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2012 VNLA Officers & Directors OFFICERS
2 YR DIRECTORS
President
CHERYL LAJOIE Certification ‘09 Lancaster Farms 5800 Knotts Neck Rd Suffolk VA 23435-1353 757-484-4421 Fax: 7575-686-8637 Cheryl@lancasterfarms.com
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 Vice President 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 Secretary/ Treasurer MATT SHRECKHISE Communications ‘08 Shreckhise Nurseries PO Box 428 Grottoes, VA 24441-0428 540-249-5761 fax:540-249-5762 Matthew@shreckhise.com
Ex-Officio Past President MARK MASLOW Resource Development Southern Landscape Group PO Box 397 Evington VA 24550-0397 434-821-6004 Fax: 434-821-2133 mark@soscapes.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
1 YR DIRECTORS SONYA L. WESTERVELT Public Relations ‘10 Saunders Brothers Inc 2717 Tye Brook Highway Piney River, VA 22964 (434) 277-5455 fax: (434) 277-5394 sonya@saundersbrothers.com
JOHN BARBIERI Membership ‘08 Riverbend Nursery 5408 Meadow Chase Rd Midlothian, VA 23112-6316 804-363-6758 Fax: 804-639-5905 john@riverbendnursery.com
VIRGINIA ROCKWELL Legislation ‘12 Gentle Gardener Green Design PO Box 418 Gordonsville, VA 22942-0418 540-832-7031 (cell) 434-531-0467 Virginia@GentleGardener.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. Jim Owen HARAREC 1444 Diamond Springs Rd Virginia Beach, VA 23455-3351 (757) 363-3804 jim.owen@vt.edu
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
MANTS’ DIRECTORS
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
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
DANNY SHRECKHISE Shreckhise Nurseries ‘12 PO Box 428 Grottoes, VA 24441-0428 540-249-5761 fax:540-249-5762 Danny@shreckhise.com
April / May June 2012
January/February/March 2012
REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Central Virginia Nursery & Landscape Assoc 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 Jessica Primm 434-882-0520 info@piedmontlandscape.org Shenandoah Valley Nursery & Greenhouse Assoc Matt Shreckhise 540-249-5761 matthew@shreckhise.com
Directors at Large Mike Hildebrand ‘12 James River Nurseries 13244 Ashland Rd Ashland VA 23005-7504 804-798-2020 Fax: 804-798-2802 mchildebrand@ jamesrivernurseries.com Dawn Lerch ‘12 Associate 1701 Ducatus Dr Midlothian VA 23113-4067 804-690-1374 (cell) Dawn50Lerch@verizon.net Bill Gouldin ‘12 Strange’s Florist/Garden Centers 3313 Mechanicsville Pike Richmond VA 23223 804-321-2200x331 wjg@stranges.com
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Table of Contents Ad - Bennett’s Creek Nursery ...................................... 13 Ad - Bremo Trees ......................................................... 68 Ad - Buds & Blooms Nursery ...................................... 27 Ad - BuyNCPlants.com ................................................ 55 Ad - Carolina Bark Products ........................................ 61 Ad - Colonial Farm Credit ........................................... 68 Ad - CW Reeson Nursery .............................................. 5 Ad - Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia ....................... 23 Ad - Fair View Nursery ............................................... 61 Ad - Goodson & Associates ......................................... 53 Ad - Gossett’s Landscape Nursery ............................... 54 Ad - Guthrie Nursery ................................................... 41 Ad - Hanover Farms ....................................................... 9 Ad - Hardwood Mulch ................................................. 64 Ad - Hawksridge Farms ............................................... 65 Ad - John Deere Landscapes ........................................ 39 Ad - Johnston County Nursery Marketing Assoc ......... 64 Ad - Lancaster Farms ................................................... 43 Ad - Landscape Supply Inc .......................................... 47 Ad - Lilley Farms and Nursery .................................... 37 Ad - Maryland Plants & Supplies ................................ 57 Ad - Mid-Atlantic Solutions ........................................ 31 Ad - OHP - Sirocco ....................................................... 21 Ad - Pender Nurseries .................................................. 67 Ad - Plantsource N.C. .................................................. 45 Ad - Plantworks Nursery .............................................. 49 Ad – Shreckhise Nurseries ............................................ 57 Ad - SiteLight Id .......................................................... 33 Ad - SNA ..................................................................... 51 Ad - Tankard Nurseries ................................................ 25 Ad - TD Watkins Horticultural Sales .............................. 5 Ad - Virginia Turfgrass Council .................................. 62 Ad - Waynesboro Nurseries ......................................... 11 Ad - Willow Springs Tree Farms ................................. 34 Ad - Winfall Nurseries ................................................. 34 Ad -Turtle Creek Nursery ............................................ 29 Editorial - Remember When? ...................................... 12 Editorial - What it takes to be a Guerrilla Gardener? ... 10 Editorial - Why I Am a Volunteer ................................ 8 Events - Upcoming ....................................................... 66 Legislation - How to Contact Congress ......................... 7 Legislative - National Update: ANLA ......................... 38 Letter - Agriculture in the Classroom ............................ 7 Letter - North Carolina Research Service ...................... 8 Letter - Thank you to VNLA ........................................ 8 Letter - Thank You Virginia Agribusiness Council ...... 8 Letters - Eric Wiseman .................................................. 8
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News - “Biointensive Chic"” CVNLA ........................ 40 News - Boxwood Blight Update .................................. 17 News - CVNLA Thanks Sponsors! ............................ 18 News - Do they have Garden Centres in China and Japan? ...................................... 60 News - Funding Needed for Box Blight Research ...... 18 News - HRAREC Adds Research Staff ....................... 20 News - New Specialty License Plate 4TREES ............ 61 News - Rockwell Attains Certification Credential ...... 19 News - SNA: Summers Named EVP of Endowment ........................................... 20 News - State Fair Bankruptcy ..................................... 22 News - Strange’s Nationally Recognized ................... 19 News - Sustainable Landscape Ratings ....................... 22 News - University of Richmond Sustainable Program 24 News - VA Tech again ACC champs in Landscape Contracting Event ................ 26 News - VA Tech Hort Students Compete .................... 25 News - Virginia Gardeners Recycle: Statewide Container Recycling Program .................... 41 News- VSLD Elects New Board .................................. 10 Research - Weed Management Research Update ....... 44 Tips - Consumer and Trade resources to promote ....... 18 Tips - Room with a View Available for Immediate Occupancy ........ 42 Tips - Sustainable Practices Glossary .......................... 28 Tips - What is LEED? ................................................. 56 VNLA - Certified Horticulturist Exam Schedule ........ 66 VNLA - Certified Horticulturist Stamper .................... 32 VNLA - Beautiful Gardens ‘VT Spirit’ Daylily ............. 2 VNLA - Certification Quiz #60 ................................... 35 VNLA - Certification Quiz Article #60 ....................... 29 VNLA - Donations for VAC Appreciation Banquet ... 17 VNLA - Field Day & Summer Tour 2012.................... 19 VNLA - June 2012 Photo Contest ............................... 15 VNLA - Legislative Suvey Results ............................. 60 VNLA - MANTS “After Dark”Where And When It All Started ................. 16 VNLA - Member Profile: Nautilus Garden Designs ... 36 VNLA – Newsletter Advertising Specs ........................ 65 VNLA - Newsletter Changes ....................................... 17 VNLA - Photo Contest Rules ...................................... 15 VNLA - Photo Contest Winners .................................. 14 VNLA - Quiz Article - Sustainable Practices 3 of 3 ... 28 VNLA - Spring Board Meeting Minutes ..................... 48 VNLA -LEED Certification for Members ................... 56
April / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
VNLA VNLAMission, Mission, Vision Vision and and Objectives Objectives for for 2006 2006
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VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
VNLA Newsletter VNLA VNLANewsletter Newsletter
dee2@sangresundance.net www.sangresundance.net dee2@sangresundance.net • www.sangresundance.net
Box 81402••970-240-0743 970-240-0743 April / May June 2012 PO April/May/June 2012 PO Box1895 1895• •Montrose, Montrose, CO CO 81402 January/February/March 2012 5 55 July/August 2006 2006 January/February
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Vol. 82, No.2; April/May/June 2012 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) Vol. 82, No.1; January/February/March 2012 www.VirginiaGardening.com (Consumer Info) Editor: Jeff Miller 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.
Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc.
383 Coal Hollow Road; Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 These people “get it”. These are the
Internet E-mail Address: info@vnla.org Presidents Message people who do not feel “entitled”, but
www.vnla.org recognizeInfo) that working smart and The spring came very early this year (Association www.VirginiaGardening.com (Consumer Info) hard is still the key to success. and so farTelephone: everyone540-382-0943 appears to orbe1-800-476-0055 Fax: 540-382-2716 busy. After the lastPublished few yearsforthis Disclaimer: yourisinformation, newsletter is notahead an of us. We stillthis have challenges very positiveendorsement news. Weforhave seen products individual or editorial comments. We need to have access to a dependthis before, and I think we are all oldable and skilled work force. We need er and wiser then when we to know what regulations we had VNLA a false President’s recovery. workingonwith. We We planwill on be focusing 3 main “Cautiously optimistic” is need to participate in the Message areas: Industry Advocacy; Publithe phase that I have been formulation of these regulacations and Communications and using and hearing lately. tions / laws or we will be The growers that I have Researchtold and what Education. We Your will to do. As we togethave ready to shiptake on a new talked been also prioritize each area. VNLAissues Boardinhas been paryear, forwardthis to working ping a Ilotlook of material ticipating in though the “process” One constant theme that I with members spring.the Plus, the ofde-the VNLA and we are working to have felt, is to make make sure and members the sign/build peopleof have a difference. we are doing what is best also been reporting inVNLA Board. We have Please mark VNLA for the Industry. ThisField is a creases additional in sales activity. added experiDay on your calendar. Sonya WesterAfter the last 2 hard and long winters, moving target and will ence to the Board to velt and Virginia Rockwell have been this non winterthe was a welcome relief. vary over time. All people compliment impresputting in an incredible amount It has let all of us get a very early will not agree on what of is sive talent we already time planning this years’ event. This start, or we never stopped. best. However, as long as have serving. year the Field Day is at Battlefield we as an Industry and We have also all become much more Farms in Orange County Virginia. Like most of us have done efficient and are all doing more with Trade Association are Also keep in mind the Horticulture recently in business, the less. This seems to be the mantra of viewed as the professional Garden Gala on Saturday June 9th. VNLA Board has taken a all business people, whether they are and isexperts by the public, The VNLA a sponsor again this hard look at who we are large or small. I love talking to small all of us will be doing our jobs. year. Details to follow on both and how we do it. We met in Lynchbusiness people, no matter what busiburg for 2 days to establish a StrateIevents. wish you all a healthy and prosness they may be in. It is like being in gic Plan. We discussed how to have Hoping year. we all have a great year. perous an exclusive fraternity of people who the most impact on all areas that afstill take risks, who become excited fect our Industry. This is a tall order. when talking about what they do and It is not a job for just one person. It is understanding that it is the spirit and Steve Grigg, a job that will take the talents and the mettle of the small business perRegards, Steve Grigg, VNLA President 2012 commitment of many people. It also son that drives the economy. VNLA President 2012 will not happen overnight. Plus, 90% of success is showing up, so we will 6 April / May June 2012 6 April/May/June 2012 have to participate to achieve the results we hope to have and stay the course.
How to Contact How to Contact Congress Congress To contact your congressman and
senator, go your the www.vnla.org To contact congressman and click in the legislation tab/button, senator, go the www.vnla.org and and click on the “Legislative clickthen in the legislation tab/button, Update” or goon directly to: and then click the “Legislative Update” or go directly to: http://capwiz.com/anla/va/home/ Here, you can find Here, you can find your congressman your congressman and senators’ contact and contact info senators’ and can email info can email themand directly from them directly from this link. There this link. There are also summaries of are also issues summaries of current issues current and sample letters. and sample letters. “The squeaky wheel gets the oil!” “The squeaky wheel gets the oil!”
Support VNLA Member Growers! online @ www.vnla.org/ For a print copy, contact the VNLA Office at 800-476-0055 Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
VNLA - Website Upgrade
The VNLA website has had a complete overhaul with a new design, re-organized info tabs and updated information.
You can now log in and set up your user name and password.
Access and update your contact information
See the CEU’s that are recorded for you Virginia Certified Horticulturist
Use the online store to order Certification supplies
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Additional capabilities will be added on an ongoing basis
VNLA Newsletter
VNLA Newsletter
How to Log in Go to www.vnla.org/ Click on “Activate” in the left column Enter your email address. If you have an email address in the database, it will email your login info and let you setup a user name and password. Return to the main screen and login with your user name and password. Go to “My VNLA” and you can see your contact information, sales history, etc. If you do not have an email in the database, you can activate a new account and enter your information.
Letter - Agriculture in the Classroom
Thank you very much for the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association's gift of $1,500 received on March 14, 2012. In the true spirit of philanthropy, your entire generous donation supports our programs as you received no goods and/or services in exchange for your gift.
Due to your generosity and your concern for the future of agriculture in Virginia, Agriculture in the Classroom will be able to help more teachers tell agriculture's story to students who want, and need to hear it. Kids want to know more and your donation will help make it possible. Because of you, thousands of students will have their eyes opened to the wonders of agriculture and learn where the food and fiber that sustain us all comes from.
April / May June 2012
April/May/June 2012
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Our family of generous donors has helped us to have an extremely successful past year. A record 2,120 teachers attended workshops in numerous educational conferences, school divisions, regional locations, and universities across Virginia last school year. As a result, over 67,000 Virginian students will have the opportunity to learn about the importance of agriculture! Our goal for this year is to again reach at least 2,000 teachers in training programs and your donation will help us to do that. Please accept our sincere gratitude for your belief in the work of the Agriculture in the Classroom program. If you have questions, please contact Karen Davis at 804-290-1142 or Karen.davis@vafb.com .
Wayne F. Pryor President, Virginia Farm Bureau, Richmond, VA 804-2901141 www.agintheclass.org
Letters - Thank You Virginia Agribusiness Council
Thank you so much for presenting at our National Policy meeting last Thursday, March 22. The members have expressed their appreciation for the information you provided and enjoyed learning about the issues facing the Nursery and Landscape industry. Your presentation and involvement help make it a successful and enjoyable meeting. I also want to thank you for VNLA’s sponsorship of the meeting. VNLA has been a wonderful supporter of Virginia Agribusiness council activities and we could not do it without you. We greatly appreciate your support Thank you again for everything Blair Krusz, Virginia Agribusiness Council, blair@va-agribusiness.org
Letter - Thank you to VNLA
The Central Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association would like to thank your company for your support with the sponsorship for the 2012 Short Course held at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden last week. We hope the publicity you received will prove beneficial to you all Your involvement in the 2012 Short Course helps make it another successful venture for us and in the long run, the money made from our Short Course will go toward a horticulture scholarship for some student at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. Once again thank you, Terry Koci
Letter - North Carolina Research Service
On behalf of the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, thank you for your $12,500 gift to support Dr. Kelly Ivors' research on the boxwood blight. An official NC State University receipt is enclosed for your records. Your investment in the College and the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service allows us to excel in our mission to improve the productivity, profitability, and sustainability of industries in the agricultural and life sciences. We are truly grateful for your generous support for the College and the future of plant pathology research at NC State University. W. David Smith, PhD, Associate Dean and Director, NC Agricultural Research Service
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April / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
Letters - Eric Wiseman
On behalf of my co-investigator, Dr. Laurie Fox, I want to thank VNA Horticulture Research Foundation for supporting our research project on utility line compatible trees with a grant in the amount of $2,900. We believe this project will provide valuable information on the performance of novel cultivars of small stature trees in Virginia and will aid nursery and landscape professionals in choosing appropriate trees to cultivate and utilize in Virginia landscapes. Thank you again for your ongoing support of our research programs. P. Eric Wiseman, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Urban Forestry, pwiseman@vt.edu
Editorial - Why I Am a Volunteer
(Photo by Michele Fletcher)
Last year it was my responsibility to find people to volunteer to fill the positions of vice-president, treasurer, and two directors. This brought to my mind why I volunteer and encourage others to do so. Although this article was originally wrote for VSLD, the ideas and reasons for belonging to a professional organization still apply. I’ll explain, but, first, some background is in order. In 1986 I was a new landscape designer. I had a degree in art education and had taught school for a number of years. In the early 1980’s my husband was deployed a lot and so the yard became my responsibility. Finding that I enjoyed working in the yard, I attended Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
TCC and graduated with an associate’s LettersCombining that degree in horticulture. with my neoThank youartforbackground supportingmade our 7tha Anphyte a landscape designer. nual Legislative Golf Tournament on
June 12 at Mattaponi Springs Golf Club. We had a terrific response with 112 players including a number of elected and appointed state officials, 18-hole sponsors, three food and bevAt a horticultural function in Virginia erage sponsors and numerous sponBeach, I met Pat Bridges, one of sors of gifts and prizes. is a subVSLD’s co-founders. HeThis recommended stantial increase from past years that I join VSLD. I did and it turned out thanks yourgood efforts. to be atovery decision. By joining and participating VSLD I not only This event is not in only a very enjoylearned more about the business of able way to promote agribusiness to landscape design, made many all participants, butbut it also, also contributes new friends. I joined the board as a to the Council’s ability to represent director in the late 1980‘s. This helped our industry’s interest throughout the me meet more designers. This interacyear with the General Assembly, tion helped expand my abilities just in Governor’s statesituation agencies, time to moveoffice to a new and congressional and the genlearn what it’sdelegation like without a landscape eral public. Our significant accomorganization. plishments are attributable to the supFrom to 2002, lived in and port you1991 provide. ThankI you. worked in El Paso, Texas. Although I
We look living forward to the your joining us enjoyed there, state of Texas
Annual again for out 8thlandscape did notnest haveyear a professional Legislative Tournament. organization.gold I had to learn new plants
and growing conditions on my own. Sincerely, Virginia Agribusiness Council There were only three landscape deEditor’s Note:inThe a team signers listed theVNLA phonewas book for a sponsor, prize give away population of and 500,000. Therecontributor were just and a hole sponsor.I had to go as few landscape architects. to Albuquerque, New Mexico, or Arbor Day Thanks Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona for landscape design I joined Many thanks workshops. for the wonderful APLD but, again the contacts were so Swamp White Oak that was donated far away. In 2002 I moved back to Virto Lorton Library for Arbor Day this ginia. I really appreciated VSLD at that year. It’s doing well and sprouting point.growth I rejoined and new even the as I organization write. became involved. As a volunteer I am An article the ceremony giving back about to the organization thatwas has featured the thelibrary website helped me on through years. Now that www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ I have been designing for twenty-five years I can share what. IIthave waslearned. a lovely lo/oaktreeplanting.htm
day and IWhat know our neighbors will is happening enjoy the tree many years. in for landscaping?
Sincerely, County Library Belonging to Lorton and participating in my professional organization keeps Editor’s Note: Vice-Presiden,, me up toLou date withprovided happenings Kobus, the treein the on behalf VNLA. have been horticultural world.of There times in the past when landscape architects wanted the public to use only
them for landscape design. As an orVNLAwe–Summer Board ganization have been involved with the state to keep laws from being Meeting Minutes passed that would take away our right Friday, June 23,program 2006; is beto design. The LEEDS 9:00 am to 12:30 pm Chesacoming more important. The Virginia Room, Hampton peake Bay Act is always in theInn, news. Royal, We need toFront keep up with VA these and other events. VSLD helps keep us in9:00 a.m. Call to Order – Richard formed. We have a very active group of Johnson, President called the meeting volunteers who keep the web site up to to order the following people date, sendwith out news information, and present: Lizzy Pine, Lesley Pine, Jeff work on new marketing ideas.
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In addition Butch to providing Shumaker, Gaddy,information and Billy about the landscape design field, Crigler. VSLD has enhanced my professional Guest Introductions Bill Dutcher, development and has –provided endPresident of the CVNLA, introless opportunities for net- was working. Being ablewelcomed to put VSLD Certified duced and to the meeting. Landscape Designer has given me more Secretary’s Report, validity in the eyes of myButch clients.Gaddy Being reported that the minutes had board been a volunteer and sitting on the printed in the VNLA Newsletter and gives me exposure to new ideas that I emailed to the Board. A motion was can apply to my business. Volunteermadefortome, accept the minutes, ing, doesn’t stop with seconded VSLD. I and passed. give lectures on landscape design to master gardener groups, the YMCA,
- Hanover Farms Ad –AdHanover Farms
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garden clubs and church. Education is power and the more the public understands what we do the more work we will have.
Why should I participate in VSLD? Simply being a card carrying member doesn’t mean I am a productive member. To increase my knowledge and hone my salesmanship skills, I must participate in the organization. I try to know as many members as possible. This helps me learn of new and effective aspects the business such as closing techniques, pricing of designs, new marketing ideas, etc. This also gives me the opportunity to share what I have learned. I have made some good friends over the years being a member of VSLD. In the summer of 1996, Elsie Katz and I went to England for a design workshop. Kay Moore, Terry Tosh and others have been on Robert McDuffie garden tours with me. The reason I am writing this article is to explain to those of you feel you don’t have the time to be involved why you should rethink this. Yes, we do need new board members: a vicepresident, a treasurer and a director, and I hope you will consider filling one of them. But if you can’t fill one of these positions, consider helping out a committee. You will be glad you did. A professional organization is only as strong as its member participation. VNLA needs your commitment too. There are many ways to participate, just read the newsletter and see what is happening. You will then see how you can help and reap the benefits of being a team player in a professional organization. By - Diane Roselius
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VSLD Board; from left to right: Eve Willis; Vice President; Tom Thompson, President; Yulita Ellis, Director; Chris Coen, Past President; Christi Fargis Director and Membership Chair; Susan Kappel, Treasurer;; gBrian O'Neil, Secretary; Monit Rosendale, Certification and Website Coordinator; Dave Chirico, Director; (Board members missing from photo: Kim League, Director; Michele Fletcher, Marketing/Social Media Chair & Photographer; Denise Greene, Public Relations Chair; Carol Pilgrim, Scholarship Chair)
Editorial - Do You Have What it takes to be a Guerrilla Gardener?
I had a client who lived on Grace St. in Richmond’s Fan District and who has since relocated to Florida, but before she left she was in charge of developing a community park in the median on Allen Avenue between Monument Avenue and Broad Street. She must have been pleased with the work we did for her because she asked me to design the park for her neighborhood group. Well, if you are familiar with Monument Avenue in Richmond, you’ll know that this strip of land lies at the foot of probably the most famous hunk of April / May June April/May/June 20122012
bronze in the South - the Lee Monument. I ask you, what self-respecting landscape designer would pass that job up? That was to be my introduction to the world of Guerrilla Gardening. Of course, at the time, I didn’t know that what I was getting ready to do had a name. All I knew was that I was drawing a design for free, for a group of novice gardeners that didn’t have enough money to do a tenth of what they wanted to do on the land that they were being allowed to garden but did not own. But they were game and what they lacked in experience, they made up for in energy. This group actually got permission from the City of Richmond to landscape the area and build a park and the city also donated some mulch and put in the meter for the irrigation system for free. I have since learned that although sometimes you can get permission to Guerrilla Garden, it is not the norm. In this case however, Richmond gets a brand new public park that they don’t have to maintain at no cost to them. It’s not like that most of the time.
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was a strange bird who could be seen walking around wearing ill-fitting hand-me-down clothes using a cooking pot for a hat. He collected his apple seeds from local cider mills and proceeded to plant them all over the upper mid-west.
Sometimes you get permission and sometimes you don’t.
Guerrilla Gardening is difficult to define; it’s one of those things that you know it when you see it. For instance, Johnny Appleseed was a Guerrilla Gardener. Johnny was a real person named John Chapman. He was born on September 26th, 1774 in Massachusetts. He became a nurseryman in his 20s and set about clearing land and planting apple orchards in New York and Pennsylvania and, later, in what would become Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. He
There is no record of Johnny Appleseed ever having a run in with the law or with the public over his obsession for planting apple trees, but there is no guarantee that you will receive the same level of acceptance should you decide to enter into the world of civil disobedience - be aware that one person’s public beautification project might be another person’s vandalism. After all, you are landscaping someone else’s property, usually without permission. For example, what might be the first Guerrilla Gardening project in the US could have been in Berkeley, California in 1969 (go figure). A piece of property that was intended to be a parking lot at UC Berkeley was
abandoned after being cleared. Tiring of looking at a weed choked piece of land in their neighborhood, the locals moved in and planted trees and shrubs, christening their new space People’s Park (UC Berkeley, California for crying out loud, in the 60’s of course it was going to be named PEOPLE’S park!). But they say that no good deed goes unpunished, and this time was no exception. The governor of California (who was eventually to become the 40th President of the United States) ordered the land cleared and the trespassers evicted, and since it was the 60’s, the police showed up with a vengeance. In the process of carrying out the eviction notice, one person was killed, another was blinded and hundreds more were hospitalized .And the moral to this story is, Guerrilla Gardening can be dangerous. Thank goodness it’s not always like this, but although you probably won’t take gunfire while Guerrilla Garden-
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ing, you might just get a visit from the police. More than likely they’ll stop because they are confused since most of the time they roll up on somebody trespassing, those who are trespassing usually have a can of spray paint in their hand. Just be polite, answer their questions and just tell them what you’re doing - and leave your marking paint back at the office. And while we’re on the subject of ways to stay out of trouble, it might be best if you left the company truck back in the yard, or at least take the signs off of the vehicle, no sense tempting fate. Most of the Guerrilla Gardens we have been involved with have been on pieces of property where the organizers have had permission to be there, but since I have never seen a “No Trespassing” sign that I didn’t consider an invitation, I have magnetic signs that I can remove on one truck and magnetic blanks to cover the decals on another. Sometimes it’s nice to be anonymous. There’s a guy in Maine, a professor at University College of Bangor, who takes anonymity to the extreme and Guerrilla Gardens at night, when the neighborhood wakes up in the morning, they wake up to new landscaping. Pretty cool. If you really want to avoid any possible confrontation with anybody, you could just lob a seed bomb onto the site (you don’t even need to get out of the truck to do this - just drive by and toss them out). A seed bomb is simply a small, hand launched projectile filled with seeds and soil, made to break open wherever they happen to land. Green Guerrillas in New York have the original recipe, if you’re interested. There are websites dedicated to Guerrilla Gardening as well as several books on the subject if you don’t like the web, as well.
Editorial - Remember When?
Even the smallest space can be used for a guerrilla garden.
By its very nature, Guerrilla Gardening is almost always an urban practice and as such, it has a unique set of problems associated with it. The sites most likely to be available will have soil so hard and dry that it will make the sidewalk seem soft and the Mojave Desert seems as wet as a rainforest. Pedestrians will walk through the garden and break the plants, pick the flowers and eat the fruit. And if by some small miracle and many hours of hard work your garden not only lives but thrives, the landowner can still show up unannounced and tear everything out and there is nothing you can do about it. And then there are the labor issues. Everybody likes the sound of Guerrilla Gardening - until 7:30 on the Saturday everybody volunteered to work. You’ll get half the people who volunteered to work and the ones who do show up will all have bad backs. Guerrilla Gardening can be challenging in many ways. So why do it? Guerrilla Gardening isn’t just about gardening on another person’s land (neglected land, hopefully with an absentee landlord) without permission. It’s about volunteering. It’s about, literally, putting down roots. It’s about being a good steward of the land. It’s about having some fun. And it’s like Chris Stevens of Northern Exposure said, “Sometimes you just have to do something bad, just to know that you’re alive”. Tom Thompson, VNLA Environmental Affairs Director, naturalartlandscaping@yahoo.com
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Last fall I was sitting eating lunch on a beautiful day on my client's deck overlooking the lake, listening to the birds, feeling the cool breeze on my face, admiring the work in progress on the job, when out of the sky over some trees a bald eagle swooped down and grabbed a fish out of the water. I turned to my crew and said "WOW, this is why I enjoy being outside landscaping!" Remember when you first decided to become a landscaper, the hopes and dreams you had? Being able to work outside and enjoy the nice days? When you couldn't wait to work for yourself, or work for someone that appreciates you and the work you do? When going to the jobsite and seeing nothing but weeds and dirt and a few days later the yard being transformed into a beautiful landscape that you and the homeowner were proud of? When we are in the so called "heat of the battle" in the middle of summer we sometimes forget who we are working for and start the complaining. Looking at all the negative things that are happening around us like all the hours, the hot days, the employees are not happy, and that one customer you just can't seem to satisfy. What do you do? Take a breath and look around you. There is nothing more satisfying then looking at a job when done and taking in what you just accomplished. So many times I am under the gun getting to the next job that I pack up and move on without stopping and taking a look. I have tried very hard to take my crew and walk around a work site for 15 minutes after being done and just take it in. It is hard, but try to do it! A number of years ago I was working at a supermarket and carrying out groceries for a lady when she taught me a lesson I will not forget. I proceeded to talk to her about the weather, the day, and some pleasant things that were happening at the time. [continued on page 16]
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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. December 2011 - Michele Fletcher
February 2011 - Brian D. Ross, Sr
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 April/May/June Photo Contest
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). E-mail 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.
Photo Winner: Michele Fletcher Michele Fletcher Landscape Design, Rockbridge Baths, VA This photo is of a portion of a landscape design which was created for Joyce and Ken Hawkins for their Brierley Hill Bed and Breakfast in 2006 and the design won a VSLD Design contest award in 2009. This portion of the master plan was installed by Waynesboro Landscape and garden center (another VNLA member) under my supervision and I continue to guide the maintenance of the gardens. I took this photo the first week of April 2012. This portion of the design includes a dry creek; a pebble path leads over the bridge and down to a gazebo (not visible here) where weddings take place. Some of the plant material shown here are Mt Airy Fothergilla, Variegated Yellow Flag Iris, Purple Beautybush, Dwarf Japanese Garden Juniper, Sedums, Dianthus, Willowleaf Blue Star (Amsonia), Shirobana Spirea, Viburnums, Japanese Snowbell tree, and more. Many of the perennials and shrubs are repeated in groups throughout the garden to unify the design. Cool colors were used throughout the design to maintain a relaxing setting for guests. The photo was taken around 5:30 in the evening at F9, ISO 640, 1/640 sec., exposure compensation + 1/3.More photos of this garden are available at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Michele-Fletcher-Landscape-Designs/230948441558 viewable publicly.
Win $50, submit your photos! Good Luck and Happy Photographing!
July/Aug/ Sep Issue will be “Landscapes & Landscape Display� VNLA Newsletter
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April / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
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.
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She had a negative comment about everything that I brought up and no matter what I said she had that type of a response. The lesson I learned is that sometimes you just can't please some people. No matter what, we all have bad days. But, how do we handle them? I challenge each one of you reading this to take 10 minutes out of your schedules and do the following, this will help you later! Write on the top of a small piece of paper "Remember when." Then answer these questions; What brought me to landscaping? Why do I like landscaping? What is the best thing I have done while landscaping? What are the two most positive things I have been told about my landscaping ability? After doing this, put this paper in your truck or wallet and this summer during the busy season pull that out during a bad day and remind yourself how great you are! May God bless you during this coming year! "There is nothing more satisfying then looking at a job when done and taking in what you just accomplished.” By Todd Peterson, Todd's Landscaping, Todd Peterson is a member of the MNLA Landscape Professional Advancement Committee and can be reached at todd@toddslandscaping.com
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VNLA - MANTS “After Dark”- Where and When It All Started
Jack Campbell performs with Skyla Burell Band at the 2012 VNLA Research Gala/Auction
This year, for the first time, MANTS After Dark and the VNLA Gala joined together. This was the brainstorm of Matt Sawyer. I think everyone in attendance would agree it was a wonderful event. MANTS After Dark has always been a non-affiliated event. Elizabeth Mundy coined the phrase, and she always wanted to make that clear. I asked her why she felt it was so important and she replied “Well, what if someone gets hurt? We don’t want them suing the real MANTS.” I replied “Does that include a broken heart?” “Definitely!” was her reply. The year was 2005. The VNLA Gala was held at the ESPN Zone. I remember after the auction, there was a cover band playing, and many people were dancing. Tom Saunders was trying to get the band’s attention to see if they would let me play a song with them on my harmonica. They weren’t having any of it. Petra Compel of P.W. Feats (the coordinator of the Gala that year) caught on quickly to what our intentions were. She suggested that after the Gala we go down to Fell’s Point and join in a blues jam that her boyfriend was attending. It was being held at a now defunct club called the Full Moon Saloon. So a April / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
bunch of us did just that. From Lancaster Farms came Lizzy Pine, Dale Saunders, Barbara Moscoffian, and Elliot Hallum. From Rounds Landscaping came John Round, Joel Van Scoy, and Ursula Tankard Deitch. Representatives from the North Carolina Pine Straw Association included Doug Williams and Jerry Holder. Other luminaries included: Bo Tidwell of Tidwell Nurseries, Michael Proctor of Proctor Bothers Nursery, and Kourtney Moles of DJR Apparel. The Full Moon Saloon turned out to be just what you’d want in a late night juke joint. It was a narrow venue with low ceilings, and the stage set way in the back. I seem to remember there were a bar and maybe two booths to sit at. The dance floor was just large enough to cut the rug. The band that night was Old Man Brown, and they were awesome. They still play in the greater Baltimore and Washington DC areas, and can be found at www.oldmanbrown.com . Adam Scott-Wakefield is the bandleader, vocalist, and keyboard player. That night we felt he had all the soul of Stevie Winwood, and was a real nice guy to boot. He let me play almost immediately. I remember with some embarrassment, looking out over the crowd into the smoky dim lights and thinking “I am so in my element.” We ended up playing all night and closing the bar. Then of course Bo wanted to get Pizza. It would be several years before we’d meet Skyla. And that’s another story in itself. But on that very first night, no one got hurt, and to my knowledge no hearts were broken. It was all just good, clean fun! Who would have known what it would become? And now you know how it all started. By: Jack Campbell, McHutchison, Inc.
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VNLA - Donations for Virginia Agribusiness Appreciation Banquet
The VNLA & VGIC would like to thank them for all their hard work and commitment to beautify the banquet! Sandy Miller
you so we can represent the membership of the VNLA more accurately and effectively to our legislators and the VA-Agribusiness Council. We're also called the "green" industry for a reason, so fewer Newsletters printed mean less waste. The Newsletters are also available online in a new flip-page format. They will be quicker to load and easier to read than the PDF format we previously used. Another benefit of using the flip-page format is advertisers will be able to have their ads linked to their website. Finally, by having fewer publications more resources can be used in other ways to benefit the association and its members. We are proud of our Newsletter and will continue to strive to provide a high quality magazine. However, we believe that focusing more of our communication efforts through emails and our newly designed website will be more beneficial to you.
On January 12, 2012, the Annual Virginia Agribusiness Appreciation Banquet was held in Richmond at the Arthur Ashe Center. The Virginia Green Industry Council coordinated the items donated and installation of banquet decorations, transforming the center into a beautiful oasis in January. The following donors participated by sending plants, labor, or decorating for the banquet: Louis Brooking, Brookmeade Sod Farm Tal White, Whites Greenhouse Karen Kelly, Shipp and Wilson Cary Gouldin, Strange’s Greenhouses & Garden Centers Mike Weber, Weber’s Nursery Gwynn Hubbard, State Fair of Virginia Lin Diacont, K&L Ventures Mike Hildebrand, James River Nurseries A total of: $8,667.93was donated in goods and services.
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If you would like to be featured on the cover of the Newsletter please contact Matt Shreckhise (matthew@shreckhise.com or 540-249-5761). VNLA Communications Chair
VNLA - Newsletter Changes
This year you will notice the frequency of the VNLA Newsletter has changed from bi-monthly to quarterly. We want to make the readership aware of the change and also of our goals in securing your interest, cooperation, and involvement in the VNLA. In November 2011 at the VNLA Strategic Planning Meeting, the board agreed that legislative issues affecting our industry need to be communicated to our members more often. Our email blasts (E-News) and information on our website will help us do that. In turn, we need to hear from April / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
News - Boxwood Blight Update The National Plant Board Embraces Integrated Approach to Controlling the Disease In an effort to spread the word and provide guidance regarding the control of the fungal pathogen Boxwood Blight (Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum), the executive committee of the National Plant Board (NPB) voted last week to endorse two documents that encourage the use of an integrated approach to mitigate the risk of the disease. Boxwood Blight can cause defoliation and twig dieback of Boxwood plants (Buxus spp.), 17 17
significantly reducing the plant’s ornamental value. It was first confirmed in North America in the fall of 2011 and isolated incidences of this disease have now been identified from ten states (CT, MA, MD, NC, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, VA) and two Canadian Provinces (BC, ON). The NPB will be promoting the use of the voluntary best management practices (BMPs) developed by the Boxwood Blight Working Group (BBWG), a group of industry leaders coordinated by the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA), to the state departments of agriculture as a scalable and flexible tool nurseries may voluntarily implement to prevent the introduction of Boxwood Blight and minimize its spread. Also, the NPB will provide a template compliance agreement to the state departments of agriculture for those states that wish to provide a formal agreement to their growers, who wish to participate. This compliance agreement program is intended to be voluntary, as well, but provide growers with official documentation of their participation. The BBWG BMPs and the NPB compliance agreement template are an integrated approach that focuses on critical control points within a production nursery. For those growers that can meet the standards as described in the compliance agreement template, and as the marketplace calls for the participation in a formally recognized program, the approach is a good example of a voluntary national approach that addresses concerns about the pest and facilitates trade. For those growers who are unable to meet the infrastructure requirements of the NPB compliance agreement template, the BMPs from the BBWG provide useful suggestions and recommendations that, if implemented, should help allay customer concerns. For more information visit www.boxwoodblight.org
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News - Funding Needed to Support Boxwood Blight Research
In the fall of 2011, the fungal pathogen Boxwood Blight (Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum) was identified for the first time in North America, with isolated discoveries in ten states (CT, MA, MD, NC, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, VA) and two Canadian provinces (BC, ON). Despite its initial discovery in Europe in the early 1990s and the significant impact it has had on their boxwood industry, there are limited data on the efficacy of fungicides to treat the disease, no rapid diagnostic tools are available, and no resistant cultivars have been developed. As part of their response to Boxwood Blight, the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) and the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) are collaborating with a group of experts from state departments of agriculture, land-grant universities, and the Agricultural Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (ARS-USDA) to tackle the most pressing questions and issues the industry faces in battling this disease. In late March, 2012 ANLA and HRI hosted a webinar in which US researchers involved in the study of Boxwood Blight shared what they know about the disease and the research priorities they have identified, in collaboration with industry. These research priorities include field deployable rapid diagnostic and disease management tools, as well as the development of Boxwood Blight reApril / May June April/May/June 20122012
sistant cultivars. While some of this work has begun much of it requires additional funding and support. Please consider a donation towards the $50,000 goal for the Boxwood Blight Fund through HRI. This seed money is pivotal towards leveraging additional dollars from state and federal granting institutions and would show the commitment from industry in taking on this new plant pathogen challenge. To donate please visit www.boxwoodblight.org and click Donate Now. Written by Craig Regelbrugge
News - CVNLA Thanks Sponsors!
The Central Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association wishes to thank all of the sponsors that helped make our 2012 Short Course "Treading Lightly on the Land" a huge success. Attendance was up from last year and evaluations from those that attended were very positive. CVNLA also thanks Henrico County Extension and the staff at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden for all of their help with this event. We are fortunate to have such great people to coordinate this event with.
Thanks to these sponsors: Gold
The Davey Tree Expert Company Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association
Silver
Bartlett Tree Expert Company Colesville Nursery, Inc. Colonial Farm Credit James River Grounds Management Stalite PermaTill
Bronze
Landscape Supply
Terry Koci, Executive Secretary CVNLA Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
News - Rockwell Attains Certification Credential Stream-Friendly Landscape Planning BARBOURSVILLE, VA Virginia R. Rockwell, owner and principal designer of Gentle Gardener Green Design, has been designated a certified Nutrient Management Planner for turf and landscape by The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Division of Stormwater Management. The certification demonstrates a planner’s expertise to competently compose and execute nutrient plans in line with Virginia’s efforts to reduce fertilizer runoff from residential gardens, lawns, athletic fields, golf courses, commercial landscapes and university, town, city, federal and Commonwealth-owned lands. A written plan for maintaining turf and landscape sustainably over three
years is a new service now available to clients of the established Barboursville firm’s certified landscape designers and horticulturists. Gentle Gardener has long advocated responsible land stewardship practices including the use of proper and organic amendments, accurate rate calculations and precise application timing. “The idea is to apply brains first, and then apply fertilizer as needed. These practices improve effects on waterways, soil, plants, animals and people,” said Rockwell. She explained run off nitrogen and phosphorous in streams can be curtailed. Virginians can spend less by applying only what is truly needed, and improve the health of ecosystems and economies downstream. “Nutrient management planning makes good economic sense. We all depend on clean water for life and livelihoods,” she added. The goal for Virginia counties and cities whose streams drain into the
Chesapeake Bay, as per the March 2012 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Plan, is to rapidly increase the acreage of turf and landscape managed with Nutrient Management Plans written by Rockwell and her fellow certified nutrient management planners to more than a half million acres. To learn more, please visit www.gentlegardener.com and www.dcr.virginia.gov/vabaytmdl/docume nts/baytmdlp2wip.pdf
News - Strange’s Nationally Recognized
The Award of Excellence is for Strange’s contributions to the floral and gardening communities of Richmond and the state of Virginia. The National Garden Clubs, Inc is the largest national garden club organization in the U.S. and offers three of these awards per year to individuals, organizations and institutions. The Virginia Federation of Garden Clubs submitted the application
Ad - VNLA Field Day & Summer Tour save the date
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Tour over 50 acres of production space in operation See firsthand what sells to major retail outlets Learn about current issues affecting our industry Network with vendors, as well as fellow growers, retailers, designers and landscapers
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Wednesday: Evening dinner & tour of James Madison’s Montpelier Thursday:
Visit a local private garden and the Culpeper facility of the Library of Congress and their 8-acre roof garden
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on their behalf. They have been the primary sponsor of “Fine Arts and Flowers” At the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts since it began in the 1980s. They have also supplied flowers and plants to the Science Museum of Virginia for a similar period of time. They are the primary sponsor of “A Million Blooms” which is the spring show from March to June each year at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. They host many garden club meetings and events here at the West Broad St. location each year. And the list goes on and on The award will be presented Saturday, May 19th, at their annual convention in Buffalo, N.Y. William J. Gouldin Jr., President, Strange’s Florists, Greenhouses and Garden Centers, 75 Years four generations, Richmond, VA
News - HRAREC Adds Research Staff
Dr. Giovanni Cafà recently joined as a Postdoctoral Associate the Ornamental Pathology Lab at the Virginia Tech’s Hampton Road Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach. Giovanni is a native of Pisa, Italy. He received his Bachelor and Master degrees in Plant and Microbial Biotechnologies from the University of Pisa in 2006 and 2008, respectively. He then moved to the United Kingdom and completed his doctoral study in molecular ecology at the University of Nottingham in January 2012. Giovanni is identifying microorgan20
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isms other than plant pathogens in nursery irrigation reservoirs and evaluating which may naturally work against plant pathogens and improve water quality in the systems. His work is the first step to utilize and enhance these natural mechanisms for long-term sustainability and profitability of the ornamental horticulture industry. Provided by Dr. Chuan Hong, HRAREC
chhong2@vt.edu
News - SNA: Summers Named EVP of Endowment Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund ACWORTH, GA, March 8, 2012 - The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund board of directors has announced that Danny Summers of Summers & Associates was recently appointed executive vice president for the fund. Summers will be responsible for the day-to-day activities of the fund, donor development, scholarship announcements, applications, evaluations and awards, as well as implementing the board's strategic vision and direction. Summers, who was instrumental in developing the fund during his tenure as executive vice president of the Southern Nursery Association (1988 2006), brings nearly two decades of previous fund and association management. "I am pleased that Danny will once again be involved in the management of the fund. His previous experience and leadership will be a valuable asset as we actively promote the fund and prepare to award scholarships later this year," said newly elected president Dr. Doug Bailey, Professor and Head, Department of Horticulture, University of Georgia. In the coming months, Summers will focus on evaluating current investments, increasing donor participation, April / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
and developing a comprehensive website featuring online resources for scholarship information and an online application process, as well as an improved system to easily and securely make donations to the fund. "I am happy to be once again involved with the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund," said Summers. "I remain committed to my belief that supporting our students through scholarships is vital to this industry's future. I look forward to working with the new board, our students, and our supporters of the fund," he added. Created in 1989 by the Southern Nursery Association (SNA), The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund is a 501 (c) 3 corporation providing scholarships to students in sixteen southeastern states - Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia - pursuing a career in horticulture. The scholarship is dedicated to one of the most honored horticultural leaders, the late Sidney B. Meadows, who was an avid supporter of student scholarships and believed that providing aid for students was an important way to ensure the growth and development of all facets of the industry. The fund derives its income from individual and corporate contributions and is governed by the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund board of directors. The financial support offered by the fund has provided many students the opportunity to begin or continue to work toward their educational goals. To date, a total of $401,500 has been awarded since it was established in 1989. The funds current assets are more than $700,000. Scholarship applications will be available by March 15, 2012. Scholarships will be awarded in the fall of 2012. Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund 678.813.1880, info@sbmsef.orq or visit www.sbmsef.org
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News - State Fair Bankruptcy SFVA Inc. Converts from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Lenders Reject SFVA's Offer to Purchase The Meadow Event Park
March 7, 2012 (Doswell, VA) SFVA Inc., the not-for-profit organization that produces the State Fair of Virginia, today converted its Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation in Richmond District Court. As a proposed resolution to emerge from the Chapter 11 process, SFVA offered to buy the 360-acre Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Virginia from the lender group of secured creditors (made up of lead lender Arbor One, 13 farm credits and the USDA). On March 5, the lender group rejected the offer and refused requests to produce a counter-offer. Because of the secured creditors' decision not to accept the offer, SFVA Inc. was forced into bankruptcy. As a result of this action, there will be no further events produced by SFVA Inc., including the Strawberry Hill Races, the State Fair of Virginia and the Meadow Highland Games & Celtic Festival. Additionally the privately scheduled events at The Meadow Event Park will not be able to take place. "As chairman of SFVA, I am deeply saddened and disappointed by the lenders' decision. We worked dili22 22
gently with multiple parties to present the secured creditors with a reasonable offer to purchase The Meadow, and thus allow the 156-year-old tradition of the State Fair of Virginia to continue. Unfortunately, that offer was rejected. Apparently, the secured creditors have other unknown plans for the property," said G. William Beale, SFVA Board of Directors Chairman and CEO - Union First Market Bank. Since 1989, the State Fair of Virginia Scholarship Program has awarded 2,439 scholarships and has dedicated over $1.8 million to youth education. It is SFVA's understanding that these funds will, under the guidance of a bankruptcy court-appointed trustee, be sent to Virginia Tech's foundation for administration and distribution. SFVA's scholarship funds were managed separately from the investment portfolio used as collateral to secure the loan to develop The Meadow Event Park. "While the outcome of this very difficult situation is extremely disappointing, I am heartened by the support we have received from thousands of well-wishers, Caroline and Hanover County officials, the dedication of our staff, and the partners who have stood by SFVA. We worked hard to create a positive outcome in spite of trying economic times and a uniquely complex situation," said Curry Roberts, President of SFVA Inc. The lender group opposed providing severance packages to the remaining 17 SFVA staff members, and as of today, all SFVA staff have been removed from payroll and benefits plans. SFVA Inc. requested the creditors release the rights to the State Fair of Virginia, Meadow Highland Games & Celtic Festival and Strawberry Hill Races. The fate of these events and the property will be determined by the Chapter 7 process and ultimately up to the courtappointed trustee.
the United States Department of Agriculture, Arbor One of Conway, SC; Regions Bank of Greenville, SC; Farm Credit Bank of Texas of Austin, TX; AgTexas of Lubbock, TX; Farm Credit Services of Grand Forks of Grand Forks, ND; Capital Farm Credit of Bryan, TX; AgStar Financial Services of Mankato, MN; Farm Credit Services of Mid-America of Louisville, KY; Ag Credit of Fostoria, OH; Carolina Farm Credit of Hendersonville, NC; Valley Farm Credit of Winchester, VA; Farm Credit of the Virginias of Staunton, VA; Farm Credit of Southwest Florida of Arcadia, FL; Southwest Georgia of Bainbridge, GA; and AgFirst Farm Credit Bank of Columbia, SC. The Virginia Green Industry Council and the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association have been major supporters of the Horticulture Pavilion and Gardens at the State Fair for 25 years. State Fair of Virginia, Meadow Highland Games & Celtic Festival I Strawberry Hill Races, Doswell, VA 23047 (804) 994-2800 I Fax (804) 477-8216 I www.statefairva.org
News - Sustainable Landscape Ratings First Projects Certified by SITES National Rating System for Sustainable Landscapes BLACKSBURG, Va., Feb. 23, 2012 The Sustainable Sites (SITEST) has developed the nation's most comprehensive system for rating the sustainable design, construction, and maintenance of built landscapes and has selected three pilot projects to be certified under the new system, which was created by dozens of the country's leading sustainability experts, scientists, and design professionals.
The secured creditors are made up of April / May June April/May/June 20122012
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demonstrate what a sustainable site International Inc. in St. Charles, Mo.; looks and feels like, and now serve as the Green at College Park, a green a model to others aspiring for susspace at the University of Texas at tainability in a designed landscape," Arlington; and the Woodland Dissaid Holly H. Shimizu, executive dicovery Playground at Shelby Farms rector of the United States Botanic Park in Memphis, Tenn. "The educaGarden. "Having the first pilot protional value of these pilot projects is ESN-117 BiggestNur/4.625x7.375 8/30/04 10:24 AM Page 1 jects certified solidifies years of work significant. They Susan Day and Sarah Gugercin working on field criteria
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Susan D. Day of Blacksburg, Va., assistant professor of urban forestry in the College of Natural Resources and Environment and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (http://www.cals.vt.edu/), helped develop the criteria for soil restoration, one of many criteria used in the SITES rating system. "SITES is unique in that it strongly emphasizes a detailed understanding of both soils and plants on a site before the design process begins so that, ultimately, the design, construction, and management of the landscape can make the best use of these resources, resulting in a truly sustainable landscape," said Day, who served on the . SITES Soil Technical Committee and Technical Core Committee. "With more and more land going under development each year, the SITES guidelines are an absolute necessity to keep the places where we live healthy and beautiful for future generations," said Sarah
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Gugercin, who served on the Soils Technical Committee as a researcherintern. The SITES rating system, under development since 2005, includes 15 prerequisites and 51 additional, flexible credits to choose from. The credit options address areas such as the use of redeveloping brownfields or grayfields, soil restoration, water conservation, use of recycled materials and native vegetation, and sustainable construction and land maintenance approaches.
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into something tangible that we hope will be replicated all around the country. "SITES will continue to receive feedback from the three certified projects as well as more than 150 additional pilot projects, including private residences, streetscapes, industrial complexes, and other settings, until June 2012. Input from the project partners as well as the public will be used to finalize the rating system and reference guide, expected to be released widely in 2013. A partnership of the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center the University of Texas at Austin, and the United States Botanic Garden SITES was created to fill a critical need for guidelines and recognition of green landscapes based on their planning, design, construction, and maintenance. The College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech consistently ranks among the top three programs of its kind in the nation. Faculty members stress both the technical and human elements of natural resources and the environment, and instill in students a sense of stewardship, land-use ethics, and largescale systems problem solving. areas of study include environmental resource management, fisheries and wildlife sciences, forestry, geospatial and environmental analysis, natural resource recreation, urban forestry, wood science and forest products, geography, and international development. Virginia Tech, the most comprehensive university in Virginia, is dedicated to quality, innovation, and results to the commonwealth, the nation, and the world. Nationally ranked among the top research institutions of its kind, Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences focuses on the science and business of living systems through learning, discovery, and engagement. The college's comprehensive curriculum gives more 24 24
than 3,100 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. Contact: Lynn Davis, 540-231-6157, davisl@vt.edu
News - University of Richmond Sustainable Program
Establishes Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Design Program University of Richmond, School of Professional and Continuing Studies, has expanded its professional development programs by establishing the Environmental Stewardship and Sustainable Design (ESSD) programs. ESSD is offering courses to professionals and the general public that will enable companies and individuals to provide leadership and implement sustainable best practices in their everyday lives. Among these programs are the Landscape Design Professional Certificate and a new Certificate program, Landscape Horticulture Plants and Practices. Any professional horticulturalist understands the importance of having sustainable landscape practices. The environmental and economic benefits of sustainability in the garden aren’t limited to landscape professionals, though. Homeowners, architects, maintenance companies, and gardeners can profit from the use of these practices, and the University of Richmond’s School of Professional and Continuing Studies April / May June April/May/June 20122012
has developed a program to teach them how. The Landscape Horticulture, Plants and Practices Professional Certificate Program (LHPP) is a 13-course curriculum designed to educate its students on how and why sustainable practices are crucial for landscape horticulture. The subjects of the program include principles of horticulture, plant identification, design elements, ecology theories, LEED landscape best practices, as well as specifics about pruning, soils, and planting standards. Through these various courses, students learn topics covered on the Virginia Horticulturalist Exam and graduates of the program are better equipped to pass the test. For students with business aspirations, the program also provides a foundation that prepares them to pursue these ventures. Beth Hellmer, graduate of the UR programs and owner of The Nursery at Garden Gate, which specializes in native plants and sustainable landscaping, said she always knew she wanted to open her own company. Hellmer explains that the program gave her “a solid foundation in design, graphics, and plant material. And the input from the instructors, who where all professionals in the business, was instrumental” in preparing her to operate her own business, which is now in its third successful year. Hellmer has always been passionate about sustainable landscaping and native plants, so she chose every elective offered on these subjects. The experience and knowledge she gained from these courses helped her to develop her passions into a business. She explains that now, she is doing “landscape design and installation, maintenance, and is running a growing native plant nursery.” Cary Jamieson, the Landscape Design Program Specialist at University of Richmond’s SPCS explains, “This program is very hands-on. Students will know how to put the theories they learned into use by observing, planting, and implementing sustainability techniques.” Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
Although Hellmer already recognized her interests and knew how she wanted to pursue them, the program provided her with the essential wisdom on how to proceed. The program is open to horticulturalists with any skill, experience, or knowledge level. Beginners can develop a foundational knowledge of landscape horticulture, and experts can enrich their expertise with new ideas and practices in sustainability. Jamieson explains that the goal of the program is to teach homeowners and professionals how to save valuable time and money, while being mindful of the natural environment. “My hopes are that both professional landscape horticulturalists and beginning homeowners come away with a deeper understanding of how they can make a difference in the landscape,” Jamieson explains. “By combining landscape and ecology sustainability practices, I want these students to gain a greater understanding of how to care for their plants so that they are in balance with nature.”
Participants can complete the Landscape Horticulture program between one and two years and receive their Professional Certificate. However, anyone is welcome to take a class or two without enrolling in the entire program. Specifics about the program can be found at www.spcs.richmond.edu/landscape Hellmer maintains that “anyone interested in landscape horticulture and landscape design, as a hobby or a career goal, should look into this program.” She describes the classes as “small and personal” and credits them for helping her to achieve her dreams of starting a business and to follow her passions of sustainable landscape design and landscape horticulture. Cary Jamieson, cjamieson@richmond.edu (804) 248-7701
News - VA Tech Hort Students Compete 36th Annual PLANET Student Career Days HERNDON, Va., March 28, 2012 — Many of the country's best and brightest green industry students gathered at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas, March 22-24, 2012, to compete in the 36th annual Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) Student Career Days (SCD). Sixty-three college teams, including two FFA high-school teams (a total of 817 students) participated in 28 individual and team competitions. Tree climbing, hardscape installation, wood construction, plant identification, sales presentation, exterior/interior design, irrigation troubleshooting, skid steer, 3D exterior landscape design, personnel management, and small engine repair were just a few of the events.
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"I came away from this event with such excitement for the future of our industry. These students are some of the best in the country and knowing they will be part of the green industry gives me confidence that our industry will become stronger with these future leaders," said PLANET Student Career Days Subcommittee Chair Brett Lemcke, Landscape Industry Certified Manager. "The energy was high and you couldn't have asked for a better campus to host this event. Thank you Kansas State University." Aside from bragging rights, some students also received scholarships and award money at a special PLANET Academic Excellence Foundation (PLANET AEF) reception, sponsored by STIHL Inc. This year, PLANET AEF gave $70,400 in scholarships and awards. Students also took advantage of the opportunity to meet and interview with 57 green industry companies for full-time positions and internships at the on-site Career Fair. PLANET thanks event sponsors STIHL Inc., at the Platinum level; JOHN DEERE at the Gold level; Caterpillar, Gravely - an Ariens Company Brand, and New Holland Construction at the Silver level; and BRICKMAN, Husqvarna, Pavestone, and Oldcastle at the Bronze level. For a complete list of winners, including the winners of each individual event, please visit the web at www.StudenfCareerDays.org contact Lisa Schaumann or call 800-395-2522. lisaschaumann@landcarenetwork.org,
News - VA Tech again ACC champs in Landscape Contracting Event
The Virginia Tech team at Student Career Days in Manhattan, Kansas. The students were from Horticulture, Landscape Architecture and Agricultural Technology.
From Wednesday, March 21 until Sunday, March 25, thirty students and faculty from Virginia Tech flew out to Manhattan, Kansas, for the 36th annual PLANET Student Career Days Conference. This conference is organized every year by the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) to give students from around the country the opportunity to gather for 4 days of friendly competition in 28 events all having to do with some aspect of landscape contracting. The Horticulture Department at Virginia Tech has been involved in this conference since 1995 and each year has represented Tech well. This year, we placed 9th overall in the competition (out of 62 schools) and outpaced all of our ACC rivals. The students representing Virginia Tech were from the Horticulture Department, the Department of Landscape Architecture, and the Agricultural Technology program. Two of our students, Brianna Swanson and Mennen Middlebrooks, each received $1000 scholarships at the event.
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Our participation depends heavily on financial support from the landscape industry. So we would like to thank the Brickman Group, ValleyCrest Landscape Companies, Tidewater Landworks, Grigg Design, Kane Landscapes, Southern Landscape Group, James River Nurseries, and VNLA for their generous gifts. While industry support was imperative for us to go, the bulk of the money required came directly from students, the Horticulture Club, and the Student Government Association at Virginia Tech. We had several students to excel in the competitive events. Below are the students who finished in the top ten in their events: 4th place, JB Snelson - Irrigation Troubleshooting 4th place, Billy Yuhase - Exterior Landscape Design 5th place, Jake Sheckhise - Woody Ornamental Plant ID 6th place, JB Snelson - Small Engine Repair [continued on page 36] Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
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!
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Tips - Sustainable Practices for Designed Landscapes (Part 3 of 3) VNLA - Certification Quiz Article #60
If you are a Virginia Certified Horticulturist, read this article and answer the quiz questions on page 47, fax/mail the Quiz Answer postcard and get 1 CEU towards your re-certification requirements.
Quiz Article Sustainable Practices for Designed Landscapes Part 3 of 3 Sustainable Practices Glossary adapted from The Sustainable Sites Initiative Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009 www.sustainablesites.org
100-year floodplain includes all areas below the 100-year flood elevation of waterways of all sizes, including depressional areas, wetlands, areas behind levees, ephemeral and intermittent streams, rivers, lakes, and shoreline and coastal areas. These areas are generally depicted on the current FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map as Zones A, AE, A1-A30, AH, AO, AR, A99, V, and VE. However, in some areas they may need to be calculated by the site development team. Appropriate plant species are plants adapted to site conditions, climate, and design intent. The following attributes should be considered in determining whether plants are appropriate for the site: cold hardiness, heat tolerance, salt tolerance, soil moisture range, plant water use requirements, 28
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soil volume requirements, soil pH requirements, sun/shade requirements, pest susceptibility, and maintenance requirements. Native and non-native plants are appropriate if they meet the above criteria. Average buffer width can be calculated using perpendicular transects every 50 feet along a water body for at least 90 percent of the stream or shoreline length within the boundaries of the site. For final average buffer widths, a minimum buffer width of at least 10 feet must be maintained at all points along the buffer. Buffer widths for rivers, streams, and tributaries are measured on each side of the stream from the top of bank. Bicycle network is a continuous bicycle or multi-use facility that is separate from the vehicular right-of-way but can be shared with pedestrians. The standard bicycle network has pavement that is at least 8 feet wide with a 2-foot unpaved clear zone on each side. Biomass is the total amount of living material or formerly living material in a given habitat, population, or sample. Specific measures of biomass are generally expressed in dry weight per unit area of land. Brownfield is an abandoned, idled, or underused industrial and commercial facility/site where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination; a site documented as contaminated by means of an ASTM E190311 Standard Practice for Environmental Site Assessments: Phase II Environmental Site Assessment or a local Voluntary Cleanup Program; or a site defined as a brownfield by a local, state, or Federal Government agency. Common stormwater pollutants can adversely impact receiving waters and include, but are not limited to: Landscape chemicals - pesticides, April / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
fertilizers, herbicides, detergents, oil, grease; Metals - copper, zinc, lead; Nutrients - nitrogen, phosphorus; Pathogens - bacteria, viruses, protozoa; Regional pollutants - salts, alcohol, temperature; and Solids - soil, tire particles, road abrasion material, etc. Control of invasives is the appropriate eradication, suppression, reduction, or management of invasive species populations, the prevention of the spread of invasive species from areas where they are present and taking steps such as the restoration of native or appropriate species and habitats to reduce the effects of invasive species and to prevent further invasion. Cultural landscape is a geographic area including both cultural and natural resources and the wildlife or domestic animals therein, associated with a historic event, activity, or person or exhibiting other cultural or aesthetic values species populations, the prevention of the spread of invasive species from areas where they are present and taking steps such as the restoration of native or appropriate species and habitats to reduce the effects of invasive species and to prevent further invasion. Deconstruction is a process of carefully taking apart constructed elements with the intention of either reusing or recycling the materials and is accomplished during redevelopment, adaptation, or at the end of use on a site. Design for deconstruction, also called Design for Disassembly, is the design of buildings or products to facilitate future change and the eventual dismantlement (in part or whole) for recovery of systems, components, and materials. This design process includes developing the assemblies, components, materials, construction techniques, and information and Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
management systems to accomplish this goal. Diameter at breast height (DBH) is a standard method for determining the trunk diameter of a standing tree. In the U.S., DBH is typically measured in inches at 4.5 feet (137 centimeters) off the ground on the uphill side. Wounds, branches, multiple stems, and defects may change how diameter is measured. www.isaarbor.com/publications/treeord/measuringdbh.aspx Ecoregion refers to areas within which ecosystems (and the type, quality, and quantity of environmental resources) are generally similar. Developed by Omernick (1987) to serve as a spatial framework for the research, assessment, and monitoring of ecosystems and ecosystem components. Ecosystem services describe the goods and services provided by healthy ecosystems—for example,
the pollination of crops by bees, bats, or birds; the flood protection provided by wetlands; or the filtration of air and water by vegetation and soils. Farmland of statewide importance refers to soils designated by each state’s Natural Resources Conservation Service as “farmland of statewide importance.” Farmland of statewide importance is farmland that does not meet all of the prime farmland criteria, but is still able to economically produce high yields of crops when treated and managed according to acceptable farming methods. Geomorphological and vegetative methods focus on the creation of a stable dimension, pattern, and profile for a stream type and channel morphology appropriate to its landform and valley, designed such that over time, the stream is self maintaining (able to transport the flow and sediment of its watershed without aggrading or degrading). This can include a
broad range of measures, including the removal of the watershed disturbances that are causing stream instability; installation of structures and planting of vegetation to protect stream banks and provide habitat; and reshaping or replacement of unstable stream reaches into appropriately designed functional streams and associated floodplains. Greenfield is a site that has not been previously developed or graded, including previous agricultural fields. Greyfield is a site that has been previously developed or graded and may have existing infrastructure that can be utilized. Greywater is domestic wastewater composed of wash water from kitchen, bathroom, and laundry sinks, tubs, and washers. Impervious surfaces do not allow stormwater to drain into the soil below. Some examples include concrete sidewalks, driveways and heavily
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compacted urban soils. Because these surfaces cover the soil, they increase stormwater runoff and should be replaced with more permeable surfaces such as porous pavers, porous asphalt or turf. Infill site is a site that must have at least 75 percent of its perimeter bordering sites that consist of at least 75 percent previously developed land. Any fraction of the perimeter that borders waterfront is excluded from the calculation. Integrated design team consists of the “owner” and/or client along with professionals knowledgeable in landscape design, architecture, engineering, construction, and maintenance of a site. Team members should meet the unique constraints and opportunities of the specific site. Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. IPM is site specific in nature, with individual tactics determined by the particular crop/pest/environment scenario. The IPM approach places an emphasis on the reduction of pesticide use and the implementation of preventative and alternative control measures. Invasive species are alien species, with respect to a particular ecosystem, that are not native to that ecosystem and whose introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health. Low Impact Development (LID) is a more sustainable land development approach that begins with a site planning process that first identifies critical natural resource areas for preservation. Federal agencies can learn more about LID at: http://www.epa.gov/owow/NPS/lid/ Management of invasives is the implementation of control measures to 30
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prevent the spread of invasive species or lessen their impacts when they appear to be permanently established. Control and management of invasive species encompasses diverse objectives such as eradication within an area, population suppression, limiting spread, and reducing effects. Complete eradication is not generally feasible for widespread invasive species or where adequate control methods are not available. Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health, and environmental risks. Consideration of cumulative environmental impacts requires that environmentally sound methods be deployed, especially in vulnerable areas. Minimal impact site development is development that does not significantly alter the existing vegetation and hydrology of the vegetation and soil protection zone, such as trails, picnic areas, or boardwalks. Minimal soil disturbance describes soils that are minimally graded and/or compacted, such that compaction levels exceed the Maximum Allowable Bulk Densities, but not covered with impervious surfaces. Examples of soils that are minimally disturbed include areas with minor modifications or very limited development but not covered with buildings or paved surfaces, such as areas that have been compacted by livestock or heavy foot traffic. Moderate soil disturbance describes soils in which topsoil is compacted such that compaction levels exceed the Maximum Allowable Bulk Densities, but not covered with impervious surface. Native plant communities are plant species, composition, and structure typical of communities native to the EPA Level III ecoregion or known to naturally occur within 200 miles of the site. At least two references (or April / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
local reference sites) are needed to determine the dominant plant species, relative species abundances, and other characteristic elements of the plant community/communities to be preserved or restored. Native plant communities include (but are not limited to) wetlands, grasslands, riparian buffers, and habitat for wildlife species of concern within the region. Native plants are plants native to the EPA Level III ecoregion of the site or known to naturally occur within 200 miles of the site. Naturally occurring hybrids and varieties of species native to the ecoregion are acceptable. Organic matter in soil is carboncontaining material composed of both living organisms and formerly living decomposing plant and animal matter. Soil organic matter (SOM) content can be supplemented with compost or other partially decomposed plant and animal material. Soil organic matter content is commonly measured using “loss on ignition” tests that measure the amount of the element carbon, a key constituent of all organic matter. Potable water is municipally treated water or well water that is suitable for drinking. Post-consumer material is waste material generated by households or by commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities in their role as endusers of the product, which can no longer be used for its intended purpose. Pre-consumer material is material diverted from the waste stream during the manufacturing process that could be used in a separate and different manufacturing process (e.g., reuse of flue gas desulfurization gypsum in drywall production). Excluded is reutilization of materials such as rework, regrind, or scrap generated in a process and capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated it.
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Previously developed site consists of at least 75 percent of the site area that has preexisting paving, construction, or altered landscapes. This does not apply to a street, roadway, or altered landscapes resulting from current agricultural use, forestry use, or use as preserved natural area. Prime farmland refers to soils designated by the Natural Resources Conservation Service as “prime farmland.” Prime farmland is land that has the best combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops, and is also available for these uses (the land could be cropland, pastureland, rangeland, forestland, or other land, but not urban built-up land or water). Program plan is a narrative or written design that provides a mechanism for clearly stating the vision and desired outcomes of the project and setting the direction of the design team. Rainwater/stormwater features use rainwater and stormwater as their sole source and function as stormwater management elements. Examples include pools, fountains, stormwater BMPs, water gardens, channels/runnels for local conveyance, raingardens, and water art. Features can include those intended for limited human contact, or for full human contact.
Recycled content is defined in accordance with the International Organization of Standards document, ISO 14021—Environmental labels and declarations—Self-declared environmental claims (Type II environmental labeling). www.iso.org Reference soils are soils native to a site as described in Natural Resources Conservation Service Soil Surveys (refer to soils within the region if the site soils are not mapped). OR undisturbed native soils within the site’s region that has native vegetation, topography, and soil textures similar to the site. OR for sites that have no existing soil, undisturbed native soils within the site’s region that supports appropriate native plants or appropriate plant species similar to those intended for the new site. Regularly occupied building(s) are
buildings where occupants (workers, students, etc.) are seated or standing inside for extended periods of time. Rehabilitate is the action of performing ecological restoration that strives to alter the biota and physical conditions at a site, with an emphasis on the reparation of ecosystem processes, productivity, and services. Reuse is a process of utilizing a used product or material in a manner that generally retains its original form and identity with minor refurbishments. Materials reusable in whole form might include sand-set pavers, segmental retaining walls, or mechanical fasteners, connections, and/or joinery (e.g., avoidance of adhesives and mortar). Salvage is the recovery of materials from existing sites for reuse on other sites.
Do you need an official seal for your landscape plans? If you are a Virginia Certified Horticulturist, order a Stamper from the VNLA Office for $65.95, includes tax and shipping
Receiving waters include groundwater, creeks, streams, rivers, lakes, or other water bodies that receive treated or untreated wastewater or stormwater. This also includes water from combined sewer systems and storm drains. Reclaimed water is effluent derived in any part from sewage from a wastewater-treatment system that has been adequately and reliably treated, so that as a result of that treatment, it is suitable for a beneficial use, or a controlled use that would not otherwise occur, and is no longer considered wastewater. 32 32
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Severe soil disturbance describes soils in which topsoil is removed and/or is not present; subsoils are compacted such that compaction levels exceed the Maximum Allowable Bulk Densities; and/or topsoil or subsoil is covered with impervious cover or is chemically contaminated. Examples of soils that are severely disturbed include areas that are covered with buildings or paved surfaces, or areas that are defined as brownfields by local, state, or Federal agencies.
cation exchange capacity, and nutrient profiles) different from that of the reference soil; presence of compounds toxic to the intended plants; and presence of weedy, opportunistic, or invasive plant species. Solar reflectance index (SRI) is a measure of the constructed surface’s ability to reflect solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. It is defined so that a standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and a standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100. www.astm.org
Soils disturbed by previous development are all areas of soils disturbed by previous human developSpecial status plants refers to vegement activities. Indicators of distation designated as important by loturbed soils may include soil horizons cal, state, or Federal entities. Desigthat differ significantly in depth, texnations may be for size, species, age, ture, or physical or chemical properrare or special collections; ecological ties from the reference soil; bulk denand environmental value; unique gesities that exceed the Maximum Alnetic resources; aesthetics; location; lowable Bulk Densities; organic mator other unique characteristics. ter content lower than that of the refGroves/clusters may also be desigerence soil; soil chemical characterisnated special status. SiteLight .5 pg such ad 11-07 Newsalinity, address.qxd 12/14/2007 3:54 PM Page 1 tics (parameters as pH,
Stakeholders may include, but are not limited to, neighbors (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial, institutional-education, religious, government, non-profit), interest groups (e.g., growth management, environmental, transportation), and public officials from local jurisdictions, regulators, community leaders, business organizations, etc. Sustainable water sources are nonpotable sources and can include harvested rainwater, surplus water from building or site operations that has been appropriately cleansed and cooled, and surplus site water that is not needed to maintain existing or restored site ecology. Potable water or other natural surface or subsurface water resources are not sustainable water sources. Temporary occupants are occupants such as students, visitors, and customers that are on a site intermittently.
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Unique farmland refers to soils designatedNews by the- Shorts Natural Resources Conservation Service is land other Garden supply dealers than prime farmland and used for the post record June gains production of specific high-value The latest from the National Refood andreport fiber crops. tail Federation shows building material Heatsupply Island Effect andUrban garden dealers describes posted urban areas that are hotter steady growth last month, up than 8.4%nearunby rural areas due to being adjusted from the previous June. highly Howdeveloped withadjusted buildings, roads, and ever, seasonally comparisons other infrastructure that replaces from the previous month show a open 1% land and Surfaces that decline. This vegetation. is in line with the overall were once and moist beretail sales for permeable June, which show strong come impermeable and dry. year-over-year increases but These flat month-to-month roseto 6.7% changes causegains. urbanSales regions beover last warmer year, but than increased come their only rural0.2% surseasonally adjusted over “After roundings, forming an May. "island" of months speculation,in consumers are higheroftemperatures the landscape. beginning to pull back,” said NRF chief Vegetated area describes portions economist Roasalind Wells. all “Retailers of the site that will support vegetacan expect the second half of the year tion. to show moderate gains due to the slowdown in theand housing and Vegetation soil market protection other economic factors.” zones (VSPZs) are areas of soil or vegetation to be protected from construction impacts from overall site development shall not decrease the
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that impact thathewaste It cenConnecticut, said. generation. Many garden includes an assessment of purchasing ters still have their yards filled with practices identifies Area the areas and spring and inventories. landscapers materials in which report more stable, waste steady reduction business. efforts will be most effective. A New tax deduction waste audit also sets a baseline for could apply to growers measuring future progress of waste A new efforts. tax deduction could apply to reduction nursery crops, ANLA has announced. Wetlands are “areas that are inundatThe deduction, part of the American ed Jobs or saturated surface or to ground Creationby Act, applies gross rewater at a frequency and duration ceipts of any sale, exchange or other sufficient to support, and that production under disposition of qualifying normal circumstances do support, property grown or extracted in thea US. prevalence of vegetation The deduction was phasedtypically in at 3% and adapted for life toin9% saturated condiwill increase by 2009. One retions. Wetlands include striction is that generally the deduction cannot swamps, bogs, paid and similar exceed marshes, 50% of wages by the taxareas.” Act deduction is also payerClean that Water year. The available to individuals via their adEdited by Sandy Miller justed gross income. ANLA helped secure the new tax deduction for nursery growers in cooperation with the Small business Legislative Council in 2004. sales hit areview decline Wasteacross auditnew is aEngland systematic due stretch of rainy weekend, said of a to sitea and its operations to quantify Science takes a shot Bob Heffernan, Conn. Nursery landthe types and amounts of waste&genat dormant weed seeds scape Executivepractices Secretary. erated,Association and the management Weed control can be tricky, especially Soggy gardening considering weed seeds can lie dormant conditions were for years waiting for favorable condiproblematic Willow SpringsNurseries Tree Farms Ad - Winfall Nurseries Ad – Winfall tions. USDA scientists are looking at enough for the developing fungi and bacteria that will Boston Globe to target these banks of thousands of milrun an article on lion of dormant seeds. The concept is to the situation in bolster the activity of beneficial miJune. Sale were crobes that already exist in the soil. particularly bad This concept could be considered “prenorth of pre-emergence control,” as traditional pre-emergence herbicides kill weed seeds just at the stage of germination when tiny seedlings are emerging from seeds. capacity supportTarget the desired vegetation. now second most-shopped retailer Volatileis noworganic Target second onlycompounds to Wal-mart, (VOCs) are a variety organic comaccording to Retail of Forward’s recent pounds that vaporize temper- of ShopperScape report.at room One-quarter ature. VOCs are thehousehold principal compoall U.S. primary shoppers nent ainTarget, atmospheric reactions or that visit Target Greatland SuperTarget monthly. The report form ozonestore and other photochemical also foundcausing the retailer racksofupnegarepeat oxidants, a variety visitors. Two-thirds of Target’s tive health effects from dizziness,past eye 6month customertract base returns nervto its and respiratory irritation, stores on a damage, regular basis. Children’s ous system developmental apparel, home fashions, effects, anddecorative cancer. small housewares and appliances and Walkgenerate distancethe is most the distance a toys interestthat among pedestrian must travel between destishoppers. Target and Wal-Mart typinations without obstruction, in ashows. safe cally share customers, the report and comfortable environment such as Weekly Dirt, Carol Miller, on sidewalks, footpaths, or other pecmiller@branchsmith.com destrian facilities. Sidewalks adjacent England summer to urbanNew roads of 40 mph or higher retailhave salesa slide should at least 5’buffer zone between the road and sidewalk. After a strong April, garden center
Weekly Nursery E-Mail, Todd Davis,
tdavis@branchsmith.com
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VNLA - Certification Quiz #60
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.
Guidance for Federal Agencies on Sustainable Practices for Designed Landscapes Quiz 3 of 3 - Glossary Prepared by: Nanette R. Whitt
1. The total amount of living material or formerly living material in a given habitat which is generally expressed in dry weight per unit area of land is: a. Average buffer width b. Biomass c. Prime farmland d. None of the above 2. A site that has been previously developed or graded and may have existing infrastructure that can be utilized is known as a: a. Low impact development b. Greenfield c. Greyfield d. None of the above 3.
a. True b.False 5. To be considered a native plant, plants must be native to the EPA Level III ecoregion of the site or known to naturally occur within how many miles of the site?: a.150 miles b. 200 miles c. 250 miles d. 300 miles 6. Soils in which topsoil is compacted such that compaction levels exceed the Maximum Allowable Bulk Densities, but are not covered with impervious surface is known as: a. Minimal soil disturbance b. Minimal impact site development c. Moderate soil disturbance d. All of the above 7. An alien species (with respect to a particular ecosystem) that are not native to that ecosystem and who’s introduction does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health is called: A. Non indigenous plants B. Exotic plants C. Invasive species 8. VSPZs are areas of soil or vegetation which need not be protected from construction impacts on site developments. a. True b. False
A site that has not been previously developed or graded, including previous agricultural fields is known as a: a. Low impact development b. Greenfield c. Greyfield d. None of the above
9. Non-potable water sources including harvested rainwater, surplus water from buildings which has been cleansed and cooled, and surplus site water not needed to maintain existing or restored site ecology is called: a. Sustainable water sources b. Wetlands c. Reclaimed water d. Receiving waters
4. Potable water is municipally treated water or well water that is not suitable for drinking.
10. An effluent derived in any part from sewage from a wastewater-treatment system that has been adequately and
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reliable treated so that it is suitable for a beneficial use is called: a. Sustainable water sources b. Wetlands c. Reclaimed water d. Receiving waters 11. Water bodies that receive treated or untreated wastewater or storm water, including water from combined sewer systems and storm drains is known as: a. Sustainable water sources b. Wetlands c. Reclaimed water d. Receiving waters 12. Organic compounds that vaporize at room temperature are know as VOCs. VOC stands for: a. Vegetative organic compounds b.Volatile organic compounds c. Violent organic compounds d. None of the above 13. For the purpose of this article, IPM stands for: a. Integrated Pest Management b. Invasive Plant Management c. Integrated Plant Management d. Invasive Pest Management 14. Impervious surfaces such as sidewalks, driveways and heavily compacted urban soil do not allow stormwater to drain into the soil below. a. True b. False 15. An abandoned, idled or underused industrial and commercial facility where redevelopment is complicated by perceived environmental contamination is called a: a. Infill site b. Low impact development c. Cultural landscape d. Brownfield 35 35
News - VA Tech
Member Profile - Nautilus Garden Designs
[continued from page 26]
6th place, Wesley Chiles, Joshua Wilson - Landscape Maintenance Operations 7th place, Mathew Lankford - Tractor Loader Backhoe Operation 7th place, Ethan Harris, Mennen Middlebrooks, Jake Shreckhise Landscape Plant Installation 8th place, Matthew Cox, James Ulmer - Hardscape Installation
Billy Yuhase shows off his climbing skills in the Arboriculture Techniques event. He and Garrett Williams competed together in the event in a rigorous combination of climbing and tree knowledge.
Mark and Rachel Griffith are owners of Nautilus Garden Designs. Mark attended Tidewater Community College. Rachel has her AAS in Horticulture from TCC. She is also a certified Yoga instructor. Rachel has taught "Yoga for Gardeners" at the MidAtlantic Horticulture Short Course. She also teaches Yoga in the Gardens at the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.
[The VNLA donated $1,000 to the VA Tech Horticulture Department to help pay for this trip.]
Their enterprise is landscape design, installation and maintenance. Their market niche is residential landscapes. Their business philosophy is their “sincere desire to create gardens that connect people to nature’s divinity.”
Robert F. McDuffie, Landscape Architect and Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture, Virginia Tech, mcduff@vt.edu, webpage: http://www.mcduff.hort.vt.edu
“I met my wife Rachel in the Horticulture program at Tidewater Community College in 2007. We realized that with our passion for organic gar 36
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dening, and our sixteen years experience in horticulture in the Tidewater area, we should create a truly different company. In 2009 we started Nautilus Garden Designs. Our knowledge and passion provides an intimate relationship between our clients and their gardens. The distinctive interest and creativity Nautilus Garden Designs holds, allows us to listen to the client and design a one of a kind living art forms We practice sustainable, organic principles in our process.” Says Mark
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Mark is both ISA Certified Arborist and VCH (Virginia Certified Horticulturist) since 2009. He is also Virginia Horticultural Short Course Board member since 2010. He was also a past board member for HRNLA, (Hampton Roads Nursery and Landscape Association from 2008-2009. Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
“We began using Facebook about two years ago. We find it a good way to keep our name in front of people. While we may not get work from everyone of our fans, they certainly won't hesitate to refer us to someone.
I find just posting a favorite plant, or a timely tip, helps to present us as professional and knowledgeable, and keeps us in the minds of people. Also, we will answer questions on there. Occasionally, our fans will post a pic, and we'll get "What's this?" or, "I was on vacation and saw this, will it grow here?" I think it's a great way to interact with a larger amount of people more quickly. I want to avoid just "selling" on there. That stuff just turns people off. No coupons, or today's specials. Just a good piece of plant trivia, a garden quote, a historical fact, anything to keep it interesting and to get people to read it. Every post has our logo next to it, so it's great for branding. I think "as low as" deals and that kind of thing cheapens our industry and makes people focus on price, not value. We need to promote ourselves as professionals that are worth a professional wage because we ARE the experts, not the "beat any price" guy. We focus on relationships and communication
with our clients” says Mark.
Regarding how the industry has changed since starting his business, Mark says “I believe our business slowed down with the economy in 2008, but is seeing some growth now. The public seems to be much more knowledgeable about what they want to do in their yards, thanks to cable television landscape shows. People are realizing the value that a quality landscape can add to their property.” www.nautilusgardendesigns.com/
Lilley FarmsAdand Nursery, Inc - Lilley Farms and Nursery
Specializing in field grown shade, ornamental & evergreen trees in Chesapeake and Suffolk , Virginia since 1987
lilleyfarms@mindspring.com OFFICE 757-484-3448 FAX 757-483-3245 2800 TYRE NECK ROAD CHESAPEAKE, VA 23321
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Hardest Part of Your Workday: “The hour after lunch.” Helpful Hint When Handling Employees: “Everyone is different, and everyone has different motivators.” Best Advice Ever Received: “Sit on your hands at the board meeting”
Some quick facts about Mark: Hobbies etc: “I enjoy surfing with my family. I enjoy building, and customizing My Jeep. I enjoy travelling with friends and family to go rock crawling in my Jeep” Favorite Plant: Acer Palmatum ‘Orangeiola’. Dislikes: “The smell of Ligustrum in bloom, Vinca, Nutsedge” Best Habit: “Keeping tools lubricated, sharp and well maintained” Worst Habit: Never wanting to say “We don’t do that” Dream Vacation: “The Endless Summer.” Traveling to surf destinations around the world, visiting tropical beaches and rainforests with my family” Hero: “My dad; He has an incredible work ethic that I didn’t appreciate when I was younger.” Favorite Quote: “No occupation is so delightful to me as the culture of the earth, and no culture comparable to that of the garden.” Thomas Jefferson
Biggest Challenge: ‘Finding employees who have a passion for our industry.” Who is your most significant mentor and why: “ My wife and business partner Rachel Griffith. Her passion for gardening surpasses anyone’s I’ve known. Chad Peevy, Grounds manager at ODU, who inspired me to become an ISA certified arborist. Terry Giles, who helped me out so much when I knew very little about the business. Future Plans: ‘Would like to have a small garden center/nursery.” What do you know now, that you would have liked to know when you started in business? ‘Plant identification!” Where do you thing the green industry is going in the next 10 years? “I think pesticides and fertilizers will come under more regulation. I think stormwater management will become something that will also have more regulations.” Edited by Sandy Miller
Legislative - National Update: ANLA Greenhouse Grower Testifies Before Congress nn E-Verify, Labor Challenges
Best Part of Your Workday: ‘Looking back on a job well done.” 38
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These articles are provided by the VNLA and ANLA as a Lighthouse Program partner April / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
benefit. Bert Lemkes, co-owner of Van Wingerden Intl., Mills River, NC, testified on April 18 before the U.S. House of Representatives, Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement. The subject of the subcommittee's hearing was the EVerify program, and identity fraud and theft. The hearing is the latest, with at least one more expected, as proponents of making E-Verify mandatory for all employers (and by extension, mandatory for all Americans accepting new employment), are mounting a last election-year push to bring their bill to a vote in Congress. Lemkes cautioned Subcommittee members that making E-Verify mandatory without broader reforms could have the opposite of its intended effect, since false documents that feature a legitimate name and Social Security number routinely clear the EVerify system now. It would also deprive greenhouses, nurseries, and farms of much of their labor force and most of the applicant pool. Click here for more on Lemkes' testimony.
Boxwood Blight Best Management Practices Published In the fall of 2011 a new disease of Boxwood (Buxus spp.) was discovered for the first time in North America. The disease, Boxwood Blight (Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum), is capable of causing significant defoliation and twig dieback when wet or high humidity conditions persist. No cultivars of Boxwood are known to be resistant and experimental inoculations of Sarcococca and Pachysandra suggest that they are possible hosts, as well. The disease was first identified from the United Kingdom in the early 1990s but has since spread throughout Europe and in 2002 was found in New Zealand. There have been confirmed cases found in ten states in the United States (CT, MA, MD, NC, NY, OH, OR, PA, RI, VA) and two Canadian Provinces (BC, ON). Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
In response to this new threat, the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) coordinated a group of nursery industry leaders to form the Boxwood Blight Working Group (BBWG). Over the course of five weeks the group evaluated the threat, identified research priorities and crafted a set of steps that can be taken to mitigate the risk in production nurseries. The BBWG has developed and published the Nursery Industry Voluntary Best Management Practices (BMPs), which were subsequently endorsed by the National Plant Board (NPB). In addition, ANLA and the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) hosted a webinar with presenters from the research community to share what they know about the pathogen and their steps to fulfill the research priorities as agreed upon with the BBWG. The webinar and BMPs can be found at www.boxwoodblight.org .
Following the publication of the BMPs from the BBWG, the NPB (comprised of the state plant regulatory officials) released a Boxwood Blight compliance agreement template. If a state regulatory agency decides to use it, growers could choose to participate and receive official documentation that confirms their participation. The BBWG BMPs and the NPB compliance agreement template are both examples of integrated approaches that focus on critical control points within a production nursery. The BMP's and the NPB compliance agreement illustrate voluntary national approach that should help to address concerns about the disease and facilitate trade. For those growers who are unable to meet the infrastructure requirements of the NPB compliance agreement template or would prefer not to participate, the BMPs from the BBWG provide useful suggestions and recommendations that, if implemented, should help allay customer concerns.
H2B Litigation Filed In Federal Court A group of plaintiffs including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, lawn, landscape, and forestry companies and associations have filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, seeking to block a sweeping new Labor Department rule drastically rewriting the H2B temporary and seasonal nonagricultural visa program. H-2B is widely used by the landscape industry and other interests to fill seasonal labor needs when too few American workers apply for such jobs. The plaintiffs in Bayou Lawn & Landscape Services et al. vs. Solis seek a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction to block the rule from taking effect as scheduled on April 27. ANLA and many state partners have assisted with the effort to challenge the rule. The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association and the Maryland Nursery & Landscape As-
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800-347-4272 www.JohnDeereLandscapes.com
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sociation recently contributed funds to assist with the litigation.
that funded projects reflect industry priorities.
connect with state and federal officials with questions and concerns.
"The Labor Department and union allies are seeking to destroy the only legal seasonal labor safety net available to many green industry firms," said ANLA vice president for government relations, Craig Regelbrugge. ANLA, through the Lighthouse grassroots program, is urging members to support two Congressional resolutions of disapproval on the new H-2B rule. For more, visit http://www.capwiz.com/anla/va
While the path forward for a Senate Farm Bill could be tricky, the House will be even more so. Unless both chambers simply extent the current Farm Bill into next year, many believe that the earliest the House might consider a vote on the measure will be in a post-election "lame duck" session.
Hopefully this education effort by the USDA is part of a broader plan to get more people aware of their surroundings and develop a greater appreciation for landscapes, both managed and natural. At a minimum, the site should be a useful tool for educating nursery and garden center staff in identifying problematic invasive pests and receiving updated information regarding new pest discoveries.
USDA Launches New Interactive Invasive Species Website
Senate Takes Up Farm Bill The Senate Agriculture Committee begins consideration of legislative language for the 2012 Farm Bill on April 25. The bill that the Committee will take up has been crafted primarily by Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), and Ranking Republican Pat Roberts (R-KS). Contentious battles are expected on many aspects of the Farm Bill, especially those addressing "program crops" like cotton and corn, as well as environmental provisions. However, the bill being taken up in the Senate mostly preserves, and in a few cases expands, programs addressing specialty crops including nursery and greenhouse crops and Christmas trees. Examples of such programs include special funding for plant pest and disease prevention, specialty crop research efforts, and block grants to individual states or multi-state coalitions for promotion and other programs of benefit to specialty crop producers. In some cases, legislative language seeks to improve upon how the programs have been working. For example, the American Nursery & Landscape Association and other members of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance have been pressing for more industry involvement in the review process for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative. The Farm Bill proposal is expected to step up the requirements for consultation with industry representatives, to ensure 40
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These articles are provided by the VNLA and ANLA as a Lighthouse Program partner benefit. www.anla.org
News “Biointensive Chic" ”
In an effort to raise public awareness of invasive plants, pathogens, and insects the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has dedicated the month of April to educating the public about these often overlooked threats to our landscapes, forests, and crops. As part of this effort they have launched the website Hungry Pests, www.hungrypests.com . What makes Hungry Pests different from most sites with similar content is its interactive structure and connection to social media. Typically, invasive species websites will provide some diagnostic images and accompanying text. However, Hungry Pests goes beyond that in providing mapping tools, state specific information, and descriptions of what the public can do to prevent their spread. Recognizing that there aren't enough inspectors and diagnosticians available to deal with the sheer number of introduced invasive pests now present in the US, the APHIS site encourages the active involvement of the public and provides information on how to April / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
The theme of the Maymont Flower and Garden show this year was “The Streets of Richmond” Definition: The biointensive method is an organic agricultural system which focuses on maximum yields from the minimum area of land, while simultaneously improving the soil. The goal of the method is long term sustainability on a closed system basis. It has also been used successfully on small scale commercial farms. Many of the techniques that comprise the biointensive method were present in the agriculture of the ancient Chinese, Greeks, Mayans, and of the Early Modern period in Europe. For the show, the Central Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association (CVNLA) brought to you the latest in sustainable design and horticultural trends. Its display shows that even in a small, urban landscape, a homeowner can compost; grow fruits, herbs, vegetables; raise chickens AND have a beautiful flower garden in which to sit and enjoy. The chickens do not have an odor and their aged manure is a wonderful fertilizer. Boxwoods especially love Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
aged chicken manure applied in February. Furthermore, a rooster is NOT needed to have hens lay eggs, so they are quiet! Katherine Brooks, VSLD, the designer of the CVNLA display, has studied Biointensive Farming personally with John Jeavons. John Jeavons is the Executive Director of Ecology Action. He is known internationally as the leading researcher and method developer, teacher, and consultant for the smallscale sustainable horticultural method known as GROW BIOINTENSIVE mini-farming. By Josh Richman, Chapel Valley Landscaping Co., Richmond, VA, 804-675-0570
News - Virginia Gardeners Recycle: Statewide Container Recycling Program
The Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Green Industry Council are pleased to announce that we will continue our statewide container recycling program in 2012. We have identified interest in container recycling across the state. Through a partnership between garden centers willing to collect consumer’s containers and suppliers that are willing to collect and store pallets of containers, and Extension Master Gardener volunteer educators, we can promote container recycling to consumers, educate those consumers on how to prepare and sort their containers for recycling, and in some cases, assist garden centers with collection and sorting.
Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies has agreed to collect pallets from operations in their delivery area, which is within about 150 miles of Richmond. Wetsel in Harrisonburg and Maryland Plants & Supplies in Baltimore have agreed to participate in collecting and storing pallets of containers from the rest of the state.
How It Works Local independent garden centers, growing, or landscape operations would be responsible for collecting and sorting the plastics by resin code onsite. We will provide educational material that will explain this process. You will provide stackable bins/boxes in which to collect the containers. Full pallets of larger, uniform containers can be shrinkwrapped to a maximum height of about 60 inches. We understand that this is a time and financial commitment that you must make to participate in the program; however, the previous participants considered it
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well worth the investment. When you have full pallets of sorted plastics, contact Joyce Latimer (contact information below) to arrange for pickup of the pallets. Do not foist the pallets onto the truck drivers from Griffin, Wetsel, or Maryland Plants.
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Our program is primarily aimed at retail operations to address the consumers, but we will also accept containers from commercial greenhouses and nurseries and landscapers as long as the material is clean (loose dirt knocked out), sorted, and palletized. For more information, check out http://www.hort.vt.edu/vagardenersre cycle/. We will post all participants on the website to assist in promotion of container recycling.
Registering To register for the program in 2012, contact Joyce Latimer (540-231-7906; jlatime@vt.edu). Include your business name, address, phone number, and website (or email). Once registered, you will be listed on our website as a participant in the program. The website contains educational and promotional information for your use. If you have gardening events at which you would like to have Extension Master Gardener participation to promote container recycling, contact Dave Close (dclose@vt.edu), and we will try to accommodate your request. The more notice we have for such events, the more likely we are to be able to help.
Funds Any funds paid for the recycled plastics will be donated to the Virginia Master Gardener Association’s State Master Gardener Coordinator endowment fund. If you have large amounts of containers that you want to recycle from your own operation, and you don’t want the funds donated to VMGA, contact us and we can help you find a recycler that may work with you directly, depending on your volume. By Joyce Latimer (540-231-7906; jlatime@vt.edu). 42
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Ask yourself: “What do many iconic TV sitcoms, popular over the last few decades, have in common?” Look back to the seventies at The Brady Bunch, still one of television’s alltime favorites; to the eighties for The Cosby Show; and then to the nineties at Everybody Loves Raymond, to draw attention to just a few. In the storylines of most of the episodes, the cast — immediate family members, relatives and friends — were regularly seen gathered in the kitchen where all-to-familiar events occurred. As we look back at our own family lives, how often have we heard this familiar comment (no matter how big the home): “Why is everyone congregating in the kitchen?” So if TV-land really does mimic real life, get ready for a brand new set — the open-air patio room, complete with lavish cooking, entertaining and leisure-time conveniences. As modern-day lifestyles are changing, we see entire households moving much of their daily and special occasion activities out-of-doors while at the same time, redefining the backyard patio as we April / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
once knew it. “Move over interior designers,” says Charles H. Gamarekian, Chairman/CEO of Cambridge Pavers Inc., manufacturers of Cambridge Pavingstones with ArmorTec®, Cambridge Wallstones and a full spectrum of outdoor living products. “In today’s world, the landscape designer can easily be producer, director, get a starring role and earn rave reviews.” To complement their line of pavers and walls, Cambridge made its debut in this important lifestyle revolution by dedicating a major segment of its product line to satisfy the needs and desires of families who have migrated out the back door. “It all started ten years ago with an easy-to-install, circular barbeque and fire pit made basically of our wallstones,” adds Gamarekian. “Now our products run the gamut and include a full line of round and square fire pits in addition to outdoor fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, grill and bar modules, a pond-less waterfall and even an outdoor pizza oven that cooks pizza pies, bakes bread and roasts veggies with an old world, brick oven flavor derived from an authentic wood-fired oven.” They have continued to freshen up their outdoor living product group each season through innovation, new product development, diversity and most importantly, with quality. The commitment has earned the brand a great deal of recognition in the public eye year after year. The best part is many of the installation conveniences associated with these Cambridge products have put professional contractors in a position to turn a homeowner-customer’s wish list into real life situations and stay within budget.
Pre-cut Feature Is A Plus Not only are all of these outdoor amenities pre-packaged in kit form but, where necessary, most of these items have undergone another arduous task. Cambridge has pre-cut the wallstones used to build all of these Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
kits and also guarantees quality results. Again, the emphasis is on the fact that all Cambridge Outdoor Living Kits are both pre-cut AND prepackaged. This time-consuming effort on the company’s part was initiated this year to speed-up the installation process. It allows for increased cost-efficiency, practically eliminates any chance for error and factors in value-added components important to the budget-conscious customer, especially in highly competitive, economic climates.
Decorator-Inspired Features & Professional-Style inclusions Fireplaces and pizza ovens in a choice of wallstone styles and colors can be ordered with decoratorinspired, cast stone surrounds in a natural Bluestone or a warm Chestnut hue. Pizza ovens, also available in different styles and wallstone colors, include a Care and Cooking Package
with an array of pizza peels, flat shovels with long handles commonly used by professional pizza chefs. Outdoor kitchen and grill modules also include stainless steel appliance packages, which, depending on what is chosen, are comprised of a grill, rotisserie, sink and faucet, cabinet access doors and more. The Cambridge Bar Module has a comprehensively appointed Bar Center Package that puts drink preparation and other convenient features at your fingertips. These kits also include polished granite countertops in a choice of Black Uba Tuba or Venetian Gold. No backyard gathering spot is truly up-to-date without an open-air room. Cambridge offers more than one low maintenance option, also in ready-toinstall, pre-packaged kits. The first is a Cambridge Pre-packaged FourColumn Pergola, constructed of high strength fiberglass in a high quality, factory-applied white finish with the appearance of painted wood — only
without the maintenance. Two sizes are offered: 16’ x 16’ and 16’ x 20’. The columns are designed to be set on any Cambridge wallstone column (not included). An optional overhead canopy can be added to the pergola for greater protection. The canopy with Roman pleats in a choice of two striped fabrics has durable, extruded aluminum parts as well as a WeatherGuard rain layer. A two-column version that covers Cambridge Prepackaged Kitchens and can be used over other items in an outdoor plan is also available. Sun or rain won’t cramp your homeowner-customer’s style if you put in a Cambridge Pre-packaged Pavilion — a substantial and well-appointed structure, constructed of traditional building materials. Low maintenance materials are used in all exposed surfaces and your customer can select either a cathedral or flat ceiling as well as roofing and ceiling material. Cambridge offers two standard sizes:
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10’ x 15’ and 12’ x 18’ with custom sizes available to meet specific requirements of a project.
Both the Cambridge Pre-packaged Pergola and Pavilion come with stepby-step instructions in English and Spanish for you or an outside, local installation service. Complete, instructions are included with other products as well. Conversation areas are critical to a well-designed patio. Perimeter sitting walls such as a low, domino-style wall built of Cambridge Olde English Wall™ can add flexible, casual seating when needed. A pub-style table supported by a pedestal constructed of hardscape material is another way of adding permanent seating. Instead of building one from scratch, consider a Cambridge Patio Pub & Bistro Table, available in two wallstone styles and lots of colors. Both come with a 48” x 48” polished, granite top and have a 2”-diameter hole for a patio umbrella, which is not included. Here too, absolutely no cutting is necessary. Cambridge has a solution for privacy and security as well with their new Pre-packaged Garden Gate Kit. This all-inclusive product consists of an oiled, solid teak door and frame with a dramatic, 28”-diameter, circular opening at the top. Double-action hinges allow the gate to swing both ways, while a dead bolt latch provides needed security. Consider this item if your customer is looking for additional privacy for an outdoor living space or just an attractive means of entry to an adjacent area of their property. The 38” x 80” gate can be secured between two columns on a 44
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perimeter wall built from any Cambridge Wallstones. Building these and other landscape walls, retaining walls, engineered walls, steps and columns can be facilitated by referring to the Cambridge DesignScaping Handbook, which contains instructions and tips for installing pavers, wallstones and other Cambridge products in conventional and unique applications that can also enhance the overall atmosphere of a patio. As inside the home, ambient lighting, albeit completely functional or not, is also important. It may be time to also rethink your landscape and hardscape lighting since this category has also seen some improvements. For example, Cambridge paver, column, stair tread and wall lights provide both function and flair that fits almost any hardscape design.
Research - Weed Management Research Update First, I would like to thank the Virginia Nurserymen's Horticultural Research Foundation for the continued financial support of my research program. That support is greatly appreciated. I have been conducting trials on a number of important nursery weed pests, including common groundsel, tasselflower, eclipta, mulberryweed and sedges, among other weed species. I have also been evaluating nursery crop tolerance to selected herbicides.
Herbicide Tolerance in Ferns
They are sold individually or for more convenience, in kits with wire and transformer.
So if you think Room With A View may be an appropriate name for a modern, family-oriented television show, smart landscape contractors can create their own family “reality” series right in their customers’ own backyards. Contact: Charles H. Gamarekian, Chairman / CEO, Cambridge Pavers Inc., Lyndhurst, NJ, Ph 201.933.5000 / Fx 201.933.5532, cgamarekian@cambridgepavers.com
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There are few registered herbicides for fern production. In previous trials we identified granular prodiamine as one herbicide that ferns tolerate. We wanted to try additional products. We tried Certainty (sulfosulfuron), a preemergence and postemergence herbicide which controls a number of important broadleaf weeds and sedges, along with Snapshot, FreeHand, Jewel, Ronstar G, and Pendulum G, all commonly used in the nursery industry. Significant injury to Japanese Painted and Autumn Brilliance ferns was seen with Certainty and Snapshot, with less injury seen in American Royal and Southern Shield ferns from these 2 herbicides at 51 days after treatment (DAT). FreeHand overall caused less injury. Certainty reduced the shoot weight of all 4 fern species at all rates Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
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at 61 DAT. FreeHand at all rates reduced shoot weight of Royal fern and the 2 higher rates reduced shoot weight in Autumn Brilliance but did not reduce shoot weight in Southern Shield or Japanese Painted fern. No treatment reduced fern stand at 61 DAT. At 51 days after the second application (DAT2), FreeHand reduced the shoot weight of Autumn Brilliance at all rates, and the highest rate appeared to reduce shoot weight in the other 3 species. Snapshot at all rates decreased shoot weight of Autumn Brilliance and Japanese Painted ferns and reduced shoot weight in the other 2 species at the highest rate. Certainty decreased the stand of Autumn Brilliance and Japanese Painted fern at the highest rate. Snapshot appeared to reduce the stand of Japanese Painted fern. After two applications, Jewel and Pendulum reduced shoot weight in Autumn Brilliance and Japanese Painted fern, while Ronstar reduced the shoot weight of all four species. Certainty, FreeHand, and Snapshot gave fair to good control of common groundsel but no treatment controlled tasselflower. Jewel, Ronstar and Pendulum did not provide acceptable control of either weed species. The fern species American Royal, Southern Shield, Japanese Painted and Autumn Brilliance do not possess acceptable tolerance to Certainty. Fern tolerance to FreeHand, Snapshot, Jewel, Ronstar and Pendulum varied across fern species, being unacceptable in certain species. These herbicides thus do not appear to have wide utility in fern production.
Herbicide Tolerance in Canna We evaluated the tolerance of canna to Certainty, Snapshot, FreeHand, and granular Echelon (a combination of sulfentrazone and prodiamine). Certainty caused unacceptable injury (35 to 76%) at all rates from 17 to 51 DAT. It was not reapplied due to this injury and injury decreased over time without the second application. Cer46
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tainty decreased canna height and flower production, and decreased stand at the highest rate. Echelon at the 2 higher rates injured canna at 17 DAT but injury decreased over time and plant height appeared to decrease as the rate increased. Snapshot did not injure canna nor affect plant height. FreeHand injured canna at the highest rate. Echelon and Snapshot did not appear to adversely affect flowering. Flower count appear to decrease as the FreeHand rate increased FreeHand was most the overall most effective treatment for eclipta and mulberryweed control but control generally increased as the rate increased. Both Certainty and FreeHand gave excellent annual sedge control (rice flat sedge plus fragrant flatsedge). Of the herbicides tested, Snapshot appears to be the best fit for canna production. Certainty is definitely too injurious. Canna does not appear to have sufficient tolerance to FreeHand and Echelon.
foliage and irrigate to wash the granules off nursery crop foliage. Biathlon can be applied to container and field grown nursery stock and can also be used in landscape maintenance. Since the product contains oxyflourfen, which can burn herbaceous plants, Biathlon is used primarily on woody nursery stock. The use rate is 100 pounds per acre, which supplies 2 pounds active of oxyfluorfen and 0.75 pounds active of prodiamine. In one trial, I observed no injury to Kousa dogwood and gardenia radicans with varying rates of Biathlon. I observed excellent control of southern crabgrass and bittercress, but unacceptable control of spotted (prostrate) spurge with the use rate of Biathlon. Jeffrey Derr is a Professor of Weed Science with Virginia Tech and is located at the Hampton Roads Ag. Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach, jderr@vt.edu
New Product - Biathlon The newest nursery herbicide is Biathlon, developed by OHP. I have evaluated this product the last few years. This granular product contains two active ingredients - oxyfluorfen and prodiamine. Oxyfluorfen is most effective on annual broadleaf weeds, and is also a component of Rout, OH2, and Regal O-O. The grass herbicide in Biathlon is prodiamine, which is sold by itself under the trade names Barricade and Regalkade. Prodiamine is in the same herbicide class as oryzalin, a component of Rout, and pendimethalin, a component of OH2. So Biathlon is very similar to Rout and OH2 and basically has the same uses. The granules pore easily with little to no dust so it is a nice formulation to apply. Biathlon should be applied prior to weed emergence so hand weed before making a treatment. Apply the product prior to budbreak and avoid applications to tender growth. Apply to dry April / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
Support VNLA Member Growers! online @ www.vnla.org/ For a print copy, contact the VNLA Office at 800-476-0055
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VNLA - Spring Board Meeting Minutes
Bass Pro Shop Meeting Room, Ashland, VA Wednesday, February 29, 2012 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Mission Statement: To enhance and promote Virginia’s nursery and landscape industry Vision Statement: To be the leader and resource for the Virginia nursery and landscape industry VNLA Dashboard Metrics Current Membership 585 Membership 1 year ago 574 Peak Membership 626 Current VCH Count VCH Count 1 Year ago
542 612
Total Income YTD Jan’12 Budget Total Income YTD Jan’11
33,435 $397,210 33,302
Total Expenses YTD Jan’12 Budget Total Expenses YTD Jan’11
$35,504 $404,705 $29,090
Meeting Call to Order at 10:15 a.m. by Steve Grigg, President with the following present: Matt Sawyer, Matt Shreckhise, Mark Maslow, Jim Owen, Cheryl Lajoie, Virginia Rockwell, Sonya Westervelt, Tom Thompson, Doug Hensel, Mike Hildebrand, Dawn Lerch, Bill Gouldin, Lorene Blackwood, and Jeff Miller. Secretary’s Report - Matt Shreckhise: It was moved that the minutes of the January 10, 2012 VNLA Board Meeting in Baltimore be approved as emailed to the board, seconded and 48
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passed. Treasurer’s Report - Matt Shreckhise reviewed the financial reports that had been emailed to the board before the meeting, Jeff noted that the QuickBooks CPA had made several correcting entries to get old legacy accounts in the correct accounts and balances (listed at 4001 - Reconciliation Discrepancies). It was moved to approve the reports as presented, seconded and passed. Bill Gouldin requested copies of financial reports from previous years for comparison. President’s Update - Steve Grigg Strategic Plan Association Management Contract renewal planning - Steve noted that the board would be doing annual evaluation of Horticulture Management Associates LLC and responses would be returned to him by March 15 for summarization and review with HMA. HMA will begin updating the management contract for renewal at the end of the year based on revised job descriptions and needs. The executive committee, Sonya, Mike and Dawn will review the executive director duties and update the job description. Steve attended the VGIC meet- ing February 2 and the MANTS board meeting. He noted that the MANTS Board members were very professional and it was a good meeting giving him a better insight into the MANTS activities.
Review of Officer and Board Job Descriptions - He noted that the current board job descriptions needed updating to align with the new strategic plan and requested that each board member review the attached job descriptions and provide edits by June 1 so that they can be compiled for review at the June 9 board meeting. Boxwood grant - Steve reported that after the ANLA/HRI Conference call and a conference call with the VNLA Executive Committee, and due diliApril / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
gence, it was decided to send the $12,500.00 that was approved at the membership meeting on January 12, directly to Dr. Kelly Ivors at NSCU. Future funding would be considered through the ANLA/HRI program. Executive Director Update - Jeff Miller’s report had been e-mailed to the board and a copy was attached to the agenda at the meeting. He gave a brief overview of the new website and requested the board to review the site and provide input on layout and content and to review the CapWiz legislative contact page. Anti-Trust Review - Jeff presented a copy and reviewed the VNLA AntiTrust policy.
Committee Reports: Legislation - Virginia Rockwell Gift Basket distribution - Virginia Rockwell reported that the distribution of 2/3 violets, 1/3 primula baskets went well with the plants being Virginia Grown, and that it would be good to have more members involved in the distribution. We need to tie “growing” to green in info distributions. Invasive Plants legislation - Tom Thompson (report emailed and attached.) no action taken. VGIC Update - Lorene Blackwood provided a brief overview history of the VGIC/VNLA partnership and requested support from the VNLA on participating in a strategic planning meeting for the VGIC during the summer or early fall. (see attached report) MANTS Update - Doug Hensel reported on the MANTS Board Meeting February 20 (see attached report) The MANTS Board approved an additional allocation of $20,000 to each of the three state participants. A motion was made to place these funds in the Rainy Day Investment Fund, seconded and passed.
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CRITICAL ACTION ITEMS (based on strategic plan)
was the consensus of the board to not do an actual tree planting this year for Arbor Day as traditionally done in the 1a. Discussion of Boxwood Blight past at the Capitol. Through the Research and Funding Update VNLA E-News, members will be (see President’s report above) asked “What are you doing for Arbor 1b. Field Day 2012 - Sonya Westervelt Day?” and to send in photos for an and Virginia Rockwell discussed tenarticle in the VNLA Newsletter. tative plans for Field Day and Sum2. Enhance certification program mer Tour. Field Day will be at BattleCheryl Lajoie, Tom Thompson, Matt field Farms in Orange on Wednesday, Sawyer August 8 with the Summer Tour bea. Online video reviews are being ginning that evening at Montpelier planned for filming with help and tours of private gardens on from Scottie , Dawn Allman Thursday, August 9. Anna Ball, CEO (voice overs) and editing/review of Ball Horticultural Companies will assistance from Lancaster Farms be the keynote speaker. Letters will staff. be sent to the Governor and Departb. CEU verification online is now ment Secretary’s inviting them to available online for VCH to regField Day. ister and check their current CEU 1c. Salem Home Show - Sonya reported status and update their contact inthat the VSLD was coordinating the 4. formation. display at the show and the VNLA would be providing funding assistance c. Standardized testing format and various VNLA members had volacross professional organizations unteered to help staff the exhibit. is still being researched. 1d. Arbor Day - after some discussion, it
d. Certification Manual revisions/online is still being researched. Jeff has contacted Dave Close about possibilities. Identify VNLA Legislative Priorities and Agendas - Virginia Rockwell, Matt Shreckhise, Steve Grigg a. Identify areas of concern for membership - Matt Shreckhise is analyzing the recent online survey. b. Proactively educate legislators on the size/impact of green industry - Virginia Rockwell included industry info flyers with the gift baskets to the General Assembly on February 23. c. Solicit VAC for aid in legislative issues d. Network with our legislators Public Relations and Communications - Mark Maslow, Sonya Westervelt, Jeff Miller a. Streamline Newsletter publications quantities and layout
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b. Reduce e-blasts and re-format to be easier to read - Sonya noted that the recent E-News and been reduced in size, with links to more detailed information. c. Increase participation in the grower’s guide and enhance the publication - Mark suggested that we consider listing plant sizes in the guide and get some updated testimonials from users. TASK LIST FOR NEXT MEETING 1. Virginia Agribusiness National Affairs Meeting, March 22 Bill Gouldin, Virginia Rockwell and Jeff Miller will attend. The VNLA is the main sponsor of this meeting. Jeff will be doing a 10 minute presentation on the VNLA’s key national legislative issues. 2. Officer/Board Job Descriptions - to be revised by each board member by June 1 Being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:20 p.m. Respectively submitted, Jeff Miller, Exec. Dir.
UPCOMING VNLA EVENTS Virginia Arbor Day, Friday, April 27 VAC Golf Tournament, May 30, 2012, at The Club at Viniterra, New Kent County VNLA Summer Board Meeting, Saturday, June 9, 9 am-3 pm VT Hahn Garden Gala, Saturday, June 9 VNLA Field Day/Summer Tour, August 8-9, 2012, Battlefield Farms/Montpelier, Orange, VA Fall Budget Meeting Fall Board Meeting
Board Meeting Reports Virginia Agribusiness Council 50
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(VAC) Update Donna Johnson reviewed the current status of legislation and politics in the General Assembly
Donna thanked the VNLA and the VGIC for providing the decorations for the VAC Banquet. She noted that input from the VNLA was very important to the VAC so they could keep up-to-date on issues impacting the green industry. On March 22, Jeff will attend the VAC National Affairs meeting and do a 10 minute presentation with other ag association directors on the VNLA’s top national legislative issues. Bill Gouldin expressed concerns with the current health care program and will give points for discussion. She was able to facilitate a meeting with Del. Hope and Virginia Rockwell to discuss his Invasive Plant bill, the original legislation modeled after Maryland’s new law. It has been tabled for further review and possible re-introduction in 2013 and to see how VDAC’s review of noxious weed regulations would impact this proposed bill. The City of Arlington has a full-time Invasive Plant Coordinator. It was noted that DCR already has a list of plants by regions of the state. VDACS is writing revised regulations on noxious weeds and is putting together a stake holders group to meet in April to present a proposal on May 24 to the VDACS Board. There was a discussion on the difference in invasive plants vs. noxious weeds. Purple loosestrife, beach vitex are already listed in Code of Virginia as noxious weeds. Jim Owen worked with Oregon on same issues and will provide background information. Donna noted that General Assembly Committee chairs are Republicans and there are only few things that the Lt. Gov. cannot break a tie on and one is the budget, thus there is no senate budget due to a tie vote. The House has passed the bill. The current budget is good through June 30. Democrats want more seats on comApril / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
mittees and want co-chairs on republican controlled committees. On current issues, the biggest success was passing of constitutional change on eminent domain which has been worked on for 5 years. The VAC will be working to get educational info out to organizations to get to their members explaining this issue which will be on the November ballot. E-Verify in Manassas was an issue where volunteer groups were putting together workers and employers, but the bill was withdrawn. Government reform bill, a consolidation of VDACS Board and Pesticide Board was in the works and the VAC wanted to be sure that the role of the pesticide board be maintained; structural pesticide and commercial pesticide sellers representatives were added to the board. Chesapeake Bay TMDL (see handout from Donna.) Turfgrass did BMP manual for golf courses on their own. Stormwater runoff issues and Urban nutrient planners will becoming more prevalent in the future. Jackson Miller, Majority Whip for House Republicans, as the VNLA’s guest, didn’t show at the VAC banquet, but sent his aide. It was suggested that the VNLA contact the guest and reach out to them to before banquet, makes them accountable.
Executive Director’s Report 2/29/12 Membership and Certification Promotion - 50% off new member applications, sample Newsletters, Grower Guides, Certification promo materials, Beautiful Gardens “VT Spirit’ tags were displayed and distributed at the Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course, the CVNLA and PLA Short Courses. Membership dues income was up slightly in 2011 vs. 2010 Certification - Pre-registration for VCH review classes and manual orNewsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
ders is currently much stronger than this time last year. The dashboard report shows VCH numbers down some, but some of that is due to being able to have more accurate information and reports in the new system. There is still a lot of confusion on membership in regional associations and the VNLA, pre-registering for the test. Website - The VNLA website has been completely switched over and integrated with the JL System NOAH software.
Members can now register on the website and setup a user name and password, view/edit their contact information, order certification supplies and access other resource information. Dues payments can now be made online The new website is being officially announced to members in the VNLA Newsletter that will be mailed at the end of this week,
but some have accessed it and setup access. All information has not been moved yet. We are trying to edit, improve layout and determine need and location on the new site. Please let me know if you have any suggestions on layout, content, location of content, links, organization etc. Some things are PDF files and some pasted from the old website, but will be converted to HTML content as we proceed. QuickBooks - I met with a QuickBooks CPA on January 16, to review legacy issues in QB and to be sure we are on track to correctly transferring income from NOAH into our QB accounting and most things have be cleared up. We’re still working on the most efficient and practical transfer of sales information from NOAH into QB and bank/credit card reconciliations.
sending out notices to Newsletter advertisers this week with a cover letter from Matt Shreckhise outlining the changes to quarterly editions with the new schedule. The E-News has been re-formatted some. Office Systems - we upgraded office computers in December and upgraded to Windows 7, Office 2010 and the latest version of QuickBooks. A constant backup is being made to Carbonite online and periodic full backups are being made to portable drives and stored out of the office. We will be working towards full PCI credit card compliance. All credit card transactions online are through Authorize.net with secure encryption. Jeff Miller, Exec. Dir.
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Invasive Species Legislation Report The recent un-pleasantries over invasive species at this years’ General Assembly tells us three things: first, “A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals….” (Agent ‘K’, from MIB); second, politicians are not very bright; third, outside of our own industry, not many people know about us. This past January, Delegate Patrick Hope, on behalf of a Reston homeowners’ association, proposed legislation for the control of invasive plants, never mind that an invasive species law has been on the books for about eight years. As the story goes, the good people of Reston, either not knowing about, or not caring about the current invasive species laws, and wanting stricter regulations on invasive plants in their part of Virginia, had Delegate Hope introduce House Bill #396. Nobody saw this coming until it was introduced and, luckily, we dodged the bullet - the bill was carried over until next year. There isn’t much we can do about the first two things, but we can certainly do something about letting people know who we are. Since I have been on the VNLA’s board I have followed three main subjects; plastics recycling, the Chesapeake Bay cleanup and the problems caused by invasive species. Both the Bay clean-up and invasive species legislation have, more or less, been pushed forward by various environmental groups, both public and private. In the past, I think a lot of us have considered these groups to be pests, if not the enemy. I know that, if they think about us at all, they consider us, the nursery and landscape industry, to be environmentally un-friendly. They don’t know us. We need to change their perception of us; we need to make them allies rather than the enemy. I propose that the VNLA (VGIC, VAC, VTC, etc.) become a member of these organizations (Nature Con52
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servancy, Sierra Club, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, etc.), and that we invite them to become associate members of the VNLA as well. But, in order to change how these organizations and the public perceive us, we must become active members. Someone from the VNLA - certainly including but not limited to Board members - needs to attend their meetings. We not only need to attend their meetings to listen to what their members (and our potential customers) are concerned about, we need to attend to put a face on the VNLA and, perhaps, we can even give them input from a different perspective. We should also invite them to have a booth at our Field Day, maybe even a link on our website to theirs (hopefully they will reciprocate). I believe that the members of the VNLA are just as concerned with the environment as any of the environmental groups out there, if not more so. I don’t think the public realizes that fact, so we have to do more. At one of the Virginia Invasive Species Working Group meetings that I attended, one of the members proposed forming fast acting groups loosely based on the Smoke Jumper crews that battle forest fires out west, to combat invasive plants. I thought that was a really good idea. The state doesn’t have the money to fund this program but that leaves us with an opportunity - why can’t we do something like that. Purely voluntary, the VNLA could work with the regional nursery and landscape groups (one of the goals from our strategic planning seminar last fall) to coordinate with the local chapter of whatever environmental group, and go out and fight the problem where it grows. We could organize one of these volunteer days quarterly somewhere in the state - less frequently, if that works better and show that we are as serious as anyone about the problem of invasive plants. Add an article of clothing (hat, t-shirt, polo shirt, whatever) to identify us as VNLA (VGIC, VAC, VTC, April / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
etc.) members and you have succeeded in putting a face on the VNLA. This might also serve to let the public know about how important our Certified Horticulturist Program is. I’m sure the biggest question on everyone’s mind is: What’s in it for me? Why should I be bothered with spending my free time grubbing up invasive plants? There is value in volunteering. Since the economy went bad, Natural Art Landscaping has easily put in 200 volunteer hours each year - some for various professional organizations, but most for public projects where we live. Those volunteer hours have paid us back handsomely by introducing us to potential customers. Good will is priceless. In this case we would be working with people who are actively lobbying their elected representatives to propose legislation that could potentially impact quite a few of our businesses negatively. There is no timetable for any of this; it would certainly take time to get any of the volunteer work going, if that is even an option the Board would like to discuss. But at the very least we should consider joining a few of the environmental groups’ state chapters as soon as we can. Tom Thompson Environmental Affairs Chair, 2/29/12 naturalartlandscaping@yahoo.com
Antitrust Compliance for Association: Policies and Procedures Anti-Trust annual review - antitrust issues to avoid at meetings and committee chairs should review them with their committee members. (Please review and retain for personal files.) It shall be the policy of the Association to be in strict compliance with all Federal and State Antitrust laws, rules and regulations. Therefore: These policies and procedures apply to all membership, board, committee Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
and other meetings of the Association, and all meetings attended by representatives of the Association. Discussions of prices or price levels is prohibited. In addition, no discussion is permitted of any elements of a company's operations which might influence price such as: Cost of operations, supplies, labor or services; Allowance for discounts; Terms of sale including credit arrangements; and, Profit margins and mark ups, provided this limitation shall not extend to discussions of methods of operation, maintenance, and similar matters in which cost or efficiency is merely incidental. It is a violation of Antitrust laws to agree not to compete, therefore, discussions of division of territories or customers or limitations on the nature of business carried on or products sold are not permitted.
Boycotts in any form are unlawful. Discussion relating to boycotts is prohibited, including discussions about blacklisting or unfavorable reports about particular companies including their financial situation. It is the Association's policy that all meetings attended by representatives of the Association where discussion can border on an area of antitrust sensitivity, the Association's representative request that the discussion be stopped and ask that the request be made a part of the minutes of the meeting being attended. If others continue such discussion, the Association's representative should excuse himself from the meeting and request that the minutes show that he left the meeting at that point and why he left. Any such instances should be reported immediately to the President and staff of the Association. It is the Association's policy that a copy of these Antitrust Compliance Policies and Procedures be given to
each officer, director, committee member, official representative of member companies and Association employees annually and that the same be read, or understood at all meetings of the membership and committees of the Association. Non Profit Resource Center, 335 Beard Street, Tallahassee, FL 32303, 850-2226000, Fax 850-681-2890 Copyright © 1999, Non Profit Resource Center, All rights reserved.
Virginia Green Industry Report Lorene Blackwood gave an overview of the history of the VGIC and the VNLA. The VNLA and the Virginia Flower Growers were the primary leaders in establishing the VGIC in 1988 with a greenhouse, landscaping, school garden competitions and showcasing the horticulture industry with the purpose of educating the consumer on what “horticulture” is and to unify, promote and be the voice for the Virginia Green Industry as an “umbrella” organization. She noted that the VNLA
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had been the backbone of the organization since it’s inception with Danny Shreckhise as the first President. Bill Gouldin was also instrumental in getting the different organizations involved.
The VGIC is planning a strategic planning meeting during the summer or early fall to determine the best direction for it to proceed in view of the constantly changing industry, customers, economy and technology. This is especially important in light of the bankruptcy filing of the State Fair of Virginia which had been the main educational venue for the VGIC. Although the Virginia Garden Festival has been a profit center for the VGIC, the effort put into this event could probably be better used in another direction. The Plant More Plants campaign by DCR last year was a good promotion, but had short term funding. Rick Baker is writing a grant proposal to help continue the promo-
tion of this program. Lorene thanked Bill Gouldin for helping get the program on the right track when it first started last year. Gary Waugh and Julie Buchannan and both very involved with DCR on this program and want to keep it viable.
Plastics Recycling - Lorene reported that Joyce Latimer has been working on collections of plastics for recycling at key locations around the state, but were only able to get one trailer load which was consolidated at Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies. Jim Owen noted that the EPA had block grants for recycling and BMPs.
MANTS Report
Doug Hensel reported on the February 20th MANTS Board meeting with the following stats for the 2012 MANTS Show:
20% garden centers 975 exhibitors of which 105 were new 3,215 attending companies 2013 MANTS will be January 9-11 80% of exhibitors have already renewed They are considering a partnership with ANLA/OFA for an educational program prior to MANTS. The future of the Baltimore Convention Center was discussed and changes will be happening within the next 5-10 years. MANTS is also facing potential additional expenses if Maryland passes new legislation taxing CPA’s which would affect MANTS and Quercus Inc (the MANTS management company).
The next MANTS Board meeting will be September 30-October 2, 2012. Doug Hensel, retiring 2-year VNLA MANTS Director
10,940 attendees +5% 33% landscape
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Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
Proven North Carolina Nurseries Your First Choice for Landscape Plants
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Tobacco Trust Fund Commission
VNLA -LEED Certification for Members
building trades.
Do you install concrete pavers? How many square feet of your installations qualify as porous paving? That square footage is increasing and will increase even more. Do you build rain gardens? How about bioswales?
Save The Date On Wednesday, August 22nd, and Thursday, August 23rd, at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond, the VNLA will offer prep classes for the LEED GA exam. Classes will start at 8:30am and end at 12:30pm and will be presented by Sustainable Design Consultants. This is the first of hopefully several classes offered regionally throughout the state. Other possible sites will be in Tidewater - probably at Lancaster Farms, Charlottesville, Northern Virginia and Southwest Virginia. There will only be 30 seats available for this class. There are only two ways to qualify to sit for the LEED GA exam. The first is to actually work on a LEED certified project. Second is to have taken a class, like the one being offered here and receiving a certificate of completion. The certificate will allow you to sign up to take the exam. Exams are administered by a separate organization and are not included in this program. Registration for this class will be available on the VNLA website soon. Tom Thompson, VNLA Environmental Chair naturalartlandscaping@yahoo.com
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a rating system for green construction projects and as such is geared toward the 56
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What is LEED?
Where do we fit in? Ask anyone at Riverbend Nursery and anyone who installs their LiveRoof green roof system.
Do you install irrigation? Drip? Smart timers? If you answered yes to any of these, you should take this class and get accredited. If you answered no, well…….. I recently took the very same class the VNLA is offering, taught by the same people we contracted to teach our class. It was offered free of charge by the City of Richmond. I was in a class with architects, builders (large and small), developers and a bunch of city department heads – Elizabeth and I were the only landscapers in the room. We gave out business cards to a bunch of potential customers. But did you notice the part about the City of Richmond offering the class for free? Richmond is just a little better off financially than Detroit. For them to give anything away for free is unheard of. Richmond has also started going green recently. The free LEED class tells me that they are serious about it. Soon that LEED Green Associate label that you have on your website or Facebook page will mean money. The CVNLA recently had one of the instructors from SDC speak at one of our monthly meetings. After her presentation she was asked a bunch of questions, one of which was – why should landscapers and nurserymen become LEED accredited? She said that we should become accredited so that we won’t get left behind. Sounded like good advice to me. April / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
LEED® Green Associate Exam Prep Training, with Mock Exam Learning Objectives −
Identify essential concepts of sustainability and their importance in the built environment − Become familiar with the LEED rating systems − Gain an understanding of the LEED credit categories: Sustainable Sites, Water, Energy and Atmosphere, Material Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Innovation in Design, as well as Regional Priority − Develop a system to integrate the intents, concepts, and strategies associated with LEED credits across the various rating systems − Understand the basics of LEED Online, Project Registration and the Certification Process − Prepare for successful completion of the Green Associates Exam, the first tier to becoming a LEED Accredited Professional Mock Exam: This course includes administration of 2-hr SDC-written final exam, exam grading reviewing exam answers with participants, and 1-2 additional training-site trips for the above. Study Guides: Includes provision of one USGBC LEED Green Associate Study Guide per person. Exam Eligibility Requirements: Course attendees will receive a certificate which demonstrates eligibility to sit for the LEED Green Associate exam. Credential Maintenance Requirements: The LEED Green Associate credential requires15 Green Building Certification Institute (BGCI) continuing education units (CEUs) earned over a 2-year period. Training provided by Sustainable Design Consulting, Richmond, VA www.sustaindesign.net Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
Since 1936 Growers of Quality Trees & Shrubs, Conifers, Flowering Shrubs, Broad Leaf Evergreens, Shade & Flowering Trees, B&B Taxus & Thuja. Specializing in Container Grown Trees Located in the Heart of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
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VNLA Survey Results On December 15th 2011, the VNLA emailed a survey to its members, to which 41 members responded. The survey consisted of 10 questions dealing with labor & immigration, private property rights, environmental stewardship, and the economy. Results have been compiled and a brief summary of the comments are included after each question. Survey Name: Dec 15 2011 Membership Survey SAMPLE SIZE:41 Business Type Breakdown Landscape Installation Landscape Maintenance Landscape Designer Retail/Garden Center Wholesale Grower and/or re-wholesaler Allied (suppliers) Other TOTAL
Percentage 23% 27% 9% 5% 23% 5% 9% 100%
Labor and Immigration
1. Do you use H2A workers (nursery)? Yes (list number in comment box) No No Responses Total
Response(s) Response Ratio 0 0.0% 36 87.8% 5 12.1% 41 100%
2. Do you use H2B workers (landscape, retail)?
Response(s) Response Ratio Yes (list number in comment box) 6 14.6% No 31 75.6% No Responses 4 9.7% Total 41 100% Comment Summary: Used to but the laws have become too stringent. 3. Do you use other types of seasonal workers? Yes (list number in comment box) No No Responses Total 4. Do you use E-Verify when hiring employees? Yes No What's E-Verify? No Responses Total Comment Summary: Too many flaws in the system.
Response(s) Response Ratio 16 39.0% 21 51.2% 4 9.7% 41 100% Response(s) Response Ratio 6 14.6% 22 53.6% 6 14.6% 7 17.0% 41 100%
5. Do you support the federal government mandating the use of E-Verify? Response(s) Response Ratio Yes 11 26.8% No 18 43.9% No Responses 12 29.2% Total 41 100% Comment Summary: 1. Only If it's prompt, efficient, and accurate. 2. Need to solve our immigration problems first. 58
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6. What would you like to see the VNLA doing on labor and immigration issues? Comment Summary: 1. Keep members informed. 2. Issue a position statement calling for reforms that benefit the industry. 3. Continue support with the ANLA
Private Property Rights 7. A proposed Virginia Constitutional Amendment will be voted on in the 2012 General Assembly regarding Eminent Domain. The amendment has been approved once earlier in 2011 but must be approved by the General Assembly a second time before the voters give it their final approval. Do you favor a Virginia Constitutional Amendment limiting the eminent domain power of local governments to seize private property? Response(s) Response Ratio yes 34 82.9% no 4 9.7% No Responses 3 7.3% Total 41 100% Comment Summary: 1. Seizure of property must be for public purpose not private gain. 2. No Constitutional Ammendment but should be more laws limiting seizue of private property. UPDATE: In February, the Virginia Property Rights Ammendment was passed through the Senate on a 23-17 vote. The ammendment will be on the ballot in November for final approval.
Environmental Stewardship
8. How do you think the Chesapeake Bay Resource Management Plan will affect your business. Response(s) Response Ratio 10 24.3% Positively 6 14.6% Negatively 10 24.3% Both 15 36.5% I don't know yet 0 0.0% No Responses 41 100% Total Comment Summary: 1. Important to show that the nursery industry are good stewards of the land. 2. Could be very costly.
Business and the Economy
9. How have your sales changed in 2011 when compared to 2010? Response(s) Response Ratio 17 41.4% Increased (list approximate % in comment box) 9 21.9% Decreased (list approximate % in comment box) 15 36.5% No Change 0 0.0% No Responses 41 100% Total Comment Summary: For most of the companies that were up in sales, the majority were up 5-15% over 2010.
Thank you to all of the members who responded to this survey. We know your time is valuable but the few minutes you take to fill out this information helps the VNLA serve its membership better. If you’d like more detailed information on the results of this survey please contact Jeff Miller. Matt Shreckhise, Communications Chairman, Matthew@Shreckhise.com
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News - Do they have Garden Centres in China and Japan? John Stanley
During the last few weeks I have been working with garden centres in China and Japan. When I mention this to people one of the first comments is do they have garden centres in those countries? The answer is yes and they are businesses where we can learn from. They are rapidly developing businesses that are taking ideas from around the world. In Japan Joyful Honda have 16 of the largest garden centres I have seen anywhere, whilst Hong Yu, in China are developing a franchise chain that already has 16 stores and is growing Compared to many centres in many countries it is good to see that the industry is attracting young people in this part of the world. In China, for example, I worked with managers who were in their early 20’s and keen to move their business forward. At the Hangzhou Lifestyle Conference and Exhibition many sessions were full of students keen to gain as many ideas as possible. The main lessons I came away with are as follows 1. The plant areas in Japan can be large, which is a surprise in itself, but they are focused on stock turn. They are looking to get as many stock turns as possible, this means the plant area is stocked with product that has eye appeal 60
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all the time. I was looking at highly coloured plant areas where the entire product was saying “Buy me”. Plus this was in the middle of a Japanese winter when you would have thought purchasing plants would have been delayed until the spring 2. Don’t be a horticultural purist. My guide in Japan purchased a Camellia in flower. When I asked what they planned to do with it, I was told it was going to be a decoration in the house and they would discard it when it finished flowering. Plus indoor display bowls included a mix of indoor and traditional outdoor plants. The aim being to get the look right 3. China has a less developed market, my client has 20 garden centres but these have been developed over the last two years. What is unusual for a first time visitor to the retail industry is that they make products for export, but when it comes to the home market they prefer overseas products .I came cross products from Finland UK, Germany, Italy, USA and Canada in the garden centres and little locally grown or made products. 4. Customer service is still alive. Walk into a Japanese or Chinese retail business and you will still get greeted. It is part of the culture and shows that the team really cares about the customer. This makes shopping a pleasure for a consumer who is demanding more of retailers in this part of the world
to older women n and a trend that we should all be aware of and ensure we are looking at the marketing opportunities this provides. 6. Do not stand still. The industry in both these countries is moving forward rapidly. As a result they are providing new ideas for the consumer that is changed rapidly. Many garden centres in the west are not changing displays rapidly enough and as a result are not getting the repeat business and word of mouth marketing that they should. Garden retailing is moving forward in this region, companies are investing in new stores, better merchandising and ideas. The region is becoming one to watch for future trends. John Stanley, The Retail Guru, John Stanley Associates, Growing Your Business with Customer Focused Innovation john@johnstanley.com.au, www.johnstanley.com.auSkype: johnstanley.retailguru LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/johnst
anleyretailspeaker
Youtube channel:
www.youtube.com/user/johnstanleyguru
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1 055430138&ref=ts Twitter: twitter.com/john_stanley
5. Miniature gardening is still a growing trend in the western world and in countries like Australia the trend is still to arrive. In Japan and China where space is a lot more limited the trend has been developing for some time. Miniature gardens as indoor decorations are appealing especially April / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
News - New Specialty License Plate Supporting Community Trees Available for Pre-order
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.
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 .
Support VNLA Member Growers! online @ www.vnla.org/
In Virginia, 450 plates must be presold before the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will put the proposed plate into production. Pre-sales
For a print copy, contact the VNLA Office at 800-476-0055
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VNLA Newsletter Advertising Order Please check the ad size and circle “B&W” or “4-Color” Size
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Premium locations: inside front cover, inside back cover - Add 10% to above rates and page on back cover - Add 25% to above rates (call for availability) Please check the issue(s) for your ad (10% discount for 4 pre-paid ads for full-year run) Publication Issue [__] January/February/March [__] April/May/June [__] July/August/September [__] October/November/December [__] Run same ad each issue [__] Rotate Ads [__] New Ad each issue
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[__] Check here if you want an invoice for four pre-paid consecutive issues (10% discount). Otherwise, we will send you an electronic invoice after the issue is mailed to members.
Contact Person: _________________________________________________ Company Name: ________________________________________________ Mailing Address: ________________________________________________ City: _____________________________ ST____ Zipcode _________-_____ Phone: _____-______-____________ Fax: _____-______-____________ Email: _________________________________________________________ Date: ____/____/______ For Additional Information, Call, Fax or Email:
Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association
383 Coal Hollow Road, Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 800-476-0055 or 540-382-0943 ---- Fax: 540-382-2716 Email: info@vnla.org www.vnla.org
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Upcoming Events July 8-11, 2012, PLANET LEGISLATIVE DAY, RENEWAL & REMEMBRANCE Washington, DC and Arlington National Cemetery
www.RenewalandRemembrance.org
July 12-14, 2012, AM. CONIFER SOCIETY 30th NATIONAL MEETING Ann Arbor, MI www.conifersociety.org July 14, 2012, ANLA ANNUAL MEETING & HRI/ANLA GALA RECEPTION, Columbus, OH with the OFA Short Course www.anla.org July 14-17, 2012, OFA SHORT COURSE Columbus, OH www.ofa.org July 17-19, 2012, MAC-ISA ARBORIST CERTIFICATION COURSES Taught by Joe Murray, 24 ISA CEUs and 24 VNLA VCH CEUs Abingdon, VA www.macisa.org July 23-25, 2012, VSLD SUMMER GARDEN TOUR: "It Ain't Chuck's Garden Anymore" We'll be exploring where sustainability and design meet in and around Richmond. sponsored by the Virginia Society of Landscape Designers www.vsld.org July 28, 2012, LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN-EXTERIOR sponsored by LCA MD DC VA (written test 6/7/12) (Hands-on Test) www.lcamddcva.org July 31-August 2, 2012, PANTS Trade Show Oaks, PA www.plna.com August 8-9, 2012, VNLA ANNUAL FIELD DAY & SUMMER TOUR Battlefield Farms, Orange, VA: James Madison’s Montpelier and Library of Congress roof garden www.vnla.org
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August 8-9, 2012, NCLA SUMMER GREEN ROAD SHOW Hickory Metro Convention Center, Hickory, NC www.ncnla.com, 919-816-9119 August 22-25, 2012, FARWEST SHOW Portland, OR www.oan.org August 23-25, 2012, VIRGINIA CHRISTMAS TREE GROWERS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND SHOW Waynesboro Best Western Inn www.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org 540-382-2716 August 27-28, 2012, PLANET LMN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP Baltimore, MD www.landcarenetwork.org/events/ workshops.cfn September 14-16, 2012, NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING Wyndham Virginia Crossings, Richmond www.vnps.org October 1-4, 2012, 8th EASTERN NATIVE GRASS SYMPOSIUM Keynote Speaker: Douglas Tallamy; Charlottesville, VA http://www.cpe.vt.edu/engs/index. html October 10-13, 2012, IPPS - EASTERN REGION CONFERENCE Brandywine Valley, PA at Winterthur & Longwood Gardens www.ippseastern.org ippser@gmail.com October 24-26, 2012, PLANET GREEN INDUSTRY CONFERENCE Louisville, KY, www.greenindustryconference.org December 11-13, 2012, VIRGINIA TECH TURFGRASS SHORT COURSE sponsored by the Virginia Turfgrass Council at the Fredericksburg Expo and Convention Center www.vaturf.org
April / May June 2012 April/May/June 2012
2013 January 9-11, 2013, MANTS Baltimore Convention Center Contact: 800-431-0066 info@mants.com www.mants.com January 10, 2013, VNA HORTICULTURE RESEARCH FOUNDATION RESEARCH GALA/AUCTION Order tickets with MANTS registration; for info: 800-476-0055 research@vnla.org January 10, 2013, VNLA ANNUAL BREAKFAST MEETING Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel Contact: info@vnla.org 800-476-0055 January 10, 2013, VIRGINIA AGRIBUSINESS COUNCIL APPRECIATION BANQUET Arthur Ashe Center, Richmond, VA 804/643-3555 January 14-16, 2013, CENTS Trade Show, Columbus, OH www.onla.org January 17-18, 2013, GREEN & GROWIN' SHOW Greensboro, NC www.ncnla.com
Virginia Certified Horticulturist Exam Schedule June 11, 2012, Richmond, Stranges’ Garden Center, West Broad St. 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. June 13, 2012, Suffolk, 8 a.m.-noon (Basic Exam)
For a Current Calendar of all Green Industry Events, go to: http://virginiagreen.org/events. htm
Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
National Brands, Homegrown Diversity
Licensed Grower of Encore Azalea®
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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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