems are also your concern.
Every year thousands of workers are electrocuted when they accidentally contact live electrical wires. Before working in areas near electrical equipment or energized power lines you should: Ensure that a minimum clearance of 10 feet is maintained when working near energized power lines.
The federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is conducting I-9 immigration worksite audits at a record pace. While the impacts of an audit cannot be completely avoided, smart preparation can save you time and money.
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ANLA 1200 G Street NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005, Phone: 202789-2900, Fax: 202-789-1893
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John Stanley
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www.anla.org/i-9webinar
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Contact the public utility when you are going to trim trees near energized power lines.
Heat Stress: Many landscape workers spend a great deal of their time working in an outdoor environment. Many of these workers often face hot or cold conditions which pose special hazards to safety and health. From a heat rash, also known as prickly heat, to a Heat Stroke the most serious health problem for workers in a hot environment is caused by the failure of the body’s internal mechanism to regulate its core temperatures. There are ways to prevent or reduce the risk of developing heat-related problems. •
Engineering controls, including general ventilation and spot cooling by exhaust ventilation.
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Work practices such as providing plenty of drinking water and training workers to recognize and treat heat stress.
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Alternating work and rest periods with longer rest periods in a cool area
Ergonomics: Both work-related and non-work related conditions can either individually, or by interacting with each other, give rise to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDSs). There are several approaches that may be used to determine whether conditions in the workplace might be contributing to employees developing MSDs. November / December 2011 November/December 2011
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Cuts and Amputations: Amputations are some of the most serious and debilitating workplace injuries. They are widespread and involve a variety of activities and equipment. Amputations occur most often when workers operate unguarded or inadequately safeguarded mechanical equipment or are too rushed to follow established safe operating procedures (Short Cuts). Areas that one must be aware of when operating equipment are: Point of operation-the area of a machine where it performs work on material.
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Power-transmission apparatusesflywheels, pulleys, belts, chains and other machine components that transmit energy.
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Other moving parts- machine components that move during machine operations as well as auxiliary parts. You should be able to control amputation hazards, by safeguarding equipment with guards or devices that prevent contact with points of operation and replace or supplement existing guards. •
From Hortica Tailgate Training Sheet http://www.hortica-insurance.com/
Tips - Sustainable Practices for Designed Landscapes Guidance for Federal Agencies President Obama's Executive Order 13514 provides a unique opportunity for Federal agencies and facilities to improve sustainability across their operations. The Executive Order, in addition to its call for agencies to implement sustainable practices when constructing and operating high performance Federal buildings, establishes goals for the conservation of water resources on Federal facilities including potable, industrial, landscaping, and 52
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agricultural water. The Executive Order also calls for pollution prevention through a variety of landscape management practices. To help achieve these policy goals, CEQ issued on October 31, 2011 Guidance for Federal Agencies on Sustainable Practices for Designed Landscapes, which describes strategies to achieve sustainable Federal landscape practices. This guidance is to be used by Federal agencies for landscape practices when constructing new, or rehabilitating existing, owned or leased facilities, or when landscaping improvements are otherwise planned. The Federal government controls or owns more than 41 million acres of land and 429,000 building assets, comprising 3.34 billion square feet of space in the United States. Consequently, landscaping practices by Federal agencies can have significant impacts on the environment. Decisions regarding the development and maintenance of Federal landscaped property provide an opportunity to promote the sustainable use of water and land, conserve soils and vegetation, support natural ecosystem functions, conserve materials, promote human health and well-being, and ensure accessibility for all users, including those with disabilities. http://www.whitehouse.gov/administratio n/eop/ceq/sustainability/landscapingguidance http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/ files/microsites/ceq/recommendations_on _sustainable_landscaping_practices.pdf
Tips – Accepting Credit Card Payment On Your Mobile Phone Using “Squareup” “Square” puts people in business without the burden of large banking fees. Accept credit cards and cash on your Android device with the free Square Card Reader. It's only 2.75% per swipe for Visa, American Express, MasterCard and Discover. No contracts, monthly fees or merchant accounts. November / December 2011 November/December 2011
Funds are deposited into your bank account the next day. Square makes it easy for anyone to accept payments, anywhere. You can set up to use the square and have funds go to different checking accounts. This reader and app were used both at the VNLA Field Day and at the VGIC Go Green Festival; this year with great success
All you need to do to get started is sign up and have them mail you a free card reader. You will create your account and password when you sign up. There are built-in analytics to track sales, collect tips and tax, and send electronic receipts via email or text message. This application is safe and secure: Square meets all industry-standard security practices to protect your customers and your business. There are three simple steps: 1. Download the Square app 2. Sign up for your free account 3. Start accepting credit cards Learn more at https://squareup.com/ Horticulture Management Associates has used it at the VNLA Field Day and the VGIC GoGreen Garden Festival and it worked great at both events. Sandy Miller
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Tips - Maintaining Customer Relationships You know the saying, "It's easier to keep your current customers than to find new ones." Well, in today's marketplace and economy it's getting hard to keep our current customers too. This is the time to do something extra - be seen, be heard, be proactive, follow up. It doesn't matter what business you're in - doctor, dentist, lawyer, retail, manufacturing, insurance, you name it; we all have customers and losing just one often makes a major impact in your business. So how do we maintain a relationship? What can we do to be special, different, proactive and extra good? One is to keep your name in front of your customers. We like to think that the Telephone Doctor newsletter you're reading now is one way to maintain a relationship. At least you know we're thinking of you once a month. Staying
in front of the customer, unobtrusively, is one of several ways to maintain a relationship. You see, once you interact with the customer, once they purchase an item from you, they don't like to be ignored. Well, it's not that they don't like it, they really don't understand it. The customers think to themselves, "Gee, I just bought a bunch of XXX from Company ABC and I never hear from them. They must have forgotten about me." I remember the copy machine salesman we had a while back. He was very good at the point of sale. But I promise you, we had a better relationship with the repairman (they outsourced it) than we did with the original salesperson. So in addition to a newsletter or direct mail, all of which are good, we have some other ideas to help you maintain a great relationship with your customers taken from our best selling training program Maintaining Customer Relationships.
Take a peek: 1. Call the customer every once in a while with a specific reason such as a follow up call to be sure all is going well. And if you're worried about getting voice mail, here's a great Telephone Doctor tip. Expect and be prepared to reach voice mail. It's gonna happen; so be prepared! Have a ready-made, short, sweet and to the point message for your customer to leave on voice mail. It's not necessary to ask them to call you back (unless there's a very good reason). You can simply make an announcement such as, "Mrs. Jones, this is Bob at Bob's Appliances. I hope your new dishwasher is doing great. Was thinking about you and wanted to say thank you again for your purchase." That's it. Your company name will be in their computer brain. It's a way to maintain customer relationships. (Caution: Don't WING a voice mail. Be prepared!)
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Be proactive. If your contact is no longer at the company, don't just let that go. Let's say you worked with Sue Smith at Fox & Company. And you called to say hello. Whoops, Sue Smith moved on to another company about three months ago. Sadly she didn't tell all her vendors that. So you still have her name on your list. You have two choices. You can hang up and move on to another call or you can be proactive and find out who replaced Sue Smith and start a new relationship. You have a great story to tell the new contact because you had a good relationship with Sue Smith. So find out who replaced Sue Smith. Someone is doing her job. Be proactive. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how well you'll be received. (If you're really good, you'll find out where Sue Smith is and renew that relationship!)
"I was thinking about you and wanted to say hello" call. Until you do this a few times and get good results, you probably won't appreciate the technique. I hesitated to even share it with you. But then, what kind of customer service would that be? NUM calls are great for voice mails and especially if you have the good fortune to reach the customer. Wish someone would give me a NUM call once in a while - that's a rarity. 4.
Make a NUM call. We have a great saying at Telephone Doctor - make a few "NUM" calls a day. NUM calls? Don't look it up 'cuz we made it up. NUM stands for NO ULTERIOR MOTIVE calls. That's right, a simple
Handle all problems immediately. Don't we always you ask? Well you know, sometimes people put things off, especially when it's unpleasant. And if you need to call a customer back when there's been a problem, the sooner you call them back or handle it in person, the better off you are. And it speeds maintaining a relationship. Ignoring the customer or putting off calling will only make the situation worse. You know the old saying, handling a problem you're getting that old 'second chance.' If you're good at what you do, you probably can help the situation move in the right direction. This is a great
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way to maintain customer relationships. 5.
Gain additional business. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to maintain customer relationships. So when you make that NUM call or handle the problem immediately, what do you think your customers will tell others? Right. How good you are! And you can gain additional business by those methods. What do you think I would have told my business associates if that copy machine salesperson had stayed in touch with us? Right. How good he was. I could have gotten that salesperson additional business. By staying away from me, I had forgotten him. Not a great method.
There are dozens of ways to maintain a relationship with your customers. These are just a few. Nancy Friedman, The Telephone Doctor about your groups needs. 314.291.1012 , www.telephonedoctor.com
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Fast, dependable service Memberships: North Carolina Association of Nurserymen Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association
54
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November / December 2011 November/December 2011
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
2.
3.
4.
Be proactive. If your contact is no longer at the company, don't just let that go. Let's say you worked with Sue Smith at Fox & Company. And you called to say hello. Whoops, Sue Smith moved on to another company about three months ago. Sadly she didn't tell all her vendors that. So you still have her name on your list. You have two choices. You can hang up and move on to another call or you can be proactive and find out who replaced Sue Smith and start a new relationship. You have a great story to tell the new contact because you had a good relationship with Sue Smith. So find out who replaced Sue Smith. Someone is doing her job. Be proactive. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how well you'll be received. (If you're really good, you'll find out where Sue Smith is and renew that relationship!) Make a NUM call. We have a great saying at Telephone Doctor - make a few "NUM" calls a day. NUM calls? Don't look it up 'cuz we made it up. NUM stands for NO ULTERIOR MOTIVE calls. That's right, a simple "I was thinking about you and wanted to say hello" call. Until you do this a few times and get good results, you probably won't appreciate the technique. I hesitated to even share it with you. But then, what kind of customer service would that be? NUM calls are great for voice mails and especially if you have the good fortune to reach the customer. Wish someone would give me a NUM call once in a while - that's a rarity. Handle all problems immediately. Don't we always you ask? Well you know, sometimes people put things off, especially when it's unpleasant. And if you need to call a customer back when there's been a problem, the sooner you call them back or handle it in person, the better off you are. And it speeds maintaining a relationship. Ignoring the customer or putting off calling will only make the situation worse. You know the old saying, handling a problem you're getting that old 'second chance.' If
VNLA Newsletter 54
you're good at what you do, you probably can help the situation move in the right direction. This is a great way to maintain customer relationships. 5.
Gain additional business. Word of mouth is one of the best ways to maintain customer relationships. So when you make that NUM call or handle the problem immediately, what do you think your customers will tell others? Right. How good you are! And you can gain additional business by those methods. What do you think I would have told my business associates if that copy machine salesperson had stayed in touch with us? Right. How good he was. I could have gotten that salesperson additional business. By staying away from me, I had forgotten him. Not a great method.
Events - Waynesboro Workshop
March 28
A Gardenerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Palette Presented by
the City of Waynesboro Parks & Recreation Department
Nationally Renowned Speakers Tony Avent perennial expert Steve Aitken editor of Fine Gardening Brent Heath Brent and Beckyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bulbs Richard Bir native plant expert
Waynesboro Virginia Held at the
Best Western Inn & Conference Center
There are dozens of ways to maintain a relationship with your customers. These are just a few. Nancy Friedman, The Telephone Doctor about your groups needs. 314.291.1012 , www.telephonedoctor.c om
Register 540-942-6735 parksandrec@ci.waynesboro.va.us
www.waynesboro.va.us
W here Gardening Comes Naturally
November / December 2011 November/December 2011
VNLA Newsletter
55
Proven North Carolina Nurseries Your First Choice for Landscape Plants
www.BuyNCPlants.com
North Carolina
Or call 919-816-9119 for a Buyers Guide
Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
OTTO LUYKEN LAUREL JAPANESE MAPLE FIREPOWER NANDINA HARBOR BELLE NANDINA
GOSHIKI OSMANTHUS CAMELLIA JAPONICA CAMELLIA SASANQUA BLUE STAR JUNIPER
OVER 200 OTHER VARIETIES CONTAINER GROWN LOCATION: NC 68, TWO MILES SOUTH OF I-40 AVAILABILITY AND PLANT PICTORIAL BUYERS GUIDE AT WWW.GOSSETTSNURSERY.COM VNLA Newsletter
November / December 2011
57
The Virginia Horticultural Foundation Presents the 2012
MID-ATLANTIC HORTICULTURE SHORT COURSE
T Hor ticulhe Virginia tural Fo undatio n
JANUARY 30 - FEBRUARY 2, 2012 at the NEWPORT NEWS MARRIOTT at CITY CENTER Invited Speakers KIRK BROWN as John Bartram, America’s First Horticulturist NAN CHASE, Author: Eat Your Yard TRACY DISABATO-AUST, Author: Well-Tended Perennial Garden MELISSA FISHER, High Line, NYC KATHLEEN GAGAN, Peony’s Envy GARY JOHNSON, Arboriculture & Forestry, University of Minnesota RICH POMERANTZ, Photography & Macro-Photography Workshops AMY STEWART, Author: Wicked Bugs & Wicked Plants JEAN ANN VAN KREVELEN, White Willow Media
$95 per day | CEUs and Certifications | mahsc.org | 757.523.4734
Virginia Certified Horticulturist Application Application Date: _______/______/_____
Select the location and 2012 date you will take the test: (Test Registration Deadline is 2 weeks prior to the test date)
___ Charlottesville, PVCC, Room TBA, January 28, 2012, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (Deadline 1/13/12) ___ Virginia Beach, The Founders Inn, Mid-Atlantic Hort Short Course, January 30, 6-9 pm (Deadline 1/16/12) ___ Leesburg, Monroe Technical Center, Northern VA, February 15, 6-10 pm, (Deadline 2/1/12) ___ Fair Oaks, Merrifield Garden Center - Fair Oaks, March 1, 5:30-9:30 pm (Deadline 2/14/12) ___ Suffolk, Lancaster Farms, March 17, 8 a.m. - noon (Deadline 3/3/12) ___ Richmond, Henrico County Gov’t Complex, March 12, 6-10 p.m. (Deadline 2/27/12)
___ Leesburg, Monroe Technical Center, Northern VA, May 9, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., (Deadline 4/25/12) ___ Suffolk, Lancaster Farms, June 13, 6-9 p.m. (Deadline 6/30/11)
Name: ________________________________, ________________________________, __________________________ (Last)
(First)
(Middle)
Home Address____________________________________________ County: __________________________________ City: _______________________________________State______ Zip ______________________-__________________ Home Phone (_______) ________-___________________ Work Phone: (________)_________-____________________ Birthday ____/____/______ Email:
Social Security #_______-___________-___________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
(Email is very important, most correspondence is now by email)
Current VNLA Employer:___________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________ City _____________________________________________State _____ Zip_____________________-______ Your Name as to appear on Certification Badge (max.22 characters/spaces)____________________________________ Your Company Name as to appear on Badge (max.22 characters/spaces)______________________________________ =======================================================================================
Complete the information on the back of this page. Below for Office Use Only Graded by:_____________________________________________ Test Score:_________ Certification #_____________ Test Date ___/___/___Location:____________________________ Test Proctor: ________________________________ Ofc. Rec’d ___/____/___
Entered NOAH ___/____/___
Results Letter ______/_____/______ Badge Sent ______/_____/______ Certificate Sent ______/____/____ 11/28/20112 Test_Application12.docx VNLA Newsletter
November / December 2011
59
Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association CERTIFICATION CONTRACT AS A CERTIFIED HORTICULTURIST IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, I HEREBY AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS, TO WIT: 1. I will abide by all present and any future additions or changes in rules and regulations, adopted by the Certification Board, a subsidiary group sponsored by the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association. 2. I will promote the highest ethical standards in the conduct of my nursery work and myself. 3. I will make continued efforts to learn more about nursery products and improve my skills as a nursery salesperson. 4. I understand and agree that my certification is limited to a stated time period and must be renewed every three years on terms and conditions prescribed by the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association Certification Board. Failure on my part to comply with stated requirements will automatically revoke my certification. 5. I agree that should my certification ever be revoked for whatever reason, I will not display any distinguishing emblems, titles, list myself as a Virginia Certified Horticulturist in newspapers, yellow pages, websites or any other media, or in any manner to whatsoever imply that I am so certified. 6. 1 understand and agree that my Virginia Certified Horticulturist status is granted by the nursery industry as recognition of knowledge and achievement and is in no way mandatory and may be granted or refused or revoked at the discretion of the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association Certification Board. I further understand and agree that my Virginia Certified Horticulturist status may be used by me only, while I am employed by a current member of the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association. I ACCEPT my Virginia Certified Horticulturist status with no reservations and may use such designation as long as I am in compliance with the above statements and conditions.
_____________________________________________________________________________ Date_____/_____/____ (Applicantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature)
EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION (to be completed by employer only)
Date _____/_____/_____
I hereby certify that the work experience contained in this application is true and correct, and that I am a VNLA member in good standing.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ VNLA Member Firm Name
Employer Signature Title
(You can pay online at www.vnla.org (in November) but you MUST complete, sign and mail or fax this form to the VNLA Office.) Mail or fax to Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association 383 Coal Hollow Rd Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Pay with Credit Card: ___ VISA
___ MasterCard
Phone 1-800-476-0055 FAX: 540-382-2716 VCH@VNLA.org ___ Discovercard
Test Fee $55.00
___ American Express
Credit Card #: __________-__________-__________-_________
Expiration Date: _____/_____/_____
Credit Card Verification # (the number on back of card) _________
Payment Date: _____/_____/______
Signature _______________________________________________
Amount Paid
Print the Name on Credit Card ______________________________
Check Number __________________
11/28/20112 60
Test_Application12.docx
November / December 2011
_________ $55.00 __
VNLA Newsletter
Quality is a Matter of Choice
5800 Knotts Neck Road Suffolk, Virginia 23435
(757)484-4421 (800)336-2200 www.lancasterfarms.com Annuals ❀ Azaleas ❀ Broad Leafs ❀ Conifers ❀ Fruits ❀ Perennials ❀ Roses ❀ Shade & Flowering Trees
VNLA Newsletter
November / December 2011
61
Virginia TURFGRASS
Join: www.vaturf.org We are Fighting for You, We are Working for You PH 757.464.1004
Central Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association Symposium/Winter Short Course 2012 Presented by Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and the Central Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association and
the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service
Save the date: February 8-10, 2012!
"Treading Lightly on the Land " Symposium/Winter Short Course Wednesday, February 8, Nancy Ross Hugo will be discussing her new book "Seeing Trees" Thursday, February 9, Douglas Tallamy will be speaking on native plants, focusing on his new research for his new book aimed at the green professional. Where: Massey Conference Center, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden When: Wed., Feb. 8 through Fri., Feb. 10, 2012 Special Features: CEU credits, exhibits, pesticide recertification, lunch with the speakers Questions? Contact: 804.262.9887 ext. 326 Overview: This symposium/short course, co-sponsored by Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden (LGBG) and the Central Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association (CVNLA), serves as its annual Winter Short Course. Pesticide recertification training will take place on Friday and will apply to categories 3A, 3B, 8, 10, 60, and 91. Who Should Attend: Green business owners and their staffs, master gardeners, and sophisticated amateur gardeners. Registration: Registration begins in November. Check www.lewisginter.org for details. In addition to the two years of credit for pesticide recertification,
the short course is eligible for CEU's for Virginia Certified Horticulturist! To be a Sponsor of this event, contact:
(CVNLA) Central Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association 11349 Saddlewood Ln; Rockville, VA 23146 804-305-1259 e-mail: info@cvnla.org
64
November / December 2011
VNLA Newsletter
HAMPTON ROADS NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION And Lawn and Landscape Training and Consultants, Inc. Present
The Virginia Certified Crew Chief Course
January 16-20, 2012 @ the Hampton Roads Agricultural & Research Station 4.5 DAY INTENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAM $395.00 per person*
Topics covered in the program include: Leadership Principles Crew Management Critical Thinking/Problem Solving Botany Soils Planting and Pruning Turfgrass Pests & Pesticides Calibration Nutrient Management & Fertilizers Tools & Equipment Safety/Loss Prevention
EARN VALUABLE CEUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Curriculum was developed in response to the needs of lawn and landscape managers and supervisors and is a comprehensive program designed to provide the leadership skills and abilities necessary for successful crew leadership. For more information call Cheryl Lajoie @ 484-4421, cheryl@lancasterfarms.com or hrnla@cox.net
REGISTER TODAY SPACE LIMITED * excludes study materials
VNLA Newsletter
November / December 2011
65
Upcoming Events January 11-13, 2012, MANTS Baltimore Convention Center Contact: 800-431-0066 info@mants.com www.mants.com January 11, 2012, VNA HORTICULTURE RESEARCH FOUNDATION GALA/AUCTION at the Tir na Nog Irish Pub Restaurant HarborPlace featuring Skyla Burrell Band Order tickets at MANTS registration for info: research@vnla.org 800-476-0055 January 12, 2012, VNLA ANNUAL BREAKFAST MEETING Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel info@vnla.org 800-476-0055 January 16-19, 2011, VIRGINIA TURFGRASS COUNCIL CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW Fredericksburg Convention Ctr, www.turfconference.org January 16-20, 2012, VIRGINIA CERTIFIED CREW CHIEF COURSE at the HRAREC, VA Beach; 757-484-4421 cheryl@lancasterfarms.com January 30-February 2, 2012, MIDATLANTIC HORTICULTURE SHORT COURSE (MAHSC), NEW LOCATION: the Marriott at City Center, Newport News www.mahsc.org 757-523-4734 February 1-3, 2012, NEW ENGLAND GROWS: ABOVE & BEYOND! Boston Convention Center, Trade Show and Educational Conference www.NewEnglandGrows.org February 2, 2011, VIRGINIA GREEN INDUSTRY COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING, Henrico County Extension Office Richmond, VA info@VirginiaGreen.org 66
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February 2-4, 2012, SOUTH CAROLINA HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY TRADE SHOW & SEMINARS, Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Myrtle Beach, SC www.scnla.org (803) 743-4284 February 8-10, 2012, CVNLA SYMPOSIUM/WINTER SHORT COURSE: "Treading Lightly on the Land" Presented by Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden and the Central Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association and the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service at the Massey Conference Center, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond; 804-305-1259, info@cvnla.org http://cvnla.org/short-course.htm February 9-12, 2012, MAYMONT FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW Greater Richmond Convention Center; 800-332-3976, www.MacEvents.com February 16, 2012, PIEDMONT LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION 29th ANNUAL SEMINAR, The Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, VA www.piedmontlandscape.org February 21, 2012, VIRGINIA TURFGRASS COUNCIL SYMPOSIUMS Pesticide Re-certifications and Turfgrass and Virginia's Waters Virginia Beach, VA
http://www.vaturf.org/
February 26-28, 2012, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF POND PROFESSIONALS (NAPP) at the Suncoast Resort, Las Vegas, Nevada; 706-258-3534 www.nationalpondpro.com March 2011, WAYNESBORO GARDENING SYMPOSIUM Contact: Dwayne Jones, Director of Parks & Recreation 540-942-6735 www.waynesboro.va.us
November / December 2011 November/December 2011
March 25-27, 2012, AMERICAN BOXWOOD SOCIETY 52nd ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM Charleston, SC
www.SeeCharlestonBoxwood.com
April 21-28, 2012, HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK IN VA www.vagardenweek.org April 27, 2012, VIRGINIA ARBOR DAY & NATIONAL ARBOR DAY Contact: VNLA, 800-476-0055, info@vnla.org
Virginia Certified Horticulturist Exam Schedule January 28, 2012 - PLA at PVCC, Charlottesville, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. January 30, 2012, MAHSC, Newport News, 6-9 pm (Basic and Advanced) February 15, 2012, Leesburg, 6-10 p.m. March 12, 2012, Richmond, 6-10 p.m. May 9, 2012, Leesburg, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. March 17, 2012, Suffolk, 8 a.m.-noon (Basic and Advanced) June 13, 2012, Suffolk, 8 a.m.-noon (Basic)
VNLA Certification Review Classes & Test Schedules See schedule page 37, test application page 59
For a Current Calendar of Events, go to:
http://virginiagreen.org/events.htm
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
National Brands, Homegrown Diversity
Licensed Grower of Encore Azalea®
www.pendernursery.com • 1.800.942.1648 • FAX 919.773.0904 • sales@pendernursery.com
Prsrt. Std U.S. Postage PAID Blacksburg, VA Permit No. 107
Your Roots Are In Virginia!
383 Coal Hollow Rd. Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721
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