Tennessee Greentimes - Winter 2011

Section Name 4 VOL. 12/NO.

Winter 2011

A Growing Demand for Native Plants Should You Be Growing, Selling and Planting Zone 6 Hardy Camellias?

Special Inside —

2012 TNLA Winter Education & Exhibits Program tennessee greentimes

Keynote Speakers

Tony Bass

Don Shadow

winter 2011

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Table of Contents

UPCOMING EVENT 2012 TNLA Winter Education & Exhibits Program

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VOL. 12/NO. 4

Winter 2011

IN THE LANDSCAPE A Growing Demand for Native Plants

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MORE FEATURES News from the UT Gardens Two New All-America Selection Winners....................................................................20

DEPARTMENTS From the President, John Watson.....................................................................................6 In Memory...........................................................................................................................8 Calendar of Events............................................................................................................22 TNLA New Members........................................................................................................22 Index of Advertisers..........................................................................................................22

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IN THE NURSERY Should You Be Growing, Selling and Planting Zone 6 Hardy Camellias?

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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 Š2012 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 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) 790-3718, Fax (615) 794-4524.

From the President John Watson, CLP

Our Gang

As

I write my last “From the President” column, I’m reflecting on my year as president of the TNLA. Although I had attended many TNLA meetings, Winter Education programs and Mid-States Horticultural Expos, I had not been involved in the leadership of our organization. When I was asked to join the TNLA board by Steve Bennett back in 2008, little did I know how much it would affect how we do things at our company or how we would deal with the downturn in the economy.

When times are tough or when we need to deal with issues professionally and personally, it’s nice to have a group that we can turn to for help. It’s one of the benefits of belonging to a group — such as a sports team, peer group, association or even a close family — with many of the same issues.

To our current and past board members, I want to say thank you for allowing me to join your “gang.” While meeting and conducting association business, you have also supported me in other ways. To Louree Walker, our executive director, and Pam Stern, her trusted sidekick, I could not have made it as easily through this term without you.

To the current membership, thanks for allowing me to have this wonderful experience. To anyone not a current member, please come join our gang of green-industry professionals. I believe it’s the best return on investment you can get in these trying times.

TNLA Would like to

Thank

the following companies for being

Membership Sponsors Gold Membership Sponsors Barky Beaver Mulch & Soil Mix, Inc.

John Watson, CLP 2011 TNLA President

BWI of Memphis Common Grounds Landscape Management, Inc. Envirotexx, LLC

Don’t Miss These

Randall Walker Farms

TNLA Business Meetings!

Swafford Nursery, Inc.

Silver Membership Sponsors

Saturday, January 28

(during the Mid-States Horticultural Expo) 9:00 a.m., Room #114 Kentucky International Convention Center Louisville, KY

Allen Landscape Management, LLC Dow AgroSciences, LLC Freedom Tree Farms, LLC

Monday, February 20

Oldcastle Adams Products – Belgard

(during TNLA’s Winter Education Program) 12:15 p.m.

Music Road Convention Center Pigeon Forge, TN

Packs Nursery Reedy Landscaping, Inc. Triple SSS Farm

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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@leadingedge communications.com Editors Dr. Bill Klingeman Dr. Amy Fulcher 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 John Watson, CLP Common Grounds Landscape Mgmt.

1st Vice President Michael Kassees Forest Nursery Co., Inc. 2nd Vice President Bill Seaton TruGreen LandCare 3rd Vice President Matt Dawson Natural Creations, LLC Secretary-Treasurer Randall Walker Randall Walker Farms Associate Director Mary (Strong) Pennington Landscape Support Services Ex-Officio Tim Gallagher Heather Farms Nursery, Inc. Executive Director Louree Walker Administrative Assistant Pam Stern

In Memory

Plato Touliatos September 14, 1934 — November 21, 2011

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NLA is saddened by the loss of past president and Hall of Fame member Mr. Plato Touliatos. Plato and his wife Sarah closed their retail nursery business in Memphis, Trees by Touliatos, in September after 50 years in business. The couple also owned Touliatos Nature Center & Arboretum near Memphis International Airport.

The couple’s daughter-in-law, Carla Touliatos, called her late father-in-law a “Memphis landmark.” Many have agreed with her. “Plato is the finest plantsman who ever lived in these parts,” Dale Skaggs, Dixon Gallery and Gardens’ director of horticulture,

said in a 2008 profile of Touliatos in The Commercial Appeal. “Everyone respects Plato. He’s known all over the country, and he put Memphis on the map as far as the plant community.”

Touliatos said he earned 30 merit badges as a Boy Scout “and the one that appealed to me the most was forestry.” After earning a bachelor’s of science degree in forestry from Louisiana State University, Touliatos went to work for the U.S. Forest Service for 13 years. At Trees by Touliatos, he experimented with hybridizing trees, assisted the public in finding what grows well in the area, led

tours and presented seminars. He also helped in getting the Central Gardens neighborhood’s arboretum certified with the Tennessee Urban Forestry Council.

Plato and Sarah Touliatos were inducted into the Hall of Fame for the Tennessee Nursery and Landscape Association in 2009. C

Paul Stewart Haley, Sr.

November 12, 1933 — August 26, 2011

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aul Stewart Haley Sr. was born in McMinnville, TN, to Bertie Ann and George Haley. In 1949, while attending school at Dibrell, he was awarded the State Star Farmer Award for FFA. That same year, he attended Boys State at Castle Heights and held office as a judge. In 1950, he graduated from Dibrell High School as valedictorian.

Haley attended Tennessee Tech University in 1951, and in 1952–53, he attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville where he majored in horticulture. While at UT, he was a member of the U.S. Air Force ROTC.

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In 1953, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Marie Akers.

From 1954 thru 1961, he worked for his father as a salesman for Haley Nursery Company. In 1961, Haley Nursery Company was incorporated, and Paul was elected president. Currently, he is owner and president of Haley Nursery Company.

Haley was elected president of the Middle Tennessee Nursery Association in 1964 and as president of the Tennessee Nurserymen’s Association (now TNLA) in 1969. In 1981, he was elected to the board of directors for the American Nurserymen’s Association, where he served for 10 years.

In 1988, he received the Wholesale Nurseryman of the Year Award from TNLA, and in 2005 he was inducted into the TNLA Hall of Fame. He was a member of the Baptist Church. C

Upcoming Event

TNLA Winter

Education & Exhibits February 20–21, 2012

Music Road Convention Center • Pigeon Forge, TN

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NLA’s Winter Education and Exhibits will be held February 20–21, 2012, at the Music Road Convention Center in Pigeon Forge. What a great opportunity for you to spend some time in beautiful Pigeon Forge and listen to industry professionals discuss issues and opportunities for your business! If you have not attended this event in the past, you’ve really missed out — this event is only a day and a half, but it is focused on your business. Come listen to experts, and see what new products that industry suppliers have to offer.

Our keynote speakers An entrepreneur and landscape industry expert, Tony Bass founded Bass Custom Landscapes in 1987 after his graduation from the University of Georgia. Growing his business to a multi-million-dollar firm in central GA, he sold the company in June 2006 and retired at 41 years old.

Tony has been awarded two U.S. Patents for equipment he and his father engineered to master efficiency in his landscape company. In 1998, the inventions lead to the start of Super Lawn Truck, Inc., a manufacturing company.

The Super Lawn Truck system is currently used in landscape companies and government agencies in 42 states and Canada.

Tony’s seven books include The Money Making Secrets of a Multi-Million $ Landscape Contractor and The E-Myth Landscape Contractor: Why Most Landscaping Companies Don’t Work & What To Do About It, released in 2011. He has also produced a series of audio and video training programs for landscaping entrepreneurs, and he has delivered 200+ seminars to more than 20,000 green-industry professionals, teaching his principles of business success.

Long-time TNLA member and 2008 TNLA Hall of Fame inductee Don Shadow, owner of Shadow Nursery in Winchester, TN, has traveled throughout the United States and many parts of the world, acquiring plants that have become an important part of horticulture throughout many areas of the country. He focuses on species and cultivars that he describes as “new and useful.”

This past July at the OFA Short Course in Columbus, Ohio, Don was recognized with two HILA (Horticultural Industries Leadership Awards) honors presented by the GIE Horticultural Group. First, he was named the winner of the Leadership Award for the state of Tennessee (one winner for each state was chosen). He also received the Industry Development Award. C

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Pesticide Recertification Points One pesticide recertification point in C3, C10 and C12 has been assigned to the educational session with ** after the title. Six credits may be obtained by attending six of the nine sessions. Since three are concurrent sessions, you must choose the session you will attend (only one point can be earned per time slot).

TNLA Winter Education HOST HOTELS Music Road Hotel and Music Road Inn Pigeon Forge, TN Room rates will be $72 for Standard Rooms $77 for Suites Call 800-429-7700 to make reservations for either hotel.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

REGISTRATION 8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m.

WELCOME & ANNOUNCEMENTS John Watson, TNLA President, with Dr. Douglas Airhart, Tennessee Tech University and TNLA Education Chair KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS 8:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

A1. New Rules for Marketing, Sales and Winning in Your Landscape and Garden Center Business Presenter: Mr. Tony Bass, Bass Consulting, Fort Valley, GA 9:45 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

A2. Flora and Fauna as Only Don Can Explain Presenter: Mr. Don Shadow, Shadow Nursery, Winchester, TN 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

BREAK WITH TRADESHOW EXHIBITORS MORNING EDUCATION SESSIONS Concurrent Sessions B 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

B1. Organic Production and Pest Control** Presenter: Mr. Randy Dodson, Tennessee Tech University 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

B2. Grades and Standards for Tennessee Trees Presenter: Dr. Douglas Airhart, Tennessee Tech University Concurrent Sessions C 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.

C1. The Regal Boxwoods Presenter: Mr. Dale Skaggs, Dixon Gallery & Gardens 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

C2. The Best of the Univ. of Tennessee Gardens Presenter: Mr. James Newburn, Univ. of Tennessee Gardens

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 12:15 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.

AWARDS LUNCHEON and VISIT TRADESHOW AFTERNOON SESSIONS Concurrent Sessions B 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

B3. Hot Topics on Ornamental Diseases** Presenter: Dr. Alan Windham, The University of Tennessee 2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

B4. Hot Topics on Ornamental Insects** Presenter: Dr. Frank Hale, The University of Tennessee Concurrent Sessions C 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

C3. Espionage: Scouting and Other Covert IPM Operations** Presenter: Dr. Amy Fulcher, The University of Tennessee 2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

C4. Yellow Flowering Magnolias: Which One Is Best?

Presenter: Dr. Donna Fare, U.S. National Arboretum 3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

BREAK WITH TRADESHOW EXHIBITORS

6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Continental Breakfast at the Music Road Hotel and Music Road Inn EDUCATION SESSIONS Concurrent Sessions B 8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

B5. Insect CSI: Is It a Mystery?** Presenter: Mr. David Cook, The University of Tennessee 9:30a.m. — 10:15a.m.

B6. Turf Weeds and Controls** Presenter: Mr. Mitchell Mote, The University of Tennessee Concurrent Sessions C 8:45 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

C5. Best Management Practices for Landscapes/Pests** Presenter: Ms. Karla Kean, The University of Tennessee 9:30a.m. — 10:15a.m.

C6. Pesticide Regulations — the Top 10 Violations** Presenter: Mr. Phil Hurst, Pesticide Inspector, TN Dept. of Agriculture 10:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

BREAK WITH TRADESHOW EXHIBITORS CLOSING PRESENTATIONS

FINAL AFTERNOON SESSIONS 3:45 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

A3. High School Program Advisory Committees Presenter: Mr. Mike Blankenship, North Knox FFA Advisor, Knox County Schools 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.

A4. Green Roofs Presenter: Mr. Scott McGaughy, Landscape Support Services

10:45 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

A5. Superior Selections of Heat-Tolerant Conifers Presenter: Mr. Jason Reeves, The University of Tennessee 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

A6. Trees: Transcendent to Troublesome — Choosing Pest-Resistent Winners** Presenter: Ms. Carol Reese, The University of Tennessee

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In the Landscape

— A Growing Demand For —

Native P lants Photo 1: TVA staff plant native vegetation— including silky dogwood (Cornus amomom), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica) and American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)—as part of a biostabilization project on Tellico Reservoir.

By Erica Fritz Wadl, Watershed Representative, Natural Resource Management, Tennessee Valley Authority

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ative plants are increasingly popular and in demand not only by private and public landowners but also by government agencies that use native plants in many restoration and installation projects.

What are native plants, and why choose native species versus nonnative plants? Native plants are naturally occurring and have typically adapted to tolerate the range of conditions encountered in a particular

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region or area. These plants are more likely to be tolerant of drought and extreme temperatures, and they are naturally resistant to pests and diseases.

Native grasses and certain native herbaceous plants and shrubs may provide alternatives to managed turf areas, greatly reducing the need for lawn mowers, trimmers and other gasoline-powered equipment. When properly sited, native plants can also

be less costly to maintain and may need less fertilizer and pesticide inputs that other non-native species may require. Native plants can also enhance natural environments and will provide ready habitat and food for native wildlife. All of these perceived benefits have made native plants a popular choice by homeowners, governmental agencies charged with land-management responsibilities and many municipalities.

Photo 2: The Tanasi Lagoon Project on TVA Land in Tellico Village Subdivision (Loudon County, Tennessee) includes flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) and wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa).

Photo 4: A rain garden installed at Powell Station Park (Knox County, Tennessee) through multi-agency partnership contains many young specimens of Cooper iris (Iris fulva), Indian woodoats (Chasmanthium latifolium), Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) and swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata).

Photo 3: A meadow within the Tanasi Lagoon Project on TVA land in Tellico Village Subdivision (Loudon County, Tennessee) includes flowering butterflyweed (Asclepias tuberosa), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii).

Photo 5: Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) is a native wetland herb that forms large colonies along shallow shorelines and, due to its showy blue flowers, is used extensively in water gardening.

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is a corporation owned by the U.S. government that provides electricity and manages public lands in seven Southeastern states, including 293,000 acres of public land throughout the Tennessee River valley.

Within these lands, the TVA has utilized a wide variety of native plants to address many needs across a broadly diverse geography. Many of these uses are showcased at demon-

stration sites developed by TVA to encourage other land managers and citizens to think about native plants in new ways and to protect the distinctive regional characteristic of our natural environment.

During the past two decades, TVA projects have included many streambank and shoreline stabilization efforts, enhancement and establishment of riparian zones (including wetland restoration and mitigation pro-

jects) and improved and restored local habitat for area wildlife. With each of these projects, establishing or enhancing native riparian vegetation is a key component (Photo 1).

In addition to projects on public lands, TVA works with private landowners and encourages native-plant use in riparian areas. A recent TVA project located within a lakefront subdivision in Loudon County, Tennessee for example, included many native

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Photo 7: Common buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), a native wetland shrub, is a prime butterfly attractor and provides exceptional wildlife benefits, with its seeds eaten by many species of waterfowl.

In the Landscape

Photo 6: Blackeyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) and New England aster (Aster novaeangliae) make a pretty contrast in colors when paired in a meadow setting.

Photo 8: Lanceleaf coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata) can form large swaths of brilliant yellow flowers.

plants that were chosen both for their aesthetic appeal and their ability to attract native wildlife, including butterflies (Photos 2 and 3). Beyond its intended impact, the project’s success spilled over to other residents in the subdivision, who were inspired to incorporate native plants within their own landscapes.

Nursery growers who produce native plants may benefit by recognizing that many other agencies, such as the local Soil Conservation Districts, the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) and local stormwater-management agencies are also actively pursuing projects that will include native plants.

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Like TVA, staff members at Soil Conservation Districts offices and within the USDA NRCS assist landowners with efforts to improve their land and to help increase the sustainable practices on regional farms.

For example, many implemented plans have included establishment of native warm-season grasses for wildlife and domesticated animal forage and planting native species along the edge of a stream or waterway to help reduce erosion. Landowners have been receptive to these projects and have embraced the benefits of using native vegetation.

Urban municipalities also promote the use of native plants to their residents. As part of municipal sewer

and stormwater permit requirements, agencies frequently develop education and outreach programs for the public.

Most recently, local stormwater-management agencies have encouraged the use of rain gardens and associated native-plant species. A rain garden’s objective is to capture rainwater runoff from impervious areas (like roofs and parking lots) and allow that water to soak into the ground or be taken up by native plants. This process also filters pollutants that may be carried in the runoff and reduces the volume of water that enters storm drains and streams. In turn, rain gardens, like a recent project by TVA employees and their partners at Powell Station Park in Knox County, Tennessee, help

improve water quality while providing habitat for wildlife in an urban environment (Photo 4).

Regardless of which agency or homeowner initiates a project, the plan will require a variety of native plants species as well as a wide range of plant sizes. Balled-and-burlapped plants are often used to achieve immediate results and meet aesthetic goals.

For large-scale projects, many managers prefer to plant many small bareroot seedlings, small container-grown plants or whips, which are comparatively easy to plant and inexpensive to purchase in large quantities.

The growing popularity of native plants has increased a specialized demand for many native plants.

Homeowners may have difficulty finding the resources and variety of native plants that they read about, and there may be niche opportunities to meet their needs. Currently, many landowners and agencies rely on online catalogs to both find and order their native plants. To capitalize on plants that agencies like TVA are recommending, included is a list of native plants that are adapted to conditions encountered within the Tennessee Valley and that are used for many of our projects (Figure 1, page 16). This list can also be found online and as a searchable database at: http://www.tva.gov/river/landandshore/ stabilization/index.htm. C

About the Author: Erica Fritz Wadl is a watershed representative in Natural Resource Management with TVA. Erica received her masters’ degree in Forestry from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She joined the TVA Natural Resource Management team in 2006 and is privileged to work outside implementing natural resource projects that enhance public land.

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In the Landscape

Native Plants of Tennessee Common Name

Scientific Name

TN Valley Region (East, Middle, West)

Trees

American Beech.................... Fagus grandifolia....................... E, M, W American Holly..................... Ilex opaca................................... E, M, W Baldcypress............................. Taxodium distichum................. M, W Black Cherry.......................... Prunus serotina.......................... E, M, W Black Oak............................... Quercus velutina........................ E, M Black Walnut.......................... Juglans nigra.............................. E, M, W Black Willow.......................... Salix nigra................................... E, M, W Blackgum................................ Nyssa sylvatica........................... E, M, W Chestnut Oak......................... Quercus prinus........................... East Eastern Hemlock................... Tsuga canadensis....................... East Eastern Redcedar.................. Juniperus virginiana.................. E, M, W Flowering Dogwood.............. Cornus florida............................ E, M, W Fringetree............................... Chionanthus virginicus............. E, M, W Green Ash.............................. Fraxinus pennsylvanica............. E, M, W Honeylocust........................... Gleditsia triacanthos.................. E, M, W Loblolly Pine.......................... Pinus taeda................................. E, M, W Northern Red Oak................ Quercus rubra............................ E, M Overcup Oak.......................... Quercus lyrata............................ West Pecan....................................... Carya illinoinensis..................... E, M, W Persimmon.............................. Diospyros virginiana................. E, M, W Pin Oak................................... Quercus palustris....................... West Red Maple.............................. Acer rubrum............................... E, M, W Redbud................................... Cercis canadensis....................... E, M, W River Birch............................. Betula nigra................................ E, M, W Sassafras.................................. Sassafras albidum...................... E, M Serviceberry........................... Amelanchier arborea................. E, M, W Sourwood................................ Oxydendrum arboreum............ E, M, W Sugar Maple........................... Acer saccharum......................... E, M, W Sugarberry.............................. Celtis laevigata........................... E, M, W Swamp Chestnut Oak........... Quercus michauxii..................... E, M, W Sweetbay . .............................. Magnolia virginiana.................. E, M, W Sweetgum................................ Liquidambar styraciflua........... E, M, W Sycamore................................ Platanus occidentalis................. E, M, W Tulip Poplar............................ Liriodendron tulipifera............. E, M, W Virginia Pine.......................... Pinus virginiana......................... E, M White Oak.............................. Quercus alba.............................. E, M, W Willow Oak............................ Quercus phellos......................... E, M, W Water Oak.............................. Quercus nigra............................. M, W Water Tupelo......................... Nyssa aquatica........................... M, W

Shrubs

American Beautyberry......... Callicarpa americana................ E, M, W American Witch Hazel......... Hamamelis virginiana............... East Arrowwood............................ Viburnum dentatum.................. East Buttonbush............................. Cephalanthus occidentalis........ E, M, W Catawba Rosebay.................. Rhododendron catawbiense..... East Chickasaw Plum..................... Prunus angustifolia................... E, M, W Common Ninebark................ Physocarpus opulifolius........... East Elderberry.............................. Sambucus canadensis................ E, M, W False Indigobush.................... Amorpha fruticosa.................... E, M, W Fragrant Sumac...................... Rhus aromatica.......................... E, M, W Hazel Alder............................ Alnus serrulata........................... E, M, W Mapleleaf Viburnum............. Viburnum acerifolium............... East Mountain Laurel.................... Kalmia latifolia.......................... E, M, W Oakleaf Hydrangea............... Hydrangea quercifolia.............. E, M, W Pawpaw................................... Asimina triloba.......................... E, M, W

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Common Name

Scientific Name

TN Valley Region (East, Middle, West)

Piedmont Azalea................... Rhododendron canescens......... E, M, W Pinxterbloom Azalea............ Rhododendron

periclymenoides......................... E, M, W Possumhaw Viburnum.......... Viburnum nudum...................... E, M, W Red Buckeye.......................... Aesculus pavia........................... E, M, W Silky Dogwood....................... Cornus amomum....................... E, M, W Spicebush................................ Lindera benzoin........................ E, M, W Strawberry Bush.................... Euonymus americana............... E, M, W Sweetshrub............................. Calycanthus floridus................. E, M, W Virginia Sweetspire............... Itea virginica............................... E, M, W Wild Hydrangea..................... Hydrangea arborescens............. E, M, W Winged Sumac....................... Rhus copallinum........................ E, M, W Winterberry............................ Ilex verticillata............................ E, M, W Withe-rod Viburnum............ Viburnum cassinoides............... East

Meadowflowers

Beebalm.................................. Monarda didyma....................... E, M, W Bergamot................................ Monarda fistulosa...................... E, M, W Blackeyed Susan.................... Rudbeckia hirta......................... E, M, W Blue Wild Indigo................... Baptisia australis........................ E, M, W Bluestar................................... Amsonia tabernaemontana....... E, M, W Butterflyweed......................... Asclepias tuberosa..................... E, M, W Common Milkweed............... Asclepias syriaca........................ E, M, W Dense Blazing Star................ Liatris spicata............................. E, M, W Lanceleaf Coreopsis.............. Coreopsis lanceolata................. E, M, W Mist Flower............................ Conoclinium coelestinum......... E, M, W New England Aster............... Aster novae-angliae................... E, M, W Obedient Plant....................... Physostegia virginiana.............. E, M, W Prairie Dock........................... Silphium terebinthinaceum....... E, M, W Purple Coneflower................ Echinacea purpurea.................. E, M, W Tall Ironweed......................... Vernonia gigantea...................... E, M, W Turk’s Cap Lily...................... Lilium superbum....................... E, M, W Yellow Coneflower................ Ratibida pinnata........................ East

Woodland Flowers

Alumroot................................ Heuchera americana................. E, M, W Bird-foot Violet..................... Viola pedata............................... Middle Dwarf Crested Iris................. Iris cristata.................................. E, M, W False Soloman’s Seal............. Smilacina racemosa................... E, M, W Fire Pink................................. Silene virginica........................... E, M, W Foamflower............................ Tiarella cordifolia...................... E, M, W Great Blue Lobelia................ Lobelia siphilitica...................... E, M, W Indian Pink............................. Spigelia marilandica.................. E, M, W Jack-in-the-Pulpit.................. Arisaema triphyllum................. E, M, W Phlox....................................... Phlox divaricata......................... E, M, W Solomon’s Seal....................... Polygonatum biflorum.............. E, M, W Spiderwort.............................. Tradescantia virginiana............. E, M, W Virginia Bluebells.................. Mertensia virginica.................... E, M, W Wild Bleeding Heart............. Dicentra eximia.......................... E, M, W Wild Columbine..................... Aquilegia canadensis................. E, M, W Wild Geranium...................... Geranium maculatum............... E, M, W

Ferns

Cinnamon Fern...................... Osmunda cinnamomea............. E, M, W Netted Chain Fern................. Woodwardia areolata................ E, M, W Royal Fern.............................. Osmunda regalis........................ E, M, W Sensitive Fern......................... Onoclea sensibilis...................... E, M, W

In the Landscape

Common Name

Scientific Name

TN Valley Region (East, Middle, West)

Vines

Alabama Supplejack............. Berchemia scandens.................. E, M, W American Wisteria................ Wisteria frutescens..................... E, M, W Climbing Hempvine.............. Mikania scandens...................... E, M, W Crossvine................................ Bignonia capreolata.................. E, M, W Groundnut.............................. Apios americana........................ E, M, W Peppervine.............................. Ampelopsis arborea.................. E, M, W Trumpet Creeper................... Campsis radicans....................... E, M, W Virgin’s Bower....................... Clematis virginiana.................... E, M, W Virginia Creeper.................... Parthenocissus quinquefolia..... E, M, W

Wetland Herbs

Arrow Arum.......................... Peltandra virginica.................... E, M, W Arrowhead............................. Sagittaria latifolia....................... E, M, W Broad-leaf Cattail.................. Typha latifolia............................ E, M, W Cardinal Flower..................... Lobelia cardinalis...................... E, M, W Halberd-leaved Mallow........ Hibiscus laevis........................... E, M, W Hollow Joe-pye-weed............ Eupatoriadelphus fistulosus..... E, M, W Lizard’s Tail............................ Saururus cernuus....................... E, M, W Marsh Smartweed.................. Polygonum hydropiperoides.... E, M, W Narrow-leaf Cattail................ Typha angustifolia..................... E, M, W Pickerelweed.......................... Pontederia cordata.................... E, M, W Spotted Touch-me-not.......... Impatiens capensis..................... E, M, W Swamp Dock.......................... Rumex verticillatus.................... E, M, W Swamp Milkweed.................. Asclepias incarnata.................... E, M, W Swamp Rose Mallow............. Hibiscus moscheutos................. E, M, W Virginia Blueflag.................... Iris virginica............................... E, M, W Water Plantain....................... Alisma subcordatum................. E, M, W Waterwillow........................... Justicia americana..................... E, M, W

Common Name

Scientific Name

TN Valley Region (East, Middle, West)

Grasses, Sedges & Rushes

Big Bluestem.......................... Andropogon gerardii................ E, M, W Bushy Beardsgrass................. Andropogon glomeratus........... E, M, W Creeping Spikerush............... Eleocharis palustris................... E, M, W Eastern Gammagrass............ Tripsacum dactyloides.............. E, M, W Green Bulrush........................ Scripus atrovirens...................... E, M, W Hop Sedge.............................. Carex lupulina........................... E, M, W Indiangrass............................. Sorghastrum nutans................... E, M, W Little Bluestem...................... Schizachyrium scoparium........ E, M, W Rice Cutgrass......................... Leersia oryzoides....................... E, M, W River Cane.............................. Arundinaria gigantea................ E, M, W River Oats.............................. Chasmanthium latifolium......... E, M, W Soft Rush................................ Juncus effusus............................ E, M, W Softstem Bulrush................... Scirpus validus........................... E, M, W Square-stem Spikerush......... Eleocharis quadrangulata......... E, M, W Switchgrass............................. Panicum virgatum..................... E, M, W Three-square Bulrush........... Scirpus americanus.................... E, M, W Virginia Wildrye.................... Elymus virginicus...................... E, M, W Woolgrass............................... Scripus cyperinus....................... E, M, W

“For questions about TVA’s use of native plants or any other environmental question for TVA, please contact TVA’s Environmental Information Center by calling 1-800- 882-5263.”

In the Nursery

Should You Be

Growing, Selling and Planting Zone 6 Hardy Camellias?

By Hubert P. Conlon, UT Extension Area Specialist (retired)

In

a word… yes! I’ve noticed the slow adoption rate of camellias that are winter hardy in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 6 by landscapers and home gardeners following the introduction of these cultivars in the early 1980s. Frankly, there are several good reasons to explain the limited acceptance of winter-hardy camellias to date.

One of them, though, should not be misinformation.

Camellias are categorized by some as collector or connoisseur plants, compared with other popular garden shrubs like Knockout™ Roses (Rosa x hybrida) and hardy crape myrtles (Lagerstroemia indica x L. faurei).

Camellias seem to have faced resistance in the landscape community in part because camellia flowering is subtle and sometimes not profuse enough to win the hearts of the public. A few photos might change that notion.

That camellias also carry with them a litany of special growing needs is mostly incorrect. Camellias are misperceived as delicate, versus shrub

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roses and crape myrtles that are marketed and viewed as “easy to grow.”

Roses and crape myrtles do grow in full to partial sunlight and in average garden soil. These plants rarely have serious disease or insect issues. And camellias do have a few pre-planting instructions to enhance the likelihood of transplant success, including “check the soil pH before planting” and “amend substandard soils prior to planting.” Beyond those best management practices, though, Zone 6 hardy camellias are easy to grow.

As an example, camellias exhibit good drought tolerance, once they become established. In fact, frequent post-transplant irrigation of young camellia plants may actually lead to root rot problems. Many of the serious disease and insect pests that plague camellias in the Southern U.S. (Zones 7b thru 9) are less problematic in Tennessee (Zones 6 thru 7a).

Understandably, most gardeners desire plants that bloom when they (the gardeners) are outdoors to enjoy them. ‘Knockout’ roses are multiseasonal, and crape myrtles flower

Photo 1: ‘April Tryst’, a springblooming, winter-hardy camellia.

most of the summer. Camellias bloom when fewer people entertain outdoors. Because camellias flower mostly during off-season periods in autumn and winter, they are often enjoyed only by fall leaf-rakers.

Spring-blooming camellias often start flowering before forsythias. On the other hand, shouldn’t the garden center industry be marketing and offering more season-long flowering extenders to increase gardening interest and sales?

Two renowned plant hybridizers certainly thought so. The birth of winter-hardy Zone 6 camellias was achieved through the breeding work of Dr. William Ackerman at the National Arboretum in Washington, DC, and Dr. Clifford Parks at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in the 1980s and 1990s.

Ackerman is credited with introducing ‘Snow Flurry’ and several fall-blooming C. sasanqua hybrids in the “Winter” series. Dr. Parks’ breeding efforts focused mostly on the C. japonica bloodline in the late winterand early spring-blooming “April”

Photo 2: Another spring-blooming, winter-hardy camellia, ‘Pink Icicle’.

cultivar series. Additional cultivars have since been added that are also winter hardy in Zone 6b. New Zone 6 camellia cultivars continue to be released every year. Some of the best are listed in the sidebar below.

Successful camellia care and culture is similar to that for rhododendrons. Garden soil should be moist, well drained and slightly acidic. The planting site should be generously amended with peat moss or compost.

Plant camellias shallowly in a wide

Photo 3: ‘Snow Flurry’, a fallblooming, winter-hardy camellia.

planting hole, slightly above soil grade, and mulch with 2 to 3 inches of pine needles or pine-bark wood chips around each shrub. The planting site should be partially sheltered from winter’s desiccating winds.

Late winter- to spring-blooming hybrids prefer at least 6 hours of partial sunlight for optimal flowering. Their foliage is very handsome and may rival some hollies (Ilex spp.) in overall beauty. Fall-blooming Sasanqua types are small leaved and

Suggested Zone 6 Hardy Camellias to Sell and Plant Spring Bloomers

Fall Bloomers

• ‘April Dawn’ • ‘April Remembered’ • ‘April Snow’ • ‘April Tryst’ • ‘Pink Icicle’ • ‘Spring’s Promise’

• ‘Londontowne Blush’ • ‘Long Island Pink’ • ‘Northern Exposure’ • ‘Snow Flurry’ • ‘Winter’s Interlude’ • ‘Winter’s Joy’

Photo 4: Another fallblooming, winter-hardy camellia, ‘Winter Star’.

grow year-round in full sun in Zones 6 and 7.

Camellias also require slight to moderate pruning annually, and any pruning needs are dependent on personal preference and on which cultivars are grown. Pruning is best performed in mid to late April before new vegetative growth begins. Newly planted shrubs are drought susceptible, but two-year-old established camellias tolerate summer dry spells well. Their lustrous green foliage is also tolerant of coastal sea-salt spray.

Fertilize camellias once annually with a slow-release acidic fertilizer, or feed with a water-soluble product such as Holly-tone™, Miracle-Gro™ or Miracid™. Follow package directions, and don’t fertilize camellias after August 15.

For more information related to camellia recommendations and sources, contact Hugh at hubert. conlon@gmail.com, or visit Hugh’s website at www.whatgrowsthere.com.

All photos in this article, courtesy of Hugh Conlon. C

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News from the UT Gardens

Watch for These Two New All-America Selection Winners

By Sue Hamilton, Ed.D., Associate Professor and UT Gardens Director, The University of Tennessee

Two

unnamed test plants from our past two summer trials in the UT Gardens have been named and recognized as 2012 AllAmerica Selections Winners. Growers, landscapers and gardeners will want ‘Black Olive’ ornamental pepper and ‘Summer Jewel Pink’ salvia for

their outstanding plant performance, which includes non-stop bloom and color, self-cleaning habit and disease and insect resistance.

These varieties are available for immediate sale and distribution. Commercial growers should inquire with their favorite seed supplier. AAS Winner tags are available from sev-

Ornamental pepper ‘Black Olive’

All season long, this beauty kept its upright habit with nicely draping leaves and dark purple/black fruit, which appeared in small clusters along the stems. As summer progresses, the fruits mature to red, giving a beautiful contrast against the dark-purple foliage and bright purple flowers. Retailers and growers can sell this multi-use ornamental as a 20" border plant, a great color splash for containers or as a cut flower in mixed bouquets.

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eral tag suppliers. Consumers will find these seeds for sale in the coming months as supply becomes available with catalog companies, in seed packets, from mail-order companies and various websites. AAS Winners will also be available as young plants in lawn and garden retail stores next spring.

Salvia ‘Summer Jewel Pink’

This dwarf-sized, compact salvia has a prolific bloom count throughout the growing season. As a bonus, the blooms appear almost two weeks earlier than other similar salvias. It’s also a real hummingbird attractor.

Commercial growers will appreciate the earliness, excellent pack performance and uniformity. C

TNLA New Members!

Index of Advertisers

ACTIVE MEMBERS

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Bert Driver Nursery (reinstated) Bert Driver P.O. Box 351 Smithville, TN 37166

A.M. Leonard, Inc. Melissa Monnier 241 Fox Drive Piqua, OH 45356

Bradford Farms Nursery Jack Rubley/ David Hitchcock 275 Maude Etter Road McMinnville, TN 37110 Southeastern Nursery Frank Rice P.O. Box 334 McMinnville, TN 37111

Berger Peat Moss, Ltd. Adam Lyvers 118 N. Peters Road, Box 224 Knoxville, TN 37923

Braun Horticulture, Inc. ....................................................... 9 www.braungroup.com Cam Too Camellia Nursery, Inc. ........................................ 21 www.camtoocamellia.com Cherry Springs Nursery/Speer & Sons ................................ 9 www.speernursery.com D & D Agri . ........................................................................ 15 Dayton Bag & Burlap ................................ Inside Back Cover www.daybag.com Ewing Irrigation.................................................................... 5 www.ewing1.com

TURFworthy Ruth Williams 7109 Cessna Drive Greensboro, NC 27409

Low Falls Wholesale Nursery............................................... 7 www.lowfallsnursery.com

Herd Farms Nursery .......................................................... 15 www.herdfarmsnursery.com Hortica ................................................................................. 3 www.hortica-insurance.com

Mid Tenn Turf, Inc. ............................................................ 21 www.midtennturf.com Motz & Son Nursery ............................................................ 9 Surface Nursery, Inc. ........................................................ 21 www.surfacenursery.com

January 16–20

NCAN “Green & Growin’ Show” (NC Nursery & Landscape Assn.)

Greensboro Coliseum Greensboro, NC Contact: 919-816-9119 www.ncnla.com

January 18–20

Mid-America Horticultural Trade Show Navy Pier Chicago, IL Contact: 800-300-6103 www.midam.org

January 23–25

Central Environmental Nursery Trade Show (CENTS) Greater Columbus Convention Ctr. Columbus, OH Contact: 614-899-1195 www.onla.org

January 25–28

ANLA Management Clinic Galt House Hotel & Suites Louisville, KY Contact: 202-789-2900 Email: aflynn@anla.org www.thenewclinic.org

January 27–28

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

February 2–4

January 25–27

Georgia Green Industry Assn.

WINTERgreen 2012 Gwinnett Center Duluth, GA Email: info@ggia.org www.ggia.org

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Boshancee Nursery, Inc. ................................................... 15 www.boshanceensy.com

L & M Supply Company – Indiana Matt Roberts 250 Madison Street Charlestown, IN 47111

Calendar of Events

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Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. . .................... 21 www.bernheim.org

winter 2011

South Carolina Horticulture Industry Trade Show & Seminars (SC Nursery and Landscape Assn.)

Myrtle Beach Convention Center Myrtle Beach, SC Contact: (803) 743-4284 www.scnla.org

Swafford Nursery, Inc........................................... Back Cover www.swaffordnursery.com Tennessee 811 / Tennessee One Call.................................. 7 www.tennessee811.com Tree Equptment Design, Inc............................................... 15 www.treeequip.com Turner & Sons Nursery . ...................................................... 9 Willamette Nurseries, Inc................................................... 17 www.willamettenurseries.com

February 20–21

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 26-28

National Assn. of Pond Professionals Water Feature Conference & Expo Suncoast Resort Las Vegas, NV Contact: 706-258-3534 www.nationalpondpro.com