Tennessee Greentimes - Winter 2009

VOL. 10/ NO. 4

Winter 2009

Get to Know and Grow These Alternatives to Ash

2009 Best & Beautiful from the UT Gardens

American Garden Award Winners...

Perfect for Spring Sales!

Tennessee

GREENTIMES The Official Publication of The Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association

Table of Contents

IN THE LANDSCAPE Get to Know and Grow These Alternatives to Ash

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VOL. 10/ NO. 4

Winter 2009

In the Garden 2009 Best & Beautiful from the UT Gardens

15

other features Upcoming event TNLA’s 2010 Winter Education & Exhibits Program ..........................................10

departments From the President, Marshall Allen .............................................................................. 6 TNLA New Members ...................................................................................................... 7 News from TNLA................................................................................................................8 Calendar of Events .......................................................................................................... 18 Index of Advertisers ........................................................................................................ 18

Nursery Notes American Garden Winners...

Grow These for Spring Sales!

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The Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association serves its members in the industry through education, promotion and representation.

The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, its staff, or its board of directors, Tennessee Green Times, or its editors.

Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association members, does not constitute an endorsement of the products or services featured in this, past or subsequent issues of this quarterly publication.

Copyright Š2009 by the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association. Tennessee Green Times is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association.

POSTMASTER: Send change of address notification to Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association, 115 Lyon Street, McMinnville, TN 37110. Postage guaranteed.

Third-class postage is paid at Nashville, TN. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: Tennessee Green Times allows reprinting of material. Permission requests should be directed to the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information.

Advertising: For display and classified advertising rates and insertions, please contact Leading Edge Communications, LLC, 206 Bridge Street, Franklin, TN 37064, (615) 7903718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

January 12-13, 2010 Kentucky Exposition Center North Wing - Louisville, KY

Within a days drive of 60% of the nation’s population Easy move in/move out Affordable cost of doing business for both Exhibitors and Attendees Region’s Premier Green Industry Trade Show connecting the industry’s top buyers and sellers A diverse selection of horticultural products showcased in over 375 booths A profitable opportunity to discover new product sources and increase your bottom line

FOR BOOTH RENTAL OR ATTENDEE INFORMATION CONTACT: 931.473.3951 or visit www.MSHE.org A partnership of Kentucky Nursery & Landscape Association / Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association P.O. Box 57 | McMinnville, TN 37111 | Phone: 931.473.3951 | Fax: 931.473.5883

f rom t h e p r e s i d e n t Marshall Allen

Opportunity Awaits

T DON’T MISS THESE TNLA BUSINESS MEETINGS JANUARY 13 (during the Mid-States Horticultural Expo) 8:00 a.m.

Kentucky Expo Center Louisville, KY

FEBRUARY 1 (during TNLA’s Winter Education Program) 12:30 p.m.

Music Road Convention Center Pigeon Forge, TN

his year has been challenging for most of us — for some, a time of survival mode, and for others, a time to wave the white flag. One thing for certain, all of us have had to analyze our businesses and adapt, modify and streamline our way of competing in today’s environment. Forecasts of economic recovery in 2010 are varied across the board, and uncertainty seems to be at the forefront of our minds.

Despite these conditions, we must look for ways to improve our mindset and attitude and be thankful for what we do have. Churchill once said, “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.”

Let’s turn our thoughts to positive action. Our association can and should be a source of support that allows us all, through education and networking, to enhance our businesses and uplift our employees and associates.

Support, though, is a two-way street; your participation is needed to make our upcoming events successful. I encourage you all to attend these association events — the MSHE show in Louisville and TNLA’s Winter Education Program in Pigeon Forge. Scheduled speakers can share realworld experiences from their own businesses, which should generate new ideas and approaches.

I would like to thank everyone on the TNLA board of directors and our staff for their support this year. We are blessed to have hard-working, dedicated individuals striving to make our industry and businesses better, and I feel fortunate to work with these great folks.

Wishing everyone a great 2010.

Marshall Allen 2009 TNLA President

New TNLA Members The Tennessee Greentimes is the official publication of The Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. 115 Lyon Street McMinnville, Tennessee 37110 (931) 473-3951 Fax (931) 473-5883 www.tnla.com Email: mail@tnla.com Published by Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street Franklin, Tennessee 37064 (615) 790-3718 Fax (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com Editors Dr. Bill Klingeman Dr. Bob Trigiano Associate Editors Dr. Donna Fare Dr. Nick Gawel Mr. Mark Halcomb Dr. Frank Hale Mr. Gray Haun Dr. Sandy Reed Dr. John Sorochan TNLA Officers President Marshall Allen Allen Landscape Management, LLC 1st Vice President Tim Gallagher Heather Farms Nursery, Inc. 2nd Vice President John Watson, CLP Common Grounds Landscape Mgmt.

3rd Vice President Michael Kassees Forest Nursery Co., Inc. Secretary-Treasurer Randall Walker Randall Walker Farms Associate Director Dwight Burch BWI Companies Ex-Officio Aaron Swafford Swafford Nursery, Inc. Executive Director Louree Walker Administrative Assistant Pam Stern

Welcome, TNLA New Members!

ACTIVE MEMBERS After Hours Nursery Ann Bauer Sisk 204 Rattlesnake Branch Circle Huntland, TN 37345 Bottoms Brothers Nursery Johnny A. Bottoms, MBA 213 Fairview Road McMinnville, TN 37110 CJ & Son Nursery Carlton Jones/ Terry Grissom 334 Haley Road Smithville, TN 37166 Dykes and Son Nursery Powell Dykes 825 Maude Etter Road McMinnville, TN 37110

Four Seasons Nursery & Garden Center Donald Bailey 2489 Highway 45 South Jackson, TN 38301 Wood Nursery Jeff Wood 134 Starlite Road McMinnville, TN 37110 Signal Mountain Nursery Kim Bonastia 1100 Hubbard Road Signal Mountain, TN 37377 Tennessee Tuberoses Lon Derek Dyer 294 Brazier Lane Gallatin, TN 37066 Triple B Nursery Tim or Dean Barnes 4100 Old Rock Island Road Rock Island, TN 38581

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS Freed Hardeman University Jeff Barkman 106 East Mill Street Henderson, TN 38340 Turf Masters Lawn Care, Inc. Bob D’Amato P.O. Box 126 Culleoka, TN 38451

AFFILIATE MEMBER Dan Smith Dyer County High School Horticulture/ FFA Instructor 1000 West Main Newbern, TN 38059

N ews f rom T N L A

Eric Walker Is Named Tennessee’s ANLA Senator

Above (left to right): United States Senator Lamar Alexander, Eric Walker (ANLA Senator from Tennessee), Marshall Allen (TNLA President) and United States Senator Bob Corker.

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ric Walker, former president of TNLA, has been appointed Tennessee’s senator to the American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA).

Eric is a second-generation nurseryman from Warren County.

His father, Sam Walker, started growing dogwoods and fruit trees in the early 1960s. Eric received a bachelor’s degree in Ag business and a minor in marketing from Middle Tennessee State University in 1986.

Eric attained full ownership of Walker Nursery Company in July 1997 with the passing of his father. In 1998, Walker Nursery expanded with the acquisition of Ben Lomand Nursery and opened Walker Gardens, a retail and wholesale garden center. With this expansion, the operation has grown to approximately 600 acres of B&B and container plants. Several varieties of shade trees, ornamental flowering trees, flowering shrubs and evergreens are grown at the nursery. Walker Nursery-grown plants have been shipped to at least 35 states across the nation.

Eric attributes his company’s success to growing a high-quality product and employing astute managers and employees to make sure the job is done right. Additionally, Eric is continually searching for new and improved cultivars and native plants to ensure that his business stays on the cutting edge of the nursery industry.

In 1995, Eric was awarded the Tennessee Nursery Association’s Young Nursery Professional, Crystal Award. He served as president of the Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association in 2004–2005. Eric received the 2009 Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Wholesale Nurseryman of the Year Award.

As a hobby, Eric enjoys raising and breeding registered polled Hereford cattle. Genetics from his breeding program have been sold to breeders across the United States and three foreign countries.

Eric and Rhonda (his wife), along with Cody (son) and Casey (stepson), attend the Central Church of Christ in McMinnville. He also, serves as secretary of the Morrison Regional Planning Commission. C

Sponsors

TNLA WOULD LIKE TO THANK the following companies for being

MEMBERSHIP SPONSORS Gold Membership Sponsors Allen Landscape Management, LLC Barky Beaver Mulch & Soil Mix, Inc. Randall Walker Farms Shadow Nursery, Inc. Swafford Nursery, Inc.

Silver Membership Sponsors Common Grounds Landscape Management, Inc. Immigration Law Offices of Sean Lewis, PLLC J.B. Donoho Nursery John Holmlund Nursery Little Green Garden, Inc. Reedy Landscaping, Inc. Tennessee 811 Tri Green Equipment, LLC Valent USA

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U p c om i n g E v e n t

TNLA Winter Education Program February 1–2, 2010

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m Registration

8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m Welcome & Announcements Marshall Allen, TNLA President, with Dr. Jed Young, Tennessee Tech University

8:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

New and Useful Plants Presenter: Mr. Don Shadow, Shadow Nursery

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

Growing Your Business with Your Employees…

For Bottom Line Results!

Presenter: Mr. Michael Hatcher, Michael Hatcher & Associates

9:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.

Break with Tradeshow Exhibitors

MORNING SESSIONS CONCURRENT SESSIONS A

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

A1. What’s New with the UT Gardens Presenter: Mr. James Newburn, The University of Tennessee

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 p.m.

A2. No Bloom, No Room — Only Doom Presenter: Dr. Donna Fare, U.S. National Arboretum

CONCURRENT SESSIONS B 10

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l Music Road Convention Center, l Pigeon Forge, TN

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

B1. “Best & Beautiful Plants” Report from the UT Gardens’ 2009 Season Presenter: Ms. Beth Willis, The University of Tennessee

11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

B2. Picking, Planning & Pruning Trees Presenter: Dr. Douglas Airhart, Tennessee Tech University

11:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Awards Luncheon, TNLA Business Meeting and visit Tradeshow

AFTERNOON SESSIONS CONCURRENT SESSIONS A

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

A3. New Ideas on Elemental Nutrition ** Presenter: Dr. Douglas Airhart, Tennessee Tech University

2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

A4. Update on Research to Manage Imported Fire Ants, Japanese Beetles and Other NurseryImpacting Pests ** Presenter: Dr. Jason Oliver, Tennessee State University

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Break with Tradeshow Exhibitors

3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

A5. Exotic Pest Ants: They’re Here, Knocking on the Door or a Delivery Away ** Presenter: Dr. Karen Vail, UT Extension

4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

A6. Easier-Care Annual Solutions for Color Problems in the Landscape Presenter: Mr. Bob Washburn, PWP Greenhouses WINTER 2009

CONCURRENT SESSIONS B

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

B3. How to Successfully Choose, Transplant and Maintain Dogwoods for Your Clients Presenter: Dr. Mark Windham, The University of Tennessee

2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

B4. Let’s Get Yellow Fever Presenter: Mr. Lucas Holman, Riverdale High School

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Break with Tradeshow Exhibitors

3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.

B5. Landscape Mistakes Presenter: Ms. Beth Babbit,

UT Extension

4:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

B6. Choice Conifer Selections for Tennessee’s Green Industry Presenter: Dr. Sue Hamilton,

UT Gardens Director

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2 6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast at Hotel

EDUCATION SESSIONS

8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

A8. Hot Topics in Ornamental Pathology — New and Persistent Plant Diseases in Nurseries, Garden Centers & Landscapes ** Presenter: Dr. Alan Windham,

UT Extension

CONCURRENT SESSIONS B

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

B7. Turf Care 2010 Presenter: Dr. Tom Samples, The University of Tennessee

8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

B8. Screen Plantings for Tennessee: Designing for the Greater Good with Proper Plant Selections Presenter: Mr. Jason Reeves, UT Research Horticulturist

9:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Break with Tradeshow Exhibitors

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

A9. Up-to-Date Immigration Issues ** Presenter: Mr. Sean Lewis, Esq. Immigration & Citizenship Attorney

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 p.m.

B9. Marketing Your Business Presenter: Mr. Jim Webster, The Barn Nursery

CONCURRENT SESSIONS A

CLOSING PRESENTATION

8:00 a.m. – 8:45 a.m.

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

A7. Developing an IPM Program ** Presenter: Dr. Frank Hale, The University of Tennessee

Pools, Plants and Patios Presenter: Michael, Michael Hatcher & Associates

12:00 p.m.

Program Adjourns

PESTICIDE RECERTIFICATION POINTS Pesticide recertification points have been assigned to the educational sessions with ** after their names.

One point in Categories C3, C10 and C12 will be given for attendance in each of these sessions. Attendance at all of these sessions would give you 6 points in C3, C10 and C12.

TNLA Winter Education

H OST H OTELS Music Road Hotel & Music Road Inn Pigeon Forge, TN Room rates will be $69 for single/double.

Call

800-429-7700 to make reservations for either hotel .

IN The LandscapeS

By Hubert P. Conlon, UT Extension Area Specialist, Ornamental Horticulture

[Top] Silver lindens (Tilia tomentosa) are excellent alternatives to ash trees.

Photo 2. [Bottom Left] Black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) ‘Wildfire’. • Photo 3. [Bottom Right] Tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) ‘Arnold’.

Will

our native ash trees go the way of the American chestnut? A major threat to all ash species in North America, the emerald ash borer (EAB) is a wood-boring insect that prefers to infest — pretty much to tree death — all ash (Fraxinus) species, whether in the landscape or forest.

Described below are 11 tree species that are suitable alternatives that will grow in landscape situations similar to ash. All are either medium to large, and most are native. Most possess

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moderate-to-fast growth and tolerate urban, disturbed soils (a significant attribute of ash). All demonstrate adequate resistance to disease and insect pests. Several are not common to the trade, but they deserve to be planted more frequently.

Silver linden Silver linden (Tilia tomentosa) is very different than other species of lindens that are planted in Tennessee. Silver linden (see top photo) exhibits exceptional heat and drought adaptability,

better than other lindens. Also, it is not ravaged by Japanese beetles and aphids, which plague other lindens.

Summer foliage is dark green above, with grayish-white undersides that seem to shimmer in gentle breezes. Highly fragrant flowers in mid-June are followed by single-winged linden seeds a month later. Autumn foliage is yellow.

Young trees are pyramidal in form, eventually developing a full, roundspreading canopy as they near maturity (60' to 70' tall). The cultivar ‘Sterling Silver’ is an outstanding selection.

Black gum Also called sour gum or tupelo, black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) is a large native tree that grows to 35' to 60' tall, with a spread of two-thirds that. Initially slow growing, it achieves a more moderate growth rate within two to three years after planting.

The tree prefers a moist, well-drained soil, but its propensity for deep rooting gives it good heat and drought tolerance.

Starting in early fall, the dark-green, glossy leaves gradually develop several colors (yellow, orange, red and maroon), exhibiting one of nature’s finest fall foliage. Small, blue-black drupe fruits ripen in the fall. Black gum’s dark, blocky alligator hide is a good winter feature.

Exciting new cultivars have launched a new era in how we look at black gum.

‘Wildfire’ is a superior cultivar (Photo 2).

Tulip poplar Also known as tulip tree or yellow poplar, tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) is the largest deciduous tree species east of the Mississippi River; specimens greater than 90' tall are common. Fast-growing seedlings may grow 3' to 3-1/2' in one year.

In late May, greenish-yellow tuliplike flowers, marked with an orange stripe, fully open but are mostly hidden among the large leaves (Photo 3). Fall foliage turns bright yellow. Light-gray bark with faint darker lines adds subtle winter interest.

Most tulip poplars adapt to urban sites and live clean, healthy lives for 60 years and more. Although the tree handles heat and drought well, some premature leaf drop is common during summer dry spells.

Sweetgum Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) adapts to a wide variety of soils, including dry, compacted clay sites. A vigorous tree, sweetgum grows to 60' to 75' tall, with a branch spread nearly two-thirds that. Its large leaves are very maplelike in appearance. Pyramid-shaped when young, older sweetgums develop a more rounded crown.

Since sweetgum prefers to put down a deep root system, rapid growth is not

immediate for the first two years. Established trees demonstrate above-average drought tolerance, but they’re not tolerant of urban pollutants such as ozone and sulfur dioxide. The summer foliage may turn chlorotic (yellow) in high pH soils.

A common landscape complaint is the gumball fruit, 1-1/2" seed capsules, which drop in fall and winter. The medium-sized ‘Rotundiloba’ (Photo 4) and tall, fastigiated ‘Slender Silhouette’ (Photo 5) bear fewer fruits.

European hornbeam European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) is one of our finest landscape trees.

Newly planted trees tend to be slow growing until established. The wait is definitely worth it, as their growth rate becomes more moderate after two years. Hornbeams mature to 50' tall, with a 30' to 40' spread.

Hornbeams demonstrate good soil adaptability, although the dark-green leaves of summer become chlorotic in mildly alkaline soils. The slow, gradual change of fall leaf color ends in light yellow before leaf drop. Starting in late September, small nutlets ripen and serve as an important food source for wildlife.

European hornbeam is long lived, and its slate-gray bark is strong and muscular. The columnar form ‘Fastigiata’ is very popular.

American elm The century-long decline in American elm (Ulmus americana) is over. New disease-resistant hybrids and cultivars return the familiar vase-shaped elm tree silhouette to U.S. streets and byways.

American elms grow rapidly, achieving a height of 60' to 80' in 25 to 30 years. Elm’s reddish flowers signal the arrival of spring, but are of little ornamental value. Large, leathery dark-green leaves of summer finish golden yellow in November.

Elm’s strong wood resists severe wind and ice storms. Although notoriously shallow rooted, elm roots anchor themselves securely. In fact, elm’s aggressive root system may uplift side-walks and invade nearby water and sewage lines.

American elm is not fussy about soil. It is an excellent urban street tree,

forming a tree-lined palisade along wide thoroughfares and boulevards and on large properties such as public parks, industrial parks and golf courses.

Disease-resistant American elm selections such as ‘New Harmony’, ‘Valley Forge’ and ‘Jefferson’ are available. Several hybrid clones are also available, such as ‘Dynasty’ and U. x ‘Morton’ (Accolade™).

Lacebark elm Lacebark elm (Ulmus parvifolia), also called little-leaf elm, matures to 45' to 50' tall, with a 30' to 35' spread. This tree grows rapidly in any good landscape soil, and it handles poor urban sites well if soil drainage is good. The species demonstrates excellent heat and drought.

A young lacebark exhibits the classic upright elm form, and the crown becomes more rounded as the tree ages.

In August, tiny inconspicuous flowers appear. Soon following, thousands of round paper-thin, winged samaras (seed) are scattered in the winds of late fall.

The dark, lustrous green foliage of summer first turns yellow in fall and finishes bronzy red.

The bark of lacebark elms begins to flake or peel off in tiny pieces, exposing a “lacebark pattern” of gray-orangebrown inner bark. Athena® (‘Emerald Isle’) and Bosque™ are two popular cultivars.

Zelkova Zelkova serrata is a large Asian cousin to our American elm, possessing many elm-like features and a few of its own.

Zelkova grows 60' to 70' tall and 40' to 45' wide, forming a vase or upright form with graceful arching branches that are resistant to wind and ice.

Photo 4. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) ‘Rotundiloba’.

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Photo 5. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua) ‘Slender Silhouette’.

Zelkova’s small leaves cast a fine textural appearance on the landscape. In fall, foliage turns golden or russet orange. The smooth outer bark on the main trunk flakes off, exposing tiny mottled patches of orange and yellow inner wood (Photo 6).

Zelkova prefers a well-drained, slightly acid or alkaline (pH 6.0 to 7.5) soil. If the tree receives proper care during its first two years of establishment, its drought and heat tolerances are superior.

The oaks Three species of oaks are listed here, but several others are also worthy candidates.

Willow oak (Quercus phellos) has been a very popular choice among Tennessee landscapers for the past decade, with shingle oak (Q. imbricaria) and Nuttall oak (Q. nuttalli) catching on. Once established, these oak species demonstrate exceptional heat and drought tolerances in the urban environment. All are among the easiest oaks to transplant.

Willow oak has replaced the pin oak (Q. palustris) as the favored oak of former generations of landscapers. It appears to be pH insensitive. Willow oak matures to 50' to 60' tall, with a 30' to 40' spread. The bright light-green leaves are strap-like and very narrow, giving the tree a fine texture.

Shingle oak is a beautiful Midwest-native shade and street tree. Summer foliage is lustrous, leathery and strap–like (6" long).

In fall, leaves turn yellow and later russetbrown, persisting through most of the winter. This large oak grows up to 60' in height. The species is more urban friendly than pin oak, maintaining good green color in alkaline soils.

Nuttall oak is increasing being offered by more nurseries. It is often called the “Southern pin oak,” which it is now replacing in many Southeastern states. It makes a fast-growing tree to 40' to 60' in height. C

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Photo 6. Zelkova serrata bark.

In the Garden

&

Beautiful

from the UT Gardens

By Sue Hamilton (Director of the UT Gardens), James Newburn (Curator of the Knoxville UT Gardens), Jason Reeves (Curator of the Jackson UT Gardens) and Beth Willis (Herbaceous Trials Coordinator)

Photo 1. Viburnum ‘Tom Clark’.

2009 Best

Herbs

Begonia ‘Big Rose Bronze Leaf’ Capsicum annuum Sangria’ Pepper Celosia ‘Fresh Look Yellow’ Coleus ‘Red Head’ Coleus ‘Blaze Royal Glissade’ Coleus ‘Trusty Rusty’ Cyperus ‘King Tut’ Gaillardia ‘Mesa Yellow’ Geranium ‘Daredevil Rosalita’ Geranium ‘Tornado’ Series Geranium ‘Caliente Coral’ Geranium ’Pinto’ Series Gomphrena ‘Las Vegas’ Series Gomphrena ‘Fireworks’ Lantana ‘Lucky Gold’ Nierembergia ‘Augusta Blue Skies’ Pennisetum setaceum ‘Rubrum’ Pennisetum ‘Jade Princess’ Petunia ‘Debonair Rose Dusty’ Sweet potato vine ‘Illusion Emerald Lace’ Vinca ‘Pacifica XP Cranberry’ Vinca ‘Viper Purple’ Zinnia ‘Zahara Yellow’

Abelmoschus esculentus — Star of David Okra Basil ‘Boxwood’ Ceratotheca triloba — African Foxglove Hedychium coronarium — Hardy Ginger Lily Philadelphus ‘Snowbelle’ — Mock Orange

Trees and Shrubs Acer palmatum ‘Peaches and Cream’ Cercis chinensis ‘Don Egolf’ Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Devon Cream’ Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Spirited’ Chamaecyparis pisifera ‘Snow’ Contoneaster glaucophyllus — Gray Leaf Cotoneaster Egdeworthia chrysantha — Paper Bush Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Vaughn’s Lily’ Ilex verticillata ‘Sparkleberry’

Photo 3. Ensete superbum — Thai banana.

Annuals

Photo 2. ‘Easy Does It’ rose.

E

stablished in 1983, the University of Tennessee Gardens in Knoxville functions as an outdoor laboratory for evaluating performance and landscape uses of many different trees, shrubs, annuals and perennials, as well as ornamental grasses and aquatic plants. The gardens are planted to demonstrate each plant’s ideal use in the landscape. Visitors can see which plants thrive and flourish in our climate and also get ideas on garden design and how to use plants in their own landscapes.

Evaluations by the UT Garden Director and staff have revealed the Best and Beautiful plants from 2009, listed below. Evaluations included heat and cold tolerance, flower production, plant uniformity, flower and plant size, pest resistance and assessments of potential landscape appeal.

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Juniperus x media ‘Daub’s Frosted’ Lagerstroemia indica ‘Dynamite’ Metasequoia glyptostroboides ‘Ogon’ Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Summer Wine’ Picea abies ‘Acrocona’ Psuedolarix amabalis — Golden Larch Thuja orientalis ‘Morgan’ Tsuga canadensis ‘La Bar White Tip’ Viburnum ‘Tom Clark’ (Photo 1) Viburnum ‘Summer Snowflake’

Roses ‘My Girl’ ‘Love and Peace’ ‘Black Cherry’ ‘Easy Does It’ (Photo 2)

Photo 4. Musa velutina — Pink Velvet banana.

Top Perennials

Tropicals

Agave ovatifolia — Whale’s Tongue Agave Aster ericoides f. prostratus ‘Snow Flurry’ Hakonechloa ‘All Gold’ Helianthus angustifolius — ‘First Light’ Heuchera ‘Citronella’ Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Foxtrot’

Agave americana var. medio-picta ‘Alba’ Calotropis gigantea — Crown flower Colocasia esculenta ‘Coffee cups’ Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’ Ensete superbum — Thai Banana (Photo 3) Furcraea foetida ‘Mediopicta’ Musa velutina — Pink Velvet Banana (Photo 4)Sansevieria cylindrical C

Sedum kamshaticum Yucca recurvifolia ‘Margaritaville’

Nursery Notes

Announcing the First

American Garden Award Winners …Grow These for Spring Sales!

By Dr. Sue Hamilton, Director of the UT Gardens

T

his past growing season, Americans voted for their favorite flower using their cell phones. Six competing flowers were grown at 17 prestigious gardens across America, with one of the participating gardens being UT. Signage at these gardens guided people through the voting process. Garden visitors picked their favorites by text messaging or by dialing a 1-800 number to cast their vote. The American Garden Award headquarters and the UT Gardens will heavily market the winning selections, so Tennessee growers would do well to produce the top-three winning selections for spring sales.

Voters saw that the 1.5" blooms didn’t wilt in summer’s heat, humidity or rain. Blooms completely covered the 18' to 24" plants that didn’t need deadheading or cutting back. Fastgrowing ‘Baby Duck Yellow’ spreads 30" to 36" and will rapidly fill in gardens and containers.

#3. Pentas ‘Northern Lights Lavender’

This flower attracted voters just like hummingbirds and butterflies to the large lacy masses of lavender flower clusters. These large, 4" to 6" clusters of star-shaped florets covered the tropical looking 18" to 24" plants.

This breeding-breakthrough pentas performed throughout the country, showing off its tolerance to Northern temperatures as low as 50 degrees, as well as its love for rigorous Southern heat. C

#1. Most Popular Flower Award — Rudbeckia ‘TigerEye Gold’ ‘TigerEye Gold’ grabbed the attention of voters with its incredibly prolific display of brilliant 3" golden blooms.

Voters also appreciated the compact habit of the 16" to 24" plants. The longlasting golden, dark-eyed blooms make a strong statement, while showing their hybrid tolerance to heat, humidity and powdery mildew. This most-popular winner guarantees fantastic seasonlong color in gardens, mixed containers and landscapes.

#2. Petunia ‘Baby Duck Yellow’ This petunia won because voters loved the way it brightened and blanketed the garden with its multitudes of soft-yellow, trumpet-shaped blooms.

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calendar of events

Index of Advertisers

Calendar of Events January 12–13

JANUARY 31 – FEBRUARY 3

Mid-States Horticultural Expo (a partnership of TNLA and KNLA) KY Exposition Center, Louisville, KY For booth information, contact: Louree Walker, 931-473-3951 or louree@TNLA.com For advertising, contact: Betsie A. Taylor, 502-695-0106 or mail.knla@gmail.com; http://www.knla.org

ANLA Management Clinic Louisville, KY Contact: 202-789-2900 Fax: 202-789-1893 www.anla.org

January 12-16 NCNLA “Green & Growin’ Show Greensboro Coliseum Greensboro, NC Contact: 919-816-9119; www.ncnla.com

January 20–22 Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show McCormick Place Chicago, IL Contact: 847-526-2010; www.midam.org

January 25–27 Central Environmental Nursery Trade Show (CENTS) Columbus, OH Contact: 800-825-5062 www.onla.org/cents

FEBRUARY 2–3 TNLA Winter Education & Exhibits Music Road Convention Center Pigeon Forge, TN Contact: 931-473-3951 Fax: 931-473-5883 Email: mail@tnla.com www.tnla.com

FEBRUARY 12–13

Boshancee Nursery, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 www.boshanceensy.com Braun Horticulture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 www.braungroup.com BWI Companies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 www.bwicompanies.com Cam Too Camellia Nursery, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 www.camtoocamellia.com Carolina Nurseries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover www.carolinanurseries.com Central Landscape Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 www.centrallandscape.com Cherry Springs Nursery/Speer & Sons . . Inside Front Cover www.speernursery.com Crimson Dale Nursery, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 www.crimsondalenursery.com

SNA FORUM 2010 Cobb Galleria Atlanta, GA Contact: www.sna.org

D & D Agri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

FEBRUARY 26–27

Hayes Nursery Enterprises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

UT Gardens Conifer Symposium “Great Conifers for Tennessee” University of Tennessee Gardens Knoxville, TN Contact: 865-974-7324

John Deere Landscapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 www.johndeerelandscapes.com

Ewing Irrigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 www.ewing1.com Forrest Nursery Company, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Larry A. Gribble Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Louisiana Forest Seed Company, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Low Falls Wholesale Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Mid Tenn Turf, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 www.midtennturf.com Motz & Son Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Surface Nursery, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 www.surfacenursery.com Swafford Nursery, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 www.swaffordnursery.com Tennessee 811 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 www.tnonecall.com Turf Mountain Sod, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 www.turfmountain.com Turner & Son Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Welmaster Carts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Back Cover www.wellmaster.ca

classified

Hayes Nursery Enterprises 1474 Old Well Road Morrison, Tennessee 37357 Trudie or James Hayes, 931-939-7945 Liners to Landscape.