Indiana Nursery & Landscape News, Sep/Oct 2016

The Official Publication of the Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News Volume 76 • Issue 5

September/October 2016

www.inla1.org

Cover: The 2016 INLA Summer Tour stopped at a Franco Landscape project — a private residence in Bloomington, Indiana.

More photos and event recap on page 6.

The Turf & Soil Issue

Smooth Crabgrass Successful Transition from Pot to Planting Making a Family Business into a Family Enterprise A Prehistoric Mystery Part 1: The Obvious

INLA Annual Awards Program Application — center insert —

Follow us!

Movers and Shakers 4

Thousand Cankers Disease 8

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News Volume 76 • Issue 5 September/October 2016

Contents The Turf & Soil Issue EDUCATION

12 Smooth Crabgrass EDUCATION Indiana Nursery & Landscape News is the official publication of the Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. (INLA) and is published bimonthly.

Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association 7915 S. Emerson Ave., Suite 247 Indianapolis, IN 46237 Phone: 317-889-2382 Toll Free: 800-443-7336 www.inla1.org Publisher Rick Haggard, Executive Director, INLA 765-366-4994 • haggard.rick@att.net

14 Successful Transition from Pot to Planting Business

18 Making a Family Business into a Family Enterprise Community

20 A Prehistoric Mystery Part 1: The Obvious 18

Editor and Ad Sales Mary Breidenbach, Cumulus Design 317-757-8634 • mary@ecumulus.com

INLA Annual Awards Program

Advertising Rates: Media Kit available online at www.inla1.org

Information & Application — see center insert —

Copy Deadline: First of the month preceding the month of the issue. Reprint permission granted if source is indicated.

Views expressed in articles or editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Association or its Directors, but are those of the writer. Trade names used in articles are for identification only. No discrimination is intended toward similar products and the INLA does not endorse the use of the products mentioned.

Subscriptions: Included with membership to the INLA. Nonmembers: $36.00 per year (six issues per year).

For questions regarding subscriptions, please call INLA at 317-889-2382.

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Plus More!

2

President’s Message

4 Calendar Movers & Shakers 6

Executive Director’s Message Summer Meeting Highlights

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IDNR Spotlight Thousand Canker Disease of Black Walnut

22

Certification & Education George Brenn’s IAH Study Guide IAH Quiz! Earn CEUs

23 24

20

Advertiser List Classifieds Toolbox Talks

8

President’s Message

Another View from the Ridge!

It was just a couple weeks ago, from the time I write this, that many of us were together in Nashville, Indiana, for our annual summer meeting and sporting clay shoot. For the first time in many years we attempted to use the previous format of a two-day event in a different part of the state other than Indianapolis. Not only did we match last year’s attendance; we exceeded it — especially on the tour! I would like to thank all of you who participated in making this another successful Brian Julius year! I would also like to thank the Gluesenkamp family and everyone at Designscape for hosting and making this an amazing event! Look for a summary of the entire event on page 6 in this issue.

If you went on the tour this year, you saw projects by two of our members that have won awards of excellence in the past. It’s time to start thinking about turning in some of your projects for this year’s awards. I have been lucky enough to do tours all over the state of our members’ projects and have seen the amazing talent first hand. Get out there, take some pictures, and submit an application for the awards this year. It’s not difficult, and is extremely fulfilling to be recognized at the annual winter meeting/trade show. The application is in this issue as an insert. If you have any questions, call the INLA office.

One of the great benefits to our association being in this part of the country is our involvement in the Great Lakes Conference. The president, president elect, and executive directors from neighboring Great Lake landscape and nursery associations meet for three days every fall to brainstorm and discuss issues in our industry. We discuss the challenges we face as an association, along with ideas that worked and ideas that didn’t. As you can imagine, hearing the issues from other associations can be very beneficial to us in making decisions for our future. Many of the changes to our trade show and other events have come from ideas we heard at this meeting. I look forward to participating in Wisconsin this year and reporting back what we learned.

Have a great fall!

Brian Julius Walnut Ridge Nursery and Garden Center bjulius@walnutridge.com

2016 INLA Officers Brian Julius, President Walnut Ridge Nursery & Garden Center 2108 Hamburg Pike Jeffersonville, IN 47130 Ph: 812-288-6691 Brian Franco President-Elect Franco Landscaping, Inc. PO Box 34156 Indianapolis, IN 46234 Ph: 317-858-3858 Dave LaFara, Vice-President Tiffany Lawn & Garden Supply 4931 Robison Road Indianapolis, IN 46268 Ph: 317-228-4900 Robert Johnstone, Past President Fireboulder 226 E. Staat Street Fortville, IN 46040 Ph: 317-750-7384 Rick Haggard INLA Executive Director and Publisher 3596 Linkside Court Carmel, IN 46032 Office: 800-443-7336 Cell: 765-366-4994 Fax: 317-889-3935 • www.inla1.org Email: haggard.rick@att.net

INLA Board of Directors Jim Calvin (2018) Calvin Landscape • Ph: 317-247-6316

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Kyle Daniel (2018) Purdue University, Nursery & Landscape Extension • Ph: 765-494-7621 Kim Glass (2017) M.J. Schuetz Agency • Ph: 317-639-5679 Gabriel Gluesenkamp (2016) Designscape Horticultural Services Ph: 812-988-8900 Mark O’Brien (2016) Cardno • Ph: 574-586-2412 Dean Ricci (2018) Ricci’s Landscape Management, Inc. Ph: 219-996-2682 Bob Wasson (2018) Wasson’s Nursery, Inc. Ph: 765-759-9000

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • September/October 2016

3

Movers & Shakers

CALENDAR September 2016 9–10

Indiana Arborist Association Tree Climbing Competition Southeastway Park, New Palestine, IN www.indiana-arborist.org

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Listed are INLA members, their employees, or their organizations who have achieved recognition, special acknowledgments, an award, or a new position.

ILA 2016 Golf Outing Indianapolis, Eagle Creek Golf Course, 10 am – 6 pm www.indylandscape.com/

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Garden Centers of America Highlights Wasson Nursery

MRTF Annual Golf Day Fundraiser Olympia Fields Country Club, Olympia Fields, IL • Special “once in a lifetime” opportunity to play this championship course and help MRTF meet their fundraising goals. www.mrtf.org/

October 2016

A wonderful profile about Indiana’s own Wasson Nursery is currently featured on the Garden Centers of America’s (GCA) website.

It’s a great spotlight on a growing Indiana company. GCA interviewed Bob Wasson, who is also an INLA board member, on the company’s growth from a one-person operation to a multi-location retail garden center and landscaping business.

The interview can be found at www.gardencentersofamerica.org.

19–21 Landscapes 2016 Louisville, KY, Kentucky Exposition Center • This conference is the largest landscape and lawn care industry educational and networking event of the year. www.landscapeprofessionals.org/

November 2016 16–17 MRTF Turf and Landscape Seminar West Lafayette, IN • This intensive two-day hands-on workshop provides intermediate and advanced turf professionals with latest technology for managing turfgrass systems, and to maintain their pesticide applicator license. www.mrtf.org/

December 2016 1

Above: BobWasson, President of Operations and Daniel Wasson, President of Landscape Services with Wasson Nursery.

INLA Award of Excellence Submission Deadline Nominations for the INLA Awards of Merit also due.

Winners will be announced at the Indiana Green Expo 2017 in January.

See submission forms in this issue and online at www.inla1.org.

Conference and Trade Show | Indianapolis Mark your calendars!!!

January 3–5, 2017 Exhibitor space available!

Contact Rick Haggard for available selections — haggard.rick@att.net / 800-443-7336 or visit www.IndianaGreenExpo.com

Greenhouse at Wasson Nursery

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Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • September/October 2016

5

Executive Director’s Message

Rick Haggard

I hope many of you were able to attend or had someone from your company attend the INLA Summer Tour and Shooting for Scholarships 2016 event. The INLA summer meeting committee went above and beyond their goals of securing sponsorships and making this a must attend event. The committee was composed of Rob Johnstone, Gabriel Gluesenkamp, and Bob Wasson. I also want to recognize the INLA board and especially INLA staff, Julie Gillen for their relentless efforts, as well as thank Donna Sheets for making sure things got where they needed to be in a timely manner.

I cannot begin to thank Designscape and the Gluesenkamps (Dan, Deb, and Gabe) enough for hosting this year’s event in Nashville (Belmont), Indiana.

Designscape and their entire staff is celebrating 30 years in the industry, and do they know how to plan and execute a fun-filled event. They are a full-service landscape design/build operation and owners of several Indiana Awards of Excellence. It has been a few years since the INLA had a two-day summer event, and judging by this year’s turnout it was very well received!

We had 48 individuals sign-up for the tour of a variety of landscapes in the Bloomington and Nashville area. Each site had many special characteristics and a profound uniqueness that fit the individual owner. It was encouraging to see so many happy faces this year and network with so many that I did not know as well as I should. The INLA had three 15-passenger vans, plus a few other individuals that drove to some of the sites.

Lunch was held at the newly renovated Busted Knuckle Bar and followed up by a tour of Big Woods Brewery, who graciously offered samples to those interested in

partaking on this warm August afternoon. After the tours, everyone reconvened for an excellent dinner prepared by Upland Brewery’s chef. Since the dinner was a luau theme there was a best luau shirt with a $50.00 cash prize received by Rich Blankenship. The INLA took this opportunity to recognize its retiring executive director, Donna Sheets, with a card and an appreciation gift. Entertainment for the evening was provided by The Indiana Boys.

The second day was the INLA Shooting for Scholarships held at Sugar Creek Hunting and Sport Clays in Mitchell, Indiana. What a fabulous facility, and Brian Waldbeiser, the owner, was a very gracious and accommodating host. We ended up with 40 shooters, but unfortunately weather was not very cooperative as pop-up thunderstorms were very present. The team from Ricci Landscape Management won this year’s event, and team member Greg Henderlog won best individual shooter.

I want to thank Techo-Bloc for supplying enough dry t-shirts for those who needed them. The auction itself raised more than $3,800 to be used toward educational programs set forth by the INEF (INLA Scholarship) Board.

I cannot even begin to thank all of our sponsors listed below for making this event a success. Several on this list are very involved supporters of the INLA and some are new sponsors. I ask that any members doing business or wishing to partner with any of these sponsors thank them for being involved in our association.

Rick Haggard, INLA Executive Director E: haggard.rick@att.net, C: 765-366-4994

INLA Summer Tour

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Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

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1) Tour stop at a Designscape project in Bloomington 2) Group picture taken during tour stop at Cook’s Pharmica 3) Tour stop at a Franco Landscape project 4) Big Woods Brewery tour

Dinner at Gluesenkamps’

Dinner tent at Designscapes

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5) Brian Franco and Rick Haggard 6) Kim Glass, Kent and Jamie Wilhelmus 7) Donna Sheets receiving appreciation gift 8) Hosts Deb and Dan Gluesenkamps

INLA Summer Tour and Shoot Sponsors Tour Continental Breakfast Schneider Nursery

The Indiana Boys

Tour Luncheon Sponsor Belgard

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Shoot Continental Breakfast Blue Grass Farms Dinner Sponsor Westside Tractor Sales Shoot Beverage Sponsor Ricci Landscape Management Shoot Prize Sponsor Edward Jones Transportation Sponsor M.J. Schuetz Insurance Services Price Nurseries

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Sporting Clay Station Sponsors Brehob Nursery Curley Brothers Brick and Masonry Greendell Landscape Solutions M.J. Schuetz Insurance Services Stone Center of Indiana Techo-Bloc Tiffany Lawn and Garden Supply Westside Tractor Sales

Shooting for Scholarships

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9) Shooters at Sugar Creek Hunting and Sport Clays 10) Best Individual Shooter: Greg Henderlog (right) 11) Robert Johnstone (left) leading the auction 12) Winning Team: Ricci Landscape Management (Robert Johnstone, far left, presented the plaque to the team.)

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • September/October 2016

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IDNR spotlight

Thousand Cankers Disease of Black Walnut Vince Burkle, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) has the potential to devastate the black walnut population in the eastern United States. In Indiana, black walnut (Juglans nigra) is the single most valuable timber species with an estimated saw log value of $800 million for all walnut trees in the state. Although not a widely produced tree in the nursery industry, several growers throughout the state produce black walnut for reforestation, conservation, and investment purposes.

TCD is the result of a tiny, flea-sized beetle called the walnut twig beetle (Pityophthorus juglandis) carrying spores of the fungus Geosmithia morbida and depositing them in galleries that are made under the bark of black walnut, butternut, and several other Juglans species. The fungus then creates a small canker about the size of a dime that kills the phloem and cambium tissue. One small canker doesn’t do much damage, but when thousands of beetles attack a tree they make thousands of galleries. Thousands of cankers then develop in these galleries, which eventually coalesce and girdle the branches and trunk leading to tree death.

History TCD was first identified in Colorado in 2008; however, declining populations of walnut in the west were occurring for many years prior to the cause being isolated.

Since then it has been found in nine western states. In 2010 it was discovered for the first time east of the Mississippi River in Knoxville, Tennessee. It has since been found in Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. In Indiana, the walnut twig beetle has been collected

Walnut trees with Thousand Canker Disease

in traps and from logs at a mill in Franklin County. The fungus has also been cultured off of the small weevil Stenomimus pallidus collected during a U.S. Forest Service research project at a walnut plantation in Yellowwood State Forest in Brown County.

No walnut twig beetle has been collected at the Brown County site. Even though the fungus and the beetle have been detected in Indiana, it is important to note that Indiana does not have a confirmed case of TCD affecting a living walnut tree.

Walnut Twig Beetle (above and right) Photo: Bobby Brown USDA APHIS PPQ

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Symptoms Trees infected with TCD typically die within two to three years of symptom development; however, beetle feeding most likely will have begun many years prior to the onset of symptoms. Look for yellowing and thinning of foliage in the upper canopy in June and July. Since walnut trees are sensitive to soil moisture levels, this can easily be confused with drought stress, which typically causes the foliage of walnut trees to turn yellow and drop off during the summer months. Anthracnose and other foliar diseases can also cause yellowing and spotting of foliage around the same time of year. As the disease progresses, the yellowing foliage will wilt and turn brown, with the leaves clinging to the branches. Other symptoms include multiple pin holes in the branches, black staining of the bark, black cankers under the bark, and epicormic sprouting resulting in clusters of foliage. As a com-

Stenomimus pallidus on a nickel Photo: V. Burkle

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Photo: Tennessee Department of Agriculture

(Thousand Cankers Disease continues on page 10.)

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IDNR spotlight

Thousand Cankers Disease (continued from page 8) parison, symptoms of TCD in walnut are very similar in appearance to symptoms of Dutch elm disease in elm trees.

Regulations Indiana has an external quarantine in place that restricts the entry of certain walnut products from entering our state. Walnut nursery stock, budwood, scionwood, logs, stumps, roots, branches, chips, and all species of nonconiferous (hardwood) firewood are restricted from entry into Indiana from the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Maryland, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. This does not include walnut nuts, nut meats, hulls, processed lumber without bark, kiln-dried lumber, and finished wood products without bark.

In addition, since the walnut twig beetle and Geosmithia morbida have been detected in Indiana, many states have regulations that restrict or prohibit the movement of walnut material out of Indiana. Please contact your local nursery inspector for assistance in moving walnut nursery stock into or out of Indiana.

Surveys Trapping and windshield surveys have been conducted in Indiana by the Indiana Department of Natural Recourses Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology (IDNR DEPP) since 2012 in an effort to detect the walnut twig beetle, declining walnut, and TCD. The trapping survey utilizes lindgren funnel traps baited with a bubble cap lure designed to attract the beetle. Insects fly into the funnel trap, fall into a collection cup, and are collected bi-weekly. Each sample is then screened and suspicious insects are forwarded to the USDA for identification. For 2016, there are two trapping surveys being conducted. The first survey

is statewide with 128 traps being placed at high-risk sites, which include sawmills, consolidation yards, walnut plantations, campgrounds, state parks, nature preserves, urban areas, and areas along the Indiana-Ohio border.

The second survey is a delimit survey in and around the sawmill Geosmithia morbida canker Photo: Elizabeth Bush, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, Bugwood Org. in Franklin County where walnut twig beetle was captured. There are 56 traps in winter months. Trees are then reevaluated the delimit survey and they utilize both wet during June and July for symptoms consisand dry collection cups. The dry collection tent with TCD. From 2012 to 2015 there cups are used so that certain beetle specihave been 3,631 trees inspected in 46 cities mens can be forwarded to the U.S. Forest and towns. For 2016, trees in an additional Service after identification for culturing of 13 cities and towns will be evaluated totalfungi that are present on their bodies. ing 1,423 trees. Since 2012 there have been 59 trees categorized as having a symptom Windshield surveys are used to idenconsistent with TCD and are being tify walnut trees in urban areas during the monitored over time; however, none of the symptoms have progressed thus far.

Gypsy moth trappers have also been surveying walnut trees while checking their gypsy moth traps since 2011. During the last five seasons, 5,611 trees have been surveyed with 225 trees having a symptom consistent with TCD. After evaluation by IDNR DEPP employees, none of the trees were suspected of having TCD.

About the Author

Lindgren funnel trap Photo: V. Burkle

Vince Burkle has been a Nursery Inspector and Compliance Officer for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology for the last 10 years. He serves 11 counties in northeastern Indiana and manages the state’s Thousand Cankers Disease survey. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University in Entomology in 1995, and previously worked 10 years as a landscape foreman and lawn care manager in the nursery industry. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, coaching baseball, hiking and gardening.

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Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Conclusion Walnut trees are a very important natural resource in Indiana, providing highquality lumber and aesthetic and wildlife value. The destruction of this important species due to TCD would be a huge loss to the timber industry as well as have dramatic affects to our ecosystem. If you suspect a tree may be infested with TCD or any other new pest or pathogen, please call the Indiana Department of Natural Resources at 866-NO EXOTIC (866-6639684) and describe what you have found.

Please leave your name, contact number, and detailed information about what you are reporting. By notifying us of a potential pest problem, you provide an invaluable service to the DNR.

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12/5/13 10:54 AM Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • September/October 2016 11

September/October 2016

Turf & Soil EDUCATION

12 Smooth Crabgrass EDUCATION

14 Successful Transition from Pot to Planting Business

18 Making a Family Business into a Family Enterprise Community

20 A Prehistoric Mystery Part 1: The Obvious

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Education • Business • Community

Smooth Crabgrass Aaron Patton, Purdue University and Leslie Beck, New Mexico State University

Article originally published by http://purdueturftips.blogspot.com and reprinted with permission by authors. Photo: Aaron Patton.

Biology: Smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum), is a summer annual grassy weed that is found throughout the midwestern United States. Closely related to large crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis) and southern crabgrass (Digitaria ciliaris), these three species are often considered to be the most problematic weeds in lawns due to their ability to survive extremely low mowing heights, poor quality soils, and dry/hot climates.

Identification: Smooth crabgrass is a summer annual grassy weed that is commonly found in home lawns throughout the U.S. Smooth crabgrass can tolerate very dry, poorquality soils and is found in multiple cropping systems ranging from agronomics, to landscape, to horticulture, to vegetable gardens, along with both cool and warm season lawns in Indiana.

Crabgrass plants are very opportunistic, so look for it to germinate in areas of bare soil like walkways, gardens, and newly seeded turf areas, as well as a very open, thin turfgrass canopy.

Germination typically occurs from mid- to late-spring (late March to early May) in Indiana. If germination occurs while the temperatures are still slightly cooler, the plant will remain small for an extended amount of time. As the temperatures warm, more leaves will start to develop and the plant will begin tillering by early- to mid-summer (June). The young leaves of smooth crabgrass will have very little hairs, while large and southern crabgrasses have a dense covering of very fine hairs. All three crabgrass varieties will have a membranous ligule that has a torn or “shredded” appearance.

The development of multiple tillers can contribute to the clumpy appearance of a crabgrass plant, though smooth crabgrass is generally smaller in size than large crabgrass. Once mature, smooth crabgrass produces seedheads in the form of 3-5 spikes that are clustered at the top of long, erect stems. Seedheads mature at the end of summer prior to fall/autumn.

As crabgrass dies with the first killing frost, the plant can appear as unsightly brown patches surrounded by green cool-season turf in lawns.

Cultural control: Maintaining a high-quality lawn through higher mowing heights, proper fertilization (some fertilization is always better than none), and supplemental irrigation during drought will help the desired turf to outcompete crabgrass.

Biological control: None known specifically for control of smooth crabgrass in home lawns.

Chemical control: There are multiple options for preemergence herbicides that are available for purchase by homeowners, including dithiopyr (Dimension), pendimethalin (Pendulum), and prodiamine (Barricade). These herbicides prevent the crabgrass from successfully germinating. For adequate control, these products must be applied before the crabgrass starts to germinate. One exception is dithiopyr, which has the ability to control crabgrass after it germinates until it reaches 1- to 2-tillers in size.

Once the crabgrass has already emerged, another option for control is the use of postemergence herbicides. Products that include active ingredients like dithiopyr (smaller than 1to 2-tiller in size), quinclorac (Drive), mesotrione (Tenacity), and fenoxaprop (Acclaim Extra) can be used to adequately control crabgrass that has already emerged. Each of these individual fertilizers provide a slightly different spectrum of control and works well on specific sizes (based on number of tillers) of crabgrass. Homeowners can choose a product based on the size of their crabgrass as well as its ability to control other weeds you might have present.

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association’s

Annual Awards Program Criteria and Application Forms

• • • Awards of Excellence & Special Achievement Awards • • •

Awards of Excellence Guidelines • • • Categories:

When establishing your category, you must consider the dollar value of the project. All direct costs of labor, material, equipment, subcontractors, etc. plus overhead and profit figures in the dollar value.

1. Residential Landscape Design/Build A. Under $50,000 B. Over $50,000

These awards annually recognize those firms that have enhanced the Indiana environment with creativity and beauty through landscaping and horticulture.

Eligibility: • All INLA active members (except award committee members).

DEADLINE! • A previous winning project can NOT be re-entered in the same December 1 category.

• Non-winning project may be re-entered in same category.

• All projects must include a completed entry form, written description and photos of the project (hard copy and electronic preferred), and entry fee.

Description: Landscape projects for single family or duplex residences. (Apartment projects and similar multi-family buildings must be entered in the Commercial category.)

Entry Fee: $75 per project submission

Completed entry form

2. Commercial Landscape Design/Build A. Under $39,000 B. Over $39,000

Entry fee ($75), made payable to the Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association

Project Submission in both printed and electronic format that includes a written description, photos, and if available, landscape plans of the project.

Written description of project: A descriptive text (500 words maximum) that explains the background for the project and takes into account potential problems and solutions, cost considerations, budget, and any constraints. Text MUST list the client’s criteria for the project and budget considerations.

Descriptive text should be saved as a Word document or a PDF with a filename that includes the project name only. Do not include your company name in the filename. Please include the project description in both the printed and digital submissions.

Photos of project:

– Print submission: Include a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 images in your printed submission. Please remove any company logos contained in the photos (such as on shirts or trucks) before submitting. If any photo contains your company logo, that photo will not be forwarded to the judges.

– Electronic submission: Include a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 15 digital images, saved as JPEG files. Label images as 01_project name.jpg, 02_project name.jpg, etc. in the order you wish the judges to view your images. Do not list your company name in the filename. Please submit at least 3 images at high resolution (300 dpi or about 3 MB) for use in the INLA magazine and for display purposes. The complete electronic submission (photos and written description) may be submitted on CD or thumb drive.

Landscape plans Submit both electronic and printed versions if available. Please remove any company logos/names.

Description: Includes commercial sites or institutional projects as well as multi-family residential projects.

Entry Format: Each project must include:

3. Hardscape Residential Design/Build A. Under $50,000 B. Over $50,000 Description: Hardscape projects for single family or duplex residences. (Apartment projects and similar multi-family buildings must be entered in the Commercial category.)

4. Hardscape Commercial Design/Build A. Under $39,000 B. Over $39,000 Description: Includes hardscape projects for commercial sites or institutional projects as well as multi-family residential projects.

5. Special Projects Includes any non-conforming horticulture/ landscape projects of special merit or unusual character which does not more appropriately belong in one of the other categories. Project examples include: Water features, lighting, maintenance, garden centers, erosion control, interiorscapes, restoration, etc.

Note: Incomplete entries or nonconforming entries will not be considered for awards.

Submission Deadline: December 1 (All entry materials, fees, and forms due by this date.)

Awards of Excellence — Additional Information What Do the Winners Receive?

• A plaque for the winner and their client and a special presentation at the Indiana Green Expo.

www.inla1.org

• A cover feature on the Indiana Nursery & Landscape News.

• Posting on the INLA website (www.inla1.org) complete with photos for one year.

• A professional press release about their award.

JUDGING Criteria Entries will be judged by submitted material only. Judging will be guided by the following considerations: Design/Build Categories • • • • • • •

Overall excellence of design, selection, and appropriateness of materials.

Degree of difficulty Installation techniques Craftsmanship Execution of construction details Maintenance considerations Finished appearance of the project as viewed through the use of photographs, images and presentation.

Special Projects Category • Uniqueness • Creativity • Overall project will be judged on how well the project met the client’s criteria or needs.

• Overall appearance of the project as viewed through the use of photographs, images, and presentation.

Consistency will be maintained in evaluation between projects within a category.

Type, size, or cost of project will not be criteria for judging. Feedback will be provided for non-winners should they request it.

Award of Excellence Content Suggestions • Entries should be comprised of a written description along with photos and optional plans, sketches, or graphical material.

• Photos/text/plans/CDs/thumb drives, etc. must not include the entrant’s name.

The entrant’s name should only be included on the entry form. Entries are numbered to protect anonymity.

Award of Excellence Entry Tips • The production of the Award of Excellence entry is a team effort.

• Take a lot of pictures so you can include 10 to 15 photos in your entry. a) Different seasons b) Different angles c) Horizontal — for use in a 3-ring binder with sheet protectors d) Vertical — Indiana Nursery & Landscape News might need one for the magazine cover, so make it a stunning one! e) Remember: Block out company name, phone, address, owner(s) personal pictures.

• If project appears in the newspaper, ask publication to email a copy to you.

• Each picture should have its own description including plant list, unique requirements of the job, a little history, challenges, and solutions.

• Create it as a sales tool! And remember to have fun with it!

Stuck on how to put it together?

INLA Award of Excellence presentation consultations available by contacting the INLA office — 317-889-2382.

• Photos must be included in print and on digital submission (CD or thumb drive) • The more description and detail given increases your chances.

• Keep in mind that the overall goal of the contest is to promote high standards in landscape projects.

All photos and entries become the property of the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association and may be returned.

Awards of Excellence

Entry Form This program is designed to reward and recognize those firms that have enhanced, through landscaping and horticulture, the environment in the state of Indiana through creativity and beauty.

Please read guidelines before completing application form.

www.inla1.org

one form per category • deadline December 1

Deadline: December 1 1) project information — Please Print in Bold Project Name:_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Project Location:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Name of Individual(s)/Firm:___________________________________________________________________________________ Address:_________________________________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip:_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _____________________________________________ Fax: ______________________________________________ Email:______________________________________________ Role in Project:_____________________________________________________________________________________________ 2) Client’s Authorization: Name (Print)______________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature_______________________________________________________________ Date:___________________________ Applicant’s Name (Print):___________________________________________________ Date:___________________________ Applicant’s Signature:______________________________________________________ 3) Please select the appropriate category and subgroup (if applicable) you are entering: ____ 1. Residential Landscape Design/Build A. Under $50,000 B. Over $50,000

____ 3. Hardscape Residential Design/Build A. Under $50,000 B. Over $50,000

____ 2. Commercial Landscape Design/Build A. Under $39,000 B. Over $39,000

____ 4. Hardscape Commercial Design/Build A. Under $39,000 B. Over $39,000

____ 5. Special Projects Includes any non-conforming horticulture/landscape projects of special merit or unusual character that does not more appropriately belong in one of the other categories.

Check if we may feature your entry at the Indiana Green Expo — even if you do not win.

4) Mail your entry: Mail this form, along with the written description of entry, photos, electronic submission of your project, and the $75 entry fee (per project, per entry) to:

Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association

7915 S. Emerson Ave., Suite 247, Indianapolis, IN 46237

Phone: 800-443-7336 • www.inla1.org

Deliveries must be made by appointment only. Thank you.

5) Payment: Make check(s) payable to: Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association (INLA) or Pay by credit card (Master Card, Visa or Discover only). Please provide the following information printed clearly.

Name on card:_____________________________________________________________________________________________ Card No.:_____________________________________________________________ Exp. Date: ___________ 3-Digit PIN:_______ Billing Address/City:_____________________________________________________ Zip Code:____________________________

• • • Special Achievement Awards • • • Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association members are encouraged to submit suggestions for these three very special awards—Nursery & Landscape Achievement Award, Award of Merit, and the Indiana Nursery & Landscape Employee of the Year. Please take time to recognize the many deserving professionals for their contributions to our industry!

Nursery & Landscape Achievement Award

To be awarded annually to an individual with good standing in the industry who has given freely of his/her time for the strengthening of the green industry in Indiana. Nominations are voted on by the Awards Committee.

Award of Merit

To be given annually to a business, institution, job, or individual which the INLA feels has contributed significantly to our industry. Nominations are voted on by the Awards Committee.

Special Achievement Awards

Employee of the Year

To be given annually to an individual on staff at an INLA member business where he/she has significantly contributed to the growth of that business and its standing in the community. Five years minimum service required. Nominations are voted on by the Awards Committee. Please provide information about the nominee and his/her contributions.

Deadline: December 1

Nomination Form These awards are the most important presented by the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association.

Please take time to submit deserving candidates who meet the criteria listed above and the reason for nominating them.

Fax your nomination to the INLA office by December 1 / Fax: 317-889-3935.

Nursery & landscape achievement award ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Award of Merit ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Indiana Nursery & Landscape Employee of the Year ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Submitted by Your Name: ______________________________________________________________________ Deadline: December 1 Fax completed form to the INLA office at: 317-889-3935 • Questions: info@inla1.org or 317-889-2382 Mail to: Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association, 7915 S. Emerson Ave., #247, Indianapolis, IN 46237

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • September/October 2016

13

Education

Successful Transition from Pot to Planting

Annuals/Perennials Joe Boarini, Boarini Horticultural Services (formerly Grande Greenhouse)

Shrubs

Trees

Rick Haggard, Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association

Gabe Gluesenkamp, Designscape Horticultural Services

I hung up the phone the other day after being asked to write this article on potting medium — transitioning from pot to planting — and immediately reminisced. Forty years ago this time of year, I would have been making two batches of our soil mix almost every day. During that period of my family’s greenhouse operation, we filled a 60' × 60' building about 8 feet deep with topsoil-based potting soil mix during the summer for use throughout the coming months. We manufactured a really good mix for those times that was created with topsoil from our land, Canadian peat moss, Michigan peat moss, perlite, and fertilizer. My, how times have changed. Today, many growers purchase growing mix in bags or bales. Small growers can still be found manually filling pots; however, most larger operations utilize soil handling equipment to fill containers for production.

While coir, peanut hulls, and other alternatives seem to always be out there, most commercial growing mixes are either bark based or peat based. In my career we’ve used both. For many years at “the old place” we used Metro-Mix 360 for the bulk of our foliage plant and blooming pot plant production. As I grew into my career we found some “soils” that worked better than others depending on the crops being grown.

As we transitioned from a foliage plant

As for volunteering to write this article for the Indiana Nursery & Landscape News regarding the transition of planting shrubs from their growing medium to their final designated landscape bed, I could not help but think of how many alternatives are out there. For the end consumer it would be mind-boggling with whatever information they were able to pull from the almighty internet, and they might feel they are more than adequately trained to perform this task instead of hiring a professional. I have yet to hear a landscape contractor say they are looking for poor results and to lose money from replacements. Plants are living organisms and are suspect to longevity and instant mortality.

Most plants purchased from wholesale growers have almost always been from a peat- or bark-based growing media with other elements added for either assisting in drainage or rootbuilding enhancement. Some plants require a particular pH balance to aide in the growth and survivability of the plants. If this is true, please remember that the location of the new plant site must emulate or be as close to the same as what they were growing in.

Many of us in the industry have gone through several transitions, providing a longer planting season through containerized plants. Now at any given time you can purchase trees and shrubs that were once only sold primarily as

When talking about what type of soil to plant your trees in, it’s easy to consult different trade experts and get totally different opinions. In our nursery we primarily grow deciduous trees (mainly different oak varieties, river birch, and bald cypress), evergreens (primarily Norway and White Spruce along with Spring Grove® Arborvitae), and several different types of viburnums. Although we grow probably 15-20 other different types of trees, we tend to stick with the few just mentioned for the majority of our nursery stock. The reason is not complex … we have heavy clay that is moderate/highly alkaline, and varying topography.

In most any plant descriptions, whether they be the average garden center tags or Dirr’s Manual of Woody Landscape Plants, you rarely (dare I say never), read statements like the following: “This plant LOVES extremely wet, heavy clay and the poor drainage it provides” or “This plant prefers soil with a moderately high pH which results in the nutrient lockout of iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and nitrogen.”

The truth is that most read exactly the opposite. If you look in Dirr’s manual under the section titled “CULTURE” you most likely will read something like “prefers well-drained, moderately moist, fertile soil.” Since we don’t have these optimum conditions and can’t afford to dig up 25 acres of tree fields and replace the soil with our friends from

(Annuals/Perennials continues page 15.)

(Shrubs continues page 15.)

(Treess continues page 16.)

14

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Advanced Tree 2015:Advanced Tree 2016 1/4/16

Annuals/Perennials (continued from page 14) grower to a three-season operation, we also seemed to transition to more peat-based mixes.

While most growers have their preference, really good growing mix is available in either the bark- or peat-based alternatives. What really matters is managing the crops in context with the soil mix, growing facility, container size, and water quality of any given operation.

This brings us to the question of this article: is bark or peat a better mix for annuals and perennials when transitioning to the landscape?

From my own experience, I don’t think it matters what soil mix a grower uses, assuming it’s a good mix to begin with. A well-grown plant is just that. Plant material that has been grown for the landscape environment will do well when transplanted into the ground. The little bit of research that I could find on the “interweb” backed up my own experience and opinion. Given similar conditions in the landscape, similar plants grown in either bark- or peat-based media performed the same. Again from my experience, what really matters is having a well prepared flower/landscape bed. Making sure that the plants to be transplanted have been well irrigated prior to transport to the installation is also critical. Finally, proper irrigation in the first 10 days after transplant is also most important to long-term success.

If you’re a landscaper, I wouldn’t worry about what soil mix your grower uses with regard to the performance of your annuals and perennials after transplant. Work with a good grower that you can communicate with. Purchase well-grown plants and install them into well-prepared soil. Finally, make sure your staff member at the end of the hose knows what they are doing. I believe if you follow this basic advice, you’ll be on the path to success.

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• Evergreen – grows 3 ft. or more per year – 15 ft. in 5 years • Use for year-round screens and windbreaks • Transplants well in spring, summer and fall (early fall in protected areas only) • Tolerates drought and most soil conditions except poorly drained, waterlogged soils • Available in five sizes from 16 inches to 6 ft.

Three-year-old Green Rocket planting as a screen from 16”-24” transplants

Shrubs (continued from page 14) bare root or balled and burlapped in a plethora of container sizes. Some of these container sizes are not always due to demand but due to market needs; if a 5-gallon plant does not sell, upshift it to a 7 or 10 gallon. Thankfully many growers are cognizant of this and do not let it get too out of line. I have on occasion seen a 10 gallon spirea listed as “premium plant.”

I feel one of the key issues with plants not thriving and leading to numerous calls from customers is the planting preparation and immediate care either done by the landscaper or immediately after the “job is finished” by the homeowner/maintenance person at a facility. The landscape company takes the required time to fulfill the owner’s vision of what the garden should look like, but after the professional leaves the next person in charge is either too cautious or goes MIA on the project. The keys to a successful transition from a growing shrub to a landscape bed should be: • Proper plant selection for landscape installation.

• Proper soil preparation for planting requirements — remember to use plants that work with any amendments made to the soil in the planting bed or growing mix.

• Plants planted to the proper depth and handled correctly, and any other actions required to promote root development. (Are the plants rootbound and girdling?)

• Plants are watered adequately at time of installation and a schedule has been coordinated and discussed with either the employee in charge of maintaining the installation or the homeowner. I also feel a follow-up is needed, whether it is in the contract or not, to be sure these practices are followed.

• Communicate to the customer any upcoming issues that might arise from forecasted weather and non-weather related items (i.e., 100 degree temps, 30 mph winds, no rain for 10 days, heavy infestation of Japanese beetle).

I personally feel that one of the biggest factors giving plants a less than stellar opportunity of thriving, let alone surviving, is the condition of the plants installed. If you purchase stressed plants, you will almost always be dealing with stressed plants. This does not always come from the grower’s lack of care or improper growing procedures. There have been many times where plants leave the nurseries or garden centers on bright sunny days in open pickup beds with temperatures in the 80s or 90s and are driven for miles without any cover to protect the plants from desiccation. Plant for success; not distress!

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • September/October 2016

15

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Education

Successful Transitions: Trees (continued from page 14) Greendell’s fancy manufactured topsoil, we try to best imitate our planting media with a soil mix similar to the native soil they will be planted in.

Our standard cultivation method is to purchase whips from a larger grower in the fall and then pot them into #3 or #5 containers to let them establish a better root system before planting them in the field either the next fall or spring. For media we use a mix of primarily pulverized topsoil and bulk compost (to add OM) at about an 80/20 ratio. When transplanting our trees to a customer’s property, in optimum conditions we try to plant the root ball high (maybe 4-8" above the trunk flare) and expand the mulch ring well out past the existing root zone to cover the exposed sides. One nice thing about the clay is we don’t have quite as much settling. (We still water the tree while planting to double check.) So if you are planting in more sandy loam soil, you might want to adjust that height accordingly.

On soil amendments, at most we will top dress around the top 2-3 inches of root ball sides and lightly on top with a poultry compost 2-4-3. There are more new studies that continue to present evidence that amending the entire planting mix with anything other than native soil does little if any good for the long-term prognosis of the tree. For our area if we were to remove the native clay and backfill with a loose sand/loam it could easily cause a tree to grow softer roots faster, and when they hit the wall of native soil turn back around the root ball and cause girdling. My ISA Arborists’ Certification Study Guide book reads as follows: Backfill around the tree using the same soil that was removed from the planting hole if possible. Research has shown that soil amendments do not assist in tree establishment unless the soil at the site significantly restricts root growth. Abrupt changes of texture within the soil profile can have a profound effect on moisture flow due to the possible creation of an interface between the site soil and the fill around the root ball.

An example in my mind of the “significantly restricts root growth” would be if we were to plant a larger dogwood (4-8") that was purchased from a vendor with a different soil type.

Dogwoods are a great example of a tree that doesn’t tolerate wet feet, so in those occasions we will amend the top quarter of the root ball with a mix of native soil and haydite’ which is like lava stone but is actually crushed brick chips. In most every occasion, but especially in poor drainage, we also break up the sides of the tree hole prior to planting to further aid in drainage. This is most important when planting with a tree spade, because the spade actually smears the sides of the hole and can hinder the already poor draining soil even worse.

In summary, I would recommend in any tree planting to bank on the research and try to keep it simple when it comes to amendments. Get a good low-cost compost (like chicken manure) that is well broken down to add organic matter if the soil is poor, or you just want to appease the customer who puts fertilizer on everything, but don’t try to overthink it.

Stick with trees proven to handle your soil type, because most regionally adapted trees are extremely resilient and in most cases once established will grow in most anything. That means even in our heavy clay, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 that is moderate/highly alkaline, and our varying topography. If Food, Fun, & Prizes! anyone would like to see further 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at North Indy Store proof you are more than wel(4931 Robison Rd.) come to come and help with the upcoming fall dig season.

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Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • September/October 2016

17

Business

Making a Family Business into a Family Enterprise

By Ann Wolski

W

hile most 13-year-old boys were enjoying a lazy summer, John Wolski was mowing, trimming, and hustling business. By age 16, he had acquired a truck, a trailer and a second business loan. After high school, John knew a landscape business would be his career path and SKI LANDSCAPE was established in 1982. Thirty-five years later, SKI LANDSCAPE has grown from a small family company into a thriving comprehensive landscape business. There have been many challenges and many lessons learned along the way and John offered some insight on how he took his small business to the next level.

Don’t take it home “You need to treat your business, especially a family business, like a marriage.

You can’t hold grudges. You need to pick your battles and forgive. You must realize that you’re in this for the long term,” stated John.

The first test of his theory came in 1984 when brother Phil joined the company. “We used to scream and holler at each other — we still do — but you need to learn to separate the business from the family,” said John. “You can have disagreements but there are very few problems that are worth destroying the family bond.”

If need be, father Jake would step in as moderator and most problems were then resolved quickly.

It is also important to work with family members who are like-minded, who respect the company policies, who are willing to work hard, and who have the same goals. When sister Meg Wolski Price became SKI’s Office Manager/CFO in 1996, she became a valuable asset in the daily running of the business. “Sometimes I work 50-60 hours a week including Saturday and Sunday. But it’s our family business—our livelihood—so someone has to do it!” exclaims Meg. Trusting those who work for you and letting them take ownership of their 18

Family members Phil, Meg, and John keep SKI LANDSCAPE growing!

projects is key for creating a positive work environment. As John says, “Everyone must pull their own weight. There are no free rides.”

You gotta be there!

John, Phil, and Meg have always been “hands-on” owners and managers. Their everyday presence brings them an awareness of any needs the company, employees, or customers might have. “It’s important for employees to know that we’re not asking them to do anything we haven’t done ourselves or know how to do,” said Phil.

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Weather the storm “I remember in the early days every week was a struggle to make payroll and keep the lights on,” commented Phil. “The personal credit cards were used to first pay our employees before buying our groceries.

There were a lot of sleepless nights but you just have to do what it takes to keep moving forward.”

Over the years this financial perseverance has paid off. John and Phil were able to reinvest any extra profits back into the company. This monetary infusion helped SKI maintain during bad economic times.

BRAUN

They have learned to reduce overhead costs by cutting expenses during rough times.

It was also critical during the early years to establish a line of credit with the bank particularly for spring season startup.

Stay involved Being part of the community is very important to John. He has always been active in local organizations, acting as president of the Indianapolis Landscape Association, serving on the Board of Directors for the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce, and working on the Economic Development Board for the Franklin Township Chamber of Commerce.

“By being involved in state and local organizations, by going to various events, you can talk to your peers and competitors.

You can learn from each other’s operations.

You also make contact with people in the community and can be a part of its development,” emphasized John.

Surround yourself with forward thinking people Throughout the SKI LANDSCAPE journey there have been many people who have offered good strategic advice, excellent financial coaching, and continual encouragement. “One of my greatest business revelations came when I hired a management consultant. His previous experience managing a multi-million dollar company brought a new perspective to the SKI vision and where we wanted to go,” commented John. “Over the course of 8 years, he took us from ‘a family business to a family business enterprise’.” The consultant’s ideas were implemented to fit the SKI LANDSCAPE environment. It was important to have all owners, department managers, and employees involved to help

CONTINUOUS WIRE BASKETS

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Always keep looking ahead It is important to develop new avenues of income—growing a business in new ways not only for financial diversification but to keep your enthusiasm in owning WWW.BRAUNGROUP.COM a business alive. “I live on 50 acres of 1-888-732-7286 farmland and decided to start a nursery to provide trees for SKI LANDSCAPE jobs.

As my stock has expanded, I am now able to offer wholesale service to other local landscape companies,” stated John.

USA - Braun Better - USA - 2.375x4.875.indd 1 3/9/15 Organic mulch production for retail and wholesale is another source of revenue which developed from SKI’s need for landscape mulch and a need to dispose of leftover landscape material.

There’s nothing magical about taking a one-man company to a successful corporaGrowing High Quality Plants, People, tion. It takes determination, hard work, and Relationships and a vision. “Every day is a challenge. You must believe in yourself and this road you SERVING are taking. Sometimes you question yourCustom Growing GARDEN CENTERS AND POP Materials LANDSCAPERS Delivery Services Pre-Pricing Services self, you become frustrated, but that’s when SINCE 1978 you work even harder,” commented John Wolski. And, with this advice, he is looking Peonies Perennials forward to many growing years ahead.

About SKI LANDSCAPE

Since founding SKI LANDSCAPE Corporation in 1982, John Wolski has guided his business from a one-man operation to a comprehensive landscape company. SKI specializes in full landscape maintenance services, custom landscape design and installation, subsurface drainage work, snow removal, and the manufacturing of landscape equipment. In recent years the production of premium organic mulches has been added to SKI’s business endeavors. The high-quality dyed mulch, rich in color, is available to area landscape companies and homeowners. Through Wolski Nursery, John offers a wide variety of wholesale trees perfect for any landscape design.

SKI LANDSCAPE looks forward to continued growth through excellent service, attention to details, and concern for customer and community.

Shrubs Herbs Stepables® Edibles Succulents Annuals Hardy Ferns Vegetables Vines Grasses

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • September/October 2016

19

2:23 PM

Community

y Part 1: The Obvious

A Prehistoric Mystery

David LaFara (Sir Rocks A Lot), Tiffany Lawn and Garden Supply

W

hile on my last journey to the back regions of Missouri to personally tag some wonderfully awesome stones of distinction, I uncovered a stone that was holding an ancient mystery.

This dolomite limestone I already knew reminisced of a time when a colony of large grub worm-like creatures lived and bred in the sediment and was present at a time when this area was covered with water, thus creating holes and a gnarly texture. We call it weathered holey limestone

(WHL). But what this WHL stone holds is something different than any of the thousands of limestones I have seen before.

Okay, let’s first get to the part that I’m not a geologist and I was at Semco Stone in Perryville, Missouri. I hadn’t made it to the cabin yet and met up with Semco’s entertainment coordinator and owner, Ed Robinson. Now back to the story. I had been tagging in the weathered holey limestone area when I came across said stone and noticed a couple of fossils on it. Needless to say, I was intrigued. I kept walking around this curious stone and found fossil after fossil — quick count came in at least 35. Now every time I look at this rock I find more and more.

What are they? I think … SNAKES. Please look at the images. What’s going on here? This is an area that if I was a caveman, I would not stand near. Now my mind is sleuthing. What are these creatures? Why are they at this one spot? And what killed them? Oh yeah, and how much is it worth? (Brad asked.)

Theories galore!

After hours of sitting in my office thinking (with my eyes closed) and sitting on my porch swing with a cocktail or two (ish) and smoking a cigar (thanks, Rich), here’s what I’ve come up with.

In northeastern Missouri quite a few years ago there was a water-bearing area that held this huge colony of grub wormlike creatures, which were fairly dominant — but from the looks of it there were a few snakes, too.

Scene is set that a massive drought has hit the area, drying up the region.

The area shrinks down to this last puddle.

(Oh, did I mention this stone is the only one?) All the snakes converge to this last hope of life. Now this is where there could be a couple of endings. First thought — drought, desolation, extinction. Or, could it be MURDER? I don’t know, I just don’t know.

I challenge some of you out there to help me so I’ll be able to sleep at night. I MUST KNOW. Some of those creatures are small. Think of the children.

The rock can be seen at: Tiffany Lawn and Garden Supply 5202 S. Harding Street Indianapolis (southside) Email: david.lafara@tiffanylawn.com Part 2: The Answers will appear in an upcoming issue, so keep an eye out for it.

Always between a rock and a hard place, with a smile!

– David LaFara / Sir Rocks A Lot

20

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Growing a diverse selection of native trees and shrubs

Specializing in Root Pruning

About the Author

David LaFara (Sir Rocks A Lot) developed his love for rocks while growing up in Indianapolis. Leaving Indiana for 20 years, David lived in the Chicago region applying this trade in large outcropping walls, patios, and water features on mainly residential properties. He now works for Tiffany Lawn & Garden Supply.

Come visit their acres of quality stone products that David personally tags from various quarries.

Phone: (317) 994-5487 Toll free: (866) 766-8367 Fax: (317) 994-5494

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Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • September/October 2016

21

Certification & Education

George Brenn’s IAH Study Guide George Brenn, Four Seasons Landscaping Nursery, created this study guide to help teach the material covered in the IAH Manual. His intention was to assist those trying to master the subjects within the manual.

Text: © George Brenn

Chapter 9: Ornamental Plant Disease Management Much of Chapter 9 involves visual association of disease symptoms and diagnostic indicators. The IAH Manual contains 30 images of various disease symptoms that will aid you in making more accurate diagnoses of various major disease problems of ornamental plants.

References to images in IAH Manual are in bracket parentheses {x}. Also, Purdue Extension Publication BP-63, Common Tree Diseases of Indiana, will aid in disease identification.

Certifications Indiana Accredited Horticulturist (IAH)

The Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association has developed the Indiana Accredited Horticulturist Program to provide a method of self-study and accreditation for individuals in the nursery industry.

The goal of this certification and accreditation program is to develop knowledgeable, motivated, professional employees for the landscape nursery industry. >>> http://inla1.org/iah_cert.cfm

Landscape Industry Certified (CLT)

The INLA offers Indiana green industry professionals the opportunity to become internationally certified through PLANET's Landscape Industry Certified program. Become certified in one or all of the following specialties: Hardscape / Softscape / Ornamental / Maintenance / Turf Maintenance / Irrigation with each specialty having their own written field exam. >>> http://inla1.org/clt_cert.cfm >>> www.landscapeprofessionals.org

Abiotic Diseases Common in Indiana – Tree Decline – usually caused by several agents over more than 1 growing season. Anything causing root death will eventually result in twig & branch death.

Symptoms {1, 2} – usually starts @ top of tree; lower limbs usually last to show symptoms of decline: poor growth, small leaves, scorch.

Remedies – prevent decline by avoiding moisture & nutrient stress; feed lightly Leaf Scorch – usually related to mid- or late-summer moisture stress, or following root disease or damage Symptoms {3, 4} - leaf tips & margins appear scorched, brownish.

Remedies – avoiding stress, thorough deep watering, mulching.

Scorch sensitive trees include Maples, Dogwoods, Oaks & others.

Winter Injury – includes cold temperatures, drying winds, brightly reflected sunlight (sunscald) Symptoms {5, 6} – of cold injury = delayed leaf-out; some branches may leaf out then die, dead flower buds; of sunscald: usually on south or southwest side of trunk, bark and cambium tissue may be killed, especially on newly planted thin-barked trees (Maples, Crabs, etc).

Remedies – if dry fall, water thoroughly before ground freezes; no fertilizer after mid-July; no pruning after mid-August; mulching; wrap trunks; construct burlap wind screen Iron Chlorosis – leaf yellowing caused by excessively high pH preventing uptake of Iron from soil.

Symptoms {7, 8} – leaf veins remain green while margins are yellowish green to yellow; may start on 1 branch or 1 side or may affect entire tree. Problematic for Pin Oak, Sweetgum, Birch, Dogwood, Rhododendrons & Azaleas, Hollies, etc.

Remedies – 1.) Alter soil acidity (apply Sulfur); 2.) Apply Chelated Iron directly to soil; 3.) Spray foliage with Iron Sulfate or Chelated Iron: 4.) Trunk injections of Iron salts.

Biotic Diseases Common in Indiana – Anthracnose - fungal leaf spot & stem disease. Worst infections occur in years with cool, rainy weather as new leaves are expanding. Problematic on Sycamores, Oaks, Maples, Dogwoods.

Symptoms {9,10} – leaf infection & leaf drop usually most prevalent on lower branches, often tree tops are unaffected. Light brown blotches on or around leaf veins, and if severe, leaves may curl up, blacken and fall off tree.

Remedies – for Sycamore, Oak & Maple, usually no chemical treatment is warranted. But if defoliation occurs for 2 years or more, fertilize lightly, water deeply during dry spells, rake & remove fallen leaves and twigs.

Dogwood Anthracnose also attacks stem tissue causing cankers & stem girdling, making preventative fungicide applications beneficial.

Verticillium Wilt – fungal disease is common and destructive in Redbud & Sugar Maple. A soil inhabitant that can persist for years and penetrate roots of susceptible plants where it grows within and blocks water-conducting tissues. Common problem in Smokebush & Redbud.

Symptoms {11, 12} – midsummer, leaves turn yellow at margins, then brown and die suddenly.

Starts in individual branches. Causes distinct streaking in sapwood (streaks ares olive green in Maples; brown in Redbuds).

Remedies – NO cures for trees & shrubs infected with Verticillium; Yew & Conifers are resistant, while Redbud & Smokebush are highly susceptible. Start by pruning out affected limbs and improve tree vigor via watering and fertilizing. This effort may only delay progression, but not cure disease. See IAH pg12 for list of Verticillium resistant & susceptible plants.

Powdery Mildew – common fungal disease that DOES NOT require wet weather to spread and infect.

Major problem of Rose, Lilac, & Begonia. Proliferates in warm, dry days followed by cool , humid nights.

Symptoms {13, 14} - Grayish white patches on leaf surface. Infected leaves become brittle and stems wither.

Remedies – sanitation: rake & destroy fallen leaves and prune out infected stems to minimize carryover of fungus. Plant susceptible species in sunny locations, don’t overcrowd, prune to improve air circulation. Avoid wetting foliage in late day or in evening. Azaleas, Rhodos, & Dogwoods are susceptible.

Phytophthora Root & Crown Rot – a soil-borne fungus most often found in wet, poorly drained sites.

Symptoms: Infected plants have dark brown root lesions and may also show symptoms of crown rot @ soil line.

Remedies: improve drainage, don’t overwater; plant on berms or mounds, add soil amendments to Improve soil porosity and aeration. Several soil drench fungicides are available.

Chapter 9 continues next issue 22

Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Certification & Education

IAH Quiz

The Indiana Accredited Horticulturist Committee is pleased to provide you an opportunity to earn CEUs (continuing education units) in each issue of the Indiana Nursery and Landscape News.

The IAH quiz offered in each issue can be completed by anyone who is an “Active” (current) IAH (initial or masters).

Each quiz will be worth a .5 (onehalf) CEU (continuing education unit) for the completion of the bi-monthly quiz with a pass rate of 80%. Over a 2-year period, you could earn up to 6 CEUs if you take and pass every quiz!

The INLA office will grade the quiz.

Questions and answers have been provided by the IAH committee.

Thank you and good luck studying!

The Indiana Accredited Horticulturist Committee Chair - George Brenn, Four Seasons Landscaping Nursery Committee Members - Brian Bunge, LaPorte County Nursery - Wayne Gruber, Niemeyer’s Landscape Supply - Jim Messmer - Melissa Mravec, Allen Landscape - Jodie Overmyer, Price Nurseries - Dean Ricci, Ricci Landscape Management

IAH Quiz: September 2016

Due: October 15, 2016

Complete the quiz and mail or fax to INLA by the deadline above. Be sure to write your name, IAH number, and contact information on the bottom of the quiz when submitting. If additional space is needed, please attach the extra paper to this form and submit together. Mark your answers.

1) What is most important for preparing a soil for sodding or seeding?

A ��� Tilling to a 4 - 6” depth to prepare a good rootzone B ��� Ensuring good surface drainage on the site C ��� Removing debris D ��� All of the above 2) Phosphorus applications should not be made to a lawn unless a soil test indicates that it is needed.

A ��� True B ��� False 3) How many pounds of 25-10-10 are needed to apply 1.0 lb N/1000 ft² to a 10,000 ft² lawn?

A ��� 250 B ��� 10 C ��� 40 D ��� 25 4) Perennial broadleaf weeds, like dandelions, are most effectively controlled with postemergence herbicides applied in mid-September through mid-October.

A ��� True B ��� False 5) Fungicides will be needed on most lawns in Indiana to control diseases.

A ��� True B ��� False

6) The presence of diseases in a lawn usually indicates __________ .

A ��� the lawn is not irrigated enough B ��� the lawn has grub problems C ��� sound cultural methods are not being used D ��� the presence of incubating nocturnal organisms 7) Kentucky bluegrass is one of the best grasses for most Indiana lawns because it spreads and is disease tolerant.

A ��� True B ��� False 8) White grub insecticides will control moles.

A ��� True B ��� False 9) The most effective chemical method to control perennial broadleaf weeds like dandelion is: A ��� Postemergence herbicide applied in April when dandelions are flowering B ��� Postemergence herbicides applied in June C ��� Postemergence herbicides applied in early October D ��� Premergence herbicides applied in early April 10) Tall fescue will out-perform perennial ryegrass in a non-irrigated lawn.

A ��� True B ��� False

Name:_____________________________________________________________________________ IAH No.:___________________________________________________________________________ Phone:_____________________________________________________________________________ Email:_____________________________________________________________________________ Fax: 317-889-3935 or Mail: INLA, 7915 S. Emerson Ave., #247, Indianapolis, IN 46237 Answers: Please contact the INLA office if you would like to receive the answers or find out your results to any previous IAH quiz.

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News • September/October 2016

23

Toolbox Talks

Portable Saw Safety www.safetytoolboxtopics.com

Advanced Tree Technology..................................................15 www.advancedtree.com Blue Grass Farms of Indiana.................................................13 www.bluegrassfarms.net

Whether here or at home it is important to remember these safety tips when using a portable power saw:

Bobcat of Indy............................................................... 11, 17 www.bobcatofindy.com

- Always wear eye protection. Chips from material can fly into your face, or the blade can break.

Brehob Nursery..........................................outside back cover www.brehobnursery.com

- Avoid loose clothing, jewelry and anything that could get caught in the saw. Tie back long hair.

Calvin Landscape................................................................24 www.calvinlandscape.com

- Use both hands on the saw and make sure you are in full control of it. Avoid cutting above shoulder height.

Fairview Evergreen Nursery.................................................16 www.fairviewevergreen.com

- Always make sure you are using the proper blade for the material you are cutting.

- Make sure the workpiece is secure before cutting. Never hold a workpiece in your hand or across your lap.

- Don’t overreach. Keep a stable footing.

- Double-insulated saws do not require a three-wire grounding cord and the user is protected in the event of an electrical short.

- Always unplug the tool before changing blades.

- Beware of kickback when using a circular saw, which is when the blade becomes pinched and the saw lifts up out of the workpiece and toward the user. To prevent kickback, make sure the blade is sharp and clean; do not let it overheat; support large panels so they will not pinch the blade; beware of knots or sap in the wood and never remove the blade from the material while it is cutting. Release the switch immediately if the saw stalls or binds.

Braun Horticulture...............................................................19 www.braungroup.com

Fiore Nursery & Landscape Supply......................................13 www.cjfiore.com Indiana Irrigation Co...........................................................16 www.indianairrigation.com MacAllister Machinery Co., Inc..............................................5 www.macallister.com Midwest Regional Turf Foundation............... inside back cover www.mrtf.org Millcreek Gardens................................................................19 www.millcreekplants.com National Association of Landscape Professionals www.landscapeprofessionals.org.............inside front cover Reynolds................................................................................9 www.reynoldsfarmequipment.com Tiffany Lawn & Garden Supply...............................front cover www.tiffanylawn.com Unilock..................................................................................3 www.unilock.com

- Always make sure the cord is out of the way and not in the line of the cut.

Wahmhoff Farms Nursery......................................................2 www.mitrees.com

- Do not leave plugged-in tools unattended, especially if there are children nearby.

Woody Warehouse Nursery, Inc...........................................21 www.woodywarehouse.com

Looking to purchase existing business Landscape, Lawncare, Tree and Shrub Care, or Irrigation Business in Indianapolis or surrounding counties.

Call Jim Calvin, Calvin Landscape 317-247-6316 Advertise in the Indiana Nursery & Landscape News Contact: Mary Breidenbach, 317-757-8634 or mary@ecumulus.com

24

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Indiana nursery & Landscape association • www.inla1.org

Stay connected to INLA between issues.

Sign up for the INLA monthly eNewsletter at www.inla1.org.

You will receive: Latest news, the digital version of the magazine, reminders for events, and much more.

Turf and Landscape Seminar November 16–17, 2016 Daniel Turf Center West Lafayette, Indiana

This event is designed for intermediate and advanced turf professionals providing them with latest technology for managing turfgrass systems, and to maintain their pesticide applicators licenses. This intensive 2-day, hands-on workshop caters to both turf and landscape professionals since there is overlap in duties between these two industries. Instructors for this seminar are experts from Purdue across five different departments.

Over 60 attendees come to this annual 2-day workshop hosted each November. Multiple speakers will be present to help educate turf and landscape professionals.

Attendees learn to identify live plants/seed and hear from over 10 different speakers on various topics pertaining to the turf and landscape industry.

While classroom based, we integrate hands-on activities and short trips outside, when the weather allows, to increase active learning for attendees.

Complete event info /registration at www.mrtf.org Phone: 765-494-8039 • admin@mrtf.org • www.mrtf.org

Rick Haggard, Executive Director INDIANA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION 7915 S. Emerson Ave., Suite 247 Indianapolis, IN 46237 September/October 2016 Address Service Requested

MOTHER NATURE’S FINEST,

INDIANA’S BEST. VISIT US ONLINE AT:

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Prices are available if you have a password

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Create, save, and modify plant lists for each project

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Email questions to our sales staff

ON THE JOBSITE AND WANT TO KNOW IF WE HAVE WHAT YOU NEED? Point the browser on your smartphone to our website and use our FREE mobile app.

2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS! CONTACT US TODAY TO GET YOUR PROJECT STARTED: 4316 Bluff Road, Indianapolis, IN 46217 P: 317.783.3233 or 800.921.3233 F: 317.783.0544

4867 Sheridan Road (SR 38), Westfield, IN 46062 P: 317.877.0188 or 877.829.0188 F: 317.877.2238