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2016 VNLA Officers & Directors OFFICERS
1 YR DIRECTORS
2 YR DIRECTORS
Educational Advisors
VT/HRAREC Ex-Officio non-voting
JEFFREY HOWE, Certification ‘16 Windridge Landscaping Co DR. JIM OWEN 7158 Rockfish Valley Rd HARAREC Afton, VA 22920-3182 1444 Diamond Springs Rd 434-361-1588 Virginia Beach, VA 23455 Christopher@lancasterfarms.com Cell: (434) 531-1919 (757) 363-3804 jhowe@windridgelandscapjim.owen@vt.edu JOSH ELLINGER, ing.com Vice President DR. LAURIE FOX VIRGINIA ROCKWELL ‘12 Environmental Affairs ‘15 SCOTT PRICE, HRAREC, Gentle Gardener Green Design Waynesboro Nurseries PO Box 897 Education ‘16 1444 Diamond Springs Rd; PO Box 191 Waynesboro VA 22980-0987 David Scott Price Design VA Beach, VA 23455-3363 Montpelier, VA 22957-0191 540-946-3800 2772 Earleysville Rd (cell) 434-531-0467 757-363-3807 Cell: 540-836-6851 Earlysville, VA 22936-9665 gentlegardener@gmail.com Cell: 757-284-6139 Josh@wnurseries.com 434-466-5656 Cell: ljfox@vt.edu scott@dscottprice.com Secretary/ Treasurer BRENT HUNSINGER, AARON WILLIAMS ‘14 DR. ROGER HARRIS Legislation’15 THOMAS BUCKLEY Education Committee VA Tech Public Relations ‘16 Williams Landscape & Design Brent's Native Plantings Horticulture Dept. Head 10715 Hamilton's Crossing Dr Riverbend Nursery PO Box 7001 Saunders Hall (0327) 1295 Mt Elbert Rd Williamsburg VA 23188-7001 Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Blacksburg, VA 24061-0001 443-655-3410 Riner VA 24149-3611 757-564-7011 540-231-5451 brenthunsinger@gmail.com 800-638-3362 x102 aaron@wldgreen.com rharris@vt.edu Cell: 540-850-0420 DOUG RODES, thomas@riverbendnursery.com Past President Membership ‘15 MANTS’ Directors SONYA L. WESTERVELT James River Nurseries Director-At-Large Public Relations ‘10 13244 Ashland Rd Saunders Brothers Inc JOHN LANCASTER‘02 Ashland VA 23005-7504 2717 Tye Brook Highway Ex-Officio non-voting Bennett’s Creek Nursery (804) 798-2020 Piney River, VA 22964 17497 Benns Church Blvd Cell: (804) 380-5259 (434) 277-5455 TOM THOMPSON, Smithfield, VA 23430 drodes@jamesrivernursesonya@saundersbrothers.com Environmental Affairs ‘10 757-483-1425 ries.com Natural Art Landscaping john@bcnursery.com Executive Director 3540 S Belmont Rd Richmond VA 23234-2912 ROBIN RINACA - 15 (804) 674-5703 JEFFREY B. MILLER Eastern Shore Nursery of VA Naturalartlandscaping@yaHorticulture Management PO Box 400 hoo.com Associates LLC Melfa, VA 23410-0400 383 Coal Hollow Road 757-787-4732 Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 rrinaca@esnursery.com 1-800-476-0055 Fax: 540-382-2716 DANNY SHRECKHISE info@vnla.org Shreckhise Nurseries ‘12 PO Box 428 Grottoes, VA 24441-0428 540-249-5761 Danny@shreckhise.com President BILL GOULDIN ‘12 Strange’s Florist/Garden Ctrs 12111 W. Broad St. Richmond, VA 23233 804-360-2800 wjg@stranges.com
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
CHRISTOPHER BROWN JR
Research Committee ‘13 Lancaster Farms 5800 Knotts Neck Rd Suffolk VA 23435-1353 757-484-4421
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Table of Contents Ad - Bennett’s Creek Nursery ...................................... 59 Ad - Bremo Trees......................................................... 60 Ad - Eastern Shore Nurseries of Virginia .................... 39 Ad - Farm Credit .......................................................... 60 Ad - Bennett’s Creek Nursery ..................................... 67 Ad - Bremo Trees ........................................................ 68 Ad - Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional ........... 52 Ad - conserVAlandscape.com ..................................... 57 Ad - Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia ...................... 43 Ad - Farm Credit ......................................................... 68 Ad - Goodson & Associates ........................................ 25 Ad - Gossett’s Landscape Nursery .............................. 50 Ad - Guthrie Nursery .................................................. 45 Ad - Hanover Farms .................................................... 19 Ad - Hawksridge Farms .............................................. 31 Ad - Johnston County Nursery Marketing Assoc ........ 47 Ad - Lancaster Farms .................................................. 40 Ad - Mid-Atlantic Solutions ....................................... 23 Ad - OHP - Biathlon .................................................... 2 Ad - Pender Nursery ................................................... 49 Ad - Plantworks Nursery ............................................. 49 Ad - Shreckhise Nurseries ........................................... 11 Ad - SiteLight Id ......................................................... 13 Ad - TD Watkins Horticultural Services...................... 27 Ad - Turtle Creek Nursery ......................................... 33 Ad - Waynesboro Nurseries ........................................ 9 Ad - Wells Insurance .................................................. 60 Ad - Willow Springs Tree Farms ................................ 41 Events - Calendar ........................................................ 66 Events - Greenhouse and Nursery Update: Cultural Techniques and Pest Management .............. 62 Events - MANTS 2017 ............................................... 65 Events - Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course (MAHSC) .................................................. 61 Events - Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course! ...... 5 Events - PLA Annual Seminar .................................... 48 Events - Register Now for Green & Growin’ 2017 ... 48 Events - SEGreen - The Next Generation ................... 64 Events - Shenandoah Valley Plant Symposium 2017 . 63 Events – VNLA Field Day 2017 .................................. 53 Letters - Dean Alan Grant ........................................... 7 Letters - Horticulture Research Institute .................... 8 Letters - Scholarship Recipient Ella Reeves ............... 8 Letters - Virginia Agribusiness Council ..................... 7 Letters -Scholarship Recipient Meghan Garrity ........ 8 News - 2016 David E. Laird, Sr. Memorial Award .... 11 News - America Chooses... What's Next? ................. 18 News - Boxwood Blight Situation in Virginia Update 29 News - Congratulations to Horticopia’s 25th Anniv .. 8 News - Green Industry Webinar Partnership ............. 10 News - HRI Launches New Fund in Honor of Craig Regelbrugge ..................................... 18 VNLA Newsletter 4
News - Mt. Cuba Center Evaluates Baptisia .............. 43 News - Scholarships Awarded .................................... 22 News - Science News from Collegiate School .......... 28 News - SNA Elects New Officers ............................... 16 News – VAC: Jonathan Harding joins Staff ................ 49 News - VA Tech Horticulture Department ................ 26 News - Virginia Tech Students Install Rain Garden ... 42 News - We hate to report that ‘crapemyrtle bark scale’ is here .......................................................... 32 Research - Boxwood Blight Pathogen in Virginia on other Plants ................................................ 30 Research - Japanese stiltgrass - Crabgrass of Shade ... 44 Research - Insects to Control an Invasive Weed ........ 48 Research - Selective Control of Liverwort in Nursery Crops ....................................... 46 Research - Tree Huggers, Breathe Easy! .................... 49 Research - When to Fertigate ...................................... 50 Tips - Are You Reporting Your Groundwater Withdrawal to DEQ? ................................. 20 Tips - Container Pour-Through Results Demystified 40 Tips - Creating an Experience for the Millennials on the Plant Retail Area ........................... 39 Tips - Got Hungry Deer? ............................................ 31 Tips - Ground Water Withdrawal Permitting & Fees 55 Tips - Nursery Permit Fee Due ................................... 13 Tips - Virginia Wetlands Catalog ............................... 41 Tips - Why Are Bees Important? ................................ 30 VNLA - Accomplishments for 2016 ........................... 54 VNLA - Certification Exam Application .................... 37 VNLA - Certification Quiz # 78 ................................. 35 VNLA - Certification Review Class/Exam Schedule . 36 VNLA - Certification Updates .................................... 12 VNLA - Dues Restructuring for 2017 ........................ 54 VNLA - Fall Board Meeting Summary ...................... 51 VNLA - Mobile-Friendly App Guide to VA Growers! ................................ 14 VNLA - New Membership Application/Dues Invoice 58 VNLA - Photo Contest Rules .................................... 17 VNLA - Photo Contest Winner ................................... 17 VNLA - Plant Profile: Pinus bungeana (lacebark pine) ........................................... 14 VNLA - Scholarship Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional .............................. 55 VNLA - Succession Planning Update ......................... 9 VNLA - Survey 2016 .................................................. 15 VNLA - Welcome to the recent new members! ......... 57 VNLA - Why Should You Participate in the Survey? 15
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Vol. 86, No.4; Oct/Nov/Dec 2016
President’s Message At our recent board meeting in Williamsburg, we were updated on the succession plan by Sonya Westervelt and so far, we are still on schedule. The plan is detailed in an article, written by Sonya, on page 9 of this newsletter.
Editor: Jeff Miller
383 Coal Hollow Road; Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Internet E-mail Address: info@vnla.org www.vnla.org (Association Info) https://www.facebook.c om/VNLA1932 Twitter: @vnla1932 Telephone: 540-382-0943 Fax: 540-382-2716 Disclaimer: Published for your information, this newsletter is not an endorsement for individual products or editorial comments.
SAVE THE DATE!!! SAVE THE DATE!!! 2017 VNLA Field 2017 VNLA Field Day Day
The board decided to authorize the rewriting of four Certification Chapters per year over the next four years, along with online study guides. The board also authorized logo stickers and magnets for Virginia Certified Horticulturist (VCH) members. Most of our time was spent updating the member application and dues structure, which had not been updated in over twenty years. We reduced the number of active member categories and raised the dues amount per category to reflect current dollar volumes. We are very fortunate to have the revenue from MANTS every year, but in light of the upgrades that are being made to the VCH program and the succession planning we felt this was necessary. The plan received unanimous support by the board. Following a very successful Field Day at Grelan Nursery this past summer; plans are under way for next year. For 2017 we will meet at Bennett’s Creek Nursery in Smithfield on July 20th . Our featured speaker will be Dr. Charlie Hall from Texas A&M who will prepare two programs for VNLA Field Day one for the morning and another in the afternoon. We will be trying the July date in 2017 because, in the past, we had favorable turnout in July, because August is a favorite vacation month, and schools are starting earlier in August. Please respond to AmericanHort Legislative Alerts on continuing labor/immigration issues. You are the meal, if you are not at the table, all the time! Your repeated responses to the alerts is very important, even though they may seem redundant sometimes. Save the date for our next Annual VNLA Membership Breakfast Meeting at the Sheraton Hotel during MANTS, on Thursday, January 12, 2017. That same evening, the Annual Virginia Agribusiness Council’s Legislative Appreciation Reception and Dinner will in be Richmond and I and other members will be representing the VNLA. I sincerely appreciate all of the support that you have given to the VNLA and myself this past year and encourage you to continue your support support and become become even more involved in the VNLA programs and events!
Isle of Wight County, Smithfield, VA
Isle of Wight County, Smithfield, VA
VNLA Newsletter 6
Bill Gouldin, VNLABill President Gouldin2016 wjg@stranges.com 804-360-2800 VNLA President 2016 wjg@stranges.com 804-360-2800
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Letters - Dean Alan Grant On behalf of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and its students, faculty and staff, we would like to thank the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association for its recent support for the Hahn Horticulture Garden's 12th Annual Garden Gala. The Gala is the highlight of the year for the Garden and the generosity realized during the event helps provide support not only for the maintenance and operations of the Garden, but also the many educational programs, campus and community events and other outreach activities held there. 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 preserving and enhancing the beauty of the Garden. We deeply appreciate your support and commitment to the Hahn Horticulture Garden and College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. If you should have any questions about the Garden or any of the college's other programs, please contact us. Sincerely yours, Alan L. Grant Dean
Letters - Virginia Agribusiness Council On behalf of the Virginia Agribusiness Council, we want to thank you again for your support of our State Policy Development Meeting. Thanks in large part to the continued support of dedicated members like you, the Council has continued to excel in representing our indu stry' s interest with the legislature. Our State Policy Development Meeting is an important opportunity for our members to collectively discuss priority issues and prepare for the upcoming General Assembly session. This year, we were joined by Craig Nicol, program manager for DEQ's Water Withdrawal Permitting & Compliance Dept., who gave our members an update on the status of the Commonwealth's water supply, as well as an overview of current regulations regarding its withdrawal. In addition, it was a special treat to have Dr. Bob Holsworth share his thoughts on the future of our political landscape. Dr. Holsworth, who received his Ph.D. from UNC-Chapel Hill, is well known for his analysis of both Virginia and national politics. In light of the unique timing of this year's meeting, it was a rare opportunity for our members to hear such an informed and experienced interpretation of the election results and forecast of the political future.
mission to represent Virginia Agribusiness with a unified voice. The topics of discussion included upcoming budget issues, water supply and withdraw regulations, nutrient applications, and food safety and inspections. We were pleased with the resulting dialogue and proposed changes to the Council's policy on state issues and hope that you found it to be constructive, as well. Thank you for attending our State Policy Development Meeting. Your sponsorship supports our efforts to promote and defend the business interests of our members and it is greatly Sincerely, Katie K. Frazier President
On behalf of the Virginia Agribusiness Council, we want to thank you again for your support of our Annual Meeting & Conference. As you know, this is the first year that the Council has held a conference style meeting. We were delighted to offer our members a new and exciting event format that included industry tours, as well as innovative leaders, speakers, and special guests, such as Dr. Basil Gooden, newly appointed Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. For many, our meeting was the first opportunity for individuals to hear from, and engage with, Secretary Gooden. Thanks in large part to the outstanding support of members like you, the Council was able to host an event of this magnitude and provide a forum to share information and celebrate the many successes of our industry. Our Annual Meeting Dinner concluded the Conference on Monday evening. We were thrilled to have Jim Perdue, Chairman of Perdue Farms, share his perspectives on agriculture, industry trends, and the changing consumer and market landscape, as well as how his company has adapted and thrived despite these constant changes. Our guests were extremely impressed with his insights, leadership, and the overall culture and attitude which he has cultivated in the company. Thank you again for supporting our Membership Meeting. Your sponsorship enables our efforts to promote and defend the business interests of our members and it is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Katie K. Frazier, President and Shepherd Cronemeyer, Director of Member Services & Events
During the policy development portion of our meeting, we were joined by representatives from a diverse group of agribusiness industry sectors across Virginia. Our members are our stakeholders and each perspective is critical to our VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
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Letters -Scholarship Recipient Meghan Garrity
News - Congratulations to Horticopia’s 25th Anniversary
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude to you for making the Albert James (Bert) Shoosmith Scholarship possible. I was thrilled to learn of my selection and am deeply appreciative of your support. This scholarship allows me to reduce the amount of hours spent working during the school year, and allow me to focus both an academics and extracurricular activities.
In October, Horticopia, Inc. celebrated its 25th anniversary and Anne Muecke sent a note thanking the VNLA for helping them reach this milestone. The VNLA and contributed pictures to the HORTICOPIA® Trees, Shrubs and Groundcovers product allowing HORTICOPIA to become a recognized source for extensive and accurate pictures and information for the Green Industry. Anne noted, “The VNLA’s commitment to HORTICOPIA over the years has been a significant factor in our long-term success and we thank you.”
This scholarship will play a key role in achieving my educational dreams. I am a junior majoring in Agricultural Sciences, Leadership and Community Education at Virginia Tech with hopes of becoming an Extension agent, or starting my own inner-city non-profit and educational center. With this, I can become further involved in my community and even participate and focus on leadership opportunities within the university and associated clubs. Presently, I am Social Chair for Horticulture Club; this will be my first year as social chair, and third year as a member. I also am entering my second year as a member of Forestry Club. I also actively volunteer through VT Engage, where I often lead trips to the YMCA community garden in Blacksburg. My interest in agriculture stemmed from my volunteering with the Virginia Living Museum and my lifetime love of plants and nature. As a city girl, I see an increasing need to understand food systems and find ways to integrate agriculture into city landscapes. My education at Virginia Tech pushes me to find an answer, and this scholarship allows me to pursue this passion. Thank you again for your support. Sincerely, Meghan Garrity, Newport News, VA
Letters - Scholarship Recipient Ella Reeves Thank you so much for the Albert James Shoosmith Scholarship! I am so grateful and will make the most of this generous gift to further my education. Thanks so much again. Ella Reeves
VNLA will be discontinuing the “800” phone number in 2017, Contact phone number is still 540-382-0943
Over the ensuing years, the VNLA used the expanding versions of HORTICOPIA to offer to members at a discounted rate as a study guide for the Virginia Certified Horticulturist Plant Id exam and as an information resource in their businesses.
Congratulations to HORTICOPIA! Jeff Miller, VNLA Exec. Dir., vch@vnla.org
Letters - Horticulture Research Institute On behalf of the Horticultural Research Institute Board of Trustees, thank you for your contribution in the amount of $500 on 7/25/2016. Donations are vital to the success of HRI and our ability to fund research projects and to meet operational needs. Your donation was directed to the Annual Fund. With donors like you, we are able to protect advancements in technology, practices, and products for the green industry. Research matters; your continued financial support is critical. HRI is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous financial donation. For your records, HRI's federal identification number is 52-1052547. Please retain this letter for your tax purposes. Again, thank you for your support! Sincerely, Jennifer Gray, Research Programs Administrator, Horticultural Research Institute
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VNLA - Succession Planning Update During the VNLA’s strategic planning session in fall of 2014, the board of directors identified succession planning as one of our primary goals for the next 3 years. In winter 2014/15, a committee consisting of former and current board members (members listed below) was formed to lead the way in our succession transition. In winter 2015/16, the board negotiated its final contract with Horticultural Management Associates (Jeff Miller) to end on June 30, 2018. Throughout 2016, the succession planning committee has been moving forward in identifying the direction of the transition with the help of Nonprofit Wizards (Darren Macfee) out of Lincoln, Nebraska. We have identified a timeline, budget, and job description that we can use to guide our search process. The plan is to conduct a nationwide search with the assistance of a search firm or consultant. The position would open for applications beginning in spring 2017. With a successful search, we could have a new executive director in place as early as fall 2017. This timeline allows for a smooth transition, but may be more costly as it could
require a “buy out” of our current executive director. The major benefit of this timeline is, that in the case of an unsuccessful search, we still have time to regroup and find the right person for the position. The job description was written after interviews were conducted by consultant Darren Macfee with over two dozen individuals including current and former board members, stakeholders, and nursery association director peers. The goal was to identify consensus on key attributes of our next executive director. As we move forward in our search, we will be calling on membership to be an active part of the process. Our hope is to have a shortlist of candidates by summer 2017 for in person interviews and “meet and greet” events. We will be sure to let you know when and where and hope you’ll be able to join us and offer your thoughts and opinions. In the meantime, if you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to be in touch with me directly and I’ll carry them forward. I am confident in our plan and excited about the possibilities for the future of the VNLA. Thank you for your interest and years of participation in the association - the best is yet to come.
Ad - Waynesboro Nurseries
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Succession Committee Members
Robin Rinaca - Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia Matt Shreckhise - Shreckhise Nurseries Steve Grigg - Grigg Designs Tscharner Watkins - TD Watkins Horticultural Services Executive Committee Bill Gouldin - Strange’s Florist & Garden Center Virginia Rockwell - Gentle Gardener Green Design Aaron Williams - Williams Landscape & Design Brent Hunsinger - Brent’s Native Planting (nominated for 2017) Initial Committee participants Matt Sawyer - Bennett’s Creek Nursery Butch Gaddy - Colesville Nursery
Sonya Lepper Westervelt, Past President and Chair, Succession Planning Committee, sonya@saundersbrothers.com
News - Green Industry Webinar Partnership
try webinars during 2017.
11/28/16 - The Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association (VNLA) and the Virginia Turfgrass Council (VTC) will be partnering on a series of monthly 1hour green indus-
After a successful series by the VNLA in 2016, with six webinars on an every other (odd) month, the VTC will add to the series by scheduling six webinars on the alternate (even) month schedule. Each live webinar will be recorded and posted on the respective websites for members’ review. This will provide additional learning opportunities, continuing Education Units (CEU), and will be a cost savings to each association. We need Your Input for "Lunch & Learn" webinar topics for 2017! Please click here to reply with your suggestions for topics for out 2017 series to Dr. Mike Goatley, VA Tech Department of Environmental Science, Blacksburg, and to Dr. Jim Owen, VA Tech Department of Horticulture, HRAREC, coordinator and producer of the 2016 webinars
The 2016 lunch and learn educational series provided to Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association (VNLA) members and Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) staff, as 6 bi-monthly, free, one-hour, live webinars at 12:00 PM on the third Thursday of each odd month. Participants could listen and question experts in landscape, nursery, and plant breeding; receive continuing education credits for certification; and gain new business and horticulture knowledge. Each webinar was recorded and available to VNLA members as continuing education. The 2016 Lunch and Learn Webinar Series was sponsored by the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station. For additional information contact: Tom Tracy, Exec. Dir. Virginia Turfgrass Council P.O. Box 5989 Virginia Beach, VA 23471-5989 757-464-1004, info@virginiaturf.org Jeff Miller, Exec. Dir. Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association 383 Coal Hollow Rd Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 540-382-0943, info@vnla.org View previous webinars at: http://www.vnla.org/Certification/Webinars-for-VNLA-Members
2016 VNLA Webinars: 1. January - Business Management - 20 Key Business Metrics, by Marcus VandeVliet 2. March - Breeding New Plants that Work, by Ryan Contreras, Oregon State University 3. May - Source Water Quality Used for Irrigating Ornamental Crops, by Anthony LeBude, NCSU 4. July - Questions to Ask Your Social Media Manager, Dr. Cheryl Boyer, Kansas State University 5. September - Urban Nutrient Management - Where We Are & Where We Are Headed, Dr. Mike Goatley, Virginia Tech 6. November - Tried and True IPM Techniques that Improve your Nursery's Bottom Line, Dr. Amy Fulcher, University of Tennessee The VTC has topics lined up for February with a special two-hour session to provide attendees the training required by VDACS for renewal of their Certified Fertilizer Applicator certificates (2 hours are required every 2 years). The April webinar will focus on the importance of the subsoil. Jeff Miller, VNLA Exec Dir, info@vnla.org
Please share with your green industry colleagues. VNLA Newsletter 10
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News - 2016 David E. Laird, Sr. Memorial Award Matthew W. Sawyer Established in 1974 by David E. Laird, Jr., in memory of his father, SNA Past President David E. Laird, Sr., this award, considered the young nursery person of the year award, is presented each year to recognize qualified young men and women for outstanding service in the field of environmental horticulture and to offer inspiration for others starting out in the field. The recipient must be 39 years of age or younger and must be a member of his/her state nursery association. Nominations are made by the State Associations within the SNA region with final selection by the SNA Board of Directors.
This year’s recipient of the David E. Laird, Sr. Memorial Award is Matthew W. Sawyer, CEO of Bennett’s Creek Wholesale Nursery, Suffolk, VA. Born in Portsmouth, VA. Matthew attended Nansemond Suffolk Academy and Averet University, Danville, VA. He began working at the family nursery in 1994 at the age of 13, and held the position of VP of Operations from 2007 to 2015, until his father’s (Wayne Sawyer) untimely passing in 2015 when he stepped into the role of CEO. Matthew has served on the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association board from 2007 to 2014, and served as President in 2013. He served as Chair of the Virginia Nursery Association Horticulture Research Foundation (2007-2013) and coordinated the annual Research Gala Auction increasing the endowment from $630,000 to $698,000 while still funding over $215,000 in grants. In his spare time, Matthew enjoys photography, aviation, drums and music, as well as beer brewing and growing his own hops. He and his wife Melanie are expecting their first child in August (a daughter).
Ad - Shreckhise Nurseries
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
www.
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David E. Laird, Sr. Memorial Award Established in 1974 by David E. Laird, Jr., in memory of his father, SNA Past President David E. Laird, Sr., this award is presented each year to recognize qualified young men and women for outstanding service in the field of environmental horticulture and to offer inspiration for others starting out in the field. The recipient must be 39 years of age or younger and must be a member of his/her state nursery association. Nominations are made by the State Associations within the SNA region with final selection by the SNA Board of Directors. Previous Virginia recipients of this prestigious award are as follows: 1974 - Charles H. Parkerson, VA 1978 - John C. Watkins, VA 1979 - Carl Fletcher Flemer, III, VA 1983 - Jeffrey B. Miller, VA 1988 - Wayne Sawyer, VA 1995 - Thomas N. Saunders, VA 1997 - James L. Snyder, VA 2016 - Matthew Sawyer
VNLA - Certification Updates The certification committee held a conference call at the end of September and I would like to thank all of those who attended (Bill Gouldin, Clare Robertson, Yulita Ellis, Laurie Fox, Jeff Miller). We had a large agenda and could focus on only a few items in an hour. 1. Our priority was to establish some consistency with review classes and testing and set fees for instructors. 2. The winter class schedule was set. 3. We developed a standard syllabus, which will guide instructors and students with subjects for each class and how long for the instructors to spend reviewing each area. 4. We are trying to coordinate and involve community colleges and technical centers again by reintroducing them to VCH with our new brochure and making them aware of the online learning opportunities. We discussed the future role of our certification review manual and accepted the new Chapter 16 - “Conservation Landscaping through Water Quality Best Management Practices” which will replace the previous Chapter 16 “Water Quality” This new chapter will be included in VCH VNLA Newsletter 12
Study Manuals ordered after 11/30/16 and will be available online to download as a PDF file for anyone who purchased a manual prior to this date. The new chapter will be included fo testing in 2017. 5. We are soliciting professional assistance in re writing and updating the next chapters in the manual and anticipate having them in place by the end of next year. 6. We are still in the process of updating the brochure and hope to have some more content after the results of our online survey are tallied. 7. We are asking for any “testimonials” to the value of certification be emailed to me or Jeff Miller. T 8. here are stickers and magnets available for purchase on the website. 9. We are encouraging you to use the logo wherever you can, and send in your CEU’s as you attend qualifying programs/events. Virginia Certified Horticulturist Test Report - 2016 Location Charlottesville Hampton Rds Lynchburg MAHSC NVNLA CVNLA Leesburg Hampton Rds 2 VA Tech Seniors
pass 13 15 4 5 11 22 6 9 5 90
fail 11 6 5 2 5 20 3 1 0 53
total 24 21 9 7 16 42 9 10 5 143
% pass 54% 71% 44% 71% 69% 52% 67% 90% 100% 63% Average pass rate
Provided by Jeff Howe, VCH Chair, jhowe@windridgelandscaping.com
Take Pride, BeCertified!
See page 36 for the 2017 Review Class/Exam Schedules and Exam Application
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Tips - Nursery Permit Fee Due
$75.00 for everyone plus an additional fee of $1.50 per acre for any acreage over 50 acres.
If you grow, buy or sell nursery stock, this is for you
The VDAC has recommended a $50.00 flat fee plus $1.00 per acre with a maximum fee of $250.00 per nursery. They are planning to send a survey to all registered nurseries in the state on this subject in July.
Notice: The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) recently mailed invoices for payment of the 2017 annual nursery permit fee. This is a reminder that permit fees are due to VDACS by December 31, 2016. If you did not receive the 2017 invoice, please contact VDACS’ Office of Plant Industry Services at (804) 7863515 or email Ms. Shawn Morton at shawn.morton@vdacs.virginia.gov . Fees are $25 for nursery dealers and $75, plus $1.50 for each acre over 50, for nursery stock growers. Checks must be made payable to “Treasurer of Virginia.”
Danny Shreckhise motioned that the Board support the VDAC recommendation, if the VDAC did not accept the VNA proposal, and suggested that a Dealer fee be set at $25.00 per establishment. The Board approved.) Danny Shreckhise motioned that the Board support the VDAC recommendation and suggested that a Dealer fee be set at $25.00 per establishment. The Board approved. (6/27/87) Provided by Jeff Miller
Background History of the Nursery Permit Fee
We Want to Hear from YOU!
The permit fee was initially approved by the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association in 1987, then the Virginia Nurserymen’s Association.
Send your comments and suggestions to info@vnla.org
VDACS Nursery Inspection Fees - 6/27/87 - A VNA study committee recommended that the fees be set at a flat rate of SiteLight .5 pg ad 11-07 New address.qxd
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14345 Justice Road, Midlothian, Virginia 23113 VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
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VNLA - Plant Profile: Pinus bungeana (lacebark pine) By Jake Shreckhise, PhD Horticulture Student, Virginia Tech
Photo by Fran de La Mota Daniel Photo by Fran de La Mota Daniel
Photo by Alex Niemiera Photo by Alex Niemiera
the average pine species, with relatively stiff, medium- to dark-green, lustrous needles. By far, the most eye-catching feature of lacebark pine is its bark. Dr. Michael Dirr, author of the Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, describes lacebark pine as “one of the most handsome pines for bark character.” Commonly likened to planetree (Platanus) bark, the exfoliating stems and trunks (>2” diameter) of lacebark pine reveal camouflagelike patches of green, tan, brown, silver and even burnt-orange. Bark color scheme is highly variable from plant to plant within the species, but the silver/grey palette, as seen in the photo, is common in old specimens. If you prefer the whitish bark, ‘Silver Ghost’ is a cultivar selected for its brilliant silvery, grey-white mottled bark and is available at some specialty conifer wholesalers. Lacebark pine is hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5 to 7; has few, if any, known serious pest and disease problems; needs full sun; and prefers well-drained, acidic to neutral soil. Relative to pruning requirements, there is an aesthetic advantage and a structural disadvantage of leaving lacebark pine in its natural, multi-trunk form. For maximal bark display, it is best left unpruned; however, to improve the plant’s structural integrity and decrease its susceptibility to snow damage, secondary trunks should be pruned out at a young age. References:
Photo by Fran de La Mota Daniel
Photo by Fran de La Mota Daniel
Photo by Fran de La Mota Daniel
Photo by Fran de La Mota Daniel
Pine species and cultivars utilized in Virginia landscapes offer a variety of forms, textures and growth rates that enable their use in a range of landscape scenarios. Some wellknown species and cultivars with particularly interesting foliage [e.g., dragon’s eye pine (Pinus densiflora ‘Oculusdraconis’)] or growth habits [e.g., weeping white pine (Pinus strobus ‘Pendula’)] may even serve as landscape focal points. Lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana), though currently rare in Virginia nurseries and landscapes, would make a superb addition to our specimen pine inventory.
Dirr, Michael A. 2009. Manual of Woody Landscape Plants Their Identification, Ornamental Characteristics, Culture, Propagation and Uses, 6th Ed. Stipes. Champaign, IL. Niemiera, A.X. 2012. Lacebark pine, Pinus bungeana. Virginia Cooperative Extension.
In its natural habit, lacebark pine is upright and pyramidal, developing multiple trunks in its youth and eventually becoming broad-spreading with age (approximately 35’ tall at maturity). Though generally considered to be slow-growing, once the plant is established a growth rate of 1 to 2 feet per year has been observed in Blacksburg. The dwarf cultivar, ‘Compacta’, may be more suitable for plantings in space-limited areas. Lacebark pine foliage is showier than VNLA Newsletter 14
October/November/December 2016 October / November / December 2016
VNLA - MobileFriendly App Guide to Virginia Growers! Look up plant sources, hotlinks to grower email, website and phone! www.vnla.org/Grower-Guide
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VNLA - Survey 2016 For several years now we have been trying to put together a Green Industry Survey for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The goal of this survey is to total the economic impact of the entire green industry - nursery, greenhouse, sod producers, sports, golf, landscape, lawn care, retail sales, etc. We have finally gotten commitments for funding from the following groups:
Why Should You Participate in the Survey? Why Survey?
2008 was last of 5 rotating specialty crop surveys Bay water quality goals due mid-2017 (TMDLs) Prove what you’re doing for Bay water goals and need to do Labor issues at the federal level (Overtime, ACA, H2B, H2A, Immigration) Groundwater resources, especially the Eastern Shore area Bees and Pollinators communications between applicators and beekeepers Nutrient Management in production and urban areas (all golf courses will have NMP by next year) Data will not be extrapolated, which means that totals are based on your input.
Goal
Create green industry awareness Establish Industry Benchmarks Support Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry and VDACS Utilize data for communications Develop accurate industry numbers, # jobs, taxes etc.
The last statistics available are: Turf - 2005 $4.6B Golf - 2013 $2.5B Nursery - 2007 $1.2B Total $8.3B From Survey Coordinator, Gil Grattan, Virginia Green Lawn Care, Richmond, gil.grattan@virginiagreen-
lawncare.com 804-285-6200
There are other groups who have not committed funds at this time, but we certainly want to include them in this survey. Dr. Amy Thelk, Ph.D., Director of Assessment and Evaluation, at James Madison University (independently of JMU) is managing this project and the expectation is for the survey to be online by September 2016, with a completion date by the winter of 2017. Once the data is compiled from all the various participants, we will distribute the data only for participating association use. The goal is to gain input into information each association would like to gather. For example, the sod producers may want to know the total number of acres of fescue under production in Virginia. So, this question will be asked of the sod producers only in their section of the survey. Another example may be a total square footage of flowers under production in greenhouses in Virginia- this will be asked of the nursery and greenhouse participants. We will certainly be collecting economic data from all participants such as revenue, employees, payroll, equipment purchases, chemical and fertilizer purchases, and more. The current list of groups participating is:
VA Sod Growers Association VA Golf Course Superintendents VA Turf Council VA Sports Managers Association National Association of Landscape Professionals Virginia Nursery and Landscape Professionals (and allied associations) Virginia Recreation and Park Society VA Department of Transportation Virginia Flower Growers Association VA Turfgrass Foundation Virginia Cemetery Association VA Professional Grounds Management Mid-Atlantic Association of ISA (VA only) Virginia Christmas Tree Growers
The entire survey will be done online. There is a core section asking basic questions and then the industry group specific section.
Complete the Survey Today at http://bit.ly/2gZKDFp
Virginia Turfgrass Foundation: $30,000 Virginia Turfgrass Council: $5,000 Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association: $5,000 Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association: $5,000
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News - SNA Elects New Officers
Rickey Minton, Director Chapter 3, Triangle Nursery, McMinnville, TN Todd Ellefson, Director Chapter 4, Windmill Nursery, Franklinton, LA Michael Hobbs, Immediate Past President, Warren County Nursery, McMinnville, TN
2016 - 2017 SNA Board of Directors. (left to right) Front row: Michael Hobbs, Immediate Past President, Dusty Knight, newly elected President, Norman Cole, III, Vice President/Treasurer, Director Chapter 1. Back row” Karen Summers, Executive Vice President, Rickey Minton, Director Chapter 3, Joseph Napoli, Director Chapter 2. Newly appointed Director Chapter 3, Todd Ellefson, was not present. Atlanta, Ga., October 10, 2016 - Officers of the Southern Nursery Association (SNA) who will serve for the 2016 2017 term was elected during the 118th annual meeting held at The Classic Center in Athens, Ga., during SEGreen. The election, open to all active SNA members, determines representation from the four geographic regions of the association:
Chapter 1 - Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia Chapter 2 - Florida, Georgia and South Carolina Chapter 3 - Arkansas, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma and Tennessee Chapter 4 - Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas Dusty Knight, Plantation Tree Company, Selma, AL, was elected president succeeding Michael Hobbs, Warren County Nursery, McMinnville, TN. The complete slate of 2016-2017 officers and directors is as follows: Dusty Knight, President, Plantation Tree Company, Selma, AL Norman Cole, III, Vice President/Treasurer/Director Chapter 1, Cole Nurseries, Pipestem, WV
Joseph Napoli, Director Chapter 2, Athens Wholesale Nursery, Athens, GA VNLA Newsletter 16
Newly elected SNA President Dusty Knight is from Franklinton, LA, where he worked for Windmill Nursery and Zelenka Nursery of Folsom, LA for 20 years. In 2000, he and his wife Joan moved to Prattville, AL, where he brought that 20 years of experience to Plantation Tree Company as manager. Plantation Tree Company has over 400 acres of premium quality field-grown shade and ornamental trees and shrubs in production. Established in 1993, Plantation Tree Company has quickly set the standard for quality field grown trees and ornamentals and introduced three plants to the industry. A superb Vitex 'Lilac Queen', an unusual Magnolia 'Cinnamon Twist', and an outstanding magnolia that has become a standard in the industry the 'Green Giant' Magnolia. Dusty was elected to serve on the SNA Board of Directors in 2013 representing Chapter 4. Dusty and Joan have two children and three grandchildren. Dusty is an avid hunter, fisherman, and loves to spend time with his grandchildren. The new industry leader joining the SNA Board this year is Todd Ellefson, Windmill Nursery, Franklinton, LA. Todd was born into the nursery industry and is the grandson of John B. Wight, Jr. He is a 5th generation nurseryman. Todd began working full time in the field at Wight Nurseries in Cairo, Georgia, in 1995. After four years in the field, he moved into a sales role with Wight Nurseries and continued in sales with Monrovia Nursery from 1999 until 2003. In 2003, Todd teamed up with George Hackney and John B. Wight Jr. to acquire Windmill Nursery in Franklinton, LA. There he served as sales manager, then general manager, and now president and managing partner. Todd has served the industry and has been an active board member in several associations. He served as president of the Southeast Louisiana Nursery Association and the Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association. Todd also was a representative for Louisiana with the American Nursery and Landscape Association. His work and commitment to the industry has been recognized by several associations. He was awarded the Young Professional of the Year in 2007, and Professional of the Year in 2015, by the Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association. In 2009, he was presented the David E. Laird, Sr. Memorial Award by the Southern Nursery Association.
Todd is married to Stacy Ellefson, and they have four children Chase, Lexi, Riley and Reese. October/November/December 2016 16 October / November / December 2016 VNLA Newsletter
Winner of the 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). Email images to info@vnla.org . Include your name, phone number, company, and email. 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. 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.
Gardener at The Noble Gardener, Madison, VA
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.
Win $50, submit your photos! Good Luck and Happy Photographing!
Judging is done by the VNLA Communication Committee. All decisions are final
Monarch butterfly enjoying Aster flowers in early October! Photo Winner: Karen Payton
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“This 2016-2017 board represents a group of industry leaders with a broad variety of perspectives and excellent business skills that can be leveraged to the advantage of the association,” said Karen Summers, SNA Executive Vice President. “As a regional association, we are very fortunate to have the advantage of looking around the region for members that have served at the state level and select strong leadership to lead our association. With the guidance of this group of gentlemen, I am very confident we will become stronger and better serve our membership and our industry,” she added. Founded in 1899, the Southern Nursery Association is a non-profit trade association representing the horticultural industry in the southeastern U.S. SNA provides member services to wholesale growers, brokers, retailers, landscape contractors, landscape architects, grounds maintenance contractors, interiorscapers and allied suppliers. The SNA strives to unite and advance the horticulture industry through educational, research and marketing efforts. For more information on SNA, contact the Southern Nursery Association, Inc., Acworth, GA 30101, 678.809.9992, mail@sna.org , or visit the SNA website at www.sna.org.
News - America Chooses... What's Next? The votes are counted, the dust has begun to settle, and it was a “change election” the likes of which we have not seen in a long, long time. And the pollsters will be cleaning egg off their faces for weeks to come. In some ways, the ending of this protracted, bitter campaign season is a bit like the dog that chased, then with some surprise, caught the car. Our industry undoubtedly had plenty of Trump supporters and plenty of Clinton supporters, with a variety of personal and professional reasons. Attention now turns to preparing to govern. So, what does the election mean for our industry? Here is what to watch in the days and weeks ahead. Overtime Rule Looms The Department of Labor’s changes to the minimum salary threshold for the executive, administrative, and professional (white collar) exemption from overtime was scheduled to take effect December 1. Because December 1 falls during a pay period, affected employers were reminded that strategies employed to comply with the change need to be implemented for that pay period, which many firms have done, but as of late November, the Overtime Rule is temporarily suspended by a Texas court. While there is some hope and talk that this rule will be reversed or modified by Congress or the new administration, VNLA Newsletter 18
such relief would be subject to a veto at this time, and so is at least weeks or months off. In late September, AmericanHort hosted an overtime webinar featuring our expert labor and employment law counsel at CJ-Lake, LLC. If you missed it, you can visit the AmericanHort Knowledge Center http://hortknowledgecenter.org/Video-Detail?DocumentID=2538 to watch it now. (You’ll need your username and password, or contact the office hello@americanhort.org for help). Also, AmericanHort premium members have access to the CJ-Lake legal team. Call AmericanHort headquarters at 614.487.1117, or Davi Bowen DaviB@AmericanHort.org in our Washington office at 202.789.8112 for details.
Craig Regelbrugge
News - HRI Launches New Fund in Honor of Craig Regelbrugge Challenges Industry to Raise $52,000 Washington, DC and Columbus, OH (September 29, 2016) - The Horticultural Research Institute is pleased to announce new endowed research fund, created in honor of Craig Regelbrugge, AmericanHort's Senior Vice President of Industry Advocacy and Research. In 2016, Craig Regelbrugge celebrated his 25th year of service to the horticultural industry. "Craig advocates for horticulture every day. Now it's our turn to be advocates for horticulture and honor Craig at the same time," states Karl Losely (Herman Losely & Son, Inc., Perry, OH), HRI President. "In honor of Craig's extraordinary contributions to the horticultural industry, a group of AmericanHort and HRI friends conceived of a plan to create a special HRI endowment fund in Craig's name. In addition to providing needed funding for horticultural research, this fund allows us to publicly acknowledge our gratitude for Craig and the work he has so willingly and thoughtfully undertaken on our behalf." "Many of us have enjoyed and profited from Craig's efforts over the years. Many of us have had the privilege of assisting Craig's work, while many more of us have often been the beneficiaries of his knowledge and insights," adds Jon Reelhorn (Belmont Nursery, Inc., Fresno, CA), HRI President-Elect. "Craig has spoken at countless green industry events, sharing his knowledge of the critical role regulations
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and laws have on our collective business success— knowledge that is increasingly important for our teams to have." The Craig Regelbrugge—Advocates for Horticulture Fund was officially launched at Cultivate'16 during the HRI Summer Donor Reception. Through the remarkable generosity of many donors, Craig's fund quickly exceeded $35,000 in pledges. HRI leaders have set a goal to raise $52,000 by Craig's November 52nd birthday. Losely continues, "Craig has inspired many of us to pay better attention to the nuances of the ever-changing political landscape and he's guided our industry through some tumultuous terrains. He's spent tens of thousands of hours advocating for our interests and thousands more educating us. Donating to this fund is a way to show our gratitude while being advocates ourselves."
Horticultural Research Institute exists to understand the business of horticulture and, by doing so, fund, advocate for, and direct research specific to horticulture and horticultural businesses. Funded by hundreds of green industry philanthropists and businesses, HRI provides effective, efficient, and relevant solutions. The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), founded in 1962, has provided more than $7 million in funds to research projects covering a broad range of production, environmental, and business issues important to the green industry. Nearly $11 million is committed to the endowment by individuals, corporations, and associations. For more information about HRI, its grant-funded research, or programming, visit or contact Jennifer Gray at 614.884.1155, Research Programs Administrator
Please join HRI and contribute to this special HRI fund in honor of Craig and the remarkable opportunities horticulture has given to so many industry professionals. Make a donation today! Donate online at http://americanhort.org/ by using this form, or by contacting Jennifer at 614-884-1155
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DEQ OWS 05-22-2015
Virginia Water Protection Permit Program The Virginia Water Protection (VWP) Permit Program of the Department of Environmental Quality regulates activities occurring in surface waters. A VWP permit is required for any activity that will permanently or temporarily impact surface waters. Examples of some activities that would require a VWP permit are: dredging, filling, excavating, discharging, permanently flooding or impounding, and withdrawal of surface waters.
What is surface water?
Surface waters are defined as all surface waters, which are not ground waters, which wholly or partially are within the Commonwealth or bordering the Commonwealth. Wetlands, streams, lakes, springs, and ponds are all surface waters and fall under the VWP Permit Program's jurisdiction.
What is a surface water withdrawal?
A surface water withdrawal means a removal or diversion of surface water from a stream, spring and/or lake/pond in Virginia or from the Potomac River.
Who needs a VWP permit to withdrawal surface water in Virginia?
All surface water withdrawals, unless excluded by 9 VAC 25-210-60.B of VWP regulations, require a VWP permit. The following are types of surface water withdrawals excluded from VWP permitting requirements: Any water withdrawal in existence on July 1, 1989. However, a permit may be required to increase the withdrawal beyond what was authorized by 401 certificate as of that date. Any withdrawal initiated between July 1, 1989 and July 25, 2007 for which the largest 12-consecutive month withdrawal that occurred in the 10 years prior to July 25, 2007 was reported to DEQ within one year after July 25, 2007. A permit may be required to increase the withdrawal beyond that reported volume. Withdrawals from nontidal waters that total less than 10,000 gallons per day. Agricultural withdrawals from nontidal waters that total less than one million gallons in a single month or from tidal waters that total less than 60 million gallons in a single month. Withdrawals from tidal waters for nonconsumptive uses or for all other consumptive purposes that total less than two million gallons per day. Withdrawals placed into portable containers by persons owning property on, or holding easements to, riparian lands. Withdrawals for firefighting or for training activities related to firefighting. Withdrawals for the purposes of hydrostatic pressure testing. Withdrawals for normal single family home residential gardening, lawn, and landscape maintenance. Withdrawals that are located on a property, such that the withdrawal returns to the stream of origin; not more than half of the instantaneous flow is diverted; not more than 1,000 feet of stream channel separate the withdrawal point from the return point; and both banks of the affected stream segment are located within that property boundary. Withdrawals from quarry pits, such that the withdrawal does not alter the physical, biological, or chemical properties of surface waters connected to the quarry pit. Withdrawals from a privately owned agriculture pond, emergency water storage facility, or other water retention facility, provided that such pond or facility is not placed in the bed of a perennial or intermittent stream or wetland. Note that although the withdrawal activity may be exempt, a VWP permit may be required for the installation of the withdrawal infrastructure such as the intake structure and/or waterlines.
Questions?
Craig Nicol Water Withdrawal Permitting Manager DEQ – Office of Water Supply (804) 698-4214 craig.nicol@deq.virginia.gov
Virginia Water Protection Permit Program Website:
http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/Water/WetlandsStreams/Surfac eWaterWithdrawalsImpoundments.aspx
DEQ OWS 05-22-2015
Virginia Water Withdrawal Reporting Regulation Successful water resource management integrates the interests of users, local and regional water supply planners, and state managers tasked with meeting growing future water needs of the citizens of the Commonwealth, while preserving the integrity of our diverse water resources.
What is the reporting requirement?
Since 1982, the Virginia Water Withdrawal Reporting Regulation (9 VAC 25-200-10, et seq.) has required the reporting of water withdrawals by users of groundwater or surface water with an average daily withdrawal during any single month exceeding 10,000 gallons per day. Reportable withdrawals include, but are not limited to, those for public water supply, manufacturing, mining, commercial, institutional, livestock watering, artificial fish culture, and steam-electric power generation uses. Users withdrawing water for crop irrigation are required to report if withdrawals exceed one million gallons in any single month. Crop irrigators need not report withdrawals from ponds collecting diffuse surface water unless the ponds are dug ponds that intercept the groundwater table. Water users exempted from the regulation are encouraged to report their water withdrawals voluntarily. Water Withdrawal Reports are collected by DEQ in January for the preceding year. Electronic reporting is available and encouraged.
Why is reporting water withdrawal important?
Reporting your water withdrawals provides information about your withdrawal history which is important as the type and pattern of use may change over time. The following are additional reasons why reporting your water withdrawals and usage can be a benefit to you and your operation:
Your reported withdrawals serve as the basis for understanding what beneficial uses (defined below) have been sustained from a particular source and what may be supported in the future. Calculating and reporting your annual water withdrawals may help you plan for future need in terms of growth or expansion. Analysis of withdrawals in previous years can provide insight into the efficiency of your water use. Withdrawal data provided by you and other water withdrawers is used by DEQ to determine the ability of current water sources to meet future needs.
Reporting your water withdrawals provides the Commonwealth with a more accurate understanding of the full water budget in our watersheds. The water budget is an accounting of the inflow, outflow, and storage changes of water in a system, and is an important tool for water supply planners evaluating and balancing current demand versus future need. Reporting your water withdrawal increases local, regional, and state water supply planners’ understanding of the impacts of cumulative withdrawals for the region and the Commonwealth. Competition for water is increasing, and while reporting does not guarantee your withdrawal rights for a specific volume, it enables planners to consider your established need while managing future growth. Water withdrawal reporting aids in drought response planning by establishing water use trends. This is important to local governments responsible for establishing drought indicators and responses for implementation during dry periods as part of their water supply planning efforts. When your water withdrawals are on record, local government planners are better able to consider how your business may be affected by drought and ensures your needs are understood. Data pertaining to the type, volume, and frequency of water withdrawals are used by DEQ to evaluate and manage this important, finite, resource for the Commonwealth. This evaluation informs the permitting programs established to protect water resources for all beneficial uses: domestic water supply, maintenance of waste assimilation capacity, and electric power generation; agricultural, commercial, and industrial land uses; and protection of fish and wildlife resources and habitat, navigation, recreation, and cultural and aesthetic values. Our purpose in collecting these data is the sustainable use of water resources for the benefit of all citizens in the Commonwealth.
Questions?
Tammy Stephenson Water Supply Planning Program Coordinator DEQ – Office of Water Supply (540) 562-6828 tammy.stephenson@deq.virginia.gov
Virginia Water Withdrawal Reporting Website: www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/Water/WaterSupplyWater Quantity/WaterSupplyPlanning/AnnualWaterWithdrawalRe porting.aspx
News - Scholarships Awarded This year the VNLA has awarded:
Albert James Shoosmith Scholarship - 6 recipients received a total of $9,000 C.W. Bryant Scholarship - 1 recipient received $750 Laird/Gresham Scholarship - 2 recipients received a total of $3,000
The total awarded for the year 2016 was $12,750 Following are essays and information about the recipients. William Adams is currently attending Virginia Tech in Environmental Horticulture. He is from Stuart, VA. He has worked for the City of Radford as a Horticulture Intern, and also Primland Resort in Meadows of Dan. He plans to graduate in December of 2017. “I am currently a junior at Virginia Tech pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Horticulture with a minor in Turf Grass Management. My current GPA is a 3.72 and I have been recently inducted into the Pi Alpha Xi honor society for Horticulture. I plan to graduate with honors in the fall 2017 or spring 2018 pending class availability. After achieving my educational goals, my ultimate goal is to have a career in the Environmental Horticulture field possibly in education teaching at the high school or community college level. Although I will be willing to relocate if necessary my preference would be to stay in southern Virginia area close to my family and hometown. Since the age of sixteen, I have worked at several part-time jobs which helped me choose my field of study as well as aided in funding my education. I've been a lifeguard for Patrick County, a grave closer for Virginia Carolina Grave and Vault, a golf course maintenance worker for Primland Resort and I launched my own landscaping business with local clients providing lawn care services. Although most has been manual labor, each position has been rewarding and helped to develop my leadership skills. For this summer, I'm very excited to have an internship opportunity with the City of Radford with their horticulturist which will provide me with the hands on practical experience within my major. This scholarship will afford me the opportunity to achieve my goals and continue my education. I am trying to seize every opportunity to allow me to solely fund my college tuition as funding my college is a hardship for my family. AltVNLA Newsletter 22
hough both my parents are employed, they are currently financially strapped due to some failed business expenses they are repaying. They've chosen to repay their loans vs. filing bankruptcy as many people in their place would do and I'm extremely proud of them. I do not want to depend on my parents to pay for my college expenses and add to their burden. I am trying to do anything I can to contribute. Thus, far, I have been very blessed and I'm very proud to have received some merit scholarships as a result of my hard work, strong focus and dedication. I appreciate your consideration for the scholarship.” William Adams received both a Shoosmith Scholarship and a Laird/Gresham Scholarship
Rachel Cropp graduated from Chancellor High School and planned to attend Virginia Tech. She is planning to major in Animal and Poultry Sciences. “I have dreamt of attending Virginia Tech since I was in the seventh grade. My goal is to major in Animal and Poultry Sciences on the Pre-Veterinary track. Once I have earned my major, I will apply to a veterinary medicine school, in hopes to earn my doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. After I have gained experience and earned my degree, my future goals and plans are to open up my own practice for complain animals and possibly do house calls for horses and livestock. This VNLA scholarship is very important to me because it will help to finance my education, so I can achieve my childhood goals. Unlike most college students, I plan to be in school for about eight years instead of four years. This means that my total education will cost double the amount that regular college students pay. I am very active in my local bowling program, as I participate in many tournaments across Virginia and the United States, with all of the traveling, and league and tournament fees that I have to pay for, it racks up a hefty amount of expenses. Since I live in a single income household and my mother is going back to school at our local community college, it will be more difficult for my family and Ito pay for my tuition. As an insurance sales agent at GEICO, my mother does not make much money annually. Also my father is 69 years old and he has filed for bankruptcy on his business and has foreclosed his house, therefore we do not expect for him to be much help in helping to finance my education. For these reasons, this VNLA scholarship will greatly appreciated, as it will help to lift the finance burden, my family and I will have to endure for the next eight years.”
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Meghan Garrity is currently attending Virginia Tech. She plans to graduate in May of 2018. She is majoring in Agricultural Sciences. “I am currently attending Virginia Tech and on route for a Bachelor’s of Science degree specifically in agricultural sciences. My focus is on extension education with added minors in leadership, civic agriculture, and international agriculture. After some postgraduate travel, I plan to work for an organization that strives on teaching agricultural practices, so I can gain guidance and background in running and managing a business, such as Virginia Cooperative Extension. With this, I ultimately plan on opening up my own non-profit organization in an urban community. I wish to help and teach underprivileged families how to grow their own foods in an urban setting. If this goes well, I will expand this non-profit towards other cities. The focus within this non-profit would not only be on teaching the methods used to raise crops in an urban environment, but how to do so locally and organically. I am extremely eco-conscious and want to bring back the green leaves and community atmosphere. With a high interest in horticulture and community development, this non-profit would run a community garden, teach classes at local schools and essentially bring those in cities a piece of rural life. An issue I face on a daily basis while attending the school of agriculture is my urban background. I do not come from an area of agriculture, and was not exposed to programs such as 4-H or FFA. With this, I often face issues with learning a vast amount of new information as compared to my peers, and with my perspective, which often does not include production. Although this often is an issue, I found a way to bring in my background to explain new perspectives to my peers, who do not tend to think of urban areas as areas of agricultural need. This is empowering in a sense that I can not only stand out from my peers, but I can also reword the information so I can apply it within the city. This scholarship will help me pursue my educational interests as well as reduce the financial burden upon parents' shoulders of sending both my brother and Ito college. It will also help me prove that not only am I in the correct field, but I am allowed to follow a passion that I am eager to learn more about. With my education, I can work towards my goals, and eventually teach agriculture to inner-city families.”
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Ella Reeves is currently attending Virginia Tech in Horticulture and Biology. She plans to graduate in May of 2018. “My decision to pursue a degree in Horticulture began when I became a student at Virginia Tech. Growing up on a beef and dairy farm in Pulaski County; I have been blessed to have been raised in a setting where I can greatly appreciate agriculture. I knew that I wanted to study a subject in the field of agriculture when I went off to school, but I wasn't sure what that subject would be until I took an introductory Horticulture class. Having a large garden at home was always very enjoyable for me, but I never really considered turning that passion into a career until college. I absolutely love my major here at Virginia Tech, and I am so thankful for the many opportunities that the school provides. I am currently working in the Plant Disease Clinic that is part of Virginia Cooperative Extension, and I have been able to gain experience in how plant diseases are diagnosed. I am very interested in research, and hope to pursue graduate studies in plant pathology. Though I do not know where I would like graduate studies to take me, one of my main goals is to one day be able to help agriculturalists, preferably in Virginia. Since becoming a student in the Department of Horticulture, I have been made aware of the many organizations in Virginia, such as the VNLA, that support students in Horticulture. I feel incredibly blessed to be offered this support, and I hope to be able to benefit the people involved in these organizations one day through a career. I am very fortunate to have a stable financial situation, and I am currently paying for my tuition, room, board, and books, but I would not have the means to do this without the help of my parents. I was able to have my own herd of registered angus cattle at home, and selling this herd has given me the money to pay for college this year. I plan to complete my undergraduate degree by May of 2018, so I will need to pay for two more years. My parents will help me to do this, but any scholarship money granted to me would be greatly appreciated. I would feel honored to receive a scholarship in memory of a pioneer in the industry of Horticulture who was passionate about plants.”
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Susannah Gonia attended Amelia County High School and planned to attend Virginia Tech. She will be majoring in Animal Science/Agronomy. She plans to graduate in May of 2020. “In college I plan to major in Agronomy with a minor in Animal Science. After college, I want to work as an agricultural extension agent. I decided on this career because I want to be a part of America's oldest and most important industry, agriculture. Everyone has to eat: so, I know if I am apart of improving the process of growing or raising the food they consume I will be helping lots of people. I currently work on a farm, so I know how hard farmers have to work and I have a great deal of respect for everyone who is apart of the agriculture industry. On the farm I work at we raise cows, hogs, and chickens. We also have a barn filled with 23 horses, which is where I end up most of the time. I do the feeding and mucking of the barn along with any work that needs to get done for the day. The best part about my job is working with animals and being able to make them happy. Aside from my job I have been a member in the FFA (Future Farmers of America) for the past four years. I have served as the reporter and the secretary of the club. I have also been a member in the Beta Club for the past three years, and the National Honor Society, where I currently serve as the
club's Parliamentarian. I also have a passion for gardening. Every free minute I have I am in my garden planting, watering, and watching things grow. I would be an ideal candidate for this scholarship because I have always been a hardworking, dedicated student. I have been on the Honor Roll my whole academic career, even with challenging myself with advanced and dual enrollment classes. I have been raised by a single mother who is unemployed, so there has been very little, if any money that has been saved for my college education. Right now, it looks as if my entire 4-year college experience will have to be funded by financial aid and Scholarships alone. Most importantly any help I receive will be put to very good use. Unlike some people I actually want to go to college and receive my degree, so I can fulfill my career goals.” Casey Hoff is currently attending Virginia Tech. She is majoring in Environmental Horticulture. She has worked at Merrifield Garden center. “The VNLA scholarship is important to me because it will help me continue pursuing my education in horticulture and give me an achievement that will aid my career goals in the green industry. I would like to start off by saying having the opportunity to study horticulture as my major in college is the main reason I am still at Virginia Tech today. My first year of college brought up a lot of personal struggles and
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challenges and if I was not studying horticulture I do not think I would've come back. Studying horticulture has brought me a lot of happiness and I am thankful that I have discovered my passion for it, it honestly has given me a reason to keep pursuing higher education and a reason to look forward to my future. "A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in—what more could he ask?", this quote by Victor Hugo is one I think about and try to live by almost daily. It reminds me to be thankful for what nature has given us, the beauty man is able to create in with nature, and a hope for the future. These are things that the study of horticulture has shown me and practices all around the world today. I have many ideas of what to pursue with my degree in horticulture. From working at Merrifield Garden Center in northern Virginia I became interested in herbaceous perennial plants, as well as native plants, and how to incorporate them beautifully and harmoniously into a landscape. Although I am not pursuing landscape contracting as a major I have a newfound appreciation for the landscaping industry and the attractiveness of the landscapes they create. I could see myself pursuing garden design, as well as working in a botanical or public garden that has outdoor and conservatory displays, as well as propagation programs. I am very fortunate to have my parents supporting me in pursuing my college degree. I try to and want to help in any way possible, the majority being through work and other scholarships I have received. My money I received from work has mostly gone into groceries and my savings account and the scholarships go directly to my tuition.” Elizabeth Nowak received the C.W. Bryant Scholarship. She is currently attending Virginia Tech in Agriculture Technology. She plans to graduate in May of 2018. “The VNLA scholarship is important to me because plants are not only my passion but plants are what I want to focus on and work with for the rest of my life. In the fall, I will be attending The School of Agriculture Technology at Virginia Tech with a focus in landscape and turf management. I have already started a career in landscaping and nursery work, on my weekends I volunteer with tree Fredericksburg planting trees around the City of Fredericksburg, I also go out with my Greenhouse Management/ Landscaping teacher and work with his private landscape company. I have already taken steps into my career and with this scholarship and schooling I plan to reach a whole new level in this industry, I want to be the best of the best and hopefully change the VNLA Newsletter 26
world one day through the power of plants. Scholarships are a big part of my future, the more scholarships I get the more I can focus on my future instead of working to pay off college. I know being the best in the industry is not going to be an easy job but through education and experience I hope to one day reach that goal and this scholarship will help me get to where I want to be in life. After college, I want to be an arborist and hopefully run my own nursery or tree farm. I look forward to the life that plants will bring me and I look forward to having a life full of them.”
For the Laird Gresham Scholarships, the recipients were Adam Williams has worked at the City of Radford, Primland, Virginia Grave and Vault. He was also a recipient of the Shoosmith Scholarship. He is also a recipient of one of the Shoosmith Scholarships. Justice Schlemmer has worked at Production Services, Dragon Creek Farm and Harlowe Land Management. Both Adam and Justice are attending Virginia Tech.
News - VA Tech Horticulture Department Welcome Tabitha Hartman! She joined the department this past June. Tabitha and her husband originally come from Northern New York. They visited Virginia a few times on vacation, fell in love with the state, and made it their goal to live here. Their dreams came true in 2015 when she was offered a position in another department at VT. She decided to apply to the Horticulture Department so that she could work more Photo by Roger Harris closely with students, faculty, Photo by Roger Harris and the academic side of the university. She loves the community vibe in the department and says she has felt nothing but welcomed and that she feels blessed to be part of our family! Her favorite flower is the sunflower and she loves walking in forests. Her hobbies include being in nature swimming, and trail trekking. Tabitha loves to travel, get lost, and explore new places. While exploring, she also likes to try local cuisines and shop at the local farmer markets. She also loves all music, cooking, baking, hosting parties, and planning events. She has a chubby tomcat named Mozart who has been with her through thick and thin for 13 years.
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TheVision VNLA has heldObjectives three Happy Hour Up’s this past winter in Charlottesville in conjunction with the and for 2015 Vision and Objectives forMeet 2014 PLA Seminars, Richmond in conjunction with the CVNLA Short Course, and Virginia Beach for members and VNLA Mission, non-members to have a casual gathering for a couple of hours. If you are interested in helping host an event in Vision andToObjectives for and 2014 your area, contact Doug Rodes, drodes@jamesrivernurseries.com . Statement: promote, advoMission Statement: Toenhance, Enhance and promote VirMission Statement: Enhance andbeen promote VirAccording to Dr. Harris,To“Tabitha has an incredible VT Hokies Place at Hardscape Competition! cate fornursery Virginia’s nursery and industry. landscape professionals. ginia’s and landscape ginia’s nursery and landscape industry.hectic help to the department in an extremely period. She photos by Michele Fletcher Mission become Statement: ToasEnhance and promote Vir-very cheerfully on thetherole office manager and I am Vision: leader andand resource for the VirVision:totook to become the leader resource for the ginia’s nursery and landscape industry. grateful thatnursery sheand is aand member of our Horticulture team.” ginia nursery landscape industry. Virginia landscape industry. Vision: leader andDepartment resource fore-Newsletter the VirProvided by to thebecome VA Techthe Horticulture Objectives Objectives ginia nursery and landscape industry. Retirement: Jerzy-- Nowak Educated, Available Labor Goal: Educated, Available Skilled Skilled Labor Force Force Goal: Objectives VNLA will continue to promote programs that will VNLA will continue to Congratulations promote programs that will to- Goal: Jerzy Educated, Available Skilled Labor Force education, anan available skilled labor education, train trainand andprovide provide available skilled la- his Nowak, who has retired from VNLA promote programs that will force. bor force.will continue toposition as CALS International education, train and provide an available skilled labor Programs Coordinator on SepEffective Communication and Advocacy Effective GOAL: force. Communication and Advocacy GOAL: tember 30th. During hisstaff, last few VNLA among VNLA will will effectively effepctivelycommunication communication among staff, Effective Communication and Advocacy this role heGOAL: successboard, members, partners and community. board, members, partnersmonths and the thein community. VNLA will effepctivelyfully communication among staff, of Patrick Riley and Justice Schlemmer both won a prize package at the facilitated development Maximizing and Allocation Resources -- GOAL: Maximizing and partners Allocation Resources GOAL: board, members, and the community. NALP Competition that included roundtrip airfare and hotel accommostudent exchanges between VirVNLA VNLA will will secure secure increased increased funding funding from from diverse diverse dations for three nights(up to $400.00 at the National Hardscape North ginia Tech (CALS students ) and Maximizing and Allocation Resources - GOAL: America Installer Championship taking place in Louisville, KY, where sources and secure thethe necessary staff, boardboard and comsources and secure necessary staff, and Photo by VT Memorial University, NewVNLA will secure increased funding from diverse they came in 10th. mittee members to runtoarun dynamic organization. University Relations committee members a dynamic organization. Photoand by VT sources secure the necessary staff, board and comfoundland, Canada, MUN BoUniversity Relations mittee members run atanical dynamic organization. Expand and Membership and --Garden GOAL: and Fisheries Congratulations to Patrick Riley and Justice Schlemmer for Membership andtoOutreach Outreach GOAL: Expand andand communicate the value of membership. Marine Institute, in particular. placing 10th out of 24 professional installation teams at the communicate the value of membership. Membership and Outreach - GOAL: Expand and Green Industry Expo / Hardscape North America trade communicate the value of membership. Stewardship -- GOAL: VNLA will promote adoption • Ecole d’Ingénieurs de PURPAN (Purpan Agricultural Stewardship GOAL: VNLA will promote adoptionColshow! This was a hardscape competition for professional inof Best Management Practices. lege), Toulouse University, Francewill withpromote animal science, ofStewardship Best Management Practices. Support VNLADinner - A Network- GOAL: VNLA adoptionvitstallation companies. Student-Industry iculture/enology, food processing, and culinary culture as of Best Management Strategic Marketing Strategic Marketing -Practices. - GOAL: GOAL: VNLA VNLA will will promote promote ing Success Member Growers! components ofleader their and summer programs designed for Ameritself as the resource of the green industry. itself as the Marketing leader and resource the green - GOAL:ofVNLA willindustry. promote Online at www.VNLA.org icanStrategic students. The Horticulture Department hosted a Student- Industry itself asWhat the leader and resource of the green industry. are members problems? Dinner on October 17, a dinner for horticulture students as What are members problems? New Native Plant Section! Jerzy also served as the Horticulture’s department head well as students from other majors to network with horticulHow are we going to them become What areFounding members problems? How arethe we going to help help them become (2000-2008), and Director of the Center for VNLA and about 70 ForSupport aThirteen print copy ture-related companies. companies more successful? Howand areViolence we going to help them becomeJerzy more successful? Peace Studies Prevention (2008-2011). Support VNLA call 1-800-476-0055 Member Growers! Support VNLA students attended the dinner which was held at the Blacksmore successful? will continue serving the Horticulture Department as Proemail info@vnla.org burg Country Club. The dinner, which was held the evening Member Member Growers! fessor Emeritus. Online at Growers! www.VNLA.org before the Connection Job Fair hosted by the VT Career and at www.VNLA.org Online at Plant www.VNLA.org Provided by the VA Tech Horticulture Department e-Newsletter Professional Online Development Division, served as an “iceNew Native Section! breaker” event for students to informally meet and learn New New Native Plant Section! Native Plant Section! For a print copy about the companies. A donation by the BrightView Landcallathe 1-800-476-0055 For print copy Ad – T.D. Watkins Horticultural SerFor a print copy scape company funded dinner and other companies Fall Review Class and Test for email info@vnla.org call 1-800-476-0055 call 1-800-476-0055 funded $4,800 in scholarship awards; twelve $400 scholarvices email email info@vnla.org ships were randomly awarded toinfo@vnla.org students attending the dinVirginia Certified Horticulturist ner.
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Crozet, Department VA Prior to 2008 the Horticulture routinely hosted a yearlyMonday’s, student-industry 5:30-8:30 dinner but the ensuing lackluster p.m. Want todinner HearonFrom You! the horeconomicWe climate put the hold. Currently 20 – the December 8 sector, ticultureOctober especially landscape related Sendindustry, you comments and suggestions to is experience a rapid growth phase and horticulture students Exam, Saturday,1-800-476-0055 December 13 are in highinfo@vnla.org demand. Location TBA
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News - Science News from Collegiate School Richmond, VA - Before I was hired to work as a horticulturist at The Collegiate School, I spent my years working at various retail garden centers. I loved sharing my expertise with my customers and especially enjoyed busy spring weekends, loading bag after bag of mulch and giving advice on lawn and plant care. Many conversations took place over a bag of fertilizer or pest control, where the customer and I would read instructions together, understanding rates and timing for the application of the product. Commonly, I’d ask if they knew how big their yard was, and most people could give a good estimate, helping to determine what size bag they would need. I’d calculate the amount needed for the client, but I’d often hear something like this, “Well, more is better, so I’m going to get two bags.” I’d cringe knowing that this type of reasoning was happening in yards across our county. Customers often bought double or triple what they needed, with no real intention to read the label and follow instructions once they got home. Sigh. It’s been almost 6 years since I’ve left the retail nursery world. Here at Collegiate, my “customers” are the many sets of eyes and ears who witness the daily operations of running two large campuses, 55 acres on the Mooreland Road campus and another 178 acres on our Robins campus in Goochland County. Recently, second grade students in Ellen Clore’s science class were visited by Dave Clemans, Collegiate parent and Creative Art Director, to help jump start a conversation about the Chesapeake Bay. When the lesson ended, curious minds wanted to know, “How might Collegiate be contributing to the pollution of the Bay by keeping the grass and bushes so green?” With concern for the Bay and its watershed, these environmentally-aware second graders, with the help of Mrs. Clore, met in small groups to talk to us in the Grounds Department. Having learned, in Mr. Clemans’ presentation, that too much fertilizer can runoff and cause problems to fish and wildlife, students had more question regarding the care and keeping of our campus. “How do you know how much fertilizer you need?” We talked to kids about soil testing and showed them how to use a soil probe to collect soil samples. This lesson happened before all the rain arrived, so little ones had difficulty in collecting samples, though, they enjoyed the challenge in VNLA Newsletter 28
trying. We shared soil analyses from previous years, explaining how we can adjust fertilizer amounts based on those results. Students learned about broadcast spreaders and how to properly adjust settings. We talked about cool versus warm-season grasses, spray paint on the athletic fields and drainage on the synthetic turf field.
Fellow VNLA members, I would confidently place these environmentally-conscious, creative and curious children into the aisles of any local garden center to share their knowledge with your customers. It is wonderful to participate in these conversations with children and teachers at Collegiate. Ellen Clore, who has been teaching science in the Lower School for 23 years, says, “People will take care of what they know and love. If we want our kids to be good stewards of our world, they need to know and understand it.” Robyn Hartley, Collegiate School, VNLA member and Virginia Certified Horticulturist
SAVE THE DATE!!! Thursday, July 20, 2017
VNLA Field Day
Isle of Wight County, Smithfield, VA
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News - Boxwood Blight Situation in Virginia Update What to tell clients concerned about boxwood blight:
Photo by Mary Ann Hansen, VA Tech Plant Disease Lab
Recent outbreaks of boxwood blight, caused by the fungus Calonectria pseudonaviculata, are causing concern in Virginia. Boxwood blight can cause severe defoliation of susceptible boxwood, including English and American boxwood, and is of serious consequence to nursery growers, landscapers and homeowners. All diagnoses of boxwood blight in home landscapes made by the Virginia Tech Plant Disease Clinic since last fall are linked to new boxwood purchased from several Virginia locations of one national retailer, and new cases are likely to emerge. (See news article: (http://www.newsadvance.com/news/local/boxwood-blight-hits-lynchburg/article_a2860e97-438c-523a-9c63-202902eaf42b.html) Agents will likely get inquiries, so we wanted to update you on the disease, the current situation in Virginia, and available educational resources. Symptoms of boxwood blight include leaf spots, black streaking on stems and severe defoliation. Other diseases of boxwood, such as Volutella blight and root diseases, can be confused with boxwood blight; therefore, laboratory confirmation is necessary. Learn to recognize symptoms of boxwood blight by viewing the image gallery on the Virginia Boxwood Blight Task Force website (http://www.ext.vt.edu/agriculture/commercial-horticulture/boxwood-blight.html). In all the cases diagnosed by the VT Plant Disease Clinic in home landscapes, the disease was introduced on infected boxwood plants. The fungus has sticky spores and is not adapted for movement on air currents; however, spores may stick to and be transported by spray hoses, tools, clothing, shoes, and vehicles. The fungus can also be transported in soil and likely by animals moving through infected plants, e.g. deer, dogs. Infected boxwood may also be present in holiday greenery.
Although the disease has been found in 21 counties/independent cities in Virginia, to our knowledge it does not appear to be widespread in any county. English and American boxwood are very susceptible to the disease. Other plants in the boxwood family that are susceptible to the disease include pachysandra and sweetbox (Sarcococca), so avoid introducing those plants into landscapes with highly valued boxwood. The primary way the disease gets around is on infected plant material, so avoid introducing diseased plant material, especially if susceptible boxwood are already present. Because the disease can also be transported on equipment, it is important for landscapers to sanitize tools and equipment between properties. Home growers should only hire landscapers who demonstrate awareness of the disease and who are implementing measures to prevent transport of the disease from one property to another. We strongly recommend that growers purchase boxwood from a nursery or retail outlet that has purchased boxwood exclusively from a boxwood producer in the Boxwood Blight Cleanliness Program (http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-boxwood-blight.shtml). These growers follow stringent practices to avoid the introduction of this disease to their nurseries. Purchase cultivars with resistance to boxwood blight (e.g. Green Beauty, Nana, Golden Dream, Northern Emerald, Wedding Ring). Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of the disease and best management practices by visiting the Virginia Boxwood Blight Task Force web site http://www.ext.vt.edu/agriculture/commercial-horticulture/boxwood-blight.html).Monitor all boxwood plants in areas where new boxwood has been introduced within the past year for symptoms of the disease. If you suspect boxwood blight, collect symptomatic branch samples with at least a few green leaves still attached. Double bag the samples and take them to your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office (http://www.ext.vt.edu/offices/index.html). Samples will be forwarded to the Virginia Tech Plant Clinic for diagnosis.
Provided by Dr. Chuan Hong, Virginia Cooperative Extension, HRAREC, chhong2@vt.edu
News - Natural infection of sweet box and Pachysandra VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
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Research - Boxwood Blight Pathogen in Virginia on other Plants Ping Kong and Chuan Hong, Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center Mike Likins, Virginia Cooperative Extension - Chesterfield County
The boxwood blight pathogen was found to attack Himalayan sweet box (Sarcococca hookeriana var. humilis) plants underneath and near a severely diseased English boxwood bush on a private property in the fall of 2015.
Tips - Why Are Bees Important? Bees pollinate some of our most nutritious foods, including many types of fruits, nuts, and vegetables. They are responsible for 33% of our farmed crops, and about 80% of all pollination in nature. Given the critical importance of bees and other pollinators, recent challenges to their numbers and overall health are a very serious concern. Learn More (http://growwise.org/why-bees/) About Bee Health Bees are an extremely complex species and the factors impacting bee health are equally complex. Scientific evidence has shown many things adversely affect bee health, including parasites like Varroa mites, stresses from colony management, viruses/bacteria, poor nutrition, genetics, habitat loss, and improper use of pesticides. Learn More (http://growwise.org/bee-health/)
Disease symptoms included spots on leaves (Left) with whitish fungal spore masses on their underside (right). Similar disease symptoms were also seen on Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) plants on the same property in January 2016. These finds were the first for Virginia and the second for the country. Our lab tests indicated that both sweet box and pachysandra are not as susceptible to this pathogen as English boxwood. These new finds highlight that both sweet box and pachysandra could be a Trojan horse in the boxwood blight disease epidemics. It is advisable to propagate these plants on-site wherever possible. When these plants have to be purchased from somewhere else, purchasing from nurseries that have voluntarily enrolled the Boxwood Blight Cleanliness Program (http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-boxwood-blight.shtml) will reduce the risk of accidental pathogen introduction. It is always a good practice to place newly purchased stock plants in an isolated area for a few weeks before planting them. Please refer to the website of Virginia Boxwood Blight Task Force (http://www.ext.vt.edu/agriculture/commercial-horticulture/boxwood-blight.html) for details about the best management practices for prevention and management of this destructive disease. Provided by Dr. Chuan Hong, VA Tech HRAREC, chhong2@vt.edu
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Bee Part of the Solution Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators thrive in healthy abundant habitats. The best way to grow a flourishing home for pollinators is to add plants and flowers that provide pollen and nectar throughout the growing season. Learn More (http://growwise.org/bee-the-solution/) Bees are critical in helping pollinate the food we eat. The Solution Is Yours To Grow. Join Us in Advocating for Bee Health. Stay Informed. Share Information. (http://growwise.org/)
VNLA will be discontinuing the “800” phone number in 2017, Contact phone number is still 540-382-0943
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Tips - Got Hungry Deer? Hunters Willing to Help Landowners Manage Deer Hunters play a very important role in managing deer populations in Virginia. In addition to helping support management by purchasing a hunting license, hunters have a direct impact on the deer David Cappaert, Bugwood.org management goals in Virginia by hunting and harvesting deer. Landowners urban, suburban and rural alike; often have issues with deer damaging their property. In many cases there are simply too many deer to accommodate the landowner’s goals for the property. The Hunter Finder (H-Finder) application is the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ (DGIF) initiative to help connect landowners that are looking for assistance managing wildlife on their property with qualified and experienced hunters. This application is a tool for landowners to identify and initiate communication
with hunters that are willing to hunt on their property. Hunters enter their own information online and DGIF acts only as a conduit for the list of hunters.
How Does the Program Work?
The H-Finder application is open to any properly licensed hunter 18 years of age or older. Hunters interested in registering for the H-Finder database must first create an account and develop a hunter profile. All information must be accurate. Inaccurate information listed in a hunter profile will result in deactivation of the hunter’s profile. A hunter’s profile will be active until their current hunting license expires. Hunters will need to login to the H-Finder application and update their profile at least once a year to update their hunting license information to remain active in the system After completing a profile, hunters wait to be contacted by a landowner who is interested in finding a hunter. Landowners will contact hunters by email. A hunter’s personal information (name, address, phone number) is not provided to the landowner. Completing a profile in the H-Finder application does not guarantee that a hunter will be contacted by a landowner or offered a place to hunt. https://www.dgif.virginia.gov/h-finder/hunters/
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News - We hate to report that ‘crapemyrtle bark scale’ is here U.S. could only rely on reports from China that indicated 2 to 4 life cycles per year.
Figure 1 Heavy infestations of scale pupae, which look like several white spots on the bark of crapemyrtle, are typically seen later in the season where CMBS is well-established.
We are sorry to welcome Virginia to the world of ‘Crapemyrtle Bark Scale’ (CMBS). The confirmed sighting of CMBS this year in Virginia Beach means Virginia is the 13th state in which this ‘new’ exotic insect is found. Heightened concern about this new pest is based on the speed at which it is spreading, the severity of symptoms, and the extensive use of crapemyrtles in landscapes ($66 M annual wholesale value, 2014) across a large part of the U.S.
History: The insect was first noticed in a suburb of North Dallas, TX in 2004. At that time, entomologists suggested it was morphologically identical to azalea scale (Eriococcus azalea). Most of the early efforts on control measures and insect identification were thanks to the sole efforts of Dr. Mike Merchant with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Nearly ten years after the initial sighting, Arkansas and Louisiana joined in the effort after heavy infestation were found in those states. As of 2014, there were still many unanswered questions about this ‘new’ invasive insect including nomenclature, taxonomy, life cycle, and control, thus a collaborative multi-state team was formed. An early (2014) result of this collaborative effort was the determination by two different laboratories (University of Arkansas and USDA-APHIS, Edinburg, TX) using molecular techniques that CMBS was in fact NOT the same as ‘azalea scale’ (Eriococcus azalea). At that time the group assigned it to a new species, Eriococcus lagerstroemiae, however, in 2016, the genus name was changed to Acanthococcus. In 2014 several states (AR, TX and LA) also began intensive monitoring of the life cycle, since to this point, the VNLA Newsletter 32
Figure 2. Large infestations of CMBS can result in very unsightly black sooty mold on bark and upper surface of leaves.
Life Cycle: This insect is classified as a ‘felt’ scale (different from an armored or soft scale). As the female nymphs mature, they secrete white threads (look like hundreds of small tubes of toothpaste being squeezed at once) that form a whitish or grayish ‘felt’ that covers the entire body. Adult females, which are the easiest to identify even with the naked eye, are larger in size and a more rounded ovate, when compared to adult males (a narrower ovate shape). Adult females are wingless and sessile (incapable of moving) while adult males have the capacity for short distance flight. Eggs are laid under the ‘felt’ covering of the adult female and the female then dies. When the eggs hatch into first instar
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nymphs, these nymphs have legs and antenna and are mobile, thus the term ‘crawlers’. It is the ‘crawlers’ that we monitor using double-sided sticky tape. These ‘crawlers’ emerge from under the ‘mother scale’ and disperse over a short period. In Arkansas (zone 7), ‘crawlers’ have been observed nearly year-round but in varying numbers. We suspect that after the first molt, nymphs lose their legs and antenna and become sessile. During the last instar, males are quiescent (pupal type stage) and develop external wings. Upon emergence, males find a sessile female and mate, completing the life cycle. At present, we suspect that CMBS may complete at least two or three generations per year in Arkansas. It is possible that adult females and eggs overwinter, but crawlers and later stage nymphs have been observed overwintering in the southeast under loose bark and in cracks and crevices which is more common on the fauriei crapemyrtle hybrids. Short distance movement of CMBS is accomplished by the males flying and possibly by crawlers hitching rides on insects and birds. We also hypothesize Figure 3. Piercing live adult female or male CMBS will reveal purple/red blood.
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
that movement within a neighborhood or town is assisted by pieces of infested pruning waste dropping out of transport vehicles. Long distance spread is most likely by infested nursery stock. Insect Description: Crapemyrtle bark scale is easy to identify since, in the U.S., it is the first and only known bark scale to occur on crapemyrtles. The adult females (2-3 mm) appear as white or gray felt-like mounds (like the tip of a Q-tip R cotton swab) on small twigs to large trunks, often appearing near pruning wounds or in branch crotches on older wood. On the most current flush of growth and under heavy infestation, distribution is more uniform. Piercing an adult female will reveal a purple/red blood. Most gardeners will be first alerted to CMBS by black sooty mold which appears on the bark or leaves. The presence of sooty mold may confuse the diagnosis since that is also commonly associated with a heavy aphid infestation. Other hosts: In the U.S., besides crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia), CMBS has been confirmed (Zinan Wang, Yan Chen, and Rodrigo Diaz Department of Entomology, LSU) in greenhouse trials on: Callicarpa americana L. (Lamiales: Lamiaceae), Lawsonia inermis L. (Myrtales: Lythraceae), Punica granatum
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L. (Myrtales: Lythraceae) , Heimia salicifolia Link (Myrtales: Lythraceae) , Lythrum alatum Pursh (Myrtales: Lythraceae). American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana) has also been confirmed from landscape samples as a host for CMBS.
Control measures: Based on our limited experience with this pest, it does not appear that CMBS will be easy to control, though soil-applied neonicotinoids do provide significant suppression. Our current best suggestions for control of this insect include:
For heavily infested plants, wash the trunk and reachable limbs with a soft brush and mild solution of dishwashing soap. This will remove many of the female scales and egg masses and make insecticide control more effective. Also, washing will remove much of the black mold that builds up on the bark of infested trees. Horticultural oil has not yet been shown to be effective against this insect; however, a winter application of dormant oil to the bark and crotches of the plants where scales shelter may be beneficial. Be sure to use sufficient volume to allow for penetration behind loose bark and into cracks and crevices. Winter is an especially good time to treat for scales because a higher (winter) application rate can be used without damaging the plant. Thorough coverage of the tree is especially important when treating with oil. Application of systemic insecticides as a soil drench applied to the root zone has shown the most promise in tests to date. Imidacloprid, thiomethoxam and dinotefuran have shown effective control when applied between mid-April and June depending on your zone, however, soil applications during first leaf-out of crapemyrtles may be most effective. When drenching the soil with a systemic insecticide, allow several weeks for the product to be distributed throughout the plant. Additionally, acetamiprid and clothianidin, also neonicotinoids, have demonstrated good control. Certain insect growth regulators (IGRs) are recommended for scale control in woody ornamentals and are currently under evaluation for control
VNLA Newsletter 34
of CMBS. Azadirachtin has demonstrated suppression of CMBS in some field trials, but has yet to demonstrate reliable control of CMBS. Several natural predators (e.g. twice stabbed lady beetle) have been observed to be effective at managing moderate levels of CMBS. The population size of natural predators appears to mirror the rise and fall of CMBS. It is unlikely that natural predators by themselves can reduce heavy infestations below a reasonable threshold. A complete management program needs to consider the importance of these natural predators in the long-term management of this serious insect pest. James Robbins & John Hopkins: Univ. of Ark. CES Mengmeng Gu, Mike Merchant, Erfan Vafaie: Texas A&M Agrilife Zinan Wang, Yan Chen: Louisiana State Univ. The collaborative CMBS team maintains a website (http://www.eddmaps.org/cmbs/ ) dedicated to this insect including a distribution map (http://www.eddmaps.org/cmbs/distribution.cfm ), a summary of control measures (http://www.eddmaps.org/cmbs/control.cfm identification (http://www.eddmaps.org/cmbs/identification.cfm ), and resources (http://www.eddmaps.org/cmbs/resources.cfm). Any member of the CMBS team (http://www.eddmaps.org/cmbs/contact.cfm ) would be happy to answer any questions and we encourage Green Industry leaders in Virginia to alert us of any additional sightings in the state.
Acknowledgements: Laura Miller, Rodrigo Diaz, Allen Owings, Gary Knox, Janet Laminack, Norman Barr, Allen szalanski, Frank Hale, Amber Tripodi, Allen Owings, Dave Creech, Gregory Evans, David Held, Blake Layton
SAVE THE DATE!!! Thursday, July 20, 2017
VNLA Field Day
Isle of Wight County, Smithfield, VA
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VNLA - Certification Quiz # 78 If you are a Virginia Certified Horticulturist, answer the following questions from the previous article, mark your answers on the card insert and mail, scan or fax back to the VNLA office towards your recertification CEU’s for your Virginia Certified Horticulturist.
7. CMBS is the first and only known bark scale to occur on crapemyrtle. a. True b. False 8. When pierced, the blood color of an adult female is: a. Black/Red b. Red/White c. Purple/Red 9. Black mold is not a symptom of CMBS. a. True b. False
Crepemyrtle Bark Scale October/November/December 2016 Prepared by: Nanette R. Whitt
10. Eggs are laid by the female: a. Under the “felt” covering of the adult b. female. c. On the new emerging leaves of the tree. d. On top of the “felt” covering.
1. Crape Myrtle Bark Scale (CMBS) was originally noticed in which State? a. Mississippi b. Texas c. Virginia
11. Use of the following will eliminate CMBS: a. Horticultural oil b. Dishwashing soap and a soft bush c. All of the above d. None of the above
2. CMBS is identical to eriococcus azalea (azalea scale): a. True b. False
12. Based on current experience, it is believed that CMBS will be easily controlled. a. True b. False
3. Concerns about this pest are: a. Speed at which it is spreading b. Extensive use of crapemyrtles in landscapes c. Severity of symptoms d. All of the above
13. Which control method has shown the best results to date: a. Dishwashing soap and a soft brush b. Horticultural oil c. Systemic insecticide soil drench d. Natural predators
4. This insect is classified as _______ scale: a. Felt b. Soft c. Armored 5. Which of the CMBS is able to fly short distances? a. Female b. Male c. Both 6. Currently, how many generations of CMBS may be completed per year? a. 3-4 b. 2-3 c. 1-2 VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
14. Another host for CMBS is Callicarpa Americana (American beautyberry). a. True b. False
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2017 Virginia Certified Horticulturist Review Class/Test Schedule
Region
Review or Test
Dates 2017
Location
Time
Fees Mmbr
Fees Non Mmbr
Check Pay to
Class/Test Registration Deadline
Virginia Beach
TEST
January 18 Wednesday
Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course, Founders Inn, VA Beach
6-9 pm
$ 55
$ 250
VNLA
January 6, 2017
Hampton Roads
Review
Hampton Roads
TEST
Northern VA
Review
Northern VA
TEST
Mar 2 Thursday
Merrifield Garden Center - Fair Oaks
Richmond
Review
Jan. 25 - March 7 Mondays
Henrico County Government Complex
Richmond
TEST
March 14 Monday
Henrico County Government Complex
6-10 pm
Charlottesville
Review
Jan. 10 - Mar 7 Tuesday
JW Townsend Charlottesville
5 - 7 pm
Waynesboro
Review
Charlottesville/ Waynesboro
TEST
Lynchburg SWVA
Review
Make Your Buisiness Stand Out! Sign Up Your Staff to Become Virginia Certified Horticulturist Today!
Lynchburg SWVA
TEST
March 11 Saturday
TBA
9 am - noon
$ 55
$ 250
VNLA
February 24, 2017
Leesburg
TEST
May 17 Wednesday
Monroe Technology Center
10 am - 2 pm
$ 55
$ 250
VNLA
May 3, 2017
February 18 Saturday
Hampton Roads AREC Virginia Beach
9 am - noon
$ 55
$ 250
VNLA
February 4, 2017
No Review Classes for 2017 - Self-Study using the VNLA Online Review Program. Contact the VNLA Office for login registration. 1-540-382-0943, VCH@vnla.org
6 -9 pm
$ 75
6:30-9:30 pm $ 75
$ 150 NVNLA
February 16, 2017
$ 150
VNLA
January 9, 2017
$ 55
$ 250
VNLA
February 27, 2017
$ 125
$ 250
VNLA
December 27, 2016
No Review Classes for 2017 - Self-Study using the VNLA Online Review Program. Contact the VNLA Office for login registration. 1-540-382-0943, VCH@vnla.org
March 25 Saturday
Location TBD Charlottesville
9 am - noon
$ 55
$ 250
VNLA
March 10, 2017
No Review Classes for 2017 - Self-Study using the VNLA Online Review Program. Contact the VNLA Office for login registration. 1-540-382-0943, VCH@vnla.org
Knowledge is Power!
No Review Classes for 2017 - Self-Study using the VNLA Online Review Program. Contact the VNLA Office for login registration. 1-540-382-0943, VCH@vnla.org
You MUST pre-register with the VNLA Office, 2 weeks prior to the test/review class.
For updated information, go to the VNLA website Certification page at www.vnla.org/ VCH Certification Study Manuals are available from the VNLA Office for approximately $135.00 including tax and shipping; Plant ID Study Photos online, FREE to members. Contact the VNLA Office for login information (vch@vnla.org)
TestClassSchedule2017_rev.12.13.xlsx
12/13/2016 4:27 PM
Virginia Certified Horticulturist Exam Application Application Date: __________________
Select the location and 2017 date you will take the test: Test Registration Deadline is 2 weeks prior to the test date)
___ Virginia Beach, MAHSC, Wednesday, January 18, 6-9 pm, (Deadline 1/6/17) (Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course) ___ Virginia Beach, VA Tech HRAREC, Saturday, February 18, 2017, 9 am – noon (Deadline 2/4/17) ___ Fair Oaks, Merrifield Garden Center, March 2, 2017, 6-9:00 pm (Deadline 2/16/17) ___ Lynchburg, Location TBA, Saturday, March 11, 9 am – noon (Deadline 2/24/17) ___ Richmond, Henrico County Gov’t Complex, March 14, 2017, 6-10 pm (Deadline 2/27/17) ___ Charlottesville/Waynesboro, Location TBA Charlottesville, March 25, 9 am – 1 pm (Deadline 3/10/17) ___ Leesburg, Monroe Technical Center, Wednesday, May 17, 2017, 10 am – 2 pm (Deadline 5/3/17) Name: ________________________________, ________________________________, __________________________ (Last)
(First)
(Middle)
Home Address____________________________________________ County: __________________________________ City: _______________________________________ST ____ Zip+4_______________________________________ Home/Cell Phone __________________________________ Work Phone: _____________________________________ Birthday ______________ Email:
___________________________________________________________________________________________
(Email is very important, most correspondence is now by email)
Current VNLA Employer: ___________________________________________________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________________________________________________ City _____________________________________________State _____ Zip+4 ___________________________ Your Name as to appear on Certification Badge (max.22 characters/spaces) ____________________________________ Your Company Name as to appear on Badge (max.22 characters/spaces) ______________________________________ =======================================================================================
Complete the information on the back of this page. Below for Office Use Only Graded by:____________________________________________ Test Score: _________ Certification # _____________ Test Date ___/___/___Location:____________________________ Test Proctor: ________________________________ Ofc. Rec’d ___/____/___
Entered NOAH ___/____/___
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Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association CERTIFICATION CONTRACT AS A CERTIFIED HORTICULTURIST IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, I HEREBY AGREE TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS, TO WIT: 1. I will abide by all present and any future additions or changes in rules and regulations, adopted by the Certification Board, a subsidiary group sponsored by the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association. 2. I will promote the highest ethical standards in the conduct of my nursery work and myself. 3. I will make continued efforts to learn more about nursery products and improve my skills as a nursery salesperson. 4. I understand and agree that my certification is limited to a stated time period and must be renewed every three years on terms and conditions prescribed by the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association Certification Board. Failure on my part to comply with stated requirements will automatically revoke my certification. 5. I agree that should my certification ever be revoked for whatever reason, I will not display any distinguishing emblems, titles, list myself as a Virginia Certified Horticulturist in newspapers, yellow pages, websites, electronic media or any other media, or in any manner to whatsoever imply that I am so certified. 6. 1 understand and agree that my Virginia Certified Horticulturist status is granted by the nursery industry as recognition of knowledge and achievement and is in no way mandatory and may be granted or refused or revoked at the discretion of the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association Certification Board. I further understand and agree that my Virginia Certified Horticulturist status may be used by me only, while I am employed by a current member of the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association. I ACCEPT my Virginia Certified Horticulturist status with no reservations and may use such designation as long as I am in compliance with the above statements and conditions.
_____________________________________________________________________________ Date ______________ (Applicant’s signature)
EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION (to be completed by employer only)
Date _______________
I hereby certify that the work experience contained in this application is true and correct, and that I am a VNLA member in good standing.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________ VNLA Member Firm Name
Employer Signature Title
(You can pay online at www.vnla.org but you MUST complete, sign and mail or fax this form to the VNLA Office.) Mail or fax to Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association 383 Coal Hollow Rd Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Pay with Credit Card: ___ VISA
___ MasterCard
Phone 1-540-382-0943 FAX: 540-382-2716 VCH@VNLA.org
Test Fee $55.00
___ American Express
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12/10/2016 38
Test_Application17.docx
October / November / December 2016
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VNLA Newsletter
Tips - Creating an Experience for the Millennials on the Plant Retail Area If there is one department in the garden center that needs to change in the, it must be the plant retail area. Today’s Millennial consumers say they want ideas, fun and solutions when they visit a garden center, but many retailers are still offering them lines of plants and confusing the buying decision for them. Traditionally the plant area evolved out of a plant sales yard and the key to success was to offer as wide a range of plants as possible, hence plants were often placed in rows for easy management. Stock turn was not such a major issue as it is today. Consumer, who were not plant connoisseurs, often left the center confused with the range on offer. The result for the retailer was that often the average sale per customer was lower than it should be As garden centers evolved plant growers took on the role of plant distributors to garden centers and took a step back from the consumer. But all this is now changing due to Millennial consumer’s acceptance of technology and their changing habits of shopping. Plant Retailing to the Millennial Consumer The consumer now starts the buying journey at home on a smart phone, laptop or other device, the plant selection is often made at home. They would still like to go to the garden center to ask 82% of millennials are more likely to make a purchase decision using their for advice, attend enmobile phones than by gaging workshops, speaking with a sales associate. look at impulse lines www.greenprofit.com and be inspired with ideas to help them on their garden journey. They do not want to see rows of plants and hence the range on show to the consumer can be considerably reduced. Today’s consumer does not want to shop every plant aisle like at a supermarket, therefore the size of the plant center can be reduced to make shopping easier. A smaller plant retail area is easier to manage, increases the stock turn and can expose the consumer to more plant material. The Millennial consumer wants FUN and wants it NOW, they want to decorate their garden and grow some of their own vegetables. James Wong, the UK garden writer and TV presenter said “retailers are still largely fixated on communicating a HOW TO approach as its key message, assuming that everyone is absolutely desperately keen on getting involved but just needs to know how, the new generation VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
need to know WHY they should bother in the first place before they consider even thinking about learning how” If we agree with James Wong we really need to rethink the way we set out and communicate in the plant retail area. This is an opportunity that may have not been possible a few years ago. Progressive growers are developing an online presence and some are selling directly online to the consumer, the result is many garden centers miss the sale and, in my opinion, the consumer misses out on part of the garden experience. An alternative is for the grower and retailer to form a partnership where everyone in the chain, including the consumer, is a winner. In a partnership arrangement, the grower can offer the consumer a far larger range at any one time than the garden center would have in stock, the consumer can browse the full range of plants at home at their leisure and as a result probably purchase more plants than they would have instore. At the same time the retailer can stock a bigger range of “impulse lines” and less of a range of “purpose plants”. They can set out the plant area to inspire the consumer and focus on the plant trends as seen through the consumer’s eyes. Companies such as Monrovia with a range of over 3,600 plant varieties have launched “Shop Monrovia.com.” Bower and Branch have provided a similar offer with trees. Consumer can now purchase plants directly from the supplier online and have their plants delivered to their local garden center for an easy pick up. Garden Centers such as the Arboretum in Ireland excel at providing an online shopping and in-store shopping experience. This means they are open for business 24 hours a day with many consumers wishing to buy plants at 8.00pm on a Thursday evening. This is when the children have gone to bed and they are planning their weekend activities. Time for New Look Changing technology, new ways of buying and Millennial consumers looking for an experience opens the door for garden centers to provide a complete new look to their plant retail section. It allows them to show ideas and inspire the consumer. The time to change is now, the consumer is looking for those new experiences. John Stanley, john@johnstanley.com.au
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Tips - Container Pour-Through Results Demystified Have you ever wondered what your pour-through results really mean? If so, now there's help! Washington, DC and Columbus, OH (October 4, 2016) — The variety of media available to the container industry is astounding. Many operations have water sources with unique quality and their own special blended fertilizers and soilless substrates (i.e. media) to ensure they have what works best for them. These selected fertilizers and substrates do not behave identically for each operation or each location. Water quality (e.g., alkalinity), electrical conductivity (EC), and pH, for example, are chemical characteristics that can vary greatly depending on water source, fertilizer, and media constituents. They are also important to monitor, since they directly impact nutrient availability. While (relatively) simple and inexpensive to measure using portable meters, water quality and substrate pH and EC results can be confounding. With the help of the Horticultural Research Institute's competitive grants program, a collaboration of researchers developed a mobile web site to record, monitor, and share water quality and pour-through values on your phone or tablet. While not technically an app, the site can be used on your desktop computer as well as your mobile phone via an easily created
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shortcut that make the site act as an app without the needed updates. And best of all, it's free! Researchers Dr. Jim Owen, Virginia Tech; Dr. Brian Whipker, NC State University; Dr. Sarah White, Clemson University; and Dr. Brian Krug, Pioneer Hybrids, acknowledged the scarcity of mobile-friendly tools available for the green industry in general, and set about to make GroZone Tracker, a useful tool for the container producer. This program helps managers quickly pinpoint problem areas related to pH, EC, and water quality on a map and monitor them over time. Instant feedback about water quality and pour-through values is a key component. For example, values of pH and EC for a specified crop are flagged red if immediate attention is needed, yellow if they need to be watched, or green if they are okay and within a normal range. Having this information translates into faster decision-making. Dr. Owen was struck by the amount of extension calls he received asking how to interpret pour-through data. He said, "Growers realize the benefits of regular, in-house pourthroughs and water quality monitoring, but often have difficulty understanding the results. GroZone Tracker helps growers make on-the-spot decisions and be more self-reliant." Furthermore, the entered data are archived. If an extension agent or consultant is needed to diagnose a problem, records are available to help them understand the historical growing conditions. Owen commented, "Often we go on a site visit, and no one has the data to help diagnose the problem. Having this information will help me and my colleagues better serve our stakeholders." The data stored in the program are secure and inaccessible by third parties. The program is intuitive and tutorials/how-to guides are available regarding the program itself, water quality sampling and pour-throughs. Once water quality parameters, such as pH and EC values are determined, they are entered in the program for a specific site, which can be set using your phone's GPS. Sampling date and time are also recorded. Information on water samples, such as pH, EC, and alkalinity, can also be entered and evaluated for a specified crop. GroZone Tracker, is available now at: http://grozonetracker.com
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VNLA Newsletter 40
Horticultural Research Institute exists to understand the business of horticulture and, by doing so, fund, advocate for, and direct research specific to horticulture and horticultural businesses. Supporting research projects that develop tools like the GroZone Tracker is another example of how HRI backs innovation. For more information about HRI, its grant-funded research, or programming, visit www.hri.org or contact Jennifer Gray at 614.884.1155, Dr. Jim Owen, VA Tech, HRAREC, nsy.prod@vt.edu
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Tips - Virginia Wetlands Catalog What is the Virginia Wetlands Catalog? The Virginia Wetlands Catalog (VWC) is an inventory of wetlands and potential wetlands with prioritization summaries for conservation and restoration purposes by parcel, sub-watershed, and wetland boundaries. What is the purpose of the Virginia Wetlands Catalog? The VWC can be used to prioritize wetlands, parcels, and subwatersheds for conservation or restoration purposes, to inform project-design processes to make them more efficient, to assess impacts of proposed projects, and to identify possible mitigation sites. The primary funder of the VWC, the U.S. Department of Agriculture -Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Virginia State Office, uses the catalog for ranking wetlands for values related to wildlife habitat and water quality and for conserving wetlands under the Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) program. How was the Virginia Wetlands Catalog developed? The first step was to develop a wetlands and associated features layer by combining wetlands, potential wetlands, floodplains, and streams from the National Wetlands Inventory, the National Hydrography Dataset, the Digital Flood
Insurance Rate Map Database, and the Soil Survey Geographic Database. The next step was to attribute this layer with information for ranking wetlands for either conservation or restoration purposes. The conservation attributes included weighted information pertaining to plant and animal biodiversity, significant natural communities, natural lands that provide ecosystem services, natural corridors and stream buffers, proximity to conserved lands, relatively clean watersheds, and drinking water sources. Several of these attributes were reused as restoration attributes, albeit with some weight modifications, with the addition of information related to degraded watersheds, impaired waters, prior converted and agricultural wetlands, and stream reaches with relatively low aquatic biodiversity that potentially could be restored. Information pertaining to parcels, subwatersheds, existing mitigation banks, and development was added for reference and summary uses. What are the products of the Virginia Wetlands Catalog? The products of the VWC include the technical report (Weber and Bulluck 2014, see the full citation near the bottom of this page) and a file geodatabase (FGDB), which contains six feature classes that are split into conservation and restoration prioritizations and summaries by wetland, parcel, and subwatershed boundaries (see map samples, below).
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VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
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The six feature classes include representations that can be used to display the data up to thirty different ways for enhanced interpretation and exploitation of the database. All representations can be viewed easily in the ArcMap document (ArcGIS software and license, required) that accompanies the FGDB. The two most important of these representations are Conservation Rank and Restoration Rank, which clearly indicate relative values of wetlands with ranks 1 through 5, with five being most valuable. Weber, J. T. and J. F. Bulluck 2014. Virginia Wetlands Catalog: An Inventory of Wetlands and Potential Wetlands with Prioritization Summaries for Conservation and Restoration Purposes by Parcel, Subwatershed, and Wetland Boundaries. Natural Heritage Technical Report 14-4. Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Natural Heritage. Richmond, Virginia 49 pp. See the technical report for an extensive description of the project. The report can be downloaded here. (PDF) (http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/document/final-report-vdcr-wetlandcatalog.pdf) The full database is available for free (ArcGIS software and a license, required) by registering to download it, here. (http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/download-files-registration?2015-04-21-20-46-35-315247-ey8)
News - Virginia Tech Students Install Rain Garden in Hahn Garden A four-day Rain Garden Practicum course (HORT 3584) was conducted the week prior to the start of the fall semester. Rain gardens, landscaped bowlshape depressions, are a very popular and functional component of landscapes since they collect and greatly reduce runoff, pollutants, and sediment from entering groundwater and sewage systems. Rain gardens thereby decrease groundwater pollution and the amount of water that has to be treated at a wastewater treatment plant. The course was coordinated by Horticulture Department Professor Alex Niemiera. The course consisted of two days of classroom instruction covering rain garden fundamentals and design presented by guest lecturer Dr. Liz Riley from North Carolina State University; Dr. Riley's research program specializes in rain garden soil types and plant species. The second two days were devoted to installing the rain garden in front of the Hahn Horticulture Garden; Mr. Robert McDuffie, Horticulture professor and Director of the Garden, instructed students on the preparation of the garden.
This project was funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service, with additional funding provided by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation-Division of Natural Heritage, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and the Nature Conservancy.
Installation of plants and completion of the garden will occur in November after installation of hardscape details such as construction of deck and paver walkways and a kiosk.
VNLA – Certification: New VCH Logo Magnets and Decals
The rain garden will not only collect and filter the runoff from the adjacent road and parking lot but will serve as a new and attractive entry into the Hahn Horticulture Pavilion. Virginia Tech Department Newsletter (Sept. 2016) http://www.hort.vt.edu/hhg/projects.html
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Contact: 540-382-0943 Email: info@vnla.org
October/November/December 2016 October / November / December 2016
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News - Mt. Cuba Center Evaluates Baptisia
portant ecosystem services native plants provide. Mt. Cuba Center has conducted trial garden research since 2002, including previously completed evaluations of coreopsis, heuchera, coneflowers, and asters.
Mt. Cuba Center evaluated 46 A full research report is available from the Mt. Cuba Center different selections of Baptisia, http://mtcubacenter.org/trials/baptisia/ commonly called false indigo, Mt. Cuba Center, 3120 Barley Mill Rd. Hockessin, DE 19707 and found that most are great 302.239.4244, www.mtcubacenter.org garden plants. In fact, over 60% of the plants tested received 4 or 5 stars. Among those, ten superior cultivars outperformed the ESN-117 45 Years/4.5x7.25 8/30/04 10:15 AM Page 1 rest: 'Screamin' Yellow', 'Lemon Meringue', 'Ivory Towers', Ad - Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia 'Blue Towers', 'Purple Smoke', 'Cherries Jubilee', 'Sunny Photo by Jeff Miller Morning', 'Blueberry Sundae', 'Dutch Chocolate', and 'Creme de Menthe'. These excellent selections have gorgeous flowers, attractive and sturdy foliage, as well as moderately sized habits that make them the perfect choice for the home garden. In addition to its unparalleled beauty, false indigo is also incredibly adaptable and long-lived, making it an ideal plant for difficult sites. Baptisia also plays an important part in the local ecosystem as a food source for bumble bees, a host plant for numerous butterfly species, and through its ability to create its own fertilizer from nitrogen in the atmosphere. While a young false indigo may not have the most impressive presentation at the garden center, knowing how beautiful, easy-to-care-for, and ecologically valuable it is makes purchasing Baptisia a very simple decision. Mt. Cuba Center is a botanical garden that inspires an appreciation for the beauty and value of native plants and a commitment to protect the habitats that sustain them. Over the past 70 years the landscape at Mt. Cuba Center has been transformed from fallow cornfields into thriving, ecologically functional gardens, thanks to the initiative of the late Mr. and Mrs. Lammot du Pont Copeland. Mt. Cuba Center's Trial Garden, managed by George Coombs, evaluates native plants and their related cultivars for their horticultural and ecological value. The goal of this research is to provide gardeners and the horticulture industry with information about superior plants for the mid-Atlantic region as well as highlight the imVNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
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Research - Japanese stiltgrass - the Crabgrass of Shade Jeffrey F. Derr
stress in dry, full-sun environments so expect to find it primarily in shady areas. Japanese stiltgrass occupies a range of shady, moist habitats including river banks, flood plains, damp fields, swamps, woodland thickets, roadside ditches, river bluffs, and roadsides. The weed can invade landscape ornamental plantings, turfgrass, and vegetable gardens. Microstegium can out-compete native plant species in shaded areas, and thus is a major invasive species. Since Japanese stiltgrass is an important weed in Virginia, I have been conducting experiments on the biology and management of this weed. When does Microstegium germinate?
Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org
Japanese stiltgrass (Microstegium vimineum), a widespread weed in Virginia, has also been referred to as annual jewgrass, bamboograss, flexible sesagrass, Japanese grass, Mary’s grass, and Nepalese browntop. I often call it Microstegium because of the confusion with the various common names. This plant is a shade-tolerant C4 summer annual grass. A native of Asia, it was first discovered in the U.S. in 1919 near Knoxville, Tennessee. It apparently was used as packing material for porcelain from China and this may have been how it was introduced into the U.S. From this initial infestation it has spread rapidly and is now widely distributed throughout the eastern United States. Microstegium has moved into New England and the Midwest and has been reported as far west as Texas. This weed occurs throughout Virginia. Microstegium has a large, somewhat circular cotyledon, separating it from other annual grasses. Microstegium has a fibrous root system, stems that are upright or reclining, and stems can root at the nodes. Plants can reach up to 3 feet tall. Microstegium produces tillers that can root into the ground, allowing the plant to spread laterally. Leaves are about 4 inches in length and ½ inch in width and taper at both ends. Most leaves have a distinct white midvein; however a key identifying feature of this grass is that the midvein does not divide the leaves into equal halves. The seedhead is composed of 1 to 6 terminal spike branches. Unlike most C4 plants, Japanese stiltgrass is uniquely adapted to low light conditions. I refer to it as the crabgrass of shade since it grows in moderate to dense shade and spreads laterally by rooting at the nodes, allowing a single plant to cover a significant area. Microstegium is under VNLA Newsletter 44
An important question to answer for any annual weed is when does it start to germinate? This information is needed to determine timing of pre-emergence herbicide applications. I conducted experiments in several locations in southeastern Virginia to determine the germination pattern for this weed. In Virginia Beach, this grass does not flower until the first or second week of October, late for a summer annual grass. So I expected that it started to germinate later than other summer annual grassy weeds but that was not the case. Actually, Microstegium started to germinate about a week before smooth crabgrass in my trials. It can start germinating the second or third week of March in southeastern Virginia, depending on temperature. This year I had Microstegium up to 3 inches tall with 2 to 4 leaves on April 6 in my trial, showing how early this plant grows. So Microstegium is an early germinating but late flowering summer annual. Applications for preemergence control, therefore, must be made earlier than ones for crabgrass control, ideally by the first week in March for southeastern Virginia.
Can Microstegium be controlled using preemergence herbicides? I have evaluated a number of preemergence herbicides for Microstegium control. Balan (benefin), Barricade (prodiamine), Bensumec (bensulide), Dimension (dithiopyr), Pendulum (pendimethalin), Ronstar (oxadiazon), Specticle (indaziflam), Surflan (oryzalin), Team (benefin plus trifluralin), and Tupersan (siduron) applied preemergence all controlled Microstegium when evaluated a month after application. As with crabgrass control, some of these herbicides provided longer term control than others. Multiple applications may be needed for full season control, especially in wet springs. Also, check the label to determine what sites can be treated with a given herbicide. One problem with preemergence herbicides is that any Microstegium plants that escape an application may grow to be quite large by the end of the season due to its ability to spread laterally. Hand weeding or postemergence herbicides could be used to control escapes from a preemergence application.
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What about postemergence control? I have evaluated postemergence herbicides for control of Microstegium. The postemergence grass herbicides Acclaim Extra (fenoxaprop), Envoy (clethodim), Fusilade II (fluazifop), and Segment (sethoxydim) all control Microstegium and can be applied to many broadleaf ornamental species as well an many nongrass monocots like liriope, hosta, and daylily. In addition, Acclaim Extra can be used for Chris Evans, University selective control in cool-seaof Illinois, Bugwood.org son turfgrass. Pylex (topramezone) also will control emerged Microstegium with two applications and would be an alternative option in cool-season turfgrass. Specticle FLO if applied to small Microstegium plants will provide control, although this herbicide is more effective if applied preemergence. The nonselective herbicides Finale (glufosinate) and Roundup ProMax (glyphosate) also control this weed. Other researchers have shown that very low
rates of glyphosate control Microstegium so this nonselective herbicide could be made somewhat selective by lowering the application rate. The semi-selective compound Plateau (imazapic) can be used for Microstegium control in noncropland and other areas. I have controlled fairly large plants (1 foot or more tall) of Microstegium with the postemergence grass herbicides, Finale, Roundup, and Plateau, so there is a lot of flexibility in application timing. Daconate (MSMA) injured Japanese stiltgrass but treated plants were able to regrow. Dimension and Drive (quinclorac) applied postemergence did not control Microstegium in my trials. Conclusion and Suggestions for Control.
Microstegium tolerates frequent mowing, for example in turf areas. In areas that are not regularly mowed, however, and Microstegium has grown to several feet tall during the summer, mowing is a way to stop seed production. Since Microstegium is an annual weed, stopping seed production is an important step in long-term eradication programs. In our trial, cutting large plants down to 2 inches or less in early September resulted in excellent seedhead prevention since the plants did not have enough time to grow and flower before frost killed them. So timing a mowing about a month before normal seedhead appearance in unmowed areas would help reduce the seed available for germination
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in future years. The general feeling is that Microstegium seed is short-lived in soil, perhaps 5 years or less. Thus, if one can stop seed production for several years, the Microstegium population will be drastically reduced. Mowing may not be not practical for certain noncrop sites infested with Japanese stiltgrass but would be an option where one desired an alternative to herbicides. Microstegium germinates slightly earlier than smooth crabgrass and other common summer annual grasses yet flowers later. Hand-weeding is an effective control option but is labor intensive for large areas. Also, additional plants may germinate after hand-weeding, requiring one to make repeat trips to the site. Microstegium tolerates mowing heights used for cool-season turfgrass so mowing will not control existing plants. Since this plant must set seed in order to germinate in subsequent years, a late season mowing where plants have been allowed to grow tall will suppress seed production. Depending on the site, preemergence control of Microstegium is possible if treatments are applied earlier than one would use for crabgrass control. In turfgrass, an application of a long-residual preemergence herbicide like Barricade would be a good option. Barricade is also an option in established landscape beds. For a broader weed control spectrum, one could look at Snapshot or FreeHand as granular control options in ornamental beds or one could make a sprayable application of products such as Gallery (isoxaben) plus Surflan (oryzalin). Selective control options are available for cool-season turfgrass, broadleaf ornamentals, and non-grass ornamentals through use of Acclaim Extra, which can also be used in rights-of-way. Esplanade (indaziflam), Endurance (prodiamine), and Pendulum AquaCap are three options for preemergence control in noncrop areas, while Plateau and Roundup ProMax are two of the options for postemergence control. Check the herbicide label for specific information on use for all of these products. These chemicals all have generally low toxicity to animals since they primarily affect processes that occur only in plants. These chemicals are commonly used by companies in lawn care and landscape maintenance and most of the chemicals listed are readily available to homeowners as well. Jeffrey Derr is a Professor of Weed Science for Virginia Tech and is located at the Hampton Roads Ag. Res. and Extension Center in Virginia Beach. jderr@vt.edu
VNLA will be discontinuing the “800” phone number in 2017, Contact phone number is still 540-382-0943
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Research - Selective Control of Liverwort in Nursery Crops Jeffrey F. Derr Liverwort is very difficult to control, and this species appears to be an increasing weed problem in the nursery industry. Liverwort is a primitive, moss-like plant that forms leaf-like mats on the soil surface. When dry, these mats repel water, causing pots to dry. Liverwort reproduces by wind-dispersed spores and by gemmae which are produced in cup-like structures. Gemmae are splashed out of the cups by rain or irrigation. Liverwort prefers moist, cool conditions, and occurs primarily in crops with frequent irrigation, such as propagation areas and in production of herbaceous perennials. Liverwort has been suppressed by certain preemergence herbicides, mulches, and nonselective contact herbicides. However, procedures and products effective in one nursery do not necessarily work elsewhere. Also, preemergence herbicides cannot be used in propagation and are not labeled for use in pots in a greenhouse or enclosed structure. Strategies are needed for consistent control of this troublesome weed species. Most importantly, selective control options are needed for emerged liverwort in nursery crops. Through funding from the Virginia Nurserymen's Horticultural Research Foundation, I have been evaluating treatments for selective control of liverwort in nursery crops. I have focused on sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), sodium carbonate (washing soda), and potassium bicarbonate (MilStop). I have been evaluating dry as well as sprayed applications of these chemicals. Inhaling dust from dry applications may be a concern to the applicator so we wanted to determine if sprayed applications would also work.
Dry applications In an initial trial, I applied baking soda at 200, 400, and 800 pounds per acre (4.5. 9. And 18 pounds per 1,000 square feet). The 200 pound per acre rate is approximately 2 grams per square foot. I observed fair control at 200 lb/A, with essentially complete liverwort control at the two higher rates for bakig soda. Little to no injury was seen in hosta, heuchera, and salvia. In a second trial at 200 lb/A, dry applications of washing soda gave good control of liverwort while baking soda gave fair control. Essentially no injury was observed in hosta, azalea, viburnum, nandina, hydrangea, and boxwood. That trial was repeated, and excellent control of liverwort was seen with 200 lb/A of either chemical. These trials were conducted in either spring or fall and were irrigate soon ater application. I conducted two trials during the summer of 2016. I applied 400 pounds per acre of baking soda, washing soda, and Milstop. All three chemicals provided excellent control of liverwort. The two trials were not irrigated until a day after application. In this case significant injury was seen in black-eyed Susan, verbena, sedum, and boxwood. The injury may have resulted from the higher temperatures during summer, the delay in irri-
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gation for one day, or a combination of these two factors. Additional research is needed to minimize crop injury while maximizing liverwort control with these treatments.
Sprayed applications. Washing soda has a water solubility of 30 grams per 100 ml at 20°C, which is approximately 2.5 pounds per gallon. Baking soda is less water soluble - the water solubility is 8.9 g per 100 ml, which is approximately 0.75 pounds per gallon. To approach the target of 200 pounds per acre, I mixed washing soda at 2.5 lb/gallon and applied it at 75 gallons per acre, resulting in an application rate of 190 lb/A. I mixed baking soda at 0.75 lb/gallon and applied it at 250 gallons per acre to achieve 190 lb/A. Since MilStop is a registered fungicide, I applied it as a spray at the labeled rate, which was 5 pounds per acre. At this rate, MilStop did not injure liverwort. The sprayed treatments for baking soda and washing soda gave fair to good liverwort control in the first study and excellent control in the second study. The higher temperature at treatment may have contributed to the greater liverwort control in study two. As with the dry treatments of baking soda and washing soda, the sprayed applications caused unacceptable injury to some of the herbaceous perennials during the summer time applications. We had not seen injury with the sprayed treatments when applied in spring or fall.
We also applied baking soda and washing soda at much higher volumes of water (1,700 gallons per acre) to simulate applications in irrigation water. These applications did not provide acceptable control of liverwort, probably because the additional water washed the chemical off the liverwort. Both baking soda and washing soda form a basic solution when mixed with water, with washing soda forming a higher pH than baking soda. We checked the pH of the pine bark when treated with washing soda. We did raise the pH by 0.6 points in the top inch of bark at 200 lb/acre, with a higher increase at higher rates of application. Less of a change in pH of the bark was noticed in the 1 to 3-inch depth. So it does not appear that these treatments will have a great impact on media pH but it will be something that needs to be monitored.
Conclusions. Liverwort can be control selectively through the use of baking soda or washing soda, applied either dry or as a sprayed application. There are no labels for this use, though, in nursery crops. Injury can occur under hot conditions under delayed irrigation. Additional research is needed to determine irrigation timing after application to minimize any crop injury while maximizing liverwort control. The tolerance of additional nursery species to these treatments is needed. Jeffrey Derr is a Professor of Weed Science with Virginia Tech, and is located at the Hampton Roads Ag. Res. and Extension Center in Virginia Beach. jderr@vt.edu
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Research - Scientists Use Insects to Control an Invasive Weed November 1, 2016 by Entomology Today 2 Comments The release of tiny insects to combat an invasive weed is paying off, according to a recent study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Scientists from the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service An arundo gall wasp depositing eggs into the main released arundo gall wasps stem of a giant reed. (Tetramesa romana) and Photo by John Goolsby. arundo scale insects (Rhizaspidiotus donacis) several years ago as part of a biocontrol program to kill a weed called “giant reed” (Arundo donax) along the Rio Grande in Texas. The weed, also known as “carrizo cane” and “Spanish reed,” clogs streams and irrigation channels, weakens river banks, stifles native vegetation, affects flood control, reduces wildlife habitat, and impedes law enforcement activities along the international border. Recent research conducted by entomologist John Goolsby demonstrates that these insects have helped control giant reed over more than 550 river miles. Measurements taken in 2014 documented a 22-percent decrease in plant biomass along the Rio Grande since the insects’ release in 2009. Measurements in 2016 show a further decrease of 28 percent and significant recovery of native riparian vegetation. Giant reed grows between three and seven inches a day and reaches heights of 30 feet along the Rio Grande. The weed increases the population of cattle fever ticks by creating an ideal habitat for them, which makes it difficult for USDA inspectors to detect tick-infested cattle and deer. As the riverbank transitions back to native vegetation, the plant community supports greater abundance and diversity of tick-feeding ants and beetles that act as biological control agents. To accelerate weed removal, scientists have combined “topping” - mechanically cutting cane - with insect releases. Topping suppresses growth for more than a year and makes plants more susceptible to insect attacks. Combining topping and insect releases gives a high, long-term suppression of cane and allows native trees to grow and start shading giant reed.
Events - PLA Annual Seminar Piedmont Landscape Association invites you to attend our 34th Annual Seminar on Thursday, February 16, 2017, at the historic Paramount Theater in downtown Charlottesville. Our speakers this year feature:
Allan M. Armitage, Emeritus Professor of Horticulture at the University of Georgia, speaking on “Horticulture Through One Man’s Eyes”, and "Dr. A's Best Piedmont Picks"; Nancy Ross Hugo, well- known author of "Seeing Trees" and “Trees, Up Close” Peggy M. Singlemann, Director of Horticulture, Maymont, speaking on “Native Shrubs, the Middle Layer.”
Continuing education credits are available for VNLA, VSLD, ISA, and ASLA. You may learn more about this event through the PLA’s website www.piedmontlandscape.org. Registration is provided by the Paramount (www.theparamount.net ). Provided by Cathy Clary
Events - Register Now for Green & Growin’ 2017 Raleigh, NC -What do you do when you break your own record? Raise the bar of course. “Building on our landmark 2016 event, we’ve made the program for 2017 even better,” promises NCNLA Board of Directors President, Brad Rollins. “We poured over all the comments and ideas from attendees and have put their suggestions into action.” Green & Growin’ 2017 takes place January 16-20 in Greensboro, NC. The program includes several new networking events, restructured track education and enhancements such as hands-free CEU tracking, “all attendees have to do is scan their badge when they enter a session, the rest is automatic,” Rollins said. Registration is also easier and faster, he said: “No more long lines when you arrive”. Visit GreenandGrowin.com ,to:
See the schedule of events. Download the registration brochure. Register online now.
Get details at GreenandGrowin.com
“We’ve thinned the cane out significantly,” Goolsby said. “The biggest decline in plants correlates with the greatest number of our biocontrol agents—the wasp and scale.”
VNLA Newsletter 48
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feel good, literally, according to a new report released from The Nature Conservancy. As professionals in the green industry, we all understand the value of plants, especially trees. But for the general public, trees are often viewed as strictly ornamental and not essential. They are still considered to be one of the warm fuzzies in life. Even President Reagan was quoted as saying, “A tree’s a tree. How many more do you need to look NEW AD at?” For years researchers have creatively sought to quantify the value of trees in terms that can translate into dollars. The latest comes from The Nature Conservancy, which released a report based on a thorough literature review of the role trees play in removing particulate matter in the atmosphere and reducing ambient temperatures. Jill Calabro serves as AmericanHort’s research and science Via Green Industry Council members install plants and flowers programs director. She provides strategic direction and overfor the Virginia Agribusiness Council Banquet. sight to research funded by the Horticultural Research Insti(front) Lorene Blackwood, (l‐r) Bill Bonwell, Gwynn Hubbard, tute, the research affiliate of AmericanHort, and to research inPeggy Seay, Cary Gouldin itiatives carried out in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and others who share an interest in advancing horticulture industry progress through research. She also applies scientific perspective to managing and resolving ongoing and emerging plant health, trade, and environmental challenges. Jill Calabro, PhD, jill@americanhort.org
News – VAC: Jonathan Harding joins Staff We are pleased to announce that Mr. Jonathan Harding is joining the Council James River Nurseries installingofplants James River Nurseries installing plans as our Director Government Affairs and sod from Brookmeade Sod Farm and sod from Brookmeade Sod Farm as of October 3, 2016. Jonathan is originally from southwest Kansas but grew up in Georgia just south of the Tennessee Border. He attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College his freshman year in Tifton, GA, before transferring to the University of Georgia to complete his undergraduate degree in Agricultural Education. Jonathan was the Public Affairs Coordinator for the Georgia Agribusiness Council where his main roles were government affairs, managing GAC's Member Internship Program, and overseeing the GAC Foundation Scholarship and Grant Program. Jonathan brings an outstanding background and passion for our Town Hall meeting at Grelen Nurseries, Orange, VA agribusiness industry and politics. Jonathan, Welcome to Virginia!
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
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Research - When to Fertigate SNA Research Conference Vol. 60 2015
Container Grown Plant Production When to Fertigate: The Influence of Substrate Moisture Content on Nutrient Retention in Containerized Crop Production Simon McPherson, James S. Owen, Jr., Julie Brindley and Jeb S. Fields, Virginia Tech, Department of Horticulture, Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 1444 Diamond Springs Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23455,
jsowen@vt.edu
Index Words: pine bark, Ilex crenata, nitrogen, phosphorous, leachate, nursery crop Significance to Industry: The agriculture industry, including nursery and greenhouse, is already absorbing rising fertilizer costs, averaging 9% in the decade from 2000-2010, fueled by pressures on fossil fuel and phosphorous markets (1). Given these challenges, the efficient fertilization of crops is, and will increasingly become, essential to the profitability and sustainability of the industry. In an overview of water management practices, Bilderback (2) reported that container leachate volume correlates positively with irrigation volume. Thus, water application efficiency directly relates to the use efficiency of
mineral nutrients. Research herein investigates delivery efficiency of mineral nutrients via fertigation when initial substrate moisture content varies from dry (i.e. moisture content when conventional irrigation takes place) to wet (i.e. requiring no irrigation). Efficiency was measured using effluent electrical conductivity (EC) as a proxy for mineral nutrient leaching. Results indicate fertigation efficiency (decreased nutrient leaching) of Ilex crenata curvilinearly increased as pinebark substrate moisture content increased from 38%, 44%, 50%, and 56% (gravimetrically). This was in part because observable leaching occurred much sooner (approx. 30 sec.) with lower substrate moisture content treatments. The authors hypothesize mineral retention is aided by a more uniform distribution of water (and mineral nutrients) as the result of increasing hydrating efficiencies at higher initial moisture content. This is believed to be a result of decreased preferential flow (i.e. channeling) at increasing moisture content (3); whereas, solute (water and mineral nutrient) retention and distribution in the container was greater when fertigating pots pre-hydrated (4). In conclusion, a fertigation event should not replace a scheduled irrigation event. Knowing that when crops require irrigation, mineral nutrients applied via fertigation will rapidly leach from containers, wasting resources and subsequent dollars. For a complete copy of this report, contact the VNLA Office, info@vnla.org or at http://sna.org/page-1052562
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VNLA - Fall Board Meeting Summary
(L-R)Sonya SonyaWestervelt, Westervelt,Thomas ThomasBuckley, Buckley,Matt Matt Deivert, Deivert, Paul Paul Munn, Munn, Jim Jim Owen, Owen, Aaron (L-R) Aaron Williams, Williams, Virginia VirginiaRockwell, Rockwell,Bill BillGouldin, Gouldin Jeff Miller, Jeff Howe, Seana Ankers, Laurie Fox, Scott Price, Doug Rodes Jeff Miller, Jeff Howe, Seana Ankers, Laurie Fox, Scott Price, Doug Rodes
Executive Committee - Bill Gouldin asked if there were any reports to move from Consent Agenda to the Action Agenda. A motion was made to approve the items listed on the consent agenda, listed below, seconded and approved. Consent Agenda Items to Approve Executive Director - Jeff Miller Legislative Report - Brent Hunsinger SunTrust Investment Summaries Field Day, Workshop, Tour Summaries Minutes - Summer Board Meeting, 6/11/16 Edits by Westervelt and Rockwell Membership Historical Summary Board Member Satisfaction - Westervelt New Board Members - Westervelt NLAE Northeast - Rockwell Action Agenda to discuss Financial Reports - Aaron Williams and Jeff Miller reviewed the 2015 Tax Returns and YE reports and the CPA Audit Report for 2015. The 2017 Draft Budget was reviewed and will be presented for approval and the Winter VNLA Board Meeting on January 10, 2017. “800” phone number - Jeff Miller requested that the VNLA eliminate the “800” effective December 31,2016, since it is not being use very much. It was the consensus of the board to concur.
Review the chapters in the manual and establish a priority to re-write the chapters. Jeff Howe and Jeff Miller will prepare and issue an RFP for writers to update/re-write/license, as appropriate, 4 chapters per year over the next 4 years. Committee members are not eligible to quote on the RFP. The VCH survey will be published on Constant Contact and respondents will be given a free VCH logo magnet and sticker and will be eligible for a random drawing for a $25, $50 and $100 gift card. The Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Program was reviewed by Jeff Howe and noted that the pilot training program had started. The classes in Northern Virginia area are full, but there are still vacancies in the Hampton Roads area session that is on November 1 and Shereen Hughes had requested that the VNLA consider providing a scholarship to assist enrollment in this class. A motion was made to provide four $100 scholarships to Virginia Certified Horticulturist in the Hampton Roads area, seconded and passed.
Jeff Howe reviewed a draft proposal from Alex Niemiera to upgrade the Plant ID portion of the study guide on Scholar to include a complete searchable database of plant characteristics linked to the current photo database, as well as make additional photos available. It was the consensus of the board to request that Alex Niemiera submit a formal proposal for the winter board meeting and how it would work in partnership with Virginia Tech and the Scholar program.
Certification Updates - Jeff Howe reviewed the written reEmergent Gathering at MANTS - Sonya Westervelt proport that had been previously submitted. It was the consenposed that the VNLA sponsor the event and handle the insus of the board for the Certification Committee proceed on come/expense processing for the group, which the VNLA the following items: VNLA Newsletter October/November/December 2016 51
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had done for the January 2016 event. A motion was made to sponsor the Emergent gathering at MANTS for 2017 in the amount of $500, and accept funds and in turn, pay the bills for the event, seconded and passed. Committee Requirements for Board Members - Sonya Westervelt reviewed her written proposal that with the expansion of the board, that board members serve on two committees which would eliminate a “committee of one” and provide cross training and overall better understanding of what is happening in more than just one area of the organization. A motion was made to adopt a new policy for all board members to serve on a minimum of two committees, seconded and passed. Succession Planning - Sonya Lepper Westervelt reported: While I have been busy with the Succession Planning Committee, Darren Macfee has been even busier! He completed interviews with 25+ board members, stakeholders and VNLA peers and submitted his report to the committee on schedule. His report is attached for your review. He will also be making a brief presentation of the report at our meeting. Within the committee, we agreed to begin requesting quotes from search firms, as approved at the June 2016 meeting. Darren Macfee (though not a “search firm”) has also asked to be considered to fulfill this role for us and the committee agreed to review his quote. The committee will have a recommendation for the board by the MANTS board meeting.
The next step, which must happen sooner than later, in order to secure said quotes, is for a job description to be written. Darren provided us with a quote to complete the job description at a cost of $500. At the March 2016 meeting, the board decided to wait to approve funding for the job description until we had seen the report from the interviews. It is my recommendation and strong desire that we hire Darren to assist us in this component to keep on task and on schedule. The committee would then review and revise the job description as needed and have it for board approval at the MANTS meeting. At 11:30 a.m., the board had a group conference call with Darren who did a brief review of his proposal, which had been sent to board members, and he answered questions from the board. A motion was made to hire Darren Macfee to complete the new VNLA Executive Director Job Description for a cost of $500, seconded and passed. Membership - Doug Rodes reviewed a revision of the membership dues schedule and format. The following schedule was proposed:
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Legislative Issues - The VNLA is working with the Virginia Agribusiness Council and AmericanHort on monitoring, enews updates to members and having representation at meetings:
VNLA Dues 2017 Under $100,000 $101,000- $500,000 $501,000-$$1,000,000 $1,000,000 and up
A-1 A-2 A-3 A-4
Individual Associate Membership
$95.00 $195.00 $295.00 $495.00
$65.00
Allied Membership
$295.00
Out of State Membership
$295.00
Student Membership
$25.00
A motion was made to change the dues schedule as listed above, seconded and passed. It was the consensus of the board to have ACCESS Inc to redesign the membership application/dues invoice and coordinate with the membership brochure graphics and design. Research Call-A-Thon- Christopher - ChristopherBrown BrownJrJrsubmitted submitteda a Research --Call-A-Thon written report report that that noted noted that that itit is is going going slower slower than expected. expectIt the the consensus of the board thatthat Aaron Williams would ed.was It was consensus of the board Aaron Williams work to select specific date and meeting wouldwith workChristopher with Christopher toaselect a specific date and place forplace the board to board assist with the with Call-A-Thon and provide meeting for the to assist the Call-A-Thon aand script for volunteer callers to use and a copy of the provide a script for volunteer callers to use and aPDF copyDonor information form to record form the details of the of the PDF Donor information to record thedonations. details of the donations.
H2A and H2B returning worker exemption New overtime pay rules Noxious weeds Native plants Pollinator Protection Plan Groundwater/surface water reporting and regulations
Education Committee - Aaron Williams reported that the 2017 Field Day had been confirmed to be hosted by Bennett’s Creek Nursery at their Isle of Wight location. What are our members’ problems? How is the VNLA going to make them more successful? By Jeff Miller, VNLA Exec. Dir.
VNLA will be discontinuing the “800” phone number in 2017, Contact phone number is still 540-382-0943
Events – VNLA Field Day 2017
Keynote Speaker
Charlie Hall
Bennett’s Creek Nursery (Isle of Wight Farm) VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
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VNLA - Dues Restructuring for 2017 To better serve you and all our membership, the VNLA board has approved a dues categorical restructuring which was unanimously approved by the VNLA Board, as part of the 2014 VNLA Strategic Plan, to be effective with the 2017 dues renewal. The past dues application and structure was implemented between 15-20 years ago! It was outdated and lacked clarity. The revisions are more legible, more concise, and will help you choose your business category more accurately. Also, the modern graphic design will help the VNLA attract new members to continue our growth and maximize our efforts.
The restructuring may result in a fee change for some members. We want you to know that this decision was not taken lightly and we hope that you trust and believe in the mission and support of the VNLA. We look forward to continuing our advocacy for you and our industry. Doug Rodes, VNLA Membership Director,
drodes@jamesrivernurseries.com
2017 Outlook
As the VNLA and its board of directors worked to finalize the budget for 2017, we are ever mindful of your generous support through event sponsorships, advertisements, the Guide to Virginia Growers and of course, your dues investment. You may ask, “Where does the money go?” Below is a summary of completed initiatives from 2016. We hope we can count on you to continue your support with your dues investment again this year. And if you would like to hear about other ways you can support the VNLA through your time and leadership, please, be in touch! With our most sincere thanks for your support! Bill Gouldin, 2016 VNLA President, wjg@stranges.com
Mission Statement: “To enhance, promote, and advocate for Virginia’s nursery and landscape professionals"
VNLA Accomplishments for 2016
Virginia Agribusiness Council o Legislative Banquet - the VNLA had 14 representatives at the meeting and hosted a General Assembly delegate guest. VAC National and State Policy Meetings - VNLA was a sponsor and represented. Also met with our Congressmen and Senators in Washington on labor, pollinator and other Ag related issues. Regional Meetings - The VNLA was a sponsor of the following meetings/events and the Executive Director represented the
VNLA Newsletter 54
VNLA distributing membership, certification, the Guide to Virginia Growers, and VNLA Newsletters: o Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course o Piedmont Landscape Association o Virginia Society of Landscape Designers o Central Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association o Shenandoah Valley Plant Symposium o NLAE - Northeast Leadership Conference in Rockport, Maine o Native Plant meetings o Invasive Plant Advisory Committee VNLA Board - held 4 board meetings, a budget meeting, multiple conference calls Hosted Regional Social events in Northern Virginia, Richmond, Charlottesville and Hampton Roads areas Event/Program Sponsorships o Hahn Horticulture Gardens o Virginia Tech Horticulture Students to NALP Career Days and Competitions o Virginia Agribusiness Council o Ag In The Classroom (VA Farm Bureau) o Master Gardener Annual Conference o AmericanHort (formerly ANLA) o Legislative Beacon Fund and Lighthouse Legislative Alert Program Research o VNA Horticulture Research Foundation - The Research Committee monitors the permanent research fund; now at over $665,000 o $20,263 in research projects were funded by the VNAHRF Scholarships o Laird/Gresham Scholarships at Virginia Tech (2 @ $1,500 each) o Shoosmith Scholarships ($9,000) o C.W. Bryant Scholarship ($750) Field Day - was attended by 157 members at Grelen Nursery in Somerset, VA Summer Tour - was sold out with 40 participants Landscape Management Workshop - featuring Claudia West on “Designing Plant Communities That Stand the Test of Time” Certification o 90 members passed the VNLA Virginia Certified Horticulturist (VCH) Exam out of 143 tested o Updates to the Certification Manual online study review available for 2016 through VT Scholar program o Updates to the Plant Id study online for VCH exam adding practice quizzes o Working towards having the manual and test online. o Completed a new chapter on “Conservation Landscaping Best Practices for Water Quality” o VCH exam reviewed, updated and began preparing a format for future online testing. o Communications o Website Upgrades to make it more user friendly and made the online Guide to Virginia Growers mobilefriendly
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54 VNLA Newsletter
E-News Updates to members on time sensitive and important issues o Newsletters - Quarterly Newsletters, 4-color, 68 pages Guide to Virginia Growers - expanded the “native plant” section to list growers who grow native plants and distributed over 3,000 copies of the Guide. Legislation and Regulatory Issues - the VNLA was represented at meetings concerning invasive plants, noxious weeds, stormwater runoff, pollinators, conservation landscaping, nutrient management planning, native plant marketing, and pesticide applicator licensing Mission H20 - VNLA is a member of this state organization working to coordinate collaboration and development of positions on ground and surface water supply issues, advocate for regional water supply studies/solution and legislative tracking. o
We envision a Chesapeake Bay watershed in which consistently-trained landscape professionals design, install, and maintain small-scale stormwater best practices including conservation landscapes that meet state and local goals to reduce stormwater runoff, sediment, and nutrients, while benefiting residents and ecosystems. In short, our aim is for certified professionals to produce and maintain landscapes that are attractive and work with nature to perform better for all By Jeff Miller
Tips - Ground Water Withdrawal Permitting and Fees
By Jeff Miller, VNLA Exec. Dir.
Who Must Apply
VNLA - Scholarship Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional
Any person or entity wishing to withdraw 300,000 or more gallons of ground water in any month in the Eastern Virginia Ground Water Management Area or the Eastern Shore Ground Water Management Area.
Permit Term Permits are issued for a maximum term of ten years.
Fees In support of the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) pilot program, the VNLA awarded a $100 scholarship to Michelli Booker, Apieling Services, for the first class in the Hampton Roads area. After the class, Michelli sent the following comments about the program: I have learned a few new things but overall, so far, I relish hearing many already understood issues in the collective again. This venue - the CBLP sessions - allows for more in depth study and understanding of what we should or do already know. That 'more in depth' is probably where we are getting our 'aha!' moments. It is so very good to be getting more of the understanding and verbiage to use when discussing these needs in practical terms with clients. Invaluable, really. In my capacity as 'advanced certified' I really do teach whomever I am in front of - as long as they want to learn. I do this a great deal with Master Gardeners, for VCE Interns, the general public or my own clients. In that, I am quite grateful for every learning opportunity these credentials afford me. The mission of the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Certification program is to develop a voluntary, regional (that is, watershed-wide), advanced credential system and network of sustainable landscaping professionals. VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
Type Of Groundwater Permit
Issuance/ Reissuance
Modification
Agricultural Withdrawals
No Fee
No Fee
Historic Permits - (Initial permit for an existing withdrawal based solely on historic withdrawals)
$1,200.00
$600.00
New or Expanded Groundwater Withdrawal Permits
$6,000.00
$3,000.00
Expansion of the Eastern Virginia Groundwater Management Area On January 1, 2014 the Eastern Virginia Groundwater Management Area was expanded to include the following additional localities: the counties of Essex, Gloucester, King George, King and Queen, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland, and the areas of Caroline, Fairfax, Prince William, Spotsylvania and Stafford located east of Interstate 95. As a result, all persons in the expanded area withdrawing or having withdrawn groundwater on or before January 1, 2014 in excess of 300,000 gallons per month (from a well, well system, or pond recharged by groundwater with mechanical assistance) shall apply for an Existing Users Groundwater Withdrawal Permit to continue withdrawals.
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Typical Requirements for New and Expanded Permit Applications
Do You Need a Permit?
All persons in the original or expanded area needing to establish new withdrawals of groundwater in excess of 300,000 gallons per month (from a well, well system, or pond recharged by groundwater with mechanical assistance) or who need to expand an existing withdrawal shall apply for a New or Expanded Groundwater Withdrawal Permit prior to exceeding the 300,000 gallons per month use limit or increasing a permitted withdrawal. Following are some of the typical requirements for all New or Expanded Use applicants.
You will be required to: Donald Groth, Louisiana State University AgCenter, Bugwood.org
To continue your withdrawal as an existing user you must submit a complete Existing Users Application. The application must meet the requirements in 9VAC25-610-92 and be received by the Groundwater Withdrawal Permitting Program by June 30, 2014. Applications can be mailed to:
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Office of Water Supply - GWPP P O Box 1105 Richmond, Virginia 23218
Existing Users Benefits By submitting a complete application prior to the June 30, 2014 deadline, the following items apply:
You will be:
Granted withdrawal limits based on an evaluation of your historic withdrawal amounts for the first permit term Be charged with a reduced permit application fee for the Existing Users Groundwater Withdrawal Permit As a precondition for applying you will not be required to: Attend a preapplication meeting prior to submittal of an application Conduct hydrogeologic tests (aquifer tests) to complete the application package Submit a plan to mitigate impacts to pre-existing users within the area of impact Submit a Water Conservation and Management Plan Evaluate the lowest quality water needed for the intended beneficial use Conduct an alternative water supply source evaluation for the proposed withdrawal Publish a public notice and/or conduct a public hearing
VNLA Newsletter 56
Have a pre-application meeting prior to submittal of an application Demonstrate the need for the amount of water applied for Supply hydrogeologic information such as, but not limited to, aquifer properties (transmissivity and storage coefficient). Aquifer testing may be required before, at, or following the pre-application meeting. This testing is usually conducted during well construction. This information will be required as appropriate to the individual site so that DEQ staff may perform a technical evaluation to determine the areas of any aquifers that will experience at least one foot of water level decline due to the proposed withdrawal. Provide a plan to mitigate impacts to pre-existing users within your area of impact Provide a Water Conservation and Management Plan that requires: o The use of water-saving plumbing and processes o A water loss reduction program o A water use education program o Evaluation of potential water reuse options o Mandatory use reduction during water shortage emergencies o Evaluate the lowest quality water needed for the intended beneficial use o Provide an alternative water supply source evaluation for the proposed withdrawal
Public notices are issued for all draft New and Expanded Use Permits and a hearing conducted if justified.
Application Process All applications to withdrawal groundwater within a Groundwater Management Area must meet the requirements in 9VAC25-610-10 et seq. Applications must contain all required information and deemed “Complete” at least
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270 days before start of construction or operation of a New or Expanded Use Permit or before expiration of an existing permit. Applications shall be submitted to the Groundwater Withdrawal Permitting Program at:
Ad - conserVAlandscape.com
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Office of Water Supply - GWPP P. O. Box 1105 Richmond, Virginia 23218 Note: A preapplication meeting is required prior to submittal of a New and or Expanded Use permit application.
General It is recommended that before starting the application process that you contact the DEQ’s Groundwater Withdrawal Permitting Program staff. The applicant can make an appeal of permit denial or permit conditions to the State Water Control Board in a hearing. Judicial review is in accordance with Virginia's Administrative Process Act. http://www.deq.virginia.gov/Programs/Water/WaterSupplyWaterQuantity/WaterWithdrawalPermittingandCompliance/GroundwaterWithdrawalPermitsFees.aspx
VNLA - Welcome to the recent new members! FirstName LastName William Orr Anthony Van Hoven Maria Hudson Kathy Grainer Ralph Morony Joseph Perdue Melissa Gildea Allen Carter Susannah Gonia Ella Reeves Rachel Cropp Meghan Garrity Casey Hoff Elizabeth Nowak William Adams Brad Martin Judith Maly Rebecca Kittka Joshua Feltz James Bock Jr VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
CompanyName Associate ‐ Orr Battlefield Farms Inc Dirty Girl Gardening Garden Groomer Instant Shade LLC J.E.Perdue Landscaping Lotus Design and Consulting LLC Norfolk Botanical Garden Shoosmith Scholarship Shoosmith Scholarship Shoosmith Scholarship Shoosmith Scholarship Shoosmith Scholarship Shoosmith Scholarship Shoosmith Scholarship/Laird Gresham Southeastern Native Plant Nursery Student ‐ Maly Student ‐ Monroe Technology Center Student ‐ Northern Virginia Community College Student ‐ Virginia Polytechnic Institute October/November/December 2016 October / November / December 2016
City Richmond Rapidan Blacksburg Goochland Boyd Tavern Colonial Heights Reston Norfolk Amelia Dublin Fredericksburg Newport News Falls Church Stafford Stuart Candler Powhatan Round Hill Herndon Grafton
State VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA VA NC VA VA VA VA
57 57
Become a Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association (VNLA) Member and keep pace with the issues that affect landscape professionals and the people who work with them. A membership in VNLA is affordable, creates networking opportunities and allows your voice to join others who support high standards in our profession.
• MEMBER — Nurseries, garden centers, landscape contractors, landscape designers, landscape maintenance contractors, landscape architects, wholesale growers, re-wholesalers/distribution yards. Fees based on gross sales volume of your business. • INDIVIDUAL ASSOCIATE MEMBER — A single individual Virginia Certified Horticulturist (VCH) with the nursery/landscape industry or as employees of non-member firms. Not available to businesses. Also available to Extension Agents and local/state government individuals. Individual members will be listed as: Associate – “their last name” (Associate – Miller). Extension agents and government employees will be listed as the locality they work in. (Only one certification in this category.) • ALLIED MEMBER — Businesses supplying products and services to the nursery industry and allied organizations who wish to keep abreast of Virginia nursery and landscape professional events and education. Including hardgoods, chemical/fertilizer, equipment, insurance, management and financial services, technology services, independent salesmen, brokers, etc. whether in-state or out-of-state. • OUT-OF-STATE MEMBER — Nurseries, garden centers, landscape contractors, landscape designers, landscape maintenance contractors, landscape architects, wholesale growers, re-wholesalers/distribution yards not located in Virginia. • STUDENT MEMBER — Full-time students and teachers.
MEMBER BENEFITS: • LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY MONITORING — updates and advocacy on your behalf • VIRGINIA CERTIFIED HORTICULTURIST TRAINING — currently more than 500 of your colleagues are certified, and their numbers are growing: professional-grade training recognized in Virginia, prerequisite for other credentials in the Chesapeake Bay region • QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER — online and in print • ANNUAL VIRGINIA GROWERS GUIDE — wholesale purchasing guide for professionals only, online/mobile access for use in the field • KEEP CONNECTED — with research and higher education in horticulture and design through scholarships and research funded by members’ own Foundation and funds to benefit the next generation and grow our shared professional knowledge
OUR MISSION:
To enhance, promote, and advocate for Virginia’s nursery and landscape professionals.
MEMBER APPLICATION 383 Coal Hollow Road Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 P: 540-382-0943 | F: 540-382-2716 | info@vnla.org Firm: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Contact Person: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City: _________________________________________________________________________ State: __________________ Zip: _________________ Work Phone: (____) __________________________ Fax: (____) __________________________ Cell: (____) __________________________________ Contact Name 1: ____________________________________________ Email Address 1: __________________________________________________ Contact Name 2: ____________________________________________ Email Address 2: __________________________________________________ Contact Name 3: ____________________________________________ Email Address 3: __________________________________________________ Contact Name 4: ____________________________________________ Email Address 4: __________________________________________________ Contact Name 5: ____________________________________________ Email Address 5: __________________________________________________
MEMBER CATEG ORIE S ACTIVE MEMBER (Gross Sales Volume)
_____
INDIVIDUAL ASSOCIATE MEMBER Available to individuals
_____ Under $100,000 .................................$95.00
_____
ALLIED MEMBER Available to businesses supplying products and services or organizations who wish to keep abreast of VNLA events/education
$295.00
_____
OUT-OF-STATE MEMBER
$295.00
_____
STUDENT MEMBER Enrolled at: ______________________________
_____ $101,000 – $500,000 ....................... $195.00 _____ $501,000 – $1,000,000 ................... $295.00 _____ $1,000,000 and above .....................$495.00 Tell us about your Company.
] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Retail Garden Center Wholesale Landscape Design Interiorscape Re-Wholesale Mail Order Florist
[ [ [ [ [ [ [
$25.00
(Graduation Date/Class of XXXX)
T YPE OF BUSINE S S [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [
$65.00
] ] ] ] ] ]
Landscape Maintenance Supplier Broker Turfgrass Producer Service Provider Lumber/Hardware/ Garden/Home Center ] Other _______________
DUE S PAYABLE BY APRIL 1 Pay with Credit Card: [
] VISA
[
] MasterCard
[
] American Express
Credit Card #: _________________________________________ Exp: ______ /_______ Security Code (required) _________________ Signature: ____________________________________________ Print Your Name: _______________________________________
Number of:
Pay with Check:
______ Full-time Employees
______ # of Acres in Production
______ Part-time
______ # of Acres in Container Production
______ Seasonal
Date Paid: _____ /_____ /_____ Check # ___________________ Amount Paid $ _________________________________________
PAY ONLINE AT VNLA.ORG
No control over nature. Total control over managing your risk. While the chances of a natural disaster are small, if one does happen it can devastate your nursery operation. Having a risk management plan in effect starts with a Multi-Peril Nursery Crop Insurance policy. These policies provide protection for commodities at the nurser y against revenue losses from adverse weather conditions. With additional buy-up coverages you can protect your most valuable plants, or provide additional protection with the peak inventory, rehabilitation, and pilot nursery grower’s price endorsements. So talk to one of our knowable agents about how we can help you put together a risk management plan and gain a little more control. Contact our agents today to learn more.
By Weller & Associates, Inc. Tom Weller (804) 514-9915 Tom@wellerins.com
Josh Sojda (804) 357-1391 Josh@wellerins.com
Sam Steele (302) 752-6134 Sam@wellerins.com
agRISKmgt.com
This material is for informational purposes only. All statements herein are subject to provisions, exclusions and conditions of the applicable policy. For an actual description of all coverages, terms and conditions, refer to the insurance policy. Coverages are subject to individual insureds meeting our underwriting qualifications and state availability. © 2016 60
October / November / December 2016
VNLA Newsletter
VNLA Newsletter
October / November / December 2016
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2017 Greenhouse and Nursery Update: Cultural Techniques and Pest Management January 26th 2017 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Battlefield Farms Inc. 23190 Clarks Mountain Rd Rapidan, VA 22733 8:00 am
PPE Safety (Talk will be given in English and Spanish): Kirsten Buhls – Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, VCE Arlington County and Beth Sastre – Commercial Horticulturist, VCE Loudoun County
9:00 am
Control Options for Pythium and Other Water Borne Diseases Dr. Chuanxue Hong – Professor, Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center
10:00 am
Control Options for Downy Mildew and Foliar Pathogens Mary Ann Hansen – Instructor and Plant Clinic Co-Manager, Virginia Tech Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science
11:00 am
Break
11:15 am
Pesticide Recertification for private applicator category 90 and 91 Legal Updates: Tom Burke – Pesticide Investigator, VDACS Office of Pesticide Services
12:15 pm
Research into the Best Control Options for Thrips on Bedding Plants and Hanging Baskets Stanton Gill – Extension Specialist in IPM and Entomology (professor rank), University of Maryland Extension, based at the Central MD Research Education Center and Professor with Montgomery College, Landscape Technology Program
1:15 pm
Lunch; Sign Recertification forms
1:45 pm
Tour of Greenhouse and Production Areas
2:45 pm
Plant Growth Regulator Basics: Focus on Herbaceous Perennials Dr. Joyce Latimer – Professor and Extension Specialist for Greenhouse Crops, Virginia Tech Department of Horticulture Echinacea updates: Mara Grossman – Graduate Student, Virginia Tech Department of Horticulture
3:45 pm
Water and Nutrient-use Efficiency for Commercial Nursery Crops Dr. Jim Owen – Assistant Professor of Horticulture, Virginia Tech Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center contact: ashawn6@vt.edu
62
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national October / November / December 2016 VNLA Newsletter origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Interim Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.
VNLA Pender ad half page_VNLA pender half page ad 1/15/14 11:21 AM Page 1
Ad – Pender Nursery
Save the Date March 24, 2017
NEW AD
,
February / VNLA MarchNewsletter 2014
6thAnnual
$80.00 early registration fee until Jan. 3 Join Waynesboro Parks & Recreation as we present A Gardener’s Palette of speakers during the 2017 Shenandoah Valley Plant Symposium. The event offers something for everyone from novice home gardener to experienced horticulturist. The proceeds will supplement the horticulture program’s budget to provide more bloom for the community.
2017 Speakers
Will Hooker
Dr. Doug Tallamay
Professor Emeritus NC State University
Professor University of Delaware
Vinnie Simeone
Ellen Ecker Ogden
Horticulturist/Author
Author/Lecturer
540-942-6735 www.waynesboro.va.us/249/Events events@ci.waynesboro.va.us
81 / December 2016 October / November
63
DR. CHARLIE HALL
“The SEGreen Conference creates connections, content and collaboration to spark synergies to deliver results for your business.” Dr. Charlie Hall, Professor and Ellision Chair, Texas A&M, is a nationally recognized expert in the econmy and its impact on the green industry. Hear Charlie at SEGreen!
Transforming from a traditional trade show format, the SEGreen Conference will have a clear focus on connecting the industry to identify today’s business challenges and opportunities, develop new insights and solutions, and deliver a dynamic and interactive experience with tours, strategic education, keynote sessions, and participantdriven roundtable discussions for all segments of the horticulture industry. See, hear and make more green at SEGreen! Chart your course at www.segreen.org.
August 1 - 3, 2017 | The Classic Center | Athens, GA Produced by the Southern Nursery Association 64
October / November / December 2016
VNLA Newsletter
MANTS
®
The Masterpiece of Trade Shows ™
JANUARY 11-13, 2017 BALTIMORE CONVENTION CENTER
There are plenty of trade shows, but there’s only one MANTS. It’s the show where buyers know that they can find all the products their business needs. And sellers can count on meeting plenty of customers eager for their wares. For 47 years now, it has been all business at MANTS. That’s why over 11,000 attendees, representing over 3,600 buying companies and nearly 1,000 exhibiting companies, attended our most recent show. But when the work day is over, and it’s time to unwind and relax, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers an incomparable array of fine restaurants and attractions. MANTS means business. In fact, some people say we were inspired.
www.mants.com
On-line Registration is available 24/7 beginning October 1.
P.O. Box 818 Brooklandville, MD 21022 410-296-6959 800-431-0066 fax 410-296-8288
@mantsbaltimore #mants
Upcoming Events January 11-13, 2017, MANTS Trade Show, Baltimore, MD, www.mants.com
March 11-19, 2017, PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW, “Holland: Flowering the World”, www.penhort.org
January 10, 2017, VNLA WINTER BOARD MEETING, Baltimore Convention Center, info@vnla.org 540-382-0943 January 12, 2017, VIRGINIA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION (VNLA) ANNUAL BREAKFAST MEETING, Baltimore, MD, www.vnla.org info@vnla.org 540-382-0943 January 16-18, 2017, MIDWEST GREEN INDUSTRY XPERIENCE, (formerly CENTS), Columbus, OH www.mgix17.com January 16-20, 2017, GREEN & GROWIN’ 2017, Greensboro, NC, www.ncnla.com
March 23, 2017, TREE CARE SYMPOSIUM, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond, VA, www.lewisginter.org March 24, 2017, SHENANDOAH VALLEY PLANT SYMPOSIUM, Waynesboro, VA www.waynesboro.va.us July 15-18, 2017, AmericanHort CULTIVATE ’17, Columbus, OH, www.americanhort.org July 19, 2017, VNLA LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP, Smithfield, VA, www.vnla.org July 20, 2017, VNLA FIELD DAY, hosted by Bennett’s Creek Nursery, Smithfield, VA Keynote Speaker; Charlie Hall, July 21, 2017, VNLA SUMMER TOUR, Hampton Roads area, www.vnla.org
January 17 - 20, 2017 MID-ATLANTIC HORTICULTURE SHORT COURSE (MAHSC) at the Founder's Inn, Virginia Beach, www.mahsc.org January 26, 2017, GREENHOUSE & NURSERY UPDATE: CULTURAL TECHNIQUES & PEST MANAGEMENT, at Battlefield Farms, Rapidan, VA, contact: ashawn6@vt.edu January 27-29, 2017, VIRGINIA FLOWER & GARDEN EXPO, Virginia Beach Convention Center, www.vafgs.org January 28 - February 2, 2017, MID-ATLANTIC TURFGRASS EXPO (M-A-T-E), Fredericksburg, VA, http://turfconference.org/ or vaturf@verizon.net February 15-17, 2017, CVNLA WINTER SYMPOSIUM & SHORT COURSE, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, Richmond www.cvnla.org info@cvnla.org February 16, 2017, PIEDMONT LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION SEMINAR, Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, VA www.piedmontlandscape.org/seminar.html February 18, 2017, VSLD Winter Meeting, Lynchburg, VA, Craddox Terry Hotel, 10-2 pm www.vsld.org yblu09@aol.com February 23-24, 2017, CHESAPEAKE GREEN 2017 – Annual Horticulture Symposium, Linthicum Heights, MD, http://www.mnlga.org/content.asp?contentid=78 410-823-8684 February 28 - March 1, 2017, COME TO THE BAY, Virginia Turfgrass Council, Virginia Beach, vaturf@verizon.net, http://cometothebay.org
VNLA Newsletter 66
Test Schedule 2017 Virginia Beach, MAHSC, Wednesday, January 18, 6-9 pm, (Deadline 1/6/17) (Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course) Fair Oaks, Merrifield Garden Center, March 2, 6-9:00 pm (Deadline 2/16/17) Lynchburg, Location TBA, Saturday, March 11, 9 am – noon (Deadline 2/24/17) Richmond, Henrico County Gov’t Complex, March 14, 6-10 pm (Deadline 2/27/17) Virginia Beach, VA Tech HRAREC, Saturday, March 18, 9 am – noon (Deadline 2/4/17) Charlottesville/Waynesboro, Location TBA Charlottesville, March 25, 9 am – 1 pm (Deadline 3/10/17) Leesburg, Monroe Technical Center, Wednesday, May 17, 10 am – 2 pm (Deadline 5/3/17)
For a Current Calendar of all Green Industry Events, go: http://www.vnla.org/Calendar
NEW Interactive Calendar! All of these events qualify for VNLA VCH CEUs
October/November/December 2016 October / November / December 2016
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Prsrt. Std U.S. Postage PAID Blacksburg, VA Permit No. 107
Your Roots Are In Virginia!
383 Coal Hollow Rd. 383 Coal Hollow Rd. Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
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