Indiana Nursery and Landscape News is the official publication of the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association, Inc. (INLA) and is published bimonthly.
Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association 7915 S. Emerson Ave., Suite 247 Indianapolis, IN 46237
Rick Haggard, Executive Director, INLA 765-366-4994 • rhaggard@inla1.org
Advertising Rates: Media Kit available online at www.inla1.org
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.
Gabriel Gluesenkamp, President Designscape Horticultural Services 2877 S. TC Steele Road Nashville, IN 47448-9584 812-988-8900; Fax 812-988-2639 gabrielg@designhort.com
Shaun Yeary, President-Elect Greendell Landscape Solutions 749 West State Road 42 Mooresville, IN 46158 317-996-2826; Fax 317-996-2032 syeary@greendelllandscape.com
Bob Wasson, Vice President Wasson Nursery and Garden Center 3737 North 500 West Muncie, IN 47304 765-759-9000 bob@wassonnursery.com
Dean Ricci, Past President Ricci’s Landscape Management, Inc. 502 Norbeh Drive, Hebron, IN 46341 219-996-2682; Fax 219-996-2680 dean@rlminc.com
Rick Haggard, Executive Director & Publisher 7915 S. Emerson Ave., #247 Indianapolis, IN 46032 Office: 800-443-7336 or 317-889-2382 Cell: 765-366-4994 rhaggard@inla1.org • haggard.rick@att.net
Jason Fritz (2025) Stantec Native Plant Nursery (574) 5862412 Jason.fritz@cardno.com
Carlos Reichman (2025) Schuetz Insurance Services (317) 639-5679 carlos@schuetzins.com
Kevin Van Sessen (2024) Blade Cutters, LLC. • 219-661-8206 kevinvs@bladecutters.net
Kent Wilhelmus (2024) Second Nature Landscape Management 812-483-7817 • kent@secondnaturelm.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
September
26
30
MRTF Day of Service; Abby & Libby Memorial Park, Delphi
MRTF Golf Day-Fundraiser; Broadmoor Country Club, Indianapolis
November
20-21
MRTF - Turf & Landscape Seminar; Daniel Turf Center, West
Lafayette
February
10-12 Indiana Green Expo, Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis
Visit http://inla1.org/events-calendar/ for updates and new event listings.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S LETTER
Well, the time has come for some words from your humbled Executive Director of the INLA, please note I did not insert the word “of wisdom”, after the verbiage “some words”. I know in an earlier edition I mentioned the 5 “R” words that I had always been raised on from my childhood that carried me through most of my adulthood. I have since added a few “D” words, of which one will make many say HMMMMMM. The “D” words are Dedication, Devotion, and finally Delusional. There you have just a few of the words starting with the latter D, that have also carried me through most of my latter adulthood.
For many they think that Dedication and Devotion mean the same, but to me the word Dedication is more closely tied to your own personal discipline of work, lifestyle, insight and interpretation; whereas the word devotion means the way you perceive other individuals that have about the same outlook as you. This makes me realize that achieving goals works well, whether they are identical to your process or extremely different but achieve the same outcome and develops are closer bond that unites others. Lastly the word “DELUSIONAL”, really helped me realize the need to stay focused on the important part of business and personal dealings. I always had a very difficult time and even to this day, sweat about the small stuff that may not make every detail “perfect”. I am trying to do a better job, but sometimes reflect on “Why didn’t I think of that, which in turn makes me use the word “Delusional” if I think I have all the answers. As a wise person once said, I have an answer, but it may not be the one you are looking for or the correct one.
I hope you continue reading
this edition as I will do my best to recapture our first ever INLA Summer Tour to the South Bend and Michiana area. As well as an in-depth educational start of the first part of the day, Wednesday August 7, 2024, at Stantec Native Plant Nursery in Walkerton, Indiana, with Jason Fritz (INLA Board Member) and Mark O’Brien (former INLA Board Member). The second was filled with tours in the Michiana are hosted by Chris of Custom Outdoor Living and Bill Evans of Tuscan Valley Landscaping. Thursday started with a tour of the Charles Hayes Sculpture Park narrated by Jason Fritz, a driving tour of Notre Dame’s campus, lunch and tour of Howard Park, followed by visits to a Foegley Landscape site and tours in city of Mishawaka as well as the riverfront amenities with Jeremy Cooper of Red Hen Turf Farm providing background information, as well as Red Hen Turf Farm being our dinner host and night one of the Indiana Nursery Endowment Fund auction. Friday, Day 3 was the 13th annual INEF “Shooting for Scholarships” at Back Forty Sporting Clays in Bourbon, Indiana. Read more details on this extravaganza on pages 16-19 in this edition.
Also, in this edition (pages 20-21) I will give a more in-depth detail of the 2024 Indiana Outdoor Management Alliance (IOMA) Golf Outing, held at Twin Lakes Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana on July 18, 2024; which had the largest turnout to date of 90 golfers represented. For the newest members of the INLA wanted to be sure that as a member of the INLA, you are also a part of IOMA. IOMA is represented by The Corydon Group, providing representation regarding in the Indiana General Assembly. Save the date for the 2025 IOMA Golf Outing to be held on July 17, 2025 at Twin Lakes with a rain date of October 16, 2025.
In this edition (page 26) is also the 2024 INLA Green Excellence Award details for registering projects as well as an online link to the website.
Another critical save the date is the 2025 Indiana Green Expo February 10-12, with early exhibitor move-in on February 9, 2025. Yes, February 9th is Super Bowl Sunday, but with the special rates we have received from The Westin
Indianapolis hotel, why not enjoy a relaxing evening here. Here is a link to the 2025 IGE Hotel: https://book.passkey.com/go/ INGREENEXPO25
Upon closing this edition of my Executive Director letter, I wish to extend a personal note of gratitude and a heartfelt Thank you to Tom Allen and the 51-minute phone call I received from him. Tom was one of the first people on the board, when I first came on the INLA Board over 20 plus years ago, that took the time to give me a brief history of the ongoings with what being an INLA board member duty will be. As they say, had I known then what it would lead to, with not only getting to become associated with so many leaders, that are now a legacy to the INLA; but the true meaning of friends and how dedicated to the progression of the IAN/INLA will benefit not only myself, but others in the same industry. Why did I not seek this opportunity earlier myself, and waited on a phone call from Davud George to become a board member of the INLA?
Keepin it green, Rick Haggard
Rick Haggard
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Hello team INLA,
I trust you all are beating the heat and enjoying the upcoming forecast of 80’s and sunny. It’s early August here in Brown County and we are coming off some extreme hot and dry periods and just transitioned to even hotter mixed with spotty thunderstorms for over a week. I don’t know if you all see this in your numbers, but this is always our least productive weather period. The crews are overheated and the humidity is so thick, even the days without thunderstorms you still end up soaking wet midway through the afternoon. Maybe this comment is TMI but once you sweat through your base layers there is only so much Gold Bond you can tolerate to get through the day.
Which brings me to my professional development thoughts for this article. As someone who strives to be continuously innovative on ways to improve team performance, I find it extremely important to keep a pulse on your team leaders during the dog days of summer.
Even just this morning I found myself frustrated with a newer team member who was being less than productive with their morning prep lists and I found myself complaining to their foreman as he was elsewhere working diligently on his tasks. As much as the frustration was justified, I fortunately found the right headspace before the crews left to pull aside my senior foremen and say, “I know I was frustrated with so-and-so this morning but it is Monday morning and we we need to get a lot done this week so let’s try to be positive with our communication today even through the difficulties”.
The key point to remember
is as much as my ADD brain says, “It’s faster if I just do this myself plus if you want it done right…” blah blah blah you know where I’m going – we can’t do it all alone. Designscape is a family and we need to commit to memory the times where we are extremely thankful for the extra help… like when you are trying to do three acres of sod on a project and still have 75,000 ft to go all while trying to finish out another 6figure job that also needs another couple semis of sod. Maybe we are a little ambitious this week? I leave this thought for you to ask yourself right now: “How can I encourage my team this week?”
Now I transition to INLA events and this year’s Summer Tour. We had an awesome three-day event last week touring Michiana and if you missed it, you missed it! As a landscape contractor my brain was stretched at Stantec with all the forbes and sedges we saw at their facility and while touring Notre Dame. We saw touchdown Jesus, Our Lady of Lourdes, and many showstopping mature landscape trees. There is an awesome weeping purple beech just off the sidewalk where you can tell decades of couples had carved their name into, huge paper bark maples, and a massive tricolor beech just to name a few.
Knowing many INLA members had, and continue to have, influence on the landscape made it special. Visiting different residential landscape sites, my takeaway impression was the uniqueness in style each contractor’s job had while all working through similar logistic difficulties of high end residential, commercial, and municipal jobs that we face on the opposite end of the state. Outside of site visits we had a great turnout
Thursday night at Ren Hen and a equally great time with music, food, and live demonstration of the sod cutter. Lots of shoes off in the beautiful bluegrass and lots of great conversations (commiserating) with fellow landscapers from across the state.
Most notably were the auctions Thursday and Friday raising funds for the Indiana Nursery Endowment Foundation. One of my favorite things about the INLA is the give back to the industry and its youth. We have annually given out $15-20,000 in scholarships for many years now and investing in the future of landscapers is just smart money. Thanks to all those who contributed; especially to Jeremy and Ren Hen for the sod donations, Dean for buying the sod and the gun, Kevin for doubling down on your tickets, and Dan/Mo for buying the alien. What a great time and I hope to see all of you and more next year. Thank you also to Rick, Julie, and Vickie for working diligently and often behind the scenes to keep the ship afloat.
As always, I end with the statement that the purpose of the INLA is to be a resource for its members. If you have something you are working through in your company you want a seasoned veteran to vet for you, please reach out to myself or Rick and if we can’t help, we are one call away from someone who can.
Cheers, Gabriel
INDIANA NURSERY
LANDSCAPE
ARTICLE: WHEN PLANTS GO BAD: INVASIVE PLANT SPECIES
By Will Drews, Nursery Inspector and Compliance Officer, IN DNR Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology
Most people enjoy the idyllic sight of a lush forest or garden filled with plants. The first plants to green in springtime normally are seen as a welcome sign of the changing seasons. Unfortunately, a lot of these areas can potentially be filled with invasive plant species, like the highly invasive Amur Honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii) and Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense). Humans have been associated with plants for thousands of years, first as edible and medicinal plants that were gathered and later as food, timber, and ornamental crops that were grown. With the advent of globalization and world trade, people started to bring their favorite plants from all over to grow at home. Most of these introductions have been harmless or have introduced species that have been helpful, e.g. culinary herbs like basil and rosemary and ornamental species like tulips and gingko trees. However, in certain cases, this movement of plants to new areas is where some issues have arisen.
Invasive plants are non native plant species that have started to cause harm, either to the environment, the economy, or to human health. Most invasive species when brought to new environments do not have competition and are rarely disturbed by the local flora and fauna because it takes a while for insects and other animals to utilize new plant species, and, even when feeding does occur, it is usually only by a few generalist species and not by the plethora of generalist and specialist herbivores that occur in the plant’s native range. This means that these plants go unchecked—for sometimes hundreds of years— and, during this time, can reproduce and spread aggressively, depending on the species and variety. Many non-native plant species do not become invasive species. It is just the few that manage to adapt, reproduce, spread, and cause issues that are the ones classified as invasive plant species.
Here are a few examples of invasive plant species and the harm they can cause :
Phragmites (Phragmites australis spp. australis) is an invasive perennial grass species from Eurasia. The invasive variety of Phragmites was introduced a long time ago (most probably arrived in ballast water on boats from Europe in the late 1700s), but still has very few animals that will feed on it (about 26 species with only 5 of those herbivores being native species). In addition, Phragmites can grow very tall (12 ft.) and very dense.
This allows it to fill in wetland areas over time, reducing their ability to function as water catchment areas and waterfowl habitat. Phragmites is a listed prohibited plant species under the Indiana Terrestrial Plant Rule (312 IAC 18-3-25).
Kudzu (Pueraria montana) is another good example of an invasive plant species that causes a lot of harm to the environment. Known to some as “the vine that ate the south,” Kudzu is an invasive semi-woody vine from Asia. Kudzu was introduced multiple times in the past 150 years both ornamentally and for erosion control in the south. One of the major issues with Kudzu is that it can grow very fast and tall, covering trees, hillsides, and even old structures. This dense smothering growth kills off other vegetation and basically creates a monoculture of Kudzu. Kudzu is a prohibited invasive species in Indiana under its own rule (312 IAC 18-3-16).
Economically harmful, Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) has been one of the major invasive plant species in agriculture for years. Johnsongrass, originally from the Mediterranean region of Europe, northern Africa, and Asia, was introduced intentionally as a forage crop in the south
Figure 1: A dense patch of Phragmites filling in a wetland area in Knox County.
Figure 2: Kudzu climbing over pine trees in Harrison County.
in the early 1800s. Before the advent of modern herbicides, Johnsongrass would spread through agricultural fields with its rhizomes and prolific seed production and inhibit the growth of many crop species. Johnsongrass is one of the main drivers which led to the formation of Indiana’s Noxious Weed Laws and has its separate law under Indiana Code (IC 15-169). With modern agricultural practices and herbicide ready crops, Johnsongrass has become less of a problem, but it still can negatively impact smaller growing operations, especially organic farms.
…And the list continues. There are 44 prohibited terrestrial invasive plant species under the Terrestrial Plant Rule as well as 30 prohibited aquatic invasive plant species under the Aquatic Plant Rule (312 IAC 18-3-23), and as new introductions of exotic plants continue, few that become invasive. The best way to prevent major invasive plant species impacts is through prevention, followed by early detection and rapid response. None of the five species listed above (except for kudzu in the northern part of the state) are early detection species on a state-wide basis. However, if any of these species do not occur on an individual property, preventing them from becoming established is the best way to prevent long-term negative impacts.
For more information on invasive plant species, check out the following links:
• EDDMapS: https:// www.eddmaps.org/
• IN DNR Terrestrial Invasive Plant Species: https:// www.in.gov/dnr/rules-and-regulations/invasive-species/ terrestrial-invasive-species-plants/
• IN Invasive Species Council: https://entm.purdue.edu/iisc/
A couple of good examples of harm to human health include Wild Parsnip and Poison Hemlock. Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) is an invasive biennial plant introduced from Eurasia. It is a wild type species of the cultivated parsnips that can be found in grocery stores. However, the stems of Wild Parsnip can be problematic to people working outside. Wild Parsnip contains a chemical in the sap, which can cause photodermatitis. This is a condition where the oils react to the sun on the skin’s surface and can cause severe blisters and even chemical-induced sunburns. Care must be taken when working around patches of Wild Parsnip in the yard or landscape. Wild Parsnip is not yet a regulated species in Indiana, but it has been evaluated and is under consideration for addition to the Terrestrial Plant Rule.
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum), as the name implies, is another invasive plant species with some serious human health concerns. Poison Hemlock was brought to the US from Europe as an ornamental plant because of its showy white flowering heads in the 1800s. However, like Wild Parnsnip, it is a biennial plant and prolific seed producer and has spread wildly around the US. All parts of the plant are very poisonous when ingested both to humans and livestock like cattle. In fact, Poison Hemlock was used in poisons and is presumed to be what was used in the execution of Socrates in ancient Greece. Poison Hemlock is now both a noxious weed and a prohibited terrestrial plant species under the Terrestrial Plant Rule.
• State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management: https:// www.sicim.info/
• USDA National Invasive Species Information Center: https:// www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/terrestrial/plants
References:
Enroth, Christopher. 2023. Identify, avoid, and manage troublesome wild parsnip: University of Illinois Extension. Hinz, H.L. and Schwarzlaender, M. 2004. Comparing invasive plants from their native and exotic range: what can we learn for biological control? 1. Weed Technology, 18(sp1), pp.1533-1541.
Nice, Glenn. 2005. Noxious and Invasive Weeds and The Weed Laws in Indiana: Purdue Extension Weed Science.
Sturtevant, R., A. Fusaro, W. Conard, S. Iott, L. Wishahm and J. Van Zeghbroeck. 2024. Phragmites australis australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.: U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, and NOAA Great Lakes Aquatic Nonindigenous Species Information System, Ann Arbor, MI, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/greatlakes/FactSheet. aspx?Species_ID=2937. Revision Date: 1/19/2024. Access Date: 7/23/2024.
Tewksbury, L., Casagrande, R., Blossey, B., Häfliger, P. and Schwarzländer, M. 2002. Potential for biological control of Phragmites australis in North America. Biological control, 23(2), pp.191-212.
USDA Agricultural Research Center. 2018. Poisonous Plant Research Docs: Poison Hemlock.
USDA National Invasive Species Information Center. https:// www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/. Accessed 7/23/24.
Figure 3: Johnsongrass growing along a roadside in Monroe County.
Figure 4: Wild Parsnip growing along a roadside in Knox County.
Figure 5: Poison Hemlock growing by a tree line in Knox County.
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MEMBER FEATURE
An Interview with Frank Gieseking
Written by Scott Johnsen
Forward:
Scott Johnsen: I’ve just recently hit my third year of running a professional photography and videography business full time and in those three years one of the tactics I’ve picked up on is to never bring your camera into a room when meeting a client or the first time- especially when shooting for cover of a magazine.
People tend to get a little tense around a camera and most times fall back to the Ricky Bobby quote of, “I don’t know what to do with my hands” as an icebreaker- I get it,I’ve done it myself. However, this tactic also affords me the opportunity to talk to the client in a nonthreatening manner, often opening up the possibility of having a real conversation.
The last couple of years I’ve met countless amazing people- and a handful whom I now consider friends. Frank Gieseking is one of those people. We didn’t have all day to complete our task for the magazine as we were timing our shoot and interview in between thunderstorms, but I easily
could have talked to this man all day.
The core values of being a good businessman were present in our conversation, but doing good as a human being was clearly more important to him. His genuine appreciation for surrounding himself with good people, opening himself up to learning through failure, teaching his children that life is not a race but rather a journey to be enjoyed and that it’s alright if you don’t have everything figured out all time are values and ideals that mirror my own.
This was easily one of my favorite interviews to be a part of. If you ever get the opportunity to meet Frank in person do yourself a favor and leave your camera in the car. I promise you it will be worth it.
Tell us about yourself: your name, business, partners, etc.
Frank Gieseking: My name is Frank Gieseking and I am the owner & CEO of Greendell & Musselman Landscape Solutions in central Indiana. This past July, I celebrated my 40th work anniversary at Greendell.
Today, I’m proud to say that Greendell has been supplying
INLA
Indiana’s green industry for 55 years, and grown to include various divisions serving homeowners, contractors, architects, nurseries, and garden centers.
What inspired you to start working in the nursery and landscape business?
Frank Gieseking: I started working at Greendell right out of high school in 1984. At that time, Greendell was a small mulch operation, sheep farm, and strawberry patch. I went to the previous owner, Byron Green in my best (only) suit looking for a job and was quickly put to work bagging mulch… in my suit… in the July heat.
Throughout the next 15 years, I worked in many positions throughout the company.
Little had I known, Byron was grooming me to eventually run the business, and that day came in 2001.
The nursery and landscape business found me, right down the road in the small town of Monrovia but I stayed because of the relationships I built, and the work ethic demonstrated by the industry. It’s no secret to us that people in this business are the hardest workers, but have the most fun, too.
What are some of the unique products and services your business offers?
Frank Gieseking: We were the first bark mulch manufacturer on this side of the Mississippi. From there, we started manufacturing growing mixes and other specialty soils, added a retail garden center, started carrying hardscape supplies, and now composite decking and outdoor living elements.
We pride ourselves in our partnerships and continuing education. My team carries degrees and certifications in the industry, and we bring that knowledge to our customer base in a big way.
Service is another core value we hang our hat on. On the supply side, our industry is going corporate. Being family owned and operated allows us to show up for our customers in ways they can’t or aren’t willing to.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your business?
Frank Gieseking: I think every day brings something different, but going from the last question, as a local business, we are increasingly going up against the big guys. It is tough to battle their resources at times, but I am so grateful for our loyal customer base that continues to put their trust in us, knowing we will do whatever we can to deliver.
On another note, business with family is rewarding but also very challenging. Four out of my five adult children work in our companies. I always say I am going to write a book about this someday! I am so proud of how we have navigated the challenges of being coworkers and family. There are a lot like us in this line of work- some of my best advice is to overly communicate and pre-qualify your conversations. Sometimes your kids want to talk to just their parent, not their boss, and vice versa. That can seriously affect the outcome of the conversation. Ask them which persona they are talking to and put on the corresponding hat.
What initially motivated you to join the INLA?
Frank Gieseking: Greendell has been a member since before I entered the industry. We have continued our membership over the years for educational and networking opportunities. I served on the board of directors for 13
The Gieseking family at an INLA event. (Photo provided by Frank Gieseking)
(Continued from Page 13) years and president in 2010. I always encourage my team to get involved, it keeps us connected to colleagues and the state of the industry.
What INLA events and programs have you found to be most valuable and why?
Frank Gieseking: The legislative partnership gives the green industry a voice through the INLA. I can remember several times that this served local companies particularly well.
During the pandemic, the INLA advised us of the fact that our industry was “essential” and communicated best business practices during the most uncertain time of my career. Additionally, there have been a few times that water restrictions have been invoked that would seriously impact the ability for a landscaper
or nursery to function. It is a huge benefit to have these legislative professionals advocating for us.
What sets the INLA apart from other industry organizations?
Frank Gieseking: We have been a part of several other local and national industry organizations. The INLA brings a different level of
professionalism and quality to their initiatives.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in this industry?
Frank Gieseking: I have watched a lot of companies come and go in the last 40 years. The long-standing, sustainable operations grow slowly.
Focus on self-development. There are a lot of ways to go about this, professionally and personally and it takes a lot of hard work to work on yourself. No matter where your business endeavors lead, this effort will always stick with you.
Get rid of your head trash. Everybody has it, all it does is hold you back.
What is the most important lesson you have learned in the last 40 years?
Frank Gieseking: Wow, this is a tough question. I continue to learn every day! A few of the most important things I have learned involve working with people: Don’t be a control freak. Build a team around you and trust in your team, be there for them but don’t micromanage.
2012 IGE Booth Awards (Photo provided by Frank Gieseking)
SUMMER MEETING 2024 REVISITED
This was the first ever visit for an INLA Summer Tour in the South Bend/Michiana area that I am aware of after going through the archives within the INLA records. Let me just say “What took so long”?! There is definitely more than corn in Indiana after visiting this (extreme) North Central Indiana region. I left with saying a huge Thank you to all involved in exposing us to a new place to visit. During the INLA committee meeting in February a number of people that were going to be an integral part of this event as well as the 2025 Summer Meeting attended to start planning this event. The INLA Summer Meeting committee, chaired by Kevin Van Sessen, had the following either at the meeting or came aboard during the planning; Scott Johnsen (INLA), Bill Evans (Tuscan Valley Landscaping), Erick Brehob (INLA), Robert Johnstone (INEF Representative), Brant Boram (Committee Member), Chad Bruick (OEG and 2025 Host), Jeremy Cooper, (Red Hen Turf Farm – Dinner Host and Tour Coordinator), Jason Fritz (INLA – Stantec Native Plant Nursery – Day 1 tour and lunch), plus countless others that I failed to mention.
Day 1 – August 7, 2024
Everyone met at Stantec Native Plant Nursery in Walkerton, Indiana to get registered and begin the 2024 INLA Summer Tour. I was amazed to see several people that I had not seen or ever met in my years in the industry. The tour of Stantec was very educational with all the processes of going through and collecting seeds from their over 100-acre facility and other processes of shipping, some with a very short turnaround to be sure the seed remains viable. After a 90-minute walking tour of the facilities and a catered lunch at Stantec, everyone ascended to Red Hen Turf Farm to load into the vans, to depart for tours in the Michiana area. A huge Thank you for the guidance of the tours to Custom Outdoor
Day 2 photo of INLA members in front of the famous "Touchdown Jesus" mural on the south side of Notre Dame's Hesburgh Library.
Living (Michigan based operation- INLA Member) and Tuscan Valley Landscaping of the joint ventures in seeing 5 projects. Many of these are on Lake Michigan frontage which lead to a whole gamut of other licensing procurement documentation and moving items on the sites. I am very appreciative for their time in explaining the difficulties and processes of working together to achieve what the customer wanted. The last site visited was very gracious to offer an extended stay as well as some much-needed refreshments, opposite of what the INLA offered. Once complete the vans took those on the tour back to Red Hen Turf Farm to continue with their individual Wednesday night plans.
Day 2 – August 8, 2024
Everyone either departed from the host hotel the aLoft by Marriott in South Bend via shuttle vans or met at the Compton Family Ice Rink parking lot in South Bend. Once everyone was there, we did a walking tour of Charles Hayes Sculpture Park, walking distance from the parking lot and a very popular scenic walk with several native restoration areas narrated by Jason Fritz of Stantec. Upon finishing the walking tour shuttle vans were loaded and a driving tour of the Notre Dame campus lasted for approx. 90 minutes. Notre Dame is a very picturesque campus with Burke golf course located on the west edge as well as Holy Cross College and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which a few opted to do a tour on Friday instead of partaking in the INEF shooting for Scholarships, hosted by Kevin Van Sessen. Upon completion of the driving tour, the group some 45+ strong attendees, met at Howard Park for a catered lunch at the Howard Park Public House, plus a guided
tour of the park by the parks director that Howard Park was named after Indiana Supreme Court Justice Judge Timothy Howard that passed away in 1916. It has been renovated over the past few years along the east edge of the St. Joseph River. After lunch the vans departed for our first stop of the afternoon to a jobsite that has been under extreme revitalization and maintenance with the oversite of this project by the team from Foegley Landscape. John Foegley has been a supporter of INEF and certifications, plus an INLA Award of Merit recipient. This site is located in Granger, Indiana and what a breathtaking site this was to visit and still more work is planned as the owner sees the
transformation that has already taken place. The rest of the afternoon tour stops, took place in Mishawaka, Indiana with a visit to Mishawaka City Hall in which Jeremy Cooper of Red Hen Turf Farm described that this was built on what once was a Liberty Mutual Building with an investment of 20 million dollars and 100,000 sq/ft expansion. Also was walking distance to many other great visiting retail areas like Iron Works 1 and Iron Works 2 shops and restaurant areas, much like the one on the north side of Indianapolis. Also, Robert C Beutter park on the northern edge of the Riverwalk, which Stantec enhanced and created some naturalization areas. Upon completion of the afternoon events, participants were shuttled back to the ice rink or the aLoft Hotel to meet for Thursday evening tour, dinner and scholarship auction at Red Hen Turf Farm. Jeremy Cooper and his team knocked this event out of
the park with tours of the turf farm with QR codes of the equipment utilized for various uses at the Turf Farm. Besides the bountiful Barbecue food options and variety of beverages, including desserts all attending were willing to purchase in both a silent and live auction array of much needed (?) items. Red Hen Turf Farm added to the event by adding not 1, but 2 semi-loads of sod garnering $3800.00 each towards the scholarship. Raffle tickets for a Benelli 12 gauge, donated by past INLA President Dean Ricci raised quite a stir at this event as well (read in the Day 3 Shooting for Scholarships next). Also, I guess we have an idea what an Alien’s (statue like) going price will start at after Dan and Monica Fuquay (Aching Acres of Evansville, Indiana) won with a bid of $1000.00, after all this money is for kids scholarships, mentioned several times by Robert Johnstone longtime INEF auctioneer.
Day 3 – Shooting for Scholarships – Back Forty Sporting Clays Bourbon, Indiana
The 2024 version of the INEF Shooting for Scholarships had 10 teams vying for Best Overall Team and Best Overall Individual Prizes. Each Individual had 100 shots over 10 station layout with 5 Double Clays (10 total) per station. While not every team had 5 individuals and a few had 4, we took the 4 highest scores from each team to determine the winner. Best Overall Team was Team Ricci with a 4-person high total of 313. This team had 5 individuals with each individual receiving $100.00 cash, plus a $50.00 gift card. The team consisted of Mike Krieger, Ed Greeley, Kyle Robinson, Nick Ricci and Dean Ricci. Second Place was Team Franco, consisting of David
Todd, Frank Gieseking, Mike Broge, Blake Herbst and Brian Franco. Best Individual Shooter was Marc Reynolds with a total score of 87 out of 100, second was Nick Ricci with 86 and Casey Seitzinger with 84 in third. The prize monies as well as the second part of the live auction took place after lunch catered by MacAllister deli was completed. During this time Marc Reynolds donated his $100.00 Individual cash prize back to the Scholarship Fund. The last bit of business was to determine the winning raffle ticket for the $1900.00 Benelli Shotgun which raised $3750.00 in raffle tickets sold since the start of the INLA Summer event was – Dan Fuquay (guess he can use in case this alien is not really a statue?). A special thank you to Ryan at Back Forty Sporting Clays for their in-kind contribution to our event.
As of this writing we are still going through all the items and auction monies to give an accurate fundraising amount for the entire INEF, but it looks to be close to $20,000.00 for the summer event alone.
Extra special thanks to Julie Gillen and Vickie Newell for their tireless efforts in making this event run like clockwork!
The entire 3 days could not have gone any better without a complete effort on everyone’s behalf. The list of individuals is endless and some I am not
IOMA 2024 Golf Outing Recap
Indiana Outdoor Management Alliance (IOMA) is represented by The Corydon Group pertaining to bills/laws during the Indiana General Assembly each year. IOMA is comprised of an Alliance of the following associations/groups. Founding Members are Indianapolis Landscape Association (ILA), Indiana Professional Lawnd and Landscape Association (IPLLA) and the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association (INLA). Current additions to the founding members include the Indiana Irrigation Contractors Council (IICC and subsidiary of IPLLA) and the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation (MRTF). Each member of these groups is also considered a member of IOMA.
This is a recap of the IOMA Golf Outing Fundraiser held July 18, 2024 at Twin Lakes Golf Club located in Carmel, Indiana. Twin Lakes is a private golf course nestled inside the Sherborne Green subdivision just off 96th street between Michigan Road to the west and Township Line Road to the east. Christian Brown – President of Twin Lakes has always bent over backwards to make our alliance feel like a regular member or better, as we were only one of 2 outings at the time of our event in August, that stayed intact during the 2022 COVID season. This year he even listed our event on the Home Page of Twin Lakes Golf Club regarding our July 18th event.
One concern we had going into the event, even with the record number of registrations, was the weather, especially in July which is one of the dog days of summer months. Surprise to have temps in the 90’s+ during the start of the week and 1.75” of rain at the golf course Tuesday July 16th. No one thought the morning of the event would lend its way to more long pants and light jackets at registration around 9:00 am.
The event had a record 23 teams registered but ended up with a few less golfers (90).It did not seem to matter in the end and worked out perfect for “cart on pathway” golf, but the course was in exceptional condition. Mike Seaton, Golf Course Superintendent and Jim Keithley, Golf Professional and staff are always assisting at every turn, besides asking what they can do for us.
By the end of our event, during the 19th hole as many in the golf community say there was a tie for 1st place between Barthuly Irrigation and Corteva Agriscience team with a score of 55 (-17) which equates to 17 under par. The winner was determined by a virtual playoff which Twin Lakes utilizes for events like ours. The Barthuly Irrigation team individuals received a $100.00 gift certificate each towards purchases in the Pro Shop. The Corteva Agriscience team individuals each received a $75.00 gift certificate towards purchases in the Pro Shop. Vibrant Outdoors placed third in the event, just one shot out of making it a 3-way tie for first place. Each individual team member of the team received a $50.00 gift certificate to be utilized towards any purchase in the Pro Shop.
The following individuals each won a $100.00 cash prize:
Women’s Closest to the Pin: Michelle Hancock
Women's Longest Drive: Michelle Hancock
Men’s Closest to the Pin: Mike Quigley
Men’s Longest Drive: Charlie Swartzell
The effort of this event enables IOMA to continue to have united voice regarding governmental affairs in the realm of Indiana state legislature.
It was great to see so many returning teams and individuals, plus the influx of new participants. Here are just a few pics of this year’s event. Like always every player received a sleeve of golf balls to start and an opportunity for an additional gift at the end.
1: ExperiGreen - Lawn Medic Team
2: Title Sponsor: McGavic Outdoor Power/ExMark
3: Prize Table
4: IOMA VP Pierre Bridger 5: IOMA's 2024 Golf Outing Sponsors 6: One of four beverage carts
Eight members of Green Touch Services
Prize Table
IAH STUDY GUIDE
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.
There are over 700 Indiana Accredited Horticulturists and over 125 Master Horticulturists. The success of the program and the upgrading of the personnel in the nursery industry are direct results of the emphasis the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association have placed on education programs. You are encouraged to take advantage of this valued educational service of your association.
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.
Landscape deign is the art of creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor environment for human use (Outdoor Living Area). Landscape planning can be performed by Landscape Architects or Landscape Designers and sometimes by Landscape Contractors.
Benefits of professional landscape design include improvement of quality of life and value of property.
Good landscaping is an investment that increases in value over time, and enhances a home’s value.
Design Process:
1.) Interview the client to determine their desires & expectations, discuss their “want list,” budget, design fees, priorities, etc.
2.) Preparation of “base map” of property showing location of house on property, property lines, driveway, walkways, patio, fences, etc. Scale of the drawing is determined at this point, usually 1/8” = 1’- 0” or 1” = 10’ for residential projects.
3A.) Site Inventory looks at physical characteristics of property and should include features that are beyond property lines:
3B.) Site Analysis allows the designer to become familiar with the opportunities and/or constraints that exist on a site; Site Analysis considers views (inward & outward) and need for visual screening, drainage, value of exstg vegetation, sun/ shade areas, wind, utilities, windows, doors, water faucets, downspouts, window wells, air conditioner, meters, etc.
4.) Functionality – how might site be best developed? What activities might occur and where? Functional design concepts often begin as “bubble drawings” {see pg 7-9}
5.) Preliminary Design usually includes decisions on grade changes, drainage, space utilization, etc., and may show some dominant plant locations
During the preliminary design phase, a theme for the landscape is selected, with the intent of harmonizing the developed with the site or structure. If a house is in a wooded area, a naturalistic theme can be reflected in the landscape. If the house has dynamic angles, the planting beds and landscape features might emphasize this. See pages 12-14 for examples of Arc & Tangent, Curvilinear and Rectilinear (= rectangular) themes for the same property. Note how the open lawn areas appear, and that curvilinear designs have no “corners.”
6.) Master Plan shows all details necessary to install the landscape including plantings and hardscape, and may include specifications for installation procedures and elevations for retaining walls, patios, any structures (gazebos, pergolas, arbors, fences, sheds, walkways, drainage, etc. {see pg 16}
Characteristics of a Successful Residential Landscape Design
1.) Satisfies needs of client
2.) Functions properly
3.) Sensitive to site
4.) Enhances quality of life
5.) Aesthetically successful
Components of Landscape Design
ORDER – a design without order is a haphazard jumble of unrelated parts that have no common theme.
UNITY – a harmonious relationship among all elements of design. Includes unity of form, unity of texture, unity of color, etc.
DOMINANCE = focal point: a plant of component that commands attention REPETITION – repeated use of a particular element, plant or material.
LINE – can be a form of repetition, but line compels the viewers eye to follow it.
SCALE – size of an object relative to the space in which it is placed BALANCE – equalization of viewed weight in a design (a design cannot be composed entirely of focal points)
Adding Plants to the Design – the steps in selecting plant materials are as follows:
1. List environmental conditions that the plant must live with.
2. Determine the functions the plants will serve.
3. Determine size, habit, and seasonal characteristics of any desired plants.
4. Select plants that meet these specifications.
Fundamentals of Planting Design – Plants can serve numerous functions in the landscape:
Architectural – Plants can be used as the ceilings, walls & floors of outdoor spaces
Engineering – visual screening, traffic control, erosion control
Climatic – wind screen, shade from trees
Aesthetic – plants can be used as focal points or background
Plant Characteristics –
SIZE – most important consideration in plant selection, and most frequently abused. Important to remember that some cute puppies grow up to become big ol’ dogs; so do some landscape plants.
Large trees need open spaces in which to grow, while smaller ornamental trees somelarge shrubs may work beneath utility lines.
FORM – what is the natural shape of the plant? Columnar, globose, pyramidal, ovoid, vase-shaped, upright, weeping, fastigiate, etc.
COLOR – consider color of foliage, flowers, fruit, fall color
TEXTURE – Fine textured like a Boxwood or Coarse textured like an Oakleaf Hydrangea
Other considerations for selecting plants –
Hardiness zone
Light requirements
Moisture requirements
Special soil requirements
Fertility needs
Special concerns (susceptibility to insects or diseases)
A good landscape design possesses DQ (Design Quality), providing good aesthetics and reasonable maintenance requirements.
Maintenance of landscape plants and components is unavoidable (there is NO such thing as a NO maintenance landscape.) But, landscape maintenance can be minimized thru appropriate consideration and selection of plants, materials and structures as the landscape design isdeveloped.
IAH QUIZ
IAH Quiz
Each quiz will be worth a .5 (onehalf) CEU!
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 (one-half) 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 Co-Chairs
- George Brenn, Four Seasons Landscaping Nursery
- Gabriel Gluesenkamp, Designscape Hort Services Committee Members
- Brian Bunge, Twixwood Nursery
- Wayne Gruber, Niemeyer’s Landscape Supply
- Jim Messmer
- Melissa Mravec, Allen Landscape
- Jodie Overmyer, Marshall County Soil and Water
Quiz Due October 31
1. Landscape design is the art of creating a _____________ and aesthetically pleasing environment for human use.
2. Good landscaping is an ______________ that increases in ___________ over time
3. A site inventory considers the physical characteristics of a property, including topography, existing ___________ and structures, as well as features that exist beyond property lines
4. A site analysis considers opportunities and constraints of an existing site including views, need for visual _______________, drainage, value of existing vegetation and structural _____________ of existing or proposed buildings.
5. The term balance, as a function of landscape design, refers to equalization of viewed components: a landscape design cannot be composed entirely of ________ _________
6. When selecting plants for a landscape design, there are 4 primary characteristics that must be considered, including ________, form, ____________ and texture.
7. Other considerations for selecting plants include hardiness, soil requirements, ________ requirements, _____________ requirements, and fertility needs, as well as susceptibility to insects or __________.
8. Maintenance of landscape plants is ________________, but maintenance can be ______________ through appropriate consideration of plants and materials.
9. The most commonly used scale for residential landscape design projects are 1” = ____’ and _____ “ = 1’
10. Plants serve functions in a landscape, including Architectural, Climatic and
Send answers to: info@inla1.org -or- mail to INLA, 7915 S. Emerson Ave., #247, Indianapolis, IN 46237
