DISTINCTIVE PLANTS FOR YOUR LANDSCAPE 2013 SELECTIONS
Bright, Bold and Beautiful Inject a Dose of Sunshine into Your Garden
Hakonochloa macra ‘All Gold’
Sedum nokoense
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Little Honey’
Juniperus horizontalis ‘Mother Lode’
Ilex crenata ‘Drops of Gold’
Spirea thunbergii ‘Ogon’
Hypericum calycinum ‘Brigadoon’
Liriope muscari ‘Pee Dee Ingot’
Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’
VIRGINIA PLANT INTRODUCTION PROGRAM www.beautifulgardens.org
2013 VNLA Officers & Directors OFFICERS
1 YR DIRECTORS
2 YR DIRECTORS
President MATT SAWYER - Research Bennett’s Creek Nursery ‘07 5635 Shoulders Hill Rd Suffolk, VA 23435-1807 757-483-1425 Matt@bcnursery.com
CHERYL LAJOIE Certification ‘09 Lancaster Farms 5800 Knotts Neck Rd Suffolk VA 23435-1353 757-484-4421 Fax: 7575-686-8637 Cheryl@lancasterfarms.com
TOM THOMPSON, Environmental Affairs ‘10 Natural Art Landscaping 3540 S Belmont Rd Richmond VA 23234-2912 (804) 674-5703 Naturalartlandscaping@yahoo.com
Vice President MATT SHRECKHISE Communications ‘08 Shreckhise Nurseries PO Box 428 Grottoes, VA 24441-0428 540-249-5761 Matthew@shreckhise.com Secretary/ Treasurer SONYA L. WESTERVELT Public Relations ‘10 Saunders Brothers Inc 2717 Tye Brook Highway Piney River, VA 22964 (434) 277-5455 sonya@saundersbrothers.com Past President STEVE GRIGG - Education Grigg Design Inc ‘09 8193 Euclid Ct #A Manassas Park, VA 20111-4810 703-368-7539 sgrigg@gdiva.com Ex-Officio Past President MARK MASLOW Resource Development Southern Landscape Group PO Box 397 Evington VA 24550-0397 434-821-6004 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
DOUG HENSEL Beautiful Gardens ‘08 Great Big Greenhouse & Nrsy 2051 Huguenot Rd Richmond, VA 23235-4305 Christopher@lancasterfarms.com 804-320-1317 doug@greatbiggreenhouse.com VIRGINIA ROCKWELL Legislation ‘12 CRAIG ATTKISSON ‘13 Gentle Gardener Green Design Green Side Up Landscaping PO Box 418 PO Box 2026 Gordonsville, VA 22942-0418 Glen Allen, VA 23058-2026 540-832-7031 804-514-4610 (cell) 434-531-0467 craig@gsulandscaping.com CHRISTOPHER BROWN ‘13
Lancaster Farms 5800 Knotts Neck Rd Suffolk VA 23435-1353 757-484-4421
Virginia@GentleGardener.com
Educational Advisors DR. ROGER HARRIS VA Tech Horticulture Dept. Head Saunders Hall (0327) Blacksburg, VA 24061-0001 540-231-5451 rharris@vt.edu DR. JIM OWEN HARAREC 1444 Diamond Springs Rd Virginia Beach, VA 23455 (757) 363-3804 jim.owen@vt.edu Beautiful Gardens® Plant Introduction Program LISA LIPSEY Program Coordinator VA Tech Dept. of Horticulture (0327) Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231- 6961 llipsey@vt.edu
MANTS’ DIRECTORS JOHN LANCASTER‘02 Bennett’s Creek Nursery 3613 Bridge Road Suffolk, VA 23435-1807 757-483-1425 john@bcnursery.com TOM SAUNDERS ’96 Saunders’ Brothers Inc. 2508 Tye Brook Hwy Piney River, VA 22964-2301 804-277-5455 Tom@saundersbrothers.com DANNY SHRECKHISE Shreckhise Nurseries ‘12 PO Box 428 Grottoes, VA 24441-0428 540-249-5761 Danny@shreckhise.com
January / February / March 2013
January/February/March 2013
REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Central Virginia Nursery & Landscape Assoc Jim Hassold 804-377-1977 Jim@glenallennursery.com Eastern Shore Nurserymen’s Association Stuart Burnley 757-442-3548 hermfarm@verizon.net Hampton Roads Nursery & Landscape Assoc Cheryl Lajoie (757) 484-4421 cheryl@lancasterfarms.com Northern Virginia Nursery & Landscape Assoc Amanda Caldwell ajcdenali@hotmail.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
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 Ctrs 3313 Mechanicsville Pike Richmond VA 23223 804-321-2200x331 wjg@stranges.com
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Table of Contents Ad - Beautiful Gardens ‘Plants of Distinction 2013” ................ 2 Ad - Bennett’s Creek Nursery ..................................... 23 Ad - Bremo Trees ........................................................ 68 Ad - BuyNCPlants.com ............................................... 45 Ad - Carolina Bark Products ....................................... 48 Ad - Colonial Farm Credit .......................................... 68 Ad - CW Reeson Nursery ............................................ 5 Ad - Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia ...................... 17 Ad - Fair View Nursery .............................................. 48 Ad - Goodson & Associates ........................................ 33 Ad - Gossett’s Landscape Nursery .............................. 34 Ad - Guthrie Nursery .................................................. 39 Ad - Hanover Farms .................................................... 9 Ad - Hardwood Mulch ................................................ 56 Ad - Hawksridge Farms .............................................. 63 Ad - John Stanley ........................................................ 50 Ad - Johnston County Nursery Marketing Assoc ........ 54 Ad - Lancaster Farms .................................................. 26 Ad - Lilley Farms and Nursery ................................... 25 Ad - Mid-Atlantic Solutions ....................................... 29 Ad - OHP: Marengo .................................................... 40 Ad - Pender Nurseries ................................................. 67 Ad - Plantworks Nursery ............................................. 31 Ad - Shreckhise Nurseries ........................................... 42 Ad - SiteLight Id ......................................................... 19 Ad - Southern Nursery Association ............................ 37 Ad - TD Watkins Horticultural Sales ........................... 5 Ad - Turtle Creek Nursery .......................................... 13 Ad - Waynesboro Nurseries ........................................ 11 Ad - Willow Springs Tree Farm ................................. 22 Ad - Winfall Nurseries ................................................ 22 Editorial - Another Silent Spring ............................... 9 Events - Shenandoah Valley Plant Symposium .......... 62 Events - Virginia Tech Hahn Garden Gala ................. 61 Events - Upcoming ..................................................... 66 Legislative - Lighthouse National Issues .................... 22 Letter - APLD Sponsorship ......................................... 8 Letter - Thank You for Scholarship ............................ 8 Letter - Thank you for Support of HRI ....................... 7 Letter - Virginia Agribusiness Council ..................... 8 Member Profile - Bennett’s Creek Nursery ............... 21 News - 2012 Census of Agriculture ............................ 61 News - Advances in OFA/ANLA Consolidation ........ 16 News - ANLA, OFA Push For Immigration Reform . 20 News - Bob Dolibois Retires After 21 Years ............. 18 News - Card Brand Surcharge Notification ............... 18 News - Impatiens Downy Mildew Alert ..................... 18 News - MANTS Thanks to Sponsors .......................... 64 News - New Specialty License Plate Supporting Community Trees Available for Pre-order .... 52 News - Virginia Tech's tree app tops at Google Play . 19 News - VNLA Pro of the Year Award 2012 ............... 13 4
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News - VNLA Environmental Stewardship Award ... 13 Obituary - Andy Hankins ........................................... 12 Obituary - Nick Covatta ............................................. 11 Research - Increasing Successful Propagation of Sedum with Plant Growth Regulators ................. 43 Research - Landscape and House Appearance Impacts on the Price of Single-Family Houses ....... 38 Research - Report on Boxwood Blight Research ...... 36 Research - Root Pruning and Planting Depth ............. 46 Research - Weed Control Research Update ................ 46 Tips - How to Contact Congress ................................ 6 Tips - More Than A Wall: SmartSlope ....................... 50 Tips - The Economics of Sustainable Landscapes ...... 27 Tips - The Greener Consumer ................................... 49 VNLA - Ad Schedule/Rates ....................................... 65 VNLA - Beautiful Gardens Spring 2013 ................... 10 VNLA - Board Meeting Minutes ............................... 53 VNLA - Certification FAQ ......................................... 60 VNLA - Certification Quiz #63 .................................. 35 VNLA - IPPS Student Sponsorship ............................ 48 VNLA - Minutes Membership Meeting ..................... 57 VNLA - Photo Contest Rules ..................................... 15 VNLA - Website Login ............................................. 7 VNLA - Photo Contest ............................................... 15
January / February / March 2013 January/February/March 2013
Support VNLA Member Growers! Online at www.vnla.org For a print copy, contact the VNLA Office at 1-800-476-0055 info@vnla.org VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
VNLA VNLAMission, Mission, Vision and Mission, for Vision VNLA and Objectives Objectives for 2006 2006
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more successful? What are problems? keting, research, and other important information What aremembers members problems? NHWLQJ UHVHDUFK DQG RWKHU LPSRUWDQW LQIRUPDWLRQ Tscharnerwatkins@comcast.net How are we going to help How are going to helpthem them become become concerning thewe industry. FRQFHUQLQJ WKH LQGXVWU\ 2260 Chalkwell Drive, Midlothian, Virginia 23113 more moresuccessful? successful? 6. To remain the leading horticulture organization 7R UHPDLQ WKH OHDGLQJ KRUWLFXOWXUH RUJDQL]DWLRQ Cell 804-929-1982 Fax (call first) 804-378-0813 within the agriculture community of Virginia. ZLWKLQ WKH DJULFXOWXUH FRPPXQLW\ RI 9LUJLQLD 7. To maintain an association organizational structure 7R PDLQWDLQ DQ DVVRFLDWLRQ RUJDQL]DWLRQDO VWUXFWXUH that will be fully responsive to its mission. Ad – CW Reeson Nursery WKDW ZLOO EH IXOO\ UHVSRQVLYH WR LWV PLVVLRQ
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7 greenhouses, sales building, DEER-DESERT BIGHORN Ad Safaris2_ad 2.pdf Virginia businessfans, in Southwest Well established Southwest Virginia -- Dublin. Dublin. propane heaters, 15 KW generator. On 2 acres, 15,000 15,000 sq sq ftft Includes updated ranch style home, 3 BD, 3 baths, BEAR, COUGAR, sales building, 7 greenhouses, sales building, ELK public water/sewer. BEAR, COUGAR, ELK propane heaters, fans, 15 KW KW generator. generator. Call 540-674-6960 or for15 details and photos www.vagreenhouse.blogspot.com Includes updated ranch style home, home, 33 BD, BD, 33 baths, baths, public water/sewer. water/sewer. BUFFALO BUFFALO Call 540-674-6960 or for details details and and photos photos
CANADA CANADA
COLORADO COLORADO
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
VNLANewsletter Newsletter VNLA VNLA VNLANewsletter Newsletter
January/February/March 2013
www.vagreenhouse.blogspot.com www.vagreenhouse.blogspot.com FORINFORMATION, INFORMATION, CONTACT: FOR CONTACT: 5
DAVID LAIRD DAVID “DEEâ€? “DEEâ€? LAIRD dee2@sangresundance.net www.sangresundance.net dee2@sangresundance.net • www.sangresundance.net PO Box 81402••970-240-0743 970-240-0743 January / February / March 2013 5 PO Box1895 1895• •Montrose, Montrose, CO CO 81402
January/February/March 2013 2013 January/February/March
July/August 2006 2006 January/February
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Vol. 83, Vol.No.1; 82, No.2; January/February/March April/May/June 2012 2013 Vol. 82, No.1; Editor: January/February/March 2012 Jeff Miller Editor: Jeff Miller Vol. 83, No.1; January/February/March 2013
Virginia Nursery Virginia Nursery Virginia Nursery Inc. & Landscape Association, & Landscape Association, Inc. Editor: Jeff Miller
& Landscape Association, Inc.
383 Coal Hollow Road; Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 383 CoalInternet Hollow Road; Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 E-mail Address: info@vnla.org 383 Coal Hollow Road; Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Internet E-mail Address: info@vnla.org www.vnla.org (Association Info) Internet E-mail Address: info@vnla.org www.vnla.org (Association Info) Info) www.vnla.org (Association Info) www.VirginiaGardening.com (Consumer www.VirginiaGardening.com (Consumer Info) Info) www.VirginiaGardening.com (Consumer Telephone: 540-382-0943 or 1-800-476-0055 Fax: 540-382-2716 Telephone: or 1-800-476-0055 Fax: 540-382-2716 Telephone:Published 540-382-0943 or 1-800-476-0055 540-382-2716 Disclaimer: for540-382-0943 your information, thisFax: newsletter is not an Disclaimer:for Published for your information, this newsletter not an Disclaimer: Published your information, this newsletter is notisan endorsementendorsement for individual products or editorial comments. for individual or editorial comments. endorsement for individual productsproducts or editorial comments.
How to Contact How to Contact Congress Congress How to Contact
To contact your congressman and
Congress To contact your congressman senator, go the www.vnla.org andand www.vnla.org and senator, go the click in the legislation tab/button, To contact your congressman and click in the tab/button, and then click onwww.vnla.org the “Legislative and senator, golegislation the Update” or go directly to: and then click on the “Legislative click in the legislation tab/button, and thenor click the “Legislative Update” go on directly to: http://capwiz.com/anla/va/home/ Update” or go to: How todirectly Contact http://capwiz.com/anla/va/home/ http://capwiz.com/anla/va/home/ Here, you can
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congressman your congressman To contact your and congressman and senators’ conand senators’ conand senators’ contact senator, go the www.vnla.org and tact infoand and can tact info info and can can email How click in the legislation tab/button, email them directly Vol. 83, No.1; January/February/March 2013 email them directly able to able all parts of the state. If you to all parts of the state. If you them directly from this link. There Co and then click on the “Legislative Editor: Jeff Miller from this link. arealso alsoissues from this link. There There are Presidents Messageneed more Presidents Message needCEUs, more CEUs, did know you know did you youyou Update” are also summaries of current or go directly to: These people “get it”. These are the VNLA President’s summaries current issues can on complete quizzes from the news- summaries ofofcurrent issuesand and To contact yo quizzes from the3 newsand sample letters. We plan focusing on main Message Theoff VNLA isrunning off to astart running can start complete http://capwiz.com/anla/va/home/ senator, go the people who do not feel “entitled”, but The Presidents VNLA is to a sampleletters. letters. letterup from to 3 years ago and Message letter to 3up years ago and get get sample this year. board actively lookclick in the leg areas:from Industry Advocacy; PubliHere, you can find recognize that working smart and this board actively The year. springThe came veryisThe early thisislookyear credit this year? “The squeaky wheel gets the oil!” credit this year? ing into partnerships with industry ““The The squeaky wheel gets the oil!” and then click squeaky wheel gets the oil!” your congressman 383 Coal Hollow Road; Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 cations and Communications and hard is still the key to success. ing with industry and into so farpartnerships everyone appears to be Update” or go I am excited to be involved in allE-mail that Address: info@vnla.org groups in the state to be able to have Internet and senators’ contact IResearch am excited to be involved inWe all that and Education. will groups in theathe state to be able to have busy. After last few years this is http://capwiz.co www.vnla.org the VNLA has going on. Be sure to (Association Info) unified voice in the legislature as We still have challenges ahead of us. Asunified we getvoice ready to on a seen new info and can email www.VirginiaGardening.com (Consumer Info) the VNLA hasme going on. Be sure to avery in thetake legislature as positive news. We have also prioritize issues in each area. contact or any other board memwell as have effective communication We need to have access to a dependTelephone: 540-382-0943 or 1-800-476-0055 Fax: 540-382-2716 year,before, look forward working them directly from me ifor you any have other board member any questions or information, this newsletter well asIhave effective this and I think wetoareof all across all communication niches theoldnurserycontact and Disclaimer: Published for your is not an able and skilled work force. We need One constant theme though that I this link. There comments. are also summaries of with members of the VNLA landscape industry. Weand want tober be if thoughts. you have any endorsement questionsfor individual or products or editorial across all niches of the er and the wiser then when wenursery to know what we have felt, is regulations to make sure heardrecovery. loud and and carry current issues and sample letters. and amembers of thoughts. landscape industry. Wethe wantclear to be had false Make 2013 great! will be working with. We able to all parts of the state. If you enough clout when policy makers are we are doing what is best heard loud and clear and carry “Cautiously optimistic” is VNLA Board. We have from this link need more CEUs, did you know you need toPresidents participateMessage in the Make 2013 great! considering legislation that affects “The gets the thenewsoil!” summaries of for the Industry. This is a cansqueaky complete wheel quizzes from enough clout when policy makers are the phase thatour I have been added additional experiThe VNLA off to regulaa running start industry. The Virginia Agribusiformulation ofisthese sample letters letter from up to 3 years ago and get considering legislation that using hearing lately. moving target and will this year. The board is actively lookence and to the Board to ness Council and affects our legislative tions / laws or we will be credit this year? “The squeaky ing into partnerships with industry By Mattover Sawyer, President VNLA 2013 our industry. The Virginia AgribusiThe growerschair, that Virginia I haveRockwell, vary time. All people are doing a compliment the imprestold what to do. Your I am excited to be involved in all that groups in the state to be able to have ness Council and our legislative talked to have shipgreat job keeping the board informed will anot agree on what is as the VNLA has going on. Be sure to unified voice inbeen the legislature sive talent webeen already VNLA Board has parBy Matt Sawyer, President VNLAcommunication 2013 what is happening in Richmond. chair, Rockwell, a ping aVirginia lot ofofmaterial thisare doing contact me or any other board memas have effective best.well However, long as ticipating in the as“process” have serving. ber if you have any questions or across all niches of the nursery and great keeping the board informed spring.job Plus, the deTo keep our regional associations in we we as are anworking Industry and to be thoughts. and to landscape industry. Wemake want Like most of us have done of what is happening Richmond. sign/build people have the loop, in the board has budgeted for heard Association loud and clear and aTrade difference. are carry Make 2013 great! the Executive recently business, the also beenin reporting in- Director to attend a enough clout when policy makers are To keep our meeting regionalat associations in viewed as thelegislation professional each considering that affects Please mark VNLA Field VNLA Board has activity. taken a of the regional assocreases in sales the loop, theciations board has budgeted for our industry. The Virginia Agribusiand experts by the public, this year to communicate Day on your calendar. Sonya Westerhard look at 2who After the last hardwe andare long winters, ness Council and our legislative the Executive Director to attend a what is happening in Virginia and all of us will be doing our jobs. velt and Virginia have been BySupport Matt Sawyer, President VNLA 2013 and non howwinter we dowas it. We met in LynchVNLA this a welcome relief. chair,Rockwell Virginia Rockwell, are doing a listenoftothe anyregional concerns assoor suggestions. meeting at each great job keepingamount the board informed putting in an incredible of burg days to establish a StrateIt hasfor let2all of us get a very early wish you all what a healthy and prosfurther our support ofI the ciations thisToyear to show communicate Member Growers! is happening in Richmond. time planningofthis years’ event. This gic Plan. discussed how tothehave start, or weWe never stopped. regional associations board budgperous year. To what is happening in Virginia and theregional keep our associations in year the FieldSave Day is at Date! Battlefield the most impact on allagain areasthisthat afOnline at www.vnla.org the loop, the board has budgeted for listen to any concerns or suggestions. We have alsoeted all funds become much year morefor educain Orange County Virginia. tional This programs. Encourage refect our Industry. is a tall order. yourFarms the Executive Director VNLA Field Dayto attend a For a print copy, contact the To further our support the efficient andshow are all doing more with association to of request Also keep in meeting mind atthe eachHorticulture of the regional assoIt is not a jobgional for just one person. It is funding VNLA Office at 1-800-476-0055 & Summer Tour regional board less. Thisassociations seems tousbethe the mantra of Grigg, ciations this yearJune to communicate and let help putbudgonand a program. Garden Save GalaSteve onthe Saturday 9th. Date! a job that will take the you talents Onlineinfo@vnla.org at www.vnla.org what is&happening in Virginia and eted funds again thiswhether year forthey educaall business people, are at Brent Becky’s Bulbs VNLA President 2012 Suppo islisten a sponsor again this commitment We of many people. Itto also are continuing improveThe the VNLA to any concerns or suggestions. tional Encourage your relarge orprograms. small. I love talking to small Gloucester, VA Virginia CertifiedPlus, Horticulturist proVNLA Field Day year. Details to follow onsupport bothof the For a print copy, contact the Membe To further show our will not happen overnight. 90% gional association tomatter request funding business people, nowith what busiregional associations the board budgmanagement events. & Summer of success isgram showing online up, so CEU we will Save the Date! VNLA Office at 1-800-476-0055 Tour August 8-9,this 2013 Online eted funds again year for educaand us may help you put on a program. nesslet they be in. It is like being in and future upgrades to include an have to participate to achieve the retional programs. Encourage your rewe all& have a great year. at Brent Becky’s Bulbs an exclusive online fraternity people VNLA Field Day studyof course. Wewho want theHoping cerinfo@vnla.org For a print gional association to request funding We to improve the sults are we continuing hope to have and stay tification be easily obtainVNLA Offic & Summer Tour still take risks, who training becometoexcited and let us help you put on a program. Gloucester, VA Virginia course. Certified Horticulturist proat Brent & Becky’s Bulbs inf when talking about what they do and We are continuing to 2013 improve the gram with online CEU management 6 January/February/March VNLAVA Newsletter Gloucester, August 8-9, 2013 understanding that it is the spirit and Virginia Certified Horticulturist proand future upgrades to include an gram with online CEU management the mettle of the small business perRegards, Steve Grigg, August 8-9, 2013 online study course. We want the cerand future upgrades to include an son that drives the economy. VNLAonline President 2012 We want the cerstudy course. tification training to be easily obtain-
Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc.
Support VNLA Member Growers!
tification training to be easily obtain-
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The VNLA Newsletters website has had a The VNLA website had a complete overhaul with ahas new design, complete overhaul with a new design, re-organized info tabs and updated re-organized information. info tabs and updated information. You can now log in and set up your You can now in and set up your user name andlog password. user name password. Access andand update your contact Access and update your contact information information See the CEU’s that are recorded for See CEU’s that are Horticulturist recorded for you the Virginia Certified you Use Virginia the onlineCertified store to Horticulturist order Use the onlinesupplies store to order Certification Certification supplies Renew your membership Renew yourcapabilities membership Additional will be added Additional capabilities on an ongoing basis will be added on an ongoing basis VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 7
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January/February/March January / February / March 2013 2013 October/November/December 2012
Thank -You - Agriculture Letter Thank you for in the Classroom Support of HRI
On behalf of the Virginia Agriculture in As we near Thanksgiving, on behalf of the Classroom Board of Directors, staff the HRI Board of Trustees we thank and all the teachers and students who you your support HRI. Withinyour havefor benefitted from of Agriculture the help, we have exceeded our $500.000 Classroom lessons and classroom refundraising goal thank for 2012. sources this year, you! To recap, your donations for 2012 total $500. The in the Classroom YourAgriculture donations were designated as Anfolnual Report is available on the AITC lows: $500 to the HRI General Fund as website. I hope you willcampaign. take a few a part of our membership minutes to read about the record setting This year HRI celebrates 50 yearsand of teacher workshops, new curriculum ensuring business through pracupdated website success that your support tical horticultural as teachers well as helped to provide research, to Virginia providing educational tools that enable and students. you to succeed. HRI is the proud sponAlso, you educational for providing AITC sor of thank a business video sewith your e-mail address so we ries, Owners Only by Jay Goltz. Thecan 8communicate with examines you easily what and cost part video series the efficiently. you would like a printed leader of anIforganization can do to adcopy of the Annual Report, please let vance employee participation and highme know. lights the key topics that all businesses must address order to contributgrow and [Editor’s Note:inThe VNLA adapt to the changes in the market ed $1,500 this year to this program.] place. Visit Karen L. Davis, Executive Director,for www.anla.org/knowledgecenter completekaren.davis@vafb.com details.
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We are able to preserve our country and the green industry through quality plants and business practices that sustain the important relationship between the research and business communities. For 2012, HRI granted $282,500 to fund nine research projects and four student scholarships, all made possible by donors like you. Visit the HRI website for a complete listing. Please be advised that your charitable contributions are tax deductible. HRI gave no goods or services in return for the donations. For your records, HRI's federal tax identification number is 52-1052547. Please retain this letter for your tax purposes. Thank you for being a part of our 50th year. We hope to continue to provide services important to you. [The VNLA made a $500 donation for 2012.] Teresa Jodon, Executive Director HRI, Research Affiliate of the American Nursery & Landscape Association, Washington, DC 202-695-2474 • www.HRIResearch.org
Letter - Virginia Agribusiness Council Thank you for support of our Annual Membership Meeting On behalf of the Virginia Agribusiness Council, thank you again for your support of our Annual Membership meeting and luncheon. Your support of the Council and our activities is, as always, very much appreciated. This year's Annual Meeting was especially important as our members gathered to celebrate the successful passage of the Eminent Domain Constitutional Amendment, amongst other notable successes over the past year.
for our members. Thanks in large part to the outstanding support of members like you; the Council has continued to excel in representing our industry's interest with the legislature. We highlighted our many accomplishments made through the teamwork of our staff, Board of Directors, members, legislative coalitions, and legislators and Executive Branch. In a year of transition, the Council has strived to maintain our outstanding legislative efforts while expanding our communications and membership focus as well. Back by popular demand, local political commentator Dr. Robert Holsworth examined the recent Presidential and Senate elections. Virginia's status as a purple state continued as the new reality of population shifts in urban areas led the President and Senator-elect Kaine to victory despite rural Virginia largely voting for other the candidates. Dr. Holsworth encouraged our industry to continue to actively advocate for ourselves through organizations like the Council as the Commonwealth and nation face many difficult decisions in the next several years, and the population becomes less rural and actively involved in agribusiness. Thank you to both you and Virginia Rockwell for participating in our State Policy Development meeting and attending the luncheon. Your sponsorship of the Annual Meeting supports our efforts to promote and defend the business interests of our members. Katie K. Frazier President, VIRGINIA AGRIBUSINESS COUNCIL, Richmond, (804) 643-3555 va.agribusiness@att.net ; www.va-agribusiness.org We Represent Virginia Agribusiness with a Unified Voice
Our Chairman, Eric Holter of Augusta Cooperative Farm Bureau, and I focused on the Council's continued efforts to provide the highest value 8
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Letter APLD Sponsorship I want to again thank you and VNLA for sponsoring and having a information table at the APLD Business Seminar. There was much positive feedback on seminar content, speakers, and array of landscape products/businesses. Virginia had time to make some important announcements, and explain the benefits of VNLA membership We look forward to meeting you at a future VNLA or APLD venue, and may you have a successful 2013. Best Regards, Steve D’mato, Vice President, APLD DC-MD-VA Chapter
[The VNLA contributed $600 to help sponsor this event.]
Letter - Thank You for Scholarship I would like to thank you for choosing me as one of the recipients for Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association's scholarships. That you would select me is incredibly humbling. and I am very grateful. With the scholarship money you have awarded me I plan to continue in focusing on my landscape contracting major next semester. I'm looking forward to the beginning of another semester in a couple months - albeit I am a bit apprehensive at the thought of herbaceous landscape plants. I took Latin the beginning of high school and quickly dropped it for Spanish: returning to it for horticulture nomenclature has not been my favorite assignment. However. the semester will include the second half of the landscape design course I am currently taking. A class which has been my favorite hands down this semester. 1 will be taking a heavier course load next semester: however, it is my hope
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that I will be able to become more involved withLetters the incoming freshmen and graduates of Virginiaour Tech. The Thank you for supporting 7th AnVirginia Tech Student Alumni Assonual Legislative Golf Tournament on ciation this June 12 isataccepting Mattaponiapplications Springs Golf upcoming January andresponse I will hewith apClub. We had a terrific plying. I would not do this if I had 112 players including a number of not received your generous gift this elected and appointed state officials, semester. Although I will continue 18-hole sponsors, three food and bev-to work sponsors part timeand through the school erage numerous sponyearofand into summer, will now sors gifts andtheprizes. ThisI is a subbe able to donate some of my time to stantial increase from past years the incoming students of 2013 and thanks to your efforts. the graduates of past classes. It is my This event only a very enjoysecret goalis tonotcultivate the love of able way to promote agribusiness to horticulture in any undecided majors all it also contributes as participants, they come inbut to the university. to the Council’s ability to represent Once again thank you throughout for your giftthe of our industry’s interest financial support. I truly appreciate year with the General Assembly, everything itoffice has andstate will enable me Governor’s agencies, to do. congressional delegation and the general public. Our Karrin significant Sincerely. Larsonaccomplishments are attributable to the support you provide. Thank you.
We look forward to your joining us
again nest year for out 8th Annual Editorial Legislative gold Tournament.
Another Silent Spring Sincerely, Virginia Agribusiness Council
Editor’s The VNLA was aanniverteam Last yearNote: marked the 50th sponsor, prize and give away contributor sary of the publishing of what is arandmost a holeimportant sponsor. book of guably the
the environmental Arbor Daymovement Thanks - Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson. Whether Many thanks for book the or wonderful you have read this not you Swamp White Oak that was donated are affected by it, both privately and to Lorton Library for Arbor Day this professionally, every day. From the year. It’s doing well and sprouting chemicals available to the exterminanew growth even as out I write. tor who keeps ants of your home, to the propellant that shoots all manAn article about the ceremony was ner of things from aerosol cans, to the featured on the library website chemicals used to treat the building www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ materials in your home - youa are im. It was lovely lo/oaktreeplanting.htm pacted by Silent Spring. Professionalday and I know our neighbors will ly, every chemical thatyears. you spray in enjoy the tree for many the greenhouse, field or in someone's Sincerely, Lorton County Library yard, every time you log your chemical usage, e-mail the VNLA Editor’severy Note: Vice-Presiden,, sendsLou youKobus, alerting you tothethe actions provided tree on-behalf VNLA. of Silent of the EPA it's allofbecause Spring. Silent Spring was not the first ecology book ever written, but it was
the first ecology book written in VNLA Board words easy–Summer enough for the average personMeeting to understand. And because Minutes of that, the public - our customers - de23, way 2006; mandedFriday, changesJune in the the envi9:00 am to 12:30 ronment was/is treated. pm Virginia Room, Hampton Inn, Reading Silent brought back Front Spring Royal, VA memories from when I was a kid that 9:00 Callcrawl. to Order – Richard made a.m. my skin My family has Johnson, President called the been vacationing on the Outermeeting Banks to order withthethe following since before Oregon Inlet people bridge present: Lizzy Pine, Lesley Pine, Jeff was built (I'm older than the bridge Miller, Bonnie Appleton, but I'm still not old enough Duane to reShumaker, Butch Gaddy, and member the ferry that was thereBilly beCrigler. fore it). If any of you have ever been to the Introductions Outer Banks, you willDutcher, underGuest – Bill stand when I say that the mosquitoes President of the CVNLA, was introdown and therewelcomed can be atotad duced theaggressive. meeting. When I was a kid, in the evenings, Secretary’s Report, Butch Gaddy the county used to send jeeps and reported that the minutes had been trucks driving all around the island printed in the to VNLA Newsletter from village village sprayingand a emailed to the Board. A motion white cloud of poison in an effortwas to made to accept minutes, cut down on thethe numbers of seconded the little and passed. blood sucking devils. Well, since it was vacation time, we kids couldn't
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be expected to stop what we were doing just to avoid a cloud of poison, and besides, if that cloud was truly dangerous, the government wouldn't spray it right? So we happily continued playing in those clouds of DDT, not knowing the possible consequences of that play. And then there was the five gallon bucket of Chlordane that we kept in the shed. We used it for every creeping and crawling insect, spider and mite that we might encounter in the yard or house. Chlordane was used in agriculture to kill insects in the corn and citrus crops, but it was available at just about every hardware store for homeowner use. Until 1988 when it was finally banned, it was also used extensively for the treatment of termites, which is where landscapers are still coming into contact with it today. In the soil, chlordane almost has a half-life - it can stay in the soil for decades, and if you work on old properties like I do in Richmond, then chances are you've come in contact with Chlordane contaminated soil, especially if you are renovating the foundation beds of an old house. I can't say for certain what did it could have been mold, or a chemical or simply dust, but I have been sickened more than once by the soils around old houses. If you have a mortgage then you know that exterminators are still treating the soil around your house for termites, and in swampy areas of the South localities are still spraying for mosquitoes, both with the chemicals of the day which have been tested just as thoroughly as DDT or Chlordane. I know - that's not fair, but it's accurate. In their day, both DDT and Chlordane were considered the safest, most effective chemicals available, just like the chemicals we use every day. It took time to discover that they were environment changing poisons. The chemicals that replaced DDT and Chlordane have since been discontinued and newer ones have been introduced; kind of 10
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makes you wonder about what is in use now, doesn't it? Genetically engineered crops are said to be killing bees and butterflies, RoundUp is building up in our soils even though Monsanto said it wouldn't, and Imprelis can kill healthy trees as well as the turf weeds - its intended target. All of these things were tested before they were approved and all were used extensively before any problem was noticed. I don't mean to be bashing the horticultural/agricultural chemical industry, nor do I intend to point a finger at anyone who uses these chemicals. I understand that pesticides and herbicides are here to stay and that neither nurseries nor farms could exist without them. I trust that if you are reading this newsletter and are a member of the VNLA, you take every precaution required and then some when applying chemicals. In fact, I was very hesitant to even try to write this article (that's why you're reading this now and not last year) - I'm not a chemist, or a chemical engineer; I don't know how these chemicals work. I don't even have a pesticide applicators license - and no, I do not apply chemicals for, nor give advice on the use of chemicals, to my customers. It's just easier to pay one of my colleagues to do it for me if my customers really need something sprayed, which most of the time they don't. In fact, most of my customers hire me because I DON'T spray chemicals. It has taken a while but some people are coming to the realization that bugs are not all bad, and that a few chewed leaves (in THEIR garden, anyway) are not the end of the world. In fact, some people are actually asking us to put in plants native plants, of course - just to attract the right insects into their gardens (thanks, Dr. Doug Tallamy). Unfortunately, for every native garden you see out there in suburbia, you see five with the perfectly manicured lawn, the same old shrubs that everyone else has and a sign in the yard left January / February / March 2013 January/February/March 2013
by the company that sprayed the whole property for mosquitoes - I won't use the franchise name, but you all know of whom I speak. Forty years have passed but still kids are playing in the pesticide cloud! I'm sure the pesticide they use is just as safe as everybody thought DDT was, and just as selective in what it kills. I guess those homeowners have never read Silent Spring either. Just a little food for thought. Tom Thompson, VNLA Environmental Affairs Director
VNLA - Beautiful Gardens Spring 2013 Spring 2013 finds everyone anxiously waiting for the VT Spirit daylily inventory to bloom and provide plants for the many garden centers and customers looking forward to their arrival. Gro Virginia, in Danville, has 25,000 plants that were propagated last year at the Institute for Applied Learning and Research in Danville, VA. The Dan River Plant Propagation Company is the commercial facility at IALR that prepares the plants for subsequent sale. Gro Virginia has placed their inventory of VT Spirit in heated greenhouses to encourage some blooming this first year. They will keep us all informed as plants become available for sale. Visits to Virginia garden centers participating in the Beautiful Gardens ‘plants of distinction’ program will begin in February. Each Garden center is provided with a poster of the plants of distinction for 2013, Beautiful Gardens banners are made available, plastic 6”x8” cards are supplied for identifying the plants on the benches and in the display gardens. Lisa Lipsey and Linda Pinkham and I will be making presentations this winter and spring at garden club meetings, garden center workshops and open houses. Lisa has prepared a power point program that details the Beautiful Gardens and the plants of distinction. Ads have been prepared for the Virginia Gardener magazine and the Garden Clubs of VirVNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
ginia Journal newsletter. Each garden center is asked to link their website to Beautiful Gardens and include information on their own site. Media releases will be written for newspapers and garden editors throughout the state of Virginia. We ask each of you growers to consider participating in the plants of distinction program of Beautiful Gardens. Listings of the Virginia growers having plants of distinction for each year are provided to the garden centers. This can help expand your contact base to sell additional plants from your inventory. Plants of distinction for 2014 and 2015 are listed on the Beautiful Gardens website at www.beautifulgardens.org As a final note, we are always looking for suggestions for new plant introductions and plants of distinction. Your good ideas can help make the Beautiful Gardens program a ‘growing’ success! By Rick Baker
Obituary - Nick Covatta Nicholas J. Covatta, Jr., owner of an Eastern Shore nursery and a Norfolkbased equipment company, as well as a dedicated and generous supporter of Eastern Shore education and artistic enterprises, died early Sunday, November 25, 2012, at his home on Folly Creek, just outside of Accomac, VA. He was 66 years old and had been battling cancer for the past year. Mr. Covatta, a native of Troy, NY, and a graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (SB 1968) and Harvard University (MBA 1972), moved to the Eastern Shore in 1980 after purchasing Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia, a wholesale nursery near Keller, \'A. He also cofounded the Atlantis Group in Norfolk, VA, which consists of four Mid-Atlantic operating subsidiaries, including CFE Equipment Corporation. Before moving to the Shore, Mr. Covatta spent more than a decade working
in New York, Boston, San Francisco, Pittsburgh and the Middle East as an adviser, strategic consultant, and corporate executive. He served as a senior consultant with Boston Consulting Group, a vice president of Gulf Oil Corporation, a staff executive of General Electric, and an executive vice president of AI International Corporation. Given his background in business, his newly founded Virginia companies thrived. Asked once what the secret was to building a business, he said: "First, never borrow more money than you can afford to lose. And when you start a business, start it where you have location and distribution factors that constitute a 'moat' that possible competitors will find difficult to challenge." When he came to the Shore, Mr. Covatta brought with him not just his business expertise, but a deep personal appreciation and love for higher education and the arts and above all a devotion to his wife and business partner, Robin Rinaca. Together they raised two
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daughters, Anna and Danielle, and settled into their new home they had purchased and meticulously restored one of the Eastern Shore's grandest old homes, Bowman's Folly (c. 1815), on Folly Creek. Mr. Covatta's involvement in his daughters' activities led him to play a minor role in a local production of "The Nutcracker," a gig he enjoyed so much that he became a frequent performer on the stage at the North Street Playhouse in Onancock, VA. Over time, he played many leading roles, perhaps the most notable being that of Willy Loman in "Death of a Salesman" - a role that, for sure, he did not play in his own nononsense business life. Once, after being praised for his portrayal of Willy Loman, Mr. Covatta said: "You know', I worked really hard at getting that role right, or what I thought was right. And, you know', I got it right, if I do say so." Mr. Covatta was appointed to the board of the Virginia Commission for the Arts by Gov. Tim Kaine in 2006 and he later was elected as chairman of the Commission. He served on the boards of Virginians for the Arts, the North Street Playhouse, Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and Eastern Shore Community College Foundation. Mr. Covatta was also active m the following organizations: the MIT Educational Council, the McGovern Center for Brain Research at MIT, the Parents Committees for both St. Paul's School in Concord, NH and Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA. He also was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Parksley, \'A, and served as its treasurer for ten years. In the last year of his life, Mr. Covatta was steadfastly positive, saying often that he had had "a good life" and no reason to complain. He had a lifelong passion for the New York Yankees and he loved to travel with his family. One might speculate that his greatest regret would he that he was only able to collect two Social Security checks. Mr. Covatta was born Nicholas Joseph Covatta, Jr., on September 4, 1946, in Troy, NY, the son of Nicholas J. Covat12
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ta, Sr. and Lillian Graziade Covatta. Besides his wife, Robin Rinaca, he is survived by two daughters, Anna Scott Covatta of New' York, NY, and Danielle Elizabeth Covatta of Arlington, VA, and three sisters, Mary Beth Ditoro (Michael) of Chester, NH, Marilyn Christian (Joseph) of Troy, NY, and Sister Annette Covatta of Lake Oswego, OR. A memorial service for family and friends celebrating Mr. Covatta's life was held at his home, Bowman's Folly, at 1p.m. on Thursday, November 29, 2012. Memorial contributions can be made to the Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) Foundation for Project Horizons, 29300 Lankford Highway, Melfa, VA, 23410, to Grace United Methodist Church, Parksley, VA 23421 or to the charity of your choice. Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com Arrangements by the Williams- Parksley Funeral Home.
Obituary - Andy Hankins 58, retired VSU Extension specialist, was `a mentor to all of us in agriculture' A memorial service to celebrate the life of the late Anthony "Andy" Hankins was held from 3 to 5 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Gateway Dining Center of Virginia State University. Mr. Hankins, 58, a retired Extension specialist at VSU, passed away Nov. 15. Born July 26, 1954, he made his home in Providence Forge, and formerly, in Roanoke. Mr. Hankins was described as on VSU's ag net as "a mentor to all of us in sustainable and alternative agriculture" who "will be sorely missed. Andy was the inspiration for several generations of farmers and without his love and support sustainable and organic farming in Virginia would not be what it is today."
terfield, Va., called him "a great leader in the world of Virginia's organic agriculture," adding, "Andy Hankins has arguably done more for sustainable agriculture in the past 30-plus years than anyone else. He was a stalwart of the Virginia Association for Biological Farming and Virginia Cooperative Extension. He did a job for many years that no one else has seemed willing to do. Gratitude for his amazing (and often lonely) work, combined with his laid-back attitude and incredible laugh, has long been overflowing. The future of organic agriculture in Virginia really feels a bit uncertain without him." Mr. Hankins received his bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Berea College in Kentucky and a master’s degree in animal science at Virginia Tech. He served as Extension agent in Wayne County, West Virginia, and in King and Queen County, and Madison County in Virginia. He was an Extension specialist in alternative agriculture at VSU from 1987-2012. He provided leadership in developing and implementing educational programs in production and marketing of nontraditional crops and livestock products and in developing and implementing educational programs in sustainable agriculture. Mr. Hankins is survived by his mother, Audrey Hamner; siblings, Wendy Huffman, John, Joe and Jim; wife Diane; and beloved son Joseph. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, friends might consider making a contribution to the "Andy Hankins Internship Program Fund" which is being established for agriculture students at Virginia State University. For information on the fund, contact Dr. Jewel E. Hairston, Dean, School of Agriculture, Box 9081, Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA 23831; telephone (804) 524-5961. Mid-Atlantic Grower
Owners of Broadfork Farm in ChesJanuary / February / March 2013 January/February/March 2013
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News - VNLA Professional of the Year Award 2012 Dr. Holly Scoggins
tomorrow. Their work has provided a showcase for the Industry and provided a living classroom. Their work has made the general public plus others in the academic world aware of the importance and economic impact of the green industry.
News - VNLA Environmental Stewardship Award 2012 Saunders Brothers, Inc.
This person’s work has already been recognized by others for “Exceptional leadership in education to our industry” by receiving the Perennial Plant Association’s Academic award for 2008.
Steve Grigg, VNLA President, presents Dr. Holly Scoggins with the VNLA Professional of the Year Award
This years’ Professional of the Year award goes to someone who not only makes an impact on today’s Industry professional, but is helping to shape the Industry and Industry Professional of
During her tenure as Director of the Hahn Horticulture Garden at Virginia Tech, the gardens have expanded to include the Water Gardens, Meadow Garden and the Peggy Lee Hahn Pavilion. She holds degrees from the University of Georgia and NC State. This year’s Professional of the Year Award goes to Dr. Holly Scoggins! By Steve Grigg
(Left) Tom Thompson presents Tom Saunders with the VNLA Environmental Steward of the Year Award.
They were chosen based on their water conservation efforts utilizing technology that was developed in row crop production. Saunders Brothers started doing Evapotranspiration (ET) based irrigation during the summer of 2011. [Continued on page 16]
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Go ahead …. shoot! Go ahead... shoot! Go …. shoot! Go ahead ahead …. shoot! aa Plant Plant Go ahead aa aNursery Plant…. shoot! a Plant
Nursery aaLandscape or installation installation LandscapeaDesign Design a Nursery a you Plantthink aIndustry Landscape Design or installation any Green object would make a great any Green Industry object you think would make a great photo 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 Contest 6Photo total per year. One VNLA Grand Prize –winner chosen at the end of the year.
December 2012 - John Wessel
December 2011 - Michele Fletcher
September 2012 - Lisa Lipsey
–for 6each total per year. A winner winner and prize bi-monthly VNLA newsletter One Grand Prizefor winner chosen at the end of theNewsletter year. A and prize each Quarterly VNLA One Grand Prize – winner chosen at the end of the year. total peryear. year. Details at: www.vnla.org/AboutVNLA/photography_contest.htm -46total per DetailsGrand at: www.vnla.org/AboutVNLA/photography_contest.htm Prizewinner winner chosen chosen atatthe end of the year.year. OneOne Grand Prize the end of the Details at: www.vnla.org/AboutVNLA/photography_contest.htm Details at: www.vnla.org/AboutVNLA/photography_contest.htm
Winner of the January/February/March 2013 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 reenter non-winning entries. 3. Please e-mail images separately. Feel free to elaborate on any story surrounding the photograph. Photos should be 300 dpi high resolution. 4. All photographs submitted must have been taken within the past five years. 5. All photographs must be related to the Green Industry. The subject can be located in a nursery, back yard, or in a landscape--just so it is obviously related to the green industry profession. 6. Deadline for submission is 5:00 p.m. on the Newsletter Copy Deadline, which is the 15th of January, March, May, July, September and November. All submissions become the property of the VNLA.
Photo Winner: Katie Klages
Four Seasons Nursery, Chesapeake, VA
Think Spring & Wisteria! Katie was also the winner in the last February issue, but we didn’t have her name listed correctly under the photo.
Win $50, submit your photos!
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.
Good Luck and Happy Photographing!
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[Environmental Award/Saunders continued from page 13]
The goal of ET-based irrigation is to determine the amount of water lost from a containerized plant during one day and to replace exactly that amount through irrigation. Base numbers for irrigation were determined through testing that was coordinated by two University of Florida’s researchers, Tom Yeager and Jeff Million. A summer intern from Virginia Tech collected ET data from a range of plants to establish base figures for irrigation. Using these figures as a guideline, irrigation in 2012 was monitored using Leachate Fraction (LF) testing. Leachate Fraction is the ratio of the excess water lost out the bottom of a container during an irrigation cycle to the total irrigation applied. Electrical Conductivity (EC) values were also tested to make sure fertility levels were in the desired range. Keeping leachate fractions at a low level meant keeping nutrients in the media and not leaching them out. LF goals were established for plants during the growing season and monitored on a regular basis. Formulas allowed irrigation times to be adjusted to meet desired LF goals. Through testing in 2011, Saunders Brothers Inc determined that equal or better quality plants could be grown using less water and less fertilizer. It was determined that fertility levels could be dropped on some crops from 3040%. In 2012 when local rainfall levels were 25% below average, overall water use dropped by over 50% when compared to the previous 5 year average. Starting in the fall of 2012, SBI installed their first wireless irrigation controllers on a third of the nursery. Designed by Fralo Control Systems, irrigation run times are entered on PC’s and wirelessly transmitted to irrigation control panels. Sensors monitor pump pressure and flow to maximize the efficiency of the irrigation system. Through the new system crops can be grouped based on their 16
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individual needs to water at any time of the night or day. Part of the wireless system in 2013 will be controlled by a computer program that automatically adjusts irrigation amounts dependent upon crop stage, container size, plant spacing and daily weather data from a weather station on-site. Continued trialing of plants using lower rates of fertilizer will take place. By the fall of 2013 the company intends to irrigate all of its woody plants using the wireless system while continuing to monitor the LF of the crops. LF testing will expand in 2013 to include herbaceous crops as well. Presented by Tom Thompson, VNLA Environmental Affairs Director
News - Advances in OFA/ANLA Consolidation First Joint Education Program
This week, OFA - The Association of Horticulture Professionals and the American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA) will launch their first joint event as they co-host Next Level, an educational conference designed to help participants develop their business acumen and personal leadership skills. Next Level was held January 31-February 2 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee. The conference represents one of the significant achievements of the proposed consolidation between the two groups. “Beginning last summer, a volunteer advisory group made up of members from both organizations worked with our collective staff to develop this built-from-scratch Next Level conferJanuary / February / March 2013 January/February/March 2013
ence. This event is the beginning of great things to come for our organizations and our profession,” said Michael Geary, CAE. Effective January 1, 2013, Geary assumed the responsibilities as Executive Vice President of ANLA, and now serves as the chief staff executive of both organizations, with offices in Columbus, Ohio and Washington, D.C. After serving as ANLA’s Executive Vice President for 21 years, Bob Dolibois retired on December 31, 2012. Following one year of working together in a joint venture structure, the boards of directors for both organizations resolved at the end of last year to continue supporting the development of a comprehensive horticultural trade association, including the planned governance structure. The plan is to launch the new association by January 1, 2014, pending approval by members. The new organization will represent the whole of the ornamental plant industry, including breeders, greenhouse and nursery growers, garden center retailers, distributors, interior and exterior landscape professionals, florists, students, educators, researchers, manufacturers, and all of those who are part of the industry supply chain. “Some people wonder why we are doing this. It’s because our members want this to happen,” said Bob Terry, ANLA’s president and owner of Fisher Farms in Gaston, Oregon. A membership and organizational study performed at the end of 2011 indicated members of both associations want the organizations to work closer to unify the industry. “Members clearly expressed their preference for their association to be all encompassing one that touches and links all pieces of the horticulture industry. From breeders to the independent retailers, we believe this can be best accomplished by combining our groups into one organization,” explained Terry. “The combined 215 years of leaderVNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
ship, service, knowledge, and history of these two organizations will result in a more robust experience for our members and ensure the vitality of the horticulture industry,” said Mike McCabe, OFA’s president and coowner of McCabe’s Greenhouse & Floral in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Before the consolidation is finalized the two organizations will be working to secure the formal support of their respective memberships, merge operations, complete corporate and legal requirements, determine a dues structure, and confirm a new name, among other activities. In the meantime, both groups will continue to offer their respective member services and industry-wide programs. As progress continues, updates will be shared with members and made public at OneVoiceOneIndustry.com.
OFA - The Association of Horticulture wholesale florists, and interior plantsProfessionals is the leading horticulture capers. OFA is especially known for its educational association in the United outstanding publications and its annual States. It is a non-profit, all-industry, OFA Short Course, U.S. horticulture’s educational organization and its core premier convention and marketplace. The purpose/mission is “to support and adnext Short Course will take place on July vance professional horticulture.” Indus13-16, 2013 in Columbus, Ohio USA. try segments served include garden centers, greenhouses, nurseries, retail and 8/30/04 10:21 AM Page 1 ESN-117 BiggestNur/4.5x7.25
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“It’s a very exciting time for the horticulture industry,” said Geary. “The future success of the industry, which includes the entire supply chain, will require different thinking and grander strategies from all of us,” he added. Questions or comments about the consolidation efforts may be directed to michael@ofa.org For more information about Next
Level visit www.yournextlevel.org.
For information on the merger OFA and ANLA go to www.onevoiceoneindustry.com/
ANLA, a Washington, DC-based trade association, represents green industry business professionals seeking market leadership through advocacy with our nation’s government, a community of industry innovators and experts, and unique, profitability-focused programming, products and services. Through the Lighthouse Program, a partnership with green industry state and regional associations, ANLA represents more than 22,000 businesses before Congress and to the White House.
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 17
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WH O C A R E S T H AT WE AREN’T THE BIGGEST NURSERY AROUND? Maybe you should care. Some nurseries get so big they can’t consistently control quality. Some are too small to produce the volume of plants you require year after year. Luckily, we’re the perfect size. We’re large enough to get you the plants you need when you need them. But we’re never too busy to Eastern give our trees and shrubs and our customers Shore the care and attention they require. Which Nursery Of is no small feat. Virginia Call Eastern Shore Nursery today and order the healthiest plants money can buy. Keller, Virginia • 1-800-323-3008 • www.esnursery.com
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News - Bob Dolibois Retires After 21 Years
Robert Dolibois, retires after 21 years of service from ANLA with ANLA President Bob Terry.
Michael Geary, CAE Assumes Leadership On December 31, after 21 years of service to ANLA, executive vice president Bob Dolibois will retire. On January 1, 2013, Michael Geary, CAE, will become the new executive vice president. Bringing 21 years of experience in association management, including the past two as the CEO of OFA, Michael will helm both organizations. He will split his time between OFA’s office in Columbus, OH and ANLA’s offices in Washington, DC preparing for a scheduled formation of a new joint organization on January 1, 2014. ANLA’s government relations and research team will remain in Washington, DC. HRI hosted a successful member and donor reception at MANTS in January. Robert Dolibois was recognized for his 21 years of service at ANLA. Donations were made in honor of the Dolibois Family throughout 2012 and at the reception. HRI extends its sincere appreciation to all those that have contributed to the HRI Book Fund and the Susan & Robert Dolibois Key Award Fund. Bob, and his wife Susie, were recognized for their contributions to our association and this industry during the HRI reception, January 10th, at MANTS in Baltimore. Bob may continue to be reached, through the first months of 2013 at bdolibois@anla.org. Provided by the ANLA 18 18
News - Card Brand Surcharge Notification In November 2012, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York preliminarily approved a proposed settlement agreement In re Payment Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Antitrust Litigation. As part of this settlement, Visa® and MasterCard® rules prohibiting merchants from surcharging in the U.S. for credit card transactions changed beginning January 27, 2013. Surcharge requirements issued by Visa and MasterCard include:
Merchants must limit surcharging to credit cards only (no surcharging debit and prepaid cards) and limit the amount of the surcharge to the applicable merchant discount rate for the credit card transaction surcharged.
Merchants must disclose the actual dollar amount of the surcharge on every receipt and disclose at the point of store entry and at the point of sale the fact that the merchant assesses a surcharge.
Cap on the level of the surcharge. The level of the fee that a merchant may charge a cardholder is capped in relation to the merchant's cost for Visa and MasterCard credit acceptance.
Merchants that choose to surcharge credit card transactions must provide 30 days advance written notice to Visa Inc., MasterCard Worldwide, and their acquirer prior to surcharging, and must identify whether the merchant intends to impose surcharges at the brand or product level. At this time, we are reviewing these new rules regarding surcharges and how to best serve you. We will continue to update you in the upcoming months.
visit the following sites: http://www.visa.com/merchantsurcha rging http://www.mastercard.us/merchants/ support/surcharge-rules.html For an overview of the rule changes which are set forth in full in the Settlement Agreement, please visit: www.paymentcardsettlement.com Provided by www.Authorize.net
News - Impatiens Downy Mildew Alert We wanted to alert you that we have seen our first case of impatiens downy mildew in a greenhouse in Virginia this year. The grower had taken cuttings from a plant purchased from out-ofstate. The cuttings declined very rapidly in the greenhouse. Remind growers to inspect liners and plugs carefully upon receipt and to segregate newly purchased plants from existing Impatiens walleriana crops. Plants may be asymptomatic for the disease until a favorable environment (cool temperatures and high humidity) is present and prior fungicide treatments may suppress sporulation of the downy mildew pathogen. All Impatiens walleriana cultivars and interspecific hybrids with I. walleriana as a parent are susceptible to the disease. If possible, growers should avoid growing I. walleriana in greenhouses where the disease has been recently diagnosed. Plant debris from infested greenhouses should be placed in sealable plastic bags and removed from the site. A 2012 alert is posted at the following url: www.ppws.vt.edu/~clinic/alerts/062612_impatiens_downy_mildew_alert.pdf . Further information on this disease, including preventative fungicide recommendations, can be found at the following link www.emeraldashborerdamage.jpg.com Ball Horticultural: http://www.ballhort.com/pdf/Impatiens DownyMildewGrowerGuidelines.pdf .
For a summary of the rules changes, January / February / March 2013 2013 January/February/March
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
News - Virginia Tech's tree app tops at Google Play BLACKSBURG, Va., Dec. 20, 2012 - Researchers in the College of Natural Resources and Environment http://cnre.vt.edu/ have developed a new application for Android smartphones that enables users to identify the woody plants around them. The app, titled Virginia Tech Tree Identification is available as a free download on Google Play.
Potts, a self-described amateur naturalist and frequent visitor to Seiler and Peterson's Dendrology at the Virginia Tech website http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/ main.htm approached the two about the possibility of developing the app for use in the field by combining the website's tree fact sheets and interview key with the smartphone's portability and GPS capabilities.
Using the phone's GPS receiver, network signal, or a user-entered location to narrow down the list of species native to an area, the application then becomes "Woody Plants of Where You Are Standing." For example, it can become "Woody Plants of Southwestern Oregon" or "Woody Plants of Great Smoky Mountains National Park."
"We want to get the app into the hands of as many people as possible, which is why it was important for us to make it available to the public at no cost," Seiler said.
The app is not limited by the location of the user's smartphone; it can display data for virtually any address, GPS coordinates, or location description in North America entered by the user.
Video Link: https://vimeo.com/53160483 https://play.google.com/ Distinguished Professor John Seiler http://frec.vt.edu/Faculty/JohnSeiler.ht ml and Laboratory Specialist John PeThe app includes fact sheets for terson of the Department of Forest Re969 woody plants with descriptions, sources and Environmental Conservarange maps, and over 6,400 images of tion worked with forest landowner and leaves, bark, flowers, fruit, twigs, and programmer Bob Potts to develop the form. SiteLight .5 pg bw 3ads 10-04.qxd 10/20/2004 12:24 PM Page 1 app.
With the app's interview key, users can further narrow the list of possible species by answering a series of simple tree attribute questions like where the tree is growing, how the leaves are shaped, or what the flowers or fruits look like. If users have some knowledge of the species they are trying to identify, they can narrow the species list by typing in a keyword.
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Users can also email tree-related questions and photos directly to "Dr. Dendro; http://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/ doctor/doctor.cfm Seiler's online alter ego. Potts programmed the app; Peterson created digitized range maps for each species, worked on the interview key, and manipulated the database; and Seiler provided most of the photographs and lent his eye for design, product testing, and end-user market research. Professional application developer Andrew Meeks, who graduated from Virginia Tech in 2004 with a degree in wildlife science, helped solve some technical issues. The app became the most downloaded tree identification app available from Google Play just three months after its release. At press time, it had over 13,000 downloads and was rated 4.5 out of five stars. An iPhone version is currently in development. In addition to the Android app, Seiler and Peterson recently released the third edition of their DVD-based software program Woody Plants in North America http://www.kendallhunt.com/storeproduct.aspx?id=62507 The program, which expands on the tree fact sheets and includes side-by-side species comparisons, a quiz function, and thousands more photos, serves as a comprehensive tutorial for species identification. This popular resource, developed and refined over the course of 15 years, is used by students and practitioners alike. "I'm proud of what we have built," Peterson remarked. "I have felt thankful and fortunate from the beginning. John Seiler and I are a good tree identification software team." The College of Natural Resources and Environment http://www.cnre.vt.edu/ at Virginia Tech, which consistently ranks among the top three programs of its kind in the nation, advances the sci20
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ence of sustainability. Programs prepare the future generation of leaders to address the complex natural resources issues facing the planet. World-class faculty lead transformational research that complements the student learning experience and impacts citizens and communities across the globe on sustainability issues, especially as they pertain to water, climate, fisheries, wildlife, forestry, sustainable biomaterials, ecosystems, and geography. Virginia Tech, the most comprehensive university in Virginia, is dedicated to quality, innovation, and results to the commonwealth, the nation, and the world. Lynn Davis, davisl@vt.edu
News - ANLA, OFA Push For Meaningful Immigration Reform Upwards of 250 leaders in the faith, law enforcement, business, and agricultural communities joined in Washington to call on Congress to repair America's broken immigration system. ANLA and OFA raised funds, coordinated nursery and greenhouse speakers and attendees, and joined in lobbying visits to Senate and House offices. The events were organized around the 30th anniversary of the National Immigration Forum, which convenes diverse interests that value the role and contributions of immigration and immigrants in American society. Tuesday began with a press conference that drew media ranging from the New York Times to the Washington Post to the Wall Street Journal. Sheldon Brown, a dairy farmer from upstate New York, spoke to agriculture's unique needs that must be addressed in immigration reform. An afternoon strategy session showcased "Bibles, Badges, and Business" in a series of regional summits that made the faith, law enforcement, and business case for legislative action. Bert Lemkes, an owner of Van Wingerden January / February / March 2013 January/February/March 2013
International, Mills River, NC, offered greenhouse and nursery perspectives as part of a "southeast" panel. Lemkes made a passionate and focused case for federal solutions to America's immigration dilemmas. Wednesday featured visits to Capitol Hill and an evening celebration of the Forum's anniversary. Again, ANLA and OFA provided funding and participation. In addition to Lemkes, the green industry was represented by Peter Orum and Craig Keller, Midwest Groundcovers, IL; Dominick Mondi, executive director of the New Jersey Nursery and Landscape Association; Michael Geary, chief staff executive of OFA; and, ANLA vice president for government relations, Craig Regelbrugge. These attendees also covered House and Senate office visits for the states of California, Illinois, New Jersey, and North Carolina. For OFA and ANLA, the Forum's events were strategic. Congress is expected to take up immigration reform early in 2013. While no outcome is guaranteed, part of the leadership task for the associations is to ensure that the specific needs of greenhouse and nursery growers and landscapers are addressed in any reforms considered by Congress. Fixes to America's broken immigration system must include future worker programs that actually function, as well as solutions for current, experienced immigrant workers in the industry. Stronger enforcement will be part of the package, so the reforms have to work. "For OFA and ANLA, last week was a critical opportunity to offer a unified industry voice," said OFA's Michael Geary. Craig Regelbrugge added, "The table is being set now for the next chance at federal legislative immigration reform, and through hard work and commitment, we've got a seat." Craig J. Regelbrugge, Co-Chair, Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform, VP for Government Relations American Nursery & Landscape Association Washington, , 202/434/8685
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
Member Profile Bennett’s Creek Nursery
Williamsburg Distribution Center
Bennett's Creek Nursery is a wholesale container grower and landscape supply distributor. Our operation includes five locations that consist of a 375 acre growing facility and four full-service landscape distribution centers. Our locations range from Williamsburg, VA to near the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We grow a broad range of annuals, perennials, shrubs, and trees ranging from 6" to 25-gallon containers. We were proud to be named "Nursery Grower of the Year" by Nursery Management magazine in 2011.
Our landscape distribution centers supply landscape contractors with plants, bulk materials, hardscapes, tools, and accessories. We try to be a one-stop-shop to be convenient to the contractor. Delivery service is offered on flatbeds with forklift service, dump trucks, and enclosed trailers. The majority of plants that we sell come from our growing facility. The rest of the material comes from around the country to give us the broad selection that contractors demand.
Isle of Wight Farm
We promote our products for garden centers through our Blooming & Beautiful™ brand by offering color picture tags, POP materials, and a consumer website that features our products and those who sell them. One of the unique things we have done is to market plants to garden center buyers on a display van. We modified a Sprinter van to have shelving and lights to display our plants to buyers on a regular basis. We want to keep our customers in the loop on what is blooming and beautiful right then. VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 21
We have been in business nearly 40 years and contribute much of our success to being involved with industry groups such as VNLA. We have about 20 Virginia Certified Horticulturists on staff and we are always encouraging more to become certified. We have also had several employees as a part of the VNLA board of directors over the years. In addition to VNLA we are in involved with the Hampton Roads Nursery & Landscape Association, American Nursery & Landscape Association, International Plant Propagators Society, American Camellia Society, and multiple trade shows. January/February/March 2013
January / February / March 2013
Involvement in these groups has given us the ability to stay on top of what is going on in the industry. We get a feel for the pulse of the nursery economy, understand important legislative issues, find out about new technology, and form lasting friendships. We have also learned a lot from research and get to know the who's who to talk to when we have problems. Research has been a huge benefit of being part of these organizations. Not only do we benefit from the results, we have had the opportunity to be the trial site for many research projects. We are currently part of Virginia Tech research including a water-borne pathogen study with Dr. Chuan Hong, soil moisture sensor network trials with Dr. Jim Owen, and insect control research with Dr. Pete Schultz. We continue into the future by constantly looking at how we operate and what we can do better. Technology has been important as we are regularly upgrading hardware and software and are moving more and more towards mobile computing in the field. We have an in-house IT administrator that keeps us going and develops new capabilities for our computer system. We are already doing order entry and monitoring key crops on iPhones. Technology is allowing our employees to accomplish more and allowing us to keep staffing at a minimum. Matt Sawyer is Vice President of Operations at Bennett’s Creek. He and his wife Lauren live in Suffolk, Virginia. Matt graduated from Nansemond Suffolk Academy (high School) in Suffolk and Averett University in 2002 in Danville, Virginia where he was honored as a Trustee’s Scholar.
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Organizations that he has been active inNews are the ANLA Landscape Dis- Shorts tribution Board from 2008 to present; Garden supply dealers Bennett’s Creek Sertoma member post record June gains from 2012 to present and the VNLA The latestfrom report from National Board 2007 to the present whereRehe tailisFederation shows building material now president of the VNLA. and garden supply dealers posted Mattgrowth says that bestup habit orsteady last his month, 8.4%is unganization but his worst habit is proadjusted from the previous June. Howcrastination. favoritecomparisons plant is the ever, seasonallyHis adjusted Colorado blue spruce but dislikes from the previous month show a 1% Liriope andisother overused plants. decline. This in line with the overall retail for June, showneed strong He sales also feels that which employees to year-over-year increases but flat be listened to the ask questions and month-to-month gains. Sales rose 6.7% help them to solve their own issues. over last year, but increased only 0.2% seasonally adjusted over have May.been “After Matt feels that they in months of speculation, consumers business for so long because they are are beginning pull back,” said NRF always to changing. Whether theychief are economist Roasalind Wells. “Retailers adding new locations, new products, canupdating expect the second half of the year technology or updating proto cesses, show moderate gains due to hapthe there is always change slowdown in the housing market and pening. other economic factors.” Their biggest challenge that he feels they are facing is dealing with the economy. He feels that the biggest
upcoming trend Target is technology such as apps plant identification. nowfor second most-shopped retailer Matt’s ishobbies are aviation, photogTarget now second only to Wal-mart, raphy, snowboarding, and scuba according to Retail Forward’s divrecent ing. The best idea that One-quarter he ever stole of ShopperScape report. wasU.S. a mobile display vehicle. The all primary household shoppers best advice thatTarget he ever received or was visit a Target, Greatland Suto read regularly. most significant perTarget store His monthly. The report also found racks “He up repeat mentor has the beenretailer his father. has visitors. of Target’s past 6given meTwo-thirds opportunities and guidance month base returns to its to grow customer in his business”. stores on a regular basis. Children’s by Sandyhome Miller fashions, apparel, Edited decorative small housewares and appliances and toys generate the most interest among LegislativeLighthouse shoppers. Target and Wal-Mart typiNational cally share customers,Issues the report shows. Following Weekly Dirt, Carol Miller, the cmiller@branchsmith.com November elec-
many business he owners were garden hoping cenConnecticut, said. Many forters repeal Romney still under have atheir yards adminfilled with istration, resultsArea have landscapers dashed spring election inventories. those hopes. evenbusiness. with a report moreHowever, stable, steady new administration, it would have New taxdifficult deduction been extraordinarily to overcould apply growers come the 60 votes thatto would have been needed get almostcould anything A new taxtodeduction apply to nurserythecrops, through U.S. ANLA Senate has and,announced. thus, The deduction, partpath of for thethe American provided virtually no reJobs Creation Act, to there gross repeal of Obamacare. Butapplies perhaps of any sale, or other is ceipts still a possibility for exchange at least a little disposition of will qualifying production refinement. Time tell. property grown or extracted in the US. Meanwhile, greenwas industry The deduction phased business in at 3% and owners are wondering to do and will increase to 9%what by 2009. One rehow to prepare as the law takes efstriction is that deduction cannot fect. For certain, our industry exceed 50% of wages paid byfaces the taxspecial challenges. Much of our payer that year. The deduction is also availableis to individuals via much their adworkforce seasonal. Frankly, gross income. ANLA helped of justed our workforce is believed to be secure the new tax deduction forisnursunauthorized. Immigration reform ery growers in cooperation with the a necessary ingredient to successful Small business Council health care reform,Legislative but let's save that in 2004. conversation for another day. Science takes a shot at dormant weed seeds
tions, all eyes New England summer shifted to the varretail sales slide ious federal After a strong April, garden agencies that center are sales across new England hit a decline busy developing due to a stretch of rainy weekend, said the rules, regulaBob Heffernan, Conn. Nursery & landtions, and guidscape ance toAssociation implement Executive Obamacare.Secretary. While Weed control can be tricky, especially Soggy gardening considering weed seeds can lie dormant conditions were years waiting favorable condiproblematic Ad–-Winfall Winfall Nurseries Nurseries Ad - Willow for Springs TreeforFarm Ad 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. Weekly Nursery E-Mail, Todd Davis,
tdavis@branchsmith.com
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January / February / March 2013 2013 January/February/March
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
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For those intent on planning now, frustration rules. Until we know the price of insurance products inside and outside the exchanges and how many employees are eligible for premium assistance, planning is stymied. Still, pieces of the puzzle are beginning to fall into place. The IRS, for instance, recently issued employer guidance on determining full time employees under the law. And, the Small Business Legislative Council, in which ANLA is a prominent leader, has created a "health care calculator". Reviewed and used together, this guidance plus the calculator allow business owners to do about as much prior planning as they can, until the insurance pricing and premium assistance picture clarifies. Health Care Calculator, http://www.sblc.org/healthcare.htm
Boxwood Blight: A Year in Review Just as there is no shortage of challenges or unknowns as we enter 2013 - think fiscal cliff, healthcare, new regulations - we began 2012 with a list of concerns, as well. One of those concerns was the recent discovery of a new and potentially devastating Boxwood (Buxus) disease, Boxwood Blight (Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum). The pathogen can cause significant leaf drop and stem lesions creating bare and brown patches in a plant prized for its consistent and densely packed foliage. Boxwood Blight was initially confirmed in the U.S. in the fall of 2011. Eventually its presence was confirmed from ten states and three Canadian provinces. Boxwood Blight has been known from Europe since the early 1990s and has been a significant phytosanitation challenge for growers there. In response to the obvious concerns among those in the industry, beginning in February 2012, ANLA coordinated a working group composed of a geographically diverse representa24 24
tion of Boxwood growers. The Boxwood Blight Working Group (BBWG) embarked on a process to address the immediate, near, and long-term needs of the industry to deal with this new industry challenge. With the need to quickly identify strategies to manage the disease risk the BBWG completed a process of developing and publishing the, "Nursery Industry Voluntary Best Management Practices For Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum (Boxwood Blight)" in just two months. These recommended practices were put together in coordination with the USDA-APHIS and the National Plant Board (NPB) and endorsed by the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) and NPB. In mid-March ANLA launched the website www.boxwoodblight.org to share pertinent information about Boxwood Blight with the horticulture community. The site is the best resource for information about this disease, acting as a "one stop shop", and includes video, webinar, and diagnostic content. In addition, it is regularly updated with articles and links bringing the community up to speed on the most recent developments regarding Boxwood Blight. In an effort to tackle the potential long-term concerns of having to cope with this pathogen in production operations and landscapes, the working group identified a research agenda that was focused on the development of field deployable tools and applicable information. The agenda included needs for rapid diagnostic tools, fungicide and sanitation trials, epidemiology, and boxwood blight resistant cultivar breeding.
Blight Research Group, representing scientists from North Carolina State University, Virginia Tech, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, IR-4, and USDA-ARS were awarded $550,000 through section 10201 (Pest and Disease Management) of the Farm Bill to pursue that work. In addition, funds through the USDA-ARS Floriculture & Nursery Research Initiative were allocated to support Boxwood Blight work. The researchers have already been making available some of their early results regarding fungicide trials and cultivar tolerances. We know that significant strides are being made in the development of an inexpensive and species-specific diagnostic tool for rapid confirmation for the presence/absence of the disease, as well as, methods for eradicating the pathogen from previously infested production fields. In addition, two new Farm Bill proposals were submitted to the USDA in mid-December to continue and even expand the work of the Boxwood Blight Research Group. While there are not quick or easy solutions to dealing with a pathogen like Boxwood Blight, an industry response had to move swiftly. Could this challenge have been met in a different manner? Absolutely − but the significant progress made over this last year would not have been possible without ANLA leadership on this issue and the willingness of industry, researchers, and regulators to work together on a common goal.
In collaboration with its research affiliate, the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), ANLA helped to coordinate a group of state, academic, and federal researchers to apply for funding in support of the BBWG research agenda. In late May 2012 the USDAAPHIS announced that the Boxwood January / February / March 2013 2013 January/February/March
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
ANLA Recommends a New Approach For Dealing With CWR In early December, ANLA, OFA and SAF submitted comments to the USDA-APHIS regarding potential changes to the regulatory status of Chrysanthemum White Rust (CWR). The disease is not endemic to North America and is currently treated, by the USDA, as a regulated quarantine pest. However, numerous localized outbreaks have occurred in the U.S. in recent years and eradication measures have been costly to growers and state and federal regulators, as well as disruptive to the market. For these reasons the USDA is considering four options: 1. Continue to treat CWR as a quarantine pest that must be eradicated when discovered, despite the impacts to the market and financial costs. 2. Deregulate the disease within the U.S. borders but prevent CWR
industry or go far enough to protect the valuable Chrysanthemum market in the U.S. For these reasons our comments provided to the USDA detail an approach that largely embraces option 2 but also utilizes some other tools in the USDA-APHIS arsenal. The suggested approach would first confirm that countries considering importation would not be a pathway of other potentially damaging pests or diseases. In addition, cuttings producers and cut flower providers both in the U.S. and outside would have to be part of a regulated program, keeping their material free of CWR. However, the disease would be deregulated for finishing growers and for plants in the landscape, freeing this part of the market from the most burdensome and costly aspects of dealing with this pathogen. This approach would focus efforts on the part of the production process where controlling the disease is most efficient and most likely to succeed.
entry into the U.S. market by regulating cuttings producers in the U.S. and abroad. 3. Allow individual states to determine if they would like to enforce regulatory and quarantine protocols and regularly document that the disease is not established in their state. USDA-APHIS would only prevent the importation of CWR for those states. 4. Completely deregulate the CWR. No regulated measures would be in place to prevent new introductions of the disease from offshore imports or prevent its spread within the U.S. ANLA, OFA, and SAF agreed that the current approach is not an efficient way to deal with this disease and places undue burden and cost on growers whose plants become infected due to no fault of their own. However, the options suggested by the USDA do not meet the needs of the
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Changes to Pre-Notification Requirements for Phytophthora ramorum USDA-APHIS announced that effective December 10th, operations that ship high-risk plant material for Phytophthora ramorum (P. ram.) - defined as Camellia, Kalmia, Pieris, Rhododendron (including Azalea), or Viburnum - to non-regulated states must continue to provide prenotification to the receiving state officials if located in: The following California counties (under P. ram. quarantine): Alameda, Contra Costa, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, and Sonoma counties. -
Curry County, Oregon (under P. ram. quarantine).
-
in regulated areas that have had a positive detection of P. ram. on
their operation within the last three years. However, by focusing attention on quarantine areas and operations with recent P. ram. discoveries, growers in regulated areas of California, Oregon, and Washington are relieved of the burden of pre-notification if: -
The disease has never been confirmed from their operation.
areas). The agency has updated their P. ram. website (http://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant_hea lth/plant_pest_info/pram/ ) with information regarding the changes and a new state regulator contact list. These articles are provided by the VNLA and ANLA as a Lighthouse Program partner benefit , Craig Regelbrugge cregelbrugge@anla.org
OR -
The operation has been shown to be free of P. ram. for a minimum of three years.
The USDA-APHIS decided on this approach after careful evaluation of the scientific information and recognition that P. ram. has not been found in the environment in regulated areas. In addition, the agency determined that this new policy would allow state and federal regulators to more efficiently dedicate resources to areas of perceived higher risk (i.e., quarantine
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VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
Tips - The Economics of Sustainable Landscapes Quiz Article - The Case for Sustainable Landscapes VNLA - Certification Quiz Article #63
If you are a Virginia Certified Horticulturist, read this article and answer the quiz questions on page 35, fax/mail the Quiz Answer postcard and get 1 CEU towards your recertification requirements.
The central message of the Sustainable Sites Initiative is that any landscape - whether the site of a large subdivision, a shopping mall, a park, an office building, or even one home - holds the potential both to improve and to regenerate the natural benefits and services provided by ecosystems in their undeveloped state. These benefits - such as the supply and regulation of clean air and water, the provision of food and renewable resources, and the decomposition of VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 27
waste, to name only a small handful are essential to the health and wellbeing of humans and all other life on the planet.
ings realized by a number of communities that have adopted them.
Benefits of Sustainable Practices
Because these ecosystem services occur largely in the background governments and businesses until quite recently have not included them in conventional cost accounting. Although this situation is beginning to change, most people often underestimate or simply ignore these benefits and services when making land-use decisions - only to realize later how expensive and sometimes impossible it is to replicate them once they are lost.
The elements in a functioning ecosystem are so highly interconnected that unsustainable approaches to land development and management practices can have a devastating ripple effect throughout the system. The following examples of sustainable approaches demonstrate how thoughtful design, construction, operations, and maintenance can enhance and restore ecosystem services that would otherwise be lost.
Yet efforts to build landscapes that preserve and restore healthy ecosystems face a significant challenge namely, persuading decision-makers that the cost of changing conventional methods of landscape design, development, and maintenance is money well spent. Persuasion must begin, then, with an accurate accounting of what the benefits of ecosystems are worth to the economies of our cities and towns, to developers, and to individuals. One effort to calculate a global number placed an average price tag of $33 trillion a year on these fundamental ecosystem services nearly twice the value of the global gross national product of $18 trillion (both figures in 1997 dollars).'
Freshwater resources are under duress all over the world, and the United States is no exception. California and the arid Southwest have often dealt with water scarcity, and their challenges have only been exacerbated in recent years. Even the southeastern part of the country, which historically could rely on plentiful rain, has been experiencing drought conditions.
An accurate accounting must take into consideration how the adoption of sustainable practices can not only be cost effective for both public and private entities but also can often leverage additional costs and multiple benefits. This chapter offers a review of how certain conventional, accepted land practices affect the interrelated operations of functioning ecosystems and at what economic cost, followed by a description of the benefits of adopting sustainable practices, and some examples of the economic savJanuary/February/March 2013
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Treating Water as a Resource
Meanwhile, demand for water in the United States has tripled in the last 30 years, even though population has only grown 50 percent. Globally, demand for water is doubling every 20 years. As water rates rise, the imbalance between supply and demand has become so striking that investment bank Goldman Sachs has dubbed water "the petroleum for the next century."' Yet the following two practices, both traditionally accepted among land design, development, and management professionals, not only contribute to the imbalance but also ignore the looming crisis. Wasteful irrigation: Irrigation of unsustainable landscapes accounts for more than a third of residential water use - more than 7 billion gallons of potable water per day nationwide. 27
With the compaction of soil a common condition in developed areas (see Valuing Soils, below), the infiltration rates of water are significantly reduced, causing much of the water used to irrigate lawns to end up as runoff or evaporation instead of filtering down to recharge the water table. A sustainable approach to landscape design would minimize or eliminate the use of potable water or the drawing off of natural surface water or groundwater for landscape irrigation once plants are established. Undervaluing rain: In most cities and towns around the country, rainfall is treated as waste, to be funneled directly from roof gutters to sewers. In older cities this stormwater flows into combined sewer/stormwater systems that flow to water treatment plants, thus raising the cost of purifying drinking water. In heavy storms, these combined sewer systems can overflow, dumping raw sewage into fresh water. Rather than getting rid of stormwater runoff as quickly as possible, a sustainable approach to stormwater management would find ways to capture it on site and use it for irrigation, ornamental water features, drinking water, and groundwater recharge.
Valuing Soils The undervaluation of soils is one of the most significant failings of the conventional development approach. For example, a frequent consequence of standard construction practices is compaction of the soil, which seriously damages soil structure by shrinking the spaces between soil particles available for air and water. If not restored, compacted soil can start a spiral of degradation. Damage to vegetation: Compacted soil particles restrict a plant's root growth and its access to nutrients. If soil compaction continues, vegetation eventually dies and soils become vulnerable to erosion. 28 28
Reduced infiltration: Compacted soils are less able to absorb water, which reduces the recharge of groundwater and aquifers. Excess runoff: Reduced infiltration leads to increases in the volume of runoff and the probability of flooding. On developed sites where there is widespread use of impervious material such as concrete and asphalt, even more runoff is likely. Water pollution: Without a sustainable approach to managing water on site, excess runoff damages soils and vegetation in one area, and also creates further hazards downstream exponentially so during heavy rains or storm events. Water leaving developed sites can contain a host of pollutants, depending on the type of development. These pollutants may range from excessive nutrients, oil, grease, and heavy metals to contaminants such as E. coil, hepatitis A, and persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT) chemicals. Stormwater runoff is one of the leading sources of pollution for all water body types in the United States, with impacts that escalate with increased development and urbanization.` Although most pollutants and contaminants come from farming and agriculture runoff, or from combined sewage overflows, many pollutants leach into soil and water from materials and products used as part of conventional landscape development and management. Taken together such pollutant loads can be devastating to natural systems. Throughout the Mississippi River watershed, for example increased surface runoff and nutrient delivery have created levels of dissolved oxygen that have caused fish and shrimp catches in parts of the Gulf of Mexico to drop to zero.' Around the country, polluted and contaminated stormwater runoff accounts for 70 percent of water pollution in urban areas and is the leading cause of poor water quality and the January / February / March 2013 2013 January/February/March
degradation of aquatic habitat.' According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Wadable Streams Assessment (WSA) in 2006, 42 percent of U.S. stream miles are in poor condition compared to the best available reference sites in their ecological regions. The WSA found that the most widespread stressors across the country are nitrogen, phosphorus, excess sedimentation, and riparian disturbance (i.e., evidence of human disturbance in or alongside streams). Oftentimes this pollution in water bodies stems from breaches in combined sewer overflow systems, when stormwater runoff overwhelms sanitary sewers and raw sewage is released. In New York State in 2006, such instances caused a ti total of 1,280 combined beach closure or advisory days for all state beaches.' In a sustainable approach to construction, a soil management plan communicated to contractors prior to construction would limit disturbance of healthy soil, assist soil restoration efforts, and define the location and boundaries of all vegetation and soil protection zones.
Preserving Vegetative Cover Removing existing vegetation disturbs soils and has other consequences as well. Without vegetation, a site loses its natural capacity for stormwater management, filtration, and groundwater recharge. Reduced vegetative cover also affects soil health, because vegetation maintains soil structure, contributes to soil organic matter, and prevents erosion. Excess sedimentation: Removing vegetation increases the likelihood of erosion, which contributes to increased sediment runoff. Sedimentation is a major cause of polluted rivers and streams in the United States, second only to pathogens. Sediment runoff rates from construction sites can be up to 20 times greater than agricultural sediment loss rates and 1,000 to 2,000 times greater than those of forested lands." VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
use as much of the existing site materials as practicable. Composting vegetation trimmings on site, for example, would provide an excellent source of soil nourishment. Similarly, recoverable wood from construction and demolition could be reused to become feedstock for engineered woods such as particle board and plywood, thereby reducing the need for virgin timber. Careful materials selection can also reduce the energy used in both the production and the FIG. 2-2. RUNOFF CURVE NUMBERS FOR DIFFERENT SITE TYPES. The runoff curve number is a product of transport of the materials, empirical data from many sites across the country. It takes into account the amount of rainfall that is intercepted by vegetation, stored in surface depressions, and infiltrated. Any rainfall not retained on site becomes thereby decreasing greenhouse runoff. All sites in the illustration above are assumed to have similar slopes and similar soils. However, as degas emissions and the impact velopment increases—from woods to row crop agriculture to residential and urban landscapes—so does soil on global climate. For example, compaction. Compaction and increasing amounts of impervious area result in less water retained on site and more of it running off, thus raising a site’s curve number. A higher curve number, in turn, corresponds to a fly ash (a by-product of coal greater predicted runoff volume combustion) could be a substitute for energy-intensive portfrom the extraction of raw materials, land cement in the production of conthrough processing and manufacturIncreased greenhouse gases: Because crete. Each ton of fly ash used to reing, to the product's use and disposal. so much organic carbon is stored in place portland cement reduces greenHowever, conventional attitudes tosoils, significant amounts of carbon house gas emissions by approximateward materials in society as a whole dioxide can be emitted when soils are ly one ton - equivalent to the emishave not been focused on conserving disturbed. Disturbed soils also release sions released by driving about 2,500 either resources or energy. The land substantial amounts of methane and miles in an average car. Selecting development and management indusnitrous oxide, both gases that trap locally produced materials, results in tries are no exception. heat even more effectively than carless transport, also reducing greenYard waste: Yard and landscape bon dioxide. Although all of these house gas emissions. trimmings are a significant contribugreenhouse gases are emitted as part Ideally, sustainable products would be tor to landfills, for example. In 2007, of natural nutrient cycling, the natural designed so that reuse and recycling approximately 33 million tons of yard balance is upset by increased soil erocould take place at each stage along the waste entered the municipal waste sion and by activities such as tillage way, resulting in zero waste ending up stream, representing 13 percent of and fertilizer application, all of which in landfills. In this kind of "cradle-tototal municipal waste in the United increase the natural emission rates. cradle" recycling, new, identical prodStates." By adopting a plan with defined vegucts (such as glass bottles from collectConstruction waste: An estimated etation protection zones, a sustainable ed glass bottles) or different products 170 million tons of building-related approach to site design and construc(such as aluminum car parts from recyconstruction and demolition wood tion would preserve or restore approcled aluminum cans) could be prowaste are generated each year in the priate plant biomass on the site as duced. United States." Recoverable wood well as preserve native plant commuValuing the Human from construction and demolition nities and mature trees. Relationship with Nature could be reused in new applications, Conserving Material Resources thereby reducing the need for virgin Healthy ecosystems are the source of timber. Materials are natural resources that the many intangible - but no less real and measurable - benefits that humans have been extracted, processed, A sustainable approach to materials derive from a relationship with nature. and/or manufactured for human use. use in landscapes begins with an asThese benefits are especially important One way of evaluating a product's sessment of the existing site-both to the more than 80 percent of Amerisustainability is to look at the energy built and no-built features and a decans who live in cities and towns. and resource consumption involved, sign that seeks to incorporate and re30 30
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For one thing, access to nature encourages physical activity, which can result in weight loss and overall improvements in health. With an estimated 32 percent of American children overweight - and with physical inactivity a contributing factor to this high proportion16 - modifications to the built environment that are likely to encourage more walking and biking among children are to be encouraged. In a sustainable approach to community design, such as modifications would include efforts to reduce risks associated with automobile traffic, such as bicycle networks and walking paths that link schools parks, and residential neighborhoods. Encouraging physical activity is not just for children. According to the U.S. Surgeon General's office, moderate physical activity, even taken in 10-minute increments, reduces the risk for adults of coronary heart disease, stroke, colon and breast cancer, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure
and hypertension, non-insulin dependent diabetes, obesity, and fallrelated injuries. One study suggests that when inactive adults increase their participation in regular moderate physical activity, annual mean medical costs are reduced by $865 per person. Access to nature has significant rewards in addition to physiological health. Research by social scientists and psychologists shows, for example, that for both adults and children, encounters with everyday nature - a green view from an office window, a lunchtime stroll through a nearby park, well-tended landscapes around schools - restore the ability to concentrate, calm feelings of anxiety, and reduce aggression. Views of natural settings reduce the number of sick days taken by office workers and decrease hospital patient recovery time. Furthermore, according to several studies in the United States and elsewhere, trees and green space general-
ly increase property values, starting from around 4 percent to as much as 10 percent.
Accounting For Direct and Indirect Benefits Given the environmental cost of unsustainable land practices, a more sustainable approach is certainly desirable - but at what price? Those who make spending decisions whether for governments, businesses, or individual households - are accustomed to looking at the trade-offs needed among economic, environmental, and social needs and constraints. Often, however, these trade-offs are evaluated based on incomplete information. That is, the full direct and indirect economic value of the goods and services produced by a healthy environment - and the economic consequences of an impaired ecosystem are not fully understood and not taken into account.
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The economic value of benefits for which markets currently exist is relatively easy to quantify, as is the case with the commercial harvest of fish or timber, for example. However, even these relatively straightforward market prices do not usually include such external effects as the artificial price elevation for timber and agricultural products that results from government subsidies or the cost of cleaning up resulting pollution, no matter who pays for it. Measuring the economic significance of benefits for which markets do not exist is even more challenging. What is the economic value of an aesthetic or cultural or educational experience of nature, for example? Or the value of an endangered species? However, in recent decades economists have developed and tested techniques that can approximate the economic values of some of these benefits, with methods and results subjected to peer review in academic journals and presentations at scholarly conferences." Energy savings: Many ecosystem services have values that take the form of cost savings, which a number of studies have begun to quantify. The local climate regulation provided by shade trees, for example, results in an avoided cost for summertime electricity usage for the residence or commercial building cooled by that shade. Trees also block wind, potentially reducing demand for heating during the winter months. When development results in an overall reduction in tree canopy cover, buildings are more exposed to both direct sunlight and wind. This exposure increases the demand for air-conditioning in the summer and for heating in winter. Studies conducted by American Forests found that tree canopy reduces residential home cooling costs, saving an average of between $1 1 per household per year in Portland, Oregon, and $28 per household per year in Atlanta, 32 32
Georgia.2` Multiplied across the region, this household benefit can add up: in the Atlanta region, savings in home cooling costs could amount to $2.8 million per year with adequate tree canopy. Water treatment savings: Similarly, when an urban forest prevents thousands of gallons of stormwater runoff from flowing into a municipal sewer system, that municipality saves money in water treatment. A study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, for instance, found that a 2,500acre wetland in Georgia saves $1 million in water pollution abatement costs each year.'' In New York City, urban trees intercept almost 890 million gallons of rainwater each year, preventing that much runoff from entering storm sewers and saving the city an estimated $35 million annually in stormwater management costs alone. Air cleansing: Trees also provide an air-cleansing benefit. In the Chicago area, urban trees filter an estimated 6,000 tons of air pollutants each year, providing air cleansing valued at $9.2 million. Habitat and species preservation: Along with habitat loss, exotic invasive species are a major cause of loss of biodiversity and species. Increasing the use of native plants in landscape design reduces the risk from invasive species and helps bolster the wild native plant populations. This practice can also save considerable money: in the United States, exotic invasive species have been responsible for $38 billion annual damage.29 Efforts to control just one escaped aggressive invasive - purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) - cost $45 million annually nationwide.'
Taking the Long View On a broader scale, New York City took a long-term ecosystem view of protecting its drinking water supply. Starting in 1992, the city began acquiring thousands of acres of waterJanuary / February / March 2013 2013 January/February/March
shed lands and working with communities in the watershed on the need for environmentally sensitive development. The city's planned investment - approximately $1.5 billion over the course of ten years - saved it anywhere from $4 billion to $6 billion in construction costs and an estimated $300 million in annual operations costs for a new water filtration plant that it no longer had to build. The new treatment plant would have doubled or tripled rate payers' bills; by contrast, the provisions of the watershed protection plan increased the average residential customer's water bill by only $7 per year.
Responding To the Carbon Economy As the serious consequences of global climate change have become more apparent, the benefits associated with reducing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases have led markets to place an economic value on sequestered carbon. The Sustainable Sites Initiative urges sites to be carbon neutral, by eliminating net carbon emissions throughout the life of the site - that is, from design through construction, operations, and maintenance, including embodied energy in materials and equipment operations. This goal may be achieved through decreased energy, and the provision of carbon sinks to effectively offset the site’s carbon balance. When these options are unavailable or insufficient, another avenue is purchasing carbon credits from a legally binding trading system that provides independent third-party verification. The Initiative views buying carbon credits as an alternative after exhausting conservation, carbon sequestration, and renewable energy options. Nature’s methods of reducing carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere also have other benefits. In the Chicago area alone, urban trees sequester roughly 155,000 tons of carVNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
bon a year. And by providing energy savings in residential heating and cooling, the same trees help reduce carbon emissions from power plants by about 12,600 tons annually. In the continental United States, carbon sequestration alone provided by urban trees is estimated to be about 25 million tons per year, which is equivalent to carbon emitted by almost 18 million cars annually.
The Bottom Line Direct comparisons of the cost of using sustainable land practices instead of traditional land practices are just beginning to be made. The case of two gardens in Santa Monica, California - is one project that attempts to track costs for both a sustainable site and a control site that uses traditional practices. Although initial installation costs of the sustainable native garden were higher than the traditional garden, the native garden requires 77 percent less water, produces 66 percent less green waste, and costs 68
percent less for maintenance than the traditional garden. Encouragingly, in recent years a number of state and local governments as well as private-sector developers have begun to move toward increased use of low-impact development (LID) to protect and restore water quality. LID approaches and practices are designed to reduce runoff by means of infiltration, evapotranspiration, and reuse of rainwater. Among the practices that achieve this goal are bio swales, green streets, rain gardens, and pervious pavers; such practices are usually linked together into a cohesive system. By managing water and water pollutants on or close to the site where they are generated, LID techniques prevent or reduce the impact of development on groundwater, lakes, rivers, streams, and coastal waters. Moreover, according to a study by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), "in the vast majority of
cases," implementing thoughtfully selected LID practices saves money for developers, property owners, and communities alike." The EPA study summarized 17 case studies of projects that included LID practices. With a few exceptions, total capital cost savings for the projects in the study ranged from 15 to 80 percent when LID methods were used.' Beyond cost reductions and savings, these communities also experienced a number of associated amenities and economic benefits, including aesthetic amenities, improved quality of life, improved habitat, and enhanced property values. Although the EPA study did not attempt to monetize these additional benefits or consider them in its calculations of each project's costs, it found the additional economic benefits to be "real and significant."
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From a 2008 forum on sustainable development co-sponsored by the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Urban Land Institute 1. Preserving forested or natural areas can save up to $10 per square foot or $435,000 per acre over conventional landscape solutions. 2. Balancing cut and fill on site can save up to $100 per cubic yard in haul costs. 3. Using rain gardens and bio retention areas can save up to $4,800 per residential lot over conventional engineered solutions (Sherwood Gap Creek, 2000). 4. Creating narrow streets (24 feet wide) versus wide streets (32 feet wide) can save up to $30 per linear foot in street costs. 5. The use of on-lot bio retention areas can save up to $4,000 per residential lot over standard
stormwater management pond costs (Somerset, MD, 2005).
development and management. With the publication of The
6. On-lot bio retention can save up to 75 percent of stormwater fees per residential lot (Kensington Estates, WA, 2001).
Sustainable Sites Initiative: Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009, the Initiative looks forward to increasing participation in the movement toward building sustainable sites across the country.
7. Shade trees on the south side of buildings can save up to $47 per tree per year in energy costs (Peper, 2007). 8. Green roofs can retain more than 75 percent of rainfall annually, reducing downstream stormwater management costs (AS LA Green Roof, 2007) Recycling construction waste can save tens of thousands of dollars in haul costs, dump fees, and material costs (Stapleton, 2006).
The Case for Sustainable Landscapes
Complete the Quiz on page 35 and get 1 CEU for your Virginia Certified Horticulturist re-certification!
Studies such as this one offer ongoing evidence of the satisfying return on investment to developers, communities, and individuals from adopting sustainable practices of land
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VNLA - Certification Quiz #63 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.
The Sustainable Sites Economics of Sustainable Landscapes Prepared by: Nanette R. Whitt
1. The central message of the Sustainable Sites Initiative is that any landscape hold the potential both to improve and to regenerate the natural benefits and services in their undeveloped state.
a. True b. False
2. In the United States, water demand in the past 30 years has: a. Doubled b. Tripled c. Quadrupled d. None of the above 3. In most U.S. cities and towns, rainfall is treated as waste and funneled into sewer/storm water systems a. True b. False
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 35
4. Soil compaction a. Reduces water infiltration rates b. Causes evaporation of water c. Causes water run off d. All of the above 5. A site with the least amount of water runoff is:
a. Row Crop Agriculture b. Woods c. Meadow d. All of the above
6. The leading source of pollution for all water body types in this county is:
a. Farming and agriculture runoff b. Storm water runoff c. Sewage overflows d. All of the above
7. Compacted soil particles increase a plant’s root growth and its access to nutrients.
a. True b. False
8. In urban areas, polluted storm water runoff accounts for
a. 40% of water pollution. b. 50% of water pollution. c. 70% of water pollution.
9. Water leaving developed sites can contain: a. E. Coli b. Heavy metals c. Hepatitis A d. All of the above 10. Without vegetation, a site loses its natural capacity for storm water management. a. True b. False January/February/March 2013
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11. The annual amount of yard waste and landscape trimmings in U.S. landfills is approximately a. 13 % b. 33% c. 53% d. 73% 12. Benefits to having access to nature is: a. Increased physical activity b. Increased concentration c. Reduced aggression d. All of the above 13. To protect and restore water quality, many state, local government and private sector developers have begun using: a. Long Initiative Development practices b. Less Initiative Development practices c. Low Impact Development practices d. Low Initial Development practices 14. The cost of LID practices is greater than conventional development practices. a. True b. False
Take Take Pride, Pride, Be Be Certified! Certified 35
Research - Report on Boxwood Blight Research Conducted In 2012 for the VNLA
Figure 1. Our new shaded container pad built in April 2012 solely for boxwood blight research.
These trials were conducted at our new shaded container pad built in April 2012 solely for boxwood blight research at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research Station in Mills River, NC (Figure 1). Studies were conducted by members of my lab: technician Landis Lacey and M.S. grad student Miranda Ganci in collaboration with my mentor Dr. D. Michael Benson, under strict sanitary protocol so that the disease stays contained at our facility, which is located on over 200 remote acres, far away from commercial boxwood production. Weather conditions during the summer up until midSeptember were conducive for boxwood blight infection and progression. Pasted below are the summaries of the two trials we conducted during the summer and early fall of 2012 using funding supplied by the VNLA, the WVNLA, and the NCNLA.
Susceptibility of Commercial Boxwood Varieties to Cylindrocladium buxicola The fungus that causes boxwood blight was first discovered in the United Kingdom in the mid-1990’s causing a severe blight disease on boxwood (Buxus species). It is now widespread throughout most of Europe in commercial nurseries, land36
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scapes and native stands of boxwood. Plants develop spots on the leaves and stems, and leaves drop off, starting at the bottom of the plant. Plants usually do not completely die, but their appearance is ruined. In October and November 2011, this fungus was found for the first time in North America and has been found in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia, as well as British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec, Canada. Most likely there are other locations where this disease exists but have not yet been documented. The disease can impact the appearance and aesthetics of boxwood because the foliage typically becomes blighted. Young plants can be killed by the pathogen. Symptoms of box blight include: dark- or light-brown, circular leaf spots often with darker margins; dark stem cankers (streaks); straw- to bronze-colored, blighted foliage; and leaf drop. Leaf spots may grow together to eventually cover the entire leaf. Under high humidity, white fuzzy masses (visible to the naked-eye) consisting of large numbers of spores may be observed on infected stems and leaves, especially on the undersides. Sometimes only the lower stems become infected, leaving the tops green; in those cases, the plant may appear top-heavy. However, often the entire plant becomes affected. Blighting and defoliation can occur suddenly with complete leaf loss under warm (64 to 80°F) and humid conditions. Growing plants under shade favors disease development. While the full host-range of this fungus is not yet fully defined, there appears to be levels of tolerance to this fungus in some commercial boxwood varieties. Other members of the boxwood plant family Buxaceae including Pachysandra species are also susceptible. Therefore the following study was conducted to determine the susceptibility of commercially available boxwood varieties. January / February / March 2013 January/February/March 2013
Methods Susceptibility to box blight (Cylindrocladium buxicola = Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum) was evaluated for twenty three varieties of boxwood (Buxus spp.) at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, NC during summer 2012. Disease assessments were performed based on a modified Horsfall-Barratt scale including percent leaf area diseased and percent stem streaking.
Results The graph shown below indicates a wide range in susceptibility of Buxus spp. to the boxwood blight pathogen; however B. sempervirens types were more susceptible in general (a 2011 publication reported ‘Justin Brouwers’ to actually fall within the B. sempervirens cluster). The varieties listed as tolerant had minimal lesion development caused by C. buxicola. This is possibly due to plant genetics, as well as physical features of the plant, such as more open and upright leaf canopies. Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’ (English boxwood) and Buxus sempervirens ‘American’ (common or American boxwood) were especially susceptible. It is important to note that some boxwood varieties are limited in their optimal plant hardiness zones; make sure to look up specific growing requirements for each variety before recommending them in your area. Ad -Guthrie Nursery
Evaluation of fungicides for the prevention of boxwood blight, 2012. This trial evaluated the efficacy of several commercially available fungicides for preventive activity against boxwood blight caused by Cylindrocladium buxicola. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design consisting of four replications of six 1-gal English boxwood plants per treatment on a container pad at the Mountain Horticultural VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
Crops Research Station in Mills River, NC. Treatments were applied as foliar sprays until runoff with a CO2pressurized backpack sprayer equipped with a handheld boom and a single, hollow-cone nozzle (TXVS26) delivering 50-60 psi. Treatments were applied on 13 Sep, 28 Sep, and 13 Oct. Inoculum was prepared by flooding Petri-dishes of 10 day cultures of the pathogen growing on PDA. Plants were spray inoculated with 5,000 spores per ml until run off one day post treatment on 14 Sep, and again on 30 Sep, two days after the second fungicide treatment with 8,000 spores per ml until run-off. Disease assessments were conducted on 1, 16 and 26 Oct. Percent leaf area diseased was recorded using the standard Horsfall-Barratt scale. Disease pres-
sure was not high enough to evaluate percent leaf drop or percent stem streaking. AUDPC for percent leaf area diseased across the entire timeframe of the trial was calculated. Air temperatures during the trial was suboptimal for high rates of infection with average daily high and low temperatures of 77.7 and 55.4°F for Sept; and 66.3 and 43.5°F for Oct. Phytotoxic symptoms were not observed for any of the treatments. Although disease pressure was low, with the exception of three products, all other products were effective at preventing leaf infection by C. buxicola when applied one to two days before inoculation. The most effective products contained the active ingredient chlorothalonil (Daconil Weatherstik, Spectro, Disarm C and Concert II) or the active ingredient fludioxonil
(Medallion and Palladium) as either premixes or solo. Plants sprayed with Terraguard, Trinity, or Banner MAXX had statistically less leaf area diseased due to boxwood blight in comparison to the non-treated control plants, although these would be considered less effective products since they reduced, but did not prevent infection.
Investigating the survivability of C. buxicola microsclerotia in commercial boxwood fields Since its first detection in fall 2011, boxwood blight has been identified in multiple boxwood fields in Western North Carolina. Since NC is the largest field producer of boxwood in the U.S., our goal is to implement effective disease eradication strategies to
B. sempervirens 'Suffruticosa' (positive… B. sinica var. insularis 'Justin Brouwers' Ad - Southern Nursery Association B. sempervirens 'Elegantissima' B. sempervirens 'American' Buxus X 'Glencoe' (Chicagoland Green) bc B. sempervirens 'Marginata' bc B. sempervirens 'Jensen' bc B. microphylla var. japonica 'Morris… bc B. microphylla var. japonica 'Morris… c Buxus X 'Green Mound' de Buxus X 'Conroe' (Gordo) ef B. microphylla 'Green Pillow' ef B. microphylla 'Grace Hendrick Phillips' ef B. microphylla 'Jim Stauffer' fg Buxus X 'Green Mountain' fg B. microphylla 'John Baldwin' gh Buxus 'Green Gem' gh B. sempervirens 'Fastigiata' gh B. sempervirens 'Dee Runk' gh B. microphylla 'Winter Gem' gh B. microphylla 'Golden Dream' h B. harlandii h B. sinica var. insularis 'Nana' h B. microphylla var. japonica 'Green… h VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 37
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b b
a
a
Highly Susceptible
Susceptible Moderately Susceptible Moderately Tolerant Tolerant
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stop the spread of the pathogen and eliminate the disease from our industry. Therefore we are interested in identifying ways the fungus overwinters in naturally-infested sites. One evolutionary adaptation that enables other Cylindrocladium species to survive long periods of time in plant material and soil is the formation of specialized structures called microsclerotia; some Cylindrocladium species have been reported to survive as long as 15 years in soil. ate the effectiveness of potential disease mitigation strategies (fumigation, flaming, solarization) in box blight infested fields. Pictures above (not able to reproduce in Newsletter, contact info@vnla.org for photos) show the development and production of microsclerotia in
Petri dishes colonized by C. buxicolo. IMPACT STATEMENT The NCSU website go.ncsu.edu/boxwood_blight_links that provides fact sheets covering these studies has already received over 1300 hits as of January 22, 2013 (see picture below). This new information on managing boxwood blight has the potential to save growers hundreds of thousands of dollars by helping to prevent and manage boxwood blight, and to equip the US and NC boxwood industries with better strategies on cultivar selection and preventive fungicide applications. By Kelly Ivors, Associate Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist, North Carolina State University
Research - Landscape and House Appearance Impacts on the Price of Single-Family Houses Abstract This research examined the impacts of improvement in landscape quality and exterior house features on residential property values. These two combined factors are referred to as `curb appeal' - i.e., the visual appearance of a property as viewed from the front of a house. It is well understood regarding residential property that curb appeal affects house value, but a quantitative of the size/magnitude of the effect is not available. This study developed a quantitative indicator of curb appeal.
Studies currently being conducted by NCSU graduate student Miranda Ganci are focusing on the viability of C. buxicola microsclerotia in both the organic and soil fractions of samples collected from naturally infested boxwood fields. We are currently trying to optimize this sieving technique as a first step in order to evalu
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Included hedonic house pricing model, and determined its independent effect on values. Results confirmed that curb appeal has an impact on house value, with landscape and house appearance approximately equal in impact. With improved curb appeal, price can increase up to 17%.
Significance to the Nursery Industry Past research on the impact of landscape quality on residential property value has reported an estimated 10 to 12% increase in property value as quality of landscaping improved from average to excellent. A criticism of this research is that it focused on landscape quality while ignoring exterior features of a house that certainly affect value. For a residential property, the combination of landscape quality and house appearance (including quality and maintenance of front house features) is referred to as curb appeal. Accurate information is needed on the impact of improved curb
appeal on residential property value. In this regard, this research (a) developed an independent variable to quantify the appearance/quality of exterior curbside house features (e.g., paint condition and color coordination; type of windows and shutters; type of front door; etc.); and (b) included this variable, along with a landscape quality variable, in a respecified hedonic house price model. Results from the model indicate that curb appeal has a positive impact on house value, with landscape and house appearance approximately equal in impact. With improved curb appeal, house price can increase up to 17%. This study is important for the landscape and nursery industries because it connects landscape quality to the term curb appeal - a popular and widely recognized term associated with residential property value - and shows the relative importance of landscape quality (as compared to exterior house appearance) in deter-
mining property value.
Introduction A residential property is comprised of many characteristics that affect its value. The characteristics include house structural characteristics (e.g., square footage, number and size of garages, presence of a fireplace); environmental factors (e.g., a `good view,' proximity to desirable public facilities, proximity to a landfill); neighborhood characteristics (e.g., crime level, local traffic, and quality of public education) and location factors (e.g., distance to the central b district) . Previous real estate research developed various estimates of the impacts of these factors on house value. Two additional factors that impact residential r value are landscape quality and house appearance (b: exterior house features). In this research, these two factors in combination are referred to as `curb appeal' - i.e., the
Ad - Guthrie Nursery
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appearance (or `look') of a property as viewed from the curb in front of a house. Curb appeal is assessed by a potential buyer when he/she drives by a property or arrives for viewing. As curb appeal diminishes, a residential property will be slower to sell and have decreased value. What contributes to curb appeal of a house is debatable. Numerous popular books and self-help pamphlets are available and TV programs offer advice on how to improve curb appeal. A review of literature revealed no academic studies on curb appeal, per se; however, the topic has been addressed in bits and pieces in real estate research. A study by Portnov Odish, and Fleishman (examined the impact of external house changes on house prices in Haifa, Israel. The formulated a variable called MAJOR CHANGES to estimate the total cost of selected house modifications s room and roof modifications, addition of permanent s areas, and addition of balconies. The study reported the MAJOR CHANGES variable had a significant positive effect on house price. A review of 125 previous house price studies by Sirmans, Macpherson, and Zietz revealed a limited amount of curb appeal features in hedonic house price models. For example, independent variables were in for the type of house exterior (brick, stucco, wood, siding etc.), type of roof (composition, wood shingle, metal, tile etc.) and whether the house had `new paint.' The r included other exterior house features - e.g., the pr, of a deck, swimming pool, storage shed, and separate space, but these are not considered curb appeal features because they are not visible from the front of a house In addition to external house features, landscaping is an important aspect of curb appeal because it provides aesthetically pleasing environment surrounding a house and many buyers realize the functionality of trees and s VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 41
Tree cover provides shade in summer and shelter in to reduce heating and cooling costs. Trees and plants c buffer from noise and traffic, and shrubs and flowers provide food and shelter for birds and insects, which is an important environmental factor for some homeowners. A number of studies examined the impact of improved landscaping on the value of a residential property. Studies have found that tree cover adds 2 -9% to the value of existing houses and a single tree can add as much as 2% (1, 2, 7, 13, 22). Newly built houses on tree-planted lots have a 7% higher price than those on bare lots. Lawn area and type of grass affect property value, with increased lawn area (up to a limit) having a positive impact on price. Specific landscape characteristics, such as hedges or walls and landscaped curbs, each add 4% to property value; however, an aboveaverage density of vegetation has a negative impact on price . When overall landscaping (including trees, plants, grasses and other landscape features) improves from average quality to excellent quality, house price increases by 10 -12%. An estimated 30% of the price increase is due to added tree cover. Perceptions of homeowners on the value of landscaping generally agree with the empirical research results - for example, one study reported that homeowners believe that improved landscaping can increase property value 5 -11% for landscapes with sophisticated designs that incorporate a variety of different plant types and sizes and include flowers and colored hardscapes. Exterior house features and landscaping are viewed simultaneously by a prospective home buyer and both components of a residential property contribute to curb appeal and motivate buyer interest. In the attempts to identify the separate and combined effects of the many factors that affect house values, it is known that the exJanuary/February/March 2013
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clusion of one component from a statistical model may bias the estimated coefficients of the included variables. General hedonic house price studies such as those reviewed by Sirmans, Macpherson, and Zietz included only limited information on detailed front house and landscape features that impact curb appeal. By comparison, the landscape quality studies by Henry and by Stigarll and Elam included detailed landscape features, but only limited exterior house features were included in their models; consequently, their reported impacts of improved landscaping on house price may be overstated if the landscape quality variable captured the impact of the missing exterior house features variable. In the model used in this research, variables for both landscape quality and exterior front house features were included to create a curb appeal variable to capture the total impact of curb appeal on house value. The model used allowed estimation of the individual impacts of improved house features and improved landscaping on house price. The approach used in this study to measure the impact of curb appeal on house price involved a two-step process. In the first step, an instrument was constructed and used to score curb appeal for a sample of houses. The curb appeal measure was designed to reflect the impression of a prospective buyer toward a residential property at first viewing. The evaluation of curb appeal was necessarily impacted by some degree of subjectivity that entered into the scoring process. The evaluation instrument was reviewed by architects and design professionals to validate the instrument. In the second step, a hedonic house price model was specified to include the standard variables for house structural characteristics and location and neighborhood factors, plus a curb appeal variable was added to capture the effect of curb appeal on house price. The research hypothesis
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of this study was that curb appeal affects residential property value. An outline of the rest of the paper follows. The evaluation instrument used to score curb appeal based on landscape quality and exterior house features is explained, followed by the hedonic house price model specification that relates house sale price to house characteristics and the curb appeal components (of landscape quality and exterior house appearance). The estimation results for the model are then presented, and estimates are provided of the impact of improved curb appeal on property value and the relative importance of improved landscape quality and house appearance on house price. Studies that focused on only landscape (and not house features) reported that when landscaping was improved from Low to High rating, house price increased by 10 -12%. The present study's estimated 10.2% increase in house price for a similar
improvement in landscaping is within the range reported in these other studies. The fact that the results from these studies are so close indicates the robustness of the estimated impact of landscaping to alternative equation and variable specifications. Moreover, it provides support for previous studies on landscape quality that used only a landscape quality variable in their house pricing models. In summary, this research evaluated the impact of improved curb appeal on residential property values. Curb appeal was conceptualized as having two components - (1) house curb appeal based on the exterior house features as seen from the curb in front of the house; and (2) landscape curb appeal based on the quality of landscaping surrounding the house. Results confirmed that both components are important in determining property value, with each about equally important. With improved curb appeal, residential property value can im-
prove up to 17%. Within a neighborhood, curb appeal is second only to house size in affecting house value. While these results, in a statistical sense, apply only to the neighborhood studied, it is logical that the conclusions apply generally to houses in middle-class neighborhoods in the United States. One implication of the research findings of this study is that attention to curb appeal is important for real estate professionals and homeowners. It may be worth their time and attention to seek input from professional design-builders and landscape architects to improve curb appeal, as well as attention to maintenance. Emmett Elam and Andrea Stigarll - HRI
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Research - Increasing Successful Propagation of Sedum spp. with Plant Growth Regulators Sedum spp . are increasing in popularity and production especially for use in green roof projects. Research with the branching compounds suggests that the increase in basal or lateral branching or offset production would increase the number of propagules for responsive crops. For example, Configure (BA, benzyladenine; Fine Americas, Inc.) increased the number of offsets of two cultivars of Sempervivum in NC State University trials (Carey et al. 2008). The larger of these offsets rooted as well as those from control plants. However, there were a large number of smaller offsets which did not root as well as the larger offsets. Augeo (dikegulac sodium, OHP, Inc.) significantly increased lateral branching on upright Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ (Grossman et. al, unpublished). Preliminary research results at Riverbend Nursery, Riner, which were shared with the authors, found that Fascination [GA (gibberellin) + BA, Valent, Inc.] increased the number of lateral branches of several mat-forming Sedum spp. and that although these cuttings elongated sufficiently to increase the ease of harvest, they did not root as well as those from untreated plants. Our own work has found that while both Configure and Augeo increase branching, Configure causes a reduction in root growth of liners of some crops while Augeo has not reduced root growth in any of the dozen of crops tested (Grossman et al., 2011). So the study proposed and funded by VNA was to evaluate methods of improving the propagation of several Sedum spp. by determining their response to the various branching compounds with an emphasis on their VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 43
effects on propagule (cutting) production and subsequent rooting of the cuttings. We examined combinations of products that may increase efficiency of cutting production or harvest (i.e., gibberellin products) of these cuttings. Finally to investigate the reduction in rooting observed by Riverbend Nursery, we examined incorporation of IBA rooting hormones to propagules via several application methods to determine if IBA applications would improve rooting of the cuttings. Direct economic impacts for Virginia growers include the ability to produce a larger number of high quality propagules that will root at least as quickly as untreated plants and develop sufficient root mass for use or sale.
Methods: Initial studies utilized several matforming cultivars of Sedum. Preliminary results from Riverbend Nursery identified effective rates of Fresco (BA+GA, Fine Americas, Inc.). Virginia Tech and N C State University research has identified Configure and Augeo rates effective in increasing branching. For this proposal, initial work evaluated the effects of these three products on the number of propagules on individual stock plants, the efficiency of harvesting these cuttings/offsets, and their subsequent rooting under greenhouse mist conditions. Sedum album ‘Red Ice’, Sedum ‘Faro Island’ and Sedum stefco rooted liners (72s) were donated by Riverbend Nursery. The liners were potted into 3.5 inch square pots filled with Fafard 3B medium in late-June (‘Red Ice’ and ‘Faro Island’) or early August (S. stefco). Care was taken to ensure that pot fill and planting depth were uniform. Treatments were applied as foliar sprays at label recommended volume about 10 days after potting. Treatments included: untreated control, 400 ppm Augeo, 20 ppm ConJanuary/February/March 2013
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figure, 20 ppm Fresco, or a combination of 18 ppm Configure + 2 ppm Fresco. Cuttings were harvested according to the growth rate of the crop. ‘Red Ice’ cuttings were harvested at 2 weeks after treatment (WAT); ‘Faro Island’ was harvested at 3 WAT and S.stefco at 4.5 WAT. Propagules were harvested by using scissors to cut all material extending a uniform distance, about 1.5 inches above the rim of the pot (see photo). Data collection included the height and width of the stock plant. The number of potential cuttings was determined by counting the tips prior to harvesting the cuttings. The fresh weight of the cutting material (total propagule weight) cut from each stock plant was taken. Ten uniform cuttings were selected and weighed for the liner rooting study. Then, the ten uniform cuttings were stuck in 72 size trays and placed under mist.
Cuttings were not treated with a rooting hormone or treated by immersing the entire cutting in a 1000 ppm IBA (Hortus IBA Water Soluble Salts 20% IBA, Hortus USA Corp.) solution for 10 seconds or by foliar spray application of 1000 ppm IBA applied the evening of the day of sticking (after mist was off for the night). Cuttings were stuck in 72-cell size flats filled with Fafard 3B and placed under mist. Liners were harvested 3 to 4 weeks later as noted for each crop in the results. Liner root and shoot growth were rated for quality as defined below. Shoot dry weight of six 43
selected liners from each treatment was measured after oven drying for 48-72 hours, or until completely dry.
Results Sedum ‘Red Ice’ stock plants showed no growth response to the PGRs with respect to plant height, plant width or number of tip cuttings (see photo).
Fresh weight of all cutting material was greatest in Augeo or Configure treated plants as compared to Fresco treated plants. However differences were not statistically different from untreated plants. Sedum ‘Red Ice’ liners treated with IBA had increased shoot dry weight, a higher root rating, and a higher shoot breeding than the untreated cuttings. As for PGR treatments, Augeo tended to improve shoot and root growth of liners. Configure tended to reduce shoot dry weight but tended to improve root ratings compared to control plants. Fresco had little impact on shoot dry weights were shoot ratings but tended to increase roots ratings. An interesting observation included the fact that cuttings not treated with IBA had fewer aerial roots then those treated with IBA. PGR treatments also affected aerial roots; Augeo reduced the percent of liners with aerial roots when the cuttings were not treated with IBA; 17% vs. 61% of untreated control cuttings.
fresh weight of all cutting material. Treatment of cuttings with IBA increased shoot dry weight and the percent of plants with aerial roots. For cuttings not treated with IBA none of the PGR treatments affected shoot dry weight compared to control plants. However for cuttings dipped in IBA, those from plants treated with Augeo or Configure + Fresco resulted in liners with higher shoot dry weights than those from the untreated control plants. Only cuttings from Configure treated plants had reduced root ratings as liners, but ratings were still excellent 4.7 on a 5¬point scale. Sedum stefco stock plants treated with Configure, Fresco or the combination of Configure and Fresco were taller and tended to have a higher fresh weight of cutting material removed from the pot. Cuttings were not responsive to IBA treatments. However cuttings from the Fresco treated plants had greater shoot dry weight as finished liners. Cuttings from untreated plants or plants treated with Augeo had a higher percentage of aerial roots.
Discussion Period from application to harvest. The Sedum plants grow slower than our normal perennials, so it may take more time to see the differences between treated and non-treated plants. So we may want to evaluate the results of the PGR applications at several different time intervals using longer evaluation periods than in this study. The presence of many very short laterals branches on the cuttings collected in our study suggests that the treatment effects would be greater if the crop had been allowed to grower for a longer period of time prior to harvest (see photo).
Reapplication. With a longer crop time, we would suggest trialing multiple applications over time. If field grown, the crop time would likely be longer, allowing sufficient time for any possible discoloration associated with Augeo to dissipate. Reapplication of a moderate rate may help to develop the desired branching habit. Module Fill-In. A parameter not measured during our study but one of value is module fill-in. There were observable differences in flat fill during the rooting of the cuttings during the study Perhaps applications just prior to taking cuttings, long before taking cuttings, or perhaps even after the cuttings are sewn on the green roof modules will affect the development and fill-in of the green roof module. If so, perhaps application of the PGRs could be investigated by measuring ‘fill-in’ of modules after different treatments. By getting modules ready to ship sooner, growers can potentially make more turns with the same space, or perhaps reduce the pounds of cuttings utilized if they can fill in the modules more quickly using a PGR application.
Sedum ‘Faro Island’ stock plants showed no growth response to the PGRs with respect to plant height, plant width, number of tip cuttings or 44 44
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We are meeting with Riverbend Nursery this month to share our results and provide them with a suggested protocol for additional onsite testing but we believe that it will require additional research in order to develop in a full protocol for improving the cutting production of Sedum roof modules using PGRs.
Literature Cited Carey, D., B. Whipker, I. McCall and W. Buhler. 2008. Benzyladenine foliar sprays increase offsets on Sempervivum and Echeveria. Proc. SNA 53:518-520 . Grossman, M., J. Freeborn, H. Scoggins and J. Latimer. 2011. Branching agents improve quality of herbaceous perennial liners without detrimental effects on rooting. VNLA Newsletter 81(5):28, 30, 31, 32, 34. Investigators: Dr. Joyce Latimer, Dr. Holly Scoggins and John Freeborn Dept. of Horticulture, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0328; jlatime@vt.edu; 540-231-7906
Research - Root Pruning and Planting Depth Impact Root Morphology in Containers' Abstract Increasingly, producers and consumers are realizing that roots play a major role in nursery tree quality. To remain competitive, producers need to find economically viable methods of increasing quality standards. Two studies were designed to test methods of improving root systems in a container root ball. In the first, three different root pruning methods and two planting depths were imposed as 3.7 liter (1 gal) container-grown Royal poinciana [Delonix regia (Bojer) Raf.] and trumpet-tree [Tabebuia heterophylla (DC.) Britton] were shifted to 25 liter (6.6 gal) containers. Root pruning and planting depth had no 46
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impact on trunk caliper or tree height. Vertical root ball slicing or shaving off the periphery of the root ball increased the number of straight roots inside root balls and reduced the presence of deflected roots, but shaving had a greater effect and was associated with consistently high-quality root systems. Trees planted with the top-most root 10 cm (4 in) below the 25 liter (6.6 gal) container substrate surface had more deflected roots and fewer straight roots than trees planted with roots close to the surface. In the second study, teasing or shaving live oak (Quercus virginiana Mill ‘SNDL�) in 3.7 liter (1 gal) container root balls resulted in identical root systems in 57 liter (15 gal) containers one year later, and both treatments resulted in higher quality root systems than trees not root pruned.
Significance to the Nursery Industry The architecture of the root system in nursery root balls impacts establishment and subsequent anchorage in the landscape. Number of straight roots in the root ball has been associated with improved anchorage; whereas roots deflecting downward or around the trunk appear to reduce stability. Root pruning when shifting to a large container size by shaving off the periphery of the root ball, deep vertical slicing into the root ball sides, or teasing and pulling on small-diameter roots at the root ball periphery reduced attributes associated with weak root systems. Related studies also show that this improves anchorage when planting into the landscape. The complete report is available from the HRI Journal of Environmental Horticulture, Vo. 30, #4, December 2012 Edward F. Gilman2 and Michael Orfanedes', University of Florida, IFAS, Environmental Horticulture Department, 100 Mehrhof Hall, PD Box 110675, Gainesville, FL 32611
Research - Weed Control Research Update Through support from the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association and the Virginia Nurserymen's Horticultural Research Foundation, I have been continuing my research on control of liverwort, spurge, phyllanthus, nutsedge, and other troublesome weeds in nursery production. One focus has been on evaluating chemicals for selective control of liverwort, a troublesome weed in n propagation or in the production of perennials. Another focus has been evaluating new options for broadleaf weed control in container and field production.
Liverwort Control Update Pre-emergence liverwort control study; I have been evaluating pre-emergence herbicides for liverwort control. In my pre-emergence trial, the most effective chemical was FreeHand (dimethenamid + pendimethalin), followed by BroadStar (flumioxazin), Rout (oxyfluorfen + oryzalin), and Ronstar 2G (oxadiazon). BroadStar and Rout are used predominantly on woody nursery crops since they can cause unacceptable injury in herbaceous species. Ronstar also has greater utility in woody ornamentals so FreeHand would be the one most useful in perennial production conducted outdoors. One of the ingredients in FreeHand, dimethenamid, is sold by itself under the trade name Tower. Tower also is an effective treatment for liverwort. No pre-emergence herbicides are registered, however, for use in pots in enclosed structures, such as greenhouses or overwintering houses. So we do have selective options for preventing liverwort infestations in containers maintained outdoors, but do not have approved options in greenhouse production. Post-emergence liverwort control study
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I continued my post-emergence liverwort experiments in 2012, evaluating the impact of irrigation immediately after treatment on iceplant tolerance and liverwort control. Irrigating immediately after application reduced iceplant injury, as no treatment resulted in greater than 15% crop damage at 5 days after treatment (DAT), but generally at the cost of reduced liverwort control. At 5 days after the first application, unacceptable injury (20% or greater) injury was only seen with the following treatments that were not irrigated immediately after treatment: Avenger (d-limonene) at 28% volume to volume (high rate), Bryophyter (oregano oil) at 1% (high rate), Racer (ammonium nonoate) 6% (high rate), and Scythe 3 and 6%. Iceplant quickly outgrew the injury, though, with all damage ratings less than 20% at 25 DAT and no injury seen at later rating dates. Acceptable liverwort control (80% or greater) at 25 DAT was seen with Avenger low rate no immediate irrigation, Avenger high rate with or without irrigation, Bryophyter high rate no irrigation, Scythe low and high rate no irrigation, WeedPharm low rate (25%) no irrigation, and WeedPharm high rate (50%) with or without irrigation.
For iceplant, the overall best combination of liverwort control and limited crop injury was seen with Bryophyter high rate no immediate irrigation, Tower high rate no immediate irrigation, and WeedPharm acetic acid low rate no immediate irrigation. Iceplant outgrew the effects from all treatments, though, so no long term injury was seen from any treatment. These chemicals are contact herbicides, explaining the rather quick recovery from injury for iceplant, as well as the need for repeat applications to completely control liverwort. This year I have been evaluating a formulation of monarda oil. It has provided equivalent control to oregano oil, causing a relatively rapid contact action. As with the other contact products, thorough coverage is essential for control, and follow-up treatVNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 47
ments are needed for any regrowth. Monarda oil may be in greater supply than oregano oil, justifying the need for additional research on this oil. I also evaluated baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). It also caused significant injury to liverwort. Additional research on baking soda is warranted. We have identified treatments that provide acceptable liverwort control, although repeat applications are generally needed for longer term control. We need additional data on the tolerance of nursery species to overtop applications of the most promising candidates, including oregano oil, monarda oil, Avenger, Racer, and Tower. Since these products can injure nursery crops, one needs to identify rates that provide acceptable control without unacceptable crop damage. Attaining this balancing act may be easier in some nursery crops than in others, and the best chemical choice may differ among nursery species due to differences in crop tolerance to these chemicals.
New herbicide evaluation I have been evaluating indaziflam, a potential new herbicide for nursery production and landscape maintenance. Indaziflam is a pre-emergence herbicide with some post-emergence activity. A benefit of indaziflam is the very low use rates. I have been testing rates between 0.033 and 0.09 pounds active ingredient per acre. It also has long residual, controlling weeds for 5 months or more depending on rate and weather conditions in field production. I have been evaluating both granular and sprayable formulations of indaziflam. The granular formulation’s best fit will be in container production and landscape maintenance, while the sprayable formulation’s best fit will be in field production of trees and shrubs. In general, tolerance to this herbicide is best in woody nursery crops. Indaziflam causes significant injury to certain herbaceous species, January/February/March 2013
January / February / March 2013
especially bedding plants, so its current use is limited to woody nursery plants. I have caused severe injury, for example, in begonia and pansy with this chemical. A sprayable formulation of this herbicide is registered for use in field nursery production under the trade name Marengo by OHP. Marengo contains 0.6 pounds indaziflam per gallon and carries a caution label. The use rates for Marengo are 7.5 to 15.5 fluid ounces per acre, which translates to 0.036 to 0.075 pounds indaziflam per acre. Due to the post action, it needs to be applied as a directed spray, preferably to dormant trees and shrubs. A number of woody trees and shrubs are on the Marengo label, including certain azalea, boxwood, gardenia, holly, juniper, loropetalum, maple, and rose cultivars. Do not apply to newly-rooted cuttings as indiaziflam is a root-inhibitor. Test in small areas first to determine weed control effectiveness and crop tolerance under your conditions. Due its low water solubility and high unit effectiveness, I think it has been a challenge for Bayer to develop a suitable granular formulation. One of the strong suits of indaziflam is longterm control of annual grasses, such as crabgrass and annual bluegrass. Indaziflam overall works best when applied pre-emergence but it does have significant action when applied to small weed seedlings. This postemergence activity will help in weed control but may explain why bedding plants have not tolerated this herbicide. Indaziflam has a different mode of action, inhibition of cellulose biosynthesis, than our other preemergence crabgrass herbicides, such as Barricade, Surflan, and Pendulum. So indaziflam will be a useful tool in programs to reduce the potential for herbicide resistance. Besides controlling annual grasses, indaziflam applied pre-emergence has controlled doveweed and provided
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acceptable control of broadleaf weeds, including tasselflower, longstalked phyllanthus, chamberbitter, common groundsel, bittercress, spotted spurge, and eclipta in my container trials. One weed where indaziflam stands out is for control of longstalked phyllanthus, a difficult to control weed. In my field trials, indaziflam at an intermediate rate gave effective preemergence control of the summer annuals: prickly sida, velvetleaf, common ragweed, jimsonweed, common lambsquarters, redroot pigweed, southern crabgrass, and yellow foxtail. Indaziflam did not control morning glory or yellow nutsedge. We will need to look at combinations with other herbicides to control these weeds. Indaziflam provides excellent winter weed control. In my trials, indaziflam provided effective preemergence control of Italian (annual) ryegrass, annual bluegrass, henbit, purple deadnettle, hairy bittercress, buttercup, swinecress, vetch, speed-
well, and Carolina geranium. Jeffrey Derr, Weed Scientist, Virginia Tech, Jeffrey Derr is a Professor of Weed Science with Virginia Tech and is located at the Hampton Roads Ag. Res. and Ext. Center in Virginia Beach.
VNLA - IPPS Student Sponsorship Special thanks to the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association Sponsorship for student attendance of the International Plant Propagator’s Society conference.
Observing substrate processing
My name is Tyler Hoskins and I am a graduate student at Virginia Tech pursuing a Master’s of Science degree in Horticulture. Currently I reside in Blacksburg where I am enrolled as a full‐time student. Simultaneously, I participate in ongoing research in the tidewater region of Virginia where Dr. Jim Owen and I are utilizing moisture‐monitoring technology to gain a better understanding of the relationship between cultural practices and recycled water quality in nursery container production. Recently, the Virginia Nursery and
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Fast, dependable service Memberships: North Carolina Association of Nurserymen Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association
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VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
Landscape Association awarded me full sponsorship to attend the International Plant Propagator’s Society, Southern Region Conference. This year’s conference was held at Auburn University and involved an assortment of educational seminars and interactive nursery and garden tours. Growers and academics gave seminars on topics that ranged from propagation techniques, to how to best use social media as a marketing strategy. Each presentation contained valuable information and industry examples that helped spark ideas on how to enhance my research and future career. For example, I listened to a student from Auburn University who is conducting research on the integration of aquaculture into horticultural systems. His research demonstrated successful cucumber production using nutrient‐rich water from an aquaculture system. This out‐of‐the‐box idea was impressive and represents a viable method that could help some growers reduce fertilizer consumption.
Small Hammer Mill
Another invaluable experience was touring local nurseries. We visited cutting‐edge nurseries such as Young’s Plant Farm, which is using innovative techniques to make their operation more sustainable by incorporating whole pine trees into their growing mix. The trees are harvested and processed on the farm’s own land, ensuring a continual supply of this resource and reducing their need for peat. In addition to tours and seminars, hands down, the most valuable part of this experience was the people VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 49
I met. The conference organizers and attendees are a talented, enthusiastic, and friendly group of people that are eager to share their knowledge and glean what they can from others. Whether chatting casually on a bus tour or listening to a lecture, I enjoyed tapping into the wealth of knowledge held by this group. My experiences at this conference definitely enriched my education and will benefit my future career. I am truly grateful to the VNLA for sponsoring this experience! Thank you, Tyler Hoskins, Graduate Student, Virginia Tech HRAREC,
tylerh86@vt.edu
Tips - The Greener Consumer Consumer profiles are constantly changing. A few years ago we focused on customer profiles based on age. The focus was on Gen Y, Gen X, Jones Generation, Baby Boomers and Greying Tigers These demographic groups are still important, but we also need to consider how we market to new and emerging consumer segments who we are told may be overweight, mobile, multicultural, value shoppers and/or Eco-friendly. One of the fastest growing segments is the Eco-Friendly segment. These consumers are still looking for value, but are prepared to put sustainability above price. One of the big issues urban communities will challenge over the coming months and years is Biodiversity with legislation coming in around the world to stop agricultural land and natural areas being used for urban development. This will change the way cities look and make consumers more aware, for example Paris in France plans to double the amount of green roof space by 2020
The Green Consumer Not all consumers are interested in January/February/March 2013
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sustainability and saving the planet, but it continues to be a growing segment of the community and a sector we all need to be aware of. Over recent years we have seen major growth in farmers markets and ethical retailing and I see that continuing over the next few years. Having said that over the last few years we have seen growth inorganic food retailing, whilst the sales of organic food has stagnated and I believe this has occurred for a number of reasons. One is that the consumer is more price conscious and organic food is perceived as expensive, Organic advocates have continued to buy, but, many consumers cannot justify the extra cost. Secondly, in my experience consumers are confused by the term “organic”. In my own community a lot of consumers do not know the difference between “organic” and “local”.
Local is Important Consumers are starting to search out products made in their own country or locality and preferably locally grow products. This means there is an opportunity for the promotion of local products. An example of this is “Good Eggs” a website in San Francisco that promotes local growers. The consumer can search out a local farmer and find where their produce is sold. You cannot get more local that manufacturing and growing in your own community .Community Gardens are appearing around the world and some supermarkets are considering growing some produce at the store. This is easy with produce such as lettuce. This means you have to be “clicks: and bricks” savvy when communicating with the new age local consumer. To help retailers I produce a monthly Clicks for Bricks Webinar that looks at a new clicks marketing
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subject each month, you can get involved with this webinar on http://www.clicksforbricks.com.au
No Waste is Important Apart from being local the consumer is looking for less waste, these includes packaging and recycling of so called ”waste product”. On the grand scale we are seeing this theme coming through with sculpture parks being created in Nepal from scrap brought down from Mount Everest and recycling of washing machines being used to create art at the 2012 Olympic Park in London. At a more local level recyclable garden containers are starting to replace the traditional plastic pot around the world.
Telling the Story is Important
know the story and expects the retailer to tell the story. The story can be told in numerous ways. It can be on packaging, via links to YouTube or a mural in the store that explains the process.
Nostalgia is Important The “Green” consumer often wants to reflect back to earlier days when they feel they lived in a happier more harmonious society when life was more harmonious and “values” were more important. Whether they were or not is not the role of this article. The fact is that nostalgia sells at present. The very successful adverts from John Lewis department store in the UK at the end of 2012 focused on nostalgia and old fashioned values.
This is a marketing opportunity for any retailer. What products do you sell that reflect on nostalgia and how can you use them to generate sales. Even your sales team could get involved and play the nostalgia Ad - John Stanley game and provide “good old fashioned service” Something most customers now think is lacking.
One of the most important issues is we need to tell the story. Suppliers and retailers need to combine forces to tell the story from start to finish. The “Green” consumer wants to
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John Stanley is a Conference Speaker and Consultant. In 2012 he was awarded the WA Small Business Exporter of the Year. He works in 35 countries and is one of the world’s sought after garden retail and marketing presenters. His new conference presentation looks at the new consumer and how that affects your business.
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Tips - More Than A Wall: SmartSlope Mimicking Nature to Tackle Big Problems Just across the Anacostia River in northeast Washington, DC’s Fort Lincoln neighborhood, a large contiguous parcel has been ripe for development for over twenty years. Setbacks and controversy marred the project located just off New York Avenue/Route 50, but as a result of innovative storm water management techniques and solutions pioneered by the site’s regulators and development team alike, ground was finally broken on the $52 million, 42 acre project in September of 2011. The master plan for what it now called Dakota Crossing calls for 430,000 square feet of retail - including a town center shopping center, Costco, Marshalls, Shoppers Food Warehouse, and another big box retailer to be named later, as well as nearly 1,400 residential units. The project is being developed by a joint venture of Trammel Crow Company, CSG Urban Partners, and Fort Lincoln New Town Corporation.
The Challenge Phase I of the commercial portion of the project was site work for the big box retailers and the construction and build out of Costco. Despite a growing ire targeted towards multinational retailers, Costco has been winning customers and urban planners over; one main draw being their commitment to incorporating eco-friendly construction techniques into their stores. As many other retailers passed on the complexities of Dakota Crossing, it was this openness to appropriate and innovative building technologies that made Costco an excellent fit. The biggest challenge facing the site has been its proximity to the Anacostia River. The section of the river that passes within a quarter of a mile of the site is a fragile tidal river. It has VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
been negatively affected over the years by urban storm water runoff and industrial pollution. However, major initiatives and alliances have formed to rehabilitate and clean up the river. Hence, new development within the watershed has faced added scrutiny. Two major additional constraints of the site are its hilly topography and dense clay soils. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Army Corps of Engineers, and the District Department of Environment (DDOE) - Washington’s environmental watchdog and storm water management regulator - reviewed numerous strategies and proposals from developers, planners, and third parties in an effort to abate these issues. As a requirement for the development to move forward regulators required that virtually all storm water runoff would be contained onsite, both quality and quantity.
The Project And then a fundamental part of the solution was discovered. The site plan required significant retaining wall infrastructure - 5 segments totaling 21,000 square feet in Phase I - to handle grade change. While traditional retaining walls were considered and would have accomplished this objective, on such a challenging site a more complete solution was necessary and engineered. SmartSlope, a vegetated / structural retaining wall system, was chosen as a versatile solution that accommodates grade change and acts as an integral component of the storm water management plan. SmartSlope is a product of Baltimore, Maryland based Furbish Company. Furbish specializes in innovative and environmentally sustainable products and services including green roof installation and maintenance, living retaining walls, and interior bio walls. Moreover, the innovative storm water management plan includes capturing storm water runoff from the roofs, VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 51
parking lots, and impervious surface, which are then channeled into in a series of approximately 10,000-gallon cisterns buried below grade. The cisterns act as holding tanks for the collected storm water and to process large storm events. The water is then pumped through the retaining wall by means of integrated drip irrigation tubing. The tubing attaches to the SmartSlope module through a notch on each sidewall. Although SmartSlope walls do not require irrigation, by utilizing the plant’s natural evapotranspiration process and the bioretention qualities of the planting soil, storm water quantity is managed and naturally treated for quality, much in the same way a natural wetland functions. The system can manage approximately 0.5 gallons of storm water per square foot per day. After the completion of Phase II, a combined 50,000 square feet of vegetated wall will handle approximately 1.2 million gallons of storm water annually. The installation of a SmartSlope wall is similar to that of a traditional structural retaining wall. Due to the scale of Dakota Crossing, a larger than normal 2 foot wide by 4 foot deep poured concrete footing was installed as per design. In a standard design, an 18 inch wide by 6 inch deep, compacted gravel footing would be used. Next, two rows or courses of wall modules were set and filled with gravel. These courses are below grade and the gravel helps facilitate drainage. Above the vegetated portion of the wall is constructed. Modules are stacked 14 inches apart and additional courses rest on the sidewalls of the modules below. Strap reinforcement is belayed through a true mechanical connection in the base of the modules. The project was engineered to employ strap reinforcement every third course with maximum strap lengths of 32 feet deep, because of the excessive top load. Site soil was used in the reinforcement zone and compacted over the strap with heavy January/February/March 2013
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construction, vibratory rollers. The modules were then filled with the bio-retention planting soil, before starting the next course. Installers and wall contractors have praised Furbish Company about the ease regarding the installation of SmartSlope.
Phase I of the SmartSlope installation at Dakota Crossing commenced in May 2012. The actual wall installation took approximately 5 laborers and 1,000 man hours. Commercial SmartSlope walls can be installed at a rate of around 700-1000 square feet per day in normal site conditions with an experienced 5-man crew. Additional workers are needed for planting and excavation.
The Project Team The major players involved in Dakota Crossing are as follows: SmartSlope Team
Furbish Company - Product Manufacturer / Project Management / Planting & Maintenance Hardscapes Construction, Inc. Wall Installer CIS Engineering - Retaining Wall Designer W.H. Boyer, Inc. - Landscaper
Development Team
Trammel Crow Company, CSG Urban Partners, Fort Lincoln New Town Corporation - Development / Ownership Group Harvey Cleary - General Contractor Vika - Civil Engineer Saco Construction, Inc. - Site Contractor 51
pecuroides (Fountain Grass) were planted, one plug in each module. Once fully grown out - anticipated to be mid-summer of 2013, they will be up to three feet high. The wall will be fully covered and hidden, creating a dramatic aesthetic quality.
Materials and Equipment SmartSlope modules are 20 inches wide by 15 inches deep with 8 inch lifts. They are manufactured as a wet caste concrete at 5,000 PSI and weigh 88 pounds each. SmartSlope uses 50% less concrete than the typical segmented retaining walls in the marketplace today. A traditional 21,000 square foot retaining wall would use almost 2 million pounds of concrete (1,995,000 lbs) while on Dakota Crossing Phase I SmartSlope used 1 million pounds of concrete (998,918 lbs), a significantly lower carbon footprint. Much less reinforcement strap was necessary compared to a traditional geogrid gravity system. The strap is Paraweb 30. Filter fabric was also used due to the poor drainage qualities of the clay soils. Typically this is not a necessary component of SmartSlope. The strap length is also project specific. Due to its scale Dakota Crossing represents a scenario that exceeds typical engineering needs. Gravel #57 stone wedge was used behind the wall per design. A plate compactor, vibratory roller, skid-steer Bobcat, and large earthmover were all used for the wall excavation and installation. Once the topsoil soil is added planting is done by hand.
Plants & Soil The plants were chosen specifically for their high evapotranspiration characteristics. Andropogon virginicus (Virginia Bluestem), Muhlenbergia capillaries 'white cloud' (Muhly Grass), and Pennisetum alo52
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Special bio-retention soils were chosen, because of their ability to retain water longer and their ability to aid in the quality treatment of the runoff. On a standard SmartSlope wall topsoil is used. THE PRODUCT SmartSlope offers a replacement of hardscape with landscape without sacrificing structural capacity to stabilize slopes. SmartSlope provides equivalent structural integrity of structural retaining walls while utilizing biomimicry techniques and restoring environmental and aesthetic benefits - local production, lower carbon footprint, nutrient uptake, heat island mitigation, habitat creation, and aesthetic appeal. SmartSlope also contributes points to LEED certification. 10-18 points can be achieved by utilizing SmartSlope in a project. As Michael McKelvin of Griffith Brothers, who has installed large commercial SmartSlope projects remarked, “SmartSlope offers the owner a viable, green solution to their hardscape package. The structural capacity offers the developer and civil engineer options when beginning to layout a new project that they may not have considered previously�. Furthermore, the Chesapeake Bay Seed Capital Fund, administered by the Maryland Technology Enterprise Institute (Mtech), a unit of the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, awarded Furbish Company $81,000 in 2010 to be used towards developing SmartSlope. Fund recipients are jointly selected by Mtech and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The fund invests $250,000 annually. The goal of the fund is to accelerate the flow of capital to innovative ventures creating sustainable solutions to restoring the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. This partnership has been fundamental to SmartSlope and January / February / March 2013 January/February/March 2013
continues to thrive today. Dakota Crossing showcases SmartSlope as much more than a retaining wall, but as an integrated system and fundamental solution in mitigating site constraints, as well as a product that delivers numerous interconnected benefits - environmental, aesthetic, and combining form with function. provided by Jimmy Dick, Furbish Co., jdick@smartslope.com 434-874-7465
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. Plates can be ordered online, or in the mail using forms downloaded from the Virginia Loves Trees website (www.valovestrees.org ).
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
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 $67.90, includes tax and shipping
to $25,000 per year. She noted that the VGIC name and image are powerful across the state.
VNLA - Board Meeting Minutes Tuesday, January 8, 2013, 1-5 pm Baltimore Convention Center, Room 334
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
Noon - New Board Member Orientation 1:00 p.m. - Meeting Call to Order Steve Grigg, Pres. With the following present: Bill Gouldin, Matt Sawyer, Matt Shreckhise, Sonya Westervelt, Cheryl Lajoie, Christopher Brown, Doug Hensel, Tom Thompson, Lorene Blackwood, Jim Owen, Craig Attkisson, Sandy Miller, Virginia Rockwell, Jeff Miller, and Mark Maslow 4:30 pm
The joint committee would work to resolve details on how things would work on funding, coordination, etc., and to make a wise transition and determine why the VGIC should be a part of the VNLA. It was also suggested that consideration should be given to reaching out to other groups.
VNLA Dashboard Metrics Current Membership Membership 1 year ago 12/11 Peak Membership (2008)
518 565 632
Current VCH Count VCH Count 1 Year ago 12/11
549 542
Total Income YTD Nov’12 Budget Year Total Income YTD Nov’11
398,024 399,311 355,574
Total Expenses YTD Nov’12 Budget Year Total Expenses YTD Nov’11
294,504 391,150 294,802
1:10 p.m. Virginia Green Industry Council/VNLA Partnership Proposal - Lorene Blackwood, President of the VGIC gave a brief history of the relationship of the VGIC and the VNLA. The VNLA helped start and fund the VGIC since the beginning. The VNLA used to fund the VGIC up VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 53
She suggested that a committee from the VNLA work with the VGIC and Roger Harris to bring the whole industry under one umbrella. The seat that would be appointed from the VNLA would head up the VGIC. This would facilitate a unified voice on legislative and regulatory issues, and marketing programs (Plant More Plants) would be more effective. Legislative and environmental issues are quite often tied together. The green industry is fragmented and strength in numbers is needed to unify under one banner.
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A motion was made for the VNLA Executive Committee to be the liaison committee, seconded and passed. The Virginia Tech CALS Departments could be involved via providing information and background and the association could be advocates for VT needs. Secretary’s Report - Matt Shreckhise requested approval of minutes of 10/18/12 Board Meeting, Ashland. A motion was made to approve the minutes as presented, seconded, passed.
Treasurer’s Report - Matt Shreckhise (emailed reports) reviewed the highlights of the financial reports. A
motion to approve the financial reports was made, seconded and passed.
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President’s Update - Steve Grigg reported: The Strategic Plan had been generally reviewed via a conference call with Christine Kennedy on Thursday, and she will make a revised plan to review at the February 27 meeting. Steve thanked the board for all of groundwork that had been laid for the future of the VNLA.
Renewal of HMA contract - The Executive Committee had reviewed the current contract, reexamined the position and added additional responsibilities. A new contract for 2013-2015 has been revised and approved by Horticulture Management Associates LLC and the VNLA Executive Committee and was signed by HMA and Steve Grigg on January 8, 2013. IRS audit - the audit of the 2009 tax year has been completed with everything in order and we are
awaiting the final report letter from the IRS. Expanded board size was discussed and the consensus was to continue with the at-large members. Key person Insurance - The Executive Committee added this insurance provision for next year and is included in the 2013 budget and the executive director is in the process of getting final quotes to implement the policy. VTC - Steve reported that he had several calls with the VTC and they should be continued; and it was the consensus that the Turfgrass Council should be invited to Board meetings. Succession Plan is being established and a compilation of procedures and history are being compiled by the executive director for continuity. Board Member Job Description
updates were discussed and it was the consensus that Sonya and Jeff would review and edit the current descriptions in the next 2 weeks and send the revised version to Board to review and respond by the end of January. Executive Director Update - Jeff Miller (Report e-mailed and attached)
Committee Reports: Legislation - Virginia Rockwell reviewed upcoming legislative and regulatory issues for 2013.
She noted that Delegate Hope’s bill probably won’t come up.
Invasive plant regulations, TMDL, and other hearings will have VNLA representation whenever possible.
VAC State Policies meeting in November was attended by Virginia Rockwell and Jeff Miller. Virginia tried to insert “landscape” whenever appropriate in policies.
Ad - Johnston County Nursery Marketing Association
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VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
Storm water issues will be addressed in 2013 with responsibilities moving from DCR to DEQ. Obama heath care will be a big issue for employers to address in 2013. The maximum employee contribution has been set at 9.5% of their income and the employer doesn’t have to pay for family health care. The SNA has an online summary of the Healthcare bill as currently interpreted. Virginia Rockwell, encourage members to participate in in National Ag Statistics Census of Agriculture. A motion was made to send an E-Blast to members to encourage completion of the survey, seconded and passed. Virginia thanked the Board for the funding assistance of the APLD DC VA MD Seminar which was re-scheduled for 1/24/13. She noted that the APLD had been asked to host the 2014 international conference. Environmental Affairs - Tom Thompson reported on a member concern about alliances with environmental groups and that he had received a written response from the executive director that the VNLA is just working to create a forum for discussion and feedback on environmental issues. He will follow up with a call to determine what the specific member concerns are.
reported:
Invasive Species Report - Feral swine and nutria rats are becoming an invasive animal issue in the southern part of Virginia. LEED Classes are scheduled for June 20 and 21 with a mock exam on July 11 with a fee of $100 for the class and $50 for the mock exam. The contract agreement with deposit will be completed and the classes will be reschedule if have to cancel on these dates. Certification - Cheryl Lajoie
Tests and Review Classes were scheduled and registrations were coming in for these. Online review by video for the review classes is still being considered on the best format and how to proceed. Certification Study Manual revisions are being studied and Cheryl has had discussions on putting the manual online with Dave Close. Cheryl will go to Blacksburg to meet with him in the near future. Legacy VCH membership was discussed and will be reviewed by the committee. Public Relations - Sonya Westervelt
Field Day and Summer Tour 2013 plans are well underway. A site visit in early December was made by Sonya, Sandy and Jeff to review facilities at Brent & Becky’s Bulbs. They are being very pro-active, reviewing potential speakers and summer tour sites, possibly a Williamsburg behind the scenes tour. A possible collaboration with other association/groups for the tour was also discussed. Most of the plans for these events should be confirmed by the end of February. Research - Matt Sawyer
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2013 Research Gala/Auction reported that everything was set for the event at the Tir Na Nog Restaurant, same as last year, with the Skyla Burrell Band performing. Ticket sales are just a little behind last year and the guarantee has been adjusted down some. Research balances of investments have been improving over this past year. Christopher Brown is coming on the research committee. Promotion of auction items ahead of time is a committee goal January/February/March 2013
January / February / March 2013
for next year. Beautiful Gardens Report - Doug Hensel reviewed the report from Lisa Lipsey, the Beautiful Garden’s program director. Challenges are going to continue, but with no breeding program in Virginia and no plant finder person for new plants, finding and evaluating new introductions is a slow process. There will be a BG Committee meeting on Wednesday at 3 pm in Room 334. Membership - Jeff Miller Dues Categories and VCH staff Jeff explained a new policy for the number of VCH staff that can be had under each dues category. Active membership: A1 membership category allows 1 VCH staff; A2 membership category allows 2 VCH staff; and A3 membership allows 3 VCH staff. Associate Membership allows 1 VCH staff and Allied Membership allows 2 VCH staff. MANTS Update - Danny Shreckhise - reported that MANTS is a well-run show. This year, there are:
107 new exhibitors 984 exhibitors, 1530 booths Mobile app 5,017 room nights 1st time in 3 years with over 5,000, Over 100 comp rooms for show staff Over 7,300 pre-registered attendees, up over last year 10,940 last year total attendees
Old Business - None New Business
Request from Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center for contributions to support the start of their new greenhouse program. Matt Shreckhise will meet with the Center to find out more details about their program and report back to the February 27 VNLA Board Meeting.
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ANLA Dolibois HRI Award - A motion was made to contribute $500 to the ANLA HRI Susan & Bob Dolibois Key Award Fund in recognition of the retirement of Bob Dolibois after successfully leading the ANLA and our industry for twenty-two years, seconded and passed.
CRITICAL ACTION ITEMS (based on strategic plan) 1. Enhance certification program - Cheryl Lajoie, Tom Thompson, Matt Sawyer a. Online reviews b. Standardized testing format across professional organizations c. Certification Manual revisions/online 2. Identify VNLA Legislative Priorities and Agendas - Virginia Rockwell, Matt Shreckhise, Steve Grigg
a. Identify areas of concern for membership b. Proactively educate legislators on the size/impact of green industry c. Solicit VAC for aide in legislative issues d. Network with our legislators 3. Public Relations and Communications - Mark Maslow, Sonya Westervelt, Jeff Miller a. Increase participation in the grower’s guide and enhance the publication TASK LIST FOR NEXT MEETING 1. Job Descriptions updates 2. Key person insurance 3. Executive Board meet and discuss VGIC partnership 4. Search out another board member Adjourn - Being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:56 p.m.
Upcoming Events
VNLA Spring Board Meeting, February 27, 2013, Charlottesville (Strategic Plan Review with Christine Kennedy) VNLA Summer Board Meeting, June 8, Blacksburg (in conjunction with the Hahn Garden Gala) VNLA 2014 Budget Meeting mid-October VNLA Fall Board Meeting late October
Strategic Plan Follow up Pre-Mortem: It’s 2013 and we’re reconvening to talk about what we didn’t accomplish. What caused us to fail or not succeed with the planning goals and objectives we set today? Good to Great calls this process Red Flagging. Build red flag mechanisms that turn information into information
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January / February / March 2013 January/February/March 2013
Hardy,
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
Founded over a century ago, Sherman Nursery continues to offer the finest selection of
that can’t be ignored.
show and attended 3 seminars:
We will fail if….
We don’t change our process No follow-through No inspect of what we expect Our tasks don’t change our outcomes- do our actions make a better VNLA? Certification implemented online but not matching changes in manual Not aligning resources with priorities No pipeline for board or committees **Attach these to each board agenda to keep these red flags from being ignored.
Executive Director’s Report Membership and Certification - As mentioned in the last report, we’ve still had quite a few members pay dues in the last 2 months after we had sent notices to VCH individuals that their employer had not renewed their dues for 2012. We are starting an FAQ page for certification to address these questions. Re-Certification renewals and CEU reports have been rolling in during the last several weeks now that everyone is slowing down some. 2013 Test Registrations - there is still the usual confusion on VCH test and class registration on needing to be a member of the regional association and the VNLA and that being a Virginia Certified Horticulturist is a benefit of being a VNLA member or working for a VNLA member. Represented the VNLA at the Virginia Agribusiness Council (VAC) State Policy and Annual meeting in November with Virginia Rockwell. On the same trip, also attended the Virginia Society of Association Executives annual meeting and trade VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 57
Emerging Technologies for Non Profits Treasure Hunting: Smart Strategies for Growing Ad, Sponsorship and Other Non-dues Revenue A Small Association CEO Shared Interest Group (SIG) with a discussion of management issues Attended the VAC Townhall meeting in Abingdon in November Participated in two Nursery & Landscape Association Executives (NLAE) webinars:
How to Create Your Company’s Employee Handbook
Crisis Management in the Lawn and Landscape Industry
was a net decrease in line listings of 76 from 4056 listings in 2012 to 3980 listings on 2013. Office Operational Info - started compiling lists of resources for materials, vendors, account info, event procedures/guidelines, etc. in one document.
Landscape Management Seminar in partnership with Carter Machinery and Caterpillar did not work out. PCI Credit Card Processing certification being setup (this will reduce processing fees slightly and will insure total security on credit card processing through the website and by fax, phone, and mail paper trails when completed.) Jeff Miller, Executive Director
Website upgrades in the works: Adding the Re-Certification Application to the Online store Setting up Google Analytic reports for the website Upgrading the Events listing with something similar to the Google iCalendar. Adding photo galleries from events Determining feasibility and cost of having online Certification testing anytime. Consumer access to looking up members with Virginia Certified Horticulturist on staff. (Currently is on the consumer website www.VirginiaGardening.com which has had some hosting software changes and this look up is not fully operational now. It also requires manual updates each time there is a change in member/VCH status changes. Membership - develop a color membership brochure with benefits and association info and then use the application as an insert as it changes in 2013.
Grower Guide - two growers were dropped and two were added. There January/February/March 2013
January / February / March 2013
VNLA - Minutes Membership Meeting Thursday, January 10, 2013, 7-9 am Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel, Harborview Room 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
7:00 a.m. Breakfast 7:25 a.m. - Meeting Call to Order Steve Grigg, Pres. Secretary’s Report - Matt Shreckhise asked for a motion for approval of the minutes of 1/12/2012 Annual Membership Meeting which were published in the Jan/Feb/Mar 2012 VNLA Newsletter. A motion was made, seconded and passed.
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Treasurer’s Report - Matt Shreckhise reviewed the current financial reports which were on the tables and reviewed the proposed 2013 VNLA Budget. A motion was made for approval of financial reports and 2013 Budget President’s Update - Steve Grigg Boxwood Blight Research - Steve asked Tom Saunders to report on the status of the Boxwood Blight Research. Tom thanked the VNLA for committing $12,500 in 2012 and again in 2013 for research by Dr. Kelly Ivors at NCSU. North Carolina and West Virginia had also contributed equal amounts. There was a report on the research on the tables.
Virginia Green Industry Council - the VNLA Executive Committee is in discussions on how the two groups can work more effectively together on legislative issues.
IRS Audit - The VNLA had an IRS audit for the 2009 tax year resulting in no issues other than updating the name on the return and listing the website on the return.
Expanded Board - three new atlarge board members were added in 2012 and there are 2 new board members coming on for 2013 to cover successions in the board.
Key Man Insurance - the board has budgeted to add key man insurance to cover the executive director. Contract Renewal - the management contract with the executive director, Jeff Miller, through his management company, Horticulture Management Associates LLC, has been renewed for another 3 years.
Strategic Plan - the VNLA Board will be reviewing and updating the 2012 strategic plan at the February 27 board meeting in Charlottesville. ANLA Update - Joe Bischoff gave a brief update on the current legislative issues facing the green industry in 2013 with immigration being a big issue with potential for some action this year. He thanked the VNLA for supporting the
He introduced Michael Geary, the new Executive VP of the ANLA who has replaced Bob Dolibois after 21 years as the ANLA EVP. He explained the ongoing process on the tentative merger of the OFA and the ANLA which would be effective in 2014. SNA Update - Danny Summers reported on the transition of the Southern Nursery Association and their commitment to work with the 16 states in the SNA southeast region and they want to continue to support and complement the goals of these states and to bring the industry in the Southeast together. There will be a completely revamped SNA trade show and conference on August 5-7, at a hotel at the Atlanta Airport. The first day will be the Southern Plant Conference, then the trade show and a State Officers Conference. The GGIA will host some educational events. And Meister Publications with be the key sponsor. The 3rd edition of the Nursery BMP manual would be available online for free use and will have English and Spanish versions. Virginia Tech Horticulture Department faculty has been instrumental in the updates of this manual. The SNA awarded 12 scholarships to students in 2012 and three were from Virginia.
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LEED Classes are scheduled for June 20-21, 2013 (8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Richmond and a Mock Exam will be given on July 11. He noted that completing this course and the exam will benefit landscape contractors working on jobs with LEED requirements. Certification - Cheryl Lajoie Tests and Review Classes are starting in January with a good response so far.
Online review by video is still being investigated and talks are in progress with Dave Close at Virginia Tech on making the Basic Certification Manual available online in an eBook format.
Recertification applications will be available to complete online and linked to the member’s database later this month.
Legislation - Virginia Rockwell reported on upcoming issues and activities for 2013:
Invasive plants - continues to be an ongoing issue and the VNLA has several members involved in attending various meetings.
Transportation, Budget and Bay issues will be major items that the General Assembly will be addressing this year.
Plant Baskets - these will be delivered on February 7 to the 140 members of the General Assembly, the Governor and state Department Heads with information about the green industry’s economic impact in the Commonwealth. The baskets will have blooming and Virginia native January / February / March 2013 January/February/March 2013
USDA Ag Census - Virginia urged everyone who receives the 2012 Ag Census to complete and return it as soon as possible. This is the only viable source for green industry economic statistics and we need the most complete and accurate information as possible.
Environmental Affairs - Tom Thompson Invasive Species Legislation Report - there hasn’t been much activity on this front this year after concerns in Northern Virginia were mitigated in 2012.
Committee Reports:
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plants.
Lighthouse Program partnership.
Public Relations - Sonya Westervelt - Jeff Miller reported for Sonya the Field Day and Summer Tour 2013 where scheduled for August 8-9, 2013 and will be hosted by Brent & Becky’s Bulbs in Gloucester, VA. Sonya and Jeff have meet with them in early December, and plans are well underway for a memorable event. Research - Matt Sawyer 2013 Research Gala/Auction VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
was a successful event with a net of over $8,000 to be added to the permanent Research Fund and he thanked everyone’s participation and support. For 2014, they will try to ramp up the Gala to return to a dressier event, open bar and rebuild the excitement of the event.
Research Grants 2013 - The Research Committee approved 9 of 15 grant requests for $52,409 in requests and actual funding of $27,789.
Beautiful Gardens Report - Lisa Lipsey reported: Plants of Distinction - 2013 plants were selected for their gold characteristics. Posters have been printed and will be distributed to participating garden centers in February. 2014 POD will be native selections and 2015 POD will be new “Wow” plants. Members are encouraged to nominate plants for the Plants of Distinction promotions.
New Introductions - the next introduction will be the Raulston Remembered Hellebore developed by Judith and Dick Tyler with Pine Knot Farms and it is now in the test sites under evaluation. There is a yellow deciduous Magnolia that has performed well for several years in the test site. There are three triploid daylilies under evaluation and we received a patent on the new ‘VT Spirit’ Daylily in October 2012. ‘VT Spirit’ Daylily is being produced by Growing Virginia in Danville, Poplar Ridge Farms and Lancaster Farms and plants will be available in May 2013. Licensing agreements are being developed for licensing propagation with a royalty fee coming back to the Beautiful Gardens program. There was approximately $19,000 in income from the ‘VT Spirit’ in 2012. 2013 Marketing - There will be
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 59
3 ads in the Virginia Gardening magazine this spring featuring the 2013 Plants of Distinction and ten garden centers that will have some of these plants. MANTS Update - Danny Shreckhise reported that the show was a welloiled machine. The show continues to be sold out with a waiting list of exhibitors. Hotel room nights are up over last year. VA Tech Horticulture Department Roger Harris gave an update from the Department and CALS thanking the VNLA for their support. In December the college had 80 graduates and they expect 300 graduates in May. There are 2,700 undergrads and 130 in the 2year Ag Tech program. The Horticulture department is doing their planning for the next six years. The enrollment continues to be flat with 85 undergraduate students. He introduced Dr. Alex Niemiera, Dr. Joyce Latimer, Dr. Holly Scoggins, Sarah Gugercin and Lisa Lipsey from the Blacksburg campus and Dr. Pete Schultz and Dr. Jim Owen from the Virginia Tech Hampton Roads AREC. Dr. Scoggins invited everyone to participate in the annual Hahn Horticulture Garden Gala on June 8 with the theme of ‘Wine and Roses’. Necrology - A moment of reflection was held in remembrance of Dr. Bonnie Appleton and Nick Covatta who passed away in 2012. Old Business - None New Business - None Awards Presentations Environmental Steward Award - presentation by Tom Thompson to Tom Saunders, Saunders Brothers, Piney River, VA Professional of the Year Award - presentation by Steve Grigg to Dr. Holly Scoggins, Virginia Tech Department of Horticulture and Director of the Hahn Horticulture
January/February/March 2013
January / February / March 2013
Gardens Other - John Barbieri - was presented a Certificate of Appreciation by Steve Grigg for his 4 years of service on the VNLA Board as Membership Chair. Elections of 2013 Officers and Directors - Mark Maslow presented the following slate of officers and directors for 2013. Matt Sawyer, President Matt Shreckhise, Vice President Sonya Westervelt, Secretary/Treasurer Steve Grigg, Past President Cheryl Lajoie, 1 year Director Virginia Rockwell, 1 year Director Christopher Brown, 1 year Director Craig Attkisson, 2 year Director Tom Thompson, 2 year Director Doug Hensel, 2 year Director At-Large Directors Mike Hildebrand Dawn Lerch Bill Gouldin Mark Maslow Being no nominations from the floor, it was moved that the slate be accepted as presented, seconded, and passed. 2013 VNLA President, Matt Sawyer present outgoing President, Steve Grigg, with a past president’s plaque in appreciation of his service Comments - 2013 President - Matt Sawyer said he looked forward to serving as the 2013 VNLA President and asked members to provide input on any suggestions or questions for the VNLA in 2013.
Adjourn - Being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 a.m. UPCOMING VNLA EVENTS VNLA Spring Board Meeting, February 27, 2013, Charlottesville (Strategic Plan Review with Christine Kennedy) VNLA Field Day and Summer Tour, August 8-9, 2013 Hosted by Brent & Becky’s Bulbs
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VNLA - Certification FAQ
2. Do I have to be a member of the VNLA to take the VCH test? Registrants need to be a member for VNLA to receive a badge and Certificate for passing the test. Nonmembers do not receive these. This is a member benefit. Anyone can take the test, however it is much more expensive as a nonmember.
Certification Testing and Preparation
3. Why do I have to pay a additional fees for classes and membership in the regional association? 1. Why should I be Virginia Certified VNLA is your state organization Horticulturist? and "owns" the certification You are recognized as a trained program. VNLA is paid for the horticulture professional with a testing and manuals. CVNLA, knowledge of the industry NVNLA, PLA, HRNLA are your Career advancement local /regional organizations, and Pride and confidence in self are separate organization from and work VNLA. To help members (of both Increased teamwork organizations) pass the test - local Demonstrates commitment to or regional associations offer the profession review classes at their expense. Enhance employability and They have to pay instructors, find advancement classroom space, maintain The VCH designation means materials, supply their own you are qualified to offer computers and plant slides and sound scientific horticultural often get guest speakers. This is a advice to clients, retail member benefit so a member gets customers, nursery sales, the benefit of lower fees - usually landscape installation, even in paying for itself just in this single lawn or maintenance use. As a member you would be environments. able to take advantage of lower member rates at all meetings, Creates opportunities to conferences etc. Some are available network with other likeminded ONLY to members. professionals
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Gain exposure to a wider range of educational programs, events and those involved with them. VCH certification is recognized and accepted throughout the State of Virginia. You will be qualified to stamp and approve engineer, landscape architect, or design plans requiring plants. This is now a requirement by most Virginia City planning boards. Order online at: http://vnla.org/Certification/St udyManualsCDsSupplies/tabid /6821/Default.aspx
4. What do I need to do to register for taking a VCH test? You need to register for the Test at least two weeks before the date of the actual test. A Test application provided on the website needs to be completed and mailed or faxed to the VNLA office along with payment. 5. How is the test given? The test is given at pre-determined sites around Virginia. Refer to the VNLA Certified Horticulturist Test Schedule. The exam is proctored. You need to bring a picture id and #2 pencils. Do not bring personal January / February / March 2013 January/February/March 2013
belongings such as purses and backpacks to the test. 6. How do I study for the test? Students can make their own study guide by Googling plant images, printing out color copies and placing them in sheet protectors in a notebook. The process itself will help familiarize you with plants as you chose whichever photos you connect with plant names/details. The Virginia Tech dendrology site is an excellent source to start with. The Horticopia A-Z CD is also recommended and is available on the VNLA website at a member discount. http://vnla.org/Certification/Study ManualsCDsSupplies/tabid/6821/Default.aspx Go over the questions in the manual. Although they are in a different format - the questions are still pertinent - you should include them in building a study guide -if you know the answer in the manual - you'll know the answer on the test. If you can't answer any question - take that as a hint you may need to re-read the chapter. You need to understand the information, not memorize the questions, so in that case being asked information different ways will increase your understanding of the material. 7. When and how will we be notified of pass/fail on the test? The tests are overnighted from the test site and are graded at the VNLA office as soon as they arrive. After grading, the test results are entered into the database. Results will be emailed to you as soon as these are entered. Although it usually takes less time, please allow 2 weeks for this process. If you do not have an email your test results will be mailed to you.
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
What is the passing grade? What if I fail some parts but pass the others? You need to pass each section with at least a 70% and you must have an overall average score of at least 75%. You only need to retake those parts you did not pass. Your letter will have a list of your scores and a note of which sections you need to retake at the bottom which gives you one free retake, good for one year. You will still need to register for the next test you will be sitting at - but make a note on your retake test application that you have a retake coupon. 8. How do members receive the VCH certificate and badge if they passed the exam? The certificate will be mailed to your home address, as soon as the pass/fail information has been entered and the certificates printed. Badges will follow in the mail 4-6 weeks later. Make sure the information on your registration form shows how you would like your name to be printed and where we should mail it. Reconsider using work information if it may delay delivery or you have multiple sites. 9. How do I stay certified? To protect your certification, you must maintain active membership in VNLA. You also must continue to add to your education and professionalism. CEU's are Continuing Education Units.. You can get these by attending seminars, conferences, and workshops - just to name a few. A reporting form and list of acceptable CEU's is available at http://vnla.org/portals/29/docs/Cert ification/CEUReportForm2011.pdf You need to accrue 30 credits every three years. This averages to 10 per year. If you do not keep your CEU's current and reported - your certification will lapse and you will need to take & pass the test again. You will receive a letter listing
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 61
your CEU status once a year - usually in the fall. 10. How do I re-certify? Once every 3 years, you will need to turn in your CEU report along with copies of your supporting paperwork. (It is recommended that you turn in your CEU report each year) You will also need to include the re-certification fee of $30 and a completed recertification application which you can now do online http://tinyurl.com/bxa2nys (you will need to login into your VNLA account). We recommend keeping a folder or notebook to collect a record of activities & events you attend. When you prepare your CEU report you will have event materials at hand. 11. Who do I contact if I have questions? You should start with the Chairman of the Certification Committee, who's contact information is:
Cheryl Lajoie, Cheryl@lancasterfarms.com, 757-484-4421. She will be able to respond and have an answer for you.
You may also send your questions to VNLA email VCH@vnla.org, 1-800-476-0055, or fax 540-382-2716
Events - Virginia Tech Hahn Garden Gala 9th Annual Garden Gala June 8, 2013 “Wine & Roses”
Join us at the Hahn Horticulture Garden at Virginia Tech for an evening of wine and roses - the most romantic Gala yet! Enjoy terrific food, drinks, and live music, all in a beautiful setting. A tasting of Virginia wines is planned. The live and silent auctions grow more exciting each year - and all for a good cause. Proceeds benefit the garden’s operations fund which critical for garden maintenance and improvements. This in turn benefits the students of Horticulture and the greater gardening community, through hands-on experience, educational programs, and other outreach. The Gala is always held the second Saturday in June; this year it is June 8th, from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. More information and a ticket order form is available on our web site www.hort.vt.edu/hhg. Gala sponsorships are a great (and taxdeductible) way to show your support of the garden, and all levels receive complimentary tickets. It’s very easy to become a sponsor - please visit our web site for Sponsorship forms, or contact: Dr. Holly Scoggins at (540) 231-5783 o hollysco@vt.edu.
News - 2012 Census of Agriculture It’s VERY important for you to complete this census form because it produces important economic impact numbers the green industry needs! January/February/March 2013
January / February / March 2013
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March 27 Presented By Waynesboro Parks & Recreation Department in conjunction with Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association Dan Heims
W here Gardening Comes Naturally
Garden Gems & New Perennials from Around the World
Since 1973, Dan Heims has been deeply involved in all facets of horticulture. He’s currently the president of Terra Nova Nurseries, Inc. - a company noted for countless new perennial introductions. Dan’s work and garden has been featured in USA Today, Forbes, Better Homes and Gardens, Sunset Magazine and Organic Gardening. His first presentation highlights some of the newest, most exciting perennials, tropicals and woodies seen today pulled together from world-wide trips, botanical gardens, plant shows, and nurseries. Dan’s second presentation will be on new perennials from around the world. Meet the movers and shakers from ten horticultural countries (Japan, China, Germany, Tasmania, Australia, US, Holland, England, Ireland & New Zealand) and find out what plants they love.
Pam Baggett
Cultivating the Garden Artist Within
Pam Baggett is a freelance writer, photographer, and previous owner of Singing Springs Nursery in Cedar Grove, NC, a nationally-known mail-order nursery specializing in tender and hardy tropical plants. A member of the Garden Writers Association, she has written articles in publications including Fine Gardening, Horticulture and The American Gardener. She is the author/ photographer of ¡Tropicalismo! Spice Up Your Garden with Cannas, Bananas, and 93 Other Eye-Catching Tropical Plants. Imagine the possibilities for our gardens if we could train ourselves to see the world through an artist’s eyes. The gardener’s palette would then expand to include not just dirt and plants but everything around us, because whether we’re at our favorite nursery or trapped in the grocery check-out line, we can be teaching ourselves to be better garden designers.
Peter Hatch
Thomas Jefferson’s Favorite Garden Plants
Peter Hatch is the retired Director of Gardens and Grounds at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s historic home in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was responsible for the restoration, maintenance and interpretation of the 2,400-acre site, including the landscaping, vegetable gardens, vineyard and orchards, since 1977. Hatch has written extensively on Jefferson’s gardens and lectured in thirtyfive states, on Jefferson and the history of garden plants. Thomas Jefferson’s legacy still influences food and gardening today. Peter’s lecture will take us back to the horticultural world of early nineteenthcentury Virginia through a fresh look at Jefferson’s favorite fruits, vegetables, shrubs, trees and flowers. He will share techniques to grow and prepare these treasured gems for today’s modern garden.
Bryce Lane
Beautiful Bushes: Super Shrubs for the Landscape
A dynamic speaker who hosts the Emmy-winning show “In the Garden with Bryce Lane” on UNC TV. He is a national awardwinning instructor in the Department of Horticultural Science at N.C. State University. A perennially popular teacher, Lane has earned the university’s Outstanding Teacher Award three times. When it comes to choosing plants for a landscape, trees and herbaceous perennials get all the attention. Any landscape would be incomplete without woody shrubs. This talk will identify some of the best shrubs for the landscape garden and show how they can be used with many other kinds of plants.
For More Information:
540-942-6735 • parksandrec@ci.waynesboro.va.us
www.waynesboro.va.us
VNLA Newsletter
January / February / March 2013
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Plan to visit, thank and support all of the sponsors and exhibitors, January 9-11, who continue to make
MANTS 2013 The Masterpiece of Trade Shows ®
™
CHARLES STREET LOBBY Proven Winners Booth #: CSL-A • Hall: CSL www.provenwinners.com
Belgard Hardscapes Booth #: CSL-B & 422 • Hall: CSL www.belgard.biz
GOLD Angelica Nurseries Booth #: 333, 335 • Hall: F www.angelicanurseries.com
Everris Booth #: 511, 513 • Hall: G www.everris.us.com Foxborough Nursery Booth #: 726, 823 • Hall: G www.foxboroughnursery.com
SILVER (Alpha by Category) Cambridge Pavingstones Booth #: 2646, 2648 • Hall: B www.cambridgepavers.com
BADGE LANYARDS INTERIOR PLANTINGS
Aqua Bella Designs Booth #: 2438, 2440 • Hall: C www.aquabelladesigns.com
Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits Booth #: 1032 • Hall: H www.hortica-insurance.com
Montgomery College Landscape Technology Program Booth #: Lower Pratt Lobby • Hall: LP cms.montgomerycollege.edu INTERNET CAFÉ BANNER Haifa North America Booth #: 1705 • Hall: J www.haifa-group.com REGISTRATION STAIR WRAP Capital Forest Products Booth #: 535, 537 • Hall: F www.capitalforest.com
The Perennial Farm Booth #: 539, 541 • Hall: F www.perennialfarm.com
SHUTTLE BUS SPONSOR Olney Gardens Wholesale • Booth #: 164 • Hall: E • www.olneygardenswholesale.com
AKEHURST MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP Babikow Greenhouses (2 Scholarships) • Booth #: 2402, 2404 • Hall: D • www.babikow.com Le Primitif Galleries • Booth #: 18, 19, 20 • Hall: G • www.leprimitifgalleries.com
BENCH SPONSORS Bennett’s Creek Nursery (2 benches) • Booth #: 1328, 1330 • Hall: H • www.bcnursery.com David’s Nursery • Booth #: 828, 830 • Hall: H • www.davidsnursery.com Foxborough Nursery • Booth #: 726, 823 • Hall: G • www.foxboroughnursery.com King’s Tree Farm • Booth #: 1106 • Hall: I • www.kingstreefarm.com Lancaster Farms • Booth #: 428, 430 • Hall: F • www.lancasterfarms.com May Nursery • Booth #: 1026, 1125 • Hall: I • www.maynursery.com Odom Nursery Company • Booth #: 562, 564 • Hall: E • www.odomnursery.com Phillips & Turman Tree Farms • Booth #: 327 • Hall: G • www.phillipsandturmantreefarms.com Saunders Brothers • Booth #: 424, 426 • Hall: G • www.saundersbrothers.com Surface Nursery • Booth #: 836, 1324 • Hall: J • www.surfacenursery.com Tuckahoe Nurseries • Booth #: 1126, 1227 • Hall: I • www.tuckahoenurseries.com
P.O. Box 818 • Brooklandville, MD 21022 410-296-6959 • 800-431-0066 • fax 410-296-8288
www.mants.com
Mark your calendar: January 8 - 10, 2014 Baltimore Convention Center
Sponsors listed are those who committed and paid by Friday, October 16.
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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
Upcoming Events VNLA Virginia Certified Horticulturist Exam Dates March 18, 2013, Henrico County Government Complex, Richmond, 6-10pm March 23, 2013, Charlottesville, location TBA, 10am-2pm March 30, 2013, Lancaster Farms’ Conference Room, Suffolk, 8amnoon (Basic and Advanced Tests) May 9, 2013, Monroe Technology Center, Leesburg, 10am-2pm June 19, 2013, Lancaster Farms’ Conference Room, Suffolk, 6-9pm (Basic and Advanced Tests)
For test applications, review class schedules and more details go to www.vnla.org February 20, 2013, SHENANDOAH VALLEY NURSERY & GREENHOUSE ASSOC. 2013 Winter Short Course 8 am - 3:30 p.m. at the Workforce Center at Blue Ridge Community College 540665-5699, masutph2@vt.edu February 22, 2013, VIRGINIA CHRISTMAS TREE GROWERS Winter Tree Summit Best Western Inn & Suites, Waynesboro, VA "Experience a Real Tree" secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org 540-382-7310 www.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org
February 23, 2013, VIRGINIA CHRISTMAS TREE GROWERS Winter Tree Summit Carroll County Government Complex, Hillsville, VA "Experience a Real Tree" secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org 540-382-7310 www.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org February 23, 2013, VSLD WINTER MEETING with Stonework: Master Class for Master Designers Charles Luck Stone Studio, Manakin-Sabot, VA http://www.charlesluck.com www.vsld.org February 27, 2013, VNLA SPRING BOARD MEETING Charlottesville, VA 10am-4pm www.vnla.org 800-476-0055 info@vnla.org February 27, 2013, PIEDMONT NATIVE PLANT LANDSCAPE SYMPOSIUM Albemarle County Office Bldg, 5th Street Extended 1600 5th St, Charlottesville, VA 434-296-5841 sstimart@albemarle.org March 6, 2013, ROANOKE TREE CARE WORKSHOP Trees, The Dirty Truth at Virginia Western Community College, Roanoke www.treesvirginia.org March 27, 2013, SHENANDOAH VALLEY PLANT SYMPOSIUM 2013 Best Western Inn & Conference Center, Waynesboro, 8 am-4 pm Sponsored by the Waynesboro Parks & Recreation Dept. and the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association 540-942-6735 parksandrec@ci.waynesboro.va.us www.waynesboro.va.us
April 22, 2013, EARTH DAY Contact Mother Earth April 26, 2013, VIRGINIA ARBOR DAY www.VirginiaGreen.org
540-382-0943
June 8, 2013, VIRGINIA TECH HAHN HORTICULTURE GARDEN GALA at Virginia Tech http://www.hort.vt.edu/hhg/ (540) 231-5970 vtgarden@vt.edu June 8, 2013, VNLA SUMMER BOARD MEETING Blacksburg, VA info@vnla.org 800-476-0055 August 5-7, 2013, SNA TRADE SHOW & CONFERENCE Research Conference, Southern Plant Conference, State Officer's Conference, SNA Annual Meeting Atlanta's Georgia International Convention Center (GICC) www.sna.org 678-809-9992 mail@sna.org August 8-9, 2013 VNLA Annual Field Day & Summer Tour hosted by Brent & Becky's Bulbs, Gloucester, VA www.vnla.org FieldDay@vnla.org 800-476-0055 August 22-23, 2013, VIRGINIA CHRISTMAS TREE GROWERS ANNUAL CONFERENCE Holiday Inn, Blacksburg, "Experience a Real Tree" secretary@VirginiaChristmasTrees.org 540-382-7310 www.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org\
For a Current Calendar of all Green Industry Events, go: http://virginiagreen.org/events.htm
April 11, 2013, INTERIOR PLANTSCAPE SYMPOSIUM, by PLANET at Longwood Gardens,
www.landcarenetwork.org/events/ips
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January / February / March 2013 January/February/March 2013
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
National Brands, Homegrown Diversity
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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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