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2014 VNLA Officers & Directors OFFICERS
1 YR DIRECTORS
President MATT SHRECKHISE Communications ‘08 Shreckhise Nurseries PO Box 428 Grottoes, VA 24441-0428 540-249-5761 Matthew@shreckhise.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
Vice President SONYA L. WESTERVELT Public Relations ‘10 Saunders Brothers Inc 2717 Tye Brook Highway Piney River, VA 22964 (434) 277-5455 sonya@saundersbrothers.com
CHRISTOPHER BROWN ‘13
Secretary/ Treasurer Bill Gouldin ‘12 Strange’s Florist/Garden Ctrs 3313 Mechanicsville Pike Richmond VA 23223 804-321-2200x331 wjg@stranges.com Past President MATT SAWYER - Research Bennett’s Creek Nursery ‘07 5635 Shoulders Hill Rd Suffolk, VA 23435-1807 757-483-1425 Matt@bcnursery.com
Executive Director
VNLA Newsletter
TOM THOMPSON, Environmental Affairs ‘10 Natural Art Landscaping 3540 S Belmont Rd Richmond VA 23234-2912 (804) 674-5703 Naturalartlandscaping@yahoo.com
REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Central Virginia Nursery & Landscape Assoc. Greta Bjorkquist Hoyt 804-339-3661 gbjorkquist@jrgm.com Eastern Shore Nurserymen’s Association Stuart Burnley 757-442-3548 hermfarm@verizon.net
DOUG HENSEL Beautiful Gardens ‘08 Great Big Greenhouse & Nrsy 2051 Huguenot Rd Hampton Roads Richmond, VA 23235-4305 Nursery & Landscape Assoc Christopher@lancasterfarms.com 804-320-1317 doug@greatbiggreenhouse.com Wes Bray (757) 422-2117 VIRGINIA ROCKWELL wemows@aol.com Legislation ‘12 CRAIG ATTKISSON ‘13 Gentle Gardener Green Design Grower Guide Northern Virginia PO Box 418 Green Side Up Landscaping Nursery & Landscape Assoc Gordonsville, VA 22942-0418 PO Box 2026 Chuck Wood 540-832-7031 Glen Allen, VA 23058-2026 (703) 641-4790 (cell) 434-531-0467 804-514-4610 craig@gsulandchuck@wheats.com Lancaster Farms 5800 Knotts Neck Rd Suffolk VA 23435-1353 757-484-4421
Virginia@GentleGardener.com
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 JEFFREY B. MILLER Piney River, VA Horticulture Management 22964-2301 Associates LLC 804-277-5455 383 Coal Hollow Road Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Tom@saundersbrothers.com 1-800-476-0055 DANNY SHRECKHISE Fax: 540-382-2716 Shreckhise Nurseries ‘12 info@vnla.org PO Box 428 Grottoes, VA 24441-0428 540-249-5761 Danny@shreckhise.com
VNLA Newsletter
2 YR DIRECTORS
scaping.com
AARON WILLIAMS ‘14 Education Committee Williams Landscape & Design Inc PO Box 7001 Williamsburg VA 23188-7001 757-564-7011 aaron@wldgreen.com
Educational Advisors DR. ROGER HARRIS VA Tech Horticulture Dept. Head Saunders Hall (0327) Blacksburg, VA 24061-0001 540-231-5451 rharris@vt.edu
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
DR. JIM OWEN HARAREC 1444 Diamond Springs Rd Virginia Beach, VA 23455 (757) 363-3804 jim.owen@vt.edu
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Table of Contents Ad - Bennett’s Creek Nursery ...................................... 63 Ad - Bremo Trees......................................................... 64 Ad - Carolina Bark Products ........................................ 45 Ad - Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia....................... 39 Ad - Fair View Nursery ............................................... 45 Ad - Farm Credit .......................................................... 64 Ad - Goodson & Associates ......................................... 53 Ad - Gossett’s Landscape Nursery............................... 41 Ad - Guthrie Nursery ................................................... 15 Ad - Hanover Farms..................................................... 7 Ad - Hardwood Mulch ................................................. 47 Ad - Hawksridge Farms ............................................... 23 Ad - Johnston County Nursery Marketing Assoc ........ 43 Ad - Lancaster Farms ................................................... 37 Ad - Mid-Atlantic Solutions ........................................ 35 Ad - OHP - Marengo.................................................... 2 Ad - Pender Nursery .................................................... 61 Ad - Plantworks Nursery.............................................. 27 Ad - Shreckhise Nurseries............................................ 13 Ad - SiteLight Id .......................................................... 25 Ad - Turtle Creek Nursery ........................................... 11 Ad - Waynesboro Nurseries ......................................... 9 Ad - Willow Springs Tree Farms ................................. 51 Editorial - Another View: Bees .................................... 16 Editorial - Do you feel "”Special”? .............................. 18 Events - Virginia Horticultural Foundation 2015 Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course .... 61 Events - Upcoming Events ........................................... 62 Legislative - Planet Quarterly Legislative Update ...... 39 Letters - CALS & Garden Gala.................................... 9 Letters - FFA Virginia President .................................. 13 Letters - Scoggins: Hahn Horticulture Garden Gala .... 9 Letters - Virginia FFA ................................................. 12 New - Bees and Growing Without Neonicotinoids..... 36 News - Amy Puckett Recipient of David E. Laird Scholarship.......................... 10
Fall Review Class and Test for Virginia Certified Horticulturist Crozet, VA Monday’s, 5:30-8:30 p.m. October 20 – December 8 Exam, Saturday, December 13 Location TBA 4
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News - Dr. Zhang Joins VA Tech HRAREC ............. 26 News - Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments ....................... 38 News - Governor McAuliffe Kicks-off New RMP Program in Weyers Cave ................ 57 News - IA & ASIC Release Revised Landscape BMPs ..................................................................................... 36 News - NVNLA Byron Wates Award ......................... 25 News - Overdevest Nurseries Teams with Celebrity Chef Jonathan Bardzik ................... 24 News - Recent Bee Kill Serves as a Reminder ........... 36 News – Riverbend Nursery Sold to Private Equity Firm ................................... 58 News – Dr. Holly Scoggins & Joel Shuman Honored at Gala ................... 28 News - The 10th Annual Garden Gala ........................ 28 News - VDACS Deputy Commissioner ...................... 38 Obituary - Bruce Nash ................................................. 13 Obituary - Fred Richardson ......................................... 14 Obituary - Kurt Bluemel .............................................. 15 Obituary - Max Quillen ............................................... 14 Research - Nutrient Runoff from Urban Lawns .......... 29 Tips - Become More Productive Immediately ............ 44 Tips - It's Not What You Know ................................... 48 Tips - Lobbying 101 Tips and Suggestions ................ 42 Tips - Nobody Said It Was Easy Networking ............ 46 Tips - Talking Points to Address Lawn Care Issues ... 45 Tips - Workers' Compensation Mitigation Strategies . 48 VNLA - “Plant Something” Member Marketing Program .......................... 19 VNLA - 2014 Virginia Certified Horticulturist ........... 8 VNLA - Minutes Summer Board Meeting .................. 49 VNLA - Bonnie Appleton Memorial Fund................. 27 VNLA - Certification Seal………………………... 8, 61 VNLA - Certification Quiz #69 ................................... 33 VNLA - Certification Quiz Article .............................. 29 VNLA - Summer Tour/Field Day Photos .................... 59 VNLA - New Members ............................................... 7 VNLA – New Certified Horticulturist ......................... 8 VNLA - New VNLA Logo Introduced at Field Day .. 19 VNLA – Newsletter Ad Specs ..................................... 60 VNLA - Photo Contest Winner and Rules .................. 17 VNLA - Profile - Dan Gregg, Grelen Nursery, Grelen Tree Care, & The Market at Grelen ... 20 VNLA – Research Gala/Auction Changes .................. 34 VNLA - Scholarship - Amy Puckett ............................ 10 VNLA - Scholarship - Robert Nance ...........................11
July /August / September 2014 July/August/September 2014
Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
VNLA Mission, Vision and Objectives for 2014
Classified Ads
Mission Statement: To Enhance and promote Virginia’s nursery and landscape industry. Vision: to become the leader and resource for the Virginia nursery and landscape industry.
Objectives Educated, Available Skilled Labor Force - Goal: VNLA will continue to promote programs that will education, train and provide an available skilled labor force. Effective Communication and Advocacy GOAL: VNLA will effepctively communication among staff, board, members, partners and the community. Maximizing and Allocation Resources - GOAL: VNLA will secure increased funding from diverse sources and secure the necessary staff, board and committee members to run a dynamic organization. Membership and Outreach - GOAL: Expand and communicate the value of membership. Stewardship - GOAL: VNLA will promote adoption of Best Management Practices.
Support VNLA Member Growers!
Strategic Marketing - GOAL: VNLA will promote itself as the leader and resource of the green industry.
Online at www.VNLA.org
What are members problems? How are we going to help them become more successful?
New Native Plant Section! For a print copy call 1-800-476-0055 email info@vnla.org
Fall Review Class and Test for Virginia Certified Horticulturist Crozet, VA Monday’s, 5:30-8:30 p.m. October 20 – December 8 Exam, Saturday, December 13 Location TBA VNLA Newsletter
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If you have any suggestions for these regional events or would like to help organize one in your area, please contact me.
Vol. 84, No.3; July/August/September 2014 Editor: Jeff Miller
Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc.
Lastly, I hope everyone noticed our brand spanking new logo on the cover of this newsletter. As mentioned in the last issue of the newsletter, the VNLA has been working 383 Coal Hollow Road; Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 with Access INC, a public relations Internet E-mail Address: info@vnla.org firm in Roanoke, on several initiatives, www.vnla.org (Association Info) the first being the new logo. Thanks to www.VirginiaGardening.com (Consumer Info) Telephone: 540-382-0943 or 1-800-476-0055 Fax: 540-382-2716 committee members Virginia RockDisclaimer: Published for your information, this newsletter is not an well, Mike Hildebrand, Sonya Westerendorsement for individual products or editorial comments. velt and Jeff Miller who guided the creation of the logo and provided valuable input during its development. And thanks of course to Access INC for their vision, creativity and maybe most of all, President’s Message their patience as they worked with us in finding the right logo. Only organizations that are going places get new What a busy summer it has been! As I write this, “The logos. We hope you like it! Future of Horticulture” Field Day at Virginia Tech just All the best this fall, wrapped up and what an awesome event. I’d like to thank the Virginia Tech Horticulture Department for hosting us, our talented speakers, and our sponsors for their support. We had a great turnout and we sincerely appreciate all who attended and participated. By Matt Shreckhise, Earlier this summer, I attended the Southern Nursery Association (SNA) State Officers Conference in Atlanta, GA. States represented were Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. We had great discussions on the state of our industry, how our associations can better serve our current members, and how we can reach out and recruit new members. Our industry’s association’s face many challenges especially since the 2008 recession, but there were many success stories and great ideas shared and hopefully we can all build upon those. A special thanks to Karen and Danny Summers, with the SNA, for hosting the event and especially for their hospitality.
President VNLA 2014 Matthew@shreckhise.com 540-249-5761
We Want to Hear from YOU! Send your comments and suggestions to info@vnla.org 1-800-476-0055
This fall the VNLA board is having a strategic planning retreat in Charlottesville. The strategic plan will help us determine and better define our mission, as well as identify key issues we must address to ensure the success of our members and the relevance of the VNLA in the future. The VNLA is also arranging a happy hour this fall in Richmond with more details coming soon and it will be a great opportunity for members to network, share ideas, and enjoy each other’s company. We are planning to host more social events such as happy hours in other regions in the commonwealth over the next year so stay tuned and we hope to see you in Richmond! 6
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Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
Appointed a committee to proceed with plans for a planning meeting of horticulture thindustry Donald retired from Watkins Nurseagain nest year for out 8 Annual Presidents and/or Executive Diries at age 84 after 35 years. Letters Legislative gold Tournament. rectors to plan for the future of VNLA th - New Members Thank for president supportingofour AnHe wasyou a past the7 Virthe Horticulture Pavilion (beginSincerely, Virginia Agribusiness Council nual Legislative Golf Tournament on ginia Nurseryman's Association ning of the Virginia Green IndusEditor’s Note: The VNLA was a team Welcome to these New VNLA Members for 2014 Juneworked 12 at in Mattaponi Springs Golf and the nursery business try Council). sponsor, prize and give away contributor First Club. We had a terrific response with for nearly 60 years. The General Assembly and a hole sponsor. passed Name Last Name a number Company Name City State 112 players including of Tree Replacement and Tree ConAbove all his accomplishments, Donald elected appointed stateAffordable Landscaping Inc Arbor Day Thanks Charlie Gizzard Norfolk VA servation Ordinances with plantloved andand adored his family. A officials, devoted 18-hole sponsors, three food and beving tothanks be done in accordance with Seth fatherJester Associate ‐ Jester Leesburg VA husband, and grandfather, his Many for the wonderful erage of sponsors and numerous sponlegacy love and faith will live on in the Standardized Landscape Jenna LeBlanc Associate ‐ LeBlanc VA Swamp White New Kent Oak that was donated sorschildren of giftsand and grandchildren prizes. This isand a subhis all Specifications by Arbor the Day VNA, to Lorton Library for this Perry‐Lee Associate ‐ West Norfolk VA stantial from him. past years those who increase knewWest and loved VSLD and VA well ASLA. year. It’s doing and sprouting Kae to yourYowell Bokay Design Co Aylor VA thanks efforts. growth even as I write. passed newThe Research Foundation Visitation was held Friday at Woody's George Harvey Field at Snowden Farm LLC Fredericksburg VA This event is on notHuguenot only a very enjoyFuneral Home Road from the $100,000 level. An article about the ceremonyVA was Joe Korode Garden Delights LLC Hamilton 5able to 8way p.m.toServices were held on Sat-to Advanced Woodies Certification promote agribusiness featured on the library website urday, April 26,Harris at a.m. at BethallLeslie participants, but11:30 it also contributes LH Gardens LLC Charlottesville VA program initiated. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ lehem Church, on toMidlothian to Michael the Baptist Council’s ability represent Traynor MAT Tree & Landscape LLC Midlothian VA . It range was astratelovely lo/oaktreeplanting.htm The first 2-day long Turnpike, with interest graveside services the to our industry’s throughout daygic and I know our neighbors will Chelsea Cromwell Student ‐ Virginia Tech Virginia Beach VA planning meeting was held in follow at Westhampton Memorial Park year with the General Assembly, enjoy the tree for many years. Charlottesville. on Patterson Avenue. Joshua Feltz state Student ‐ NVCC Herndon VA Governor’s office agencies, Sincerely, Lorton County Library The Bylaws were updatedVA to Allissa Bunner Student ‐ ODU Norfolk congressional delegation and the genHome Address: 1305 Knollwood Dr, change the Board from 4 to 7VA dieral public. Our significant accomNorth Chesterfield, VA 23235-4560, Schellee Long Venture Turf Management Yorktown Editor’s Note: Vice-Presiden,, rectors and an Executive Complishments are attributable to the sup(804) 272-1556 provided the treeVA Julie Borneman Watermark Woods Lou Kobus, Hamilton mittee was established. port you provide. Thank you. on behalf of VNLA. (from the Richmond Times Dispatch) We look forward to your joining us He fought proudly in WWII from 1945 to 1947.
VNLA Newsletter
VNLA Newsletter
VNLA –Summer Board Meeting Minutes Friday, June 23, 2006; 9:00 am to 12:30 pm Virginia Room, Hampton Inn, Front Royal, VA 9:00 a.m. Call to Order – Richard Johnson, President called the meeting to order with the following people present: Lizzy Pine, Lesley Pine, Jeff Miller, Bonnie Appleton, Duane Shumaker, Butch Gaddy, and Billy Crigler. Guest Introductions – Bill Dutcher, President of the CVNLA, was introduced and welcomed to the meeting.
Support VNLA Secretary’s Report, Butch Gaddy reported that the minutes had been Member Growers! printed in the VNLA Newsletter and Onlinetoat emailed thewww.VNLA.org Board. A motion was New Native Plant Section! made to accept the minutes, seconded and passed. For a print copy call 1-800-4760055 or email info@vnla.org
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Ad – Hanover Farms Ad Hanover Farms
Support VNLA Member Growers! Online at www.VNLA.org New Native Plant Section! For a print copy call 1-800-476-0055 or email info@vnla.org
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
VNLA Newsletter
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Do you need an official seal for your landscape plans? If you are a VA Certified Horticulturist, order a Stamper from the VNLA Office for $65.95, includes tax and shipping
VNLA - 2014 Virginia Certified Horticulturist Congratulations to New Certified Horticulturist! Name
Allissa Clair Bunner Matthew Cox
Company Name South Riding Nurseries RSG Landscaping & Lawn Care Inc Student ‐ ODU Student ‐ Cox
Beth Gay
Yard‐nique
Todd Hagadone Brad Hughes
Associate ‐ Hagadone Arborscapes LLC Associate ‐ Kniezewski RSG Landscaping & Lawn Care, Inc. JW Townsend Inc State Gardens Associate ‐ Petty JW Townsend Inc Greenleaf Services JW Townsend Inc Arborscapes LLC
Robert Alexander Nathaniel Asselin
Tom Kniezewski Steven May James Miller Laura Murray Alyson Petty Dakota Rothgeb James Sampson IV Geoffrey Shaw Heath Torgerson Perry‐Lee Dale West Kendel White Kae Yowell
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Associate ‐ West Bennett's Creek Nursery Bokay Design Co.
City
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Concord
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Norfolk Fairlawn Mechan‐ icsville Fairfax Powhatan
VA VA
VA VA
Sterling
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Concord
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Charlottesville Vienna Virginia Beach Charlottesville Newport Charlottesville Powhatan
VA VA VA VA DE VA VA
Norfolk
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Suffolk
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Aylor
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Letters - Scoggins: Hahn Horticulture Garden Gala On behalf of the Hahn Horticulture Garden and the Department of Horticulture, thanks so much to the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association for the generous Gold sponsorship of the 2014 Garden Gala. Our gala sponsors are very important partners in our fundraising efforts. It was wonderful to see so many VNLA board members in attendance as well! The 10th annual Garden Gala was a tremendous success, thanks to the generosity of sponsors and auction item donors. We had a record crowd (235!) on hand to enjoy the delightful weather, beautiful gardens, and the food, drinks, music, and fun. More than $15,000 was raised to help with an array of operation expenses — everything from printing our Garden Guide to wages for our student workers. Garden improvements such as new plants, renovated paths, and more help us fulfill our educational mission as a living laboratory for both university students and the community. Again, from all of us that work at, study in, and enjoy the garden, thank you. Please do not hesitate to contact me if there is anything I can do for you, or if you have comments and suggestions that could help the gala and garden in the future.
Dr. Holly Scoggins, Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture Director, Hahn Horticulture Garden
[See additional details of the Garden Gala on page 28]
Letters - CALS & Garden Gala On behalf of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and its students and faculty, we would like to thank you for your recent purchase of tickets to the 10th Annual Garden Gala. The Garden Gala is the most important fundraiser of the year for the garden. The Gala helps provide the funding for operating expenses, including student wages. As you know, the facilities are a tremendous asset to the college, the university, and the community. Your contribution will play an important role in enhancing the garden's educational use. We deeply appreciate your continued support and commitment to the Peggy Lee Hahn Horticulture Garden and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. If you should have any questions concerning the Peggy Lee Hahn Horticulture Garden or any of our other programs, please let us know. Alan L. Grant Dean, Vernon Meacham, Dir. of Development, Holly Scoggins Dir. Hahn Horticulture Garden
Ad - Waynesboro Nurseries
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News - Amy Puckett Recipient of David E. Laird Scholarship "The ultimate goal of farming [horticulture] is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings."- Masanobu Fukuoka Amy Puckett is the recipient of this year’s David E. Laird Scholarship. Amy is from Ararat, VA. She is currently attending Virginia Tech and expects to graduate in 2015. Her Essay follows. I have been involved in the green industry my entire life. I grew up at a wholesale nursery where my family grows annual bedding plants and vegetables. We also manufacture and build greenhouses. As I grew up I learned how to work in the greenhouses, and what it means to live, breath, and eat horticulture. As I grew I developed a passion for plants, growing, and the industry as a whole. When I got old enough to decide what I wanted to do with my future the answer was simple for me; Horticulture! I applied to Virginia Tech's Horticulture program and was accepted. I could not have possibly been more thrilled or excited. I am the first person in my family to ever attend college so my journey at Virginia Tech has been an accomplishment of great importance to my whole family. Knowing how hard my parents work on a daily basis makes me realize how fortunate I am to have the opportunity to come to Virginia Tech and further my education. I have been involved in a lot of activities at Virginia Tech. Horticulture club was the first club I joined, and I've continued to be an involved member. My fresh man year I served as the plant sale protÊgÊe and the plant sale co-chair during my sophomore year. During the plant sale, we brought in over $50,000 in revenue, which was a record-breaking plant sale for the cl u b. I currently serve as the club's Vice-President. I am also in Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority. Through this organization I help promote agriculture and educate the public about agriculture. I am also a member of Forestry club, where we compete in timber sport events. Once I graduate Virginia Tech with a dual degree in horticulture and agribusiness management, I plan to return home to the family business. I hope that my education will help to make me a very valuable asset to the company. I hope to eventually become the head grower at our nursery . As of now we mostly grow "simple" annual bedding plants and 10
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vegetables. I would really like to change that in the future by growing more perennials and name brand plants. I think my insight" with new trends will help me to pick out new plants and new products to offer to our customers. I hope to continue the growth of the construction side of our business by continuing to build and manufacture greenhouses and high tunnels on a daily basis. My family business holds such a special place in my heart because my family has devoted our whole lives to its' success and growth. So much hard work has been put into it, and we have reaped what we've sowed. We have learned that hard work does pay off. I hope to help grow our business to benefit our family and to bring success to our small community. Being a student at Virginia Tech has been an opportunity and a privilege for me to learn and grow as a person and horticulturalist. When I started school, little d id 1 know, I'm just like the plants that I've learned about along the way. As I take each class, I grow. I grow with knowledge. I have value added to me with each step of my career here at Virginia Tech. The education, experience, and skills I have learned throughout my experience are absolutely priceless to me. I will use them in my future endeavors to be as successful and happy as possible.
Letters - Amy Puckett I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association for the generous $1500.00 A.S. Gresham Scholarship I received. I was overjoyed and immensely appreciative to receive this scholarship. I am a senior at Virginia Tech majoring in Horticulture and Agribusiness Management. I plan to graduate in May of 2015. After graduation I plan to return home to my family's nursery and greenhouse manufacturing company. I am the first of my family to go to college, and graduating from Virginia Tech has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. Your generous scholarship will help me accomplish my dreams and goals. I cannot tell you how much this means to me. As I reflect on the generosity of the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association, I am reminded of my great grandmother's favorite hymn. The first verse goes like this: "Have you had a kindness shown? -Pass it on: 'Twass not given for thee alone, -Pass it on. Let it travel down the years, Let it wipe another's tears, Till in heaven the deed appears: -Pass it on." I hope to have a successful career in the Horticulture industry. I hope to one day pass the kindness that VNLA has shown to me on to other students who need financial help while in college.
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Again, I am truly honored to have been selected to receive the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association scholarship. Thank you for your generosity and support.
own successful residential and commercial landscaping company. I would improve the community one yard and one plant at a time.
Amy Puckett, Ararat, VA
My practice of horticulture all started in sixth grade when I started my neighborhood lawn care and landscaping business all with equipment from my own home and a broken down lawn mower I found in a trash pile. I kept expanding my business by obtaining many more customers and expanding the amount of equipment I had. The pursuit of horticulture really started in junior year of high school when I took my first horticulture class and achieved the title of being a Certified-Greenhouse Operator by the Virginia Flower Growers Association. That summer I attended the Governors School for Agriculture at Virginia Tech; which led to the decision that horticulture was my choice and Virginia Tech was the answer. In my senior year of high school, I decided to take another horticulture course and obtained my Registered Technician Pesticide License through VDACS. Then I began working in the fields of Bennett’s Creek Wholesale Nursery in Smithfield, VA. I continued to work at Bennett’s Creek through the summer and even on breaks from college. College was quickly approaching and I was accepted in the Horticulture Department of Virginia Tech!
News - Robert Nance: Recipient of A.S. Gresham Scholarship This year Robert Nance is the recipient of the A.S. Gresham Scholarship award. He is from Portsmouth, VA. Robert is currently attending Virginia Tech in Landscape Contracting and will graduate in 2016. His essay follows. I am currently studying Horticulture (Landscape Contracting) at Virginia Tech. I set goals for myself in the field of horticulture and try to do everything possible to become closer to those goals. My goal is to pursue a career in the landscaping industry. I would like to become a greens manager or superintendent for a golf course. Or, I would even like to be in a management position at a premier nursery. While on the side I would own and operate my
My freshman year at Virginia Tech went great and that summer I landed an internship on the grounds team of the magnificent Woodberry Forest School. That summer I obtained
Ad - Turtle Creek Nursery
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my Commercial Category 3A pesticide license through VDACS, did lots of side landscaping jobs and worked part time at the nearby Belmont Christmas Tree Farm in the Orange, VA area. Also in my freshman year, I became a part of many activities and organizations at Virginia Tech, which include but are not limited to Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship, Collegiate 4-H Club at Virginia Tech and much more. Sophomore year at Tech has been awesome thus far. I attended the Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course and became a Certified Fertilizer Applicator through VDACS, worked at Lancaster Farms in Suffolk, VA, took up many leadership opportunities which include being the president of my residence hall and serving on the Sporn Award selection committee, became a part member of the Golden Key International Honor Society, became a member of Pi Alpha Xi, the ornamental horticulture honor society at Virginia Tech, and most recently have become an ambassador for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. For the summer of 2014, I have accepted the offer to be an intern with BRICKMAN Group at the Chesapeake, VA branch location.
provided through the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association. Sometimes I am unsure of whether I will be able to continue my strong pursuit for a successful path in the horticulture field just due to the financial obstacles my family is facing. I strongly rely on generous contributions like the David E Laird Memorial Scholarship to help me overcome these obstacles. I promise you I will continue to work very hard. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals just as you have helped me. Once again, I thank you for your generous support that will help me secure the financial aid I need to pursue my horticulture degree and sow the seeds of success for my future. Robert M. Nance, Portsmouth, VA
Letters - Virginia FFA
I am extremely fascinated by the beautification of landscapes and the world through education and experience. Plants are my passion; I enjoy working and being around them. Amy Puckett
Letters - Robert Nance I am writing to express thank you for your generous $1,500 David E Laird Memorial Scholarship. I was ecstatic to hear I was selected to be the recipient of your scholarship and I am deeply appreciative of your support. I am a Horticulture major studying Landscape Contracting at Virginia Tech. My goal after pursuing my degree is to one day become a superintendent for a golf course or manage a large scale plant nursery as a manager of production and crop protection, all while owning a successful medium scale commercial and residential landscaping company on the side. However, my main underlying goal in life is to be happy with what I do regardless of the amount of income I earn. I find that I show great interest in plants and they are my passion, and I enjoy working and being around them. I am always looking for a way to become closer to my goals, and thanks to the VNLA I am one step closer to those goals. As I progress through my college years, I am finding that my interest in horticulture just keeps growing as well as my knowledge! I am entering my junior year at Virginia Tech and I am very appreciative of the support that I have received from organizations and individuals like the support
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It is so inspiring when a donor makes it possible for us to say "yes" to one more member, chapter, or deserving group who wants to get more involved in agriculture and leadership through Virginia FFA. I want to personally thank you so much for your help, and I want to share some thoughts from our FFA members and their families: "I have noticed a significant change in Kristin since she decided to apply for the position of FFA Chapter Secretary. She is so excited, enthusiastic, and full of ideas. She can't stop talking about FFA. It is so good to see her so excited and wanting to be involved." "FFA has changed my life by teaching me to go outside my comfort zone and try new things. FFA has also changed me by helping me talk to other people and get to know them more. Without FFA, I don't think I would be the same person today. Thank you so much!" "FFA has impacted my life in so many ways. It gives me something to be a part of, like my second family. FFA isn't just an organization or club to me, it’s a passion and way of life. " "My kids love going to FFA events to participate in a career development event or leadership conference. It gives them a chance to interact with other students, which helps them develop social skills. Since joining FFA their level of excitement for learning has drastically improved.
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Today, more young people than ever need the premier leadership and personal growth training of the FFA's important programs as they look to find future career successes. Because of your generosity, Virginia FFA can provide opportunities to deserving students. Your gift will be used wisely so members can participate in agricultural literacy and youth development initiatives. Thank you. Brandon H. Monk, Director of Program Development Visit us online at www.supportvaffa.org or on our Facebook page to get the latest news, and please do not hesitate to contact me directly at 540-231-3823 or bmonk@vaffa.org
Letters - FFA Virginia President Thank you for your support of the horticulture demonstration career development event. Many memories are made in the blue corduroy jacket, but they would not be possible without the support of those who believe in the future of our youth and the agriculture industry. Thank you for helping our members achieve premier leadership, personal grow, and career success.
[Editor’s Note: The VNLA contributes $1,000 each year to support this award] Mitch Wallace, 2013-2014 Virginia FFA State President
Obituary - Bruce Nash On February 15, 2014 the Horticultural Community suffered a great loss with the untimely death of Bruce Nash. He had been suffering a long battle with Guillain-Barre Syndrome and had been hospitalized for well over a year. A life-long resident of Alexandria, VA, he began his long journey in horticulture at age 15 by working in the greenhouses at Alexandria Floral Company. He continued to work while he obtained a B.S. in Horticultural Studies at Virginia Tech and upon graduating in 1974 was appointed manager. He continued to work for Alexandria Floral until 2003. In 1976, in an effort to obtain enough money to buy a boulder for his garden, he began teaching as an adjunct with the Horticulture Program at NOVA. At the end of that term while he found out that he could live without the boulder, he discovered that he could not live without teaching and learning. He continued as a n adjunct until in 2003 he was appointed full-time faculty upon the retirement of Larry Shapira. Bruce was not only an extremely talented florist, but an enthusiastic and popular instructor who freely gave his time to assist students. He was a life-long student of the plant sciences who tackled each course and the discoveries in it with
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Since 1936 Growers of Quality Trees & Shrubs, Conifers, Flowering Shrubs, Broad Leaf Evergreens, Shade & Flowering Trees, B&B Taxus & Thuja. Specializing in Container Grown Trees Located in the Heart of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia
1903 Forest AVE | PO BOX 428 | Grottoes, VA 24441 nursery@shreckhise.com 540-249-5761 | 800-628-5871 | fax 540-249-5762
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the surprise and delight of a child making a discovery. He was active within the Horticulture Community, serving as a Board member for the Friends of Greenspring Gardens Park and attending and lecturing at many local professional organizations. He presented courses and programs to Master Gardener Programs and worked with Monroe Technology Center in Leesburg, VA on the Dual enrollment Program. But above all Bruce was a mentor and an example to students, friends and professionals alike. His enthusiasm for new discovery, his passion for hands on learning and his talent to make any subject exciting and interesting together with his broad smile drew people in, and we are all so much better for having our moment with him. February 19, 1951 - February 15, 2014
Obituary - Fred Richardson Frederick S Richardson, 67, of Mineral, Virginia, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2014. Born in Gainesville, Florida, he was the son of the late James G. and Caroline Richardson. He was predeceased by his brother, James G Richardson. Fred was president of Spring Hill Nursery Inc., which he started in 1991. He had been a director of Colonial Farm Credit, Mechanicsville, VA since 2001, and was chairman of the Audit Committee. He was a leader of numerous trips of the Gum Spring United Methodist Mission Team to Gulfport, MS, after Hurricane Katrina, and active in local mission projects, as well as a supporter of Louisa Habitat for Humanity. Fred is survived by his wife, Dr. Pam Richardson; one son Noel Richardson, his wife Sheena and their daughter Livia Joy of Louisa; Hannah Richardson of Richmond; two brothers, Burges Richardson of Atlanta, GA, and his wife Patti; and Barry Richardson of Gainesville, FL, and his wife Lauren. The family received friends from 6-8 on Tuesday, August 19th at his home, 5707 Cross County Road, Mineral VA. A funeral service was held at 3 pm on Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at Gum Spring United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Lauren Lobenhofer, with burial following in the family cemetery.
Obituary - Max Quillen Max Quillen, 89, of Waynesboro, passed away on Wednesday, May 7, 2014, at his home. Max was a lifelong resident of Waynesboro and was preceded in death by his son, Richard Max Quillen; and his parents, Edgar McRoy and Dana Kathleen Quillen. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute, served in World War II in the 561st Anti-Aircraft Division, and returned to graduate with high honors from Ohio State University with a BS in horticulture. Max served as President of Waynesboro Nurseries for his career, and also as a Director of First and Merchants Bank, May Trucking and Central Virginia Oil. He was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church serving as Deacon for 35 years and Sunday school teacher. He was a leading member of the Waynesboro Lion's Club, a founder of the Sherando Ruritan Club and active in county and city politics and the Chamber of Commerce. Survivors include his wife of 68 years, Virginia Brown Quillen; sons, William Edgar Quillen and wife, Joan, and their children, Noirin and her husband, Josh Ellinger, Max Quillen and his wife, Jo Chan, of Waynesboro, and David Wayne Quillen and his wife, Karen, and their children, Richard, Daniel and Kathleen of Waynesboro; daughters, Dana Elizabeth Quillen and Susan Quillen Goode and her husband, Roy, and their children, Virginia, Royden and Thomas of Mooresville, North Carolina, and Nancy Quillen Haggart and her husband, David, and their children, Elizabeth and Robert of Charlotte, North Carolina. Services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2014, at First Presbyterian Church in Waynesboro. The family received friends after the service, at the church. Interment was private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be appreciated by the Waynesboro Lions Club or a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to McDow Funeral Home. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.mcdowfuneralhomeinc.com. Provided by Kirk Quillen
Provided by the Richardson Family
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Obituary - Kurt Bluemel I am sad to convey the death of Kurt Bluemel. Mr. Bluemel was a long time member of the MNLA and considered an industry pioneer. In 1950 Bluemel was earning $8.00 a month working for his step-father, when he read a want ad in a German horticultural trade magazine which it turns out was published by Klaus Jelitto's father. A Swiss nursery in Zurich, specializing in year round vegetable production, was hiring and the pay was an extraordinary $45.00 a month and included room and board. In March 1953, Bluemel took a pivotal job-with Arnold Vogt Gartenbau, specializing in perennials and rock garden plants. He stayed on for six years, attaining a position as lead foreman and getting his first exposure to ornamental grasses. Richard Simon of Bluemount Nurseries, in Monkton, Maryland, interned at Vogt's Zurich nursery in 1957. Meeting Bluemel, Simon offered him employment propagating plants for the family business back in the States. Soon he met Wolfgang Oehme, who had arrived from Germany three years earlier, who was working for a landscape architect and also had some private customers on the side. Bluemel was delighted to meet another plantsman. The two began sharing information, collecting seeds of unusual species and importing plants from Switzerland and Germany.
In 1964, after four years at Bluemount, Bluemel went into partnership with Oehme and two of Oehme's clients, Leo and Pauline Vollmer. Bluemel and his wife Hannah had lived on the same Fallston farm for over forty-four years. The house sits on a hillside above the nursery and is surrounded by broad sweeps of perennials and grasses and anchored by stately trees-some planted in 1964. The farm has a research and development greenhouse where he had grown and introduced plants into the market for the last 50 years. He counted seven hundred species and cultivars of ornamental grasses and sedges, one thousand five hundred perennials and one hundred bamboos among his inventory. Mr. Bluemel's most popular commercial introductions have included the gray-green switch grass, Panicum 'Heavy Metal'; a mid-sized Joe-Pye weed, Eupatorium 'Gateway'; and the little blue stem grass, Schizachyrium 'The Blues.' There are hundreds of others with which you may be familiar all of which he has given to the horticultural community patent-free. He was an avid and active member of the Perennial Plant Association and the American Horticultural Society as well as other international plant unions in an effort to proliferate the art and science of Horticulture. Vanessa A. Finney Executive Director MNLA 410-823-8684 vanessa@mnlaonline.org
Ad - Guthrie Nursery
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Editorial - Another View: Bees Evidence is Questionable That Pesticide is Harming Honeybees I commend The Bee for promoting environmental awareness (“A lot is riding on finding culprit in honeybee deaths”; Editorials, July 27). However, contrary to popular myth, honeybees are actually in no danger of extinction. In fact, the number of managed bee hives has been increasing in the U.S. and nearly every country in the world. The reality is that the number of hives goes up and down depending upon the laws of supply and demand. My sons and I make our livings as commercial beekeepers, and we are acutely aware of the adverse effects of pesticides upon bees. But the truth is that although pesticides have always been an issue to pollinators and wildlife, the main problems that honeybees have to deal with are the viruses transmitted by the bloodsucking varroa mite, which was introduced about 1990, and loss of good forage habitat. Pesticides, although they get a great deal of public attention, are down the list of overall bee problems. I came of age shortly after the publication of “Silent Spring” and have been a lifelong environmental activist and organic gardener. When I first heard of the neonicotinoid insecticides, my first thought was: “Oh, here we go again, another DDT.” But here’s where I differ from some activists - I’m also a biologist, and I do my homework. I read every scientific paper on neonics in full, down to the supplementary material, and often correspond with the authors. I visit beekeepers worldwide, speak with those who have had pesticide issues and go over lab analyses and pesticide use reports. What I found is that pesticide issues for bees and wildlife have improved greatly since the 1960s. The EPA has done a good job of banning the most environmentally harmful insecticides - the organochlorines and organophosphates - and is working to phase out the remainder. Of course, no insecticide is harmless, but some, including the neonics, are rightfully considered to be of “reduced risk” to man and the environment.
Regulation and EPA are well aware, and these are being resolved, although I’m unsatisfied with the EPA’s latest “bee protection” restrictions for insecticides applied to crops in bloom. Our current agricultural system applies pesticides far too freely and unnecessarily. But the calls for the banning neonics are based purely upon speculation, not good science. Neonics are not as persistent as DDT, nor is there any compelling evidence that they are any more harmful than other insecticides currently in use. The focus on neonics distracts us from more serious environmental issues. The real problem is that our agricultural system has shifted from small farms to large growers - 80 percent of farm sales come from only 8 percent of farms in the U.S. And those large farms are so efficient that they leave no room for the natural vegetation that can support wildlife and pollinators. In short, our main environmental concern should be the extinction of species due to habitat conversion to agriculture. The main cause of extinction is habitat loss. There are 200,000 additional human mouths to feed every day. The only ways out of this fix are to either reduce the human population (politically unpopular), convert more natural habitat to monocultures (and drive more species to extinction) or to farm existing land more intensively (which, until we adopt better agro-ecological practices, includes the use of pesticides). That’s a sorry list of choices. If one really wishes to help bees, other pollinators and wildlife, support land conservation (via land trusts, the Nature Conservancy, the Conservation Reserve Program), tie farm subsidies to more environmentally friendly land management (as is being done in Europe) and put livestock back on pasture. There are many win-win solutions for farmers, consumers and the environment. But circumventing the EPA by demanding the banning of a single insecticide on questionable evidence is not one of them. Randy Oliver; Special to The Bee, Randy Oliver is a beekeeper and an independent bee researcher funded by beekeeper donations who lives in Grass Valley. For more information, go to his website at www.scientificbeekeeping.com
[See additional info on neonics on page 36]
Need Extra CEU’s??? Write an Article for This Newsletter! Earn 1 CEU!
That’s not to say that neonics are harmless. There are specific issues of which the California Department of Pesticide
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Contact: 800-476-0055 Email: info@vnla.org Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
Winner of the July/August/September 2014 Photo Contest
VNLA - Photo Contest Rules 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. Each photographer may enter up to three (3) digital images per Newsletter deadline (see #6). E-mail images to info@vnla.org. Include your name, phone number and occupation. One winning entry per photographer per year. You may re-enter non-winning entries. Please e-mail images separately. Feel free to elaborate on any story surrounding the photograph. Photos should be 300 dpi high resolution.
Photo Winner: Tony Surace Nursery Field Worker, Knott’s Creek Nursery, Suffolk
Lady Bug takes a morning nap in a newly opened ‘Blue Wave Hydrangea’ flower Win $50, submit your photos! Good Luck and Happy Photographing!
If you don’t see your ad here, neither does anyone else! Call 800-476-0055 or email info@vnla.org for advertising information, today!
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All photographs submitted must have been taken within the past five years. 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. Deadline for submission is 5:00 p.m. on the Newsletter Copy Deadline, which is the 15th of January, April, July, and October. All submissions become the property of the VNLA. 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. 17 17
Editorial - Do you feel " ”Special”? Are we acting like we are? Hopefully by now "Plant Something" is a very familiar theme and hopefully you've seen an ad, a TV spot or a billboard promoting plants and their value to our community, society, and wellbeing. Did you know however that the funds your nursery association obtained from the department of agriculture came from a grant for "specialty" crops? Specialty is defined as "a special object or class of objects: (1): a legal agreement embodied in a sealed instrument (2): a product of a special kind or of special excellence". Compare this to the definition of Commodity "an article of commerce especially when delivered for shipment <commodities futures> c: a mass-produced unspecialized product <commodity chemicals> <commodity memory chips>. So what is so special about us and do we act accordingly or are we really marketing commodities? When I think of something special, it is usually Orvis, Browning or Nordstrom. Nothing against Eagle Claw, Winchester or Kmart but they aren't very special to me. They may be a lot cheaper and easier to find, but because of that, they don't seem special to me. Have you perhaps found certain plants, especially trees, harder to find lately? I think they are not as easy to find but still seem to be priced about the same. In fact thanks to a couple of research assistants, Beth Gosnell and Bob Hawkins, I've compiled a very short and unscientific sampling of prices from the 1980s and have compared them to current day: Trees
1985
Today
Cercidum floridum - 15 gal
$32
$35
Cercidum floridum - 24" box
$150
$120
Eucalyptus microtheca - 15 ga
$32
$35
Eucalyptus microtheca - 24" box
$130
$120
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As you can see prices haven't changed very much in 30 years - prices of plants that is! How do these prices of "specialty" crops compare to what we would consider "commodities"? 1985
Today
Milk $2.26/gal
Milk is $3.50-3.75/gal
Bread 99¢/loaf
Bread $2.00/loaf
And let's consider the increased costs we face in our industry. Minimum wage in 1982 was $3.35/hour and gas was $1.20 per gallon. Today minimum wage is $7.25/hour and gas keeps trying to hit $4.00! It doesn't look to me like we are very special, and in fact the sellers of commodities have done a better job of increasing their value. And to top it off, their products are not in short supply. On my last visit to Safeway there were all kinds of choices for milk and bread. We all know how hard it is to grow a nice looking nursery product. We all know how much "value" our products have (just read a "plant something" ad or promo). Yet the economics don't show that we think it is hard or that our products are very special. Perhaps we underestimate the "value" the public really puts on our products. Are we out of touch or just bad marketers? The growers of Kale know how to market. According to U.S.D.A. studies, in 2011 there were 4700 outlets selling Kale at a price of .88/bunch. Somebody found out how good Kale was for you and in 2014 there are 50,700 outlets selling Kale and the price has gone up to $1.10 a bunch. Hmmm... selling a product that is good for your health - the supply increased over 10 fold and the price, well you can see for yourself. If I haven't convinced you that it is time to take your own business strategy very seriously, an American Express article recently reprinted by AmericanHort just might make you take a second look. Try a Google search for the American Express small business open forum article "Why It's Time to Raise Your Prices". Seems to me we sell products that are good for you, create oxygen, beauty, shade and all other kinds of value for our communities. I have always been a fan of learning from history, however in this case, perhaps we need to forget about what used to be and remember what "value" we are creating.
Our products really are special. That's my opinion, what's yours? Reprinted with permission, Jay Harper, President AZNA, Southwest Horticulture Magazine, May/June 2014
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VNLA - “Plant Something” Member Marketing Program
VNLA - New VNLA Logo Introduced at Field Day
The VNLA has been working with Access Inc, a public relations firm in Roanoke, Virginia on several initiatives. Jeremy Butterfield, from Access, was at the VNLA Field Day to learn about the VNLA, our members, and our Field Day to help us better tell the story of what the VNLA and its members do for the industry and the state. One of the first things we tackled is a new VNLA logo. The new VNLA logo has many features that speak to our organization, woven into a simple, yet impactful graphic icon. We are very excited to provide you with tools and marketing materials for Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association’s new marketing campaign, Plant Something. This campaign is designed to communicate the benefits of planting trees, plants, flowers and vegetables to Virginia residents. By adopting the Plant Something philosophy, residents can improve their home, their community and their quality of life. And with more people aware of the benefits of exterior design, we want to drive more customers to your Virginia retail location and increase your transactions. This Plant Something Marketing Task Force is developing materials and tools to help promote your nursery, garden center and/or landscape business and motivate your customers to “Plant Something” today. This is a joint project that 13 other state nursery and landscape associations have adopted. Go to www.plant-something.org and see how other states are utilizing this program and give us your suggestions for how the VNLA can use this program to make your business more profitable! If you are interested in participating with the Task Force to customize this program for VNLA members, contact the VNLA Office at 1-800-476-0055, info@vnla.org [See page 57 More information on for the more VNLAinfo website at on the “Plant Something” Program] www.vnla.org VNLA Newsletter
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The green and brown colors are from an earth tone palette that represents the earth we work in and the plants we seek to grow, nurture and create into inspiring designs. The spade and tree represent the full cycle of our professional efforts and the fruit of our labor. The typography is a modern iteration of our traditional naming convention and is crisp and easy to read. The logo in its entirety is easily scalable and clearly represents our organization at any size, from billboard and to business card. The combination, although it speaks of many aspects of the Virginia Nursery and Landscaping Association, is simple, clean and easy to work with. We feel the make is modern and distinct and speaks to our mission and vision. We would like to thank the members of the committee who guided the creation of the logo and provided valuable input during its development. Presentation by Matt Shreckhise, VNLA President at the VNLA Field Day lunch
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Member Profile - Dan Gregg, Grelen Nursery, Grelen Tree Care, & The Market at Grelen
“In 1990, Dan Gregg founded Grelen Nursery, Inc. on a corner of a cattle farm owned by his family for three generations. The operation commenced as a wholesale field nursery; however, over the years, local demand grew to such a great extent that Gregg shifted the focus to retail sales and landscape installation and in 1997, hired Zeke Galvin as a partner to manage the landscaping business.
As the demand for Grelen’s trees and services grew, Gregg and Galvin realized a need to expand its operation, and in 2003, purchased a 200-acre farm located in Somerset, Virginia. Approximately four years later, the operations of the nursery were moved to the Somerset farm, which provided the much-needed space for the growing business. During the past seven years, Grelen has acquired two adjoining properties. Today, Grelen Nursery is one of the largest agricultural businesses in Orange County and one of the largest tree nurseries in the state of Virginia. The farm is almost 600 acres in size offering hundreds of types of trees, shrubs and plants and a full range of landscaping, hardscaping and maintenance services. With seven crews, two large tree 20
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spade trucks to transplant mature trees and a team of master stonemasons, craftsmen and gardeners, Grelen Nursery caters to clients who demand, and receive, the highest quality products and services. Dan describes Orange County: "This is a wonderful community, full of beauty, history and opportunity. The local economy has changed, and manufacturing type industries are no longer the bedrock, or the future, of our economy. I believe agriculture and tourism will play a much more vital role in Virginia’s economic battle to be sustainable. With Grelen Nursery, I want to combine the two into a potent local economic engine. I want to do my part as a citizen and business owner to bring as much to the community’s economic table as possible. I want to keep my land agricultural and protect its open space. I want to prove that agri-businesses can be sustainable and economically viable, and that agriculture can actually stimulate tourism and, in turn, stimulate the local economy.” It was with these strong principles guiding them, that Dan and Zeke decided to found The Market at Grelen in April, 2013. The Market at Grelen's Mission Statement is “To create a family friendly environment which celebrates open space, agriculture and the farm-to-table philosophy while successfully marketing our products and services to our visitors resulting in a successful and sustainable business model.” This wonderful destination farm market and garden shop is like no other in the area and meets, if not exceeds, these goals.
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Set on Grelen Nursery’s 600 acres in Somerset Virginia, The Market at Grelen boasts breathtaking 360 degree mountain views. You can go shopping any day, but a trip to Grelen is about the experience. Head out on a pick-your-own adventure, stroll through the lovely display garden, choose from an ever-changing array of premium fruits and vegetables or enjoy a casual cafe lunch or a Thursday night concert on the patio In the cafe, it's all about local. Grelen's very own Chef Mel Daniels makes unforgettable goodies with Grelen grown vegetables, fruits and herbs as well as other locally sourced items. The Menu…Homemade Pastries, Fresh Dips, Soups, Salads, & Cheese Plates....is simplicity at its most luxurious. Also available are local Virginia cheese, peanuts, snacks, grape juice, jams, beer & wine.
OTHER BACKGROUND: Allen Dandridge (Dan) Gregg attended High School at Cincinnati Country Day School and graduated in 1982. He then attended Duke University in Durham, North Carolina and graduated in 1986 with an AB in Economics. He is President of Grelen Nursery, Inc., The Market at Grelen, Inc., and Grelen Tree Care, Inc. Grelen Nursery’s Market Niche: Growing unusual ornamentals to specimen size. The Market at Grelen focuses on providing a memorable “experience” to sophisticated gardeners and families drawing from all of Central VA and DC. Grelen Tree Care’s Market Niche is plant health care management.
And for garden lovers it’s a little bit of heaven! The Garden Shop offerings include: Bird Houses & Feeders, Gardening Tools & Supplies, Indoor & Outdoor Plants and Flowers, Lighting & Lanterns, Mixed Pots, Statuary, Urns & Garden Furniture and Unique Gifts. Last, but certainly not least, The Market at Grelen is the perfect place to launch memories! As a new local event venue for weddings and more, the property offers endless possibilities for celebrations of all types and sizes. In only its second year of operation, it is quickly becoming one of the hot new destinations in the area.
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Business Philosophy: Grow a product and provide a service of excellent quality. Expand through vertical integration allowing control of product quality from time seedling is planted in ground at nursery until installed in client’s yard Some of the Associations and groups that Dan has belonged to: Piedmont Landscape Association: Charlottesville, VA: Officer - Year, Vice-President- two years (mid 1990s), Orange Downtown Alliance; (VA Mainstreet
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Program in Orange, VA) Board Member for 8+ years: President 2009, 2010, Chair, Design Committee 2002 till 2014, Orange Rotary: 1991 to 1996, Orange Chamber of Commerce 1991 to present Awards that Dan Gregg has received: Agribusiness of the Year - 2008, Orange Chamber of Commerce, Business Person of the Year - 2011, Orange County Chamber of Commerce Best Idea He Ever Stole: Designing the nursery layout following contours of land rather than in straight rows.(Taken from Dick Irven of TDH Nursery in Phoenix, MD).This concept provided a means to protect against erosion while creating breathtaking views of the nursery for our clients to admire while touring the nursery operation and visiting The Market. Favorite Plant: Japanese Maple (There are so many cultivars providing different sizes, shapes and colors, and most are relatively easy to grow.)Favorite Native: Sourwood Favorite Flower Color: Blue Dislikes: Franklinia--It is a beautiful tree with incredible characteristics (flower, fall color, overall habit), but it is almost impossible to grow for any length of time. Best Habit: Kentucky Coffee Tree-- Pretty sparse when young, but the mature habit and structure can’t be matched Worst Habit: Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar--Way too pendulous and leggy. It requires too much pruning to establish a satisfactory form Hobbies: Fishing, Hiking, Mushroom Hunting, Traveling and gardening (when there is time) Dream Vacation: Alaska Hero: My Wife, Leslie. She has mastered the art of juggling family and business. Hardest Part of Your Workday: Trying to explain to a client why a plant died or is struggling through the transplanting process…so often, there isn’t an easy/obvious reason as to why.
Helpful Hint: When working with employees keep things positive. My favorite management book: The One Minute Manager Hottest Upcoming Trend: I would say succulents are really hot at the Market and Natives continue to be hot at the nursery Best Advise Ever Received: From Dick Irvin at TDH Nursery: “Don’t stress about the weather as you have zero control over it; focus on the issues you can influence.” How or Why Your Company Managed to Stay in Business So Long? I give most credit to the hiring of Zeke Galvin; he is a workaholic who cares most about client satisfaction. He has made Grelen Nursery what it is today. Biggest Challenge, Obstacle or Disaster in Business History: Wet spring snows and exceptionally cold winters Who is your most significant mentor and why: Dick Irvin, TDH Nursery (explained above).I worked at his nursery for two years while considering opening my own business. Future Plans: Zeke and I have many dreams including expanding into propagation and, in the more distant future, opening a camp for inner-city children. Our goal with the camp is to create a setting where children can learn and get excited about agriculture and open space. How has the industry changed since you started in business? The internet is the biggest change. Plant sourcing and marketing are so much easier which allows for a more efficient and competitive market. What do you know now, that you would have liked to know when you started in business? Nursery trends and how to stay ahead. Such as: 1) what is in demand today, may not be in demand in four years when current plantings are available for sale (and even if they are still in demand, there is likely to be plenty of supply and maybe over-supply) and 2) don’t be scared-off by big box low prices as it is pretty easy to differentiate our products from theirs. Where do you think the green industry is going in the next 10 years? From a retail perspective, I think clients are looking for an “experience” while shopping. The Market creates that experience through our incredible setting, the product mix, excellent service and activities. The “experience” is what will motivate clients to return to a store. Edited by Sandy Miller
Best Part of Your Workday: Watching guests at the Market enjoy their visit, and visiting customers’ properties a couple of years after completion of a large landscaping project and sharing the sense of pride for the end result.
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News - Overdevest Nurseries Teams with Celebrity Chef Jonathan Bardzik A Major Expansion of Its Footprints® Edibles Program
Ed Overdevest and Jonathan Bardzik Bridgeton, New Jersey (August 1, 2014) — Overdevest Nurseries is moving its exclusive, sustainable Footprints® Plants edibles program (Footprints® Edibles), in a new and exciting direction. By teaming up with celebrity chef Jonathan Bardzik, Overdevest is making their distinctive herb/vegetable line a full-fledged garden-to-table, consumer-oriented offering. In addition to the collaboration with Bardzik, Overdevest is enhancing the program's ecofriendly point-of-purchase presentation with a new pot wrap to complement its biodegradable a-pot" and a retail-ready rolling rack with attached, attention-getting POP signage. Further, the program will be supported with a large library of gardening and cooking video shorts, specifically produced for consumer end-users. The new Foot-prints® Edibles with its tagline, 'Naturally Grown/Naturally Delicious', will be introduced to the industry this summer at IGC East in National Harbor, MD. As a celebrity spokesman for Footprints® Edibles, Bardzik will work hand-in-hand with Overdevest to educate and enthuse prospective gardeners (and current gardeners) on ways to enjoy the edible varieties offered in the program. He'll share delicious recipes using Footprints® Edibles, incorporate the program in his farmers market demos and appearances at participating retail garden centers, and be the
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host in a library of video and online how-to's that will inform novice and expert home chefs. Bardzik, a long-time advocate within the horticulture industry with a highly respected garden center background, has developed a reputation and enthusiastic following across the United States, touting the pleasures and benefits of cooking with farm and garden-fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients. He shares his culinary joys and passions every Saturday, in season, with live cooking demos at Washington DC's historic Eastern Market. Bardzik recently released his first book of recipes, Simple Summer: A Recipe for Cooking and Entertaining with Ease, and has an extensive online presence through his website and social media. Overdevest Nurseries, an industry leader in sustainable growing and packaging, introduced Footprints® Edibles in 2012, under the umbrella of its Footprints® Plants brand. It offers independent garden retailers and consumers the Overdevest commitment to a `greener' environment. It keeps step with the consciousness and desire for things wholesome and natural, inspiring 'next-gen' gardeners, as well as other age groups, through its cleaner, lighter footprint in production and packaging. Footprints® Edibles are certified by Veriflora®, the highest U.S. standard for sustainability and are completely packaged, pot to tag, with biodegradable and recycled/recyclable materials. While Bardzik concentrates on 'table' aspects of the program, Overdevest is making significant enhancements on the 'garden' side. For more impact at point-of-sale, Overdevest has developed a retail-ready system that utilizes a rolling rack that will go from truck to retail floor, stocked with
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labeled plants and decorative POP signage. The Footprints® Edible biodegradable e-pot® will carry a newly designed colorful, informative pot wrap featuring a variety-specific detachable tag for home reference. Out-of-store marketing will ramp up with multiple how-to video spots produced by Overdevest's video-popular Marketing Director and gardening expert, David Wilson. Wilson will offer tips for growing and decorating while creating the bridge from food interest to gardening passion and success. A consumer micro-web site, www.footprintsplants.com/edibles, is being finalized as part of the larger Footprints® Plants website, showcasing the Edibles line with pages and links to Wilson and Bardzik's how-to, as well as variety information. Last, but not least, keeping pace with mobile advancements, Overdevest will be utilizing the latest in Digimarc technology, connecting smart phone users with a wealth of information embedded in various marketing images related to the program. SiteLight .5 pg bw 3ads 10-04.qxd
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"We are absolutely thrilled to be taking Footprints® Edibles to a whole new level for consumers and garden retail", said Ed Overdevest, president of Overdevest Nurseries. "From farm, to garden, and now to table, we have put all the pieces together to inspire all generations - especially the young for whom authenticity and the love of whole-some food can be the key to winning their hearts to gardening." For the sake of independent garden centers, according to Gail Overdevest, company vice president, "We're especially pleased to offer our partnering retailers a comprehensive plant program that is sustainably grown, eco-friendly packaged, and supported with motivating marketing and merchandising that meets the high expectations of our industry's emerging consumer." Overdevest Nurseries was founded in 1952. The nursery produces nearly 2000 varieties of shrubs, trees, vines, perennials, and annuals grown on over 210 acres. Overdevest Nurseries sells to independent garden centers within a 300+ mile radius of Bridgeton, New Jersey. Contact: David Wilson, Director of Marketing,
david@overdevestnurseries.com
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News - NVNLA Byron Wates Award Presented to NVNLA Past President Richard Hunter Richard Hunter is a native Virginian, born in Richmond. From a very young age Richard loved being outdoors in the woods much to the consternation of his father who was quite different and enjoyed reading the New York Times, smoking cigars, and listening to opera while sipping on cognac. While exploring this outdoor world as a child, Richard thought the land development process he saw in the suburbs of Richmond was fascinating even if it was sad that those same woods he used to run and explore in were bulldozed. Keeping with his outdoor interests Richardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very first job in 10th grade was maintaining indoor plant material for "Living Rocks" interior plantscaping company. After graduating from high school, Richard attended The University of Virginia and graduated with a degree in History. His first job out of college was again in the greens industry at The Great Big Greenhouse and Nursery in Richmond, providing indoor plantscaping support and assisting in the retail nursery. Richard left employment there after he was accepted into the Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program at Virginia Tech and double majored in Landscape Architecture and Urban Regional Planning. After his schooling at Virginia Tech he accepted employment at Laurel Creek Nursery in Christiansburg, VA under the direction of Jeff Miller. He worked his way up to retail nursery manager and also became a Virginia Certified Horticulturalist. During this time Richard enjoyed collecting native perennials in the spring and summer and rescued many from logging operations. In 1996, he moved to Northern Virginia and accepted a position as a Landscape Designer at Campbell and Ferrarra Nurseries. While there, he attended his first NVNLA meeting. A short time later and after a few more meetings he was invited by Terri Aufmuth to serve on the NVNLA Board Education Committee. I met Richard at this time and we worked together to arrange certification classes as well as proctor the certification exam. Richard also became part of the Greens Industry Seminar Planning Committee and was one of the co-initiators of the Greens Industry Field Day. Richard continued his work in our association as President for two years. One of the most useful and beneficial assignments he took on for our association was the revising and correcting of our By-Laws. He single-handedly took on this huge undertaking ensuring that our organizations standards were legal and correct. We continue to 26
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profit from his work as they still hold strong to this day. After his Presidency, Richard continued to serve as past president and on the Education Committee. For a while Richard worked at Sprint as a Telecom Zoning Analyst but left there to take a Land Planning position with Edgemoore Homes. He thoroughly enjoyed working in land development because it reminded him of his youth in Chesterfield County. He continued his plant rescue efforts as situations would arise and saved several colonies of Lady Slipper Orchids from future development sites which he then donated to Meadowlark Gardens. Richard was recruited and started to publish the NVNLA newsletters at this time. He also pursued and received his Arborist Certification. Moving on to greater opportunities, Richard continued his Land Development career with WCI Communities and earned his Federal Contracts Management Certificate at NOVA with a 4.0 GPA. He currently works for MW Construction Services and continues to publish our association newsletter which he has been doing for over 10 years. Richard has given much of his time and talents to improve and promote the NVNLA. His love of the land, plants and green industry shows in his work. Compiled and presented by Amy Ordonez
News - Dr. Zhang Joins VA Tech HRAREC Dr. Zhang recently joined the Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) project team as a postdoctoral associate at Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach. She received her Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering at Drexel University. In her graduate research projects, she investigated the effects of variable water chemistry on bacterial transport during stormwater infiltration and developed a semi-reactive microbial transport model using HP1. Her expertise is in applying both laboratory and modeling techniques to describe bacterial fate and transport under subsurface with heterogeneous water chemistry. Dr. Zhang is currently modeling water quality dynamics in recycling irrigation reservoirs and identifying the key kinetic processes driving water quality fluctuation in these emerging aquatic environments. The overall goal of her research is to provide insights into recycled water quality dynamics and produce tools to assist farmers better manage irrigation for pathogen risk mitigation, better crop productivity and quality. Provided by Dr. Chaun Hong, HRAREC,
http://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/hampton-roads/
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VNLA - Bonnie Appleton Memorial Fund Anyone who met or worked with Bonnie Appleton quickly realized what an amazing person she was. She had a passion for her work in horticulture, especially arboriculture, and shared that enthusiasm with all who knew her. She was known internationally as an author of 5 major books, 30 industry journal articles and more than 800 articles for newspapers and trade and consumer publications. In honor of Bonnie and to remember her legacy, MAC-ISA and Trees Virginia have established The Bonnie Appleton Memorial Fund with the TREE Fund and are working to raise $100,000 for our initial amount to endow an annual scholarship for college junior or seniors in the green industry field. The Bonnie Appleton Memorial Fund and Schol-
arship program will be a tribute and legacy for all of Bonnie's accomplishments. We have raised over $30.000 in 2013 but need to reach our $100.000 goal in 2014. Bonnie's work and research reached all chapters of ISA and our entire industry. Help us spread her lasting memory by encouraging all who benefit from her work and research to support the Bonnie Appleton Memorial Fund. Bonnie was a facilitator who brought together arborists, horticulturalists, nursery personnel and utility professionals to work collaboratively to solve industry issues. The tree care industry will continue to benefit from all of her hard work. This scholarship will help support worthy students continuing in her footsteps to benefit the green industry. Donate online at the TREE Fund (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/?key=treefund ) and select the Bonnie Appleton Memorial Fund (third one down). All donations are tax deductible. Thank you for your contributions in honor of Bonnie Appleton! Visit our website www.mac-isa.org for more information on Bonnie's life and accomplishments and a form to donate.
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News - The 10th Annual Garden Gala The 10th annual Garden Gala was “All about the Garden” and also a tremendous success, thanks to the generosity of attendees, sponsors and auction item donors. We had a record crowd (247!) on hand to enjoy the delightful weather, beautiful garden, and the food, drinks, music and fun. There were many Horticulture alumni, VNLA members and officers present, including Aaron Williams (Williams Landscape & Design) , who graciously served as auctioneer for the evening. Overall, more than $15,000 was raised to help us with an array of operating expenses - everything from printing our garden guide to wages for our student workers. To our attendees and sponsors, from all of us that work at, study in, and enjoy the garden, THANK YOU! Mark your calendars for the 11th annual Gala - June 13, 2015. A special thanks to our gala sponsors, including the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association and several members of our green industry. These generous individuals, couples, and businesses help make it all happen!
Platinum: Harrison and Elissa Steeves, Blacksburg, VA Gold: Aztec Rental, Blacksburg, VA, www.aztecrental.com Jeff Francis, Moneta, VA Linda & Rob Guiles, Catawba, VA TreesPlease® (Ed Milhous), Haymarket, VA., www.treesplease.com Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association, www.VNLA.org Silver: Grigg Design, Inc. (Steve & Juanita Grigg), Manassas Park, VA, www.gdiva.com James River Nurseries (Mike & Susie Hildebrand), Ashland, VA, www.jamesrivernurseries.com Warren and Margie Kark, Christiansburg, VA Robert Lyons, Landenberg, PA Jane and Robert O'Keefe, Pilot, VA Saunders Brothers, Inc. (Robert Saunders), Piney River, VA, www.saundersbrothers.com Matthew Sensabaugh, Staunton, VA Strange's Florists, Greenhouses, and Garden Centers (William J. Gouldin, Jr.), Richmond, VA www.stranges.com 28
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Bronze:
Brookmeade Sod Farm (Louis and Ginger Brooking), Doswell, VA www.brookmeadesod.com
Velva and Gordon Groover, Blacksburg, VA
Steve Jacobs OD, Blacksburg, VA, www.stevejacobsOD.com
Shreckhise Nurseries, (Matt Shreckhise), Grottoes, VA, www.shreckhise.com
"Solanaceae" Friends of the Gala, New River Valley area
Southern Landscape Group, Inc., (Mark & Merideth Maslow), Evington, VA, www.soscapes.com
Paul and Sonya Westervelt, Arrington, VA
Ann and Al Yousten, Blacksburg, VA Provided by Holly Scoggins, hollysco@vt.edu
News – Dr. Holly Scoggins & Joel Shuman Honored at Gala The garden staff and attendees honored Garden Director, Dr. Holly Scoggins, and her partner, Joel Shuman as the 10th Annual Garden Gala Honorary Chairs. Holly became the Director in 2002 and has made a huge difference in all aspects of the garden. The garden itself has grown from 2 to 6 ½ acres and the staff has gone from 1 full time staff member to a team of three. Holly not only brings her incredible plant knowledge to the Garden, but also her talents at planning, development, and fundraising efforts.! Holly’s determination, intelligence, organization, and sometimes downright stubbornness have grown the garden to what it is today. Dr. Scoggins is not only Director of the Hahn Horticulture Garden, but also Associate Professor for the Department of Horticulture. She received her Ph.D. from North Carolina State University, M.S. from the University of Georgia, and B.S. from the University of Georgia. Her area of interest include public horticulture, production and landscape use of perennials, annuals, and tropicals, greenhouse management, and nursery production. Dr. Scoggins teaches courses in floriculture crops production, herbaceous landscape plants, greenhouse management, and public gardens maintenance and management. Her research interests include improving greenhouse and nursery production systems for herbaceous perennials with an emphasis on mineral nutrition and rhizosphere management. Awards: 2007 Certificate of Teaching Excellence, and 2008 Academic of the Year (Perennial Plant Association) Provided by Stephanie Huckestein, Hahn Garden Education & Outreach Coordinator
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Reprinted with permission
VNLA - Certification Quiz #69 If you are a Virginia Certified Horticultu33rist, 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 CEUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s for your Virginia Certified Horticulturist.
Nutrient Runoff from Urban Lawns Prepared by: Nanette R. Whitt, VCH
1. Lawns and golf courses account for the greatest and second-greatest amount of managed turf. a. True b. False 2. The symbol MN represents: a. Magnesium b. Molybdenum c. Manganese 3. The first state to ban most turf applications of phosphorus was: a. New Jersey b. Minnesota c. Michigan d. Wisconsin 4. Storm water runoff from healthy dense lawns with compacted soil rarely occurs. a. True b. False 5. Turf grasses which can absorb 70 to 80% of nitrogen within twenty four hours are: a. Perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass. b. Tall fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. c. Bermuda grass and perennial ryegrass. 6. Most all of runoff from lawns can occur when the soils are frozen or saturated. a. True b. False VNLA Newsletter
VNLA Newsletter
7. By using a vegetative buffer at least twice the size of sloped concrete areas, run off can be reduced by approximately: a. 40% b. 50% c. 60% d. None of the above 8. What major nutrient is necessary for a healthy lawn? a. Phosphorus b. Sulfur c. Calcium d. All of the above 9. A contributing factor to P (phosphorus) runoff is returning clippings to the lawn as it is mowed. a. True b. False 10. Which type of soil holds the fewest nutrients and has the highest water infiltration rate? a. Silty b. Clay c. Sandy d. All of the above 11. Nitrogen (N) and Phosphorus (P) should be applied a. When turf grass is actively growing. b. Any time during the year. c. In October and November. 12. Which does not help reduce run off? a. Creating rain gardens between vegetative and paved areas. b. Maintaining dense lawns. c. Using fertilizer with low N and P content. d. Creating swales of turf grass. 13. The loss of sedimentation from healthy lawns is often very low. a. True b. False 14. The speed at which water moves into soil can be improved by: a. Core aeration. b. Consistent mowing. c. Planting native plants.
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Horticulture Research Gala and Charity Auction The VNA Research Committee would like to thank those who have supported the Research Galas for many years. While we are committed to continuing to grow our support of research and remain a powerful catalyst for our industry, we will not be hosting a Gala/Auction during MANTS in 2015. We are excited to announce that the VNA Horticulture Research Foundation is planning an event later in 2015 that will feature presentations and interaction with the researchers. This will be an informative as well as social event to raise awareness, stimulate conversation, and generate support for future research. To support this upcoming event or to get involved, please contact us at
We have raised more than
$488,000
to support horticultural research.
research@vnla.org
1-800-476-0055
See funded research projects at
http://www.vnla.org/Research
News - Recent Bee Kill Serves as a Reminder Always Read & Follow Pesticide Label Instructions! On June 27, the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) announced a 180-day temporary use restriction for all plant applications - by professionals and non-professionals - of any pesticide product with the active ingredient dinotefuran. ODA has implemented the restriction as a temporary, cautionary step, allowing it to complete its ongoing investigation of a bee kill incident that occurred in mid-June in the state. This unfortunate event, which ODA has determined resulted in the death of approximately 50,000 bumblebees, serves as a sobering reminder of the need to closely follow manufacturer and EPA-approved labeling. Multiple Linden trees, in flower, were apparently sprayed with a dinotefuran pesticide. Initial reports suggest that this accident would not have happened if the appropriate site, plant, timing, and pest considerations had been taken into account. Neonicotinoid insecticides, including dinotefuran, are important tools in defending trees and other plants in our landscape and natural areas against destructive insect pests. They are important in maintaining our fight against the Japanese Beetle and have been employed in the successful eradication efforts against Asian Longhorned Beetle; in protecting important ash trees from Emerald Ash Borer; and in saving Eastern Hemlocks from Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. “Without neonicotinoids, the iconic Hemlocks of Great Smoky Mountains National Park would be gone,” said Dr. Richard Cowles, Agricultural Scientist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. “There’s an old carpenter’s adage that says ‘measure twice, cut once.’ That adage is a good one for insecticide applicators to think about -- read the label carefully multiple times before applying.” For years, treatments with neonicotinoids have allowed growers, landscapers, and homeowners to protect valuable landscape trees, shrubs and plants from insect pests and invasive species. Protecting these plants reduces a homeowner’s energy needs, increases home values and, according to a recent USDA Forest Service Study, results in healthier and longer lives for the people who enjoy them.
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The green industry is an important partner in the ongoing effort to protect our environment, our pollinators, and our chemical tools. Neonicotinoids, properly used, are an important partner in that effort, as well. However, be sure that the PEST you want to control is on the pesticide label for the LOCATION you are planning to treat. Registered pesticides that could negatively impact bees carry a bee hazard statement on the label. Please adhere to these restrictions listed on the label, usually found under “environmental or bee hazard” and remember - following the label is the law. For more information, contact Joe Bischoff, ANLA’s Director of Government Relations
New - Bees and Growing Without Neonicotinoids What Bell Nursery Learned From Growing Without Neonicotinoids This Spring By Gary Mangum | August 12, 2014 in the Greenhouse Grower Magazine
http://www.greenhousegrower.com/news/what-bellnursery-learned-from-growing-without-neonicotinoidsthis-spring/ or short link: http://goo.gl/8IOzv4
News - IA & ASIC Release Revised Landscape BMPs Document Outlines Best Practices & Implementation Guidelines for Irrigation System Design, Installation & Management FALLS CHURCH, VA. (April 15, 2014) — The Irrigation Association and the American Society of Irrigation Consultants released a new version of their Landscape Irrigation Best Management Practices. The update reflects sound engineering practices, emerging technologies and recommended techniques for efficient water use. The updated guidelines incorporate feedback from irrigation designers, consultants, contractors and water managers to ensure the BMPs remain relevant in today’s market. Highlights include:Three BMPs for landscape irrigation:
Design the irrigation system to efficiently use water resources. Install the irrigation system to meet the design criteria. Manage landscape water resources to maintain a healthy and functional landscape. Practice guidelines for effective implementation and adapting the BMPs to local conditions.
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Recommendations for evaluating potential irrigation water resources, including nonpotable sources. Appendices with information on system inspection and commissioning, irrigation scheduling, and water budgeting. “We’ve included more discussion about considering all potential water resources that could be used for irrigation as an alternative to using potable water sources,” said IA Industry Development Director Brent Mecham, CID, CLWM, CIC, CAIS. “We’ve also put greater emphasis on the important role water manager’s play in ensuring that systems are well maintained and that water resources are being used efficiently.” The guidelines are directed primarily toward system owners, irrigation consultants, irrigation designers, contractors, water managers and irrigation system maintenance personnel.
thought out planning, design and specifications,” said ASIC Executive Director Carol Colein. “This document also rightfully addresses the importance of proper system installation and ongoing maintenance and system management practices. The joining of the different aspects into a single document will serve the industry well for years to come.” Since the Landscape Irrigation BMPs were first published in 2002, they have been adopted by many landscape organizations, government agencies and water purveyors. The updated BMPs:
Allow irrigation professionals to adopt accepted practices to minimize water use and waste in managed landscapes. Serve as a credible resource for policy- and decisionmakers who are developing and implementing standards and codes related to landscape irrigation.
The updated document is available at no charge on the IA and ASIC websites. For more information, contact Brent Mecham or Carol Colein. Carol Colein, Executive Director, carolc@asic.org, 508.763.8140
“Professional irrigation consultants have long understood that effective and efficient irrigation only starts with well
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News - Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced additional appointments to his administration today. The appointees will join McAuliffe’s administration focused on finding common ground with members of both parties on issues that will grow Virginia’s economy and create more jobs across the Commonwealth.
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Sandra “Sandy” J. Adams, Commissioner, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Sandy Adams most recently served as Acting VDACS. This was Adams’ second time serving as Acting Commissioner. Prior to leading VDACS in an acting capacity, Adams served for three and a half years as the agency’s Deputy Commissioner. In her new role as VDACS Commissioner, Adams is responsible for managing an agency that promotes the economic growth and development of agriculture, provides consumer protection, and encourages environmental stewardship. Prior to serving as Deputy Commissioner, Adams served ten years as VDACS Director of Administrative & Financial Services and three years as the agency’s Financial Director. In addition to her almost 20 years at VDACS, Adams served 12 years in a number of positions at the Department of Taxation. Adams received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Mary Washington College and a post-baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting from Virginia Commonwealth University. Contact: Office of the Governor: Rachel Thomas, rachel.thomas@governor.virginia.gov
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News - VDACS Deputy Commissioner I am very pleased to announce the selection of Charles Green as the Deputy Commissioner of VDACS effective July 25, 2014. The agency was very fortunate to have excellent candidates who were interested in the Deputy Commissioner post. Charles, with his combined experience, background, leadership skills, and relationships with the agricultural community and overall knowledge of the operational aspects of the agency, emerged as the top choice from that talented candidate pool. Charles has approximately nine years of experience with VDACS and is a proven leader. He possesses skills in operations management and administration and knows the agency exceptionally well. He has the ability to proactively build and maintain positive working relationships with employees, representatives of agriculture and agribusiness industries, federal and state agencies, and other organizations. Over the past several years he has organized trade missions to Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Germany, Japan, China, South Korea, Israel, and India. He is an even-keeled and effective leader with great interpersonal and communication skills. In running the day-to-day operations of the agency, he will be a valuable asset to the Agency and me in my new role as Commissioner. Charles has been with VDACS since 2005, serving most recently as Division Director of Marketing and Development, a position he has held since 2007. Prior to that he served as Project Manager in the Agribusiness Development Unit. Prior to his service with VDACS, he was employed by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture as an Assistant Director of International Marketing. Charles also has a Master’s of Business Administration. Please join me in welcoming Charles to his new role as VDACS Deputy Commissioner. I know that you will give him your support and cooperation as you always have to me. Elaine Lidholm, Director of Communications, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Richmond VA 804.786.7686
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plans to introduce a pollinators House bill that includes the type of science and research we have been advocating for.
Legislative - PLANET Quarterly Legislative Update
Health Care and Seasonal Workers
PLANET and several allied associations, including the Society of American Florists, AmericanHort, and the National Restaurant Association, have been working to educate ConESN-117 BiggestNur/4.5x7.25 10:21 AM Page 1 workers ungress about the 8/30/04 complex treatment of seasonal
Legislative Day on the Hill 2014
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More than 100 PLANET members, representing 26 states and many accompanied by family members and staff, took to Capitol Hill on July 29 for PLANET'S Legislative Day on the Hill. They helped to inform legislators about several lawn care and landscape industry issues, namely seasonal health care, tick-borne diseases, the "Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act" (H.R. 5078); and immigration reform. Their efforts were enhanced by a social media campaign which reached 50,000 Twitter accounts and resulted in online interactions with legislative staffs. Overall, Hill visits were well received and it appears that as a result of the visits, some legislators are likely to co-sponsor H.R. 5078, S. 2496, and H.R. 5213. During a Hill meeting in the office of Georgia Rep. Austin Scott, who chairs the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Horticulture, Research, Biotechnology and Foreign Agriculture which has jurisdiction over pesticide issues, it was revealed that in September he VNLA Newsletter
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Too Small
Too Big
Just Right
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 July /August / September 2014 July/August/September 2014
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der the Affordable Care Act (ACA). As a result of these efforts, Reps. Jim Renacci (R-Ohio), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.), and Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.) introduced H.R. 5213, "Simplifying Technical Aspects Regarding Seasonality Act of 2014," to make it easier for seasonal employers to comply with the ACA. The legislation defines "seasonal employee" as a worker who is employed on a seasonal basis for 6 months or less during the calendar year, consistent with Department of Treasury regulations. The draft bill would also remove seasonal employees from the formula used to determine if a business is a large employer for the purposes of ACA compliance. Under the bill, large employers would not need to offer health insurance to seasonal workers who work less than 6 months during the year. Pesticide Regulations On July 31, the House passed legislation to eliminate a permit requirement for pesticides already subject to federal regulations. Passage of the bill, 267-161, comes three days after it failed to win approval under suspension of the rules. The problem remains in the Senate with Sen. Barbara Boxer (DCalif.) blocking it and Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) refusing to bring it up for a vote. Pollinators On June 20, President Obama issued a Presidential Memorandum on "Creating a Federal Strategy to Promote the Health of Honey Bees and Other Pollinators." House Pollinator Caucus Co-Chairs Alcee L. Hastings (D-Fla.) and Jeff Denham (R-Calif.) introduced H.R. 4790, "The Highways Bettering the Economy and Environment Act (Highways BEE Act)." PLANET supports this legislation. Introduced May 30, the Highways BEE Act would direct the Secretary of Transportation to use its existing authority and funding to encourage the installation of pollinator habitats along highway rights of ways (ROWs). PLANET continues to closely follow all legislative and regulatory developments related to pollinators. Note: Bee health and the possible impact of neonicotinoid insecticide use have been in the news recently. One aspect of this issue that has not been well covered in these stories is a documentation of actual use and value of these products—they are commonly used to produce healthy, insectfree lawns and landscapes. For that reason, PLANET cooperated with Aglnfomatics, a leading research firm, is conducting a survey to learn more about the value of insecticides to help supply data to the EPA. Waters of the United States On March 25, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a proposed
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regulation that will greatly expand the scope of waters subject to Clean Water Act (CWA) regulation. The comment period on the proposed rule was extended until Oct. 20. Numerous senators and members of Congress have sent letters to the EPA expressing concerns with the scope of the rule and several congressional committees have held hearings on the proposed measure. Given that the EPA and the Corp will need to respond to all of the comments before finalizing a proposal, we anticipate that a final rule will not be issued for at least 18 months. We support H.R. 5078, "The Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2014 and S. 2496, "The Protecting Water and Property Rights Act of 2014," which would stop the proposed regulation DOL Proposed Wage and Hour Regulation On March 13, the administration released a Presidential Memorandum directing the Department of Labor (DOL) to propose revisions to modernize and streamline overtime regulations. Most workers covered under the Fair Labor Standards Act receive overtime pay. However, the DOL's upcoming regulations will change the overtime exemption for executive, administrative, and professional employees (often referred to as the "white collar exemption rules). PLANET and two of our members participated in a Small Business Administration-sponsored roundtable discussion with the DOL. H-2B Reform While the prospects for broader H-2B reform along the lines of legislation (H.R. 4238) introduced by Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) in March are tied to the broader immigration reform debate, PLANET has been advocating for targeted relief through the appropriations process. Specifically, we are asking that Congress do the following:
Prohibit the Department of Labor from implementing any new H-2B wage rule that does not preserve an employer's right to use private wage surveys and that does not provide for a multitier wage methodology in which wages are tied to experience.
Allow employers to bring H-2B workers into the United States on "staggered schedules" as they ramp up or wind down for the season.
Reinstate the H-2B returning worker exemption. The first half cap was hit in mid-March of this year.
Note: Visit the Government Affairs Legislative Action Center to read more about this issue and send a letter to your legislator. You can also visit congressweb.com/pin/bills to
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read the Bills we have positions on, and go to the Government Affairs web page to read the positions papers that were taken to the Hill for our recently held Legislative Day.
At the State Level Colorado PLANET contributed and signed on with the Coloradans for Responsible Pesticide Application (CRPA) to a position paper to help address renewal of their state pesticide law that sun stetted and needs to be renewed but is being target by anti-pesticide groups for major changes. Florida Florida's political landscape is being upended by a landmark legal ruling that one legal expert says could influence the way other states draw their congressional districts. A circuit judge ruled that the state Legislature illegally drew Florida's congressional districts to primarily benefit the Republican Party. Judge Terry Lewis ruled that two of the state's 27 congressional districts were invalid and that the map must be redrawn. Maryland Montgomery County, Maryland, is poised to introduce an ordinance about regulating pesticides use on lawns and turf on public and private property. The proposal could impact
professionals and homeowners. The draft proposal reflects the desire of a group of voters opposed to pesticide use. It does not reflect the perspective of the majority of voters in the county. PLANET is monitoring and feels it is essential that the industry becomes engaged and that they ask their customers to engage in the discussion. Those that do business there have to start the discussion with your customers so they will have the information they need to speak up and share their perspective when the time comes. North Carolina Fertilizer pre-emption was passed with very continuous wording with some in the industry with opposing views base on was this language better than no pre-emption and if killing it for another try next year a better direction. It now awaits the governor's signature Wisconsin The Wisconsin Supreme Court determined that spraying a pesticide is an "inherently dangerous activity" therefore both the contractor and the individual landowner that hired the contractor are responsible for taking precautions to reduce risk of off-site damage and may be liable for damage caused by a commercial applicator to a neighboring property. Washington, D.C. Government
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PLANET submitted comments to the District's Department of the Environment, which is proposing the most extensive changes to the city's pesticide operation regulations since they were first issued in 1978.
PLANET PAC Activities
Opponents define you to lawmakers Laws are passed that harm your industry Others point finger at you without you to answer back to them Lawmakers don’t have a “face” for your industry
Fundraiser during GIC and GIC+EXPO
Five “Secrets” to Success in Lobbying
We recently held a successful fundraiser for the PAC during Legislative Day. The next opportunity to support the PAC is during the Green Industry Conference at GIE+EXPO. Join us at a dinner honoring the past presidents of PLANET and the legacy associations. We are changing the format this year and are holding the dinner at the popular Jeff Ruby Steakhouse in Louisville. Click here for more information.
1) Understand the issue/bill Research and ask questions about the bill or issue Ask yourself, “What will the opponent say?” and think through a counter to their argument
Congressional Fundraisers During the past two months, your PAC donations have helped us host four fundraisers for the following members of Congress who understand the issues that are important to the lawn care and landscape industry:
Rep. David Joyce (R-Ohio)
Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.)
Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.)
Former Rep. Bob Dold (R-III.).
PLANET • Herndon, VA 20170 • www.landcarenetwork.com
tomdelaney@landcarenetwork.org
Tips - Lobbying 101 Tips and Suggestions March, 2014 Why Should I be a “Lobbyist” for the Green Industry?
What You Provide
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3) Write, call, or meet with legislator Introduce yourself, where you are from (city, state), who you represent Be upfront as to why you’re there (support or opposition to a bill, educate, etc.) Briefly outline your talking points *in your own words* Be prepared to answer the question “What would your opposition say?” Be polite, non-confrontational, and brief Say thank you, and promise follow up information if needed 4) Follow up with a brief thank you email or note Include your request and talking points one more time 5) Make a point to see your local legislator after General Assembly Build connections now to utilize later; become a “grasstops” influence
Real-life history, insight, and impacts Story to relate to Common-sense approach to problems/issues Business and industry voice
What’s the Risk of Doing Nothing?
2) Understand how the issue/bill impacts you Write down how this will make a difference to your business, way of life, etc. Outline the advantages of supporting your position and the costs of not doing so Break it down into 2-3 points that are easy to understand
Lobbying 101 Tips and Suggestions Key Legislative Terms in Virginia
Constituent = citizen, voter in district
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Bill = proposed change to law, proposed new
Patron = Legislator who will sponsor or intro-
law, or proposed deletion of law (also referred to as legislation) duce the bill for consideration
o Only a legislator can introduce a bill
the bill
Amend = Changes to the bill (deletions, inser-
Body = Either full Senate or full House
Refer = Send bill to committee, floor, etc.
Bill “reading” = debate/discussion of a bill be-
tions, etc.)
fore the full body
Crossover = mid-point of General Assembly
session
o Each body must finish action on own bills and send them to the other body
Sign = Governor’s approval of bill (final ac-
tion)
Veto = Governor’s disapproval/defeat of bill
Key Resources to Use
Co-Patron = Additional legislative sponsor of
Who’s My Legislator? - http://con-
view.state.va.us/whosmy.nsf/VGAMain?open form Virginia General Assembly - http://virginiageneralassembly.gov Virginia Agribusiness Council (links to government websites) http://www.va-agribusiness.org/governmentlinks Legislative Information Services (bill tracking) http://lis.virginia.gov/cgibin/legp604.exe?ses=131&typ=lnk&val=02 VNLA Legislative Website http://goo.gl/JiPLlZ
Provided by Katie Frazier, Virginia Agribusiness Council at the Virginia Green Industry Council meeting on March 25, 2014;
http://www.va-agribusiness.org
Ad - Johnston County Nursery Marketing Association
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Tips - Become More Productive Immediately Follow Jeffrey Scott’s 10 Tips for Time Management
4. Don't sell to shoppers. Qualify out 60%+/- of the shoppers on the phone, and the other 40% on the first appointment. Use consultation fees and direct questions to make sure they are a good fit for you. Use your time on your higher value leads; close more good leads at a higher value. 5. Delegate low-profit tasks. Delegate any task you could pay someone $20 to $25/hr or less to do. Brainstorm a list of 5-10 things you do that someone else could. And for your key managers lower on the pecking order, have them choose a lower cut off ($10 to $15/hr). You will make more money and have happier clients if you (and they) stay focused to your high value, high profit tasks. 6. Build the habit of planning ahead.
No one is ever as efficient as they want to be, however, most leaders don’t know what to do about that. I have researched the best ideas for time management, tested them out myself, and collated this list. The techniques in this article will double your effectiveness and allow you to accomplish more than you ever thought possible. 1. "Give me two alternatives" Teach your direct reports and employees to answer their own questions, by asking them to come to you with 2 alternative solutions when they want to ask you a question. Tell them you will coach them on which is the best - and the happy truth is most of their questions they will solve by the time they develop 2 alternatives. Teach them to fish, and you will all eat more fish. 2. Carve out alone time. If you are bombarded with interruptions and can't seem to get any work done, carve out alone time each day (up to 2 hours), or a half day each week, where you either "close the door, pull down the shades, put a do-not-disturb sign on your door, turn off your email ping and phone buzz, and let your employees know not to interrupt. You may choose to go off site to get the quiet you need. Train your staff when they can reach out to you, and when they shouldn't. 3. Use a weekly meeting. Set up a recurring weekly time to meet with certain staff, and ask them to save up their issues for that meeting, and not to ask you throughout the week, unless urgent or critical to a project or client's satisfaction (in which case, see tip 1) - many will end up getting solved and not be relevant by the time your meeting happens.
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If you do everything last minute, you will make more mistakes, have less chance for support from others, cause more chaos, be more stressed, and waste everyone's time. On Friday (or weekend) plan ahead for the next week. At 4pm or in evening plan ahead for next day. Taking time for quiet reflection improves your thinking process. FOREMEN: Have your foremen report back to you at noon and at 4pm. Have them answer: will they finish on time, have they run into anything that have set them back, do they need another kind of tool tomorrow. 7. Make one business-building improvement a day. Improve one thing each working day, and in 20 weeks you will have improved a 100 things in your company and doubled the effectiveness of your corporation. Keep this up and within a year you will be 250% better off. People over estimate what they can get done in a month, and under estimate what they can accomplish in a year. 9. Have people clean up their own mess. When you clean up after others, you train them to keep making mistakes. When clients complain about workmanship, have the employees’ responsible go talk to the client and fix the problem themselves - your employees will train themselves to do better next time. 10. Outsource non-core tasks. You don't need to be your own website guy or social media gal. You don't need to be an expert in a side service (irrigation, fertilization). Understand what your core business really is, and focus your energies on building that aspect of the business. Outsource or delegate everything else. Treat your business as a profession, and you will attract professionals.
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ACTIONS
Take the top 3 ideas, and implement one a week, or faster if they are simple to execute. Share with someone in your company to be your accountability partner. Ask your employees which of these ideas make sense to implement right away.
Jeffrey Scott, MBA, author, is the expert in growth and profit maximization in the lawn & landscape industry. He grew his company into a successful $10 million enterprise, and he's now devoted to helping others achieve profound success. Over 6000 read his monthly newsletter. He facilitates the Leader’s Edge peer group for landscape business owners; his members achieved a 27% profit increase in their first year. To learn more visit www.GetTheLeadersEdge.com
Tips - Talking Points to Address Lawn Care Issues Lawn Care Issues Last week, the CBS "Early Show" ran a story titled "Lawn Chemicals Can Stay in Your Body for Years, Even Decades." It contained some inflammatory information, including a reference to DDT, a pesticide that has been banned for decades. You may get questions either as a result of this story or from other negative stories that appear in the press from time to time. Many of the negative stories are focused on lawn care products that are used to protect the lawn and landscape. Media get much more attention from stories with negative headlines or sensationalized quotes, and they don't always include all sides to the story. Here are some talking points and information to share with your staff and that they can use with customers. We are focused on helping you educate the public and customers about the safe professional use of all lawn care and other industry products.
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P.O. Box 395 Seaboard, NC 27876 Phone: (252) 589-1324 Fax: (252) 589-1642 •
Suppliers of bulk aged pine bark fines.
•
Custom mixes available containing lime, sand and/or minors.
•
Fast, dependable service Memberships: North Carolina Association of Nurserymen Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association
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Professionals use the same products that homeowners do. They generally use the same products that are available off the shelf in national retail outlets, and those products are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and by state pesticide regulatory agencies.
Lawn care operators are knowledgeable about how to apply these products safely and according to label directions.
States require companies that perform lawn care pest control be trained and licensed to apply pesticides.
Lawn care applicators apply pesticides every day, and they are just as concerned as customers that the products they use are as safe as possible.
Most companies take extra steps to notify customers and neighbors with posted signs that note that products have been applied.
The EPA continues to review the latest research studies and continues to reassess the safety of all the products that it registers.
PLANET • 950 Herndon Pkwy, Suite 450 • Herndon, VA 20170 •
Tips - Nobody Said It Was Easy Networking You've just completed a hectic day complete with piles of paperwork, interoffice conflicts, a heated phone conversation with a client, and whatever junk food you could grab for lunch. There is nothing you would enjoy more than a quiet, relaxing evening at home, and you're headed in the opposite direction to invest a few hours with a professional organization and reap the benefits of a "power networking" session. Yes, it's true, regardless of the benefits of mingling with people, making contacts and putting yourself in the right place at the right time, it is sometimes the last thing you would choose to do. For a privileged few, meeting people is a fun, natural, easygoing process. For most of us, however, stepping into a room full of people that we've never met and striking up several intelligent, interesting conversations is at best a challenge and sometimes just plain work. When I was designing and selling landscape services years ago, much of my success came from the relationships formed in network settings. I not only developed incredible business leads, but I also became friends with individuals I'm still in contact with today.
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I remember many evenings standing next to the shrimp bowl trying to gather enough courage to approach a developer I was dying to do business with, while contemplating the drawing I had yet to do when I arrived at home that night. There was something in me, however, that knew the effort made in meeting and enjoying people was going to be the secret to my success. So the fear remained, but I inched away from the shrimp, put on a confident smile and began talking to people. Years later, as I began speaking to groups around the country, I found myself in more "networking" situations than ever. After one such gathering with my wife by my side, we both collapsed in the car and took a deep breath before driving home. "I know that's easy for you," she said with a sigh, "but I'm exhausted!" "What makes you think it's easy for me?" I laughed. "That's work!" "Well, you make it look so easy and fun I thought it just came naturally," she concluded. As I told her that night and we remind each other of even today, networking takes enthusiasm, energy, and effort, and even if you don't make a life-changing connection, you'll usually learn something about people or yourself in each experience. If you enjoy the challenge, you will reap the benefits of networking. - Jim Paluch
Networking Steps You Can Take
Appreciate yourself. You have one chance to make a first impression, so be aware of your appearance. Remember, when you feel good about the way you look, confidence and poise will follow.
Sincerely appreciate people. The greatest single factor in determining your success in networking is your sincere appreciation of the other people in the room. If you are looking for the good in others and approaching every conversation with interest and care, you'll be amazed at the people you'll meet.
Truly listen. Ask open-ended questions that will encourage the other person to talk, and then carefully listen and retain the information. Be alert to recognize
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likes, dislikes, areas of interest, details about their family, etc., which will give you more to talk about now and in your follow-up conversations.
DON'T be late to a meeting — get there early.
DON'T sit by someone you know— sit by strangers.
DON'T sit by an aisle, empty seat, or in the back row — surround yourself with people.
DO remember networking isn't selling — it's building relationships that are mutually beneficial.
DON'T do all the talking — the best conversationalists say the least
DO understand personality styles — treat people the way they want to be treated
DON'T wait to be approached — take the responsibility to introduce yourself.
DON'T use inappropriate humor.
DON'T become comfortable and monopolize one person's evening — after 5 to 10 minutes, move on.
Follow up and keep in touch. The most important step in developing a working network of names to continually draw from is the follow up. Even
Dos and Don’ts of Networking
Don’ts
DO begin every conversation with a question— listen and learn from what you hear.
DO carry business cards — be sure you always have enough.
DO write on the back of any card you receive where you met and what you want to remember.
DO realize that networking improves with practice.
Contributed by Phillip J, Stella If you want to learn more about the power of PEOPLE SOLUTIONS THAT DRIVE BUSINESS PERFORMANCE, contact: JP Horizons Inc, Painesville, OH 44077;Phone: (440) 3528211Fax: (440) 352-8225; jim@jphorizons.com web site: www.jphorizons.com
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Founded over a century ago, Sherman Nursery continues to offer the finest selection of
Tips - It's Not What You Know Everyone has heard the age old adage, "It's not what you know; it's who you know." Although this statement is often presented with negative undertones, alluding to the fact that the person did not earn the success themselves, it rings of truth: no one reaches high levels of success without the help of others. Harvey Mackay wrote the following statement in his book, Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty, "If I had to name a single characteristic shared by all truly successful people I've met over a lifetime, I'd say it is the ability to create and nurture a network of contacts." Learning to utilize the expertise, connections and friendly assistance of others has been a key factor in reaching goals throughout recorded history. The weaknesses of any individual can be strengthened by a group of comrades. If you want to learn more about the power of PEOPLE SOLUTIONS THAT DRIVE BUSINESS PERFORMANCE, contact: JP Horizons Inc, Painesville, OH 44077;Phone: (440) 3528211Fax: (440) 352-8225; jim@jphorizons.com web site: www.jphorizons.com
Tips - Workers' Compensation Mitigation Strategies Take a look around your company. Chances are your workplace has changed in the past 10 years. Your workforce has changed as well. Regardless of industry, the U.S. workforce is aging. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has estimated that 25 percent of the workforce will be age 55 or older by 2020. This aging workforce brings with it the potential for escalating workers' compensation costs, particularly since older employees typically experience more severe workplace injuries and illnesses than younger ones. One of the most effective ways to reduce these costs is through a commitment to workplace safety. A commitment to safety is the key to a successful workers' compensation process and cost containment. A successful process creates a better work environment and improves productivity. A commitment to workplace safety makes your company an attractive place to work, helping you retain employees and reduce employee turnover. Below are some workers' compensation mitigation strategies that you should keep top of mind during the time of hire, during day to day operations and when an injury occurs in the workplace. TIME OF HIRE Make every effort to ascertain that new or potential hires are physically capable of handling the requirements of the job. 48
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A job interview provides an opportunity to gauge a potential employee's safety commitment. Including a section on your company's safety policies and procedures in employee orientation reinforces your safety culture from day one. A new or potential hire should be mentally capable of understanding and consistently applying safety training, procedures and protocols. Companies with safety in their DNA want to make sure they hire employees with the same mindset. Understand that age, obesity and co-morbidities will generally create more time and treatment for injured workers to return to full duty after an accident. A more extensive transitional duty program may be necessary to mitigate off duty status. DAY-TO-DAY Build a safety culture. A safety-focused work culture attracts safety-minded employees. With a strong safety culture, both management and employees are engaged in the process and share responsibility for accident prevention and effective injury management. Encourage collaboration and communication to promote safety as their priority. Employees feel comfortable voicing their suggestions and concerns and may be involved in developing and revising safety procedures. If an accident happens everyone knows what to do and how to report the incident. Treat "near misses" as accidents. Defect check processes and root causes and develop the best safety solutions for operational activities. Knowledge share. In states where it is permitted, post medical panels to inform injured workers and managers as to which occupational medical providers in the area are available to treat work-related injuries. WHEN AN INJURY OCCURS Contact the insurance company as soon as possible after an occurrence. Prompt reporting assures that the necessary medical attention is provided and a return-to-work process is put into place. Claims reported to the carrier within 3 days of injury cost up to 20% less than claims reported outside that time frame. Conduct a thorough investigation to determine what caused the accident and make workplace adjustments to prevent similar accidents.
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Carriers may need your support in validating the accident or to pursue subrogation against a third party. DON'T WAIT TO COMPLETE THIS STEP BEFORE REPORTING TO THE CARRIER.
Fund Accounts
12/30/13
5/31/14
VNA Horticulture Research Fndtn
696,377
668,873
Maintain regular contact with the injured employee throughout the course of recovery. Management should accompany the injured worker for treatment and should make sure that the medical provider is aware of the availability of transitional or modified duty when the injured worker is capable of performing that duty safely.
VNAHRF Checking
21,775
35,578
VNAHRF Beautiful Gardens
16,519
15,074
VNLA Money Market Fund
225,845
152,809
VNLA Rainy Day Fund
292,976
294,506
VNLA Checking Account
18,073
44,862
Shoosmith Scholarship Fund
217,300
218,810
Laird/Gresham Scholarship Fund
67,507
67,695
CW Bryant Scholarship Fund
52,055
52,456
Total Assets
1,623,427 1,550,456
For more information, please contact your local independent
Minutes Summer Board Meeting Saturday, June 14, 2014 - 9 pm - 3 pm 209 Norris Hall, VA Tech, Blacksburg, VA 9 a.m. - Welcome, intros and hopes for the day
The meeting was called to order by President Matt Shreckhise at 9:15 a.m. with the following present: Bill Gouldin, Cheryl Lajoie, Christopher Brown, Craig Attkisson, Tom Thompson, Aaron Williams, Mike Hildebrand, Chuck Woods (NVNLA President), Jim Owen, and Jeff Miller. TASK LIST FOR MEETING from 3/5/14
Potential Board Members - Matt Sawyer (absent) Member social events proposals (Fall event in the Richmond area) - Mike Hildebrand Changes in Guide to Virginia Growers? - Craig Attkisson
10:00 am - Jerzy Nowak, Dept. of Horticulture, gave a presentation of the two final Norris Hall April 16 Memorial Garden plans. It will not only serve as a memorial to the victims of April 16, but also as a demonstration garden for smart controls for water features and use of the area as an outdoor teaching area.
Current Membership 539 Membership 1 year ago 6/9 518 Peak Membership (2008) 632 Current VCH Count 513** VCH Count 1 Year ago 6/9 542 Total Income YTD May’14 86,148 Budget Year 2014 408,460 Total Income YTD May’13 103,485 Total Expenses YTD May’14 119,083 Budget Year 2014 392,930 Total Expenses YTD May’13 130,121 **Cert# change due to date corrections Secretary’s Report - Bill Gouldin asked if there were any corrections or additions to the March 5, 2014 VNLA Board Meeting Minutes. Being none, is was moved to approve the minutes, seconded and passed.
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Financial Reports - Bill Gouldin and Jeff reviewed the May 31, 2014 financial reports that had been emailed to the board. It was moved to approve the financial reports as presented, seconded and passed. Bill presented a summary of VNLA Financial reports from 1982 to 2013, including growth in the cash assets, membership, certification, scholarship, and research trends. Executive Director’s Report - Jeff Miller: the complete report was emailed to the board and attached to these minutes. The following recommendations were made to the board: Virginia Certified Horticulturist (VCH) certificate revisions be incorporated in the new marketing plan. Certification Reciprocity with other states should be continued on a case by case basis by the executive director. Have a Strategic Planning Meeting and board training session in late September or early October before the Budge and Fall Board Meeting. SNA State Officers Conference, in conjunction with the SNA Trade Show, recommend that the VNLA send two representatives to this meeting. (Matt Shreckhise will be attending.) 1. The VNLA should send 2-3 representatives to the new Northeast Region Leadership Meeting in New Brunswick, NJ on September 21-23, 2014. 2. The VNLA should review the Landscape Specifications for the Commonwealth of Virginia and talk to other groups about updating. 3. The VNLA should consider exhibiting at the IGC East Show next year to promote the Grower Guide and VNLA membership. Membership - Mike Hildebrand discussed options for member social events and proposed a fall event in the Richmond area. Colesville Nursery had offered to host one during the State Fair. Member signs at MANTS - Christopher Brown: It was the consensus of the board to again supply exhibiting VNLA members at MANTS, flags with the new VNLA logo. There was a very positive response to providing these this year. Marketing Proposals - Matt Shreckhise reviewed the meeting with Access in Roanoke with Mike Hildebrand, Virginia Rockwell and Jeff Miller, Todd Marcum and Misty Smith-Klein. The scope of services included the goals of the branding effort to focus on and grow the audience for the VNLA, providing members things they cannot achieve on their own: credentials and education, a collective voice in the public arena on policy education, research and professionalism.
Logo redesign and brand standards Trade show booth and displays Website redesign Public relations
Certification - Cheryl Lajoie reported that the online manual is pending due to clarifications requested from Dave Close on changing the agreement for a set number of hours to specifying completion of all of the chapters. Cheryl is writing up standards for review classes and testing. Plant ID Updates are being reviewed and the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Certification. Life time Certification status is still being reviewed. GAR addition of VCH for Washington DC projects has been requested.
Chapter Updates - Bill Gouldin and Doug Hensel are reviewing the Salesmanship and Display Selling chapters for revision.
Legislative/Regulatory Review - Virginia Rockwell, report is attached. Education - Aaron Williams reported that the Shoosmith Scholarship Awards applications had been received and the committee had made the award selections and recipients had been notified. Details will be listed in the next Newsletter. One of the awards was made from the CW Bryant Scholarship Fund for the first time. The Laird/Gresham Scholarship recipients, selected by the VA Tech Horticulture Department had also been approved. Public Relations - Sonya Westervelt reviewed plans for the Lean Management program, Field Day and Summer Tour at Virginia Tech. The Native Plant Marketing Partnership will be at Field Day and introduce Doug Tallamy and have info for members who are interested in marketing native plants. The “Plant Something Campaign” is being review for Fall 2014 promotional marketing opportunities for members. Communications - Matt Shreckhise reviewed a proposal from Strategic Value Media to sell advertising for the VNLA Newsletter and a proposal from Leading Edge Communications to publish the Newsletter. After some discussion, it was the consensus of the board to not pursue these at the present time. It was suggested that the Newsletter change to a 2-column format and that the new member and new VCH lists be moved to the front of the Newsletter. Publications - Grower Guide - Craig Attkisson reported that he was working on getting a cover photo and new “quotes” for the Grower Guide letter. Jeff will send Craig copies of previous letters and specs to review for the 2015 edition solicitation/publication.
Services would include: 50
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It was suggested that the VNLA have an exhibit at the 2015 IGC East Show in 2015. Matt Shreckhise is going this year and will report back on the show potential. Environmental Affairs - Tom Thompson (emailed report) Research
2015 Research Gala/Auction - Christopher Brown discussed various alternative options for the traditional gala/auction at MANTS and ideas for a raffle as a fundraiser. He will follow up on this and Jeff will check with MANTS about conducting a raffle at the show. BMP’s and potential new Survey - Jim Owen announced that he had a new graduate student with a law degree and an interest in environmental regulations. An intern will be working on a BMP survey in Virginia and cost analysis.
Strategic Planning - Matt Sawyer (absent)
that it should be passed on to members to consider involvement. Adjourn - Being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:55 pm by Sonya Westervelt, Vice President
TENTATIVE Fall Board Meeting, Wednesday, October 22, 2014, 10 am - 4 pm, Charlottesville (tentative) "Strategy gets you on the playing field, but execution pays the bills." Gordon Eubanks What are our members’ problems? How is the VNLA going to make them more successful?
Old Business - none
Written Committee Reports
New Business
A donation request for 1st Responders Memorial on Capitol Square was discussed and the consensus was
Executive Director’s Report Meetings
Ad - Willow Springs Tree Farms
March 10, attended the NVNLA Meeting/Spring Fling at Merrifield Garden Center, set up display of Newsletters, Grower Guides, Certification information.
March 19, attended the Virginia Agribusiness Council National Policy Meeting and was on a panel to share our industry’s top three national priority issues in Richmond.
Certification
VNLA Newsletter
VNLA Newsletter
March: Four Certification tests: NVNLA, HRNLA, PLA, CVNLA
May: Two Certification Test: Leesburg and VA Tech
June: Two Certification tests: SWVA-Lynchburg, HRNLA
Review Classes: We need to develop a more uniform policy/plan to work with the regional groups on somewhat standardizing the class schedule, teacher qualifications, and information given about CEU reporting procedures and what qualifies for CEUS.
There is still confusion with membership in the VNLA and the Regional Associations.
VCH Certificates - there have been printing issues on the current gold foil certificates feeding through printers and print quality. They printed well on an old inkjet
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printer (which died) and have tried five other printers and I have consulted with several printer suppliers. Recommend certificate revisions to be incorporated in the new marketing plan.
Strategic Plan - I recommend a late September early October a strategic planning meeting and board training session, before the Budget and Fall Board Meeting. The last plan was November 2011.
Reciprocity with other states on Certification - I discussed this with Cheryl and we accepted certification reciprocity from Rhode Island with references from the RI Executive Director. Recommend that this be continued on a case by case basis by the executive director.
Additional Review Classes/Test sites - Joel Koci, now working part-time with VSU is interested in setting up review classes and testing at VSU. Chesterfield Technical Center is also interested in offering testing on site.
VA Tech Student Members - The VCH program and testing were promoted heavily by the VT Horticulture Department and the Department offered reimbursement of the test fee for any student taking the VCH Exam. Only one took the test, and passed.
Southern Nursery Association (SNA) - The VNLA was one of the founding fathers of the SNA. For many years, the SNA sponsored a State Officers Conference, usually attended by two state board members and the executive director. Every board member that I have ever gone with thought that it was well worth the time to network with other state officers, discuss current issues and participate in leadership training. This was 2-day event in late February. This year, it is the day after the Southern Plant Conference and the SNA Trade Show. I recommend that the VNLA board send two representatives to the State Officers Conference this year.
2014 Test Passing rate: 62% NVNLA 50% HRNLA 50% CVNLA 46% PLA 100% MAHSC Fertilizer Applicator Certification - possible addition module tied in with the current VDACS training/certification. Mike Goatley mentioned possibly adding a nursery component.
Membership - Thought on Membership - “Why People
Join”
(In case you missed this, it was an email on 4/23/14) “Benefits are nice to have, but they’re not why people join an organization. It’s more about the commitment to the profession, commitment to the standards, and having a voice in shaping the future of the profession.”
Plant Something Update - the current states involved in the program are looking into jointly applying for USDA/VDACS Specialty Crop Grants to supplement this program, which has been established over the last several years with these grants through the Arizona Nursery Association. The following info is posted on the VNLA Home page. The Father’s Day message and video were posted on Facebook with 3,410 people reached in the first 2 days, before Facebook stopped the paid ad promotion because the graphic “ad” had over 20% words.
Don't Just Stand There! PLANT SOMETHING! This Father's Day, give a gift that gives back!
— Magdalena Mook, executive director and CEO of the International Coach Federation, on the group's change in approach—which led to a large membership surge in March.
Regional Associations
- After attending regional meetings the last 2 years, I think that the VNLA should be working more closely with these groups to provide leadership training to help them operate a better association which will provide a pool of potential VNLA board members. Also offer website pages on VNLA website that they can maintain and update, serve as a resource for organization and tax status questions.
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Click here for Video to post on your website and Facebook Click here to find a garden center in your area with Virginia Certified Horticulturist on staff to select a great plant for a Father's Day Gift or Memorial.
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Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
"Imagine That" A world without trees and other plants? If you're having a hard time picturing that, let us give you a glimpse of this disaster scenario and how to prevent it. Click to WATCH VIDEO at VNLA w ebsite www.vnla.org
Virginia Green Industry Council (VGIC) is proceeding with a promotional program “Grow Some VA!” to promote Virginia Grown plants that are Bayfriendly and to improve water quality. This is being funded by a USDA/VDACS Specialty Crop Grant. Rick Baker, VDACS Marketing and Lorene Blackwood, VGIC President are taking the lead in this project. They have engaged a marketing firm in Richmond to develop the message and program which will be rolled out this fall. This project intends to make Virginia ornamental plant growers, landscape design/installers and garden centers more aware of the need for the sale and installation of appropriate plants for the control of runoff into the Chesapeake Bay.
Welcome to the VNLA's Plant Something!
We are passionate about enhancing the environment for everyone. We believe in more green space and increasing the tree canopy. After all, we are the original “green” industry. We grow things. Things that make a person happy to be outside. Things that kids climb, generation after generation. Things that improve our air, our soils, and our streams.
Programs have been in place for a number of years for the purpose of making the general public aware of decreasing water quality in the Chesapeake Bay region. New EPA mandates, increasing population in this area, more impermeable surfaces and greater scrutiny of agricultural production have all led to a greater need and urgency to help improve water quality and the environment. We want to respond to these needs by providing the grower and the consumer with additional information to effect change sooner rather than later.
Ad - Goodson & Associates
VNLA Newsletter
VNLA Newsletter
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This project intends to create:
Greater awareness among Virginia growers about plants appropriate for controlling runoff and erosion control thus creating increased sales for this category.
More effort by landscape designers and installers to design for runoff control and use the native plants. Work with retail garden centers in Virginia (Washington, D.C. and Maryland) to provide plant identification, information on plant use, design suggestions and industry speakers. Generate increased public awareness of the need to’ plant more plants’ for the purpose of improving water quality, the beauty of their homes and expanded sale of locally grown, Virginia quality plants.
The overall coordinator for this project will be Rick Baker with the Virginia Department of Agriculture. He will manage this project on behalf of the lead organization, the Virginia Green Industry Council. Project cooperating organizations include the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Chesapeake Bay Program. Mr. Baker has past grant management experience and will ensure that all funding for this project goes directly to the defined activities of the grant.
I’ve just recently purchased a copy of the PLANET landscape specs for comparison, which is very extensive.
Recommend that the VNLA review the specifications and talk to the other groups about updating.
PLANET
- the VNLA is an association member of PLANET and gets free registration at their annual meeting and VNLA members can get PLANET member discounts on their publications.
Grower Guide Marketing From Doug Hensel: “I am thinking about the new IGC East show this August being held in National Harbor, Maryland. Maybe this is something that needs to be mentioned at our upcoming Bd. Meeting and added to our quarterly newsletter. Encourage our members to attend.” www.IGCshow.com/East2014
Recommend that the VNLA should consider exhibit‐ ing at next year to promote the Grower Guide and Membership.
This grant will expand the ‘Plant More Plants’ project of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Plant More Plants was initiated in 2011 with the establishment of a website, media advertising and minimal retail promotions. This program is supported in kind by a number of Chesapeake Bay area agriculture and environmental groups. The Virginia Green Industry Councils involvement will extend that program and its goal of encouraging homeowners to reduce water runoff and erosion through the stated objectives.
Beautiful Gardens - We are in the process of collect-
The cooperative efforts of the participating groups will place increased emphasis on direct contact with consumers at garden centers to challenge them to increased positive action on behalf of the Chesapeake Bay.
Scholarships - J. Sargeant Reynolds Community Col-
Landscape Specifications The VNLA, VSLD and VA-ASLA agreed on a set of specs 20+ years ago, and we tried to get VA-ASLA to agree to update them and they didn’t want to assume any liability. Now that there is Green Area Ration (GAR), new environmental zoning regulations in DC (10/1/13) ) training at the ASLA Headquarters in Washington DC The specs are listed in the Code of Virginia as a reference. I’ve had several requests for copies of the Specifications this spring.
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ing royalty payments for ‘VT Spirit’ Daylily sales for this spring and last fall. Brent and Becky’s Bulbs have had great success growing and selling the daylilies. Other growers producing the plants in containers have had production/survivability issues to various causes. The original main producer in Danville will probably stop production this year. There are 3 other growers currently producing the daylily.
lege: There is a cost to process and administer the contributions we are fortunate to receive. To meet it, the Educational Foundation is adopting a 4% stewardship charge on nonendowed restricted gifts, effective 1/31/14. (some of the Shoosmith Scholarships are awarded to students at JSRCC.)
Newsletter - The Jul/Aug/Sept VNLA Newsletter
will probably be 2-3 weeks later due to vacation and Field Day this year. Nursery and Landscape Association Executives (NLAE) Annual Meeting, Savannah, GA The annual NLAE conference provides executive members the opportunity to network, share association management best practices, and learn from industry leaders. (Let me know if you’d like PDF files of the presentations from the meeting.)
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Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
This year’s educational program included John Graham, president and CEO of the American Society of Association Management (ASAE), who spoke about trends in association governance, management, and leadership. Dr. Charlie Hall, Ellison Chair in International Floriculture and AmericanHort’s chief economist, who provided an update on the state of the horticulture industry.
What is the best strategic option for turning education for association members into a money-maker or at least a break-even budget item? How do we incorporate value proposition of the green industry more inclusively into association activities (education and otherwise)? What can we do to better convey the value of membership?
Craig Regelbrugge of AmericanHort led a discussion and updates on healthcare, labor, the Farm bill, and other topics affecting our industry.
Bob Fitch, Cain Consulting Group, shared his insights on the board-executive relationship and why a fully engaged board is better for the association and for the executive. Submitted by Jeff Miller, VNLA Executive Director
Environmental Affairs Report Busy quarter. On March 27th I attended the Chesapeake Business Forum, which was hosted by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Bill Gouldin and Brent Hunsinger were also there for the VNLA. Other than the VNLA and a few smaller businesses that were more or less part of the green industry, the room was full of representatives of some pretty large companies along with the usual government agencies, municipalities and non-profit conservation groups. I went to the meeting with the hope of finding out how our members could be ACTIVE partners in the Bay cleanup. Instead, the meeting quickly degraded into a back slapping contest where the big businesses congratulated themselves on how many CFC light bulbs they had installed and how many pounds on paper waste they had recycled. Every once in a while someone mentioned a rain garden or bioswale that they were going to install. Brent and I did get a chance to speak with the few people present who might make good additions to the VNLA. I’m not sure there is much benefit for the VNLA to attend this type of forum other than to simply keep an eye on what the big businesses are and aren’t doing. On April 15th I got a call from Andy Alvarez (VDACS) about a problem with the Noxious Weed regulations. When the list of prohibited plants was voted on by the VDACS VNLA Newsletter
VNLA Newsletter
board, Imperata ‘Red Barron’ had been left OFF of the list when it was supposed to have been included along with other types of cogon grass. In case you don’t remember May 24th, 2012 I went to a meeting about noxious weed regulations at the VDACS offices (Virginia Rockwell and Jim Bruce were also there). Imperata was included on the list with cogon grass. I objected and it was removed. Later, in speaking with Tom Smith (Natural Heritage Division of DCR) and Larry Nichols (VDACS), I learned that Red Baron could indeed become invasive, which I relayed to the VNLA board on June 9th, 2012. At that meeting I asked the board if I could withdraw the objection to including Imperata on the list, there were no objections and not much discussion, so at a meeting of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee on July 19th, I withdrew the objection. My report on that can be found in the Oct/Nov/Dec 2012 edition of the VNLA newsletter. Andy’s call was to make sure that I remembered that Imperata was supposed to be included on the list of prohibited plants and that he was in the process of making the appropriate corrections to the list which is to be voted on soon. On May 6th, Virginia and I attended a Virginia Native Plant Marketing Partnership Steering Team Meeting at the DEQ offices. (http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/CoastalZoneManagement/CZMIssuesInitiatives/NativePlants.aspx) Diane Roselius was there representing the VSLD, too. Virginia, Diane and I were the only people present representing organizations whose members have an economic stake in the cleanup of the Bay and subsequently growing, selling, specifying and planting native plants. Once again the room was full of people from government agencies and conservation groups. And, once again, we covered the same ground that we covered the previous two meetings - there is nothing new to report here. This is a group we NEED to be part of; they desperately need our point of view, and if native plants are going to be grown in Virginia, our members are going to be the ones who do it, BUT we need to take a more active role. I went to a meeting with Kevin Hefernan at DCR’s new offices to get a run down on how plants get placed on and taken off of the state’s invasive species lists. It has always been one of our complaints that the way plants get added to the list is rather arbitrary - that we need to have a “scientific” basis for how plants get included. This meeting was supposed to clear all of that up. It did, but it’s so much information that I’ll have to put it in another, separate report. Tom Thompson, Environmental Affairs Director
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Legislative Report VNLA UPDATE - LEGISLATIVE & POLICY EVENTS June 2014 For more information contact Virginia Rockwell
virginia@gentlegardener.com or Jeff Miller info@vnla.org 19 MARCH - VIRGINIA AGRIBUSINESS COUNCIL NATIONAL POLICY UPDATE ON FARM BILL briefing on implementation of the long-awaited Farm Bill. 27 MARCH - CHESAPEAKE BAY BUSINESS FORUM - INNSBROOK DOMINION CENTER GLENALLEN, VA - VNLA represented by Bill Gouldin of Strange’s, an independent garden center retailer Tom Thompson and Brent Hunsinger, VCH, each conservation landscape design, install, maintain professionals in Richmond and Fredericksburg, April 2014 - Battlefield Farms, Rapidan, Orange County, VA. Represented VNLA at Virginia Agribusiness Council’s awarding of Battlefield Farms VAC’s Environmental Award for 2014. Acting Commissioner of Agriculture Ms. Sandy Adams, Del. Ed Scott, and VCE Extension Agent Steve Hopkins joined VAC Board President Danny Shreckhise to make the award. Battlefield Farms owners gave a tour of their impressive systems to reduce fertilizer use, water use, energy use and waste. May 2014 - VA Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) RVA- VIRGINIA NATIVE PLANT MARKETING AND CONSERVATION LANDSCAPE CREDENTIAL Steering Committee-Tom Thompson and Virginia Rockwell, VCH represented VNLA. This group is evolving into 3 groups: Forum STEERING Committee Working Groups. This May ‘Steering’ meeting of select representatives of green industry associations (VNLA, VSLD attended to represent their member interests; ASLA not present); localities, waterkeeper/watershed/environmental/conservation nongovernmental organizations (NGO’s) and State agencies including DEQ, DGIF, and DCR.
The purpose of this meeting eventually crystallized into creating two + working groups: SUPPLY OF LOCAL GENOTYPE NATIVE PLANTS: Availability and Affordability of Indigenous, Virginia ecotype/genotype Native Plants for Commercialization (and thus dissemination) in the various physiographic regions of Virginia. Dot Field, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) chair. VNLA’S Tom Thompson and Virginia Rockwell, among others, have already provided support to help find best practices and other resources in the 56
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nursery trade, academe, and habitat management/field botanist sectors. The experience of the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) 15+ year effort to collect, propagate and make available for commercialization local genotypes of native plants and other efforts will be built upon. Southern Nursery Association (SNA) Best Management Practices for Nursery Production, authored by VNLA board member Jim Owen, PhD, and others, will also be used. VNLA recommended that this committee chair also consult the VT College of Ag and Life Sciences (CALS) Strategic Plan, which she has already done, and also attend VNLA Field Day and associated events August 2014, and MANTS January 2015. SUPPLY OF CREDENTIALED CONSERVATION LANDSCAPE PROFESSIONALS IN THE CHESAPEAKE BAY - curriculum and minimum requirements for those who will thus be recognized as qualified to Design, Install and Maintain Conservation Landscape Best Practices. Shereen Hughes, Wetlands Watch, chair. We repeated VNLA position that the credential must be based on existing credentials and not a minimum, additional, separate requirement to design, install and maintain conservation BMP’s (best management practices) in VA. TABLED - demand creation, ‘market-ing’ (that is, government, NGO, business joint campaigns to create demand for native plants). I gave an impromptu but fact-based chalk talk on the facts structure, seasonality and size of the green industry, including a little on Virginia green industry. VNLA and VSLD representatives encouraged this group to get some basic facts right about making markets for plants, and to conduct market research and learning on the wholesale supply chain and influencers of those who specify, design with and sell native plants and others. As a result, this Steering Committee would like to: a. Survey VNLA members b. Attend VNLA Field Day. We have encouraged them to also come to MANTS 2015. MAY- In March, Noxious Weeds regulations proposed final draft to VDACS Board for approval. In May, Tom and I were notified that imperata ‘red baron’ would be added back as intended (omitted in error) and the reg’s must go through a ‘do over’ process. See Environmental Chair’s report. MAY - In direct response to VNLA repeated requests for science and logic behind HOW plants are named invasive by DCR, and noxious by VDACS, DCR has updated its list using a decision tree created by the Natural Heritage group scientists. Attached to environmental chair’s report. JUNE - Ms. Sandy Adams named Commissioner of Agriculture by the Governor. Commissioner Adams was our guest at the Virginia Agribusiness Council dinner, January. Please join me in congratulating Commissioner Adams.
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11 June - VSU - WHITE HOUSE/USDA/SBA REGIONAL FORUM ON WORKING FAMILIES WITH VIRGINIA FIRST LADY DOROTHY MCAULIFFE: Brad Copenhaver and I attended yesterday. I spoke with the SBA and USDA representatives and gave them our 'Yes Virginia Green Industry' representative card. I also spoke with Dr. Jewell Hairston, Dean of the fast-growing VSU College of Agriculture, about the Virginia Certified Horticulturalist (VCH) credential.
JUNE/JULY-AmericanHort seeks participation from VNLA members for a day on Capitol Hill in regard to immigration reform, either June 25-26 ish or July 9. Virginia Rockwell, VNLA Legislative Chair
News - Governor McAuliffe Kicks-off New RMP Program in Weyers Cave
The Governor touted the new program at Cave View Farm in Weyers Cave alongside First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, Natural Resources Secretary Molly Ward, Agriculture and Forestry Secretary Todd Haymore. They were also joined by representatives from the Virginia Farm Bureau; the Virginia Agribusiness Council; the Virginia Dairymen's Association; the Virginia Cattlemen Association; the Virginia Poultry Federation; the Chesapeake Bay Foundation; and the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The VNLA was represented by Virginia Rockwell, VNLA Legislative Chair, Matt Shreckhise, VNLA President, and Tscharner Watkins. As Chairman of the Virginia Agricultural Council, Tscharner Watkins attended the event with Virginia Agribusiness Council Chairman, Danny Shreckhise, at Cave View Farm, Weyers Cave, VA. This is a state assisted, volunteer, best land management program, very similar to our BMPs. (Note: The silo in the background is the largest in the State at 130'.) - Tscharner Watkins III. Provided by the Virginia Agribusiness Council, Virginia Rockwell and Tscharner Watkins
Governor Terry McAuliffe, on Monday, joined Virginia agricultural and conservation leaders in endorsing and promoting the state's new agricultural Resource Management Plan (RMP) program. The program encourages farmers to increase their use of conservation best management practices while providing the agricultural community quantifiable credit for the practices they already have in place. "This voluntary program makes sense for farmers and for Virginia's ongoing push to keep the Chesapeake and surrounding waters clean," said Governor McAuliffe. "My administration has worked closely with agricultural and conservation groups to develop a program that is a 'win' for all those involved by promoting best conservation practices, while also better tracking the programs that farmers already have in place. Building a new Virginia economy means growing key industries like agriculture while protecting the natural assets that are essential to Virginians' health and quality of life. I want to thank the agricultural and conservation groups that have come together on this important new plan."
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Obituary - Don Adams, News – Riverbend Nursery President o Sold to Private Equity Firm
ADAMS, Donald Thomas Sr., 88, has Highlights during the tenure Superior Street Partners gone home to be with the Lord on Don Nursery Adams as VNA Presiden Announces Acquisition of Riverbend April 22, 2014. He is survived by his 1989 Superior loving Street wife Partners, and best friend of 63 Funded $10,000 for the Hort LLC, a private equity firm foyears, Ann C. Adams; his daughter, ture at the State Fair of Vir cused on Robin the lower middle Howell (Howard); his son, for its second year, after con market, isDonald pleased to Jr.; an- his daughter, JenAdams uting over $35,000 the prev nounce thenifer successful Ward acqui(Andrew); grandsons, year to for permanent additio sition of Riverbend Nursery, Jonathan Howell (Daniella) and Wilthe grounds Inc. The new com- and granddaughliamoperating Thomas Ward; pany, Riverbend Nursery, ters, Megan Adams, Lauryn Howell, Member lapel pins were i LLC, is owned by Riverbend Madison Ward and McKenzie Ward. duced. Nursery Holdings, the in death by his He was LLC, preceded Started an industry approp investmentdaughter, entity formed Carol and Ann Adams. video loan library for membe managed by Superior Street Partners. Union First Market Bank provided the devoted for servant of the Lord, Don Nursery Products named the senior debtAfinancing the transaction, in addition to providing continuing was a member of Bethlehem Baptist “Virginia’s Finest” commodity working capital support. Church for the past 60 years, serving VDACS new Trademark Prog Based in Riner, Virginia, Nursery is a leading producer and disas a deacon andRiverbend Sunday school teachreceiving certificate #0001 at a p tributer of er quality perennialDon plants, herbs, ground cover, with sales priuntil recently. loved the and Lord, conference by Governor G marily to the independent center and landscape contractor markets. his family and hisgarden country. Baliles Riverbend also produces and markets a green roof product used as part of region, Appointed a committee to Hemanagement fought proudly in inWWII from storm water solutions the Mid-Atlantic under the Livceed with plans for a plan 1945 to 1947. eRoof® name. The company was founded in 1984 by Jim Snyder, who will meeting of horticulture ind remain Chief Executive Officer. For more Donald retired from Watkins Nurse-information on Riverbend Presidents and/or Executive Nursery, visit . ries www.riverbendnursery.com at age 84 after 35 years. rectors to plan for the futur Jon Herbst, of Superior notes: core operHePresident was a past presidentStreet of thePartners, Virthe "The Horticulture Pavilion (be ations andginia focus on quality production and superior customer will Green In Nurseryman's Association ning of service the Virginia remain unchanged post in acquisition. view the investment as an opporand worked the nurseryWe business try Council). tunity to partner with60 Jimyears. Snyder and a successfully built operation, for nearly The Generalwhich Assembly pa includes a solid level of next generation management. Our plan is to careTree Replacement and Tree Above all his accomplishments, Donald fully further expand the plant segment and green roof business, which is still with p servation Ordinances loved and adored his family. A devoted a relativelyhusband, young market domestically as part of a solution forbestorm ing to donewater in accordance father and grandfather, his management, and presents a significant growth opportunity." legacy of love and faith will live on in the Standardized Lands
hisadds: children andtransaction grandchildren and Riverbend all Specifications by the V Jim Snyder "The enables to further grow and those who knew and loved him. VSLD and VA ASLA. expand the business, bringing new opportunities and room for growth to both employeesVisitation and customers. Having this of long-term partner securesFoundation our The Research pa was held Friday at type Woody's future as aFuneral continued leader in the perennial and green roof industries, and Home on Huguenot Road from the $100,000 level. their interest operations aligned well with our commitment to 5 toin8maintaining p.m. Services were held on Sat Advanced Woodies Certific superior products and customer service." urday, April 26, at 11:30 a.m. at Bethprogram initiated. lehem Baptist Church, on Midlothian About Superior Street Partners The first 2-day long range st Turnpike, with graveside services to gic planning meeting follow at Westhampton Park Superior Street Partners, LLC is anMemorial Ohio-based private equity firm focused on was he Charlottesville. on lower Patterson Avenue. investing in middle market companies east of the Mississippi, with EBITDA of between $1mm-$3mm. In addition to change of control transac The Bylaws were updated Home Address: 1305 Knollwood Dr, tions, Superior Street will consider minority (non-control) change ownership positions the Board from 4 to North Chesterfield, VA 23235-4560, through mezzanine investments. Funding for Superior Street's is rectorstransactions and an Executive C (804) 272-1556 sourced from the founders' own capital and a network of mittee individual investors was established. (from the Richmond TimesAdditional Dispatch)information on Superior Street with diverse business backgrounds. Partners can be found at www.sstreetpartners.com .
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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
VNLA Pender ad half page_VNLA pender half page ad 1/15/14 11:21 AM Pag
Events - Virginia Horticultural News – Virginia Agribusiness Foundation 2015 Mid-Atlantic Banquet & Town Hall Meeting Horticulture Short Course
Ad - Pender Nursery Ad – Pender Nursery
NEW AD
Via Green Industry Council members install plants and flowers We are pleased to announce the 2015 Mid-Atlantic Horticul-
for the Virginia Agribusiness Council Banquet. ture Short Course, for January 20-23 in Newport News, VA. (front) Lorene Blackwood, (l‐r) Bill Bonwell, Gwynn Hubbard, Offering 6.5+ hours of CEUs daily, we continue to host Peggy Seay, Cary Gouldin
quality presenters & provide topics for all levels of horticulture: from work crew to project foreman to front office. Last year over 800 attendees benefited from our program, earning thousands of CEU credits from 16 professional organizations, and 116 attendees tested for professional certifications during our event! (See the attached Snapshot for more 2014 demographic data.) The 2015 Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course will see improvements in our registration and program format. New registration is per day only; simply register for the days each individual will attend. This shortens time spent & saves resources, it follows that we are GREENER than EVER in 2015 with only digital program booklets & online registraJames River Nurseriestoinstalling tion,James River Nurseries installing plans enabling registration open in plants mid-October. and sod from Brookmeade Sod Farm and sod from Brookmeade Sod Farm New “Product Showcases” are planned spotlighting innovative technologies and new products for the Green Industry. These are held during an extended lunch break, and may add to daily CEUs earned! Information regarding key invited speakers, planned workshops & CEU organizations are included on the attached press release. Please use this information, plus our 2015 promotional image for inclusion in your industry calendars and announcements. I can be reached for further comment or details about the Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course. The Virginia Horticultural Foundation is dedicated to horticulture education for the industry and the public, as a non-profit organization serving the Mid-Atlantic region.
Town Hall meeting at Grelen Nurseries, Orange, VA Dawn M. Alleman, Education Program Coordinator, Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course - providers of CEUs , Virginia Beach, VA Mobile (757) 647-0110 GMT Office (757) 523-4734 EST Fax (757) 366-9604
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Upcoming Events VCH Review Class Schedule, Fall 2014 Instructor: Lesley E. Sewell, ISA # MA-5290A, VSLD #104
Location: Crozet, VA Time: 5:30 – 8:30 pm Week 1:
Monday, Oct. 20
Chapter 1: ‘Basic Botany’ Chapter 9: ‘Indoor Plants’ Week 2: Monday, Oct. 27 Chapter 13:
‘Selection, Use, Care of Woody Plants’ Chapter 16: ‘Water Quality & Conservation’ Plant ID Review Week 3: Monday, Nov. 3 Chapter 2: ‘Soils & Fertilizers’ Chapter 5: ‘Diagnosing Plant Problems’ Plant ID Review Week 4:
Monday, Nov. 10
Monday, Nov. 17
Monday, Nov. 24
Chapter 10: ‘The Vegetable Garden’ Chapter 11: ‘Fruits in the Home Garden’ Plant ID Review Week 7:
September 17-20, 2014, IPPS - EASTERN REGION ANNUAL CONFERENCE Niagra Falls, Ontario 631-765-9638, ippser@gmail.com www.ippseastern.org October 17-19, 2014, NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY ANNUAL MEETING, Virginia Beach, www.vnps.org October 23-24, 2013, PLANET GIE_EXPO Kentucky exposition Center 800-558-8786 info@gie-expo.com www.gie-expo.com November 7-8, 2014, Middle Atlantic Chapter - American Rhododendron Society Fall 2014 Meeting, Wintergreen Resort, VA www.macars.org
Jaunuary 15, 2015, VNLA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP BREAKFAST MEETING, Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel, Baltimore, www.vnla.org
Chapter 6: ‘Pesticide Use & Safety’ Chapter 14: ‘Herbaceous Plants’ Plant ID Review Week 6:
September 12, 2014, WAYNESBORO PLANT HEALTH CARE FOR URBAN TREES WORKSHOP Best Western Inn & Conference Center, Waynesboro 540-942-6735 www.treesvirginia.org
January 14-16, 2015, MANTS Trade Show, Baltimore Convention Center, www.MANTS.com
Chapter 3: ‘Basic Entomology’ Chapter 4: ‘Plant Pathology’ Plant ID Review Week 5:
Other Upcoming Events
Monday, Dec. 1
January 20-23, 2015, MID-ATLANTIC HORTICULTURE SHORT COURSE, Newport News Marriott at City Center, www.mahsc.org April 17-18, 2015, Middle Atlantic Chapter - American Rhododendron Society Fall 2014 Meeting, Raleigh, VA www.macars.org
For a Current Calendar of all Green Industry Events, go: http://virginiagreen.org/events.htm
Chapter 7: ‘Plant Propagation’ Chapter 8: ‘Pruning’ Plant ID Review Week 8: Monday, Dec. 8 Chapter 12: ‘Lawns’ Chapter 15: ‘Landscape Design’ Plant ID Review Exam Saturday, December 13 Exam: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Location: TBD
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Are You a Professional Virginia Certified Horticulturist?
July /August / September 2014 July/August/September 2014
Newsletter VNLAVNLA Newsletter
Our plants are featured based on the characteristics for which they are most appreciated. You will find the main feature of each plant listed on the top right corner of its tag.
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Your Roots Are In Virginia!
383 Coal Hollow Rd. Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 383 Coal Hollow Rd. Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721
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