the managing editor for contribution information.
Continuing A Legacy
Asmany of you know by now, Jeff Miller passed away unexpectedly on August 5th. Jeff was the VNLA’s executive director for 30 years and was instrumental in the success of our organization. His leadership and knowledge of the industry helped to grow our organization’s membership to the level and diversity it is today.
We will always remember Jeff for the substantial VNLA magazines that he published under his leadership. In fact, we strive to bring back the variety of research and content from around the horticulture industry. Jeff also worked diligently to serve as the voice of VNLA and the green industry. He served as the industry representative before the Virginia General
Assembly and was active within the Virginia Agribusiness Council and other organizations in policy making to ensure the green industry had a place at the table. As we look forward to future legislative sessions, Field Days, MANTS trade shows, and more, Jeff will always be remembered as critical to moving forward VNLA’s voice and the raising the bar for the association.
This year, we held our annual Field Day at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center, and despite some rain, we had very good attendance! Attendees heard from speakers on a wide range of industry topics, toured the trial gardens as well as participated in demonstrations of sprayers and drone flights. Friday’s tours of the Brock Environmental Center and the Norfolk Botanical Gardens were a great opportunity to see some truly beautiful gardens as well as learn about how we can protect our Chesapeake Bay. I would like to thank the Field Day Committee for putting together an amazing program as well as Katie Hellebush and her team for putting it all together!
Finally, I hope you all have a wonderful fall season. If we can help in any way, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself, Katie Hellebush or any of your board members.
Jason Stern
VNLA President
The VNLA recognizes the excellence of professionals across the green industry. VNLA presents three awards annually at its January Membership Breakfast at MANTS:
Environmental Steward Award
Distinguished Professional of the Year
Young Professional of the Year
Submit your nomination today by filling out the NEW online submission form. It only takes a few minutes to complete, and we ask that you include a brief explanation of why your nominee deserves this recognition.
November 15, 2024. Scan the QR Code to access nomination forms
VNLA Legislative Update
you have turned on the tv or the radio, it’s no surprise that Election Day is right around the corner. We are less than 40 days from November 5, 2024. Yard signs are popping, phones are ringing, and people are talking. In addition to the Presidential Election, Virginia has contests for Senate, Congress as well as special state elections and local elections and referendum on the ballot. Visit the Virginia Department of Elections website to view your ballot and the races and candidates specific to you. And make sure to take note of registration, early voting, and day of voting deadlines to make sure you are able to cast your ballot.
CANDIDATES & REFERENDUMS
November 5, 2024: General and Special Elections https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/candidate-list/
Registration & Voting: November 5, 2024 https://www.elections.virginia.gov/casting-a-ballot/ candidate-list/upcoming-elections.html
13 SPECIES ADDED TO THE VIRGINIA INVASIVE SPECIES LIST
The Virginia Invasive Species Working Group recently met. During this meeting the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced that 13 species have been added to the Virginia Invasive Plant Species List. This list is for educational purposes only – not regulatory
Up to 103 different species of plants have been determined by DCR as an intentionally or accidentally introduced by human activity into a region in which they did not evolve and cause harm to natural resources, economic activity or humans.
Virginia Invasiveness Rank: High
• Chinese tallow-tree (Triadica sebifera)
• Floating primrose-willow (Ludwigia peploides var. glabrescens)
• Italian arum (Arum italicum)
• Ravenna-grass (Tripidium ravennae)
• Trifoliate orange (Citrus trifoliata)
• Two-horned trapa (Trapa bispinosa var. iinumai)
Virginia Invasiveness Rank: Medium
• Curled pondweed (Potamogeton crispus)
• Fountain grass (Cenchrus purpurascens)
• Incised fumewort (Corydalis incisa)
• Leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia bealei)
• Sweet autumn clematis (Clematis terniflora)
Virginia Invasiveness Rank: Low
• Nandina (Nandina domestica)
• Orange-eye butterfly-bush (Buddleja davidii)
You may find the complete list: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-heritage/invsppdflist.
H-2A Farmworker Protection Final Rule and 17 States Awarded Preliminary Injunction
In April, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a final rule that aims to improve worker protections, enhance enforcement in the H-2A temporary agricultural employment program, and ensure that the program does not negatively impact domestic workers’ wages and conditions.
However, employers who use the H-2A program would actually incur additional costs and paperwork and spend more time demonstrating compliance.
In August, 17 states and two agricultural organizations filed a lawsuit against DOL over the new H-2A rule. The AmericanHort Advocacy and Government Affairs team has been monitoring the suit and providing updates to AmericanHort members.
OSHA Proposes New Standard
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) at DOL has proposed a new standard titled Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings. This standard addresses heat hazards across various industries, including general industry, construction, maritime, and agriculture, with some exceptions. It is a programmatic standard that will require employers to develop a comprehensive plan to evaluate and manage heat-related risks in their workplaces.
Key aspects of the proposed rule include:
• The standard applies to all employers in covered sectors where OSHA has jurisdiction, except for specific exceptions outlined in the rule.
• Employers will need to create a plan that identifies heat hazards and implements controls to protect workers.
• The standard aims to provide clearer guidelines on the necessary measures to safeguard employees from heat-related injuries and illnesses.
• There will be a 120-comment period ending on December 28.
AmericanHort is reviewing the rule and how it will affect the horticulture industry. Send questions or comments to Matt Mika at MattM@AmericanHort.org.
Final Herbicide Strategy
EPA has released its final Herbicide Strategy, marking the first step in fulfilling its obligations under the Endangered Species Act. The strategy outlines the agency’s plan to protect threatened and endangered species and their habitats from herbicide exposure through spray drift, runoff, or soil erosion ahead of the August 30 deadline. When the EPA registers new herbicides and re-evaluates existing ones, this new strategy will be used to minimize herbicide exposure to these species. The final strategy includes measures such as cover crops, conservation tillage, windbreaks, and adjuvants.
EPA developed a document detailing real-world examples of pesticide applicator mitigation strategies. A mitigation menu website will be released in the fall of 2024, with updates periodically. A calculator will help applicators determine additional mitigation measures based on existing ones. The agency will also continue to develop educational and outreach materials to help applicators understand and apply these strategies effectively. The final strategy is available in docket EPA-HQ-OPP-2023-0365: http://www.regulations.gov/. •
FEDERAL UPDATES FROM AMERICANHORT
MANTS 2025
B Member Highlight
ack in 2014, wanting to add diversity to our own property, I found myself asking a common question: where can homeowners get their hands on pesticide-free native plants? Frustratingly, there were very few answers. That’s when I, Julie Borneman, decided to step out of my comfort zone and start a new hobby, Watermark Woods - Native Plants. As a master gardener, Audubon at Home Ambassador, and proud self-declared plant nerd, I was probably overly confident in my ability to start a plant-based business, but I tried anyway.
On our property in Hamilton, VA, my husband Chris, our two sons and I showcased our resourcefulness and commitment to sustainability. We got creative by repurposing cinderblocks and old pallets to craft unique sales benches, converting an old feed trough into a potting station and strategically integrated numerous garden hose sprinklers. We have several demonstration areas where we can test plants and customers can observe the strengths and challenges of established native plants. I cultivated plants from seeds, cuttings, and wholesale plugs, and added select finished plants to our inventory. Of course, I faced many obstacles like overwatering, underwatering and simply killing a lot of plants, and I learned a lot those first few years.
As I sold plants from our yard and hauled native plants to offsite sales, I also embarked on a journey of horticultural education. I took classes to earn the VNLA Horticultural Certificate and the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional certification, crucial qualifications that not only enhanced my credibility in the horticulture world but also provided me with the additional knowledge needed to cultivate plants on a larger scale. The exploration of native plants is an ongoing endeavor, and both my staff and I are committed to continuous learning, drawing insights from external sources and each other.
It wasn’t long before I realized Watermark Woods is not a oneperson show and way bigger than just a hobby. We hired our first employee, then another and another and so on. Every year we add benches to the sales area and more space to our propagation areas as well. The number of plants species we offer has grown to over 600. We have several demonstration areas where customers can observe established native plants. With zero marketing or advertising budget, Watermark Woods is growing annually based purely on word of mouth and our fantastic earthsaving plants. Today, we are a recognized name in the native plant community, and we get folks visiting from all across the eastern seaboard.
What makes me most proud about our nursery are three things: our rich native plant database, our incredible staff, and smart customers.
Our website hosts an extensive plant database, giving you the opportunity to explore a wide array of plant varieties tailored to your growing conditions. Homeowners can leisurely
Julie Borneman
browse plant information and images from the comfort of their homes, even downloading a wish list to streamline their shopping experience when they visit Watermark Woods. Landscapers, too, have found this database invaluable, as it allows them to seamlessly switch between plant lists and photos to showcase options to their customers. This tool has become a favorite for many of our customers and an indispensable asset for our staff.
Our exceptional team at Watermark Woods is always here to discuss your planting needs, assisting you in finding the perfect plant for the right spot. Each team member brings their unique expertise and passion to the table. Whether it’s David’s love for ferns, Susan’s knack for managing gardens in an HOA, Nan’s dedication to re-wilding wooded areas, BJ’s enthusiasm for meadows, Kerry’s knowledge of insect relationships, Gina’s pruning expertise, or Celeste’s design skills – we’ve got it all covered.
Customers frequently visit armed with pictures and lists, dedicating hours to explore our plant signs and tap into our collective
knowledge. We invest time in understanding individual homeowner landscape requirements and goals. Often, we hear about new, unique insects or birds someone has attracted to their yard. Homeowners today are exceptionally informed, recognizing the unique relationships, such as the pawpaw and Zebra swallowtail butterfly. I strongly believe they leave our nursery empowered with the understanding to enhance their yards sustainably. They also form connections with like-minded individuals dedicated to preserving our environment.
The success of Watermark Woods has enabled us to contribute meaningfully to our community in diverse ways. We support numerous nonprofits, donate to schools, churches, and scout groups, and actively participate in talks and educational initiatives. Co-sponsoring a nature book club is a source of pride for us, fostering community and intellectual exchange among nature enthusiasts. Our commitment extends beyond financial contributions, as our dedicated employees engage in various talks and educational sessions, sharing their expertise and passion for native plants.
The remarkable success of Watermark Woods serves as a foundation for our community involvement. Our commitment to giving back is evident in our support for nonprofits aligned with our causes. We extend our support to schools, churches, and scout groups through diverse donations. Our engagement goes beyond financial aspects, with employees actively participating in talks and educational sessions to share their knowledge of native plants with the community.
Through these partnerships with advocacy groups, we aim to play a proactive role in safeguarding the environment and promoting sustainable practices within our community. As stewards of nature, we understand the interconnectedness of our success with the well-being of our community, and our commitment to giving back aims to make a lasting positive impact.
The community aspect of this venture has been truly heartwarming. Each passing year brings more people to our doors, transforming Watermark Woods into a cherished hub for plant enthusiasts eager to engage in discussions and celebrations of native flora. It’s not just about shopping; it’s a place where customers, armed with their coffee, come to share thoughts on native plants, wildlife, and life in general. Some even drop by simply to explore the offerings in our ‘Little Free Plant Book Library’. It’s become a welcoming space, even for those not inherently drawn to plants, as they find unique gifts in our gift shop for the nature-loving individuals in their lives. The unexpected sense of community that has flourished around Watermark Woods has become a source of joy and fulfillment for us and the community.
Watermark Woods – Native Plants has transformed from a personal hobby into a thriving community hub. Initially driven by a quest for pesticide-free native plants, the nursery’s commitment to sustainability and education has cultivated not only an exceptional plant inventory but also a genuine community spirit. The pride we take in our comprehensive plant database and outstanding team reflects our dedication to accessible information and customer experience. Beyond being a recognized name in the native plant community, Watermark Woods has become a platform for meaningful contributions – through donations, talks, nature book clubs, and advocacy support. Our unexpected growth and sense of community stand as a testament to the power of passion and sustainability, above and beyond the traditional role of a plant nursery. •
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FIELD DAY RECAP
The2024 VNLA Field Day started with our educational tours through the Hampton Roads AREC to hear about ongoing research on a variety of topics, including activities at Greenhouse 8, Boxwood Rows and Blackberry Plots, Orchids, Turf & Weeds, and Entomology.
Participants were delighted to hear from speakers Wes Bray, Lawns & Garden Plus: Sustainable Success: 35 Years of Green Landscaping Expertise; Kris Criscione, HRAREC New Nursery Specialist effective January 1, 2025: Nursery Research Update; Neal Beasley, Timmons Group: Trends and Regulations: What you Need to Know to Know What to Grow; Cliff Williamson, Virginia Agribusiness Council and Katie Hellebush, Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association: Legislative Update.
We also extend our gratitude to the Brock Environmental Center and to the Norfolk Botanical Garden for hosting us on Friday. What incredible tours and facilities!
A special thank you goes out to our Sponsors and Exhibitors. Your participation and support were invaluable, and we deeply appreciate the time and effort you invested in making this day a success. •
SNAPSHOTS FROM FIELD DAY
To Our 2023 Advertisers
Virginia Turfgrass Council – Environmental Institute is a 501(c)(3) Corporation focused on building a bridge between the Green Industry and Environmental groups.
With YOUR support, VTC-EI can continue in its work in service projects, legislative advocacy and building goodwill.
To learn more about VTC-EI and to get involved, please contact us at virginiaturf@gmail.com
