VNLA News - Winter 2023

Winter 2023

The Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association Magazine

Member Highlight on

Boulevard Flower Gardens Save the Date for

M AN T S

January 10 – 12, 2024

Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association 9702 Gayton Road, Suite 163 Henrico, VA 23238 Tel: (804) 256 2700 Email: info@vnla.org PUBLISHED BY Leading Edge Communications, LLC 206 Bridge Street, Suite 200 • Franklin, TN 37064 Tel: (615) 790-3718 • Fax: (615) 794-4524 Email: info@leadingedgecommunications.com 2023 Officers and Directors Year indicates start of volunteer service to VNLA Board of Directors E X E CUT I V E CO MMITTEE President Chris Dowdy 2020 Bennett’s Creek Nursery

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Vice President Jason Stern 2021 Stern Horticultural Sales Secretary Treasurer Warner Winthrop 2020 Bartlett Tree Experts Past President / Board Recruitment / Field Day Jeff Howe 2016 Windridge Landscaping Executive Director Shellie Archer DIRECTORS Matt Deivert 2017 MANTS Board Representative / Field Day South Riding Nurseries Neal Beasley 2019 Certification / VCH* Chair Timmons Group

C O N T E N T S | Winter 2023

Robin McCall 2020 Field Day Williams Brothers Tree & Lawn Service

5 Upcoming Events

MANTS Shenandoah Valley Plant Symposium

10 Cover Story

Member Highlight on Boulevard Flower Gardens

DEPARTMENTS 3

Industry News

4

President’s Update

4

Index of Advertisers

8

Legislative Updates

Tye Saunders 2023 Saunders Brothers Cameron Stanley 2023 The Gardener Nursery EX-OFFICIO, VIRTUE OF OFFICE: Non-voting Laurie Fox, Ph. D. VA Tech Hampton Roads AREC David Seward Reynolds Community College Montpelier, VA * VCH = Virginia Certified Horticulturist

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INDUSTRY NEWS

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On October 24, the Virginia Agribusiness Council hosted a 2023 Virginia Agriculture Labor Forum.

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Grow Your Business and Let Us Grow Your Plants!

MAKE YOUR LANDSCAPES SHINE!

S P E A K E R S I N CLUDED The Honorable Matt Lohr Virginia Secretary of Agriculture & Forestry

Brian Pasternak

Administrator Office of Foreign Labor Certification US DOL: Overview of New Federal AEWR Rule

Cindy Webb

Agriculture & Foreign Labor Certification Program Manager Virginia Grower Survey Results & Virginia Employment Commission Role

Cliff Williamson

Executive Director Virginia Agribusiness Council Virginia Agribusiness Council Overview

Lynn Jacquez

CJ Lake, LLC The History of Ag Labor Reform and OSHA Heat Standard

Tom Bortnyk

másLabor Virginia Labor Contractor Perspective

Joel Anderson

Snake River Farmers Association Idaho: National Perspective

4-0-2 FloraGreene™ Tree, Shrub, Palm, Plant, Garden & Ornamental Fertilizer MFR BUY/SHIP DIRECT

GreeneCountyFert.com

MFR/HQ: Greensboro, GA

Specializing in Bareroot Fruit, Shade, Ornamental Trees 3075 West Greenhill Rd. McMinnville, TN 37110 (931) 939-2572 fax (931) 939-2577 mangrumfarms@benlomand.net www.rustymangrumnursery.com

Ben Rowe

Virginia Farm Bureau

Questions or more info, contact Virginia Agribusiness Council at

vac@va-agribusiness.org or 804-643-3555 Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association • 3

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

SEASON’S GREETINGS

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS Bennett’s Creek Nursery................15 www.bcnursery.com

Bremo Trees....................................9 www.bremotrees.com

Cam Too Camellia Nursery, Inc......9

S

eason’s Greetings from your outgoing VNLA President. I hope you, your family and your business have had a successful 2023. The VNLA has had a busy year as well. Thank you once again to everyone who sponsored, supported and attended Field Day at Virginia Tech’s Hahn Horticulture Garden.

As it does each year, the VNLA is preparing to transition leadership on the Board’s Executive Committee. Jason Stern is our incoming Board President. I am confident that Jason will continue to guide the Board with thoughtful leadership and maintain efforts to continue to build a strong foundation for the future. The VNLA consistently looks for others who are interested and willing to consider serving on the Board. Currently, we specifically have a need for a Board member who is interested in the legislative component of our industry. While the VNLA is a strong organization, it operates with a volunteer Board and one employee. We have worked and continue to work to diversify and create revenue streams. At this time, the VNLA’s budget does not support the capacity to bring on additional staff to focus on legislative matters. We must rely on a volunteer Board member who owns a company or has an employer that would allow occasional flexibility to participate in some of the legislative events hosted by partners such as, Virginia Agribusiness Council and AmericanHort. If you have interest yourself or a recommendation, please get in touch and let us know!

With Christmas around the corner, I am sure many of you are starting to think about MANTS 2024. We hope all of you can attend this Masterpiece of a Trade Show. As many of you know, “MANTS Means Business”. It is a great opportunity to learn about new plants, new chemicals, new equipment and make new connections. A large majority of attendees are decision makers. That is one good reason to attend MANTS. The other reason is to join us for the VNLA member breakfast meeting. It always includes updates from the VNLA Board and guest speakers from VT’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Agribusiness Council and AmericanHort.

Further, we review the VNLA’s budget and vote-in the incoming VNLA Board Officers and Directors. Of course, there is coffee, OJ and a delicious breakfast buffet. Key topics are covered at the VNLA member breakfast meeting. So, come to MANTS, do some business and spend some time with your favorite Nursery and Landscape Association.

It has been a pleasure to serve on this Board with a great group of volunteers. The VNLA has been on a 5+-year mission to update, upgrade, modernize and streamline. I pass the baton to Jason Stern, and am confident he will continue to push through the changes that are underway.

A big thank you to past president Jeff Howe as he rolls off the Board. A big thank you to David Seward and Matt Deivert too! Both have changes in their lives and careers that have led them to decide to step off of the Board as well. These gentlemen have been so gracious with their expertise, time and commitment to the VNLA. Thank you to all three and the many years of service to the VNLA! Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad. Have an amazing and joyous holiday season. Cheers to a great New Year…may 2024 be successful and prosperous for you all!

Chris Dowdy VNLA President

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www.camtoocamellia.com

Fairview Evergreen Nurseries.........12 www.fairviewevergreen.com

Greene County Fertilizer Co............3 www.greenecountyfert.com

másLabor.........................Back Cover www.maslabor.com

Phillips & Turman Tree Farms......14 www.PhillipsAndTurmanTreeFarms.com

Rusty Mangrum Nursery.................3 www.rustymangrumnursery.com

Turner & Son’s Nursery..................3 Virginia Turfgrass Council...............7 www.vaturf.org

To discuss advertising opportunities, contact Leading Edge Communications:

888-707-7141 (TOLL FREE) sales@leadingedgecommunications.com www.LeadingEdgeCommunications.com

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, VNLA News, or its editors. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as Virginia Nursery & 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 © 2023 by the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association.

VNLA News is published quarterly. Subscriptions are complimentary to members of the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association. Third-class postage is paid at Jefferson City, MO. Printed in the U.S.A. Reprints and Submissions: VNLA News allows re- printing of material. Permission requests should be directed to the Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association. We are not responsible for unsolicited freelance manuscripts and photographs. Contact the managing editor for contribution information.

UPCOMING EVENT

Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association • 5

UPCOMING EVENT • continued

Friday•March 15

2024 This event offers something for everyone from novice home gardener to experienced horticulturist

LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN WAYNESBORO

For more information:

www.playwaynesboro.com

6 • VNLA News • Winter 2023

CEUs AVAILABLE

SERVICE PROJECT

During VTC’s Come to the Bay Conference on Monday, January 22

AQUARIUM TICKETS FOR ATTENDEES Bill’s Landscaping and Design Public School Students Shine:

Service Project Sponsors:

Students with Virginia Beach City Public Schools in the Environmental Studies Program are interning with WPL Architects and RBA Architects. Part of their internship is designing the planting at the Virginia Aquarium Educational Pond and designing a system to reduce wetland erosion.

Agronomic Lawn Maintenance

They are designing our 2024 Service Project

Details about Educational Pond can be viewed at vaturf.org/come-to-the-bay

Bill’s Landscaping and Design Lawns & Gardens Plus We Need a Lunch Sponsor for the Service Project

The two students who prepared these plans are interning with WPL Architects.

The Virginia Turfgrass Council’s Come to the Bay Conference is January 22 – 25, 2024 in Virginia Beach. For full details and registration, visit

(Note: Details about the system to reduce wetland erosion from excessive stormwater flow will be sent later. Students designing that system are interning with RBA Architects.)

vaturf.org/come-to-the-bay

VA Aquarium Educational Pond – Planting Plan and Schedule – Drawn By: Molly Jones & Lexi Bradshaw

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES from AmericanHort New USDA Grant Program Targets Agriculture Workforce Challenges

Pushing Back on the New Overtime Rule

By Matt Mika

AmericanHort joined the Partnership to Protect Workplace Opportunity (PPWO) and over 80 organizations representing private, public, nonprofit, and educational entities in letters to House and Senate lawmakers requesting they urge the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division to withdraw its proposed overtime pay regulations. The Department has proposed to increase the minimum salary level that an employee must receive to be exempt from federal overtime pay by an overwhelming 70 percent and has additionally proposed to increase the salary level every three years automatically. This proposal comes despite the Department updating the minimum salary level just four years ago in 2019, and the new proposed salary level is effectively 154 percent higher than the threshold in place before that 2019 update.

By Matt Mika

House Republicans Urge Speaker to Move a Farm Bill

USDA has launched a program allowing up to $65 million in grants to address labor shortages, improve working conditions for foreign workers, and support lawful migration for workers traveling from Northern Central America (NCA).

The Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP Program) is open to agricultural employers who meet all Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security requirements for the H-2A program. The FLSP has three award levels based on how much employers commit to improving labor conditions through pay benefits and worker protections. The minimum award is $25,000, and the maximum is $2 million. Employers who attempt to find workers from NCA but are unsuccessful are still eligible. Any new benefits offered through this grant must be implemented for all employees in the same role.

The 2023 FLSP grant application period closes on November 28, 2023, but the USDA recommends you start the process two weeks in advance for this competitive grant. Join upcoming webinars (https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/flsp/assistance) from the USDA to learn more, or learn about the application process here: https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/flsp

Sixty-one House Republicans pressed Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) for speedy passage of the 2023 Farm Bill despite a grim outlook for the legislation due to limited floor time. Ahead of his election as speaker last week, Johnson circulated a priority list that included a December vote on a Farm Bill. “Begin negotiations as soon as possible” with the Senate on a final version of the bill, he wrote.

The letter was led by Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN-01), who is one of 27 Republicans on the House Agriculture Committee to sign the letter. House Agriculture Chair GT Thompson (R-PA-15) and Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK-01), the No. 2 Republican on the committee, did not sign the letter. Agriculture Committee Chair Thompson recently stated he has had good conversations with the Speaker about moving a Farm Bill this year and sees a path forward.

AmericanHort Joins over 220 Groups on Herbicide Letter to EPA

National Meeting to Plot Strategy for Boxwood Tree Moth

By Matt Mika

By Michael Martin, Ph.D. and Craig Regelbrugge

AmericanHort joined like-minded trade organizations in a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on its recently proposed herbicide use strategy to protect endangered species. The letter highlights concern with the complexity of the proposal, the lack of compliance options for producers/applicators, the financial cost of proposed conservation practices, the anticipated harm the proposal will inflict on producers, agricultural communities, and the environment, as well as ESA and FIFRA statutory concerns with the proposal.

We urged the EPA to use better data upfront as opposed to relying on overly conservative assumptions, which would help alleviate jeopardy risk concerns for species so that the agency may better work with stakeholders to develop more reasonable solutions for those species genuinely of concern.

The National Plant Board convened a late October meeting in Cincinnati, OH, to discuss boxwood tree moth status and next steps. Given Ohio’s central location, two areas of known BTM infestation, and great, industry-leading nurseries, Dan Kenny, the Plant Health Division Chief from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, offered to host this meeting, pulling it together in just over two months.

Participants included state and federal plant protection officials, researchers, and industry.

Bennett Saunders, Michael Martin, and Craig Regelbrugge attended to provide a U.S. horticulture industry perspective. At our suggestion, Jamie Aalbers from the Canadian Nursery and Landscape Association also participated and provided a Canadian update. It is quite clear that this pest will continue to

8 • VNLA News • Winter 2023

By Matt Mika

spread from the existing known infestations in New York, Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts, and several eastern Canadian provinces.

We emphasized that growers and regulators must determine how to live with this pest and keep boxwood a viable nursery crop and landscape plant. Meanwhile, we supported prudent measures to suppress the pest and slow its rate of spread, and enabling certification of “clean” plants.

Presenters covered the status of ongoing research and development of pest management tools. AmericanHort and the Horticultural Research Institute have directly funded and advocated for a multi-pronged research effort, which is proceeding and producing results.

The long-term strategy focuses heavily on biological control; work continues on the HRI co-funded efforts to identify promising parasitoids from native habitats. Interestingly, the research community noted some parasitism by biological control agents previously introduced to control gypsy/spongy moth and predation by some native species. Cristi Palmer at IR-4 reported on the latest pesticide trial results. These trials evaluate pesticides for their efficacy and duration of control of BTM. The pesticides under evaluation include common contact and systemic pesticides currently available in the market. Data presented indicate there should be multiple pesticides with several modes of action to help control BTM. There was much discussion regarding the challenge of developing and verifying systems approaches for plant certification. Growers already engaged in a structured systems approach program like SANC (Systems Approach to Nursery Certification) will have a smoother time implementing systems approaches for BTM. Federal and state regulators intend to have options for plant certification ready before the spring 2024 shipping season.

Meeting attendees also explored strategies for responding to spot infestations detected away from the “leading edges” of established populations. It is not likely that we will see the kind of area-wide response that we did with the gypsy/spongy moth, which threatened native forests and ecosystems as well as managed landscapes. Still, some interesting options are emerging, such as “mating disruption” using pheromone dispensers (experimental technologies not yet registered for general use). Such technologies may also have production nursery applications to mitigate risk. Watch for more updates as the BTM response effort continues. •

Cold Hardy Zone 6 | Cold Tolerant Zone 7 | New Hybrids Zone 8 & 9 Liners and 1, 3, 5, 7 | 15 and 20 Gallons Available | Wholesale Only

(800) 758-8121 | CamTooCamellia.com 805 OAKBURY COURT | GREENSBORO, NC 27455

A wholesale grower of deciduous and evergreen B&B trees.

434.842.8733 email@bremotrees.com www.bremotrees.com

COVER STORY

Member Highlight on

Boulevard Flower Gardens

In

the early 1950’s, Maybelle and George Landa built three glass greenhouses, establishing a local landmark on the well-traveled Route 1, also known as “the Boulevard”. Boulevard Flower Gardens began selling houseplants, seasonal annuals and homegrown florals in 1955.

By 1982, the roots had grown strong. Maybelle declared retirement and son Mark Landa with his wife, Francine took the reins. In 1986, 72 acres of farmland was purchased three miles north at the I95 interchange on Ruffin Mill Road in southern Chesterfield County. Greenhouses were constructed to increase the growing opportunities for plant production; pumpkins and strawberries were planted for future “pick your own”.

Throughout the 90’s, the Boulevard retail location continued to grow. With an increased selection of annuals, perennials, fresh flowers, water gardening, interior plant scaping services, nursery stock additions and a landscaping division, the business was profitable but the 1.5-acre site could not offer enough parking to meet the needs for future growth. The Route 1 location closed in 2007, transitioning to Chesterfield as BFG began a new chapter. This site was closer to their growing operation which had expanded to 16 greenhouses for production on 24 acres. The new retail building was 33,000 square feet and included a cafe, offering wine and meeting space. The business was honored as “Top Revolutionary Garden Center in the Southeast” by leading industry magazine, Garden Center/Meister Media that year.

Tough lessons were learned when moving an established business and then struggling with a downturn in the economy. The next five years only strengthened the determination to meet the needs & interests of the community. An acre of asparagus was added to the seasonal PYO, and the customer base was slowly increasing with opportunities for educational gardening classes, school field trips and venue options.

Mark and Francine were sharing business knowledge and the love of gardening with their two daughters, Madison Williams and Casey Landa. By 2016, they joined the leadership team, to eventually share and assume ownership within the company.

With offers to sell the road frontage that year, intentional and strategic moves were made by the family. The girls were convinced they could continue the dreams of their grandmother, Maybelle. Plans fell into place as the third generation grabbed the wheel and planned the future layout of their next sales space.

10 • VNLA News • Winter 2023

Owners Mark and Francine look forward to retirement.

Next generation of growers: Mark Landa with 2 of his youngest grandchildren Jack & Lane Williams. May 2022.

Family

Above: Madison Landa Williams and Casey Landa on cover of Garden Center magazine. Below: Casey and Madison project complete opening August 2018

Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association • 11

COVER STORY • continued In 2018, a new Garden Center building opened with a smaller footprint of 4,500 sq. feet. This smaller and more efficient retail operation was built adjacent to the growing houses, playgrounds, event space and farm animals for families to enjoy.

During this transition Madison and Casey took the opportunity to explore and invest time into expanded social media and ecommerce platforms. Madison was awarded “RBI Young Retailer of the Year” and recognized by industry magazine, Green Profit in 2019. She commented, “…Alongside my sister, we can share the successes and challenges of the business together and also enjoy raising my family in the garden center environment.”

As she worked on the business and website, Casey worked in the business, promoting sales from every angle and through every platform available to a new generation of garden & houseplant enthusiasts. The combined early efforts of these sisters proved most beneficial when the pandemic changed the course of doing business in 2020. Direct communication to their customer base now includes a weekly email newsletter, loyalty program and shopping directly online for floral arrangements, as well as curbside pickup/local delivery. Casey created a unique marketing plan for the 500 cut Fraser fir cut trees arriving at Thanksgiving.

All were given name tags. Customers were encouraged to “Bring home a new friend for the holidays!”

Many annuals, perennials and houseplants are grown on site.

Specialty crops include 6,000+ mums raised on outdoor mats with the majority dedicated to fundraisers in September. The processing of these orders changed dramatically in 2022. Previously, mums were committed to groups as they pre-sold them, then pulled, sleeved, loaded, and delivered to different sites within a one-week period. The counting and grouping of colors alone were tedious. Rental trucks and hands-on labor costs were increasing.

With a new perspective from the younger generation, Madison threw a curve into the process. She offered a 20% discount to shoppers buying any fall plants during a set week in September if they mentioned their favorite non-profit who had pre-registered.

Those groups spread the word among their members & the communication multiplied! Customers walked into the garden center, saw even more than mums, paid, and carried them home. This cut delivery costs, increasing the profit margin at the same time. This year’s fall fundraising resulted in more foot traffic and raised sales 30% that week. Registered non-profit groups received checks for the 20% in the customer discount! Win-win for all.

Happy Holidays!

From Your Friends at

FairviewEvergreen.com 7463 West Ridge Rd. P.O. Box 189 Fairview PA 16415 800.458.2234

12 • VNLA News • Winter 2023

Team photo from the summer picnic

Christmas tree time… hello my name is Garden Center resident Sunny

Boulevard Flower Gardens interior retail tropical greenhouse

Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association • 13

COVER STORY • continued Poinsettias, once grown for the Ukrop’s family grocery stores and supplied to 6 of their locations, ended when the chain sold to Martin’s. In order to fill this void, the focus turned to holiday fundraising opportunities and within two years, the growing space was filled, dedicating nine of the greenhouses to poinsettias as an opportunity for soccer and softball teams, school and church choirs, boy scouts, high school bands and other non-profit organizations to raise much needed income in a short period of time. Mark comments, “This allows us to use our production space, with greenhouses full during the late fall season and operating at maximum efficiency. We focus on raising 4,000 plants to provide for their orders. The community likes to support their groups and we are happy to support that effort.”

For Boulevard Flower Gardens moving forward, the mission is to “Educate and Grow.” The team working alongside the family shares that interest and enthusiasm to maintain this ongoing success story. Two key players, Kathy Griffin and Kelli

Ewick have each provided over 27 years of support & dedication to keep the quality and integrity of the business consistent through their daily work. Aside from the four owners, there are seven full time and twelve part-time employees with years of gardening experience and various certifications. With the addition of 20 part time/seasonal, environmental enthusiasts during the peak season, it has proven to be a cohesive, knowledgeable and effective team that will generate an average of $2 million in revenue yearly.

The Boulevard Flowers business model prioritizes customer experience and plant education. The business continues to strive for excellence in maintaining healthy plant material and provide local families with the best experience and advice along the way.

Continuing as a third generation, family owned and operated garden center, Mark and Francine Landa remain part-time, halfretired players and see the future of the business in good hands.

Casey Landa adds, “We hope if you’re in the Chesterfield or Richmond, VA area, you’ll stop in and see us!” •

A sea of poinsettias and friend Linda Cleary visits Francine Landa. November 30 2021

PHILLIPS AND TURMAN TREE FARMS WHOLESALE GROWER OF EVERGREENS FOR OVER 40 YEARS! WHITE PINE 8' – 16' NORWAY 10' – 16' CAL L FOR PR I C I N G

DOUG PHILLIPS DAVID PHILLIPS (540) 745-3700 PhillipsRealEstate@gmail.com

14 • VNLA News • Winter 2023

Boulevard Flower Gardens interior retail tropical greenhouse