DISTINCTIVE PLANTS FOR YOUR LANDSCAPE 2013 SELECTIONS
Bright, Bold and Beautiful Inject a Dose of Sunshine into Your Garden
Hakonochloa macra ‘All Gold’
Sedum nokoense
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Little Honey’
Juniperus horizontalis ‘Mother Lode’
Ilex crenata ‘Drops of Gold’
Spirea thunbergii ‘Ogon’
Hypericum calycinum ‘Brigadoon’
Liriope muscari ‘Pee Dee Ingot’
Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’
VIRGINIA PLANT INTRODUCTION PROGRAM www.beautifulgardens.org
2012 VNLA Officers & Directors OFFICERS President STEVE GRIGG - Education Grigg Design Inc ‘09 8193 Euclid Ct #A Manassas Park, VA 20111-4810 703-368-7539 Fax:703-368-2894 sgrigg@gdiva.com
2 YR DIRECTORS CHERYL LAJOIE Certification ‘09 Lancaster Farms 5800 Knotts Neck Rd Suffolk VA 23435-1353 757-484-4421 Fax: 7575-686-8637 Cheryl@lancasterfarms.com
1 YR DIRECTORS SONYA L. WESTERVELT Public Relations ‘10 Saunders Brothers Inc 2717 Tye Brook Highway Piney River, VA 22964 (434) 277-5455 fax: (434) 277-5394 sonya@saundersbrothers.com
Vice President MATT SAWYER - Research Bennett’s Creek Nursery ‘07 5635 Shoulders Hill Rd Suffolk, VA 23435-1807 757-483-1425 Fax: 757-483-9058 Matt@bcnursery.com
JOHN BARBIERI Membership ‘08 Riverbend Nursery 5408 Meadow Chase Rd Midlothian, VA 23112-6316 804-363-6758 Fax: 804-6395905 john@riverbendnursery.com VIRGINIA ROCKWELL Legislation ‘12 Gentle Gardener Green Design PO Box 418 Gordonsville, VA 22942-0418 540-832-7031 (cell) 434-531-0467 Virginia@GentleGardener.com
TOM THOMPSON, Environmental Affairs ‘10 Natural Art Landscaping 3540 S Belmont Rd Richmond VA 23234-2912 (804) 674-5703 Naturalartlandscaping@yahoo.com
Secretary/ Treasurer MATT SHRECKHISE Communications ‘08 Shreckhise Nurseries PO Box 428 Grottoes, VA 24441-0428 540-249-5761 fax:540-2495762 Matthew@shreckhise.com Ex-Officio Past President MARK MASLOW Resource Development Southern Landscape Group PO Box 397 Evington VA 24550-0397 434-821-6004 Fax: 434-821-2133 mark@soscapes.com Executive Director JEFFREY B. MILLER Horticulture Management Associates LLC 383 Coal Hollow Road Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 1-800-476-0055 Fax: 540-382-2716 info@vnla.org
Educational Advisors DR. ROGER HARRIS VA Tech Horticulture Dept. Head Saunders Hall (0327) Blacksburg, VA 24061-0001 540-231-5451 Fax: 540-231-3083 rharris@vt.edu DR. JIM OWEN HARAREC 1444 Diamond Springs Rd Virginia Beach, VA 234553351 (757) 363-3804 jim.owen@vt.edu Beautiful Gardens® Plant Introduction Program LISA LIPSEY Program Coordinator VA Tech Dept of Horticulture (0327) Blacksburg, VA 24061 540-231- 6961 Fax: 540-231-3083 llipsey@vt.edu
DOUG HENSEL Beautiful Gardens ‘08 Great Big Greenhouse & Nrsy 2051 Huguenot Rd Richmond, VA 23235-4305 804-320-1317 FAX: 804-320-9580 doug@greatbiggreenhouse.com MANTS’ DIRECTORS JOHN LANCASTER‘02 Bennett’s Creek Nursery 3613 Bridge Road Suffolk, VA 23435-1807 757-483-1425 FAX: 757-483-9058 TOM SAUNDERS ’96 Saunders’ Brothers Inc. 2508 Tye Brook Hwy Piney River, VA 22964-2301 804-277-5455 FAX: 804-277-8010 DANNY SHRECKHISE Shreckhise Nurseries ‘12 PO Box 428 Grottoes, VA 24441-0428 540-249-5761 fax:540-249-5762 Danny@shreckhise.com
g VNLA Newsletter
VNLA Newsletter
October / November / December 2012
October/November/December 2012
REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Central Virginia Nursery & Landscape Assoc Jim Hassold 804-377-1977 Jim@glenallennursery.com Eastern Shore Nurserymen’s Association John Owen 757-442-6717 jkgrowen@verizon.net Hampton Roads Nursery & Landscape Assoc Cheryl Lajoie (757) 484-4421 cheryl@lancasterfarms.com Northern Virginia Nursery & Landscape Assoc Amanda Caldwell ajcdenali@hotmail.com Piedmont Landscape Assoc Jessica Primm 434-882-0520 info@piedmontlandscape.org Shenandoah Valley Nursery & Greenhouse Assoc Matt Shreckhise 540-249-5761 matthew@shreckhise.com Directors at Large Mike Hildebrand ‘12 James River Nurseries 13244 Ashland Rd Ashland VA 23005-7504
804-798-2020 Fax: 804-798-2802
mchildebrand@ jamesrivernurseries.com
Dawn Lerch ‘12 Associate 1701 Ducatus Dr Midlothian VA 23113-4067 804-690-1374 (cell) Dawn50Lerch@verizon.net Bill Gouldin ‘12 Strange’s Florist/Garden Ctrs 3313 Mechanicsville Pike Richmond VA 23223 804-321-2200x331 wjg@stranges.com 3
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Table of Contents Ad - Arborcare ................................................... 37 Ad - Beautiful Gardens ‘Plants of Distinction 2013” ........... 2 Ad - Bennett’s Creek Nursery.............................. 23 Ad - Bremo Trees ................................................. 68 Ad - Carolina Bark Products ................................ 55 Ad - Colonial Farm Credit ................................... 68 Ad - CW Reeson Nursery ...................................... 5 Ad - Eastern Shore Nursery of Virginia .............. 17 Ad - Fair View Nursery ....................................... 55 Ad - Goodson & Associates ................................. 44 Ad - Gossett’s Landscape Nursery ...................... 46 Ad - Guthrie Nursery ........................................... 33 Ad - Hanover Farms ............................................... 9 Ad - Hardwood Mulch ......................................... 59 Ad - Hawksridge Farms ....................................... 61 Ad - Johnston County Nursery Marketing Assoc 57 Ad - Lancaster Farms ........................................... 36 Ad - Lilley Farms & Nursery ............................... 25 Ad - Mid-Atlantic Solutions ................................ 60 Ad - NanoQuantics .............................................. 29 Ad - OHP - Biathlon Herbicide ........................... 27 Ad - Pender Nurseries .......................................... 67 Ad - Plantworks Nursery ..................................... 42 Ad - Shreckhise Nurseries ................................... 53 Ad - SiteLight Id .................................................. 21 Ad - Southern Nursery Association ..................... 31 Ad - TD Watkins Horticultural Sales...................... 5 Ad - Turtle Creek Nursery ................................... 13 Ad - Waynesboro Nurseries ................................. 11 Ad - Willow Springs Tree Farms ......................... 22 Ad - Winfall Nurseries ......................................... 22 Events - MANTS 2013 ....................................... 65 Events - Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course 64 Events - North Carolina Green & Growin Show .. 51 Events - Piedmont Landscape Association 30th Annual Seminar .................................................... 43 Events - SNA Announces 2013 Event ................. 58 Events - South Carolina Horticulture Industry Trade Show & Seminars ............................. 63 Events - Upcoming .............................................. 66 Legislation - High-Stakes Lame Duck Congress 26 Legislation - Congress to extend H-2B wage rule 13 Legislation - Efforts Underway To Unify Around an Agricultural Labor Fix ... 26 Legislation - Specialty Projects Awarded ............. 28 Letters - Thank You: Ag in the Classroom ............ 7 News - Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Update .... 16 4
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News - Green Industry Display at the State Fair of Virginia Photos ....... 62 News - Green Industry Showcase at State Fair .... 44 News - Impatiens Downy Mildew ....................... 28 News - Infestation of Stink Bugs Continues to Spread Across State ............ 17 News - Social Media Guide for Retailers/Wholesalers ...................... 18 News - Laird/Gresham Scholarship Awards .......... 9 News - New Specialty License Plate .................. 59 News - Robbins Landscaping Back To Local High School ................ 10 News - Robert Grisso named Associate Director of Virginia Cooperative Extension . 11 News - SNA Scholarships Awarded ................... 12 News - University of Richmond Classes Spr’13 . 16 Research - Assessment of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as Irrigation Water Disinfectant & Acidifier for Plant Disease Management ................. 39 Tips - Boxwood Blight/Greenery Tip Production 42 Tips - Buying a Pesticide ..................................... 38 Tips - How to Contact Congress ........................... 6 Tips - Notable New Grasses ................................ 24 Tips - Selling Pesticides Safety Begins at the Point of Sale ........ 36 Tips - The ‘"IT’ Factor ......................................... 45 Tips - The Case for Sustainable Landscapes ....... 30 Tips - The Power of Thought .............................. 45 VNLA - Beautiful Gardens® Update ................... 8 VNLA - Certification Quiz #62 .......................... 35 VNLA - Certification Quiz Article #62 ............... 30 VNLA - Cover: Profile: VT Horticulture Dept ...... 1 VNLA - Donate to the VNA Research Auction .... 5 VNLA - Donation Form for Research Auction .... 49 VNLA - Minutes Fall Board Meeting .................. 50 VNLA - Photo Contest “Go Ahead and Shoot” ... 14 VNLA - Photo Contest Winner ............................ 15 VNLA - Profile: Horticulture at Virginia Tech ... 19 VNLA - Quiz Article: Sustainable Landscapes .. 30 VNLA - Research Gala/Auction 2013 Flyer ....... 48 VNLA - VCH Stamp ...................................... 36, 47 VNLA - Website .................................................... 7 VNLA - Plants of Distinction 2013 ....................... 2
October / November / December 2012 October/November/December 2012
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
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VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
VNLA Newsletter VNLA VNLANewsletter Newsletter
dee2@sangresundance.net www.sangresundance.net dee2@sangresundance.net • www.sangresundance.net
Box 81402••970-240-0743 970-240-0743 October / November / DecemberPO 2012 October/November/December 2012 PO Box1895 1895• •Montrose, Montrose, CO CO 81402 January/February/March 2012 5 55 July/August 2006 2006 January/February
55
Vol. No.1; January/February/March Vol. 82,82, Vol. No.4; 82,October/November/December No.2; April/May/June 20122012 2012 Editor: Editor: Jeff Jeff Miller Miller
Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. 383 Coal Hollow Road; Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 383 Coal Hollow Road; Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Internet Internet E-mail E-mail Address: Address: info@vnla.org info@vnla.org www.vnla.org www.vnla.org (Association (Association Info) Info) www.VirginiaGardening.com www.VirginiaGardening.com (Consumer (Consumer Info) Info) Telephone: Telephone: 540-382-0943 540-382-0943 or or 1-800-476-0055 1-800-476-0055 Fax: Fax: 540-382-2716 540-382-2716 Disclaimer: Disclaimer: Published Published for for your your information, information, this this newsletter newsletter is is not not an an endorsement for individual products or editorial comments. endorsement for individual products or editorial comments.
VNLA President’s Presidents Message Message Message WellPresidents it is time to write my last Presi-
dents’ Message. again,this another The spring came Once very early year year to wrapping up. How and is soclose far everyone appears to did be As we get ready tomyself takeyears oneveryday athis new that happen? I ask busy. After the last few is year, Ihave lookI news. forward working “what done today be seen sucvery positive Weto to have with the Itmembers ofwethe VNLA cessful”. does always pertain to this before, and Inot think are all oldand of the business. It can in areas er andmembers wiser thenbewhen we VNLA of interests. Buthave I do hadother a Board. false We recovery. not want to end up at the “Cautiously optimistic” is added additional experiend of to thethat yearI Board and try to the phase have been ence the to figure out what we have using and hearing lately. compliment the impresaccomplished. From that The growers that I have sive talent we already point reference, altalked of to have been Ishiphave serving. ways look to this the ping a try lot to of material Like mostPlus, of us have future. spring. the done derecently in business, the sign/build people have What is coming down the VNLA Boardreporting has takenina also been road is always a mystery, hard lookin atsales who activity. we are creases no matter how much you plan. But by and it. We in winters, LynchAfterhow the we lastdo 2 hard andmet long learning from the past and making burg for winter 2 days was to establish a Stratethis non a welcome relief. progress every day, we are better gic Plan. to early have It has let We all discussed of us get how a very equipped to deal with the future. the most impact on all areas that afstart, or we never stopped. Your VNLA Board has worked very fect our Industry. This is a tall order. hard to make sure that we havemore acWe have also all become much It is not a job for just one person. It is complished as possible for efficient andasaremuch all doing more with a job that will take the talents and the thistoyear as in the imless.members This seems be the mantra of commitment of many people. It also provements made inwhether the efficiency, all business people, they are will not happen overnight. Plus, 90% attention to detail andtalking the overall exlarge or small. I love to small of success is showing up, so we will perience offered to members with business people, no the matter what busihave to participate to achieve the rethe day The nesssummer they mayfield be in. It isand liketour. being in sults we hope to have and stay the Board did a lot to makeofsure thatwho we an exclusive fraternity people course. “were successful today” to bring you still take risks, who become excited the best of what VNLA when talking about what has theytodooffer and its members. There been a real understanding that it has is the spirit and feeling thatof wethe cansmall and must continue the mettle business perto as an sonimprove that drives theorganization. economy. 666
We plan on prepared focusing ontomorrow. 3are main We must be These people “get it”. for These the areas: Industry Advocacy; PubliHow look may not peoplewe who do in notthe feelfuture “entitled”, but cations resemble what we look like todayand or recognizeand thatCommunications working smart and in theis past. Butkey throughout this,will the hard stilland the to success. Research Education. We VNLA missionissues is still to “enhance also prioritize in each We still have challenges aheadarea. of us. and promote Virginia’s nursery and
We need to have access to a dependOne constant theme though that atI landscape industry”. We keep that able and have skilledfelt, work force. We sure need is to make the forefront. to know what regulations we we are doing what is best We started with. to make will have be working We for the Industry. This is a plans for participate the future. inFrom need to the moving targetthese andof will refining theof roles the formulation regulavary time. All people board theorexecutive ditions over /and laws we will be will not agree on what is rector to looking we told what to at do.how Your best. However, long as can enhance state legisVNLA Boardour hasas been parwe as an Industry and lative influence continue ticipating in thewe“process” to the ways that andredefine we are working to make Trade Association are VNLA serves its’ a difference. viewed asbest the professional members. Where we and experts thewill public, Please markbyVNLA Field go? Let’s find out as we continue to all usyour willcalendar. be doingSonya our jobs. Dayofon Westerlook to the future.
andyou Virginia haveprosbeen Ivelt wish all a Rockwell healthy and putting an the incredible See you in down road! amount of perous year. time planning this years’ event. This year the Field Day is at Battlefield Grigg, Virginia. Farms inRegards, OrangeSteve County Steve Grigg, VNLA President Also keep in mind the2012 Horticulture 2012 GardenVNLA Gala President on Saturday June 9th. The VNLA is a sponsor again this year. Details to follow on both events. Hoping we all have a great year.
Regards, Steve Grigg, VNLA President 2012 October / November / December January/February/March October/November/December April/May/June 20122012 2012 2012
How How to to Contact Contact Congress Congress To contact your congressman and To contact your congressman and senator, go the www.vnla.org and senator, go the www.vnla.org and click in the legislation tab/button, clickthen in the tab/button, and clicklegislation on the “Legislative and then click on the “Legislative Update” or go directly to:
Update” or go directly to:
http://capwiz.com/anla/va/home/ http://capwiz.com/anla/va/home/
Here, you can find How to Contact Here, you can find your congressman Congress your congressman and senators’ con-
senators’ tact info andcontact can To contact yourand congressman and info and can email senator, go the www.vnla.org and email them directly them from this tab/button, link.also There click directly in thelink. legislation from this There are are also of“Legislative current issues and thensummaries click the summaries ofon current issues and and sample letters. Update” or go directly to: sample letters. http://capwiz.com/anla/va/home/ “Thesqueaky squeaky wheel gets the oil!” “The wheel oil!” Here,gets youthe can find your congressman and senators’ contact info and can email them directly from this link. There are also summaries of current issues and sample letters. “The squeaky wheel gets the oil!”
Support VNLA Member Growers! online @ www.vnla.org/ For a print copy, contact the VNLA Office at 800-476-0055
Save the Date!
VNLA Field Day & Summer Tour at Brent & Becky’s Bulbs Gloucester, VA
August 8-9, 2013 VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter VNLA VNLA Newsletter Newsletter
VNLA Website Login Update Your Contact Info Pay Your Dues See Your CEU’s Read Previous Newsletters The VNLA website has had a complete overhaul with a new design, re-organized info tabs and updated information. You can now log in and set up your user name and password. Access and update your contact information See the CEU’s that are recorded for you Virginia Certified Horticulturist Use the online store to order Certification supplies Renew your membership Additional capabilities will be added on an ongoing basis VNLA Newsletter
VNLA Newsletter
How to Log in Go to www.vnla.org/
Click on “Activate” in the left column
Enter your email address. If you have an email address in the database, it will email your login info and let you setup a user name and password. Return to the main screen and login with your user name and password. Go to “My VNLA” and you can see your contact information, sales history, CEU’s etc. If you do not have an email in the database, contact the VNLA Office for your Member Account Number at info@vnla.org or 1-800-476-0055 you can activate a new account and enter your information.
Thank You - Agriculture in the Classroom On behalf of the Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom Board of Directors, staff and all the teachers and students who have benefitted from Agriculture in the Classroom lessons and classroom resources this year, thank you! The Agriculture in the Classroom Annual Report is available on the AITC website. I hope you will take a few minutes to read about the record setting teacher workshops, new curriculum and updated website that your support helped to provide to Virginia teachers and students. Also, thank you for providing AITC with your e-mail address so we can communicate with you easily and cost efficiently. If you would like a printed copy of the Annual Report, please let me know.
[Editor’s Note: The VNLA contributed $1,500 this year to this program.] Karen L. Davis, Executive Director, karen.davis@vafb.com
October / November / December 2012 October/November/December 2012
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VNLA - Beautiful Gardens® Update
We always tell our customers that fall is for planting, it is also time for planning for next year - 2013. Beautiful Gardens is moving forward with expanded sales planned for the VT Spirit daylily, adding growers to the VT Spirit family, promoting the 2013 plants of distinction, adding new garden centers to the list of Beautiful Gardens participants, soliciting nominations for plants of distinction for 2014 and 2015, selecting and looking for new introductions for evaluation, developing a licensing agreement for growers of our new introductions, scheduling talks and presentations for this winter and keeping track of our breeders workshops attendees. 2012 sales of the VT Spirit daylily have generated much interest. Brent and Becky’s have a waiting list for plants this fall and next spring 2013. They just purchased additional plants from Beautiful Gardens that they will use as a vegetative reproduction source for new plants to be sold in the future. Two new growers have requested VT Spirit plants bringing our total to five. We are asking that growers make liners or finished plants available to other growers or participating independent retail garden centers. As the inventory grows to support the demand, sales will be extended to landscape designers, installers and an expanded retail base. You have seen the ‘plants of distinction’ for 2013 listed in this newsletter for several issues. The Beautiful Gardens committee will be promoting these plants this winter and all of 2013. Participating garden centers will be provided with posters 8
8
and point of sale information to stimulate interest and purchases. We ask that Virginia nurseries growing any of these plants contact Jeff Miller or Rick Baker to get your name in the promotional materials. We want to provide the garden centers with a list of sources that is exclusively Virginia. A little free advertising never hurts and can help you sell additional plants! The plant selection committee is looking ahead to 2014 and 2015. They request that you consider a nomination from your inventory that is climate hardy, pest resistant and an eye catcher. We all have favorites that need a little friendly push in the marketplace. Contact Linda Pinkham at lindapinkham @me.com with your suggestions. We want to highlight plants that you know and want to grow! On the Beautiful Gardens website is a list of participating independent retail garden centers. We want to add to this list to help sell more plants. Please let us know of a Virginia garden center you would recommend to be added to this list. We are looking for garden centers that have a positive approach to selling plants - not just putting them out and hoping for the best. Remember, we can offer sales materials, assistance with displays and making presentations. We had Beautiful Gardens promotional pieces in the Virginia Green Industry Council (VGIC) booth at the 2012 Virginia State Fair. We gave away a large number of brochures, answered questions relating to the ‘Plants of Distinction’ and had several requests for participating in upcoming gardening events. There is continuing interest from the public for knowledgeable suggestions about what to plant in the yard for beauty, erosion control and biodiversity. Our evaluation sites have plants under review that are being considered as new introductions and/or plants of distinction. We are ever October / November / December 2012 October/November/December 2012
vigilant in looking for potential new introductions. Under consideration are several daylilies, hellebores, azaleas, a magnolia and much more. Getting a new plant to market takes time and effort and we offer our evaluation services to growers with a potential new plant. We will be expanding our efforts to locate potential new plants that are reasonable to propagate, attract the interest of retailers and create excitement with consumers.
The ‘VT Spirit’ daylily is proving to be as popular as we had hoped it would be.
Because of this we will be asking growers of the VT Spirit to sign a licensing agreement with Beautiful Gardens. This is not meant to be restrictive to the grower, but rather to provide some control over inventory and quality. We are putting together the language for this agreement at this time and will keep it simple and straight forward. We should also mention that we have been issued a patent for ‘VT Spirit’ effective October 30, 2012. The patent will add to the credibility of the product - ‘VT Spirit’ - and provide additional income to the Beautiful Gardens program. Look for the Beautiful Gardens display at MANTS, winter garden center seminars, spring garden center special events, ads in gardening media and our plants in the participating independent retail garden centers throughout Virginia. www.BeautifulGardens.org Submitted by Rick Baker, Beautiful Gardens and VDACS Marketing VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
News - Letters Laird/Gresham ThankScholarship you for supporting our 7th AnAwards
nual Legislative Golf Tournament on For the of 2012 two scholarships June 12 year at Mattaponi Springs Golf were We awarded to students Club. had a terrific responseKarrin with Louise Larson and Landon 112 players including a numberDale of Prever.and appointed state officials, elected 18-hole food and bevKarrinsponsors, is fromthree Louisa, Virginia. erage sponsors and numerous sponShe is currently attending Virginia sors ofingifts and prizes.Landscape This is a ConsubTech Horticulture, stantial from graduate past years tracting. increase She will in thanks to your efforts. 2015.Her essay follows: This event ismost not only very enjoyThroughout of myalife I grew up able wayGoochland to promoteCounty; agribusiness to in rural however, all participants, butthat it also contributes it was in Henrico I invested most toofthe Council’s ability to represent my time, sweat, and energy atour industry’s interest throughoutoasis the tempting to create an agronomic year with General Assembly, in my bestthefriend's backyard. AltGovernor’s stateable agencies, hough I haveoffice never been to grow congressional the gencucumbers asdelegation large as and my youngest eral public. Our significant accomsister's, the sweetness of my fruit has plishments are attributable to the supbeen far more rewarding. My parents port provide. Thankten you. acres of ownyouapproximately grapes and blackberries that must be We look forward to your joining us harvested every summer. As a result,
Annual again yeara for out 8thmaster I havenest become proverbial in Legislative gold Tournament. the art of destroying Japanese beetles and racing the bears and birdsCouncil to the Sincerely, Virginia Agribusiness produce. Armed with these skills, I Editor’s VNLA wasReynolds a team went on Note: to J.TheSargeant sponsor, prize and give away contributor Community College to learn the floand a hole sponsor. ral and arboreal aspects of horticulture. I struggle to remember Arbor Day Thanksthe proper spelling of the various scientific Many the semester wonderful names Ithanks learned for my first in Swamp White Oak that was donated horticulture, but what I do remember to Library for in Arbor is Lorton that is when I fell love Day withthis the year. It’s doing well and sprouting design aspect of landscaping. It was new growth as I write. in that firsteven semester that I was offered a job at Agecroft Hall as a was garAn article about the ceremony dener, an offer I was quick to accept. featured on the library website The time I spent there learning from www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/ the head gardener . Annette It was a Tomes lovely lo/oaktreeplanting.htm was invaluable. The hands-on experiday and I know our neighbors will ence the andtree wealth of knowledge I reenjoy for many years. ceived from not only Annette but the Sincerely, Lorton County Library other gardeners cemented my desire to come to Virginia Tech and earn my Editor’s Note: Vice-Presiden,, Bachelors in Horticulture Lou Kobus, provided thewith tree a foon behalf ofItVNLA. cus in architecture. was with great trepidation that I sent my transfer application to Virginia Tech. The head
of the horticulture department at J. VNLAReynolds –Summer BoardasSargeant John Seward sured Meeting me that with my academic Minutes background I had nothing to fear, but with myFriday, goal soJune close23,to2006; realization it 9:00 am 12:30 pm Virginia was all I could dotonot to call Virginia Room, Hampton Inn, acTech every day begging for Front Royal, VA ceptance. You can imagine my jubilation when I obtained my acceptance 9:00 a.m. Call to Order – Richard package in the mail. So it has been Johnson, President called the meeting withorder a light heart great determito with the and following people nation that [ entered Virginia present: Lizzy Pine, Lesley Pine,Tech Jeff this semester to pursue my career in Miller, Bonnie Appleton, Duane horticulture and landscape architecShumaker, Butch Gaddy, and Billy ture in the hopes that one day I too Crigler. can pass on my knowledge to young Guest Introductions – Billand Dutcher, gardeners as Mr. Seward Mrs. President of the CVNLA, was introTome did to me. duced and welcomed to the meeting. Landon is also
Secretary’s Report, attending Butch Gaddy Virginia Tech reported that the minutes had in been Landscape printed in the VNLA the Newsletter and emailed to the Board.Contracting A motion was option seconded of Hortimade to accept the minutes, culture. He will and passed. be graduating in 2016.
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His essay follows: As far back as I can remember, I have dreamt of attending Virginia Tech. My educational goals are to earn a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture with a concentration in Landscape Contracting and a minor in Business. With this achieved, I would love nothing more than to return to my hometown and expand my current lawn care and landscaping business, while serving my community as a role model and one day, a leader. I have always been fascinated with landscaping, and at the age of 12, I started my own company, "Landon's Lawn Care". Today, my business has grown to a full service residential and commercial landscaping company with a nice customer base and a few seasonal employees. I have closely managed my profits and have used my capital to purchase commercial grade equipment. That equipment has helped me to expand my business. Additionally, I was given the opportunity to spend two of my summers working part time for Bennett's Creek Nursery. There, the staff patiently and expertly trained me in many of the technical aspects of the horticulture field. All of this has increased my desire to have a career in Horticulture, lawn care, and landscaping. During my high school experience, without a doubt, the Horticulture I & II classes that I took had the greatest impact on me. Taking those classes taught me so much about the Horticulture field and helped me to decide on my future career path. I gained great experience in greenhouse management and maintenance, plant propagation, and pesticide application and I have been able to apply that knowledge to help me in my Lawn Care and Landscaping business. These classes also gave me a great educational foundation from which I will continue to build on.
abreast of issues impacting growers, landscapers, and lawn care professionals. Being a part of these groups, especially the local chapter, has allowed me to meet people in the Green industry and learn from their business practices. I hope to continue to work with these groups in the future to strengthen and promote green practices and principles that help our industry and help keep Virginia green. Obviously, I have a real passion for the Horticulture field and a genuine desire to excel in my work and academic pursuits. These goals are driven by my desire to serve my community and to someday to become a respected leader with in the community. I believe that all of this does make me a worthy candidate to be a recipient of your scholarship. If selected as a recipient, I pledge to use my excellent time management skills and my work ethic to excel in college and l will make it my personal mission to be a good steward of your generosity by working as hard at Virginia Tech as I have to date in my high school years.
News - Robbins Landscaping Back To Local High School
During a twelve-month rejuvenation, the Robbins Landscaping Team worked hard to help the Thomas Dale Football coaching staff rejuvenate the Thomas Dale football field.
I am currently a member of the Hampton Roads Nursery and Landscape Association, the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association, and the Virginia Flower Growers Association. I joined the organizations so I can stay
Chester, Virginia - The Thomas Dale Knights football team, 2009 State Champions, needed help with their field in August 2011. Head football coach Kevin Tucker asked Doug Robbins, a proud Thomas Dale alum
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and owner of Robbins Landscaping, for help with the field’s condition. Tucker’s request prompted Doug Robbins to donate a turf rejuvenation to Thomas Dale High School on behalf of Robbins Landscaping, Inc. During a twelve-month rejuvenation, the Robbins Landscaping Team worked hard to help the Thomas Dale Football coaching staff rejuvenate the Thomas Dale football field. With consultative help from Gil Grattan of Virginia Green, one of Robbins Landscaping’s key subcontractors, the company followed a holistic approach to rejuvenation, beginning with an aeration, fertilization, and weed control program for the field. The Robbins Landscaping Irrigation division worked with the Thomas Dale coaching staff to establish and follow an irrigation schedule to support healthy turf growth. Throughout the renovation, the Thomas Dale coaching staff excellently maintained the field with proper cutting techniques. This summer, the Robbins team installed soil and sod to patch some particularly bare areas of turf and the field was over seeded and fertilized again. To add some finishing touches to their volunteer restoration, Robbins Landscaping fertilized the practice fields and offered its Maintenance Division to help with mowing and weed eating on the field and in the stadium area. Doug Robbins is often donating his company’s services to help others in the Greater Richmond Area. A strong sense of community responsibility permeates the Robbins Landscaping culture. Doug Robbins built his company on a strong belief in giving back and has worked to engrain this principle into the mission of Robbins Landscaping. When asked about this particular donation to the community, Doug responds “I want to be able to positively affect our community- particularly the young members of our community. I want to provide them with the best possible opportunity for success.” Robbins Landscaping was VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
pleased to offer its resources to help the Thomas Dale athletes get ready for their season by providing quality turf on the football field. The Robbins Landscaping Team is excited for the Thomas Dale athletes to begin using their newly rejuvenated field and wishes them the best of luck for the 2012 football season. Go Knights!
News - Robert Grisso named Associate Director of Virginia Cooperative Extension
BLACKSBURG, VA.,- Robert "Bobby" Grisso, professor of biological systems engineering www.bse.vt.edu/ in Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences www.cals.vt.edu and farm equipment and safety specialist for Virginia Cooperative Extension, has been named associate director of agriculture and natural resources for Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this role, Grisso will work closely with industry partners, stakeholders, and other state agencies and university programs at Virginia Tech and Virginia State University to identify critical issues and develop knowledge-based resources to address the needs of Virginia’s agriculture and natural resources sectors. “I am looking forward to the challenge of making Extension programs more effective and accessible to our Virginia clientele,” he said.
Robbins Landscaping, Inc. is a fullservice landscape contracting company specializing in residential and commercial maintenance, design and installation. Robbins Landscaping is an award-winning company that has been happily serving the Greater Richmond area for over 22 years. Contact: Sarah Davenport, Robbins Landscaping, Inc.,
sarah@robbinscaping.com, 1820 Ruffin Mill Circle, Colonial Heights, VA 23834, Ph: (804) 748-3978
“We are extremely pleased that Dr. Grisso will be serving Extension in this capacity,” said Edwin Jones, associate dean and director of Virginia Cooperative Extension. “He brings years of
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experience with developing programming, collaborating with agents, and engaging stakeholders. We look forward to using his expertise in this leadership role.” Grisso’s Extension programming focuses on improving the accuracy of pesticide application through sprayer calibration, enhancing tractor performance, and using precision technology to optimize farm machinery, safety, and productivity. He is currently involved with two U.S. Department of Agriculture - funded projects: AgrAbility Virginia www.agrability.ext.vt.edu/, working with farmers with disabilities to overcome barriers to continuing their chosen professions in agriculture; and Protecting Youth in the Lawncare Industry, developing educational materials and safety programs for young people who work in the green industry. Grisso is also involved in interdisciplinary research on the optimization of harvesting and handling operations of biomass for energy production. He recently returned from a sabbatical at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tenn., where he worked on development of a protocol to determine the needs for harvest equipment in the Piedmont region. In 2009, Grisso was elected a Fellow in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers and has received several additional awards from ASABE, including two awards for research papers, the Nolan Mitchell Young Extension Worker Award, and 26 Blue Ribbon Awards of Excellence. He also received a Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska Cooperative Extension Association. Additionally, he has authored more than 60 scientific publications and more than 100 Extension publications. Grisso earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Virginia Tech and his Ph.D. from Auburn University. He is a registered professional engineer. Prior to returning to Virginia Tech in 2001, Grisso held a faculty position at the University of Nebraska. Lori Greiner,lgreiner@vt.edu 12
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News - SNA Scholarships Awarded Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund Awards $18,000 to Twelve Students
ACWORTH, GA, August 27, 2012 The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Fund has announced the names of twelve students from eight southeastern universities chosen to receive academic scholarships this year. The $1,500 awards, totaling $18,000, were presented to (3 from Virginia): Jared Barnes - North Carolina State University Johanna Cricenti - Virginia Tech Cody Gilstrap - University of Arkansas - Fayetteville (Dr. James & Faye Foret Scholarship) Jason Lattier - North Carolina State University Eric Limbird - Middle Tennessee State University William Mears - University of Arkansas - Fayetteville Justin Menke - University of Kentucky Irene Palmer - North Carolina State University Deanna Reid - Ferrum College Elizabeth Riley - North Carolina State University Jacob Shreckhise Virginia Tech (Art & Millie Lancaster Scholarship) Adrienne Smith - University of Florida (Robert L. VanLandingham Scholarship). Scholarship recipients are determined through a competitive application process, administered by a selection committee, based on academics, determination, demonstrated interest in the horticulture industry, and financial need. This year’s recipients were chosen from a pool of nearly 30 well
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qualified applicants. “Congratulations to this exemplary group of students who have excelled academically and demonstrated determination and a passion for horticulture,” said Danny Summers, Executive Vice President of the fund. “These scholarship awards will help lighten their financial load as they pursue their careers and I am confident each of these students will make an effective and positive contribution to our industry. I look forward to seeing their accomplishments as they complete their studies,” he added. To date, a total of $419,500 has been awarded since the fund was established. The fund’s current assets are now more than $750,000. Seven named funds have been pledged: the Carolina Weed Science Fund, the Dr. James & Faye Foret Fund, the Richard J. “Dick” Hackney Fund, Sr. Fund, the Lee C. Howell Fund, the Arthur A. “Buck” Jones Fund, the Art & Millie Lancaster Fund, and the Robert L. VanLandingham Fund. The financial support offered by the fund has allowed many students the opportunity to begin or continue to work toward their educational goals. Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund Awards $18,000 to Twelve Students Created in 1989 by the Southern Nursery Association (SNA), The Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund is a 501 (c) 3 corporation providing scholarships to students in sixteen southeastern states - Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia - pursuing a career in horticulture. The scholarship is dedicated to one of the most honored horticultural leaders, the late Sidney B. Meadows, who was an avid supporter of student scholarships and believed that providing aid for students was an important way to ensure the growth and development of all facets of the industry. The fund VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
derives its income from individual and corporate contributions and is governed by the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund board of directors. Applications for 2013 scholarships will be available on the fund’s website (www.sbmsef.org ) in early January. Those interested in receiving scholarship information or the latest fund news can subscribe to the automated information system on the fund’s website. More information on the 2012 scholarship recipients can be found at www.sbmsef.org. In the coming months the site will feature a review of previous scholarship winners, their current status and contributions to the horticulture industry. For more information on the Sidney B. Meadows Scholarship Endowment Fund, 678.813.1880, info@sbmsef.org or visit www.sbmsef.org
Legislation - Congress votes to extend DOL H-2B wage rule
PLANET is happy to announce that on September 22, Congress voted to extend the law that prevents the Department of Labor (DOL) from implementing its H-2B wage rule through March 27, 2013. This move is part of a stopgap spending measure to keep the government funded beyond the start of fiscal 2013, which begins Oct. 1. PLANET will continue to fight on Capitol Hill and in the courts for a permanent, favorable solution to protect the H-2B program, but we are pleased that, in the meantime, our members will not be subject to unprecedented wage increases. On Aug. 20, Judge Davis of the Pennsylvania District Court ruled that the
DOL had the authority to issue the wage methodology rule in a separate case brought by other plaintiffs. While this decision does not affect the status quo, due to the congressional prohibition, PLANET is disappointed with the decision reached in this case. PLANET is also a plaintiff on litigation filed in Florida to prevent the DOL from implementing both the H-2B wage and the program rules and has contributed $25,000 to these lawsuits. The attorneys for these cases are optimistic that the District Court and the Circuit Court will issue favorable decisions in both the wage rule case and the program rule case. The program rule cannot be implemented because of a preliminary injunction issued by Judge Rodgers in the Northern District of Florida. After the legal maneuverings in the case conclude, PLANET hopes the judge will make the injunction permanent. Tom Delaney, PLANET, 800-395-2522.
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Go ahead …. shoot! Go ahead... shoot! Go …. shoot! Go ahead ahead …. shoot! aa Plant Plant Go ahead aa aNursery Plant…. shoot! a Plant
Nursery aaLandscape or installation installation LandscapeaDesign Design a Nursery a you Plantthink aIndustry Landscape Design or installation any Green object would make a great any Green Industry object you think would make a great photo a Landscape Design or installation a Nursery any Green Industry objectphoto you think would make a great any Green Industry object you think would make a great a Landscape Design or installation photo VNLA – Photo Contest any Green Industry objectphoto you think would make a great photo
August 2011 - Jennifer Seay
Insert previous photo winner from Mar/Apr issue, page 13 “Iris sibirica”
June 2011 - Kelly Connoley-Phillips
Photo folder: IrisDSCF8271_edited1.jpg
October 2011 - Dwayne Jones
VNLA Photo Contest VNLA Photo Contest A winner and prize for each bi-monthly VNLA newsletter VNLA Photo Contest A winner and prize for – 6each totalbi-monthly per year. VNLA newsletter A winner and prize for each bi-monthly VNLA newsletter VNLA Photo Contest Contest 6Photo total per year. One VNLA Grand Prize –winner chosen at the end of the year. December 2011 - Michele Fletcher
February 2011 - Brian D. Ross, Sr
September 2012 - Lisa Lipsey
–for 6each total per year. A winner winner and prize bi-monthly VNLA newsletter One Grand Prizefor winner chosen at the end of theNewsletter year. A and prize each Quarterly VNLA One Grand Prize – winner chosen at the end of the year. total peryear. year. Details at: www.vnla.org/AboutVNLA/photography_contest.htm -46total per DetailsGrand at: www.vnla.org/AboutVNLA/photography_contest.htm Prizewinner winner chosen chosen atatthe end of the year.year. OneOne Grand Prize the end of the Details at: www.vnla.org/AboutVNLA/photography_contest.htm Details at: www.vnla.org/AboutVNLA/photography_contest.htm
Winner of the July/August/September 2012 Photo Contest
VNLA - Photo Contest Rules 1. The contest is open to any photographer (amateur and professional) except members of Board of Directors of VNLA and their families. Entries are limited to VNLA members and their staff. 2. Each photographer may enter up to three (3) digital images per Newsletter deadline (see #6). E-mail images to info@vnla.org. Include your name, phone number and occupation. . One winning entry per photographer per year. You may reenter non-winning entries. 3. Please e-mail images separately. Feel free to elaborate on any story surrounding the photograph. Photos should be 300 dpi high resolution.
Photo Winner: John Wessel
Bay Horticultural Services, Virginia Beach, VA This photo shows a group of volunteers working in a large native plant rain garden at the SPCA facility on Holland Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia. This garden was started in January, 2010 to try to alleviate a problem with flooding of the parking lot. This garden was established, planted and is maintained by volunteers. This garden won a Sustainable Garden Award given by the city of Virginia Beach in 2011. “ Grower Production Techniques, People at Work Anywhere �
Win $50, submit your photos!
Good Luck and Happy Photographing!
4. All photographs submitted must have been taken within the past five years. 5. All photographs must be related to the Green Industry. The subject can be located in a nursery, back yard, or in a landscape--just so it is obviously related to the green industry profession. 6. Deadline for submission is 5:00 p.m. on the Newsletter Copy Deadline, which is the 15th of January, March, May, July, September and November. All submissions become the property of the VNLA. 7. Model Release forms are required with each photograph which contains a clearly identifiable person. Release forms are available from the VNLA office, on request, and are also available for download from the VNLA website at Model release in MS Word format or Adobe PDF format. Judging done by the VNLA Communication Committee. All decisions are final.
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News - University of Richmond Classes Spr’13
How “green” does your business grow? Registration is now open for classes in horticulture, landscape design and environmental stewardship. Learn about the latest trends in organic practices, sustainable design, conservation and ecology. Take a class or two and expand your personal or professional knowledge, or expand your career options by enrolling in a certitificate program. Earn your CEUs. To schedule a one-on-one meeting to learn more about our programs, contact Cary Jamieson at cjamieson@richmond.edu or (804) 287-1946.
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News - Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Update
Mark April 11, 2013 on your calendar. We are setting up a one day session on the most current brown marmorated stink bug research and what you can do with this information. Brian Kunkel, University of Delaware, Eric Day, Virginia Tech, Karen Rane, David Clement, Mary Kay Malinoski, Suzanne Klick and Stanton Gill, University of Maryland Extension, are developing the topics and contacting researchers to present at this conference. We are working to confirm the location, but it will most likely be held at the Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland.
Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Saga - From Stanton It has been cool and the BMSB activity subsided for a little while. Last week was wild to say the least. My cell phone rang from Wednesday through Friday with everyone saying their customers were being invaded by BMSB. We received lots of novel stories on this bug. One landscape manager said an apartment complex manager stationed building maintenance workers near entrance doors at their apartment, armed with shop vacuums. They were instructed to vacuum all of the bugs they could before they fell onto the residents when they left the building. A couple of garden centers reported that they were being invaded and it was impeding their plant sales. October / November / December 2012 October/November/December 2012
A restaurant called and said they were desperate since they had an outdoor eating area of the business and the bugs were falling on people while they ate. Here at CMREC, we had to have a technician come out to take apart the document feeder on the copier because we were getting the message that it was jammed even though we could not see any paper hidden anywhere. The technician found a stink bug blocking the sensor which kept it from working. We had BMSB on the CMREC research facility building last week but we actually enjoyed it, well at least I did. Fortunately, the stink bug population is nothing like it was in the fall of 2010. If you have an interesting story or picture on BMSB, send it along to sgill@umd.edu . Pictures and stories will be posted next week in the IPM Alert. High Temperature Trigger: The unseasonably warm humid weather made the BMSB go somewhat hyper active last week and we hope they will calm down this week. The end is not here yet since they will continue to enter people’s house through the next month or so. We posted a special BMSB section to our website at http://ipmnet.umd.edu/bmsb/index.htm with updates and articles that you can print out and give to your customers. This website location is also linked to the national BMSB website so you can get all of the latest information. We will keep you informed as we learn new and better control and trapping methods. Control: A bee keeper called and let me know that he found a good trapping method. He rolled up white paper into a funnel, with the top wide and the bottom rolled into a tight point. He tapes these traps to the side of his house. The BMSB accumulate in the traps overnight and he comes out early in the morning while they are still cool and rolled up the funnels and destroys them in his fireplace fire. Suzanne Klick, sklick@umd.edu, University of Maryland, Central MD Research & Education Center, 301-596-9413, www.ipmnet.umd.edu VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
News - Infestation of Stink Bugs Continues to Spread Across State BLACKSBURG, Va., Sept. 20, 2012 - In the 12 years since brown marmorated stink bugs were discovered in Allentown, Pa., the voracious insect has made a slow and steady march toward Virginia. Since it was found in the state in 2004, it has caused millions of dollars in damage as it destroyed apples and grapes in the Shenandoah Valley, pierced soybeans in north-central fields, and sucked the proteins and carbohydrates out of corn, tomato, green bean, and pepper plants in other areas of Virginia.
damage. "We are putting lots of reProfessor Tom Kuhar, an Extension sources into going deeper into this entomologist. "We have very few and trying to learn how to manage agricultural commodities that this bug this pest," Herbert said. does not attack." Virginia Tech researchers and Extension agents are At the Alson H. Smith Jr. Agriculturworking with farmers and scientists al Research and Extension Center in around the Mid-Atlantic states to Winchester, Professor Chris Bergh, monitor the45spread of stink bugs and8/30/04 10:18 AM Page 1 ESN-117 Years/4.625x7.375 Extension entomologist, along with share ideas on how to minimize their postdoctoral associate Shimat V. Jo-
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This year, stink bugs have been discovered in 20 counties in Virginia and they are expected to continue to spread throughout the state, infecting more localities than ever before. A team of Virginia Tech researchers is working across the commonwealth to not only find a way to control the stink bug, but to keep it from spreading farther around Virginia and to other southern states, where it could continue its damaging rampage. "It's not pretty," said Ames Herbert, professor of entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, as he walked along soybean plants at the Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center<http://www.arec.vaes.vt.edu/tide water in Suffolk. Though stink bugs haven't been discovered in that region yet, if they do take hold there in years to come, it could be a big problem. "If they can make it to coastal Virginia, they can make it anywhere in the Eastern United States," said Herbert, a Virginia Cooperative Extension entomologist. The stink bug's appetite is as varied as it is voracious. "This is the one insect that has been all-encompassing in the sheer variety of plants it attacks," said Virginia Tech Associate VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 17
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seph and Angelita Acebes of the Philippines, a Ph.D. entomology student in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, are researching the stink bug's biology and pest management in tree fruit. In Blacksburg, Kuhar, postdoctoral associate Katherine Kamminga and graduate student John Aigner of Locustville, Va., who is a graduate entomology student, are studying aspects of the stink bug's biology and ecology, its insecticide efficacy, and sustainable practices for managing it in vegetable crops. According to Kuhar, as much as 20 percent of the vegetable crops in Northern Virginia were lost to stink bugs in 2010. Also in Blacksburg, entomology professor and Extension specialist Doug Pfeiffer and graduate student Sanjay Basnet of Nepal, who is a graduate entomology student, are researching the impact and management of stink bugs on wine grapes and berries. Extension specialist and entomology Professor Rod Youngman is also assessing the impact of the bug on field corn. The challenges with stink bugs are many. They pierce a plant's seed in order to inject enzymes and suck out the juices - a process that can damage the fruit and seed beyond use. The piercing also leaves the plant susceptible to diseases that can damage or kill it. On top of that, there are so many stink bugs when they infest an area that it can take multiple pesticide applications to kill the bugs, driving up overhead costs for farmers. There can be hundreds of thousands of the bugs in one field alone. Herbert is researching exactly how much pesticide needs to be used on a soybean field to gain control. This year, he is testing the theory that only the perimeters of fields need to be sprayed because stink bug infestation seems to be heaviest there. This would greatly reduce the amount of 18 18
pesticide a farmer has to use. So far, it is working on most crops, but some farmers are seeing infestations deeper in the fields. One of Herbert's graduate students helped a U.S. Department of Agriculture research scientist examine the potential of importing one of the stink bug's natural predators from its native China, but that work will likely take years before the biological control option could be available. Herbert also has a team of researchers fanned out across the state, sweeping soybean fields with nets to determine how far the infestation spreads from year to year.
Kuhar is also studying what habitat attracts stink bugs. It seems they like invasive trees from China, such as the ailanthus and paulownia. If farmers can reduce those kinds of trees along the edge of their crops, they may be able to reduce the damage from stink bugs, he explained. "You have to assume they are in your trees if they are in your crops," Kuhar said. "What we need to do is monitor farms to know who is at risk." Nationally ranked among the top research institutions of its kind, Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Scienc- es<http://www.cals.vt.edu/> (http://www.cals.vt.edu/) focuses on the science and business of living systems through learning, discovery, and engagement. The college's comprehensive curriculum gives more than 3,100 students in a dozen academic departments a balanced education that ranges from food and fiber production to economics to human health. Students learn from the world's leading agricultural scientists, who bring the latest science and technology into the classroom. Related Links
on stink bugshttp://pubs.ext.vt.edu/444/444-
621/444-621.html
(http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/444/444621/444-621.html) Virginia's tree fruit industry has new insecticide to fight stink bugshttp://www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles
/2011/07/072511-ext-stinkbugs.html http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles/201 1/07/072511-ext-stinkbugs.html)
News - Just Released! Social Media Guide for Retailers and Wholesalers! The American Floral Endowment (AFE) announces the release of the Social Media Guide for Floral Retailers and Wholesalers. This free guide is your one-stop destination for all things social media! Whether you want to brush up on your social media knowledge or you are brand new to social media and don't know where to begin - this information is a must-have! From written guidelines to videos, your social media presence will benefit from these resources! The guide features content on: Social media marketing best practices Channels, tools and techniques Optimizing for mobile Real Industry Case Studies Literature Analyses This project was coordinated by AFE and funded by The Floral Marketing Research Fund (FMRF) and the Flower Promotion Organization (FPO).
Don’t wait - get your business on the right path to social media success today! www.floralmarketingresearchfund.or g and register to browse all of the documents and videos.
Virginia Cooperative Extension webpage October / November / December 2012 October/November/December 2012
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
Profile - Horticulture at Virginia Tech A proud tradition continues!
Did Addison Caldwell, the first student to enter Virginia Tech, take a horticulture class? We may never know for sure, but floriculture was first offered in year one, 1872! The origins of the horticulture department can be traced back to the 1880’s when plant trials were held at the experiment station on what is known today as the Drill Field and is the center of the present-day Virginia Tech campus in Blacksburg. William Alwood became department head in 1892 when VT President McBride formed modern departments, and the combined Department of Horticulture, Mycology, and Entomology was born. Professor Alwood was referred to by his peers during his era as the father of Virginia horticulture, the savior of the Virginia fruit industry, and a worldwide expert in pomology, viticulture, enology, and pest management.
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 19
Alwood Oak; Photo by Michael J Weaver, VT Dept of Entomology
At Virginia Tech he is regarded as the father of our horticulture and pest management disciplines and as one of the University's greatest early scientists. He planted the burr oak at the edge of the drill field, near Burruss Hall as a small seedling around 1895. This now magnificent tree stands as a legacy for Professor Alwood and an icon to the strength and longevity of our department. This tree was dedicated as the Alwood Oak in a ceremony lead by President Steger in October of 2011. In 1892 mycology and entomology split off into separate units and Virginia Tech horticulture has served the citizens of Virginia with our land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension as a “stand alone” horticulture department ever since.
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Hahn Horticulture Pavilion
In undergraduate education, things have calmed down a bit since the heady days of the 1970’s when we had close to 500 horticulture undergraduates in the department. Those were the “green survival” days when horticulture was an urgent answer to a population very concerned with degradation of our natural resources and a disconnect with nature. Horticulture remains vital today as urbanized areas need the humanizing touch and ecosystem services provided by wellconceived landscapes. Entrepreneurial spirit remains strong for horticulturists and there is currently much interest in fruit and vegetable production as folks rediscover the value of locally grown produce. Small farms are flourishing, but horticulture expertise is needed to make these farms profitable, especially with the challenges of climate change. We also believe in investing in the future of our industries through our research describing the genetics of horticulture crops (e.g., strawberries and potatoes), delving into the basic science of plants for biofuels, plant disease 19
ronment and to making the world a better place to live. Plants are indeed the answer!
resistance, the ecosystem benefits that plants provide, and the basic ecology of plant-microbial-soil interactions.
The following lists the different options available for a Horticulture Degree:
Overview
Our teaching programs and most of our faculty are based out of the main campus in Blacksburg, but we also have active research and extension programs at three of the off- campus Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (AREC’s) across the state. Our extension/research tree fruit and viticulture programs are based at the Alson H. Smith, Jr. AREC in Winchester. Our nursery crops extension/research program is based at the Hampton Roads AREC in Virginia Beach, and our vegetable production extension/research program is based at the Eastern Shore AREC in Painter. These programs are closely allied with our campus programs. One feature of our department that we are very proud of is the Hahn Horticulture Garden. If you haven’t seen the Hahn Garden in a while you are in for a real treat! We are also proud to manage Virginia’s Master Gardener program.
Jocelyne Couture-Nowak Garden Terrace
Our immediate family (all on Blacksburg campus except where indicated) include 16 tenure track faculty in the department (12 on campus and 4 at the AREC’s), 2 non-tenure track faculty (1 on campus and 1 at the ARECS), 3 Administrative Professional faculty, 1 instructor, 7 unpaid adjuncts (various locations), and 12 staff. In addition, we have staff, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scientists that ebb and flow with grant support. Currently, we have 85 active undergraduates. We have recently revamped our undergraduate program and now offer two majors. Landscape Contracting students focus on business, landscape plants, and landscape contracting skills, whereas Environmental Horticulture students tailor their curriculum to support careers that include landscape design, nursery and greenhouse production, sustainable fruit and vegetable production, municipal horticulture, or other horticulture-related fields. We currently have 16 PhD students and 7 MS students in our graduate studies program. In addition, we advise 5 students in the on-line Masters of Agriculture program. As horticulturists, we feel a strong commitment to improving our envi-
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Horticulture is a broad and diverse field involved with producing and utilizing a multitude of specialized plants. Benefits of this industry to all people are both physical and emotional. Horticulturists provide the fruits and vegetables so important to good nutrition. Horticulturists also improve the human environment, through both beautification and conservation, by providing the ornamental plants and designs utilized to enhance aesthetics within and around the home, workplace, and other areas. Thus, while the field is based on a biological and agricultural science foundation, across the range from organic to molecular biology, there is ample opportunity for individuals also oriented toward business, social science, art, education, and international development.
Students planting a roof garden
The horticulture curriculum is fully individualized in consultation with a course advisor. Following the freshman year of core courses, students begin their personal programs of study in one of four options. Landscape Contracting Option This program encompasses all components of the landscape services industry, including both exterior and interior landscapes. Additional study VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
ture and the related plant sciences or to enter the rapidly expanding technical fields in plant and crop improvement, including biotechnology.
in ornamental plants, turf, and business supplement development of a single or combined concentration in landscape design, installation, and/or maintenance. Students in this option enter careers as entrepreneurs or employees of turf and landscape businesses in these specialties, as well as garden center operations, arboreta and private gardens management, and as town or city horticulturists.
Horticulture Education Option
Horticulture Crops Option This program focuses on managing the production and quality maintenance during marketing of the high value, intensively grown horticultural crops. Study of the specializations in growing fruit, vegetable, nursery, and Horticulture Science Option floral crops is supplemented with This program supplements the debusiness and other supporting courses partmental core with additional scifor the student's emphasis area. Caence study, individualized horticulreers include commodity production tural and supporting course developand marketing, consulting and sales ment, and a directed research experiin horticultural supply firms, quality ence. Students in this option are preassurance, integrated pest manageSiteLight .5 pg bw 3ads 10-04.qxd 10/20/2004 PM study Page 3in horticulpared for12:24 graduate ment, and international development.
This program develops a broad horticultural foundation with supplemental requirements for a wide array of careers in teaching horticulture. These may include teaching in the secondary schools (with agriculture or biology endorsement), extension (agricultural or youth programs), community colleges, and arboreta and botanical gardens. Continuation for a graduate degree may be desirable or required for some of these education careers. A detailed listing can be found at this website: http://www.undergradcatalog.registra r.vt.edu/1213/als/hort.html#AnchorOverview-35882
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has been around Target Blacksburg. The stunning fall colors all across campus and News - Shorts now second most-shopped retailer up in the surrounding mountains alGarden supply dealers Target is nowme second toitWal-mart, ways remind of howonly great is to be post record June gains according to Retail Forward’s recent a horticulturist! Virginia Tech recently ShopperScape report. One-quarter revealed A Plan for a New Horizon, the of The latest report from the National Reall U.S. primary household shoppers strategic plan for 2013-2018 (VT stratail Federation shows building material visit Target, Greatlandbyorthe Sutegic aplan). ThisTarget was followed and garden supply dealers posted perTarget store monthly. The report unveiling of the college’s strategic plan steady growth last month, up 8.4% unalso found the retailer racks up offer repeat (CALS strategic plan). Both plans adjusted from the previous June. Howvisitors. Two-thirds of Target’s past exciting vision and our department will 6ever, seasonally adjusted comparisons month customer base returns to be an essential catalyst for implementa-its from the previous month show a 1% stores regular tion of on both.a With bothbasis. plans Children’s in mind, decline. This is in line with the overall apparel, decorative home Horticulture faculty sequesteredfashions, themretail sales for June, which show strong small and appliances and selves housewares up at the Hahn Pavilion this year-over-year increases but flat toys generate the most interest among month for a strategic planning retreat. month-to-month gains. Sales rose 6.7% shoppers. Target andthat Wal-Mart See the diagram below came out typiof over last year, but increased only 0.2% cally share customers, the report shows. that retreat and summarizes our overall seasonally adjusted over May. “After focus. We will Dirt, be developing our stramonths of speculation, consumers are Weekly Carol Miller, tegic plan over the next few months beginning to pull back,” said NRF chief cmiller@branchsmith.com and working on future directions. Stay economist Roasalind Wells. “Retailers Newmonth, England summerto featuned! This we continue can expect theRoger second halfVA of Tech the year By Dr. Harris, retail sales slide ture the essays from Susan Clark’s Horto show moderate gains due to the Horticulture Department Head ticulture Seminar class (see end of slowdown in the housing market and After a strong April, garden center newsletter). Alumni, please let us know Horticulture Department other economic factors.” sales across new England hit a decline what you are up to (rharris@vt.edu). Update October due to a stretch of rainy weekend, said Please visit the Horticulture DepartBob Heffernan, Conn. Nursery & landGreetings everyone! I hope that fall has ment web site often for special departscape Association Executive Secretary. been as beautiful wherever you are as it mental features. If you have not seen Soggy gardening conditions were Ad -–Winfall Ad problematic - Willow Ad WinfallNurseries Nurseries enough for the Boston Globe to run an article on the situation in June. Sale were particularly bad north of
ourConnecticut, new movie,hecheck out. garden Enjoy! censaid. itMany With kind regards, Roger ters still have their yards filled with spring inventories. Area Our department has three corelandscapers areas report more stable, steady that encompass our teaching, business. research, and extension Genomics, Newprograms, tax deduction Food, andcould the Green Industry. The areapply to growers A new tax deduction could apply to nursery crops, ANLA has announced. The deduction, part of the American Jobs Creation Act, applies to gross receipts of any sale, exchange or other disposition of qualifying production property grown or extracted in the US. The deduction was phased in at 3% and will increase to 9% by 2009. One restriction is that the deduction cannot exceed 50% of wages paid by the taxpayer that year. The deduction is also available to individuals via their adjusted gross income. ANLA helped secure the new tax deduction for nursery growers in cooperation with the Legislative Council as Small outsidebusiness of the three focus areas, En- in 2004. Health, and Ecosystems are vironment, integral to our overalltakes focus a and include Science shot the fundamental research of some facat dormant weed seeds ulty. Weed control can be tricky, especially considering weed seeds can lie dormant for years Tree waitingFarms for favorable condiSprings tions. USDA scientists are looking at developing fungi and bacteria that will target these banks of thousands of million of dormant seeds. The concept is to bolster the activity of beneficial microbes that already exist in the soil. This concept could be considered “prepre-emergence control,” as traditional pre-emergence herbicides kill weed seeds just at the stage of germination when tiny seedlings are emerging from seeds. Weekly Nursery E-Mail, Todd Davis,
tdavis@branchsmith.com
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Paul and I were especially impressed by this sport of ‘Little Bunny’ Fountain Grass. I’ve grown tons of ‘Little Bunny’ which is eminently useful for a pouf of “grassiness” at the front of the border. ‘Burgundy Bunny’ brings terrific foliage color shot through with burgundy throughout the summer. The flowers and foliage only gets better in the fall - all in the same small ‘Little Bunny’ package. Cuter than a bug’s ear. From Walla Walla Nursery and introduced by Plant Haven.
Ornamental grasses are one of the toughest, most useful, yet underappreciated groups of garden plants. Most provide at least three seasons of interest, but fall is when the grasses really shake their pom-poms!
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Panicum virgatum ‘Dust Devil’ PPAF I recently enjoyed a mid-September speaking trip to the OFA Perennial Production Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The best part was a side tour with pal and plantsman Paul Westervelt (VT Hort grad and Annual & Perennial Manager, Saunders Brothers, Inc.). We made our way across southwestern Michigan - an area absolutely riddled with greenhouses and nurseries. Our first stop was the trials at Walter’s Gardens of Zeeland - one of the largest perennial propagators (wholesale) in the country. It was a beautiful, breezy day in their extensive gardens, and the grasses were positively alive with light and motion.
There are many great cultivars of our native Switchgrass out there; but few come in under 6’ or 7’ tall - problematic for the small garden. ‘Dust Devil’ is comparatively petite - 3’ to 4’ feet tall in bloom, blue-green foliage, and resists the rain beat-down that often happens to the rangy cultivars.
Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Red Head’ Nothing petite about this monster Fountain Grass (as modeled by Paul)! Wow. Five feet tall and as wide, with gigantic foxtail plumes. As with most Pennisetum species, the show starts mid-summer and continues through fall. Selected by the perenniallyprolific Brent Horvath of Intrinsic Perennials.
Here are a few recent introductions that knocked our socks off. All are hardy to at least USDA Zone 5 or 6, heat tolerant to Zone 8 or 9, and the non-natives have been screened for any invasive tendencies. All are available as 20- or 30-cell liners from Walters (www.waltersgardens.com ).
Pennisetum alopecuroides 24 24
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Little Bluestem’s big brother. Another upright flop-fighter, this Big Bluestem is also from Brent Horvath/Intrinsic. I’ve enjoyed Big Bluestems in my garden - the colors are amazing- but by summer’s end, they’ve flopped all over their neighbors. Can’t wait to give ‘Indian Warrior’ a try!
terrific Little Bluestem that has outstanding foliage color (gets even better as the season progresses) plus a very upright habit that fights the flop. Native across much of North America and perfect for awful sites, Little Bluestem laughs at clay, heat, and drought, once established. This is a winner.
For more information/liner availability, go to www.waltersgardens.com.
Dr. Holly Scoggins, Associate Professor, Dept. of Horticulture; Garden Director, Hahn Horticulture Garden at VA Tech. All photos by Holly Scoggins.
hollysco@vt.edu http://www.hort.vt.edu/hhg/ Schizycharium scoparium ‘Blue Heaven™ (‘MinnBlueA’ PP17210) Selected by grass maven Dr. Mary Meyer, from her trials at the University of Minnesota. Mary has found a
Andropogon gerardii ‘ Indian Warrior’ PPAF
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Legislation - Efforts Underway To Unify Around an Agricultural Labor Fix
Immigration reform is in the news daily, partly a byproduct of the intense presidential campaigns. President Obama is attempting to play down the record number of deportations that have happened under his watch, and to hold Republicans accountable for the lack of progress on comprehensive immigration reform. Governor Romney, for his part, wishes to downplay the extremely hardline stance he took on immigration during the Republican primary. While the candidates spar, the agricultural community is working to forge new consensus on an immigration solution specific to the needs of growers and producers. The two primary parties involved in the unity effort are the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF), the nation's largest general farm organization, and the Agriculture Coalition for Immigration Reform (ACIR), which represents several hundred organizations whose members grow or produce fruits, vegetables, nursery and greenhouse crops, meat, and dairy products. The American Nursery & Landscape As26
26
sociation is a national co-chair of ACIR.
er-term status for at least some of these workers.
A decade ago, ACIR and AFBF were joined in the effort to enact reform legislation for agriculture known as AgJOBS. But as the broader immigration debate heated up and turned ugly, the broad coalition backing AgJOBS began to falter. Disunity in the agricultural sector gave skittish politicians an easy out. "Some of my agricultural employer constituents want this, and others want thatâ&#x20AC;Śwhen you come to agreement on what you all can live with, I will take a stand," was a common refrain.
Agriculture, including greenhouse and nursery growers, must have practical, common sense legal workforce solutions. Labor instability and even shortages are causing farm losses and creating uncertainty as growers struggle to make long-term business planning decisions. While one cannot predict when a window of legislative - or administrative - opportunity might open, the thing we can control is how to prepare. This is what makes the ongoing efforts to achieve broad unity in agriculture, and then to reach out to farm worker interests and political champions, so vitally important.
Regardless of the presidential election outcome, there is little reason to expect a comprehensive immigration solution anytime soon. There is no political consensus behind a comprehensive fix, and continued high unemployment makes achieving consensus that much more difficult. However, many lawmakers see the need to act on discrete and compelling elements of immigration reform, such as those dealing with young people, agricultural workers, and more immigration opportunities for advanced degree graduates in science and engineering. There could be a window of possibility in a lame duck Congress, or more likely, during the first half of 2013. Agricultural unity negotiations involving AFBF, ACIR, and several other organizations began last spring. AFBF also initiated an internal process which ran on a parallel track. Both groups seek a program that addresses the needs of all types of agricultural employers, across the country. The core elements of the emerging policy prescription include a new market-based program in which visa workers can choose and move among employers during the duration of their visa; a contract visa option more similar to the structure of the existing H2A program, and a temporary residency option for current experienced workers with the possibility of longOctober / November / December 2012 October/November/December 2012
This article is provided by your state association and ANLA as a Lighthouse Program partner benefit
Legislation High-Stakes Lame Duck Congress After the November 6 elections, all eyes will be on Congress, which is scheduled to return to Washington the week of November 12. Will lawmakers buckle down and face the daunting task of avoiding the fiscal cliff, or will a combination of steep tax increases and deep spending cuts potentially plunge the American economy back into recessionary territory? Will they pass a new Farm Bill, or potentially even tackle immigration reform? The last post-election "lame duck" session, in 2010, turned out to be remarkably productive, with President Obama ultimately claiming victory on a tax deal, repeal of the "donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ask, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell" policy, and even passage of a nuclear non-proliferation treaty. This time around, the stakes are much higher, and the politics much more uncertain.
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The Farm Bill is certainly not the highest-stakes issue for Congress to consider, yet it does have important provisions that impact the nursery and landscape industry. Plant pest and disease prevention and research provisions that support the industry's success are included in the Senatepassed bill, but failure of the House of Representatives to vote on a bill puts these provisions in jeopardy. Recently, though, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) has suggested that the House will tackle a five-year farm bill after the election. Time will tell if the commitment can be fulfilled. This article is provided by your state association and ANLA as a Lighthouse Program partner benefit.
News - Impatiens Downy Mildew Get Up To Speed on the Latest
fungicides and application protocols that have shown success. In addition, potential alternative plants that could be used in place of Impatiens walleriana were suggested as well as their individual strengths and weaknesses. Participants, which were predominately growers and landscaper, were given the opportunity to ask the questions to help them make the right decisions for their businesses going into the 2013 season. But don’t kick yourself for missing it. The webinar was recorded and available in its entirety at http://www.impatiensdownymildew.c om/ . Furthermore, just because you weren't able to participate in the live presentation doesn't mean you can’t ask the questions you need answered. Dr.Warfield and Ms. Rechcigl have kindly agreed to continue to respond to questions that come in from those that have viewed the recording. Please submit your questions to info@anla.org . This article is provided by your state association and ANLA as a Lighthouse Program partner benefit.
Legislation - Specialty Projects Awarded $55 Million by USDA Plant stunting and absence of flower buds is another symptom of impatiens downy mildew.
Photo credit: Mary Hausbeck, MSU msue.anr.msu.edu
On October 4th ANLA and OFA hosted the webinar, "Impatiens Downy Mildew: Looking ahead to 2013." We heard directly from Dr. Colleen Warfield, Corporate Plant Pathologist with Ball Horticultural, and Nancy Rechcigl, Technical Field Manager of Ornamentals with Syngenta, about this important pathogen and new developments learned from the 2012 season. They discussed cultural practices that are useful for keeping the disease at bay, as well as, 28 28
A few examples of projects that received support through this recent round of SCBGs are:
On October 1st, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced that the USDA was awarding $55 million to the states and U.S. territories, through the Specialty Crop Block Grants. A total of 748 projects will be supported. Specialty crops include things like nursery and greenhouse crops, fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, anxd Christmas trees. Three out of four dollars will support projects that are focused on marketing, education, dealing with pest and disease issues, and research. In recognizing the economic significance of specialty crops, which are responsible for nearly half of farmgate receipts, and the fact that agriOctober / November / December 2012 October/November/December 2012
culture supports 1 in 12 jobs in the U.S., Vilsack said, "by investing in projects that stimulate growth and development for specialty crop growers of all sizes, we're helping American farmers establish a marketplace for new businesses opportunities in each region of the country." In pointing out the need for foundational investment to support the industry Vilsack added, "the grants also help growers solve technology needs or make better informed decisions on profitability and sustainability, leading to stronger rural American communities and businesses." However, Secretary Vilsack also pointed out that these were last Block Grant dollars available through the 2008 Farm Bill. Without the passage of the 2012 Farm Bill, this program, like other important programs to the nursery and greenhouse industry (e.g., Pest and Disease Management, National Clean Plant Network, Specialty Crop Research Initiative) would not have funding in 2013 (see High-State Lame Duck Congress in this issue).
"Plant Something" - A successful marketing program focused on landscape plants that started in Arizona but looks to be a national promotion. Pre-emergent herbicide studies evaluating efficacy and plant tolerance for nurseries and Christmas tree operations in Ohio. Education and training of boxwood blight risk management practices in Oregon. To get a complete list and description of the funded projects, please click here: http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/g etfile?dDocName=STELPRDC510073 4 This article is provided by your state association and ANLA as a Lighthouse Program partner benefit
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Tips - The Case for Sustainable Landscapes Quiz Article - The Case for Sustainable Landscapes VNLA - Certification Quiz Article #62
If you are a Virginia Certified Horticulturist, read this article and answer the quiz questions on page 35, fax/mail the Quiz Answer postcard and get 1 CEU towards your recertification requirements.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This document, The Case for Sustainable Landscapes, is a companion volume to the much larger report titled The Sustainable Sites Initiative: Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009. It provides background on the Sustainable Sites Initiative™; a set of arguments-economic, environmental, and social-for the adoption of sustainable land practices; additional background on the science 30 30
behind the performance criteria in the Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009; and a sampling of some of the case studies the Initiative has been following. For more information, or to download copies of either volume, please see www.sustainablesites.org . By aligning land development and management practices with the functions of healthy ecosystems, the Sustainable Sites Initiative believes that developers, property owners, site managers, and others can restore or enhance the ecosystem services provided by their built landscapes. Moreover, adopting such sustainable practices not only helps the environment but also enhances human health and well-being and is economically cost-effective. For the Initiative’s purposes, “sustainability” is defined as design, construction, operations, and maintenance practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This definition embraces the definition of sustainable development first put forward by the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987. The Sustainable Sites Initiative, an interdisciplinary partnership of the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and the United States Botanic Garden, has spent several years developing guidelines for sustainable land practices that are grounded in rigorous science and can be applied on a site-by-site basis nationwide. These guidelines-The Sustainable Sites Initiative: Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009acknowledge that different regions of the country will have different requirements and therefore include performance levels appropriate to each region as needed. The impetus for creating the guideOctober / November / December 2012 October/November/December 2012
lines came from the recognition that although buildings have national standards for “green” construction, little existed for the space beyond the building skin. Modeled after the LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™ of the U.S. Green Building Council, the Initiative’s rating system gives credits for the sustainable use of water, the conservation of soils, wise choices of vegetation and materials, and design that supports human health and wellbeing.
Executive Summary The term “ecosystem services” describes the goods and services provided by healthy ecosystems-the pollination of crops by bees, bats, or birds, for example, or the flood protection provided by wetlands, or the filtration of air and water by vegetation and soils. Ecosystem services provide benefits to humankind and other organisms but are not generally reflected in our current economic accounting. Nature doesn’t submit an invoice for them, so humans often underestimate or ignore their value when making land-use decisions. However, efforts to determine the monetary value of ecosystem services have placed that figure at an estimated global average of $33 trillion annually (in 1997 dollars). Increased understanding of the value of these services has led to acknowledgment of the way current land practices can imperil such essential benefits as air purification, water retention, climate regulation, and erosion control. As many communities have found, it is difficult, expensive, and sometimes impossible to duplicate these natural services once they are destroyed. The good news is that we can model the creation of our landscapes after healthy systems and thereby increase VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
the ecosystem services they provide after development-whether that development is a backyard garden, a housing development, or a state park. Water on the site can be managed to imitate natural water cycling, vegetation can be used strategically to cool the area and filter water, and soils can be restored to support healthy vegetation and filter pollutants. The Initiative’s development of sitespecific performance benchmarks is grounded in an understanding of healthy systems and natural processes. Achieving these benchmarks will help to maintain or support those natural processes and the services that they provide to humans. This volume, The Case for Sustainable Landscapes, is intended to provide readers with more background on the science underlying the guidelines for sustainable practices-to explain the connection, for example, between excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers and the increase in “dead zones” in coastal wa-
ters downstream, or between an increase in impervious cover and reduced base flow to creeks, streams, and rivers. The Case for Sustainable Landscapes also offers evidence for the economic benefits that can accrue from adopting sustainable practices. For example, as a number of developers have found, bioswales, raingardens and other low-impact development strategies to reduce runoff not only help recharge groundwater but also can save developers anywhere from 15 to 80 percent in total capital costs. And as New York City has found, a longterm investment in protecting its watershed can save billions in avoided costs for a new water treatment planta cost saving passed on to rate payers. The science demonstrates that humans are an integral part of the environment. As people acknowledge this link, they recognize that human decisions and behavior are in fact components of a global feedback loop: what
people do affects the health and wellbeing of the rest of the natural world, which in turn affects human health and well-being-physical, mental, economic, and social. A little more than two decades ago, the United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development, headed by Gro Harlem Brundtland, then-Prime Minister of Norway, presented its report to the UN General Assembly. Titled Our Common Future but better known as the Brundtland Report, it made an eloquent argument for sustainable development, which it defined as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” “We came to see that a new development path was required, one that sustained human progress not just in a few places for a few years, but for the entire planet into the distant future.”
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-GRO HARLEM BRUNDTLAND, 1987 Over the intervening years, the Brundtland Report’s prescription for sustainability has gained wide acceptance. In corporate boardrooms and grade-school classrooms, at neighborhood gatherings and in councils of government, growing numbers of citizens are embracing the opportunity to live sustainably. As people acknowledge that humans are an integral part of the environment, they recognize that human decisions and behavior are in fact components of a global feedback loop: what people do affects the health and wellbeing of the natural world, which in turn affects human health and wellbeing-physical, mental, economic, and social.
Roots of Sustainability The Sustainable Sites Initiative, founded in 2005, embraced the Brundtland Report’s forward-looking definition of sustainability.2 In the Initiative’s words, “sustainability is defined as design, construction, operations, and maintenance practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” This definition guides the formulation of the Initiative’s voluntary guidelines and performance benchmarks for sustainable land development and management. Presented in the document The Sustainable Sites Initiative: Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009, these benchmarks are designed to preserve or restore a site’s sustainability within the context of ecosystem services-the idea that healthy ecosystems provide goods and services of benefit to humans and other organisms.3 As Dr. Brundtland put it, “the ‘environment’ is where we all live; and ‘development’ is what we all do in attempting to improve our lot within that abode. The two are inseparable.”4 The benchmarks are meant to guide, 32 32
measure, and recognize sustainable landscape practices on a site-by-site basis. They may also inform larger scale projects or planning efforts although they are not intended to be a tool for regional planning. Similarly, although the guidelines and benchmarks encourage edible landscapes and small-scale food production as components of a site, they do not address sustainable agricultural products or large-scale agricultural or farming practices; other organizations, such as the Leonardo Academy and the Rainforest Alliance, are developing or have already developed systems to do so. The U.S. Green Building Council anticipates incorporating the Sustainable Sites benchmarks into future versions of its LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system. The word “sustainability” may be relatively new, but its underlying ethic has deep roots on the North American continent. Native Americans have historically held to the “seven generations” rule, meaning that all decisions should take into account the impact on seven generations into the future. Well aware that people have the power to manipulate the world around them, Native Americans use their ceremonies and traditions to help them to maintain respect for life and to remind them that, as one Native American proverb puts it, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”5 Another strand of sustainable resource use can be traced back more than a hundred years to Gifford Pinchot, the first head of the U.S. Forest Service. Pinchot coined the term “conservation ethic,” and his philosophy “to provide the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people in the long run” infused the fledgling agency. Today, the stated mission of the Forest Service is to “sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generaOctober / November / December 2012 October/November/December 2012
tions.” GUIDING PRINCIPLES Throughout the life cycle of each sitefrom design and construction through operations and maintenancesustainable performance benchmarks will enable built landscapes to support natural ecological functions by protecting existing ecosystems and regenerating ecological capacity where it has been lost. To that end, the Initiative’s guiding principles (see page 9) not only inform its own work but should also inform all aspects of sustainable site development. GROWING AWARENESS The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, a United Nations study completed in 2005, highlighted the need for all development to address considerations in three key arenas: social, environmental, and economic.7 Unless all three aspects are equally vibrant, true sustainability is not possible. As with sustainable development in general, a sustainable site also needs to take into account the challenges on all three fronts. An environmentally sustainable site that does not engage its users on multiple levels-physical, aesthetic, cultural, spiritual-will lose crucial human stewardship. By the same token, creation and maintenance of the site must be economically feasible for the site to exist at all. Do no harm Make no changes to the site that will degrade the surrounding environment. Promote projects on sites where previous disturbance or development presents an opportunity to regenerate ecosystem services through sustainable design. Precautionary principle Be cautious in making decisions that could create risk to human and environmental health. Some actions can cause irreversible damage. Examine a full range of alternatives-including no VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
action-and be open to contributions from all affected parties.
Design with nature and culture Create and implement designs that are responsive to economic, environ- mental, and cultural conditions with respect to the local, regional, and global context.
Use a decision-making hierarchy of preservation, conservation, and regeneration. Maximize and mimic the benefits of ecosystem services by preserving existing environmental features, conserving resources in a sustainable manner, and regenerating lost or damaged ecosystem services. Provide regenerative systems as intergenerational equity Provide future generations with a sus- tainable environment supported by regenerative systems and endowed with regenerative resources.
Support a living process
Continuously re-evaluate assumptions and values and adapt to demographic and environmental change. Use a systems thinking approach Understand and value the relationships in an ecosystem and use an approach that reflects and sustains ecosystem services; re-establish the integral and essential relationship between natural processes and human activity. Use a collaborative and ethical approach. Encourage direct and open communication among colleagues, clients, manufacturers, and users to link long-term sustainability with ethical responsibility. Maintain integrity in leadership and research. Implement transparent and participatory leadership, develop research with technical rigor, and communicate new findings in a clear, consistent, and timely manner.
Foster environmental stewardship In all aspects of land development and management, foster an ethic of environmental stewardship-an understanding that responsible management of healthy ecosystems improves the quality of life for present and future generations. In view of the pressing need for an economy less reliant on fossil fuels and more attuned to potential climate change, the Sustainable Sites Initiative hopes to encourage land design, development, and management professionals to engage in a reevaluation of conventional practicesand a new valuation of ecosystem services-so that built landscapes will support natural ecological functions throughout the life cycle of each site. Encouragingly, growing numbers of projects are adopting the philosophy of low-impact development (see Chapter 2) and many local and regional efforts now provide guidelines for improved land development and
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management practices. The Initiative is interested in information sharing and partnering with all interested parties. At the same time, the Initiative hopes that its products will be able to serve as stand-alone guidelines for anyone who wishes to embrace landscape sustainability. Beginning in April 2010, a number of pilot projects will help test and refine the Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009 and its rating system over the course of two years. The Initiative expects to incorporate knowledge gained from working with the pilot projects into development of The Sustainable Sites Initiative Reference Guide.
Meanwhile, the Initiative has been following a number of case studiesprojects that have incorporated sustainable practices in a wide variety of situations. A selection of those studies is presented in Chapter 4. The case studies predate the development of the Guidelines and Performance Benchmarks 2009 and are separate from the Initiative’s pilot program. For more information on the pilot program, please visit http://www.sustainablesites.org/pilot/
34
34
UN General Assembly, Our Common Future: Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development, 1987, chap. 2, “Towards Sustainable Development,” http://www.worldinbalance.n et/agreements/1987brundtland.html (accessed October 11, 2009). For a history of the Initiative, see http://sustainablesites.org/hist ory.html . G Daily, ed., Nature’s Services: Societal Dependence on Natural Ecosystems (Washington, DC: Island Press, 1997). Our Common Future, Fore-
word, http://www.worldinbalance.n et/agreements/1987brundtland.html (accessed October 11, 2009). “In our every deliberation we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” from the Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy. For more information on the Great Law: http://www.indigenouspeople .net/iroqcon.htm (accessed September 26, 2009); “Native American communities are some of the most sustainable on earth because they live in balance with their environment. They follow the seven-generation rule: How will what we do today impact seven generations from now?” L Miller, “A Native American Teacher Talks About Biotechnology,” Aldo Leopold Center, Iowa State University, http://www.leopold.iastate.ed u/pubs/nwl/2001/2001-2leoletter/michael.htm (accessed September 26, 2009); proverb from http://www.quotegarden.com/ environment.html . USDA Forest Service, “Sustainable Operations,” http://www.fs.fed.us/sustaina bleoperations/ (accessed September 26, 2009). Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Message from the Board (Washington, DC: Island Press, 2003), p.3.
Reprinted with permission from the Sustainable Sites Initiative
Complete the Quiz on page 35 and get 1 CEU for your Virginia Certified Horticulturist re-certification!
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VNLA - Certification Quiz #62 If you are a Virginia Certified Horticulturist, answer the following questions from the previous article, mark your answers on the card insert to the left and mail or fax back to the VNLA office towards your recertification CEU’s for your Virginia Certified Horticulturist.
The Sustainable Sites Initiative Executive Summary and Chapter 1 Purpose Prepared by: Nanette R. Whitt
1. The design, construction, operations, and maintenance practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs is called: a. Renewable landscaping b. Ecological landscaping c. Sustainability d. None of the above 2. Different requirements for sustainable land practices will occur in different regions of the country. a. True b. False 3. The term which best describes the goods and services provided by healthy ecosystems is: a. Low impact development b. Ecosystem services c. Natural ecosystems d. None of the above
4. There is no scientific connection between excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers and the increase in “dead zones” in coastal waters downstream. a. True b.False 5. Our Common Future, a report for sustainable development made to the UN General Assembly, is better known as the: a .Roosevelt Report b. LEED Report c. Brundtland Report d. Lady Bird Johnson Report 6. What people do affects the health and well-being of the natural world, which in turn affects human health and well-being physical, mental, economic, and social. This is called: a. Global feedback loop b. Ecosystem feedback loop c. Sustainability feedback loop d. All of the above 7. The guidelines and performance benchmarks of 2009 were designed to forecast when a sties ecosystems services would fail a. True b. False 8. The guidelines and bench marks encourage:. a. Edible landscapes b. Small-scale food production c. All of the above d. None of the above 9. The “seven generations rule” has been a historical part of whose culture? a. Native Americans b. African Americans c. Asian Americans d. All Americans
10. The first head of the U.S. Forest Service was: a. Federick Law Olmsted b. Gifford Pinchot c. Michael Dirr d. Luther Burbank 11. In order for true sustainability to be possible, which key areas need to be vibrant: a. Economic b. Social c. Environmental d. All of the above 13. The primary focus for the Sustainable Site Initiative is: a. The enviroment b. Social equity c. Economic feasibility d. All of the above 14. In order to retain crucial human stewardship, an environmentally sustainable site needs to engage its users on multiple levels. a. True b. False
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Tips - Selling Pesticides Safety Begins at the Point of Sale The owner of a U.S. farm supply and services company was recently levied a hefty fine for selling "restricted use" pesticides without a license and for failing to store the products properly. It was a serious penalty for a serious offense. The sale of any pesticide - whether "restricted use" or "general use" must follow all applicable government regulations, including those imposed by federal and state authorities. For example, licensing of certain pesticide dealers and retailers is required by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). There are greater regulations concerning the sale of restricted use pesti-
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4. Before you buy the product, make sure you can comply with all other label instructions as well. The label 9. [Tips to provide will list any required protective clothyour retail customers} ing, all precautions for protecting the environment, first aid ("statement of A shopper in a farm supply store repractical treatment") in case of an cently purchased a pesticide that he accident, re-entry intervals after was not authorized to buy. In additreatment and storage and disposal tion, he was purchasing the product requirements. Not following the label for a use not allowed on the label. may result in criminal charges and "Whether you are buying a pesticide fines, as well as personal injury if the for commercial use on crops, for perrequired protective clothing ("personsonal use on your lawn or garden, or al protective equipment" or "PPE") is for any other purpose, the purchase 10. not used. must be carefully considered," says Andrew Thostenson, President of the5. Know when you are buying a pesticide. Any product making a pest American Association of Pesticide control claim should be registered as Safety Educators and Pesticide Proa pesticide with the Environmental gram Specialist, North Dakota State Protection Agency (EPA). This inUniversity Extension Service. cludes all products labeled for pest Here are a few important guidelines control on your farm, lawn or garden, to keep in mind when buying a pestibut many other products as well. For cide for any use. example, flea collars, "weed and feed" fertilizers and insect baits or 1. Arrive at the store knowing the repellents that contain an "active inidentity of the pest(s) that you are gredient" to control specific pests are trying to control. Your Cooperative pesticides too. Extension Service, other trained professionals or university websites can6. Make sure you are buying a help. (Some websites for identifying pesticide that has a current EPA pests are listed below.) registration number on the label. If
Tips - Buying a Pesticide
2. Make sure the pesticide will work on your pest(s). Check the label to see if the pest is listed and under what conditions it will be controlled. For example, an herbicide will not control weeds that are too large, and an insecticide will not solve an insect prob-7. lem that is caused by poor food storage or ripped window screens.
3. Make sure the pesticide is registered for the "site" that you want to8. treat, and that you are willing to follow all directions for use. The crop, turf, household or other site must be listed on the label, and you must follow all directions concerning rate, timing, placement, weather conditions, etc.
you see a counterfeit product for sale, notify your appropriate Pesticide Regulatory Agency. You can locate this agency online through the American Association of Pesticide Control Officials. Buy small amounts - preferably what you can use in one year or less. This reduces the need to store and dispose of pesticides.
When buying a pesticide, be careful about whom you ask for advice. The best source of information is your Cooperative Extension Service. Store employees, friends and neighbors may or may not know the correct answers to your questions. Kentucky, for example, requires certification
before a store employee can make a pesticide recommendation. Understand what a "premix" is, so you can determine if you need it. A premix contains more than one active ingredient. This will provide control of more pest species. It may also reduce the chance of pest resistance developing if the active ingredients have different modes/sites of action on the same pest. (Some websites for determining modes/sites of action are listed below.) Never purchase a "restricted use" pesticide unless you have been trained and certified to use it for the particular category of use. Applicators can be certified in various categories, such as agricultural crops, greenhouses, structures, turf and ornamentals and public health. You do not have to be certified to purchase a "general use" pesticide. For further information on selling a pesticide, contact your appropriate Pesticide Regulatory Agency. You can locate this agency online through the American Association of Pesticide Control Officials http://www.aapco.org/officials.html . Mr. Micah B. Raub, Program Coordinator, Office of Pesticide Services, Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, 804-786-4845
Micah.Raub@vdacs.virginia.gov
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Research - Assessment of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) as Irrigation Water Disinfectant & Acidifier for Plant Disease Management Funding period: March 1, 2012 to Feb. 28, 2013
Objective:
Investigate efficacy of irrigation water injected with CO2 on zoospore survival and infectivity of Phytophthora species. Investigate effectiveness of irrigation water injected with CO2 on pH reduction of irrigation water. Assess the cost for water treatment with CO2.
Results:
Irrigation water injected with CO2 suppresses zoospore survival of Phytophthora species Water was collected from a nursery irrigation reservoir at a wholesale ornamental nursery located in eastern Virginia on 27 Feb, 6 Apr and 7 June, 2012. Water samples were filtered to remove algae, zoosporic organisms and large size bacteria species and then bubbled with compressed (50 psi) CO2. 2.5 liters of the filtered water in a gallon container obtained a CO2 concentration of approximately 4,000 ppm after injection at a rate of 0.67 l min-1 for 8 min. CO2 injected water was then diluted to 2,000, 1,000, 500, 250 and 150 ppm. Water at different CO2 levels was used to suspend zoospores of 4 Phytophthora species that are often recovered from irrigation water: P. megasperma, P. nicotianae, P. tropicalis and P. pini. Zoospore survival was examined after a 2-h exposure. Survival of Phytophthora decreased as injected CO2 levels in irrigation water increased. Significant reduction of survival rates was observed at as low as 63 ppm (Fig. 1). The reduction was much greater when CO 2 concentrations were 2,000 ppm or higher. Phytophthora species in response to the treatments were different, especially when CO2 concentrations were low (Fig. 1). P. megasperma was the most tolerant of CO2. There was no significant difference in zoospore survival between 250 - 4,000 ppm. In contrast, P. nicotianae, P. pini, and P. tropicalis were much less tolerant and most zoospores did not survive at high concentrations of CO2. For P. pini, only 30% and 10% of the population survived at 2,000 and 4,000 ppm, respectively. P. nicotianae and P. tropicalis had similar responses, but there was less than 20% population survival at 2,000 ppm, and almost no survival at 4,000 ppm. At CO2 concentrations of 1,000 ppm and below, all three species survived well although there were some differences among CO2 concentrations.
Irrigation water injected with CO2 impairs pathogen infectivity on plants P. nicotianae, a pathogen of over 200 plant species, was also tested for plant infection. The zoospores after exposed to CO2 injected water for 30 min and 2 h were used to spray grown annual vinca plants (Little Bright Eye) at 2 concentrations, 1,000 and 5,000 zoospores ml-1. To determine whether CO2 may cause phytotoxicity on plants, a treatment without zoospores was also included. The treated water with CO2 concentrations of 2,000 and 4,000 ppm resulted in the most significant reduction of disease incidence (Fig. 2). Regardless of the length of exposure time, injected CO2 at 1,000 ppm effectively lowered disease incidence at low densit y of inocula. No damage was observed on plants sprayed with CO2 injected water even at 4,000 ppm, the highest concentration tested, indicating that CO2 injected water was not phytotoxic.
[The VNA Horticulture Research Foundation helped support this research project.] Dr. Ping Kong, VA Tech Hampton Roads AREC, VA Beach, pkong@vt.edu
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a
100
b
80
c
60
Relative survival (%)
a
P. megasperma
cd
cd
d
b
cd
d
b
P. pini
bc
b
c d
40 20
e
0
a
a b
100 80 60
a
P. nicotianae P. nicotianae b cb de e cd
b
P. tropicalis
bc
bc
b
c
40
f
20 0
d
g
CK 63 125 250 500 1 k 2 k 4 k
CK 63 125 250 500 1 k
e
2k 4k
Injected CO2 concentration (ppm) Figure1. Effect of injected CO2 (0 - 4000 ppm) on zoospore survival of Phytophthora species in irrigation water samples.
Disease incidence (%)
CK
250
1000
2000
4000 ppm
100 80 60 40 20 0
a a
a a
a a a
a a
b
b
b c
b c
1000
5000
b
bc c c
1000
30 m
b
5000 2h
Zoospores (ml-1) and exposure time to CO2 Figure 2. Effect of injected CO2 (0 to 4,000 ppm) in irrigation water on disease incidence of annual vinca (Catharanthus roseus cv. Little Bright Eye) by Phytophthora nicotianae zoospores.
40 40
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CO2 injection reduces pH of basic irrigation water Irrigation water samples were measured for pH before and after CO2 injection. pH of water samples in April and June was high but it was reduced with injection of CO2. Reduction was 3 to 4 logs when injected CO2 concentration was at 4,000 ppm (Table 1). This final pH was not affected by the initial pH of water to be treated, indicating that CO2 at 4,000 ppm may be used to adjust pH that is higher than tested (pH 9.1). High CO2 concentration may be not necessary for a pH just below 7. Injected CO2 concentration of as low as 250 ppm is adequate (Table 1). Table 1. pH of irrigation water samples with different amounts of injected CO2 pH Injected CO2 (ppm)
February
April
June
0
7.8
9.0
9.1
63
7.6
7.8
7.5
125
7.3
7.3
7.0
250
6.7
6.9
6.6
500
6.3
6.4
6.2
1000
6.0
6.0
5.9
2000
5.7
5.7
5.6
4000
5.2
5.3
5.1
CO2 water treatment is cost effective and can be combined with chlorination The cost to reduce pH of basic irrigation water below 7 is low, about 10 cents per 100 gallon water (Table 2). The cost for treatment of infested irrigation water by pathogens like P. nicotianae is 10 time higher, about $1 per 100 gallons. However, the cost can be reduced depending on pathogen density in water. Pathogens at 1,000 zoospores/ml can have a lower cost than at 5,000/ml (Table 2). If pathogen density is lower than1,000 zoospores/ml, the cost can be further lower. This cost with CO2 may be higher compared with chlorine gas which is 0.025 per 1,000 gallons at the effective concentration of 2 ppm. However, the hazards inherent in chlorine gas handling, the cost of training workers to handle chlorine safely, the cost of the equipment needed, and the low effectiveness at high pH must be considered. Table 2. Cost of CO2 used for water treatment and efficacy Efficacy of disinfestation (%) x Injected
Cost y
CO2 (ppm)
($/100 gallons)
pH
1,000(sp/ml)
5,000 (sp/ml)
0
0
8.6 and up
NA
NA
63
0.025
7.7
-
-
125
0.052
7.2
-
-
250
0.104
6.7
49.1
-
500
0.208
6.3
ND
-
1000
0.415
6.0
64.4
-
2000
0.83
5.7
91.2
71.1
4000
1.66
5.2
81.4
87.1
y based on price of compressed CO2 at $ 0.5/lb. x based on an exposure of 30 min. sp: zoospores NA: not apply VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter 41
-: no improvement
ND: not determined
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Summary and implications: This research demonstrates that CO2 water treatment can become a safe and cost effective measure to improve water quality of irrigation water reservoirs in Virginia nurseries. In addition to as a disinfectant to control Phytophthora species and prevent disease spread in the field, CO2 water treatment can also be used as a water acidifier to effectively reduce pH of basic water. Furthermore, since efficacy of chlorination is subjected to high pH, water treatment with CO2 gas can be combined with chlorination to improve efficacy of chlorine gas and reduce the inherent cost. CO2 is plant-friendly. Operation with compressed CO2 does not require extensive safety training and equipment. A compressed CO2 leak is not hazardous unless it occurs in an enclosed space. This study produced a peer- reviewed article being published in Plant Disease and a method that can be readily used by nursery industries adopting irrigation water recycling practice.
Tips - Boxwood Blight and Greenery Tip Production This fact sheet was developed to highlight the potential impact and importance of this NEW disease to the boxwood 'tip' and 'cutting' industry engaged in making holiday wreaths and other boxwood adornments. Common names of the disease: Box blight, boxwood blight, Cylindrocladium box blight, blight disease of boxwood, boxwood leaf drop. The fungus that causes boxwood blight was first discovered in the United Kingdom in the mid-1990's causing a severe blight disease on boxwood (Buxus species). It is now widespread throughout most of Europe in commercial nurseries, landscapes and native stands of boxwood. Plants develop spots on the leaves and stems, and leaves drop off, starting at the bottom of the plant. Plants usually do not completely die, but their appearance is ruined. In October and November 2011,
this fungus was found for the first time in the U.S. on several English and American boxwood samples collected from one county in north central NC and in multiple counties in Connecticut; it has also been found in Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Virginia, as well as British Columbia and Ontario, Canada. Most likely there are other locations where this disease exists but have not yet been documented. The primary way this disease spread throughout Europe was the movement of infected plants and cuttings; another way it spreads is on tools used to shear the plants. The fungus spores are VERY sticky and will stick to tools and other equipment, as well as animals such as deer and dogs. These spores can also be moved in water (in splashing rain, flood water, overhead irrigation, or in droplets carried by the wind). Spores are not likely to travel long distances by wind alone. Human activities such as pruning and clipping help it
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spread. The greatest potential for longdistance transport of boxwood blight is the movement of infected plants, cuttings and tools. This fungus has the potential to spread throughout the boxwood tip production areas of North Carolina and other states through the use of contaminated tools during tip harvest. Spread of this fungus will cause significant losses of boxwood plants in both natural/landscape areas as well as in production fields. Plants growing in shaded areas are especially under high risk. Symptoms of box blight include darkor light-brown, circular leaf spots often with darker margins; dark stem cankers (streaks); straw- to bronze-colored, blighted foliage; and sudden leaf drop. Leaf spots may grow together to eventually cover the entire leaf. Under high humidity, white fuzzy spore masses may be seen on infected stems and leaves, especially on the undersides. A hand lens will help you see the actual spores. Sometimes only the lower stems become infected, leaving the tops green; in those cases, the plant may appear top-heavy. However, often the entire plant becomes affected. Blighting can occur suddenly with complete leaf loss under warm (60 to 80°F) and humid conditions. Plants Ad – growing under shade are usually more impacted. In production areas where the disease is active, it is not uncommon to see leaves with symptoms close to the ground on the shaded side of the plant because the pathogen can move with infected leaves that get carried by runoff water from heavy rains.
blighting; spots often have a darker (brown to purple) margin. Within a few weeks after leaf spots develop, entire leaves often turn brown and drop to the ground. Boxwood blight is often associated with large numbers of leaves on the ground underneath the plant.
Limiting the spread of this contagious fungus can be accomplished by ALWAYS following good sanitation practices when cutting boxwood tips. This includes:
disinfecting tools in between different blocks of plants, and especially in between different field locations, washing off debris/dirt entirely from soles of shoes in between dif-
ferent boxwood fields or landscapes in counties suspected to have boxwood blight, and assembling wreaths away from existing boxwood plantings, and NEVER discarding boxwood waste material where it could contaminate other boxwood plants The best way to sanitize tools is to dip them for TEN SECONDS into these products and allowing the tools to dry: ethyl or isopropyl alcohol at 70-100% (most Lysol formulations, grain/ rubbing alcohol), sodium hypochlorite (10% Clorox or4 other brands of household bleachthe same as 1 part bleach to 9 parts clean water- made fresh each day), phenolics at 0.4-5% (trade name Pheno-Cen), and quaternary ammonium at 0.5-1.5% (trade names Greenshield, Consan Triple Action 20, Physan 20). Other information can be found at:
http://go.ncsu.edu/boxwood_blight_sanitizers http://go.ncsu.edu/boxwood_blight_links
Kelly Ivors, Extension Plant Pathologist, Dept. of Plant Pathology, NC State University klivors@ncsu.edu
Piedmont Landscape Association Annual Seminar
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF BOX BLIGHT Circular leaf spots appear before leaf
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News - Green Industry Showcase at State Fair of Virginia
On very short notice at the end of September the Virginia Green Industry Council helped coordinate a Showcase of the Horticulture and the Green Industry in the center of the Meadow Pavilion at the State Fair in Doswell. These associations donated materials, labor, information and staffing of the display:
VA Christmas Tree Growers Assoc VA Flower Growers Assoc VA Nursery & Landscape Assoc VA Society of Landscape Designers Hanover and Henrico Master Gardeners Assoc Plant More Plants - DCR
Photo by Karen Kelly
See more photos on page 62
Thanks to these companies for donating plant material, supplies and labor: Aaron’s Creek Farm Atlantic Growers Battlefield Farms Bennett’s Creek Nursery Colesville Nursery Cros-B-Crest Farm Driver Bros Greenhouse Ed’s Landscaping Endfield Nursery Hanover Farms Jones Flowers Natural Arts Landscaping Piedmont Growers Riverbend Nursery Sandy’s Plants Shipp & Wilson Strange’s Greenhouses Tatterson Greenhouse Bill Bonwell, State Fair Gwynn Hubbard, State Fair Rick Baker, VDACS Lorene Blackwood, VGIC
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Tips - The Power of Thought I want to share an article written by one of our readers about a subject very familiar to me and yet with a fresh, fun perspective that I enjoyed considering. For years, authors and speakers like me have been teaching about the power of attraction ... the simple fact that you become what you think about. You can without a doubt attract both good and bad experiences into your life by your expectations and the things you dwell on.
own part in making them that way. Typically we get what we expect. Likewise, when can sit back and look at someone else that seems to have everything going for them and wonder, what do they have that I don't have, we must stop to realize the answer of course is "nothing." We can all create our reality by cultivating the qualities and strengths in ourselves that we know we see in others. Now back to that refreshing article I received. Jim Brown became connected with JP Horizons through reading Five Important Things years ago. He took his development and the personal development of others so seriously that we featured him in one of the first People Solutions newsletters. In a newsletter publication he puts out to his team, he wrote about the law of attraction and the people in our lives who seem to just have IT working for them. Enjoy learning Gymbeaux's perspective on the IT FACTOR below and challenge yourself to find your own ways to find IT, cultivate IT and keep IT.
Some refer to the part of the brain (the reticular activating system) that finds ways to prove what you are thinking is true, whether it is right or wrong. Some refer to the universe and energy fields and mysterious links between our beliefs and our reality. There are dozens of theories about the power of attraction and whichever makes sense to you is great. One thing I know for sure is that IT is really quite simple ... for example, if you think it is going to be "one of those days," you will ultimately attract the events into your life that make it "one of those days." When you tell yourself it is going to be a great day, you will be aware of the great things happening around you and attract more of the same. As you change your awareness, you ultimately act differently and affect your reality by attracting different things into your life. When you change the picture of yourself to what you desire, your subconscious will cooperate and help you create this new reality that you believe to be true. When you expect something to happen, it will be attracted into your reality. If you expect to find the perfect mate, you will or if you are convinced that you attract losers ... you will.
I think Humphrey Bogart had IT (he is my favorite movie star). I think John Wayne, Angela Lansbury, Audrey Hepburn, President Ronald Reagan, and my third grade school teacher, Ms. Orange, have IT. I find it odd, however, that of all the teachers I had in school, college and the military; I can only remember one that had IT. I had a high school basketball coach that at one time had IT but he lost IT when he embezzled money from an inter-state toll booth much to my surprise.
When things just aren't going our way, it's so easy to blame others or circumstance and not recognize our
Then, at a recent conference, the Dean of Keller Williams University talked about how someone qualifies
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Jim Paluch , People Solutions jim@jphorizons.com http://www.jphorizons.com
The ‘" IT’ Factor
to be a certified instructor and outlined all the various steps and qualifications and then said that after a person clears all the initial hurdles, the person has to have IT to be selected. That is what got me thinking - what is IT? How does one get IT? Can IT be taken away, as was the case of my basketball coach? If someone does not have IT now, can he or she get IT in the future? Has anyone ever really defined IT? If I don't have IT here, might I move to another area where people in that area would think I have IT where it was non-existent before? Can I fake having IT? You know, fake IT until you make IT. My wife has IT; thought that from the very first day I saw her over 41 years ago. I was a 20 year old Coast Guardsman and stopped by the credit union and there she was; couldn't get her off my mind. I was going to have a girl in every port and that is one goal I accomplished - the same girl in every port. She definitely had IT; still does. What I am about to say is not based on any scientific study but rather one man's opinion. I think I know what IT is. First and foremost, IT is intangible and beyond description, but I am going to try anyway to define IT. IT is made up of many small elements that when viewed as a whole comprise a very vague description of a person that has IT.
WHO HAS IT? People who have IT seem to be for real; no gimmicks, just down to earth real good people. People you want to go out to dinner with, play sports with, go to a movie with, work for or have work for you, etc. They seem to enjoy the courage of their convictions. They know what they want and they tend to persevere in order to attain it. They go about their daily activities
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and life with enthusiasm and excitement. They seem to be able to focus on what needs to be done when it needs to be done. They are aware of their surroundings and the people therein. They tend to be servant leaders by their very nature; what can I do for you? They are honest and have integrity. They tend to smile a lot. They believe that there is a reason that things happen. I also think they demonstrate a natural leadership that serves as a magnet for others who want to either follow them, be near them, be like them or just feel good when they see them, think about them or are near them. It has been said, by whom I have no idea, that some people brighten a room when they enter it (they have IT); while others brighten a room when they leave (they don't have IT
and that certainly would not be you). We all have known people with IT but not as many as we would like to know. I guess the real question that I would ask is do I brighten a room when I enter it or when I leave it; maybe I don't want to know the answer to that on any given day. Any one of these characteristics would be good but together they are magnificent. Together they form the IT that so many people refer to but cannot define. Benjamin Franklin had IT but he didn't always have IT. In fact a lot of people despised him and did not want to be around him. We don't hear much of that in the history books - they have been sanitized. Franklin had character flaws but he did something to correct them. He listed the 13 characteristics that he felt were the most important and he dedicated one week for each characteristic. He then focused like a laser on that characteristic, working to improve himself. Then each week he
would work on the next and then the next until after the thirteenth week he covered them all. But he did not quit there. He repeated the process every 13 weeks which by the way made up an entire year. So every quarter, he traced his steps working on each characteristic until he improved upon them. Because he worked and studied, he became one of the most admired and respected people in our history. He got IT! One case however, does not prove a point, but in this case it certainly proved that at least one person who failed to have IT could with work acquire IT as Franklin did. As I wrote this article something kept reminding me that I have been here before, that these are not new to me. No, I have definitely seen them before but where? Then it dawned on me, these characteristics represent Joe Tye's Twelve Core Action Values that he teaches.
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HOW DO YOU GET IT? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
Authenticity Courage Perseverance Vision Mission Enthusiasm Focus Awareness Service Integrity Faith Leadership
But if IT is so important, why don't more people have IT? Then while reading a book entitled Little Red Book of Selling written by Jeffrey Gitomer, IT hit me. The reason more people do not have IT is because unlike Franklin, they simply fail to work on IT. Gitomer asked the question, "How many books, CDs, DVDs, Tapes, etc. do you have in your personal library that you use to study the sales profession?" I would ask the question, how many books, CDs, DVDs, Tapes, etc., do you have in your personal library that you use to study to enhance your authenticity, your vision, your mission, your faith, and those characteristics (values) like Franklin did? People (certainly not you) simply fail to see a value in working on their vision, on their awareness or their leadership qualities, or on their values.
What can you and I do about acquiring IT? Make IT a life's study. Identify the characteristics that are most important to you. Read up on them. Study them. Evaluate how you are doing on them. Ask your friends and family to grade you on how well you are progressing. Put the Law of Attraction to work for you immediately. But instead of asking to win the lottery, ask to have a clear vision, to be more enthusiastic, to be a leader, to have a servant leader's heart and most importantly - be authentic. Expect to make a positive difference in the world and someone else's life. The Law of Attraction simply states that we tend to attract into our lives that which we think of most but unfortunately most of us think of what we don't want. Make IT something that you want! That spe-
cial something that other people seek and gravitate to. IT! Article by: Jim "Gymbeaux" Brown, with Keller Williams Realty, published in his company newsletter, "Nuggets for the Noggin"
Save the Date! VNLA Field Day & Summer Tour at Brent & Becky’s Bulbs Gloucester, VA August 8-9, 2013
Do you need an official seal for your landscape plans? If you are a Virginia Certified Horticulturist, order a Stamper from the VNLA Office for $65.95, includes tax and shipping
I think that it is safe to say that those folks who have made a practice to get IT....
Have more friends Make more sales Are selected for higher positions Are voted into office (and then something strange happens to them) Achieve their goals Have well-rounded families Have great relationships Are basically happy people
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a
The VNLA Research Committee at MANTS After Dark Presents
a
The 2013 Horticulture Research Gala and Charity Auction Featuring
The Skyla Burrell Blues Band www.skylaburrell.com
Wednesday, January 9, 2013 6:00 - 10:00pm
T铆r Na N贸g Irish Pub (Harborplace, Baltimore)
$70/person (limited to 200 tickets) Order tickets through MANTS pre-registration
A complete Buffet Dinner is included Drinks, Cocktails, Beer & Wine (2 drink tickets, cash bar) Silent Auction (6:00 - 8:30) Stay until they close!
Rockin' in Remembrance of Dr. Bonnie Appleton
professor and researcher at VA Tech HRAREC in Virginia Beach To donate items for the auctions Contact Matt Sawyer at 757-483-1425 Email: Matt@bcnursery.com
VNA Horticulture Research Foundation, Inc. This is the major fund-raiser event for the Foundation. The net proceeds from this event are added to the investment account managed by SunTrust Bank. The income from the investment account is used each year to fund worthy research projects that could benefit the nursery industry.
VIRGINIA NURSERYMEN’S HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC. 383 Coal Hollow Rd, Christiansburg, VA 24073-6721 Phone: 540-382-0943 – 800-476-0055 – Fax: 540-382-2716 – Email: research@vnla.org
Donor Information Form Donor Company: _________________________________________________________________________ Contact Person: __________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________ ST: ___ Zip: ____________-__________ Office Phone: (____) _____-____________
Fax: (____) _____-____________
Email: __________________________________________________________________________________ $ ______ Reception/Auction Sponsor $ ______ Direct donation to Research Foundation $ ______ Gift Certificate (list who and where to redeem the certificate, or how to obtain the item, if different from the above contact information) Item Donation and description: _______________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Retail Value: $ ____________________ (approximate) VNLA member accepting donation: __________________________________________ List additional items separately on the back of this sheet The donor did not receive any goods or services from the VNA Horticulture Research Foundation, Inc in return for the above listed contribution(s). The Virginia Nurserymen's Horticultural Research Foundation, Inc is a non-profit (501(c)(3) corporation. Over the course of time that this program has been active, we have funded in excess of $200,000 in original research from donations and income from our $550,000 research endowment. We are an active state association with an on-going fundraising program, which should further enhance our ability to support good research in the years to come. It is the policy of the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association that no overhead money be taken from funds donated for research projects. It is permissible to deposit these funds into various accounts that have been established for nursery research. The Virginia Nurserymen’s Horticulture Research Foundation, Inc is a 501(c)(3). A financial statement is available upon written request from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Consumer Affairs, PO Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218-1163.
VNLA - Minutes Board Meeting Thursday, October 18, 2012, 10 am-4 pm Bass Pro Shop Meeting Room, Ashland, VA
Mission Statement: To enhance and promote Virginia’s nursery and landscape industry Vision Statement: To be the leader and resource for the Virginia nursery and landscape industry
2013 General Assembly. She thanked the VNLA for their continuing support and reminded the board about upcoming town hall meetings around the state and noted that these were good opportunities to meet with state government officials and specifically with Secretary of Agriculture, Todd Haymore. Topics this year focus on transportation, tax issues and marketing. They are gearing up for the 2013 legislation session. The VAC Legislative Appreciation Banquet will be at a new location in 2013. The VAC will work with the VNLA to coordinate distribution of gift baskets and contacts with General Assembly members on February 7, 2013.
New issues:
Consolidate water quality management regulations to DEQ, transfer 10:30 a.m. - Meeting Call to Order MS4 municipal storm programs to by Vice President Matt Sawyer with DEQ. Builders have to deal with the following people present: Matt DEQ on other permitting, and erosion Shreckhise, Cheryl Lajoie, Bill and sediment control and should help Gouldin, Tom Thompson, Dawn expedite their permitting process. Lerch, Jim Owen, Jeff Miller, Mark TMDL implementation would go to Maslow and Mike Hildebrand and DEQ from DCR, and water quality Virginia Rockwell arriving at noon, program funds would shift to DEQ, and absent: Steve Grigg, Sonya which includes BMP. Westervelt and John Barbieri. Nutrient management VNLA Dashboard Metrics planning is still voluntary, but it includes nurseries, turf, Current Membership 510 and lawn care, and these Membership 1 year ago 556 would shift to non-regulatory Peak Membership (2008) 632 section of DEQ. Nutrient plans will be required by Current VCH Count 549 2017. VCH Count 1 Year ago 542 Soil and water conserva- tion districts cost share funds Total Income YTD Sept’12 180,513 to non-regulatory section Budget Year 399,311 Concerns with moving to Total Income YTD Sept’11 146,447 DEQ who is also the EPA regulatory representative in Total Expenses YTD Sept’12 261,384 the state. The VAC Policy Budget Year 391,150 meeting is on November 14 Total Expenses YTD Sept’11 236,443 and DEQ will be there to present updates and to answer questions. 10:30 a.m. Virginia Agribusiness Currently, nurseries only have onsite Council - Katie Frasier, VAC PresiBMPs, there are no BMP plans on dent, gave some updates of possible site runoff. Eventually, businesses concerns on legislative issues for the 50
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may have to separate storm water and onsite water use. Transportation funding will be an issue with proposals for tolls. Encourage members to vote on eminent domain change on the election ballot. 11:15 a.m. - SunTrust Investment Advisors Update - Tom O’Neil, SunTrust Investment representative, reviewed the current status of the VNLA investment funds in the Scholarship funds, the research funds and the rainy day funds. They are concerned some with the bond markets. Large companies have done a good job cutting costs, but are holding on to cash reserves. It was recommended, and the consensus of the board, that the current allocations be maintained. Secretary’s Report - Matt Shreckhise moved that the minutes of the June 9, 2012 VNLA Board meeting be approved as presented, seconded, and passed. Treasurer’s Report - Matt Shreckhise (emailed reports) reviewed the financial reports and the proposed 2013 Budget. It was moved that they be approved as presented, seconded and passed. The 2013 proposed Budget will be posted on the website with a link being sent to the membership to review before the VNLA Annual meeting in January. President’s Update - Steve Grigg Strategic Plan (absent) Board Member Job Description updates (tabled to next meeting) Matt Sawyer reported that the Executive Committee had met and the contract renewal, evaluation and job description for Horticulture Management Associates LLC and been reviewed by the committee and accepted by Jeff Miller for Horticulture Management Associates LLC for the calendar years 2013-2015 (see details in attached Executive Directors Report). VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
VA Turfgrass Council has invited the VNLA President or representative to their next Board meeting on11/8/12 in Henrico. No action was taken.
Executive Director Update - Jeff Miller (e-mailed and attached) gave an overview of the report. Virginia Ag Magazine - info had been emailed to the board on 10/5/12 about placing an ad in the new publication which is endorsed by VDACS Commissioner Matt Lohr. It was the consensus of the Board to not place an ad in this issue. The publication will cover different segments of the Virginia agriculture industry and there will be an article on the green industry, including industry stats and articles on Riverbend Nursery and Willow Springs Tree Farms. Committee Reports: Legislation - Virginia Rockwell not- ed that she was coordinating the annual plant distribution to the General Assembly with the Virginia Agribusiness Council and it would probably be on February 7, 8:30 a.m.noon. They would also try and incorporate native plants in the baskets. Along with the plants, stats and issues of the green industry will be provided. There was a discussion on what should be done to replace publically funded economic impact surveys. Should this be proposed as a new legislative initiative? APLD - A motion was made to provide a $500 grant to the APLD to help sponsor their meeting program on December 6. PLA - a proposal from the Piedmont Landscape Association for a grant to help sponsor their February 2013 educational conference for $1,000 was reviewed. It was moved to approve the request, seconded and passed. Environmental Affairs Thompson (emailed report) 52
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Invasive Species Legislation Report (emailed report) Jim Owen noted that the definition of an invasive weed was one that has wide spread existence. A noxious weed creates harm to crops and is usually seed based. LEED Certification Class - After some discussion, it was suggested that Tom try and re-schedule this program in June and have info available at MANTS. Tom suggested that the board look at http://www.thegbi.org/green-globes/ about the Green Globes initiative. There is an Emerald Ash Borer Quarantine for the entire state now. Certification - Cheryl Lajoie reported that she had been discussion with the American Horticulture Foundation on the possibility of the VNLA establishing a partnership with them for professional certifications. Online training - Cheryl is getting estimates on developing multi-media programing for the VNLA certification review classes and has been talking with Dave Close, State Master Gardener Coordinator about upgrading/integrating the Master Gardener Manual in the multi-media program. The Grower Certification program information was emailed 10/9/12 from Jim Owen for consideration by the certification program. The Certification Committee will put together a RFP with the scope, timeframe and format that they would like to develop. Alex Niemiera is developing an online woody study program that will soon be available to VNLA members, which the VNLA has provided some funding. LEAN Program - Duane Shumaker had suggested that the VNLA consider doing a “LEAN” program in Virginia. He had attended several programs at the FarWest Show where the Oregon Association of Nurseries and had set up a program that had been very beneficial to many of their members helping them become more efficient and profitable. October / November / December 2012 October/November/December 2012
http://www.oan.org/displaycommon.c fm?an=1&subarticlenbr=832 Jim Owen noted that he was familiar with their program from his time in Oregon and that Kentucky had also done a similar program. It’s often called the Toyota program in which all decisions and processes are customer focused. Jim will get more information about the program. Dr. Elliott Weiss at the University of Virginia Darden School is doing a similar program called Gazogle. http://archive.ite.journal.informs.org/ Vol6No3/Weiss/Weiss.pdf Public Relations - (emailed report and attached) Sonya Westervelt (absent) Field Day and Summer Tour 2013 location has not been determined yet, she expects to have it confirmed in the near future. Research - Matt Sawyer - The 2013 Research Gala/Auction will be at the Tir na Nog Restaurant again in 2013 on Wednesday evening with Skyla Burrell providing music. Beautiful Gardens Report - Rick Baker (emailed and attached) MANTS Update - The MANTS board announced that $200,000 would be sent to each state from proceeds of the 2012 trade show.
CRITICAL ACTION ITEMS (based on strategic plan) 1a. Discussion of Boxwood Blight Research and Funding Update 1b. Flied Day 2013 - Sonya Westervelt 2. Enhance certification program - Cheryl Lajoie, Tom Thompson, Matt Sawyer
A. Online reviews B. CEU verification online C. Standardized testing format across professional organizations D. Certification Manual revisions/online VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
3. Identify VNLA Legislative Priorities and Agendas Virginia Rockwell, Matt Shreckhise, Steve Grigg
A. Identify areas of concern for membership B. Proactively educate legislators on the size/impact of green industry C. Solicit VAC for aide in legislative issues D. Network with our legislators E. Public Relations and Communications - Mark Maslow, Sonya Westervelt, Jeff Miller F. Streamline Newsletter publications quantities and layout G. Reduce e-blasts and re format to be easier to read H. Increase participation in the grower’s guide and enhance the publication Being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:40 p.m.
UPCOMING VNLA EVENTS
VNLA Board Meeting, MANTS, Tuesday, January 8, 2012, 1 p.m. VNLA Research Gala/Auction, Wednesday, January 9, Tira Nog Restaurant VNLA Annual Membership Meeting, Thursday, January 10, Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel Virginia Agribusiness Council Banquet, Richmond, January 10, 6-9 p.m. VNLA Spring Board Meeting, February 27, 2013, Charlottesville (Strategic Plan Review with Christine Kennedy)
Environmental Affairs Committee Report On July 19th, I attended a meeting of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee at the University of Richmond. Among the topics of discussion were the usual insect pests that plague the State - Asian Longhorn Beetle, Wooly Adelgid, Gypsy Moth and Emerald Ash Borer. For the first time since I have been attending these meetings there were no plants that we would consider nursery grown landscape plants on the agenda. The prime targets for the group were feral hogs and nutria. Nutria are crossing into Southeastern Virginia from North Carolina where they have been destroying wetlands for years. The fear is that they will start working their way north along the bay and then up all of the tidal rivers in Eastern Virginia. Feral hogs, which were just two years ago found
Respectively submitted, Jeff Miller, Exec. Dir.
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in isolated pockets in Southwest Virginia, have been popping up all over the state. Since these populations are isolated widely separated, it is assumed that hunters are transporting them to new locations for sport. The VNLA did score points with the Committee when I rescinded my objection of the inclusion of cogongrass (Imperata) on the state list of noxious weeds. On August 30th, I attended the meeting of the Invasive Species Working Group with Mary Williams. This was the first meeting of this committee in two years. The Virginia Invasive Species Management Plan, 2012 version was approved. The topics of discussion included the VDACS noxious weed regulations, nutria and feral hog management plans, updates on thousand canker disease and emerald ash borers, as well as the Advisory Committee’s report. If you read the email updates that Jeff sends out periodically, you know more about thousand canker disease and emerald ash borers than most of the people on this committee. Three things of note from this meeting: first, because I rescinded the objection to the inclusion of cogongrass on the list of noxious weeds at the meeting of the Advisory Committee, its INCLUSION on the list of noxious weeds was made official at this meeting. Imperata can no longer be grown or sold in Virginia. Second; the Secretary of Natural Resources is sincerely interested in the opinions of the green industry. Several times during the course of the meeting he asked if the interested stakeholders - especially the VNLA were aware of the actions being considered and taken by the various state agencies represented that day. I could only tell him that I reported everything I heard to the VNLA’s Board of Directors, and the membership at large was presented with the information in the form of a quarterly 54
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newsletter and periodic emails. Third; I am now on the state Invasive Species Working Group as well as the Invasive Species Advisory Committee, as long as the board agrees to it. Due to a lack of response, the LEED Green Associate exam prep classes and mock exam that were scheduled for August 22nd and 23rd, and September 13th, were cancelled. I needed a minimum of 20 people to have the class; I had two. If the board thinks it is worthwhile, I will try to set up another series of classes at another date. Submitted by Tom Thompson, Chair
Executive Director’s Report Membership and Certification We’ve had quite a few members pay dues in the last several weeks after we had sent notices to VCH individuals that their employer had not renewed their dues for 2012. We are still in the process of contacting VCH individuals who have not renewed their certification as of the end of 2011 and VNLA members who have not renewed their membership this year. A couple of companies have been contacting members saying that they were “calling on behalf of the association”. I called them and requested that they change their introduction and to note that they were VNLA members. AFLAC and RxCut Savings Cards have also been somewhat aggressive in contacting members and very unresponsive on requests on information about contacts with members, feedback and any real benefits to the VNLA. State Fair - The Virginia Green Industry Council (VGIC) pulled together a joint green industry display with the Virginia Christmas Tree Growers, Virginia Flower Growers, October / November / December 2012 October/November/December 2012
Virginia Society of Landscape Designers, VDACS, DCR Plant More Plants, VNLA Certification and Beautiful Gardens. VNLA Extension publications were distributed along with VCH and Beautiful Gardens brochures. The VCTGA also had giveaways and handouts. The VNLA had 15 members staff the exhibit and the VCTGA had 8 members. Jeff and Sandy represented the VNLA at the VA Tech CALS Scholarship dinner recognizing scholarship donors and recipients. Grower Guide info and forms were sent out at the end of September to previous listing members, members who had not listed and to nonmembers offering 15 months of membership with their listings. “Plant Something Program” from Arizona http://www.plantsomething.org/ I think this is something the VNLA should seriously consider adopting to help members market plants. Horticulture Management Associates LLC (Hortman) Contract changes for 2013-2015. This is the updated job description and the items highlighted in yellow are new or revised responsibilities that are included in the increase in the management fee.
VNLA Executive Director Job Description and Request for Proposal Position Summary The VNLA Board of Directors is requesting your Bid for the position of Executive Director of the Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association. The Executive Board has determined that the position of Executive Director has two distinct areas of equal importance. One of these areas is that of Executive Administrator and the other is that of the face of the VNLA, the Executive Public RelaVNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
tions/Legislative Representative. Together, these two components form the Executive Director Position. Each Component is dependent on the other for the duties of each to be performed. Some duties overlap. In the past, these 2 distinct components of the position have been performed by and were the duties of one person. Education, Training and Qualifications Bachelor's degree, preferably in Business or a green industry business related field. Executive supervisory and management experience with an association or green industry organization. Affinity with and/or knowledge of the green industry is preferred. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal communications skills. Organizational, problemsolving, and business development skills. Skill or experience in strategy development and implementation. Ability to work on and manage a variety of projects simultaneously. Ability to develop and/or coordinate strategic alliances with interested parties on key issues. Ability to work with representatives of varied interests and help build consensus between groups of differing opinions. Proficiency in the use of current information technology skills (Web, social media, Office applications, etc.)
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Irregular hours are often required and often more than 40 hours per week. Executive Director - Executive Administration Duties The Director: Coordinates the day to day administrative activities of the VNLA, including monitoring the budget and maintaining the checkbook and working with the VNLA Treasurer, the Association's CPA and Investments Advisors. Is responsible for the taking and distribution of the minutes at all VNLA meetings. Is responsible for all correspondence between the VNLA and other groups and/or individuals Collects dues from the membership and maintains the books of the Association in conjunction with the current
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VNLA Treasurer. Makes necessary arrangements and supervises all regular and special VNLA meetings and events: such as Field Day, Summer Tour and MANTS. Publishes the Growers Guides and VNLA Newsletter and/or E-News Letter, acts as the editor of the Newsletter and coordinates the dissemination of the Newsletter to the membership. Recruits paying participants for the Grower's Guide and VNLA Newsletter and follows up with any cancelled Advertiser. Attends all VNLA Board meetings and special events as determined by the VNLA Board of Directors. Attends the Annual Fall Budget meeting as a participant and observer. Administers the Virginia Certified Horticulturalist program along with the program chair. Attends the annual MANTS Board Meeting. Attends MANTS, sets up and works the VNLA booth. Also will attend any VNLA related events at MANTS as determined by the Board of Directors. Promotes and attends the annual Field Day along with contacting and inviting local, state and education officials. Monitors the VNLA Scholarship Programs. Performs other duties as prescribed by the VNLA Board of Directors.
Executive Director - Executive Public Relations/Legislative Representative Duties (NEW DUTIES) The Director: 56
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Attends all Virginia Agribusiness Council (VAC) meetings as the representative of the VNLA with or without a Board member. Attends one meeting a year of each of the regional Associations to inform the group of the activities of VNLA. Attends and coordinates participation in the VAC Banquet each year unless in conflict with MANTS. If unable to attend, ensures VNLA is adequately represented at the Banquet. Coordinates and attends the annual legislative flower day hand out. Along with the VAC, monitors the Virginia General Assembly for any matters that could affect the VNLA membership. Calls on, both in person and by phone and/or email, any General Assembly /State Government member as needed to promote and defend the interests of the Green Industry in Virginia. Solicits new members and follows up with any former members who have not renewed membership. Recruits VNLA members (other than existing Board members) to serve on special events planning committees and other boards/groups within the VNLA. Coordinates and attends all VNLA Events. Coordinates with Virginia Tech and any regional community colleges to exchange information and discuss events/scholarships that both the schools and the VNLA should be aware of with regard
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to the industry. Attends the Annual MANTS Board Meeting. Attends MANTS, sets up and works the VNLA Booth. Also will attend any VNLA related events at MANTS and as determined by the VNLA Board of Directors. Promotes and attends the annual Field Day along with contacting and inviting local, state and educations officials to attend. Recruits sponsors for VNLA Events such as Field Day, Summer Tour and the Annual Breakfast meeting. Coordinates and monitors other state and/or national organizations in or out of the green industry that may have an impact on the industry. State and National organizations such as VAC, Virginia Turfgrass Council (VTC), Green Industry Council (GIC), American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA), Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) are examples. Proposal
Your proposal should be a firm fixed price proposal to perform some or all of the duties outlined above. The proposal will include providing all prices to administer the duties listed above. This will include all phone, cable, paper products, rent, etc. as outlined in the current budget and contract agreement. Contract may be for 1 to 3 years by may not exceed 3 years. Contract may be terminated, as outlined in the current agreement with or without cause by either the VNLA Board or the Executive Director with 6 months' notice.
Succession Plan
It is the desire of the Board to start working with the current VNLA ExVNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
ecutive Director to develop a succession plan for the position of Executive Director. The Board recognizes and applauds the significant contributions that Jeff Miller has made over the years to the VNLA. It also acknowledges the "living history" of the organization that Jeff has and represents. It is the wish of the board to start to prepare for as seamless of a transition as possible for when Jeff steps down from the position of VNLA Executive Director.
people know about us.
Invasive Species Legislation Report
This past January, Delegate Patrick Hope, on behalf of a Reston homeowners’ association, proposed legislation for the control of invasive plants, never mind that an invasive species law has been on the books for about eight years. As the story goes, the good people of Reston, either not knowing about, or not caring about the current invasive species laws, and wanting stricter regulations on invasive plants in their part of Virginia, had Delegate Hope introduce House Bill #396. Nobody saw this coming until it was introduced and, luckily, we dodged the bullet - the bill was carried over until next year.
The recent unpleasantries over invasive species at this years’ General Assembly tells us three things: first, “A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals….” (Agent ‘K’, from MIB); second, politicians are not very bright; third, outside of our own industry, not many
There isn’t much we can do about the first two things, but we can certainly do something about letting people know who we are. Since I have been on the VNLA’s board I have followed three main subjects; plastics recycling, the Chesapeake Bay cleanup and the problems caused by inva-
Submitted by Jeff Miller, Exec. Dir.
sive species. Both the Bay clean-up and invasive species legislation have, more or less, been pushed forward by various environmental groups, both public and private. In the past, I think a lot of us have considered these groups to be pests, if not the enemy. I know that, if they think about us at all, they consider us, the nursery and landscape industry, to be environmentally un-friendly. They don’t know us. We need to change their perception of us; we need to make them allies rather than the enemy. I propose that the VNLA (VGIC, VAC, VTC, etc.) become a member of these organizations (Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, etc.), and that we invite them to become associate members of the VNLA as well. But, in order to change how these organizations and the public perceive us, we must become active members. Someone from the VNLA - certainly including but not limited to Board
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members - needs to attend their meetings. We not only need to attend their meetings to listen to what their members (and our potential customers) are concerned about, we need to attend to put a face on the VNLA and, perhaps, we can even give them input from a different perspective. We should also invite them to have a booth at our Field Day, maybe even a link on our website to theirs (hopefully they will reciprocate). I believe that the members of the VNLA are just as concerned with the environment as any of the environmental groups out there, if not more so. I don’t think the public realizes that fact, so we have to do more. At one of the Virginia Invasive Species Working Group meetings that I attended, one of the members proposed forming fast acting groups loosely based on the Smoke Jumper crews that battle forest fires out west, to combat invasive plants. I thought that was a really good idea. The state doesn’t have the money to fund this program but that leaves us with an opportunity - why can’t we do something like that. Purely voluntary, the VNLA could work with the regional nursery and landscape groups (one of the goals from our strategic planning seminar last fall) to coordinate with the local chapter of whatever environmental group, and go out and fight the problem where it grows. We could organize one of these volunteer days quarterly somewhere in the state - less frequently, if that works better and show that we are as serious as anyone about the problem of invasive plants. Add an article of clothing (hat, t-shirt, polo shirt, whatever) to identify us as VNLA (VGIC, VAC, VTC, etc) members and you have succeeded in putting a face on the VNLA. This might also serve to let the public know about how important our Certified Horticulturist Program is. I’m sure the biggest question on everyone’s mind is: What’s in it for me? Why should I be bothered with spending my free time grubbing up 58
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invasive plants? There is value in volunteering. Since the economy went bad, Natural Art Landscaping has easily put in 200 volunteer hours each year - some for various professional organizations, but most for public projects where we live. Those volunteer hours have paid us back handsomely by introducing us to potential customers. Good will is priceless. In this case we would be working with people who are actively lobbying their elected representatives to propose legislation that could potentially impact quite a few of our businesses negatively. There is no timetable for any of this; it would certainly take time to get any of the volunteer work going, if that is even an option the Board would like to discuss. But at the very least we should consider joining a few of the environmental groups’ state chapters as soon as we can. Provided by Tom Thompson, Chair
Public Relations Committee The VNLA held what was again a successful Field Day and Summer Tour since our last meeting. In total, approximately 250 industry professionals gathered at Battlefield Farms in Rapidan, Virginia on August 8th for a tremendous line up of speakers and tours. Participants were also able to interact with vendors and their peers throughout the event. Summer tour was held in the surrounding Orange County and Culpeper area where over 30 individuals gathered for tours and camaraderie. The tour began the evening of August 8th at Montpelier and continued on August 9th with private tours of the Packard Campus of the Library of Congress, a fantastic private garden Tre Sorelle, and the beautiful Inn at Willow Grove. All of the sites for Field Day and Summer Tour were gracious and accommodating too all and we thank them! The committee is beginning discusOctober / November / December 2012 October/November/December 2012
sions with next year’s host site to be announced at the January Membership meeting. Anyone interested in getting involved should feel free to be in touch. The goal is to complete the majority of the legwork pre March madness. The committee recently sent out information for the 2013 Virginia Grower’s Guide. While the committee had hoped to revamp and improve the guide, time got the best of us and no major modifications will take place this year. It continues to be a goal of the committee and the executive director. Increasing awareness of the new website and user friendly grower guide search functions needs to be highlighted at the MANTS Trade Show Booth and in publication. The State Fair of Virginia ended up being held this year September 28 October 7 against many odds. The VNLA co-sponsored a booth at the Fair which was manned by a host of folks including a large Master Gardener contingent. The booth was shared with VGIC, VCTGA, VSLD, and VDACS. Submitted by Sonya Lepper Westervelt
Events - SNA Announces 2013 Event Georgia International Convention Center August 5 - 7, 2013 Atlanta, Ga., - The Southern Nursery Association (SNA) has announced preliminary plans for an event in 2013. Scheduled for August 5 - 7, 2013, at Atlanta’s Georgia International Convention Center (GICC), this event will combine the SNA Research Conference, the Southern Plant Conference, the SNA State Officer's Conference, and the Annual SNA Business Meeting to deliver one unparalleled event - all under one roof. The GICC, conveniently located adjaVNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
cent to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and minutes from downtown Atlanta, is Georgiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newest and second largest convention center featuring more than 400,000 SF of meeting space - all on one level. The ATL SkyTrain, a free light rail train linking the GICC to the airport, the rental car center and the GICC station, as well as a wide array of affordable nearby hotels (including two new Marriott properties on the GICC campus), and restaurants, coupled with excellent transportation connections from across the U.S., will offer participants added convenience. This new regional event will bring together the most forward thinking leaders, researchers, growers, manufacturers, distributors, landscapers and retailers from across the southeast to share ideas, learn new techniques, address key industry issues, and locate new products.
gram geared specifically to retail garden centers. In addition to the educational and networking opportunities another component of the event will provide industry growers and suppliers an opportunity to promote and showcase their products through various levels of sponsorship including a variety of channels of advertising, product presentations and display space. If you are interested in gaining exposure to a regional audience through sponsorship, contact the SNA office at 678.809.9992. More details of SNA 2013 will be released in the weeks to come. For further information, contact the Southern Nursery Association, Inc., PO Box 801454, Acworth, GA 30101, 678.809.9992, mail@sna.org, or visit the SNA Website at www.sna.org.
News - New Specialty License Plate Supporting Community Trees
A new specialty license plate is available for pre-order in Virginia. The Virginia Loves Trees license plate features a community skyline enhanced by trees (with one tree even featuring a swing) in eye-catching blues and greens and is designed to raise awareness of the value of community trees in Virginia. Plates can be ordered online, or in the mail using forms downloaded from the Virginia Loves Trees website (www.valovestrees.org ).
Meister Media/Today's Garden Center will be the official media sponsor of the event and will offer an educational pro-
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20 + Seminars
Get Prepared for Spring! People, Profits, & Plants
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Upcoming Events December 11-13, 2012, VA TECH TURFGRASS SHORT COURSE sponsored by the Virginia Turfgrass Council at the Fredericksburg Expo and Convention Center www.vaturf.org
2013 January 3-4, 2013, TENNESSEE GREEN INDUSTRY EXPO, Nashville Convention Center, www.tngie.com, 931-473-3951 January 7-9, 2013, LAWN CARE SUMMIT, by PLANET and National Pest Mgt Association, www.landcarenetwork.org January 9-11, 2013, MANTS Baltimore Convention Center Contact: 800-431-0066 www.mants.com January 9, 2013, VNA RESEARCH FOUNDATION COMMITTEE MEETING, 7-9 a.m., Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel Restaurant January 9, 2013, VNLA BEAUTIFUL GARDENS COMMITTEE MEETING, Baltimore Convention Center, Room 334, 3-5 pm January 9, 2013, VNA HORTICULTURE RESEARCH FOUNDATION RESEARCH GALA/AUCTION Order tickets with MANTS registration; for info: 800-476-0055 research@vnla.org January 10, 2013, VNLA ANNUAL BREAKFAST MEETING Sheraton Inner Harbor Hotel Contact: info@vnla.org 800-476-0055 January 10, 2013, VIRGINIA AGRIBUSINESS COUNCIL APPRECIATION BANQUET Location TBA, Richmond, VA www.va-agribusiness.org/ 66
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January 14-16, 2013, CENTS Trade Show, Columbus, OH www.onla.org January 15-16, 2013, MID-ATLANTIC HARDSCAPING TRADE SHOW, Lancaster, PA www.mahts.com January 17-18, 2013, GREEN & GROWIN' SHOW Greensboro, NC www.ncnla.com January 22-23, 2013, NEW JERSEY PLANTS TRADE SHOW www.njplantshow.com
April 11, 2013, INTERIOR PLANTSCAPE SYMPOSIUM, by PLANET at Longwood Gardens,
www.landcarenetwork.org/events/ips
April 22, 2013, EARTH DAY Contact Mother Earth April 26, 2013, VIRGINIA ARBOR DAY, www.VirginiaGreen.org 540-382-0943
For a Current Calendar of all Green Industry Events, go: http://virginiagreen.org/events.htm
January 23-25, 2013, TROPICAL PLANT INDUSTRY EXHIBITION (TPIE) Ft. Lauderdale, FL www.tpie.org January 25-27, 2013, VIRGINIA FLOWER & GARDEN EXPO "Where Joy Begins" at the VA Beach Convention Center www.vafgs.org , 757-718-6807 January 28-31, 2013, VIRGINIA TURFGRASS COUNCIL CONFERENCE & TRADE SHOW, Fredericksburg Convention Ctr, www.turfconference.org February 4-7, 2013, MID-ATLANTIC HORTICULTURE SHORT COURSE (MAHSC), at the Marriott at City Center in Newport News www.mahsc.org February 6-8, 2013, NEW ENGLAND GROWS!, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 508-653-3009 www.NewEnglandGrows.org February 12-13, 2013, MIDATLANTIC HARDSCAPING TRADE SHOW, Atlantic City, NJ www.mahts.com February 21, 2013, PIEDMONT LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION 30TH ANNUAL SEMINAR, Paramount Theater, Charlottesville www.piedmontlandscape.org March 7-10, 2013, STUDENT CAREER DAYS, by PLANET, www.StudentCareerDays.org October / November / December 2012 October/November/December 2012
VNLA Virginia Certified Horticulturist Exam Dates February 4, 2013, Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course, 6-9 pm (Basic and Advanced Tests) February 13, 2013, Monroe Technology Center, Leesburg, 5-9pm March 7, 2013, Meadows Farms, Chantilly, 5:30-9:30pm March 18, 2013, Henrico County Government Complex, Richmond, 6-10pm March 23, 2013, Charlottesville, location TBA, 10am-2pm March 30, 2013, Lancaster Farms’ Conference Room, Suffolk, 8amnoon (Basic and Advanced Tests) May 9, 2013, Monroe Technology Center, Leesburg, 10am-2pm June 19, 2013, Lancaster Farms’ Conference Room, Suffolk, 6-9pm (Basic and Advanced Tests) For test applications, review class schedules and more details go to www.vnla.org
VNLA Newsletter VNLA Newsletter
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