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2018 VNLA Officers & Directors OFFICERS President AARON WILLIAMS ‘14 Education Committee Williams Landscape & Design 1554 Penniman Rd Williamsburg VA 23185-5821 757-564-7011 aaron@wldgreen.com Vice President BRENT HUNSINGER, Brent's Native Plantings 10715 Hamilton's Crossing Dr Fredericksburg, VA 22408 443-655-3410 brenthunsinger@gmail.com
2 YR DIRECTORS Jim Hassold ‘18 Member Communication SiteOne Richmond 9107 Old Staples Mill Rd Richmond, VA 23228-2007 804-377-1977 JHassold@siteone.com JASON STERN ‘18 Eastern Shore Nursery of VA PO Box 400 Melfa, VA 23410-0400 757-787-4732x12 jstern@esnursery.com
BRAD BOBENRIETH ‘18 Meadows Farms Nursery & Secretary/ Treasurer Landscaping CHRISTOPHER BROWN JR 43054 John Mosby Hwy Lancaster Farms ‘13 Chantilly, VA 20152 5800 Knotts Neck Rd 703-327-3940 Suffolk VA 23435-1353 Cell: 540-272-3782 757-484-4421 Christopher@lancasterfarms.com BBobenrieth@meadowsfarms.com Past President VIRGINIA ROCKWELL ‘12 1 YR DIRECTORS Gentle Gardener Green Design PO Box 191 MATT DEIVERT ‘17 Montpelier, VA 22957-0191 MANTS Board Rep, VNLA (cell) 434-531-0467 South Riding Nurseries gentlegardener@gmail.com 8010 Industrial Park Ct Bristow, VA 20136-3125 Ofc: 703-479-2701 Executive Director Cell: 571-220-1483 mdeivert@southridingnurseShellie Archer ries.com 5101 Monument Ave Ste 203 Richmond VA 23230-3621 SEANA ANKERS ‘17 804-256-2700 Legislative/Policy Fax: 804-709-0288 Lee Highway Nursery Cell: 804-317-1222 5055 Rock Springs Rd ShellieArcher@vnla.org Warrenton VA 20187-8950 Jeff Miller, Emeritus (6/30/18) 540-347-7062, Cell: 540-878-0554 Horticulture Mgt Associates Seanankers.lhn@gmail.com 540-382-0943 Jeff@vnla.org
MITZI MARKER ‘17 Research Sandy’s Plants 8011 Bell Creek Rd Mechanicsville VA 23111-3705 804-746-7092 mitzi@sandysplants.com PAUL MUNN ‘17 Environmental Affairs Waynesboro Nurseries PO Box 987 Waynesboro VA 22980-0987 540-946-3800 Cell: 540-256-2938 pmunn@waynesboronurseries.com CECILIA PALMER ‘17 Continuing Education Events West Winds Nursery/Shade Tree Farm 5710 Featherbed Ln Sudley Springs VA 201092004 703-631-0983, Cell: 703-906-2769 westwindsn@aol.com JEFFREY HOWE, VCH* - Certification ‘16 Windridge Landscaping Co 7158 Rockfish Valley Rd Afton, VA 22920-3182 434-361-1588 Cell: (434) 531-1919 jhowe@windridgelandscaping.com SCOTT PRICE, Standards for Plants & Planting ‘16 David Scott Price Design 2772 Earleysville Rd Earlysville, VA 22936-9665 434-466-5656 Cell: scott@dscottprice.com
Educational Advisors VT/HRAREC Ex-Officio non-voting
DR. JIM OWEN HARAREC 1444 Diamond Springs Rd Virginia Beach, VA 23455 (757) 363-3804 jim.owen@vt.edu DR. LAURIE FOX HRAREC, 1444 Diamond Springs Rd; VA Beach, VA 23455-3363 757-363-3807 Cell: 757-284-6139 ljfox@vt.edu
MANTS’ Directors MATT DEIVERT ‘17 South Riding Nurseries 8010 Industrial Park Ct Bristow, VA 20136-3125 Ofc: 703-479-2701 Cell: 571-220-1483 mdeivert@southridingnurseries.com ROBIN RINACA - 15 Eastern Shore Nursery of VA PO Box 400 Melfa, VA 23410-0400 757-787-4732 rrinaca@esnursery.com DANNY SHRECKHISE Shreckhise Nurseries ‘12 PO Box 428 Grottoes, VA 24441-0428 540-249-5761 Danny@shreckhise.com *(VCH = Virginia Certified Horticulturist
2018 VNLA Board Photo page 1 (l-r) front row: Shellie Archer, Christopher Brown Jr, Aaron Williams, Brent Hunsinger Virginia Rockwell (l-r) back row: Jeff Miller, Seana Ankers, Cecilia Palmer, Brad Bobenrieth, Mitzi Marker Jeff Howe, Jim Hassold, Jason Stern, Scott Price, Matt Deivert VNLA Newsletter
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Table of Contents Ad - Bennett’s Creek Nursery ...................................... 47 Ad - Bremo Trees......................................................... 48 Ad – Cam Too Camellia Nursery ................................ 14 Ad – Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia ...................... 43 Ad - Farm Credit .......................................................... 48 Ad – Gossett’s Landscape Nursery .............................. 38 Ad – Hanover Farms .................................................... 27 Ad – Hawksridge Farms .............................................. 35 Ad – Johnston County Nursery Marketing Assoc........ 33 Ad – Lancaster Farms .................................................. 40 Ad – MANTS ............................................................... 41 Ad - MAS Labor Solutions .......................................... 2 Ad – Pender Nursery .................................................... 37 Ad – Shreckhise Nurseries ........................................... 11 Ad – SiteLight ID......................................................... 31 Ad – Tankard Nurseries ............................................... 42 Ad – TD Watkins Horticultural Sales ..........................42 Ad – Turtle Creek Nursery........................................... 39 Ad – Waynesboro Nurseries ........................................ 9 Ad – Willow Springs Tree Farm .................................. 29 Commentary-Rethinking My Relationship with Trees 10 Feature - Notes from a Trip to London and Scotland .. 34 Letters – VNLA Sponsors Annual Sporting Clays Tournament .......................................... 8 Letters – VNLA Sponsors Annual Legislative Banquet 8 News - 2018 MANTS Highest Registration in 10 Years ..................................................................................... 27 News – Bettina Ring Appointed Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry ............ 16 News - Byron Wates Award given to Peter Murray ... 15 News - CBLP Winter Classes in Virginia ................... 26 News - New Invasive Pest Detected in Virginia ..................................................... 43 News - NALP National Landscape Career Day .......... 28 News - New England GROWS to Dissolve After 25 Years ................................................ 29 News - SNA Announces 2018 Award Recipients........ 30 News - Southern Nursery Association Elects New Board ..................................................... 32 President’s Message ..................................................... 7 Research - Study Finds No Cancer Link to Roundup .. 37 Tips – Dress for Success .............................................. 17 Tips - Problem Finders or Solution Seekers ............... 38 Tips - Resource for Advanced Irrigation Management of Nursery Crops .............................................................. 38 Tips – Spotted Lanternfly ............................................ 44 Upcoming Events ......................................................... 46 VCH Exams ................................................................. 46 VNLA – Aaron Williams 2018 President .................... 13 VNLA – Breakfast Sponsor Thanks! ........................... 25 VNLA – VCH Quiz Article: Dress for Success ........... 17 VNLA VCH Quiz – Dress for Success!....................... 23 4VNLA
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VNLA - Field Day 2018 at Colesville Nursery ........... 5 VNLA - Photo Contest Rules ..................................... 17 VNLA – Thanks to Our Breakfast Meeting Sponsors! 6 VNLA – VAC Recognizes Stranges Florist & Garden Center ..................................... 14 VNLA - Welcome to the VNLA’s New Executive Director! ................................. 12 VNLA - Young Professional of the Year: Sonya Lepper Westervelt ........................ 15 VNLA – Welcome New VNLA Members! ................. 18 VNLA - Winner of the Photo Contest ......................... 24
SAVE THE DATES!!! VNLA Management Workshop Wednesday, July 11, 2018 Ashland, VA
VNLA Field Day Thursday, July 12, 2018
VNLA Summer Tour North Richmond area Friday July 13, 2018
VNLA - Mobile-Friendly App Guide to Virginia Growers!
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Look up plant sources, hotlinks to grower email, website and phone! www.vnla.org/Grower-Guide
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We are full-throated advocates for the importance of certification. Vol. 88, No.1; January/February/March 2018
Editor: Jeff Miller
5101 Monument Ave Ste 203, Richmond, VA 23230-3621 Internet E-mail Address: shelliearcher@vnla.org www.vnla.org (Association Info) https://www.facebook.com/VNLA1932 Twitter: @vnla1932
Disclaimer: Published for your information, this newsletter is not an endorsement for individual products or editorial comments.
In 2025, the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association is a thriving organization. Members feel that the value of their Association is clear, tangible, and unquestioned. If you are involved in Virginia’s green professions, you are a member of VNLA. The VNLA is forward-thinking, inventive, and ambitious. We celebrate and promote innovation by our members. We help our members stay at the forefront of technological change. We are champions of the green professions. We help our member businesses by leading the development of a strong workforce through our own communications and partnerships with others.
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VNLA will expand its educational scope, continuing to provide excellence in certification and other programs for current nursery and landscape professionals, but also leading workforce development efforts as well as providing business resources to owners. VNLA will become recognized as the “go-to” source for information and action regarding the green professions in Virginia by all who make their living in these fields. 3. VNLA Foundation
4. Financial Self-Sufficiency
I am honored to serve as the President of VNLA for 2018. I want to thank Virginia Rockwell for her steadfast leadership last year. The VNLA board has served tirelessly in the past year and accomplished a lot. One of the accomplishments that we had in 2017 was setting a strategic plan. In the strategic planning meeting we tried to imagine what the VNLA would be like in 2025. I was impressed with the vision of the board members and their thoughts of what we would be able to do for our members. Here are some of the thoughts that the board came up with:
1. High-Value Educational Programs
The purpose of the VNLA Research Foundation will be well understood by members and it will be recognized as a worthy recipient of VNLA members’ personal philanthropy.
President’s Message
Once the board had thought ahead to see what the VNLA might look like in the future, we went to work on a plan to get there. The result of the work that was done by the board of directors was to set up 5 Strategic Focus areas. Here they are:
2. Member Engagement & Service
Telephone 804-256-2700 Fax: 804-709-0288
We are in perfect alignment with our members’ goals. We maintain a continuous dialogue with our members to intimately understand the issues which are important to them. Members are easily mobilized for important efforts. VNLA is financially strong, with a diverse mix of growing revenue streams.
VNLA will reduce its reliance on MANTS, to the point that VNLA can operate independent of it entirely; MANTS dividend will be treated as “margin of excellence” money, as opposed to critical operating funds. 5. Organizational Capacity VNLA will be recognized as an efficient, well-run organization by members and public observers alike. Most of you are aware that Jeff Miller will be retiring after nearly 30 years of service as our Executive Director in June of this year. We will miss Jeff and his guidance. Danny Shreckhise gave a wonderful testimony of Jeff’s service to the VNLA at the annual membership breakfast. I hope that all of us can take the time to reach out to Jeff to wish him well during the next few months. The VNLA was well prepared for Jeff’s retirement thanks to the hard work of the succession committee over the last several years. They worked with a search company to bring in applicants for the Executive Director position. In several rounds of interviews, the committee and the board of directors selected a very strong candidate. We were thrilled to make the offer to Shellie Archer and she accepted. Shellie Archer has started as our new Executive Director, and Jeff will work closely with her over the next few months in the onboarding process. A decision was made to relocate the headquarters of the VNLA to Richmond. This move will allow our Executive Director to be closer to the General Assembly and with our friends at the Virginia Agribusiness Council. The office is located in the Retail
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Merchants Association Building which is located at 5101 Monument Ave, Richmond, VA. The board has held a meeting in one of the large conference rooms at the RMA building, and it easily Merchants Association Building which is located at 5101 Monuaccommodated our group. I believe that Shellie will be able to ment Ave, Richmond, VA. The board has held a meeting in one serve the VNLA very well from this new location. of the large conference rooms at the RMA building, and it easily accommodated our group. I believe that Shellie will be able to Ad serve the VNLA very well from this new location. We are very thankful that Colesville Nursery will be hosting the Ad - Field Day. Coleville has been a long-time supporter of the 2018 VNLA and their Nursery is one of the finest in Virginia. Our We are very thankful that Colesville Nursery will be hosting the committee is working hard to put together another great program. 2018 Field Day. Coleville has been a long-time supporter of the It should be a lot of fun this year. I hope that all of you will make VNLA and their Nursery is one of the finest in Virginia. Our the trip to Coleville Nursery in Ashland VA to be a part of Field committee is working hard to put together another great program. Day. We will also have a workshop the day before Field Day and It should be a lot of fun this year. I hope that all of you will make the Summer Tour will be the day after Field Day. Stay tuned to the trip to Coleville Nursery in Ashland VA to be a part of Field find out more details in the coming months! Day. We will also have a workshop the day before Field Day and the Summer Tour will be the day after Field Day. Stay tuned to Sincerely, find out more details in the coming months! Sincerely,
Aaron R Williams, 2018 VNLA President Aaron R Williams, 2018 VNLA President
Letters – VNLA Sponsor: Annual Sporting Clays Tournament Letters – VNLA Sponsor: Annual On behalf of the Virginia Agribusiness Council, we want to Sporting Clays Tournament thank you again for supporting us through your sponsorship
at Annual Sporting Clays tournament. It is only Onour behalf of the Virginia Agribusiness Council, we through want to the generosity and support of members and industry partthank you again for supporting us through your sponsorship ners like you that the Council can continue to excel in repat our Annual Sporting Clays tournament. It is only through resenting our industry's interests in Richmond. the generosity and support of members and industry partners the Council can continue in repThis like year,you wethat moved our tournament back to toexcel the fall and resenting industry's Richmond.Gun Club in were onceour again at the interests beautifulinShenandale Swoope, Theour club members back at Shenandale This year,Virginia. we moved tournament to the fall conand tinue to provide our guests with a first-class experience, were once again at the beautiful Shenandale Gun Club in helping staff run theclub tournament and providSwoope,our Virginia. The memberssmoothly at Shenandale coning extra guidance and tips to our shooters. Despite a chilly tinue to provide our guests with a first-class experience, morning, thestaff weather turned sunny and we enjoyed a beauhelping our run the tournament smoothly and providtiful fall day in the Valley. We were thrilled to host 60 ing extra guidance and tips to our shooters. Despite a chilly shooters, many of whom were joining the first time. morning, the weather turned sunny andus wefor enjoyed a beauAs always, everyone left full and happy after an amazing tiful fall day in the Valley. We were thrilled to host 60 lunch, graciously by Harry Houff andthe hisfirst crew, the shooters, many ofprovided whom were joining us for time. Houff Corporation and Shreckhise Nurseries! As always, everyone left full and happy after an amazing lunch, graciously Harry Houff and his crew, the Once again, thankprovided you for by supporting our Annual Sporting Houff Corporation and Shreckhise Nurseries! Clays Tournament. Your sponsorship enables our efforts to promote andthank defendyou thefor business interests of our members Once again, supporting our Annual Sporting and ensured that we were able to provide a day of fun for so Clays Tournament. Your sponsorship enables our efforts to many of our members. Your support is greatly appreciated. promote and defend the business interests of our members and ensured that we were able toShepherd provide Cronemeyer, a day of fun for so Katie K. Frazier President, many of ourDirector members. Your support is & greatly of Member Services Eventsappreciated.
Letters – VNLA Sponsors Annual Legislative Banquet Letters – VNLA Sponsors Thank you again for your support of the Virginia AgribusiAnnual Legislative Banquet ness Council's 47th Annual Legislative Appreciation Ban-
quet. to support host a sold-out event again this ThankWe youwere againthrilled for your of the Virginia Agribusiyear, as we saw many familiar faces and had the opportunity ness Council's 47th Annual Legislative Appreciation Banto welcome many new friends colleagues, as well! quet. We were thrilled to hostand a sold-out event againThis this is truly a unique opportunity usand to celebrate the many year, as we saw many familiar for faces had the opportunity successes the agriculture forestry industries to welcomeofmany new friends and and colleagues, as well! with This members and elected officials, alike. is truly a unique opportunity for us to celebrate the many successes of the agriculture and forestry industries with After 47 years, support and participation from our agribusimembers and elected officials, alike. ness industry continues to grow and evolve. We are pleased that to value event and from the importance of Afteryou 47 continue years, support andthis participation our agribusipromoting a positive image of agribusiness to our elected ness industry continues to grow and evolve. We are pleased decision makers. At year's were honored of to that you continue to this value this banquet, event andwethe importance have Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax and Speaker Kirk promoting a positive image of agribusiness to our elected Cox in attendance, addition to our Distinguished Friend decision makers. Atin this year's banquet, we were honored to of Agriculture award recipient, Congressman Rob Wittman. have Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax and Speaker Kirk With help of the Credit Knowledge Center, we Cox inthe attendance, in Farm addition to our Distinguished Friend were able to create a special video highlighting the diversity of Agriculture award recipient, Congressman Rob Wittman. of thethe Virginia agribusiness industry and a slideshow With help of the Farm Credit Knowledge Center,feawe turing Council events and meetings throughout the past were able to create a special video highlighting the diversity year. were proud to haveindustry an opportunity to brag onfeathe of theWe Virginia agribusiness and a slideshow amazing accomplishments our industry has achieved turing Council events and meetings throughout the past throughout the Commonwealth and also to share additional year. We were proud to have an opportunity to brag on the information regarding the scope the Council's amazing accomplishments our ofindustry has memberachieved ship and activities. throughout the Commonwealth and also to share additional information regarding the scope of the Council's memberYour participation allows the Council to host these imship and activities. portant guests and provide the opportunity for meaningful interaction with industry members. Building thesethese relationYour participation allows the Council to host imships is beneficial as they make policy decisions affecting portant guests and provide the opportunity for meaningful your business thismembers. 2018 General Assembly session interaction withduring industry Building these relationand theas year. again for youraffecting support shipsthroughout is beneficial theyThank makeyou policy decisions of the Virginia Agribusiness Council. Please mark your calyour business during this 2018 General Assembly session endars for the 48th Annual Legislative Appreciation Banand throughout the year. Thank you again for your support quet JanuaryAgribusiness 10, 2019! Council. Please mark your calof theonVirginia endars the 48th AnnualShepherd Legislative Appreciation BanKatie K.for Frazier, President, Cronemeyer, Director of quet on January 10, 2019!Services & Events Member Katie K. Frazier, President, Shepherd Cronemeyer, Director of Member Services & Events
SAVE THE DATE!!!
Thursday, July 12, 2018 SAVE THE DATE!!! VNLA Field Thursday, JulyDay 12, 2018 VNLA Field Day
Katie K. Frazier President, Shepherd Cronemeyer, Director of Member Services & Events
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VIRGINIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY Conserving Wild Flowers and Wild Places
November 28, 2017 Jeff Miller, Executive Director Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association Dear Jeff, On behalf of Ruth Douglas, our Invasive Plant Educator, and all of us of the Virginia Native Plant Society, I want to congratulate you on your upcoming retirement next year and thank you for your support over the years for the Virginia Native Plant Society. We appreciate the many times you have been willing to allow us to have an information table at various VNLA events, most especially Field Days, without requiring us to pay for attendance and a table. We always enjoy the opportunity to interact with VNLA members and believe that we are moving toward an era of greater understanding and cooperation as we better recognize how much our two organizations have in common. I cite especially our mutual love of plants, especially native plants, in our native landscapes and in our managed landscapes and yards.
Please allow me to take this opportunity to introduce our newly elected Horticulture Chair, Laura Beaty of our Potowmack Chapter. Laura has a degree in horticulture from Northern Virginia Community College and has managed the native plant propagation beds at Green Spring Gardens Park for many years. She also enjoys public speaking opportunities on subjects related to native plants with special interests in biodiversity and pollinators. We also look forward to working with the VNLA's new Executive Director, Shellie Archer, in furthering our work together. Congratulations, Shellie, on your new position. We wish you every success. Sincerely,
President cc: Virginia Rockwell, President Shellie Archer, Executive Director Ruth Douglas, VNPS Invasive Plant Educator Laura Beaty, VNPS Horticulture Chair Blandy Experimental Farm, 400 Blandy Farm Lane, Unit 2, Boyce, VA 22620 ꞏ (540) 837-1600 ꞏ www.vnps.org
Ad – Waynesboro Nurseries
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Commentary - Rethinking My Relationship with Trees
One of my earliest memories is being five years old and helping my father install several dozen balled and burlapped trees at a newly constructed retirement community in the mountains of North Carolina. “Ok,” he said. “Here is how I am going to pay you. I will give you one cent for every tree that you water and two cents for every tree that you spread mulch around after it has been planted.” “Wow,” I thought, looking at the pile of trees and shrubs upon the ground. “I’ll be rich.” It seems that my entire life from that moment forth, both professionally and personally, has involved a strong tree component. I have studied, cultivated and admired trees and have been compared to a modern-day Johnny Appleseed. During most of this time it has seemed to me a one-sided relationship, in which I controlled and manipulated the trees for my own purposes. However, as I began to study trees and plants further, peeling back the layers, I discovered a world far more sophisticated than originally imagined. As it turns out, plants have been educating me all along and I didn’t even realize it. Due to the stationary nature of trees and plants, they have long been considered by the masses to be a lower level of organism, devoid of many of the characteristics we associate with complex life. Recently, scientific and technological advances have allowed for the mapping of the genetic code or genome of many plants and animals. This biological code is responsible for the development of all living creatures, creating a map into the future, triggering normal growth, development, aging and dying. This genetic code is also a map into the past, reflecting every step of evolution from conception until present. At first, it was assumed that the size and complexity of a specific genome reflected the sophistication of a species in VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
terms of their ability to adapt. Primates would naturally contain the longest genetic code, with modern humans atop the list. Many were surprised to learn that the genetic code of plants is often far larger than that of animals. Pieris japonica, the elegant ornamental plant native to Japan, boasts a genetic code fifty times larger than that of human beings. Many of the world’s plants have borne witness to vast periods of times and cataclysmic environmental change, adapting and evolving with a goal of survival and reproduction. I began to revel in the achievements and capabilities of the trees I work amongst, noting their superior survival and coping skills when compared to those of my own. I grew envious of their ability to shut down and enter dormancy when adverse conditions arise. Deciduous plants opt to sleep the entire winter, avoiding the cold days and lack of light that many of us dread. Evergreens, whose time upon the earth far exceeds that of deciduous plants, nap only when necessity dictates, and awaken at the first inclination of favorable conditions. There is considerable evidence suggesting the prominence of plant to plant communications. This includes sounding the alarms of danger, as well as the sharing of nutrients, water and other vital elements. The pungent aroma associated with mown grass in spring is, in reality, a chemical form of communication, in which the local community is warned of approaching danger. Adjacent grasses may then pull vital elements back into their root systems, so as to be available when regrowth commences. While the plant kingdom is not exempt from the perils of competition, there are many examples of sharing and cooperation amongst localized plant communities. Trees in the forest are connected through their roots via mycorrhiza, a filamentous fungal network, whose interwoven threads spread nutrients and chemical signals amongst neighbors. There is evidence to suggest that this dispersion is not blind, random or self-serving, but equitable and charitable, at times motivated by the needs of the community as a whole. In some instances, carbon, injected into the leaves of the largest, most vigorous trees in a stand, has been traced and eventually relocated in the foliage of the weakest trees, providing much needed energy. In a sense, the most powerful and successful members of the community are gifting their excess to those who need it most. It can be stated unequivocally that hydration, nutrition, PH and environment are key factors in determining a trees ability to thrive in a particular environment. In most instances, when problems arise amongst specific trees in the nursery they are a symptom, and the cause may be associated with one of the factors listed above. Addressing the cause, rather than the symptom, leads to increased vigor and a reduction in the need for chemical inputs.
Each growing season in the nursery seems a new learning experience all together, as last year’s problems are studied, January/February/March 2018 January / February / March 2018 99
and conquered, new ones arise from places unforeseen. Few rules apply to every tree and old-fashioned observation seems the highest form of learning. Luckily, I am surrounded by teachers and all I have to do is observe and listen. I am motivated to eat cleaner, live better, and contemplate the environment around me. I value more than ever the importance of open and honest communication. Like I was told as a kid, sharing actually is caring. I remind myself that the world is not mine alone, but that I am part of a greater community and what is good for my neighbor is good for me. I strive to judge less and care more, for there is room for us all to grow, with a little cooperation.
SAVE THE DATES!!! VNLA Management Workshop
Recently I drove past the retirement community that I first planted with my father, thirty-six years prior. Conifers that were no larger than me when I was five now stretch thirty feet into the air and appear to have been there forever. They are still in their youth and should remain long after I am gone. They appear wise, like venerable professors overlooking the town of Boone. I stopped and listened and wondered what they would teach me next. Ed Yates, Manager, Bremo Trees, email@bremotrees.com, 434.842.8733
Jim Paluch presents: “The Important Work We Do & Come Alive Outside” Wednesday, July 11, 2018 Ashland, VA
VNLA Field Day Thursday, July 12, 2018
Ashland VA VNLA Summer Tour North Richmond area Friday July 13, 2018
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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8 1 0 2 y a D d l e i F A NL Wednesday, July 11
Management Workshop - Jim Paluch presents The Important Work We Do, Learn the “Come Alive Outside” EDGE Energize - Draw - Grow - Engage
Thursday, July 12
Field Day - Speaker Sneak Preview Larry Weaner, of Larry Weaner Associates, will provide insight on how our work can be beautiful, environmentally changing and successful. Paul Westerveldt of Saunders Brothers will share his passion for the New Perennial Movement and how it affects our industry.
Friday, July 13 Summer Tour
VNLA - Welcome to the VNLA’s New Executive Director! Work hard but figure out how to have a sense of humor and fun along the way. Education: Mary Baldwin University Bachelor of Arts, Marketing Communications, with Distinction Continuing education: • •
University of Richmond Robins School of Business, Strategic Thinking Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship, Strategic Community Involvement
Career: Shellie started her career with Philip Morris USA and continued to progress professionally with its parent company, Altria. She brings to the VNLA more than 15 years of experience in client engagement, community relations, strategic planning and business development. These prior roles allowed Shellie to live in and experience other areas such as: South Portland, ME, Attleboro, MA and New York City, NY. Community Involvement – Giving back, being involved and serving community efforts means a lot to Shellie. She feels fortunate to have the opportunity to work with many terrific organizations over the past several years. A few examples are: • • • • •
Shellie J. Archer, Richmond, VA
Shellie is honored to work for the VNLA and its members. While she realizes it is a significant workload, she is dedicated and energized to continue to build upon the highly successful foundation. Shellie looks forward to the journey of working with the board of directors and members to continue to align efforts with the VNLA's mission to enhance, promote and advocate for Virginia's nursery and landscape professionals. Practices that she considers important are: People and relationships are at the heart of accomplishing great things and solving problems. Treat others as you want to be treated. Listening is critical to superior client service. Asking questions is equally important. Collaboration and building effective partnerships is worth the effort. Give benefit of doubt and empower others to reach their goals. VNLA 12
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Recruitment chair for her son’s Boy Scout Troop Hope for the Warriors® Make-A Wish® Greater Virginia American Red Cross Volunteer at Ground Zero NYC PTA board member and teacher appreciation committee chair
Enjoyment, interests when away from work Shellie enjoys time with her son. Whether it is simply hanging out or doing something active, she cherishes every minute. She is a huge fan of warm weather and gets energy from spending time outside in the sun! Hero - Family and lifelong friends all play a hero role in being an inspiration and have a positive influence in Shellie's life. Dream vacation - A lengthy visit to Australia and New Zealand with her son. A follow up trip to Tahiti or Hawaii would be perfect…Shellie will keep dreaming! Favorite plant - Too many favorites to choose only one Favorite flower color - Anything that falls along the spectrum of purples and blues. The VNLA now has office space in the Retail Merchants Building. 5101 Monument Ave, Ste 203, Richmond, VA 23230-3621 PH: 804-256-2700, Fax: 804-709-0288
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VNLA – Aaron Williams 2018 President Jamestown Yorktown Foundation Young Revolutionaries Board Member 2015 - Present Building the Church Campaign Construction Committee Member 2007 - 2008 VNLA Board Member 2014 - Present Exchange Club Member 2002 – 2007 Aaron received the Exchange Club Member of the Year 2004 One to to serve as an One of ofthe thethings thingsthat thatAaron Aarondoes doesis is serve as Aucan Auctioneer for several charities each year as a volunteer. tioneer for several charities each year as a volunteer.“I “I enenjoy helping raise money these organizations.” joy helping toto raise money forfor these organizations.” The letslets youyou The following following are areresponses responsesfrom fromAaron Aaronthat that know know aa bit bit about about him. him.
Favorite Dogwood Favorite Plant: Plant: Kousa Kousa Dogwood Williams Family: Aaron, Rodelle, Dylan, Caitlin, Andrew
Favorite Favorite Flower Flower Color: Color: Yellow Yellow
Aaron R. Williams, is the Owner of Williams Landscape & Design in Williamsburg, Virginia. He is also the VNLA President for 2018. He was born in South Hill, Virginia. He married his wife, Rodelle Williams, in 2000. Rodelle is originally from Tucson, Arizona They have 3 children; Dylan age 15, Caitlin, 13, and Andrew 10.
Best Best Habit: Habit: “Waking “Waking up up early early to to get get aa start start on on the the day.” day.”
Aaron attended Lafayette Highschool in Williamsburg, Virginia. He graduated in 1993. Then he attended Virginia Tech. At Virginia Tech he was Horticulture Club Vice President. He was also a Colonial Williamsburg Scholarship Recipient.
Hero: Hero: “My “My Uncle Uncle Lee Lee Williams” Williams”
Aaron has been the owner since the start in 2002 of Williams Landscape and Design in Williamsburg. They are a landscape design/build and landscape maintenance company. Their market niche is a High End Residential Landscape Design Projects. His business philosophy is to “always work to improve systems and service every day in Business Philosophy some small way. Set goals each year for the business that will make us stretch a little to reach them. Try to be the best that we can be and do everything with excellence.” The best idea that he ever stole was “Magnetic Schedule Boards” Some organizations that Aaron belongs to or has belonged to:
Worst Worst Habit: Habit: “Drinking “Drinking coffee coffee all all day day :)” :)”
Hobbies: mymy sons Hobbies, Fishing, Hobbies: Riding RidingATVs ATVswith with sons Hobbies, Fishing, Target Target Practicing Practicing Dream Dream Vacation: Vacation:“2 “2weeks weeksin inBora Bora Bora Bora with with my my wife” wife”
Favorite “Theharder harderIIwork workthe theluckier luckierIIget.” get.”SamFavorite Quote: Quote “The uel Goldwyn Samuel Goldwyn
Aspirations: “To “To become become known known as Aspirations: as aa leading leading landscape landscape design build design buildand andlandscape landscapeAspirations Aspirationsmaintenance maintenance firm firm in in Virginia”. Virginia”. Hardest Part Part of of Your YourWorkday: Workday:“Trying “Tryingtotomake maketime timetoto Hardest eat lunch!” lunch!” eat
Best Part Part of ofYour YourWorkday: Workday:“First “Firstthing thinginin morning Best thethe morning when I am focused on what I need to get done without when I am focused on what I need to get done without in-interruption” terruption” Helpful Hint Hint When WhenHandling HandlingEmployees: Employees:“Seek “Seekfirst firsttoto Helpful understand and then to be understood.” understand and then to be understood.” Hottest Upcoming Upcoming Trend: Trend: “Permeable “Permeable pavement pavement in in drivedriveHottest ways.” ways.”
Best Advise Advise Ever Ever Received: Received: “Focus Best “Focus on on the the little little details detailsand and the big things will work out.” the big things will work out.” Past President of Business Leaders of WilliamsHow or orWhy WhyYour YourCompany Company Managed to Stay in BusiHow Managed to Stay in Busi-ness burg 2003 - 2004 ness So Long: “Perseverance, good planning and great So Long: “Perseverance, good planning and great people.”peo On the United Way Day of Caring Board since ple.” Biggest Challenge, Obstacle or Disaster in Business History: 2003 Biggest Challenge, Business “The down turn in theObstacle economyorofDisaster 2009 thein last sev-eralHis Kiwanis Club Member 2011 - Present tory: “The down turn in the economy of 2009 the last sevyears. We were left hanging by several large builders on pay Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce member and eral years. We were left hanging by several large builders ments. We had to really change the way we did busi-ness. past Membership Committee on payments. We had to really change the way we did busiVNLA Newsletter January / February ness. / March 2018 13 VNLA Newsletter
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Who is your most significant mentor and why? “Wayne Sawyer , Wayne helped me with my business when we hit the downturn in the economy. He spent time with me looking at financial statements and helping me to make good decisions for my business.”
VAC Recognizes Stranges Florist & Garden Center The Virginia Agribusiness Council recognized Bill Gouldin, President of Stranges Florist & Garden Centers, at the annual Legislative Appreciation Banquet in January.
Future Plans: “We plan to grow our landscape maintenance division by branching out in the future.” How has your business changed since it started? “We used to only focus on landscape design and installation. We now have a landscape maintenance division and an irrigation division We have developed a lot of SOPs and we work with a consultant to set our budget each year as well as set goals as a company and as managers.” How has the industry changed? “It has become easier to find plant materials and the choices for hardscape materials have improved dramatically.” Aaron Williams, Williams Landscape & Design, Williamsburg, VA 757-342-0504, aaron@wldgreen.com
“All three of these businesses have been actively engaged with the Council and the green industry for many, many years. Through their support of the organization's largest showcase of the agribusiness industry, our Agribusiness Appreciation Banquet, they transform a historic barn into a space that is full of live sod, flowers, and landscaping. All of this provide a critical highlight of the green industry's contributions to Virginia's economy and ecology. We appreciate and applaud these businesses for their support and engagement of the Agribusiness Council and our industry.” Katie Frazier, President, Virginia Agribusiness Council Bill is past president of the VNLA and has provided business legislative guidance to the VNLA and to the Virginia Agribusiness Council. (photo by Aaron Williams)
Ad – Cam Too Camellia Nursery
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VNLA - Young Professional of the Year: Sonya Westervelt
This person began her service to the VNLA in 2010 and served as the Public Relations Chair for 6 years; planning and coordinating the annual field days, summer tours. She was instrumental in moving the VNLA forward in the development of new and improved promotional material, newsletter and the scholarship award process. She also served as Secretary/Treasurer in 2013, Vice President in 2014, President in 2015. As past President, over a 3-year period, she chaired the Executive Director Succession Planning Committee and worked with consultants to develop a professional job description and procedures to set up a search committee, through the solicitation and interviews with a professional executive search firm. For her years of dedicated service to the VNLA and green industry, we would like to present the 2017 Young Professional Award to Sonya Lepper Westervelt!
Sonya Westervelt is presented Young Professional of the Year Award by Steve Pekary
Good Morning, my name is Steve Pekary with J. W. Townsend Landscape in Charlottesville Virginia. I was a proud recipient of the 2016 Young Professional of the Year Award. I was unexpectedly nominated by a team member and wasn’t even at the breakfast last year to receive the award. I wasn’t able to thank everyone for the award then, so Thank You! In full disclosure, I nominated someone I work with for this same award. I thought my nominee had added a lot of positivity to our company, local industry and VNLA. When I received the email back from Jeff Miller about my nomination not being chosen for the award, I was disappointed…until I saw who had won. I thought to myself, “How has this person not already won the award?” I’ve known the recipient of the 2017 Young Professional of the year award for a number of years, probably since 2009-ish. I first met her, when she took over the sales responsibilities from a long-term sales rep I had developed a great relationship with. Over the years I had the privilege of getting to know her during regular visits to the nursery. She became one of my favorite people to talk with in the industry. The background for this person is as follows:
BS in Horticulture and Applied Economics from Virginia Tech President of the Horticulture Club Ag Ambassador for the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Science MA in Public Horticulture, University of Delaware
Steve Pekary, Steve@townsendlandscape.com
News - Byron Wates Award given to Peter Murray Peter Murray, former owner of Hidden Lane Landscaping, Oakton, VA, was recognized by the Northern Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association at their January meeting with the Byron Wates Award. The award is named after Byron Wates Sr., one of the founding fathers of the Northern Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association, which was formed almost 60 years ago for promotion of continuing education and affiliation with local green industry businessmen. This award is given in recognition of outstanding contributions and dedication to the association and industry. The following is Peter’s speech that he gave after receiving the award. “Like so many people in the landscape industry, I grew up with a great appreciation for nature. I always enjoyed being outdoors, working in the yard and having a vegetable garden since I was 10 years old.
It was still somewhat of a leap of faith going to Virginia Tech to study horticulture because I didn't know anyone who had ever done that, and I wasn't exactly sure what I After school she began work at Saunders Brothers in Piney would do with a horticulture degree once I graduated. ForRiver in 2009. tunately, I loved being at Tech from day one. The most enjoyable classes were Plant Materials, The History of Landscape Architecture and Residential Landscape Design. VNLA Newsletter January/February/March 2018 15 VNLA Newsletter January / February / March 2018 15
My work experience steered me to the landscape design end of the business. I worked at Yagle's Nursery in Salem, and then at Laurel Creek Nursery in Christiansburg. These jobs gave me the opportunity to work in wholesale tree production, Christmas tree production, retail sales and a lot of residential and commercial landscaping. Along the way, I learned how to operate (and break) every piece of equipment from chainsaws to backhoes. During a summer internship at Callaway Gardens, GA I learned the art of pruning which I still enjoy today. While completing another internship with a landscaper on Long Island, NY I had a chance to help install several projects that went on to win national awards. All of my "internships" were basic labor positions on a landscape crew. It was always hot sweaty work that could be tedious, but there was a wealth of learning that took place that could have never been taught in a classroom.
One of the most meaningful compliments I ever received was a couple years ago when Byron told me "Pete, you've put together a pretty good team over there at Hidden Lane". It was so meaningful because I greatly admired Byron as a fellow nurseryman, businessman and as a friend. It is humbling to receive this award because I know all the previous recipients have made such a huge contribution to our industry and our association. I thank all of you for this honor and I wish you all the best,” Peter Murray
News – Bettina Ring Appointed Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry
By the time I graduated, I knew that landscape design was what I wanted to do and began working with Hidden Lane Landscaping two days after graduating from Tech. My boss, Roger Brewster was a great mentor, designer, craftsman, had an unparalleled work ethic and inspired me to be the best I could be. I feel very fortunate to have found a profession that I enjoyed every day. Meeting new clients, designing projects, setting up crews on a jobsite, pumping concrete over the roof of a million-dollar townhouse, operating a tree spade above a gas line, it was all fun, exciting and a little dangerous. When my boss, Roger Brewster retired, I bought the company and began to spend more time with management and employee development. I was fortunate to have Linda Nichols on board. She was always there when I needed sound advice and has been a great mentor, teacher and friend to all of us. Heather was the first person I hired, and I knew I'd found someone special when she came on board. She became GM in 2008 and the company grew and flourished under her leadership as I stepped back. She is the 5th owner of Hidden Lane and is now running one of the largest women owned landscape companies in the country. I want to thank Conor, Aaron, Anthony, Lilli, Tom, Adonay, Ovidio, Carias, Lito and Virgilio. It was such an honor for me to work with all of you. The greatest teams are always made up of rather ordinary people who bring out the best in each other. People who motivate & respect each other. People who genuinely care about each other.
Governor Ralph Northam appointed Bettina Ring, the current state forester, as Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. She will oversee three agencies: The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Department of Forestry and the Virginia Racing Commission. Ring, a former senior vice president at the American Forest Foundation, also spent 14 years at the Virginia Department of Forestry. She holds a bachelor’s degree in forestry and wildlife from Virginia Tech and a master's degree in business administration from James Madison University. She replaces Basil Gooden, former Virginia state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. rzullo@timesdispatch.com, (804) 649-6453
And they make it all look easy. That is what I saw every day at Hidden Lane and that is what I miss the most. VNLA Newsletter January/February/March 2018 16 January / February / March 2018
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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.
Clouded Photo Winner: Didem Agilonu, Associate Member, Landscape Designer 757-641-2603, didem_Agilonu@yahoo.com; iPhone
Win $50, submit your photos! Good Luck and Happy Photographing!
VNLA - Mobile-Friendly App Guide to Virginia Growers! Look up plant sources, hotlinks to grower email, website and phone! www.vnla.org/Grower-Guide
Let Growers know that you found them in the VNLA Guide to Virginia Growers!!! VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
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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. Model Release forms are required with each photograph which contains a clearly identifiable person. Release forms are available from the VNLA office, on request, and are also available for download from the VNLA website at Model release in MS Word format or Adobe PDF format. Judging is done by the VNLA Communication Committee. All decisions are final
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VNLA – Welcome New VNLA Members! Name Company Shellie J. Archer Associate ‐ Archer Samantha Arias Associate ‐ Arias Avery W. Crain Associate ‐ Ashwood Melinda Crouch Associate ‐ Crouch Jane Doe Associate ‐ Doe Christie Fargis Associate ‐ Fargis Mike Hawkins Associate ‐ Hawkins Mark C McGinn Associate ‐ McGinn James Poyer Associate ‐ Poyer Kelly Suddeth Associate ‐ Suddeth Heather H Wilson Associate ‐ Wilson Jennifer Corso Blue Chip Landscapes Stacy Moulds Domestica Landscapes Andrew Martin Extreme Lawn Care Plus Kimberly Thoures Kimberly Rose Landscape Design Emily Jane Garcia LANDED Henry Wes Bray Lawns & Gardens Plus Inc Kurt Kuizmiller Mid Atlantic Native Plant Farm Member Bennett SmithMowHawks, Inc M. Nancy Christmus Nativescapes Horticultural Consulting Chris Peters Southern Stone & Landscaping Creations Molly Spell Artz Spell Garden Design LLC Jason Aldrich Student ‐ J. Sargeant Reynolds Margaret Smith Student ‐ PWCS Erwin Milbourne The Turf Surgeon
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City Richmond Norfolk Richmond Richmond Christiansburg Richmond Chesapeake Moseley Mechanicsville Virginia Beach Centreville Virginia Beach Richmond Richmond Charlottesville Alexandria Virginia Beach Blakes Richmond Vienna Unionville Richmond Richmond Manassas Chesapeake
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Dress for Success! Some Things to Know About Personal Protective Equipment BEFORE You Handle a Pesticide
Always read and follow label directions before buying or using a pesticide. Follow all appropriate federal, state, tribal, and local regulations concerning the use of pesticides and personal protective equipment.
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his brochure focuses on some of the basics of personal protective equipment (PPE), but does NOT substitute for following the pesticide product label, the PPE user instructions, and all applicable government regulations. To reduce exposure, the required PPE must be handled properly from purchase through disposal, whether you apply a pesticide at home, or work in an agricultural or non-agricultural occupation. When purchasing and prior to using a pesticide product, it is essential that you read and understand all portions of the pesticide product label. You are legally obligated to follow the instructions and requirements on the label. The label is the law, AND it contains vital information about the use, safety and handling of the product. Carefully review the signal word, precautionary statements, personal protective equipment requirements, entry restriction statements, emergency first aid measures, and directions for use – they are included to protect you, others, and the environment. Different pesticide products require different personal protective equipment. Remember that any product that contains a pesticide – including baits, aerosols, fertilizers, seed, “natural” products, etc. – must be handled using the required PPE, in the correct way. In addition, there are basic PPE principles and practices that must be understood to protect the health and safety of everyone involved in handling a pesticide. What is Personal Protective Equipment? Personal Protective Equipment is apparel and devices worn to protect the body from contact with pesticides or pesticide residues, including aprons, chemical-resistant suits, coveralls, footwear, gloves, headgear, protective eyewear and respirators. While the following attire is not defined as PPE, the pesticide label may require pesticide handlers or early- entry workers to wear regular work clothes for some tasks: long and short sleeved shirts, long and short pants, shoes and socks. The required PPE will be listed on the pesticide label, and may be different for different tasks. PPE may be required during pesticide mixing, loading, application, repair, cleanup, and/or early entry into a treated area. The required PPE will be different for different pesticide products, because products differ in their potential health impacts via skin (dermal), mouth (oral), breathing (inhalation), and eye contact. Skin contact can occur on any part of the body, but the hands and forearms are where exposure is most common. Inhalation can result by breathing in fine sprays, mists, dusts and vapors. Formulation type, application equipment type, and other factors may impact the required PPE, so it is critical to read and follow the PPE section on every product carefully, even if the brand name is the same. For example, a liquid and dry formulation of the same product may require different PPE, and a liquid formulation may require different PPE when applied with a handheld versus a mechanized sprayer. Why the Pesticide Product Label Specifies Personal Protective Equipment The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires studies to determine if a pesticide can be registered and how it can be used without impacting health or the environment. To help protect pesticide handlers and early entry workers, the PPE specified on the label must be selected and used correctly, and all other directions and precautions must be followed.
How Personal Protective Equipment Relates to Signal Words on the Pesticide Product Label A Caution, Warning, or Danger signal word will appear on the pesticide product label and is based on the acute (single exposure) toxicity and irritation potential of the pesticide product, including the active ingredient(s) and the other ingredients in the formulation (particularly solvents). The signal word selected for a pesticide formulation reflects the most toxic category resulting from dermal, oral, inhalation or eye contact. Caution indicates that the pesticide formulation is slightly toxic by any of these four ways of contact. Warning indicates that at least one of the ways of contact is moderately toxic. Danger indicates that at least one of the ways of contact is highly toxic. The signal word is an indicator of the overall acute toxicity of a pesticide formulation, but is not the only consideration when defining PPE requirements. The Worker Protection Standard and PPE The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) protects agricultural workers and pesticide handlers on farms, or in forests, nurseries and greenhouses, from occupational exposure to pesticides used to treat agricultural plants grown for commercial or research purposes. Employers and employees must ensure that they are familiar with their responsibilities and rights under the WPS, including PPE for handling pesticides and early entry into pesticide-treated areas. Employers must provide the PPE required on the pesticide label for the specific work task. Employers are also responsible for ensuring that the PPE fits correctly, and that reusable PPE is properly cleaned, maintained, replaced, and stored. Employers must ensure that employees have attended all required safety training and refresher programs, which include PPE training. The employer is responsible for ensuring that PPE required on the pesticide label is worn. Some federal and state employee protection regulations require medical clearance and monitoring when respirators are used. In case of an accidental pesticide exposure requiring emergency assistance, the employer must provide immediate transportation to a medical care facility and information about the pesticide. If your employer has not complied with their responsibilities under the WPS, contact your state’s pesticide regulatory agency.
PPE requirements are based not only on protecting the user from acute toxicity concerns but also from other toxicity concerns, such as repeated exposures and how the person would be exposed during mixing, loading and application. Personal Protective Equipment Requirements on the Pesticide Product Label are Revised Frequently Pesticide product labels undergo scheduled reevaluations, and can also be changed at any time due to new research and/or regulatory requirements. So read the entire label every time you purchase a pesticide product. The same applies to any PPE instructions that accompany the PPE – read them carefully every time you purchase the PPE, even if you purchased the same brand and model before. When to Use Personal Protective Equipment The PPE requirements on the pesticide product label must always be followed, and may change depending on the type of handling task being performed. For example, the PPE required for someone mixing or loading a pesticide usually differs from that required for someone applying the same pesticide. If handling more than one pesticide product, choose the most protective PPE from the product labels. PPE must be used to protect workers when other means of protection are not feasible. For example, closed spray tank loading systems, enclosed tractor cabs, pre-weighed pesticides in water-soluble packages, and closed container rinsing systems can greatly reduce the risk of exposure and therefore may reduce or even eliminate the requirements for PPE. What to Consider When Selecting Different Types of Personal Protective Equipment Correct selection of PPE is the first critical step. Follow the pesticide product label carefully when certain types of gloves, respirators, and/or other PPE are specified. For example, a specific type of glove material may be highly chemical-resistant to some pesticide products but not others. A respirator suitable for one task may not be suitable for another. A “water-resistant” material is different than a “chemical-resistant” material. “Chemical-resistant” PPE is “material that allows no measureable movement of the pesticide being used through the material during use”. However, “chemical-resistant” aprons, coveralls, eye protection, footwear, gloves, and headgear are not equally resistant to all pesticides, under all conditions, and for the same length of time. Read the PPE user instructions carefully to ensure that the PPE meets the specifications on the particular pesticide product label. If in doubt about what PPE to use, call the pesticide product manufacturer, the
PPE manufacturer, your county agent, or your state’s pesticide safety education program. Pesticide labels, PPE instructions and safety equipment catalogs contain phone numbers, and PPE manufacturer websites often contain detailed information on their products. More is not necessarily better in the case of PPE – select the PPE required by the label. Make Sure PPE is Working Properly It is very important to select the correct PPE. Just as important, the PPE must be working correctly every time you use it, either alone or in combination with other PPE. When several pieces of PPE are used together, they must not interfere with each other. For example, protective goggles must not interfere with the operation of a respirator. Read the PPE user instructions carefully before every use, and seek assistance if needed. Before and after every use, check for any type of deterioration of or damage to all the components, seams, etc. of the specific re-usable PPE and, if necessary, dispose of properly. Aprons, when required, must be made of chemicalresistant material and cover the front of the body from mid-chest to the knees. It is a good idea to wear an apron whenever mixing or loading chemicals or cleaning spray equipment, even when not required on the pesticide label. Coveralls are loose-fitting one- or two-piece garments that cover, at a minimum, the entire body except the head, neck, hands and feet. The pesticide label may specify that the coveralls be worn over a layer of clothing. Most coveralls are made of fabric such as cotton or a cottonpolyester blend and are not chemical-resistant. There are laminated or coated materials that provide water resistance and protection from some solvents, but no US certification currently exists. Chemical-resistant clothing is rarely required and usually not encouraged due to heat stress concerns. Eye protection requirements may be shielded safety glasses, goggles, a face shield, or a full-face respirator. Shielded safety glasses have a brow cover and side shields. Special goggles are needed when wearing a half-mask respirator or prescription glasses. Straps on eye protection equipment should be worn under any required protective headgear. Goggles and safety glasses having directly vented air holes are not totally protective against splashes. Footwear includes water-proof boots, or chemical-resistant boots or shoe coverings, worn over regular shoes or boots. Ensure that the footwear chosen will not absorb the spray. Always wear the pant legs outside the footwear to prevent spray from running down the leg into the footwear.
Duct tape can be used to temporarily seal the area where boots meet the pants. Exposed footwear should be cleaned after each day’s use, and never worn indoors. Glove materials differ in their protective ability and the length of time they are protective after contact with the specific pesticide. The level of protection also varies depending on whether diluted sprays, concentrated product splashes, granules, or powders contact the gloves. Pay careful attention to the glove types specified on the pesticide label; they are based on the different solvents in the formulation. Barrier laminate gloves are highly protective for all solvents that have been approved for use in pesticide formulations. Nitrile gloves are highly protective for many but not all formulations. Waterproof gloves are highly protective only for dry and water-based formulations. Pesticide labels will usually list “examples” of suitable glove types – use the examples listed unless you are willing to do the research to ensure that other types meet the same chemical-resistance requirements. Always wear unlined gloves, and never wear canvas, leather, cotton, or other fabric gloves unless specified on the pesticide product label. Even highly chemical-resistant gloves must be rinsed off at breaks if pesticide contact occurs. Wear sleeves outside the gloves if spraying below the shoulders. If spraying overhead, gloves should be outside the sleeves. If spraying both overhead and below the shoulders, duct tape can be used to temporarily seal the area where the gloves meet the sleeves. Elbow length gloves are more protective and are required for some activities. Headgear includes chemical-resistant hoods and chemical-resistant hats with a wide brim. Some labels require headgear – ensure that the headgear chosen will not absorb the spray. Respirator requirements on pesticide labels are very specific when required for pesticide handling tasks. Generally, the label will require either a dust/mist filtering (particulate - removing) respirator, or a respirator with an organic- vapor cartridge or canister fitted with a prefilter. Use only respirators certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). If you are required by the pesticide label to use a respirator (or if you choose to use one), an initial medical evaluation is strongly advised even if not required by law. Self-contained, canister and cartridge style respirators require a tight seal to the face and must be fit tested before use. Fit testing is also required annually, or when the type of respirator changes, or when there are significant changes in weight or facial features. Only a trained person or safety professional should
conduct the fit testing, according to the instructions included with the respirator or other fit test protocols specific to the model. Tight-sealing respirators cannot be worn by persons having even minimal facial hair, jewelry, or other obstructions where the respirator contacts the face. A respirator seal check (also known as a pressure check or fit check) is a very different procedure than a fit test. A seal check determines the effectiveness of the seal between the respirator and the skin, and must be done EVERY time the respirator is worn. Follow the PPE instructions to conduct a proper seal check. Replace filters, canisters, cartridges, etc. according to the pesticide label or PPE instructions (whichever is more frequent), and whenever there is equipment damage, breathing resistance, odor, taste, irritation, or soiling. Following the PPE instructions for replacement is critical, because other indicators are not always dependable. For example, the ability to detect an odor depends on the product, the person, and the weather conditions, and the mere presence of an odor does not indicate that harm can result. For PPE having multiple components as well as associated PPE (for example, respirators and filtration media), be sure to review the assembly, parts, and filtration media instructions. All “dust masks” are not the same. Some dust masks having a particulate prefilter are approved for some types of applications (for example, a “dust/mist NIOSH-approved respirator with any N, R, P, or HE filter”) while other dust masks are not protective nor approved. Cleaning, Maintenance, Storage, and Disposal of Personal Protective Equipment Cleaning and maintenance instructions from the PPE manufacturer must be followed for reusable PPE. Never reuse any type of disposable (one-time use) PPE equipment, because you can be exposed to residues remaining on the PPE from the previous use, or to product moving through damaged or deteriorated PPE during reuse. Note that reusable or limited-use PPE must be discarded if not cleaned and maintained properly, because there is a significant risk of pesticide exposure. For example, pesticide exposure can occur from residues remaining from the previous use, damaged seals in the respirator, small holes or tears in gloves or clothing, or degradation of the chemical-resistant PPE. Remove PPE as soon as you complete the tasks where you were exposed to the pesticide. Wash disposable OR reusable gloves with soap and water, and then remove other PPE while still wearing the gloves. Then wash the gloves again with soap and water before removing them. Clean reusable PPE according to the PPE instructions, without causing contamination to yourself.
Wash regular work clothes that have been exposed to pesticides as soon as possible to ensure maximum pesticide residue removal. Wash them separately from other laundry using detergent and hot water. Using an outdoor clothesline rather than a dryer may help break down any remaining pesticide residues. If no PPE is required on the pesticide label, it is still wise to wash clothes promptly. Always obtain replacement parts for half- and full-face respirators from the original manufacturer and repair PPE in accordance with manufacturer instructions. Respirator component parts are NOT interchangeable between different manufacturers. Storage instructions from the PPE manufacturer must be followed for both reusable and disposable PPE. Most PPE must be protected from chemicals, sunlight, extreme temperatures, excessive humidity, and moisture, or the specified shelf-life will be reduced. Disposable, reusable or limited-use PPE must be discarded if not stored properly. Keep PPE in its sealed package until use, and never store PPE with pesticides or personal clothing. Disposal is the critical last step in handling PPE. Ensure that you remove and discard PPE without causing contamination to yourself, garbage collectors, or the environment. PPE may have an expiration date, while other PPE requires careful inspection – read the PPE manufacturer directions and be diligent about disposal of PPE that will no longer provide protection. Clean disposable, washable items with soap and water prior to disposal, to remove pesticide residues. Properly cleaned PPE can be disposed as regular garbage. PPE that is contaminated with a pesticide must be disposed of according to directions on the pesticide product label and all federal, state, and local regulations. In the absence of specific label directions or government regulations, dispose of contaminated PPE as household hazardous waste, which can be taken to an appropriate waste collection event or disposal site. If all PPE instructions for cleaning, maintenance, storage, and disposal are not followed carefully, PPE can become ineffective or even increase exposure to a pesticide. If in doubt, dispose of the PPE or PPE component. Limitations of Personal Protective Equipment PPE does not substitute for following all other pesticide product label directions and precautions necessary to protect family, farmworkers, bystanders, non-target organisms, sensitive sites, the community, and the environment.
PPE must be selected according to the pesticide product label and must be used, maintained, cleaned, and stored according to the PPE instructions. If you still have questions after reading both the pesticide product label and the PPE instructions, call the pesticide product manufacturer, the PPE manufacturer, your county agent, or your state’s pesticide safety education program. What to Do if You Don’t Have the PPE Required on the Pesticide Label If you don’t have the PPE that is required on the pesticide label, don’t apply the pesticide. What to Do if Instructions are Not with the Personal Protective Equipment If PPE equipment is available without instructions for use, three good options exist – 1) check the PPE manufacturer’s website for downloadable instructions for the particular model, 2) call the PPE manufacturer to obtain a copy of the instructions, or 3) purchase new PPE equipment containing the instructions. What to Do if Personal Protective Equipment is Uncomfortable Sometimes PPE is uncomfortable, particularly when working in hot weather. However, hot weather is NEVER a good excuse for not using the required PPE. Attempt to work outdoors during the coolest periods of the day. If workload or other label precautions sometimes prevent this, take all necessary steps to avoid heat stress, including frequent rest breaks in shaded areas, drinking plenty of water (not caffeinated drinks), and not working alone. Know the signs of heat stress and how to treat it. Face-sealing respirators may be uncomfortable if they have not been properly fit tested or are worn for long periods of time. In addition, physical activity can sometimes affect the seal between the respirator and the face. These and other conditions that cause discomfort and/or possibly reduce protection must be resolved in a way that does not cause a health hazard. Determine if other measures can be taken to reduce the need for PPE for certain tasks, as permitted on the pesticide label. Examples include the use of a closed cab tractor for pesticide application, a closed spray tank loading system, and pesticide products, formulations, or packaging (for example, water-soluble pre-weighed packs) that may require less PPE. In some cases, discomfort can be reduced simply by reducing the length of time spent on a task requiring PPE.
What to Do if an Accident Results in Pesticide Exposure If an accident results in exposure, the label indicates what to do in the First Aid section. The proper first aid varies based on the product and type of exposure, so it is critical that the label is always immediately available to the pesticide user – and it is the law! Follow the first aid instructions immediately after exposure to the pesticide product, whether or not you have any immediate symptoms.
The Bottom Line The personal protective equipment specified on the pesticide label is essential to protect everyone who handles a pesticide. The PPE requirements will vary widely, depending on the task, pesticide, formulation, application method and equipment, and other factors. When questions remain after reading the pesticide label and the PPE instructions, do not use the pesticide product until you have contacted an expert and resolved your questions. Your personal safety is of the utmost importance, and is an essential part of proper and safe pesticide use.
Some Additional Resources There are many educational resources and organizations that can provide information on PPE. Only a few are listed here. PPE options, recommendations and regulations can change at any time, so contact the pesticide product manufacturer, the PPE manufacturer, your county agent, or your state’s pesticide safety education program if you have questions. • The Worker Protection Standard for Agricultural Pesticides – epa.gov/agriculture/twor.html • US Dept. of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration – Personal Protective Equipment – osha.gov/SLTC/personalprotectiveequipment • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health – eye safety, heat stress, protective clothing, respirators – cdc.gov/niosh/topics • County Extension Offices – nifa.usda.gov/Extension • State and Territory Pesticide Safety Education Program Coordinators – nifa.usda.gov/nea/pest/part/pesticides_part_psep.html • State and Territory Pesticide Regulatory Agencies – aapco.org • State Departments of Agriculture – nasda.org We gratefully acknowledge the National Pesticide PPE Training Solutions Committee for its significant work on this brochure. Outdoor Photos Courtesy of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service PPE Photos Courtesy of Virginia Tech Pesticide Programs and PesticidePics.org
This publication can be downloaded or ordered at the following websites: National Association of County Agricultural Agents: nacaa.com Syngenta Environmental Stewardship: syngentacropprotection.com/Env_Stewardship Pesticide Environmental Stewardship (PES): pesticidestewardship.org
VNLA - Certification Quiz # 83 If you are a Virginia Certified Horticulturist, answer the following questions from the previous articles, 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.
Quiz – Dress for Success! See preceding article 1. You should use PPE to apply a pesticide at: a. Home b. Work in agricultural occupation c. Non-Ag occupation d. Landscape maintenance jobs e. All of the above 2. Different pesticide products require different PPE a. True b. False 3. The required PPE will be listed on the pesticide label. a. True b. False 4. A Caution, Warning, or Danger signal word will appear on the pesticide product label and is based on the plant being treated. a. True b. False 5. Employers must ensure that employees have attended all required safety training and refresher programs which include PPE training. a. True b. False 6. Pesticide product labels undergo scheduled reevaluations, and can be changed: a. Annually b. Monthly c. Quarterly d. Anytime 7. More is not necessarily better in the case of PPE – select the PPE required by the label. a. True b. False VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
8. Chemical-resistant clothing is rarely required and usually not encouraged due to head stress concerns. a. True b. False 9. Googles and safety glasses having directly vented air holes are totally protective against splashes a. True b. False 10. Duct tape cannot be used to temporarily seal the area where boots meet the pants. a. True b. False 11. You should wash disposable or reusable gloves with soap and water before removing other PPE. a. True b. False 12. Clean disposable, washable items with soap and water prior to disposal. a. True b. False 13. To prevent heat stress when working in hot weather, it is permissible to not use all PPE listed on the label. a. True b. False 14. If you have an accidental pesticide exposure and you don not have any immediate symptoms, you do not need to follow the first aid instructions on the label. a. True b. False 15. Additional resources for PPE information are: a. EPA b. OSHA c. County Extension Office d. State Department of Agriculture e. All of the above f. None of the above
VNLA Field Day Speaker Larry Weaner - LARRY WEANER is nationally recognized for combining expertise in horticulture, landscape design, and ecological restoration. He founded the firm Larry Weaner Landscape Associates in 1982. His work through the eastern U.S. has been featured in regional and national publications, including The New York Times. Larry is an active guest lecturer for horticultural and environmental organizations throughout the U.S., and in 1990 he developed New Directions in the American Landscape (NDAL), a conference series with a national following. His book Garden Revolution: How Our Landscapes Can Be a Source of Environmental Change (Timber Press, 2016) received an American Horticultural Society Book Award.
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News - CBLP Winter Classes in Virginia
CBLP Level 2 class explores native plant communities (Richmond) CBLP Level 1 class atop green roof at VCU in Richmond
(Virginia Beach) CBLP Level 1 class soil texture exercise in Virginia Beach CBLP offers two levels of training and certification: (Harrisonburg) CBLP Level 1 class assesses a bioretention area at JMU in Harrisonburg The Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) program is offering Level 1 classes in two Virginia locations this winter: one in Arlington, was on February 20-21, and in Virginia Beach/Norfolk, on March 13-14. Training is also offered in Maryland and Pennsylvania. CBLP is a new voluntary, regional credential for professionals who design, install, and maintain sustainable landscapes in the Bay watershed. Visit http://cblpro.org/get-certified/ for information, and to apply for certification.
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Level 1 is a baseline certification in design, installation, and maintenance of sustainable landscapes, with emphasis on how to properly maintain stormwater best management practices (BMPs). BMP inspection and verification training is also included in Level 1. Level 2 is an advanced credential in design or installation, focusing on stormwater BMPs Level 1 training consists of one two-day class that combines classroom learning about conservation landscaping and stormwater best management practices, with a field-based maintenance practicum. CBLP’s active learning program focuses on critical thinking, problem solving, and collaborative practice. Candidates also receive unlimited access to CBLP’s online webinar series on sustainable landscaping topics. Level 1 certification exams will be given in multiple locations. Because this is a Bay-wide credential, candidates
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may take the class or exam in any location. The Level 1 fee is $425. A searchable, online directory of CBLP-certified landscape professionals is also available on the CBLP website. Candidates for Level 1 must have a degree, certificate, or certification in a related field, or have professional experience in landscape design, installation, or maintenance. In order to qualify for Level 2, professionals must complete Level 1 and demonstrate experience designing or installing stormwater BMPs. To date, CBLP has certified 170 Level 1 and 32 Level 2 professionals from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Eventually, CBLP will be offered in all states in the Bay watershed. CEUs are available for VNLA and other organizations. A list of CEU providers may be found online at www.cblpro.org. For more information, contact: Beth Ginter, CBLP Coordinator, beth@cblpro.org
News - 2018 MANTS Highest Registration in 10 Years
Annual Green Industry Marketplace Forecasts Excitement and Growth for Horticulture Industry in 2018 Baltimore, Md. – The Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show celebrated another successful year January 10 – 12, 2018 as the show attracted the largest number of registrants since 2008. A diverse group of green industry professionals traveled from across the country and around the world to gather in Baltimore for the show’s 48th year. MANTS welcomed over 11,565 total registrants (including exhibitors) representing 46 states and 15 foreign countries to this year’s show, the best attendance in ten years. These attendees,
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who gathered to do business, network and learn about the newest green industry trends for 2018, had the opportunity to visit 963 exhibiting companies spread out over 1,536 booths. In addition to exhibitors, 3,659 non-exhibiting/buying companies were represented on the show floor. Covering 300,000+ square feet of contiguous exhibit space at the Baltimore Convention Center, MANTS is the premier green industry marketplace for business. “In addition to our increased registration, it was incredible to walk the show floor and feel the energy and excitement our colleagues already have for this season,” said Vanessa Finney, Executive Vice President of MANTS. “Business was booming at MANTS this year, too. 81% of our attendees were designated as final decision makers by their companies and it showed; many exhibitors commented about the quality of the attendees and the amount of business conducted during the show’s three days. We are so glad MANTS continues to be a valuable asset to the industry.” Speaking of business, MANTS continues to have a large economic impact on the city of Baltimore, bringing in thousands of tourists who enhance business for attractions like hotels and restaurants in an otherwise slow time of the year. During this year’s show, MANTS guests booked over 5,500 room nights at 10 Baltimore area hotels. MANTS 2019 is scheduled for January 9-11 at the Baltimore Convention Center. For the latest information visit our website, www.mants.com or call (410) 296-6959. Follow MANTS on: www.Twitter.com/MANTSBaltimore – www.Instgram.com/MANTSBaltimore #MANTSBaltimore | #MANTS2018 Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS): The Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show, MANTS, is known as the Masterpiece of Trade ShowsTM and is sponsored by the State Nursery and Landscape Associations of Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. MANTS is the place where horticulture industry leaders gather every January because MANTS means business. A brief history of MANTS may be found on CONTACTS: Eve Hemsley Butt Anna Levendusky, Maroon PR, 443-864-4246 443-812-4253 Eve@MaroonPR.com Anna@MaroonPR.com
News - NALP Creates National Landscape Career Day Toolkits Available to Help Companies Host Career Days Events Fairfax, Va., (Jan. 31, 2018) In order to address the critical workforce shortage, the National Association of Landscape Professionals has announced the organization of Landscape Career Day, a nationwide program to bring attention to the rewarding careers that exist within the lawn and landscape profession. Industry companies are encouraged to host events at their company and within their communities that showcase industry careers and highlight the many professional paths that exist. To help companies host such events, NALP’s Industry Growth Initiative has created a 21-page toolkit, available to everyone on www.LandscapeIndustryCareers.org . The toolkit offers step-by-step instruction for successfully managing several types of events from community service projects to career fairs to school presentations and provides resources including promotional fliers, digital ads, letters to invite elected officials and educators, letter to request to host a school event, artwork for banners, activity guides, and more. Companies are asked to register their projects with NALP so the association can track the number and types of events being held across the country and communicate with event hosts. “Landscape Career Day is modeled after similar events held in other industries that have proven that positive exposure to a profession can dramatically impact students’ interest in pursuing related careers and educators’ interest in encouraging students to pursue related career paths,” noted Missy Henriksen, NALP’s vice president of public a airs. “We need to change people’s impressions of the profession by helping them touch and feel the important and rewarding work done by the talented men and women who help families, communities, and the environment each and every day.” The event and the supporting resources were created under the direction of the Industry Growth Initiative, which is charged with growing the industry and its workforce. Supported by the voluntary donations of industry businesses, the program is bringing attention to the career opportunities through advertising, media relations, social media outreach and other needed public relations activities. For more information or to find a qualified landscape professional in your area, visit www.LoveYourLandscape.org . About NALP The National Association of Landscape Professionals represents an industry of nearly 1 million landscape, lawn care, irrigation and tree care experts who create and maintain green spaces. The association Contact: Lisa Stryker, 703-456-4217, lisa@landscapeprofessionals.org
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News - New England GROWS to Dissolve After 25 Years BOSTON - February 8, 2018 - After 25 years, the awardwinning horticultural tradeshow New England GROWS is discontinuing operation. The GROWS board of directors, representing the four founding partner organizations, made the unanimous decision to dissolve and disband both the GROWS event and the organization. "The decision to dissolve New England GROWS was difficult, but we all believe it is the right decision at the right time," said GROWS President Michelle Harvey of Lakeview Nurseries in Lunenburg, MA. "Changes both within and outside of the industry contributed to the decision to close GROWS, but this does not diminish the significant and positive contributions GROWS has made to the local green industry over the past 25 years." Founded by New England Nursery Association, Massachusetts Arborists Association, Massachusetts Nursery & Landscape Association, and Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals in 1993, New England GROWS' mission was to educate, elevate and support the region's commercial horticulture industry. Over the course of more than two decades, the not-for-profit organization contributed millions of dollars in educational grants to the industry
through its partners, as well as to horticultural and community groups like Cooperative Extension, the Horticultural Research Institute, FFA organization, local vocational schools, and the Boston Schoolyard Initiative. "We want to thank each and every one of the countless volunteers who worked tirelessly to produce GROWS over the past 25 years, as well as the loyal exhibitors who supported the show from day one," said Virginia Wood, Executive Director of GROWS. "GROWS was known for its world-class educational programming that brought innovative thought leaders from around the world to Boston, and we are proud to have helped bring this level of excellence to New England's green industry." Looking back, New England GROWS has seen it all: Super Bowl championship parades, historic blizzards, Presidential campaign rallies, even marriage proposals. While the renowned event has run its course, the founding organizations are confident that its mission will continue to be met by individual green industry professionals, companies and associations that together make up New England's vibrant horticulture community For more information contact New England GROWS: feedback@NewEnglandGROWS.org, (508) 653-3009
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News - SNA Announces 2018 Award Recipients Atlanta, Ga., January 24, 2018 – The Southern Nursery Association (SNA) has announced the recipients of the 2018 SNA Awards. The awards were presented at the 119th Annual SNA Business Meeting held at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Md., during The SNA Conference. The SNA Awards Program began in 1956, when the late John B. Wight, Sr., suggested to the officers of the Southern Nursery Association that an award be offered annually to the person of their selection who, in their opinion, had contributed most to the advancement of the industry in the South and to the welfare of the Southern Nursery Association. This first award, considered a lifetime achievement award, was named the Slater Wight Memorial Award in memory of the late J. Slater Wight, brother of the late John B. Wight, Sr. Nomination. Selection is made by the SNA Board of Directors. This year’s recipient of the Slater Wight Memorial Award is Donna C. Fare, Ph.D. She is a recently retired research horticulturalist from the U.S. National Arboretum McMinnville, Tennessee location. Her research program addressed environmental issues with field and container nursery systems and germplasm evaluation of ornamental trees and shrubs for production and landscape interest. This year’s recipients of the SNA Pinnacle Award is Ken and Bob LeGette, Graco Fertilizer Company, Cairo, GA. Founded in a 1954 partnership between H.T. LeGette (Ken and Bob’s grandfather) and Robert Johnson, Graco Fertilizer Company was predominately a fertilizer manufacturer and cotton gin. Today, Graco has evolved into a leader in the production of specialty fertilizer and potting soil thanks to the vision of Tom LeGette (Ken and Bob’s father), who became company president in 1970. This year’s recipients of the SNA Environmental Award is This year’s recipients of the SNA Environmental Award is Dr. Sarah A. White, Nursery Extension Specialist at Clemson University in SC and an Associate Professor. Sarah has worked for 15 years on developing best management practices and treatment technologies that growers can use to clean water. She manages and conducts research projects and communicates information related to water management, water quality (chemical and biotic parameters), ecologically based treatment technologies, and integrated pest management to green industry stakeholders. Her lab is currently investigating the applications of vegetation-based technologies (constructed wetlands, floating treatment wetlands, and vegetated buffers) for cleansing agrichemical and plant disease contaminants from production runoff to encouraging water reuse and conservation. VNLA 30
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This year’s recipient of the David E. Laird, Sr. Memorial Award is Sonya Lepper Westervelt, Chief of Wholesale Sales, Saunders Brothers, Piney River, VA. Sonya began her career in horticulture as a cashier at a garden center in Roanoke, Virginia in 1999. She went on to Virginia Tech where she received a B.S. in Horticulture and a B.S. Agricultural and Applied Economics in 2005. From there, she participated in the Longwood Graduate Program in association with the University of Delaware and received her Master’s in Public Horticulture in 2007. After a brief stint working in development for the University of Virginia, she joined her husband, Paul Westervelt, and began working for Saunders Brothers as a regional sales associate in 2009. Sonya served on the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association board for seven years including serving as the board President in 2015. In December 2016, Sonya was promoted to the Chief of Wholesale Sales for Saunders Brothers. She is the proud mama of four-year-old Magnolia and nearly one-year-old Crosier. Established in 1974 by David E. Laird, Jr., in memory of his father, SNA Past President David E. Laird, Sr., the David E.
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Laird, Sr. Memorial 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 SNA Honorary Member Award is William J. “Bill” Boyd, Owner of Flower City Nursery, McMinnville, TN. Bill purchased the business from his father Joe Boyd in 1988. The business is truly his lifeblood. He began his career in horticulture at a very young age helping out at the nursery. He has been attending nursery meetings and conventions since he was about nine years old and has since devoted a large part of his life to nursery associations.
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The 2018 recipient of the Don Shadow Award of Excellence is Robert “Buddy” Lee, Transcend Nursery, Independence, LA. Robert ‘Buddy’ Lee and his wife Dixie live in Independence, Louisiana. They have two children, Ryan and his wife Lauren, Kelsey, and her husband Alan. They have been blessed with five wonderful grandchildren with another little one to arrive soon. Buddy is owner of Transcend Nursery in Louisiana and works closely with Plant Development Services, Inc. in Loxley, Alabama. Buddy is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, Louisiana; University of New York, Albany, New York, and the school of extremely hard knocks. Buddy contributes his steadfast work ethic, values and faith to his caring parents and siblings and also his large circle of extended family and friends. Buddy’s interest in plants began at an early age. He grew up on a dairy farm owned by his parents Robert and Maxine Lee. At age fifteen, he talked his father into letting him work summers and part time at Folsom Nursery owned by Price
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Magee. This nursery is where he ‘cut his teeth’ in many aspects of nursery industry. Local nursery owners, Price Magee, Howard Schillings H.D Loyd, Clarence Mizell and Buster Mizell were great industry role models that had a major influence on him in his early years in the horticulture industry.
News - Southern Nursery Association Elects New Board
In the early 1980’s, Buddy started Savannah Spring Nursery in Folsom, Louisiana, a wholesale operation specializing in container production of evergreen azaleas and other of woody ornamentals. Encouraged by the enthusiasm and knowledge of other plants people such as Margie Jenkins, Don Shadow, Dr. John Thornton, Tom Todd, Bill Todd, Dr. John Creech and many others, Buddy vigorously pursued collecting unique and different plant species and cultivars, growing off populations of open and control pollinated seedlings and evaluating these seedlings for desirable landscape traits and environmental hardiness. Over the years and through the evaluation of many thousands of seedlings his work has resulted in 54 plant patents, numerous foreign plant breeders rights, and numerous U.S. plant trademarks. These new plant introductions include the very successful Encore® Azaleas and cultivars from several other genera that are featured in the Southern Living® Plant Collection and the Sunset Western Plant Collection®. Plant breeding, evaluation and selection work presently continues at Transcend Nursery in Louisiana. Buddy gives numerous horticultural presentations each year to a wide range of audiences and is also an international speaker. He is active in many horticultural organizations and is past president of the Southern Region International Plant Propagators Society (Fellows Award), past president of the Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association (Professional Achievement Award, James Foret Award), past president of the Azalea Society of America (Outstanding Achievement Award), and member of the Louisiana State Horticultural Society (Lifetime Member Award). SNA believes industry members should be recognized for their distinguished talents, extraordinary service and life achievements. The SNA Awards Program is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their commitment to the Southern Nursery Association and the industry through these annual awards. For a list of previous SNA award winners, visit the SNA website at www.sna.org. For more information on SNA, contact the Southern Nursery Association, Inc., Acworth, GA, 678.809.9992, mail@sna.org , or visit the SNA website at www.sna.org .
Front left - Dusty Knight, immediate past president; Norman Cole III, President; back - Rickey Minton, Director, Chapter 3; Joseph Napoli, Vice President/treasurer, Director Chapter 2 (not in photo: Matt Shreckhise, Todd Ellefson)
Atlanta, Ga., January 24, 2018 – Officers of the Southern Nursery Association (SNA) who will serve for the 2018 term were elected during the 119th Annual SNA Business Meeting held at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Md., during The SNA Conference. 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 Norman Cole, III, Cole Nursery, Pipestem, WV, was elected president succeeding Dusty Knight, Plantation Trees, Selma, AL. The complete slate of 2018 officers and directors is as follows:
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President - Norman Cole, III, Cole Nurseries, Pipestem, WV January/February/March 2018 January / February / March 2018
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Vice President/Treasurer/Director Chapter 2 Joseph Napoli, Athens Wholesale Nursery, Athens, GA Director Chapter 3 - Rickey Minton, Triangle Nursery, McMinnville, TN Director Chapter 4 - Todd Ellefson, Windmill Nursery, Franklinton, LA Director Chapter 1 - Matthew Shreckhise, Shreckhise Nurseries, Grottoes, VA Immediate Past President - Dusty Knight, Plantation Tree Company, Selma, AL
serves as Vice President. He has served as president of the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS - 2012) and remains on the board as a director. Norman and his wife Missy have two children (Norman IV and Calvin).
The new industry leader joining the SNA Board this year is Matthew Shreckhise, Shreckhise Nurseries, Grottoes, VA. Matt grew up in the small town of Mt. Sidney, Virginia on land that was the original family farm Wednesday July 15, 2015 and nursery, so he was exposed to the horticulture industry at a very young Tradeage. Show: 9 AMgreat-great - 3 PM Matt’s uncle, Noah Newly elected SNA President Norman Cole, III, Cole Shreckhise, started the family’s legacy Nurseries, Pipestem, WV, was elected to serve on the SNA nursery industry in the late Board of Directors in 2014 representing Chapter 1. Norman Shopin24theLocal Nurseries 1800s and three ofLocation! his nephews began is recognized as an industry leader in cutting-edge plant dein one Convenient Shreckhise Nurseries in 1936. Matt is velopment, including his Highlander and Little Missy boxcurrently the sales manager at Shreckhise Nurseries and woods. Founded in 1937, Cole Nurseries is a 200-acre farm his dad, Danny. consisting primarily of woody ornamentals and trees that 2 0 1works 5 alongsideKerr Sponsored by Scott Building are unique to the area. Boxwoods are Cole Nurseries’ top Matt graduatedNC fromState VirginiaFairgrounds Tech in 2002 and majored in sellers. Business Management. Before returning to the family Raleigh, nursery business, he workedNC in corporate sales in WashingNorman holds a B.S. Horticulture from Virginia Tech. He ton, DC for 4 years. Matt explains, “I wanted to gain sales contributes much of his success to an internship at Shadow and management experience by working for someone else. Nursery after he graduated from college where Don Shadow I needed to understand the value of uncertainty and a true provided him with many contacts he still uses today to help sense of independence that sometimes can be absent when bring in new products. Norman has served on the West Virreturning to the family business. After a successful stint ginia Nursery & Landscape Association board and currently
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working elsewhere I believed I was ready to return and bring outside skills and knowledge back to our business.” Matt has served the green industry as president of the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association (VNLA) and the Shenandoah Valley Nursery & Greenhouse Association (SVNGA) and was an advisory board member for the Virginia Tech Department of Horticulture. He currently resides in Staunton, Virginia with his wife Elizabeth and their three sons Daniel Mason (7), Ellis (3), and Noah (1). “This 2018 board represents a group of diverse industry leaders, all with excellent business skills that can be leveraged to the advantage of the SNA,” said Karen Summers, SNA Executive Vice President. “As a regional association we have the ability to look around the region for members that have demonstrated strong leadership skills at the state level and select from these industry leaders to guide our association. I am very confident that through the leadership of this group of gentlemen we will become stronger and move the association forward,” 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. Southern Nursery Association, Inc., 678.809.9992, mail@sna.org , www.sna.org
Feature - Notes from a Trip to London and Scotland By Leslie Harris, LH Gardens, Charlottesville
Traveling to see gardens is very important to me, as it opens up worlds of inspiration and ideas, and I am lucky enough to be married to a guy who also loves to travel. In August, my husband and I took a trip to London and Scotland. His interest in visiting gardens has more to do with indulgence than enthusiasm, but he is as eager to make me happy with garden touring as I am to make him happy with his golf, so we both win and this trip was filled with both. On the first hole… just kidding. Here is the skinny on the gardens I saw.
the garden to the Society of the Apothecaries for five pounds a year in perpetuity, which made it possible for the garden to survive that long as well.
The Chelsea Physic Garden is small (3.5 acres), south facing, and walled, which allows for the cultivation of many plants which would not normally be able to prosper in London’s climate, including the largest fruit bearing olive tree in England. Most impressive to me were the alpine garden and the collection of salvias, including a huge specimen of ‘Amistad’. There are ordered rectangular plots organized botanically according to family, and The Garden of Useful Plants includes many species whose merits were previously unknown to me. This is an easy and delightful garden in which to spend a half-day. From London we took the Caledonian sleeper train overnight to Edinburgh and lived for several days in Gullane, about 30 miles west of Edinburgh in the county of East Lothian. From there we had access to many golf courses, of course, but also a nice selection of small gardens. The four we visited were Amisfield Walled Garden, Archerfield Walled Garden, St Mary’s Pleasance, and Dirleton Castle Garden. They were each small enough to see in several hours or less, and they were all very close to each other. Archerfield and Amisfield have a bit in common, but I would recommend seeing Archerfield first, which I did not do. It is impressive enough but is much more of a tourist and commercial enterprise, with a market, restaurant, gift shop, Fairy Trail (!) and of course walls. Like Amisfield Walled Garden, it was the garden for a large estate and was used to produce food for the inhabitants and staff. It is charming enough with its many fruit and vegetables; easy to see, then have a cuppa and cake, and move on.
In London I visited the Chelsea Physic Garden, which I had never seen before. Tucked away in the residential neighborhood by the Thames due south of Hyde Park, the garden is one of the oldest in London, having been started as an Apothecary Garden in 1673. Opened to the public in 1983, the garden’s existence owes much to Sir Hans Sloane, a man we honor not just for having returned from Jamaica with a recipe for milk chocolate that the Cadbury Brothers adopted in the 19th century, but also because Sir Hans leased VNLA Newsletter January/February/March 2018 34 January / February / March 2018
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Amisfield Walled Garden was far more appealing to me because of its interesting history, the fact that it is run by volunteers, and its potential. Its history would be typical in that it was the accompanying garden for a mansion, but the difference is that the garden is huge: 8 acres within 16 foot tall walls. It is out of proportion with the estate for which it was built. That indicates that the original owner, the Earl of Wemyss, had an especial interest in either gardening or in showing off. In each corner of the garden are beautiful circular pavilions, which are still a bit rough looking from years of neglect, but which have pleasing architectural proportion. Built in 1783, the garden was active until World War II, when it was used to house prisoners of war. After a quarter of century of dereliction in the late 20th century, a trust was established to be able to make the garden open to the public.
Amisfield has an army of over 50 volunteers, and many ties with the town of Haddington. They are able to host gardening courses and events in addition to selling vegetables and fruits at local markets. Besides walking its long paths of edible and ornamental plants that come off of a center circle, one of the pleasures of visiting this garden is being able to converse with the volunteers about their chores, the crops, and the rhythms of maintaining and improving such a precious resource. While there in Haddington, it only takes an extra hour (after lunch at the Waterside Bistro, don’t miss that) to see St. Mary’s Pleasance Garden. Covering less than 1.5 acres, it is tucked into the middle of the village and surrounded by a
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church, some walls constructed by prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars, and Haddington House, built in the 17th century.
Then we were on to Edinburgh, where I spent several hours (not enough) on my own at the Royal Botanic Garden. This one has all you could want. Perhaps the herbaceous borders (my soft spot) weren’t the longest in the world, but they were long (180 yards), and anchored by towering beech hedges that soared to 18’ by my estimation. I also enjoyed the Woodland Garden, which had fine collections of ferns and Rhododendron, and the Rock Garden. The latter has a stream running through it, and paths take you over and beside it to keep your interest, if the hundreds of alpine specimens don’t.
St. Mary’s Pleasance is a little gem that surprises you with the variety it holds. We started down some simple paths with stone walls warming lovely old roses, then came across The Sunken Garden, which, though small, would rival the quality of any large Botanical Garden in terms of tidiness and interest of planting. I enjoyed climbing the Boxed Mount Lookout, which was a path through a maze of boxwood leading up a small, really quite small (think several bulldozers worth of soil) hill. So simple and yet so pleasant to arrive at the top to be able to behold all that you had just enjoyed throughout the garden. Most impressive was the pleached Laburnum allee. Again, the scale is small, but the quality is strong. The last garden in East Lothian was probably the most universally popular in terms of tourism. Strategically located so that one must pass through the garden before one can visit what is perhaps one’s true destination, Dirleton Castle, the gardens there boast the word’s longest herbaceous border, a formal Victorian Bedding Garden, some spectacular Monkey Puzzle Tree specimens (Araucari araucana), and some of the deepest and most dramatic edging I have see in my travels (at least 6”deep) . The herbaceous border would get a B+ for plant material, B+ for maintenance, A- for rhythm of composition with its comforting but not strictly repetitive groupings, and of course A+ for length!
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The newly added Queen Mother’s Memorial Garden has a lovely array of roses. It is predictably and appropriately formal; worth a stroll through but not memorable except that something so new could seem very old. Perhaps that is the point of the design. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has much more to it than I have time to write about here, but in summary, it is worth a full day of time. When traveling in the UK, one is aware that there is such a magnitude of worthy gardens that one might hesitate as to how to find and choose an itinerary. So many gardens, so little time. A possible solution to this problem is to have, as your traveling companion, a guy who never seems to grow weary of Google searches. That is my strategy. In case you don’t have someone like that to rely on, I hope this short trail of good gardens is helpful to you if you wish to organize a trip to Scotland. By Leslie Harris, LH Gardens, Charlottesville, lharris@lhgardens.com
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Lauren Snyder, AmericanHort Marketing Manager LaurenS@AmericanHort.org 614-884-115
Research - Study Finds No Cancer Link to Roundup A large long-term study on the use of the weedkiller glyphosate by agricultural workers has found no firm link between exposure to the pesticide and cancer, scientists said this month.
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The findings are likely to affect legal proceedings in the United States against Monsanto, the maker of Roundup, in which more than 180 plaintiffs are claiming that exposure to the pesticide gave them cancer - allegations that Monsanto denies.
The findings may also influence a crucial decision due by the end of the year on whether umbus, OH - AmericanHort announcesforthe addition glyphosate should be relicensed sale across of Coley as director of government affairs based in its the European Union. EU countries had been due shington,toD.C. office. vote on the issue last week but again failed to agree a proposaltoforwelcome a five-year extension. mericanHort istodelighted Tal to further ad-
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ce our strategic advocacy The EU decision has and been outreach delayed forefforts,” more thansaid a year after the World Health Organization's Inig Regelbrugge, AmericanHort Senior Vice President, ternational Agency for Research on Cancer vocacy and Research. “He is a knowledgeable and reexpeviewed glyphosate in 2015 and concluded was ced communicator who will diligently promote itindustry "probably carcinogenic" to humans. bodectives and articulate industry-related issuesOther to lawmakies, such as the European Food Safety Authority, ” have concluded that glyphosate is safe to use.
The new background research is part of thework Agricultural has an extensive including on a wide Health Study, which has been tracking the healthHis ety of issue advocacy and external affairs projects. of with tens of thousands of is agricultural workers, initiative AmericanHort Impact Washington farmers and their families in Iowa and North CarmericanHort.org/Impact), a two-day summit this Septemolina. with industry leaders from around the country designed the early 1990s,issues it has- gathered anatrategize Since on mission-critical labor andand immigralyzed detailed information on the health of par- , horticultural research and innovation, and tax reform ticipants and their families, and their use of peshighlight legislative reforms and concerns with congresticides, glyphosate. nal members andincluding their staffs.
David Spiegelhalter, a professor at Britain's or to AmericanHort, Coley led congressional outreach efCambridge University who has no link to the res at Concerned Veterans for America, spearheading a vasearch, said the findings were from a "large and y of endeavors to include annual fly-ins, policy initiacareful study" and showed "no significant relas, and external affairs. glyphosate He is a veteran of the United tionship between use and any cancer."
cember 2017
For the complete article, go to: http://wapo.st/2shHIld
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Tips - Resource for Advanced Irrigation Management of Nursery Crops Container-grown plants are constrained with regard to root growth, and are affected by factors including container size, substrate, weather, nutrition, and irrigation. Typical soilless substrates will hold less plant-available water than a typical field soil, making water management a critical component of any container-grown plant production system. A well designed and managed irrigation system, which works in concert with the aforementioned factors, can provide the necessary quantity of water to support plant growth in an efficient manner. The "Advanced Irrigation Management for ContainerGrown Ornamental Crop Production" Virginia Tech Extension publication discusses irrigation management practices to assist growers in more effectively managing the irrigation of containerized ornamental crops. Within the publication, three key principles are reviewed in depth: 1) irrigation system design and maintenance, 2) irrigation system performance assessment, and 3) irrigation scheduling (or management) as they pertain to micro and overhead-irrigation of container-grown crops. James S. Owen Jr., Nursery Crop Extension Specialist, Hampton
Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center, and Associate Professor, Horticulture, Virginia Tech, Jim.Owen@vt.edu Anthony V. LeBude, Nursery Crop Extension Specialist, Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center, and Associate Professor, Horticulture Science, North Carolina State University, anthony_lebude@ncsu.edu
Tips - Problem Finders or Solution Seekers [Jim Paluch will be the keynote speaker for the summer VNLA Workshop before Field Day at Colesville Nursery.] Do you ask questions, or do you come up with answers? And which is better as we help ourselves and others take action and get results? Sometimes as a leader, it can become almost overwhelming as one after another good-meaning, hardworking employees come to you for the final word, the best answer. Generally, leaders are looking for individuals and teams that are both willing and able to step up and not only pose a great question but also come prepared with a plan to take action. Just as we need people who are sharp and aware of what needs to be done or possible roadblocks that we might encounter, we also need individuals who are able to actually solve problems or come up with creative solutions.
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Problem finders, those who can spot a problem or obstacle a mile away and help everyone become aware or wary of it, are much easier to find than those who find solutions to the looming obstacles that we face. Finding solutions means risking the possibility of being wrong and risking your time and a bit of your ego to make things happen without a complete approval. Great leaders have developed a team of critical thinkers who are brave enough to make a decision and risk being wrong in that decision because they are confident in their abilities, and they clearly know what the expectations of their position are. Though it is often much easier for an employee to wait for someone else to make the decision and then let them take the fall if it doesn't turn out as expected, individuals and teams that are taking responsibility and growing within a company tend to take initiative to get the job done right.
final call?" Is that because they are not performing in a culture where they feel safe making the decision, or is it because they don't want to take the risk of being wrong? Do I prefer to call the shots, or am I looking for leaders that are comfortable in making choices that I have no need to be part of?
Of course, owners and leaders must set the stage for Solution Seekers to step up and make a difference. There is a balance to be found between being accessible and helpful to those that you lead while avoiding the old habits of keeping control of daily decisions that can be made without you. Finding that balance is challenging and liberating and can be the key to personal and professional growth for everyone in the organization. It might be interesting to ask, "How many people on our team are waiting for me to make the
Sometimes the best way to communicate about a problem and its possible solution is found in the types of words that are used in the discussion. As you read the following list, allow yourself to imagine conversations where you or someone else has used one or more of these types of phrases. Can you relate with how the Conversation Makers left you feeling as opposed to how the Breakers might have? Which led to a productive discussion and ultimately to results? Which gave the other person the opportunity to think creatively and was more likely to lead to a solution or result?
The questions we ask ourselves and the questions we ask others each day can help us encourage the Problem Finders to take action and develop into a dynamic group of Solution Seekers. It is is our responsibility as leaders to make sure people not only feel comfortable making decisions, but that they are working in a culture that makes it easy and rewarding to do!
Communication Makers and Breakers
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MAKERS
BREAKERS
1. CONSIDER
1. Here is what you need to do
2. Let me share some information.
2. I will tell you
3. Be advised
3. You should know
4. That is a likely event
4. That happens every time
5. This is a challenge
5. I'm not good at
6. Let me clarify
6. You don't listen
7. Can I offer my help?
7. What is the matter with you?
STRATEGIES THAT PRODUCE SOLUTIONS AND ACTION Who do you know? When asked, people are generally willing to help in a collaborative way. Use your network to incorporate the skills of people who can help you find a solution for your problem, big or small! Consider the impact of high school horticulture teachers and college professors enlisting help from their students in telling their own story to friends and others that would be drawn to the profession.
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Ask an "Indian chief." A Whack On The Side Of The Head, by Roger von Oech, challenges us to jump start our creativity by looking at a problem from a totally different perspective. "How would an Indian chief solve this problem?" is one of my favorite lines out of the book. Would your son or daughter give you a different perspective that you would not have thought of? Ask questions until the solution appears. Take the time to identify the obstacles and opportunities of your problem, then ask questions such as "how can this obstacle become a positive solution or advantage to taking action?" Questions engage our brains in a dynamic way, don't they? Create a plan. From the strategies mentioned here and others you may use, put a plan together to take action. Begin with a step that may seem so incredibly simple; yet starting here will create momentum. It is the best way to overcome inertia and create an initial win.
Believe in a Solution Before we can ever solve a problem, we must first believe a solution is possible. If we speak in terms of solving the problem rather than being hindered by it, then the solution can be just some creative steps away. In the Landscape Profession, we are in the process of finding a solution to a serious recruiting problem. As energized professionals who have built successful businesses speak about the great careers available in a profession that makes a difference in healthier living outdoors, they will find the solution to labor shortage. Simply stating that "I can't find good people!" reinforces that you will not find good people. As a profession, we must collectively believe that this is an exciting time with changes ahead that will create an even greater future.
Here is one more strategy to consider: Find Someone to Speak Out for You - Just as I am doing today. For over 35 years, I have been part of the landscape profession, from mowing grass on a golf course as a teen, to years of selling and creating outdoor spaces for families, businesses and communities to now 25 years of training and inspiring professionals across North America. I have enjoyed watching people grow exceptional careers and successful businesses while making a positive impact on their communities, their families and one another's lives. What I would like to do today is encourage you to help us get young people and those still looking for meaningful careers engaged in this important profession that gets people outside and living healthier lives. If you know that person looking for a great career, email me and we will solve this problem and others that come our way together. JIM PALUCH
5800 Knotts Neck Road, Suffolk, Virginia 23435 (757) 484-4421 | www.lancasterfarms.com
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Quotes "We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them" - Albert Einstein "It's so much easier to suggest solutions when you don't know too much about the problem." - Malcolm S. Forbes
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"Most people spend more time and energy going around problems than in trying to solve them." - Henry Ford "We are continually faced by great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems." - Lee Iacocca "How you think about a problem is more important than the problem itself - so always think positively." - Norman Vincent Peale "One thing is sure. We have to do something. We have to do the best we know how at the moment; If it doesn't turn out right, we can modify it as we go along." - Franklin D. Roosevelt "You won't find a solution by saying there is no problem." -William Rotsler "The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew." -- Abraham Lincoln "Good management is the art of making problems so interesting and their solutions so constructive that everyone wants to get to work and deal with them." - Paul Hawken Reprinted with Permission, People Solutions, Finding Solutions, 11/3/17 If you want to learn more about the power of PEOPLE SOLUTIONS THAT DRIVE BUSINESS PERFORMANCE, contact: JP Horizons Inc., PO Box 266, Mentor, OH 44060; (440) 352-8211,
jim@jphorizons.com, www.jphorizons.com
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VNLA Field Day
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VNLA – Rockwell Recognized Ad – TD Watkins Horticultural Sales Business Card Ad
Virginia Rockwell, 2017 VNLA President was recognized by incoming 2018 President, Aaron Williams for her service as VNLA President and six years on the VNLA Board serving as the Legislative Chair volunteer.
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Lauren Snyder, AmericanHort Marketing Manager LaurenS@AmericanHort.org 614-884-115
News - New Invasive Pest Detected in Virginia
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Thursday, July 12, 2018 The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) just announced the detection of a new invaVNLA Field Day sive insect pest in Virginia. In early January, VDACS inspectors discovered the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula, at a stone yard in Frederick County near Winchester. The Spotted Lanternfly is native to China, India and Vietnam, and prior to the January detection, was not known to occur in Virginia. Both SLF egg masses and dead adultsMap Ad/4.5x7.25 8/30/04 10:27 AM Page 1 ESN-117 Ad - Cam were detected at the Winchester site. umbus, OH - AmericanHort announces the addition of Coley as director of government affairs based in its shington, D.C. office. Spotted Lanternfly feeds on more than 70 mericanHort is delighted welcome to further plants, includingtograpes, stoneTal fruits, hops adAd – Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia ce our strategic advocacy andof outreach and Ailanthus (Tree Heaven).efforts,” The in- said g Regelbrugge, AmericanHort Senior Vice President, sect causes damage to plants because of its ocacy and Research. “He is a the knowledgeable andofexpemethod of feeding, rapid buildup ced communicator who willand diligently promote industry large populations the production of ctives and articulate aindustry-related to lawmakhoneydew, by-product of issues their feeding ” activity that serves as a medium for fungal growth. SLF can alsoincluding be a nuisance has an extensive background workpest on to a wide homeowners when found in large numety of issue advocacy and external affairs projects. His bers. initiative with AmericanHort is Impact Washington
mericanHort.org/Impact), a two-day summit this SeptemThe first U.S. detection of SLF occurred in with industry from aroundbusiness the country 2014 leaders at a Pennsylvania that designed imrategize ports on mission-critical issues and from immigrastone products. Stone- labor products , horticultural researchwent and innovation, and tax site. reform that business to the Winchester highlightVDACS legislative reforms and with congresinspectors hadconcerns been monitoring al members their staffs. the and Winchester site since 2015, with no positive detections a routine outreach follow efr to AmericanHort, Coley leduntil congressional up survey in January. Inspectors thena vas at Concerned Veterans for America, spearheading found SLF on Ailanthus trees located y of endeavors to include annual fly-ins, policyoninitiathe property. s, and external affairs. He is a veteran of the United
Early detection is vital for the management of any newly introduced plant pest. ember 2017 12 VDACS is now conducting a survey in the surrounding area in an effort to determine the extent of the infestation. VDACS is also working with Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to determine management and control strategies for SLF. For more information on Spotted Lanternfly in Virginia, click here or contact Debra Martin, Program Manager in the VDACS Office of Plant Industry Services at 804.786.3515
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Too Camel
WH O C A R E S T H AT WE’RE PLANTED ON THE VNLA E ANewsletter S T E R N S H O R E ? October/November/Dece VNLA Newsletter
October / September / Dece
Maybe you should care. The Eastern Shore of Virginia is unique place – a narrow peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, we’re blessed with temperate growing conditions, refreshing shore breezes and plenty of sunshine year round. Which gives us the perfect environment Eastern for growing happy, healthy plants. Plus we’re in Shore the ideal location to get our plants to you ASAP. Nursery Of Call Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia Virginia today to order plants that have the best start in life money can buy. Keller, Virginia • 1-800-323-3008 • www.esnursery.com
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Spotted Lanternfly
Lycorma delicatula (White) (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae)
By: Douglas G. Pfeiffer, Eric R. Day and Phillip A. Sisti, Virginia Tech Entomology
Origin & Distribution: The spotted lanternfly (SLF) has been detected in Virginia in Frederick County in the northern part of the state in January of 2018. The SLF originates from China where its presence has been documented in detail dating as far back as the 12th century. In modern times, it was first recorded from a sample collected in Nankin, China. SLF is native to China, India, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. In September 2014, the first detection of spotted lanternfly in the US was confirmed in eastern Pennsylvania. In 2017, the range expanded to 13 Pennsylvania counties and a single county in both Delaware and New York; the geographical range is likely to expand further. SLF is likely to have arrived from China up to two years earlier than first detected on shipping materials, pointing to its ability to overwinter successfully. It is highly invasive and can spread rapidly when introduced to new areas. This is attributed to its wide host range (more than 70 host plant species) and a lack of natural native enemies. Description: The first stage nymph is wingless, black, and has white spots on the body and legs. The last nymphal instar develops red patches over the body while retaining the whitespot pattern. Adult SLF are approximately 1” long and ½” wide. The legs and head are black, while the abdomen is yellow with broad, black bands on top and bottom. Its forewings are light-brown/grey with black spots and the wings tips are reticulated black rectangular blocks outlined in grey. The hind wings are a scarlet red with black spots and tips of reticulated black blocks, separated by a white stripe. At rest, the SLF shows light-brown, grayish wings with black spots held “tentlike” over its body. Adult females are distinguished by the presence of a red spot on the end of the abdomen. SLF egg masses (oothecae) contain 30-50 eggs, are 1-1.5” long and ½-¾” wide, grayish-brown in color, and covered with a grey, waxy coating (newly laid oothecae are somewhat shiny). Old oothecae appear as rows of 30-50 brownish seed-like deposits in 4-7 columns, measuring roughly 1” long. Life Cycle: The SLF is univoltine and overwinters as eggs in oothecae. Eggs hatch in spring and early summer (late April-May) and undergo four nymphal instars before adults begin appearing in July, becoming abundant in August. Adults begin laying eggs in September and continue through November until the onset of winter begins to kill off any remaining adults.
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Virginia Tech
January / February / March 2018
ENTO-180NP (ENTO-264NP)
VNLA Newsletter
Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national 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, Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg.
Signs & Symptoms: Newly emerging nymphs disperse from the oviposition site and appear to be broad generalists as they feed on a wide range of plant species—almost every plant they encounter while on the ground. Nymphs are most often observed on leaves and branches of host plants. Look for nymphs on smaller plants and vines during the summer. Nymph and adult SLF typically gather in large numbers on host plants. They are easy to spot at dusk or night as they migrate up and down the trunk of the plant. During the day, they are harder to see as they tend to cluster near the base of the host plant if adequate canopy cover exists. Adult SLF are found on tree trunks, stems, and sometimes near leaf litter at the tree base. Although winged, adults are poor flyers but very strong jumpers and thus prefer to move up trees by walking. They favor Treeof-Heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and grapevine (Vitis vinifera) as host plants on which to feed. In the fall, adult SLF focus on Tree-of-Heaven as a host for feeding and egg laying, although not exclusively. Adults will lay eggs on other smooth-trunked trees or any vertical smooth surface, natural or manmade. Look for adults starting in late August-September. Copulation and oviposition can be observed from evening to night from mid-September to November. Look for egg masses on rocks and other smooth surfaces from October to early spring. Both nymphs and adults are phloem feeders—they suck sap from young stems and leaves, which can cause withering of whole trees. This reduces photosynthesis, weakens the plant, and eventually contributes to the host plant’s death. Feeding can also cause the plant to weep or ooze, resulting in a fermented odor. Wounds will leave a grayish-black trail along the trunk. The insects excrete large amounts of a sugar-rich fluid called “honeydew” which covers the stems and leaves of trees as well as the ground underneath infested plants. This fluid hastens the growth of sooty mold that can reduce photosynthesis, weaken the plant and cause eventual death. Blackened soil and even mold patches, appearing as a yellowish-white mat, may form at the base of the tree and often produce a vinegar smell. Honeydew secretion often attracts other insects such as yellow jackets, hornets, bees, ants and flies. Quarantine & Status: SLF has recently been detected in Frederick County, Virginia. This fact sheet is to aid in the detection of possible new infestations, since SLF is expanding its range, and the insect can have an important economic impact. SLF has great potential to impact the country’s grape, orchard, logging, tree- and wood-product, and green industries. Suspect insects that resemble SLF can be taken to the nearest Virginia Cooperative Extension county office for identification at no charge. If you have a photograph of a suspected spotted lanternfly, upload it here with the location: https://ask.extension.org/groups/1981/ask . Although there is no quarantine in place, if you have questions about moving material out of infested sites, contact the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 804-786-3515.
VNLA Newsletter
January / February / March 2018
45
Upcoming Events March 13-14, 2018, CHESAPEAKE BAY LANDSCAPE
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL 1 CLASSES, Norfolk, VA, VA www.cblpro.org
March14-17, 2018, NATIONAL COLLEGIATE LANDSCAPE COMPETITION, sponsored by NALP at Alamance Community College, Graham, NC 800-395-2522, info@landscapeprofessionals.org March 16, 2018, SHENANDOAH VALLEY PLANT SYMPOSIUM, Waynesboro, VA March 19-22, 2018, INTERNATIONAL IPM SYMPOSIUM, Baltimore Harborplace Hotel, https://ipmsymposium.org/2018/ May 31 – June 2, 2018, ANNUAL AMEREICAN BOXWOOD SOCIETY SYMPOSIUM IN VIRGINIA, Charlottesville area, http://www.boxwoodsociety.org/abs_symposium.html June 9, 2018, VA TECH HAHN HORTICULTURE GARDEN GALA, Blacksburg, VA www.hort.vt.edu/hhg/ July 11, 2018, VNLA Landscape Management Workshop, Wednesday, Ashland, VA July 12, 2018, VNLA Field Day hosted by Colesville Nursery, Ashland, VA July 13, 2018, VNLA Summer Tour
July 14-17, 2018, AmericanHort – CULTIVATE18, Columbus, OH, www.cultivate18.org August 9-11, 2018, VIRGINIA CHRISTMAS TREE GROWERS ANNUAL CONFERENCE, 540-382-7310, www.VirginiaChristmasTrees.org August 22-24, 2018, FARWEST SHOW, Portland, OR http://www.farwestshow.com/schedule.shtml September 14-16, 2018, ANNUAL MEETING OF THE VIRGINIA NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY, Williamsburg, VA http://vnps.org/events/ January 9-11, 2019, MANTS TRADE SHOW, Baltimore, MD www.MANTS.com January 10, 2019, VNLA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP BREAKFAST MEETING, Baltimore MD www.vnla.org
VNLA Newsletter 46
Virginia Certified Horticulturist Exams Virginia Beach, VA Tech HRAREC, Saturday, March 17, 9 am - 1 pm (Deadline 3/2/18) Charlottesville, CitySpace, Downtown Charlottesville, March 20, 9 am - Noon (Deadline 3/6/18) Virginia Tech, Saunders Hall 4th FL, Blacksburg, VA April 19, 6:00-9:00 p.m. (Deadline 4/5/18) Leesburg, Monroe Technical Center, Wednesday, May 16, 10 am - 2 pm (Deadline 5/2/18)
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
SAVE THE DATES!!! VNLA Management Workshop Wednesday, July 11, 2018 Ashland, VA
VNLA Field Day Thursday, July 12, 2018
VNLA Summer Tour
January/February/March 2018 January / February / March 2018
North Richmond area Friday July 13, 2018 46 VNLA Newsletter
Prsrt. Std U.S. Postage PAID Blacksburg, VA Permit No. 107
Your Roots Are In Virginia!
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