Free State Spring 2017

Free State

Spring 2017 Vol. XLIV No. 1

NURSERY, LANDSCAPE AND GREENHOUSE NEWS

Late Blooming

Magnolias Inventory Snapshot Grower

of the

Year

Boxwood Blight Compliance Agreement New Findings on Exotic Ambrosia Beetle Highlights from: • Chesapeake Green • MNLGA Annual Meeting • MANTS

P.O. Box 726 Brooklandville, MD 21022

N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENHOUSE A S S O C I AT I O N , I N C .

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Free State • 1 Ancora is a trademark of OHP, Inc. Azatin, Thuricide and Triact are registered trademarks of Certis, USA. Kopa is a registered trademark of W. Neudorff GmbH KG. SoilGard is a trademark of Certis, USA. Triathlon is a registered trademark of OHP, Inc.

President’s Message Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association Officers 2017 President Steve Black Raemelton Farm 240-416-0714 1st Vice President Jessica Todd Clear Ridge Nursery, Inc. 888-226-9226 2nd Vice President Larry Hemming Eastern Shore Nurseries 410-822-1320 Secretary Tiffany Senseman Waverly Farm 301-874-8300 Treasurer Carrie Engel Valley View Farms 410-527-0700 Director-at-Large Brent Rutley Capitol City Contractors, LLC 301-854-5620 Executive Director Vanessa Akehurst Finney Quercus Management MNLGA Contact Info: P.O. Box 726 Brooklandville, Maryland 21022 Phone: 410-823-8684 Fax: 410-296-8288 E-mail: office@mnlga.org Free State E-mail: freestate@mnlga.org Website: mnlga.org

MARYLAND N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENHOUSE A S S O C I A T I O N , I N C.

2 • Spring 2017

Neat. Orderly. Clean.

I clearly remember, at some point in my life, my dad telling me ‘There are plenty of clean poorly run farms, but there aren’t many messy well run farms.’ The tidiness of a farm has always been a big thing for him.

Grass mowed, equipment put away, NO trash. When he visits the farm I get a refresher on these points—in a nice way.

Unfortunately this is the time of year--the spring rush--when Steve Black things can fall apart. The composting area looks like a bomb went off.

Remember those tiny little winter annual weeds? They are growing at NASCAR speed. The holding yard and loading area are accumulating bits of string and sisal. And one by one any equipment issues that were not addressed in the winter are jumping to the front of the line.

In the spring it’s all about happy customers. Cleanup comes second.

But stopping the spring digging, loading,and planting process to ‘cleanup’ is not necessarily a good idea. In fact, I think it’s the wrong way to look at the problem. Orderly and neat are side effects. They are the result of a well executed set of normal nursery functions. Tidy windrows of composting manure are pretty (to some people I guess), but the composting area is like that because that’s the way it works best—NOT because it looks better that way.

Having a set of systems, which are well designed and consistently executed, will result in an orderliness that is pleasing to the eye. Designers say, ‘Form follows function.’ A farm should be tidy because it’s well run—not because lots of time is put into ‘cleaning up.’

Nursery sanitation works the same way. The best recipe for good sanitation is to design systems that keep things clean in the first place. A holding yard and trailers should be clean because your process keeps them that way.

Boxwood blight (you knew it would come up at some point) is causing a new focus on nursery and shipping sanitation. This spreadable disease, and several others that are on the way, are making many growers take a fresh look at sanitation and the associated movement of equipment and materials around their farms. Those nurseries with boxwood production compliance agreements have gone through the hard process of rethinking their operations to identify and reduce potential disease introduction and spread mechanisms. Sanitation is a key element in disease prevention and central part of the Boxwood Blight Compliance Agreements.

Don’t think this only affects growers! Anybody who buys from, visits, or interacts with production nurseries will likely feel the impact of the new attention to sanitation.

Want to pick up plants at a nursery with a truck bed covered in plant debris and dirt clods?

Be prepared to wait at the front gate, or be turned away.

Do you regularly just drive onto somebody’s farm and head right out into the production fields because you remember where the weeping cherries are? Think again.

You want to personally tag an order of boxwoods? Slim chance. If by some luck you are allowed, be prepared to don a Tyvek suit. The Tyvek is not for your protection—it’s for the plants.

If you’re in the green industry at some point some wise person told you the difference between ‘soil’ and ‘dirt’. In one you grow plants. The other you clean up. Because of a host of new diseases, like boxwood blight, we’d do well to remember this distinction. That stuff hanging on to your truck tires...the material pressed into the soles of your boots ... the chunks of matter covering the bed of your trailer? It’s all dirt. Clean it up! ❦

Steve Black Raemelton Farm, 240-416-0714

Contents 39 20 33 Features

Departments

5 Growing Forward – Lesile Hunter Cario

2 From the President

9 It’s Time for Sharing – Jerry Faulring

4 Director's Message

20 Chesapeake Green

14 Industry Research

22 Total Plant Management – Stanton Gill

18 New Members

24 MNLGA Annual Meeting

38 CPH

26 Grower of the Year

2 Association Officers 4 MNLGA Board of Directors

50 Industry News

31 Friel World 33 MANTS Follow-up

54 Calendar of Events 56 Press Release 58 Industry Regulations

39 Featured Member Ruppert Nurseries

60 Affinity Programs

45 American Hort Craig J.Regelbrugge

63 Directory of Advertisers

46 Growing with Education – Ginny Rosenkranz

14

32 Scholarship

52 GWA- The Association for Garden Communictors

37 Obituary-Billy Foard

50

63 MNLGA Mission Statement 64 MNLGA Chairs and Committees

Executive Director: Vanessa A. Finney Quercus Management Staff: E. Kelly Finney and Chelsea Bailey Phone: 410-823-8684, Fax: 410-296-8288 E-mail: office@mnlga.org Web: mnlga.org Free State e-mail: freestate@mnlga.org Design: Gregory J. Cannizzaro Graphic Design (contact information page 59) Cover Photo: Gregory J. Cannizzaro © 2017 Maryland Nursery, Landscape, and Greenhouse Association, Inc.

46

Free State •3

Director’s Message Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association Board of Directors Terms Expiring 2018 Brent Cassell Leyland Landscaping, Inc. 410-526-4449 Peter Driscoll Dogwood Hill Farm 301-428-8175

Ronda Roemmelt Ruppert Nurseries 301-482-2009 Wm. Oliver Hardy Classic Lawn & Landscape Ltd. 410-335-6868 Terms Expiring 2019 Andrew Thompson Foxborough Nursery, Inc. 410-836-7023

Ted Carter Pinehurst Landscape Company 410-592-5030 Ferenc Kiss Cavano’s Perennials 410-592-8077 John Murphy Murphy John’s, Inc. 410-928-3029

The Free State News is published for the membership of the Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association (MNLGA.org).

For more information, e-mail: freestate@mnlga.org

They say people are wary and afraid of change. And frankly, I tend to believe this. But I was sure wowed by the overwhelming positive response we received to Chessie Green 2017, held this past February in a new venue. That’s right, after 14 years in the same venue, Chessie moved to a new host, the Hilton BWI. You may recall a blurb I included in Free State last year, venting that our venue was holding out for a “better, larger” contract and Vanessa Finney would not renew our group. After 13 years, our loyalty and relationship literally meant nothing. It was, honestly, sort of a nuisance finding a new venue. In some ways it was fun, but it required work, time, analysis, and thought – all factors which come at premium cost these days. Time spent on finding a new venue was literally time “lost” on other aspects of serving the MNLGA. And there was, of course, the nervousness and speculation that attendance at Chessie would suffer due to a change in venue.

We emerged, however, unscathed. In fact, Chessie had record attendance (in excess of 400) and the largest silent auction I can recall in recent years. We raised in excess of $2,000 to benefit ornamental horticulture and landscape architecture scholarships. Thank you to all who made contributions of items and services, and to all the willing buyers.

With the move and record attendance, we did have to endure a parking issue. Rest assured, we are addressing this and the Hilton has provided us several options to increase parking for Chessie 2018.

I want to publicly thank the Chessie Green planning committee – listed on page 64 as the Education Committee. This outstandingly engaged group, along with Quercus Management staffer, Chelsea Bailey, led the charge in setting the agenda, procuring speakers, working through the minutiae of details with the Hilton, managing the auction, and volunteering on event days. Please thank these individuals when you see them.

Next up on the calendar – Field Day, June 29th at Ruppert Nurseries in Laytonsville. See page 33, Ruppert is this issue's Featured Member. And also mark your calendars for a MD Green Industry-wide picnic and day of fun and merriment on August 19th. Brent Rutley has very graciously offered to host us at his farm, Just This Side of Paradise, in Woodbine.

Beyond a summer feast, they’ll be fishing, games, old-fashioned socializing, and the bluegrass music of the Mayo Family Band. Stay tuned for more details.

There are a couple of association-related topics I want you to be aware of. We make announcement of such things in the bi-weekly e-blast, Root of the Matter, but in case you’ve missed notice: MNLGA commissioned the University of Maryland Ag Law Initiative to compile the rules and regulations of interstate commerce along the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast (essentially the I-95 corridor) from Virginia to Massachusetts. The compilation is found in handbook/manual form on the MNLGA website, www.mnlga.org, under the Industry Resources tab.

The MNLGA has also just worked with the MD Association of Soil Conservation Districts to put together a reference guide to potential cost share programs that NRCS may offer to the nursery industry. Implementation of programs varies by county; however, the resource guide may provide you with options to discuss with your local county conservation district.

This reference may also be found on the Industry Resources tab of the MNLGA website. ❦ Vanessa A. Finney Executive Director, MNLGA The secret of change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. —Socrates

4 • Spring 2017

For Over * Extensive

Selection of Q for Pickup or Deliv * Field Gro wn Materia l Av * Potted Lin ers

Growing Forward

Inventory Snapshot Leslie Hunter Cario

A

s anyone who operates or works at a nursery or greenhouse is undoubtedly aware, it can be a major challenge to keep an everchanging, ever-growing inventory in order. Surely those who manage an office supply or auto parts store have an easier job keeping track of relatively inert items that sit on shelves, aside from when customers unknowingly rearrange things during a shopping frenzy.

But with plants, common inventory concerns include everything from growing larger, rooting in after transplant, scheduling digging, dying, timing of fertilizer application, and undergoing treatment for pest or disease… never mind those additions of purchased plant material and subtractions of all that has been sold! No matter what program you work with for tracking inventory or managing a green business on a larger scale, the human side of things—timing of processes such as updating inventory numbers before orders have been deducted from inventory or accidentally pulling plants for an order from the wrong section—requires that all staff working with various

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facets of an inventory program meet regularly to understand how their roles interact. To illustrate what is working for others, here’s a snapshot of some of the most useful features of five major inventory programs in use at five different nursery operations throughout Maryland.

Clear Ridge Nursery: Quickbooks Enterprise Solutions V.15 It is possible to run a business and manage a nursery inventory using the same software. Clear Ridge Nursery, with container woody plant material, has found an effective way to do this with Quickbooks Enterprise Solutions V.15. While some nursery software programs will need to have information exported periodically in batches to accounting programs such as Quickbooks, working entirely within Quickbooks has some clear advantages. As Inventory Manager Adam Musser explains, as changes are made to inventory on hand, “sales staff will be able to see the updated quantities in real time.” Sales staff can create estimates and turn those into invoices, taking into account the current inventory. Adam

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1560 M an 1 or ManorView

Road Farm Monkton, MD 21111 410-771-47 00 Fax: 410-77 1-8246 sales@man orview.com

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says that “Quickbooks lets the sales staff know when turning an estimate into a sales order if we no longer have an item or the quantity of an item,” which helps save time by avoiding manually re-checking the inventory at these times. The inventory will automatically have plants deducted as they are sold.

Quickbooks also has the advantage of many preinstalled reports with the program, along with the ability to create custom reports and shape how the information is displayed.

Because this is such a widely-used program, the customer support response has proven to be very good. Because Quickbooks is not designed specifically for nursery use, a potential drawback is that staff can find that navigating through a large inventory is not always as quick or as simple as may be desired.

Manor View Farm: SBI Maintaining an accurate count of inventory allows for maximum efficiency when handling orders.

SBI inventory software is utilized for this purpose at Manor View Farm, where they grow potted liners and field-grown woody plants, along with serving as a landscape (continued on next page) Free State • 5

(continued from page 5)

distribution center. With handheld inventory control devices, staff can make changes on the fly that will be communicated back to the program. The way Manor View’s system is setup, customers can make quick decisions about what they’d like to purchase with the knowledge that the availability numbers are current, explained Manor View Farm’s President Alan Jones. While some operations may publish an availability listing weekly or monthly, this inventory system communicates inventory updates to the company’s website about three times per day, providing a high level of accuracy that takes into account plant sales and new plants received. Perhaps most challenging is receiving new plant material into the program as quickly as the selling process takes place.

Manor View staff meet to ensure everything is working smoothly and work out changes they’d like to see with SBI support staff.

Cavano’s Perennials: Grow Point It is nice to know that some plants being grown in the nursery already have a home, rather than being grown simply on speculation.

The Advanced Grower Solutions program called Grow Point that Cavano’s Perennials uses provides a concrete framework for segregating custom grow stock from regular inventory. This is especially helpful when growing large quantities of perennial plants for green infrastructure projects.

Additionally, an inventory control manager has a high degree of flexibility in changing locations for plant material that is being moved, in consolidating batches, and in 6 • Spring 2017

“

Surely those who manage an office supply or auto parts store have an easier job keeping track of relatively inert items ...

”

noting death or other production changes. Cavano’s Vice President Taylor Pilker explained that Grow Point has been valued just as much for a production tool as for keeping track of inventory. A quality control manager assigns priority rankings and designates which plants are available at any given time, all of which is easily accessible to other staff working in the program. This is a proactive way to avoid plants going out the door when they should not.

Priority rankings help determine not only which plants are sold first, but also the timing and rate of fertilizer to be applied and how quickly they will be encouraged to break dormancy in the spring. All of this contributes to a balanced production system where there is always something looking good and ready to go out the door.

Access to Grow Point via tablet has been invaluable for recording changes in real time and making notations about a pest or disease undergoing treatment such as biological control. Simple reports allow Pilker and Cavano’s President Ferenc Kiss to see how inventory is progressing over the course of

Cavano’s

Perennials

the season so that can ensure that they always have enough, but not too much inventory on hand. The reports can also be used to help guide their decisions about what to grow and how each species will be grown based on timing needed. The Cavano’s staff meets to discuss areas where they’d like to make some changes, and with the flexibility provided by the Grow Point platform, find that the inventory is an area which they are always progressing.

Waverly Farm: PlantX Having a precise inventory is not only extremely important for business management, but also absolutely necessary for growers who purchase crop insurance from RMA/USDA, according to Waverly Farm Owner and Grower Jerry Faulring. The PlantX inventory software used at Waverly Farm for tracking large B & B plant material is relatively user-friendly, with a help desk that provides a quickturnaround when a new form or tweak to the program is needed.

The PlantX program has been a great advantage with forms that are very customizable and an in-depth customer database. It is simple to reserve some plants for growing on to larger sizes

for upcoming years, and the availability features reflect changes automatically on the website.

Tiffany Senseman, who handles Shipping and Administration at Waverly Farm, worked with PlantX to develop an android app that has been very helpful for entering field updates and automatically updating the system. The next exciting step is working with University of Maryland Extension staff to write a program that will help them assess inventory by drone. Practice with drones is already underway at the nursery.

The one drawback here worth mentioning is that PlantX is not integrated with Quickbooks, which does necessitate double entry of some information, but the performance of the inventory program itself has made its use quite worthwhile.

Angelica Nurseries: From the Ground Up Having looked into numerous nursery software programs, and even having purchased Doane software shortly before the company was sold and would not continue to support the product, Angelica Nurseries decided to develop a nursery software program that they were certain could meet all of their operation’s needs. Large fieldgrown plants, container plants, and small propagation sizes all must be tracked at Angelica.

From an information standpoint, From the Ground Up has a very robust and easy to use history for both customer and inventory details. Another valuable feature is the ability to change sizes as

items grow. This prevents the error inherent with deleting and adding items in new sizes, as necessary in some programs, and keeps relevant production info with each batch. As development progressed, Angelica realized that they could design the program to not only handle their inventory management needs, but also to help them increase efficiencies of several processes along the way. An operation of this size may have to dig from a number of fields, at one of several farms, in order to fulfill an order. The new program “allows for all purchase orders to be broken down by item, and then put back together in a way that makes sense for each crew, whether they are digging, tagging, or gathering the plants,” as explained by the company’s President Bernie Kohl. In this manner, the operation can be “just as efficient with large rolling orders as with small, single truck orders.” Another time and money saving feature is the load-building mechanism. For container loads, size and weight remain fairly constant between species, however much more flexibility is needed for B & B plant material. Variety and size specific load factors make it

possible to account for root ball weight and canopy size, which means that sales staff can build loads quickly that maximize the delivery for their customers. The staff at Angelica are excited about working with the new inventory system, which will become available for other growers in the near future.

If you’re considering a change in how you manage your nursery inventory, hopefully the overview of these programs utilized by your fellow Maryland growers provided some insight about what is working for other growers and what might be lacking. Each of these programs has, or soon will have, information available online. You could also test-drive one of these software programs this coming year at MANTS. Even if you do not have a need to change programs, you may see a way to tweak practices with your current program. ❦ Leslie Hunter Cario Chesapeake Horticultural Services lesliecario@cheshort.com www.chesapeakehort.com

Waverly Farm

Leslie Hunter Cario is a Certified Professional Horticulturist and former board member of the MNLGA. Also licensed as a Nutrient Management Consultant and a Pest/ Disease Consultant through the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Leslie runs Chesapeake Horticultural Services, consulting with nurseries, landscape operations, and non-profits on planning, production, research, s ie and photography r rse

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Free State • 7

Over 1,500 choices delivered to you. perennials, natives, ferns, grasses, vines, herbs, ground covers, pansies, dahlias, cannas, green roof and environmental planning material.

www.cavanos.com • 410-592-8077 8 • Spring 2017

It’s Time

for

Sharing

Boxwood Blight Compliance Agreement Jerry Faulring

O

n February 1, 2017 Waverly Farm signed a Boxwood Blight Compliance Agreement (BBCA) with the Maryland Department of Agriculture. Think lab rat.

Bob Trumbule, Maryland Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection and Weed Management Section and his entire staff have spent significant time and energy to implement the Agreement for the benefit of Maryland boxwood growers and their customers. Many other Maryland growers have attended meetings along the way to make this program a reality. I gratefully acknowledge that MDA edited this article for accuracy and factualness.

A copy of the full Agreement can be seen at: http://mda.maryland.gov/plantspests/Documents/Maryland%20 Boxwood%20Blight%20 Compliance%20Agreement.pdf As this is the first signed BBCA agreement in Maryland, MDA staff worked diligently to get it right the first time so that all subsequent agreements are identical at least in the first year. It is reasonable to believe with experience, there may be some changes upon renewal. If not, a job well done!

I strongly support the BBCA and

This handy aid is available in laminated form the Oregon State University

encourage as many growers as possible to join in this program.

WHY? We are all proud of the Maryland nursery industry and should implement any and all programs that insure pest free production systems yielding pest free plants for our customers.

Collectively, our goal should be to show the industry we are a trusted partner in the supply chain.

I spoke with several contractors, designers and landscape architects at MANTS last January. They all state virtually every landscape plan drawn today includes boxwood.

This alone should place a high level concern for everyone to insure a boxwood supply chain that is free of boxwood blight. For growers, field and container, boxwood is a

high value crop that we must work hard to keep in production.

At first glance, compliance requirements do not seem that rigorous. As always, when one gets into the details, thinking through the requirements carefully, implementing the requirements to the nth degree is actually pretty awesome, but doable.

First, I see implementation as a change in culture. We have to get the entire staff thinking about sanitation and pest transmission into and throughout the operation as a way of life. This is not only applicable to boxwood blight, but to a range of other plant diseases and pests. There are certain to be additional threats to the industry (continued on page 10) Free State • 9

(continued from page 9)

vis-à-vis plant health in the future.

This implementation serves as great training and operational understanding for what may be coming. It’s easy to go overboard and become hyper about such things as deer moving through the crops spreading the spore. Our job is to do everything reasonably possible but know risk is a reality.

Implementation of the BBCA will come at a cost to growers but I believe our customers will be willing to share in the cost to be assured they are sourcing boxwood with the greatest chance of not introducing and spreading blight to their landscape projects.

Background. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) declared boxwood blight to be a “regulated pest.” The goal of regulating this disease is to stop its artificial spread by human activities, particularly the propagation and distribution of infected boxwood and other host plants such as Sarcococca and Pachysandra. On June 25, 2016 the Department implemented a Quarantine to prevent the introduction into or movement of Boxwood Blight in Pennsylvania.

The PDA action drove the whole Maryland BBCA process into existence. Many of us had been talking about blight issues and wondering what we do if quarantines became a reality.

Within days of the PDA action, the conversation turned quickly into a response that became the Maryland BBCA. Realizing it only took 7 months to implement the BBCA, I think it came together pretty quickly.

Pennsylvania’s quarantine 10 • Spring 2017

requires us to comply with new rules for shipping boxwood into their state. One of two things must happen. The first choice is to obtain a phytosanitary certificate from MDA on or about the day of shipment. For one who ships boxwood into PA this may be a cumbersome process because we have to give MDA at least 10 days notice and pay a $25 inspection fee. During the busy shipping season, MDA may have difficulty with limited staff in fulfilling the inspections in a timely fashion. This could complicate shipping in a big way and was the primary driver for us to obtain a BBCA. The second choice is to obtain a Boxwood Blight Compliance Agreement from MDA which has to be acceptable to the PA Department of Agriculture. The BBCA says that MDA is reasonably sure that a given producer’s operation is free of blight and that the grower is complying with a rigorous set of rules to prevent the spread of blight. The BBCA is in force for one year and precludes the need for shipping day phytosanitary certificates.

Mandated Procedure Checklist for MD Boxwood Blight Compliance Agreement

• No fungicide applications or pruning in isolation areas during the 30 day waiting period.

• Separate all host plants by source.

• Avoid overhead and late-day watering.

• Prevent water runoff from one production area to another.

• All tools, equipment and surfaces must be disinfected between crop cycles.

• Use new potting medium and sterilized or new pots.

• Report suspect plants to MDA. • Maintain complete host plant records for 12 months.

• Train appropriate staff on symptoms, sanitation, and compliance agreement.

These additional, nurserysuggested, procedures are strongly recommended, in order to minimize risk of contamination for your operation: • All visiting vehicles will only enter the nursery through controlledaccess points.

• Vehicles will be inspected for plant debris and soil. Dirty vehicles will be denied access or sent for decontamination at the nursery’s wash-down facility.

• Customers will only tour fields with a nursery-supplied guide, in a nursery-owned vehicle.

• Customers will not exit the tour vehicle to access any boxwood or other host plant block.

• Know your sources and suppliers.

• Isolate all incoming host plants, on a cleanable surface, for 30 days and inspect weekly.

• Deliver new host plants directly to isolation areas or clean any common loading areas after deliveries.

At this point in time, Waverly propagates all of its boxwood which eliminates the first five items of the mandatory requirements. If in the future, we source plants from another grower, they will either have a BBCA or we will segregate those plants as required above. For

Compliance comes with a lengthy list of requirements.

growers who purchase boxwood plants for field liners or to grow on in containers, they will have to conform to the first five conditions.

How does this apply to wholesale distribution centers? It’s complicated. My understanding is if they engage a BBCA it requires the 30 day quarantined holding period. They may need a phytosanitary certificate if shipping into PA. Alternatively, they can buy from holders of a BBCA of which there are increasing numbers of compliant growers in various states; each state has its own compliance agreement with same basic principle. It is also my understanding that all BBCA agreements are not that rigorous and are granted on a voluntary, good faith basis by which the grower simply agrees to compliance conditions without inspection from their state regulators. ‘Buyer beware’ kicks in here. This BBCA, replacing regular phyosanitary certificates needed for each shipment, will benefit the nurseries engaged in the boxwood business.

For our MNLGA greenhouse growers, their production systems and compliance for a BBCA is the same as a field grower.

Landscape contractors are under no obligation obtain a BBCA but will need a phytosanitary certificate to take plants into PA. However, it would be very prudent to apply the holding period rules in an effort to prevent blight from spreading into landscapes. Alternatively, as above, they could and probably should source plants from growers and re-wholesalers who can document BBCA suppliers.

In all cases, the quarantine and

holding rules are complicated template for approved signage by weather conditions for which that will be available for others blight symptoms may appear. when they engage the BBCA; It is well recognized that blight the approved sign is below. development is favored by high Due to our high amount of road humidity and rainfall within frontage and multiple entry temperature ranges of about points, a variety of different 80-90 degrees F. However, signs have also been developed. even during periods not favored 2. Visitors will be directed to park for the expression of blight, in a special lot and required to subtle symptoms of the blight’s call for host. All visitors will be presence can be seen or the required to have a Waverly host plants may remain symptomless and travel on the farm in our (asymptomatic). Look at the photo vehicle; they will not be allowed above to see visual symptoms to enter boxwood blocks on foot of plants not otherwise actively for any reason. engaged with the more obvious 3. Trucks for pick up and delivery appearance of symptoms such as will need to remain parked at in the photos above and below. the Farm entrance and request Our BBCA, at this writing, inspection. If they are deemed does not include the strongly to be unsanitary they will recommended requirements but proceed to a sanitization/wash we are moving as fast as possible down site for processing; if they to comply with those requirements. have any boxwood onboard or Of large concern, and our contain obvious boxwood debris greatest, is the prevention of they will be sent away. (See sign blight from arriving here from on page 12) others. A secondary concern The sanitary truck requirement would be limiting the spread of means we have to establish a wash boxwood blight within the nursery down site that is appropriate for if it is accidentally introduced. To collecting wash down reinstate that end, we have a number of that will contain a sanitizer. If a implementations to accomplish grower has boxwood moving immediately: (continued on page 12) 1. Signage will be placed at all points of entry to make sure all visitors, including trucks for pick up and delivery, are funneled into one farm entrance only.

MDA, with my input, has Potted plants exhibiting boxwood blight symptoms; photo developed a

by MASSNRC.org

Free State • 11

(continued from page 11)

into or through the operation sourced from others, the loading yard would have to be sanitized with some frequency. There is a secondary advantage for the wash down site. I have long wanted a site to wash equipment and fill sprayers reducing the concern of pesticide escape into our environment.

Internally, several requirements will be implemented. Field staff will have to follow many new procedures: 1. Staff that work in boxwood blocks for any reason such as taking inventory, tagging, pruning, irrigation activities and harvest will be required to wear Tyvek booties and or pants to prevent the possible spread of blight on the farm if it occurs.

Staff and their equipment will be sanitized when leaving a boxwood block; harvesting equipment will be sanitized after digging boxwood; all farm equipment including tillage, mowers, transportation, etc. will

This sign approved by MDA for Waverly’s use 12 • Wnter 2016

be sanitized after working in the area of boxwood plantings.

Getting used to this new sanitary environment will take some getting used to and will require much staff engagement.

2. Training of all staff that encounter boxwood will insure we all are familiar with blight symptoms and report it to our office and then MDA immediately if blight is suspected. Finding blight can be tricky because initial symptoms can mimic many leaf disorders and often, infected plants may not exhibit symptoms. We will also have to train everyone to identify boxwood diseases that are not blight.

3. We have been developing a training manual for our staff which I will share if requested.

Again, I see the training component as creating a cultural change as well as becoming well versed in operating procedures and blight identification. This enhanced awareness should have the unintended consequence of making everyone more vigilant in looking for pest problems beyond blight.

4. Field harvesting (digging) of boxwood just got complicated.

In my brilliance 20 years ago I decided to plant all genus and species in a mixed up scheme to avoid monoculture plantings.

Now we have boxwood planted in 49 different planting zones; some are contiguous. It may still be culturally sound but makes general nursery maintenance and harvest a headache

related to disease transmission avoidance. Every time we move to a different zone the equipment will be sanitized.

We have decided that we will only dig boxwood one day of the week; Friday. Both we and our customers will have to plan ahead better than in the past.

As we engage this experience there will likely be issues come up that we cannot foresee at this point in time. I am aware that several nurseries are also seriously considering a BBCA in the near future. A year from now I’ll propose all BBCA participants gather for group counseling.

There are many sources of training information and general boxwood blight resources available at the MDA website (http://www. maryland.gov/pages/search. aspx?q=boxwood%20blight&site =ytjh4v3yefg&name=Agriculture).

Also see the American Hort Knowledge Center (http:// hortknowledgecenter.org/SearchResults?searchtext=boxwood+bli ght&searchmode=allwords) and simply by searching Boxwood Blight on your web browser.

The Oregon State University has great training documents in English and Spanish (https://catalog. extension.oregonstate.edu/ em9124p).❦ Jerry Faulring Waverly Farm 1931 Greenfield Road Adamstown, MD 21710 301-874-8300

Industry Research

New Findings on Exotic Ambrosia Beetle Research funded in part by the Horticultural Research Institute sheds light on ambrosia beetle biology and ecology and management options for growers.

Ambrosia beetles are not new insects to the US; many native species exist here that are considered minor pest problems. Many exotic species can be found here too, and they can be very damaging to plants growing in nurseries and landscapes. Two species are of particular concern in nurseries: the granulate ambrosia beetle, Xylosandrus crassiusculus, and the black stem borer, X. germanus. Both species are native to southeastern Asia and have established populations in the US (29 states for the granulate ambrosia beetle and 32 states for the black stem borer). The granulate ambrosia beetle is more common and problematic in the mid-Atlantic and South, while the black stem borer is more abundant in the Midwest and Northeast.

Ambrosia beetles are often overlooked as being a primary cause of plant loss, but research and experience are proving otherwise. “Coming into Willoway, I was unaware of the full extent of the damage this pest can cause. I’ve learned this is definitely a difficult pest for the nursery industry,” notes Matthew Steinkopf, Container Grower for Willoway Nurseries (Huron, OH). “You don’t know that you have a problem with them until it is too late.

Usually when a plant dies, we blame it on water in the container, winter damage, or one of the numerous other things that could go wrong in production. When looking over the plant, it’s easy to miss the pinhole damage from the beetle or think it was an aftereffect.”

A collection of researchers is conducting a multiyear project studying ambrosia beetle biology and ecology, in addition to management options for nurseries. Dr. Chris Ranger, USDA-ARS, leads this collaboration of USDA and university entomologists from Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) funded a portion of this research through its general grants program with 14 • Spring 2017

further support provided by the USDA’s Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative.

Research on this subject was recently reported in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture (JEH), the publication of HRI. JEH is the only peer-reviewed, scientific journal dedicated Figure 1A-B. Two highly to the green industry and destructive ambrosia beetles in nurseries are serves as the outlet for the (A) black stem borer research pertinent to our Xylosandrus germanus industry. and (B) granulate ambrosia beetle Xylosandrus Ambrosia beetles tunnel crassiusculus. into trees where they create fungal gardens that serve as food for larvae and adults. The telltale sign of toothpick-like strands protruding from host plants often signals infestations. These protrusions consist of sawdust generated as the female burrows into wood.

Other symptoms include sap oozing from the tunnel entrances and branch dieback.

Adults overwinter within their host tree, emerge in spring, and then search for a new host to attack. Both species are a challenge to control, partly because of their wide host range; over 120 hosts for the granulate ambrosia beetle and 200 hosts for the black stem borer. Thin-barked deciduous trees are often targeted, although conifers can also be attacked.

Adults are difficult to control once they have burrowed into a tree. Their fungal symbiont can be problematic for the host tree, and a variety of opportunistic and pathogenic fungi have been isolated from beetle galleries.

Mark Shelton, Pesticide Supervisor at Willoway Nurseries (Huron, OH), shares his experience with control of this pest, “We identified our first attack in a block of dogwoods 10 years ago and quickly learned it can attack other species. Ambrosia beetle requires a different control strategy than other chewing insects.

Timing of pesticide application to tree trunks is critical

because the pesticide needs to be there by the time be maintained at <50% to minimize ambrosia beetle beetles fly. We currently use a combination of weather attacks on flood-intolerant trees, such as dogwood. monitoring and ethanol traps for guidelines. Additional Steinkopf observes, “A small amount of stress could research to improve timing and reapplication intervals cause release of a pheromone within the plant that is needed.” attracts the beetle. While one beetle should not kill Peak flight activity and corresponding attacks occur the plant, it triggers the plant’s release of more stress during spring months. Degree days are not particularly pheromones as it feeds and attracts more of its friends. useful for predicting initial flight, but Dr. Michael At Willoway, Mark [Shelton] has done an impressive job Reding (USDA-ARS) determined that spring flight being ahead of this pest and knows that an emergence activity increases dramatically after the first two-tois possible even in winter. Knowledge of pesticides three consecutive days above 70°F. and setting traps when three consecutive 68° days This group of researchers is filling in the gaps of has helped. Further research will take this beetle from information to ultimately increase control strategies. being a serious problem to a mere nuisance.”

A key finding to date has been that these two beetles This winter in particular has raised concerns are opportunistic and only attack living but weakened trees. While such trees may appear “healthy,” they emit stress-induced ethanol that is wildly attractive to ambrosia beetles. Ethanol is now used as the standard attractant in traps for monitoring purposes.

The best control methods focus on keeping trees healthy; beetles do not attack or colonize healthy trees in nursery production.

Applications of insecticides can be used, but they do not completely prevent attacks from occurring on stressed trees that are emitting ethanol.

Flooding/poor drainage, frost injury, and freezing injury can induce ethanol emissions from plants and trees and have preceded large scale attacks by ambrosia beetles in nurseries. Notably, HRIfunded research by Dr. Steven Frank (NCSU) determined that soil Figure 2A-D. (A) Ambrosia beetle attacks can be difficult to detect due to the small size of moisture levels should the tunnel entrance, but symptoms include (B) sawdust-toothpicks, (C) sap oozing from tunnel (continued on page 16)

entrances, and (D) branch dieback.

Free State • 15

Figure 4A-D. (A) Spring flight activity of ambrosia beetles can be monitored using simple traps baited with ethanol lures and containing soapy-water as a killing agent. Traps should be placed low to the ground and near woodlots. Spring beetle activity can also be monitored using (B) stems soaked in ethyl alcohol (ie ethanol) or (C) trees injected with ethanol solutions. (D) Flooding of intolerant trees, such as dogwood, can also be used to monitor attacks. (continued from page 15)

to researchers. Dr. Ranger states, “Trees in many regions are currently a month ahead of schedule due to the mild 2016/2017 winter. Possible spring freezes predispose frost intolerant species to attack. Susceptible trees include eastern redbud, Japanese maple, Japanese zelkova, and Japanese snowbell.”

Researchers are now considering a new strategy in the form of behavior modification, where beetle repellents are used to protect desirable trees and ethanol-based attractants are used to lure beetles to their death. This option needs optimization but shows promise.

HRI and AmericanHort, in conjunction with other interested organizations, supported funding of this research through the USDAARS sponsored Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative.

For additional information, please contact Jennifer Gray, HRI Administrator, at 614-884-1155 or jenniferg@americanhort.org. ❦ 16 • Spring 2017

Figure 3A-C. (A-B) Adult females tunnel into stems and create galleries (C) where they farm a symbiotic fungus that serves as food for the larvae and adults.

Photo credit: Dr. Chris Ranger, USDA-ARS

Free State â&#x20AC;¢ 17

New Members We welcome the following into membership in the MNLGA. Full contact information may be found within the member portal of the MNLGA website, www.mnlga.org. We encourage you to reach out to your peer members – they may be a valuable business connection for you.

Gary’s Backyard Gardens Gary Suiter White Plains, MD 20695

New World Gardens Inc Andreas Grothe Parkton, MD 21120

Purple Rain Lavender Farm Pamela Fry Churchville, MD 21028

SMO Energy Steve Donnelly La Plata, MD 20646

Morgan State University Gerard Zeller Baltimore, MD 21251

WinField United Brian Hoff York Springs, PA 17372

Aspen Landscape Contracting Maria Fuentes Union, NJ 07083

Landscape Supply, Inc. Kevin Connelly Roanoke, VA 24106

JESCO, INC. Doug Brisbane Piscataway, NJ 08854

Maryland National Park & Planning Commission Phil Wilson Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

QuietCleanDC Alan Cohen PO Box 9578 Washington DC, 20015

BFG Supply Company Michelle Hall Burton, OH 44021

Get your Ag Tag today!

www.agtagmd.com Educating Youth about Agriculture

18 • Spring 2017

Chesapeake

Chesapeake Green 2017 was an overwhelming success – and we thank all of you who came out and supported this year’s symposium.

More than 500 attendees, speakers, and sponsors came through Chesapeake Green on both days of the seminar.

These are all-time high numbers and we couldn’t thank you all enough for your support and your dedication to this annual symposium.

We received very positive feedback from speakers, as well as attendees, on the quality of the program noting the dynamic sessions and relevant industry topics. Lloyd Traven (Peace Tree Farm) kicked off the event on Day one with an engaging keynote session and set the pace for the rest of the event to be high-energy and full of boundless information for the industry. This year’s breakout tracks on Day one included nursery grower, landscape contractor, greenhouse grower, and retail grower and garden center.

Day two was focused more on recertification and offered topics including ornamentals and turf pest management, aquatics, greenhouse grower, turf management, nutrient management and turf nutrient management.

The silent auction that took place on the first day of the symposium was successful in raising just about $2,000 for college scholarships. This auction directly benefits the MNLGA scholarships and we can’t thank everyone who donated items and bid on items enough for their generous support.

The MNLGA extends a sincere “Thank You” to all speakers, sponsors, attendees, and volunteers that helped to make Chesapeake Green 2017 an overwhelming success.

Special thanks to those who served on our planning committee, Hank Doong, Ronda Roemmelt, Brent Rutley, Angela Burke, Karen Rane (UME), Ginny Rosenkranz (UME), Jessica Ahrweiler, Ted Carter, Brett Karp, Stanton Gill, Mary Kay Malinoski (UME), Dave Clement (UME), Pete Gilmore, Andrew Ristvey (UME), Chuck Schuster (UME), and Steve Black. The MNLGA wouldn’t be able to produce quality events without support from all of you, and for that we are very grateful.❦ Chelsea Bailey MNLGA 20 • Spring 2017

Lloyd Traven of Peace Tree Farm delivering his keynote presentation

Sponsors network with attendees

Jessica Ahrweiler of Waverly Farms talks with Brian Brown of Kenneth D. Brown, Inc.

Green 2017 AN ANNUAL HORTICULTURE SYMPOSIUM

Lloyd Traven encourages attendees with business advice for the 21st century

Dave Lundberg and Matt DeRosa from Harvest connect with Chessie attendees

Brent Rutley and Jim Brewer of Capitol network with fellow Chessie attendees The Boxwood Blight panel made up of Dana Rhodes (PA Dept. of Ag), Robert Saunders (Saunders Brothers), Bob Trumbule (MD Dept. of Ag), and Norm Dart (VDACS) Dr. Cari Peters of J.R. Peters, Inc. addresses attendees in a breakout session

Judy Sharpton of Growing Places Marketing shares advice with attendees

Ginny Rosenkranz (UMD Extension) coordinates the annual Silent Auction to benefit scholarship funds Free State â&#x20AC;˘ 21

Total Plant Management

Tulip Tree and Magnolia Scale Stanton Gill

I

n late March of 2017, I received in an electronic photo a magnolia branch covered with black colored objects enveloping the major stems (See photo page 23). The observant nursery owner picked this up on a couple of his deciduous magnolia trees while he was conducting his daily IPM walk.

What he sent were pictures of second instar tuliptree scale, Toumeyella liriodendri (Gmelin).

The scale are small, flat and black at this time of year but will grow to be one of the largest native soft scales we have in the United States. At this time of year (early spring) the flattened scale are noticeable because they are black on a light gray stem. With magnification of 10-20 X you will see raised ridges on the cover and it almost has the appearance of a small trilobite.

The tuliptree scale is a key pest of yellow poplar or tuliptree, magnolia, and occasionally linden.

This soft scale insect is so prolific that it quite often covers twigs and branches. With the surge in native plants, many nurseries started growing tuliptrees for sale. Unfortunately, this soft scale is on the plants and often goes unnoticed until there is a large 22 â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 2017

population built up. Most often I find this scale on deciduous magnolias in nurseries and in landscapes. It often starts with an infestation on one or two plants.

The crawlers, which emerge in fall, blow around the nursery in the fall months and spread the infestation.

Next thing you know, you have a ripping problem.

The signs of soft scale infestation is the sticky, wet substance on understory plants. This material, known as honeydew, is excess fluid that is excreted in copious amounts as the insects feed. Understory leaves and other surfaces may be lightly speckled with the shiny drops of honeydew, or they may be heavily coated with the sugary secretion and appear as if covered with shellac.

Ants, wasps and bees are attracted to the honeydew, and sooty mold fungus sometimes grows on this substrate, blackening the foliage, twigs, and bark, along with cars and other objects beneath scale-infested trees. With the abundant rain periods from March through the end of July sooty mold flourished. Dieback of twigs and branches and premature leaf drop may result as heavilyinfested trees compete with scale insects for necessary moisture.

Life History As mentioned earlier, this scale overwinters as second instar nymphs, which are still present in April and May. Males mature in June; depending on the temperature, males emerge from the waxy scale covering as small, two-winged individuals. The males mate with females and then die.

In August, mature females give birth to first instar nymphs called crawlers. Each female may produce as many as 2,000 to 3,000 crawlers over several weeks. Crawlers are capable of moving around in an infested tree. They may be spread to new host trees by wind or on the plumage of birds. If a suitable host is not found in 12 to 24 hours, crawlers usually die.

Once crawlers find a favorable site, they insert their piercingsucking mouthparts into the vascular system beneath the bark and begin to feed. Crawlers feed for a short time before molting into the overwintering second nymphal instar stage. There is one generation produced each year.

Magnolia Scale The Magnolia scale, which also infest deciduous magnolia trees, is found on larger branches. It is a light brown color and much, much

wider that the tuliptree scale. The crawlers of this scale are also black in color and heavily segmented.

(See pictures). The life cycle is very similar to the tuliptree scale and the crawler activity time is very similar.

Biological control There are several natural enemies that attack this pest. One predator of this soft scale is the larval stage of the pyralid moth, Laetilia coccidivora. However, these predators and parasitoids are seldom capable of effectively managing an infestation. Over the years we have had several nursery managers send in pictures of this scale predator caterpillar.

Control Options Normally, scale populations are kept in check by environmental factors and natural enemies such as parasites and predators. In 2016, for some reason the parasite activity was not strong enough to keep this soft scale in check.

However, when populations are heavy on specimen trees, pesticides can be applied.

Dormant rates (2- 3%) of horticultural oil sprays can be applied to the overwintering scales to suffocate them. Once a plant breaks dormancy then a 1% horticultural oil can be used.

A better (usually more expensive control) is to use insect growth regulators. There are two on the market – Talus and Distance. This prevents the scale from developing into the next life stage, resulting in death. Impact on predators and parasites is greatly reduced over use of broader spectrum pesticides. With applications aimed

at the crawler stage, timing is critical.

For systemic control, a pesticide that contains dinotefuran (Xytect and Safari) can be mixed with water and poured around the base of the tree, sprayed on the basal trunk of the tree or injected into the cambium for larger trees. The best timing is in spring, after a plant has flowered, to avoid having pollinators pick up the pesticide in the flowers, when uptake is optimal and crawlers have not yet hatched. ❦ Stanton Gill, Extension Specialist in Nursery and Greenhouse IPM, Central Maryland Research and Education Center, University of Maryland Extension and Professor with the Landscape Technology Program, Montgomery College Contact information: sgill@umd.edu, 301-596-9143 Photos: Top: Tulip Tree Scale Center: Magnolia Scale on Deciduous Magnolia Bottom: Tuliptree Scale, 2nd Instars on Magnolia

Free State • 23

MNLGA 2017

M

Annual Meeting

N

& Agricultural Tour

A

A

Front Row (L-R) Ronda Roemmelt, Carrie Engel, Steve Black, Larry Hemming, Tiffany Senseman Back Row (L-R): Andrew Thompson, Wm. Oliver Hardy, Pete Driscoll, Brent Cassell, John Murphy, Brent Rutley, Ted Carter, Ferenc Kiss (Absent: Jessica Todd)

Steve Black presents Professional Achievement Award to Bernie Kohl, Jr.

Mike Stead of Clovelly Nurseries talks with Ag Secretary Bartenfelder Christopher Jennings and Amanda Briody of Frederick Douglass High School with Deputy Ag Secretary Jim Eichhorst (center) 24 â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 2017

Steve Black thanks outgoing board member Greg Stacho

Greg Gevaudian sports his Ravens lanyard while talking with MNLGA past president Brent Rutley Taylor Pilker of Cavano’s talks with a customer

John Driscoll of Dogwood Hill talks with Landscape Architect Bernie Mihm Alice Tomasello previews the Perennial Farm collection

Mike Leubecker of Tidal Creek demonstrates the mobile app to customers

Brad Schott networks with customers at MANTS

Phil Sisiti of Homestead Gardens and Ag Secretary Joe Bartenfelder

Jack Lowry greets customers at MANTS for the 47th consecutive year … Lowry and Company is 1 of 8 remaining original exhibiting companies

Linda Miller of TDH talks inventory and selection Free State • 25

GROWER OF THE YEAR

Trailblazer Steve Black of Raemelton Farm possesses a fearless drive to implement unconventional production practices.

BY KELLI RODDA | PHOTOS BY LARRY CANNER Reprinted with permission: Nursery Management, January 2017

26 â&#x20AC;¢ Spring 2017

SPONSORED BY

U

ndaunted by words like experimental or uncharted, Steve Black, founder of Raemelton Farm, boldly executes innovative systems at his B&B nursery in Adamstown, Md. From the road, it may look like a typical nursery, but it’s the antithesis of ordinary. There are trees lined up in rows, tractors parked on site, crew members pruning or scouting – the classic nursery scene. But on closer inspection, the farm is home to several leading-edge procedures, especially Black’s latest endeavor.

In early 2016, he introduced to the market USDA certified organic B&B, landscape-ready trees – a first for the industry.

“Consumers are increasingly interested in how the things they buy are produced,” Black says. “Amazon Prime has a service that tells you what aquifer the water in your baby wipes comes from. Plant production has been behind the black curtain. But now consumers want to know about pollinator protection and water conservation. This all fed into the idea to produce a tree in an incredibly sustainable way.”

He chose the USDA organic certification because it’s recognizable and it’s a confirmation of the steps he’s taking in production.

“If you don’t have a third-party verification, it’s just a statement,” he says.

Black dedicated about 3 acres of his 100-acre nursery to organic production, with another 1½ acres currently in transition. And Black is ready to add more organic production once it transitions from a niche market.

The market speaks The reception has been positive overall – a large amount of enthusiasm mixed with a few furrowed brows.

“My senior staff were all for it. They’re 20-something and 30-something. Millennials get it right off the bat,” he says.

Black and his team have targeted their marketing efforts for the organic trees to landscape architects, landscape contractors and IGCs. “Landscapers have that one customer set who would jump at this product. Contractors who offer organic lawn management programs have been a good target. And consumers are going into independent garden centers and asking, ‘Where are your organic products,’ and they’re not only talking about edibles,” he says.

An organic red maple or an organic redbud must look exactly like the one grown conventionally. There can’t be any aesthetic sacrifices, Black says.

“I’m really happy with the product we’ve produced in the organic fields,” he adds.

“You won’t find any ‘Charlie Brown’ trees in those fields.”

Montgomery County, Maryland – where the use of pesticides and herbicides have been banned in residential settings – presents an excellent market opportunity for the nursery’s organic products, says Angela Burke, sales and marketing manager at Raemelton.

“A customer from that county was happy to hear they could get a tree that, from the onset, was produced organically,” she recalls.

It’s a new way of thinking for much of the supply chain, Black admits. But it’s not a new idea for Black and his team. They’ve been using many of the practices required for organic production for years, such as using cover crops and compost, or having an integrated pest management program. Taking the few extra steps to become certified organic wasn’t difficult, he says. The nursery instituted some additional record keeping – there’s a lot of paperwork involved with organic production – and worked in a few more required production practices.

The production process Multiple steps must be taken before the land can be used for organic produc

Free State • 27

GROWER OF THE YEAR

Angela Burke (left), the sales and marketing manager at Raemelton Farm, joined the nursery in 2012 following a summer internship when she attended the Pennsylvania College of Technology. Melissa Harmel (right), the nursery manager, was an intern from the University of Maryland.

“Steve is very innovative and never scared to try something new. Sometimes researchers will bring him an idea that other nurseries turned down, but he says, ‘OK, let’s try it.’ He has that entrepreneurial spirit,” Burke says.

Harmel adds, “Steve took me under his wing and had the patience to show me the ropes.

His mentorship has shaped me to what I am today. He values our ideas and boosts our confidence. He’s making changes in the industry, and I’m proud to work for him.”

tion. Once those requirements are met, fields must be managed organically for three years before they’re certified, and the plants growing in that field must be managed organically for 1 year before certification. At that point, a USDA certified organic label may be used.

The nursery will renew its certification annually.

The certified organic program requires growers to look for organic seed or liners, but if they’re unavailable, non-organic liners are permissible.

“I have to make sure I can’t find a Red Sunset organic liner, I have to do a search for one each year, and I have to document that search as part of our inspection and certification, or recertification, process,” says Black.

Although organic production is most often associated with edibles, organic production of ornamentals is included in the national regulations. However, most research and extension work supports organic food production.

“We’re not growing corn and soybeans.

We’re not an orchard. The things we’re doing

28 • Spring 2017

as an organic B&B tree grower are slightly different, and it took some time to figure out what fits into the letter and spirit of organic production and certification requirements,” he says. “Crop rotation is a tick box for organic production. I can’t do annual crop rotation as a tree nursery, but I can rotate cover crops in the tree rows.”

Battling weeds Weed control is one of the toughest parts to tackle in organic production, he says.

“In conventional production, if you see some pigweed, you can make a note to spray some Roundup a week or two later. But most organic weed control products are only effective when weeds are very small. You have to spray the weed when the seed is turning green or just germinating, and you have to know when that’s happening. Lawn people look at soil temperatures to see when crabgrass is emerging, and we can use that data stream.”

In organic vineyards and orchards, farmers

often use tillage to help combat weeds, but that’s not an option in a B&B tree farm. Black uses a succession of cover crops such as daikon radish, crimson clover and forage radish which prevent most winter weeds to germinate, allowing the nursery to go into the spring without weed pressure.

There are some herbicides on the market approved for organic production with ingredients that include vinegar, an oil that’s derived from citrus peels and some long-chain fatty acids. Sodium chloride can be used as a spot spray on dandelion, if necessary.

“Because it’s a pest control application and because we’re using it in a commercial ag setting, I have to buy a special bag of herbicidal sodium chloride, and it’s much more expensive than a bag of Morton salt,” he explains.

And hand weeding is not an option because with any production, there’s got to be an economy of scale, he adds.

Black found that he and his crew aren’t spending more man hours in the organic field versus the conventional field, but they spend a lot more time thinking about the organic production and “just figuring out things.”

“We’re having to learn the germinating temperature for foxtail, or how thick a layer of compost is needed to kill that seed. There’s a lot of problem solving going on,” he says.

Soil health Nutrient management in organic produc-

Black chose the USDA Organic certification for Raemelton Farm because it’s recognizable and it’s a confirmation of the steps he’s taking in production.

GROWER OF THE YEAR

TOP LEFT: Harmel scouts for scale on an organic ‘Donald Wyman’ crabapple. BOTTOM RIGHT: Burke uses an iPad to keep track of field inventory, digging and shipping lists, and correspondence with customers while out in the field. The iPad is synced with the office computers via the cloud.

TOP RIGHT: Black examines a radio-linked environmental monitoring and control node. This station wirelessly connects four soil moisture monitors, a flow meter, and an irrigation control valve to a base station. The node automatically triggers irrigation events based on a desired soil moisture level. This node is autonomously controlling irrigation in the organic field.This system was born from an experiment done at his nursery with the University of Maryland’s John Lea-Cox.

CONSTANT COLLABORATION

We cannot think of a grower who is more deserving of the honor of “Grower of the Year” than Mr. Steve Black, owner of Raemelton Farm.

Steve is one of the most forward thinking growers we have interacted with when it comes to managing his nursery. He is always looking for a better way to grow trees, from plant selection to irrigation to pest management. Many decisions and practices that Steve pursues and implements on his farm are based on economic outcomes, but we believe his decisions are equally influenced by the environmental impacts his management practices. Steve is a strong steward of the land.

Steve has been one of the strongest proponents of university extension. He supports in words and actions that collaboration between extension specialists and growers is a win-win outcome for everyone. As researchers who have conducted numerous research studies on his property, we have observed firsthand his dedication to maintaining a high-quality product, while also operating as an environmental steward.

He supports research and advocates cutting-edge ideas that help nurseries move toward sustainable practices, such as those that promote the conservation of natural enemies and sustainable practices related to weed suppression, and soil nutrient and water management. Steve is one of the first and few that have implemented organic production of trees. If you visit Raemelton Farms you will see multiple areas of the farm where research projects are being conducted to determine means to grow trees more sustainably. Not only does Steve actively support University Extension Programs, but he is often proposing new ideas and getting us (the scientists) excited about getting these ideas to work.

We have also noted Steve unselfishly helping other growers by sharing information with them and mentoring new growers.

As scientists who are interested in identifying, developing, and promoting sustainable pest management practices, we cannot imagine a better cooperator than Steve or place to work than Raemelton Farm. Steve always opens his farm to us and stimulates new ideas and projects. Steve is deserving of this honor for all that he does for the green industries as a whole.

- Rebeccah Waterworth, Ph.D., research associate, University of Maryland - Paula Shrewsbury, Ph.D., associate professor and extension specialist, UMD

Free State • 29

GROWER OF THE YEAR

LEFT: Carlos Magana ties up the head of a crabapple and prepares it for a customer.

RIGHT: Luis Escobar uses a Pazzaglia 110 to dig a redbud while Fernando Quijano readies the wire basket and burlap.

ANSWERING CONSUMER DEMAND I love Raemelton Farm. I believe Potomac Garden Center became the first local retail company to carry Steve’s organic trees. When Raemelton’s Angela Burke came to me about the new USDA certified organic trees and explained the process and work that went into them, I thought, “We have to carry these.”

With the new regulations that have passed and regulations that have yet to be put in place, I think this is really forward thinking of Steve. I have customers call or come in and ask me daily, “What kind of chemicals are used on your Nursery Stock? Are these treated with pesticides that will harm my family?” To be able to take them to a section of my nursery and say, “These trees are not only grown locally, but are certified organic” is huge.

I also love that any question I have I can go to Steve or Angela and they are always prompt in answering and providing me with an education on what exactly they’ve done to treat each kind of tree. All of my USDA organic B&B trees I brought in from Raemelton sold out within weeks.

- Gilly Rodgers, nursery manager, Potomac Garden Center

tion does not pose the same challenges as weed control. Compost makes up a big part of Black’s nutrient management program.

“It’s not hard to supply a woody plant’s nutrient needs with a top dressing of compost,” he says. “For every 1 percent organic content in your soil, you get 30-40 percent nitrogen.

The nursery receives horse manure and horse bedding from area farms at no cost to make compost.

“Compost gives you all the nutrients and micronutrients you need, plus you get all that biological activity that’s inoculating the tree rows with life,” Black says.

The crimson clover cover crops also help with nutrient management.

“If we get a good stand of crimson clover in the row, we get 90-100 pounds of nitrogen for the price of the clover seed,” he explains.

Black suspects the soil profile in the organic field has changed.

“In each organic field, the soil profile some 10 inches down is darker than in the conventional fields,” he says. “It will be a couple more years before we can take soil samples and show the trend line of what’s happening in the organic field versus the conventional field. But I think we’ve changed the nature of that soil for the better.”

variety choice. For instance, Black grows Freedom and Liberty eating apples, which are extremely resistant to foliar and fruit diseases found on other varieties.

“We stay away from amelanchier in the organic fields because it tends to get a lot of foliar disease,” he says.

Black also found a way to decrease pest pressure in the organic field by reducing the monocrop nature of the standard nursery block. For instance, instead of planting rows and rows of eating apples, he’ll alternate by planting a tart cherry next to an apple. He does the same with shade trees, planting a red maple next to an oak.

“We still see potato leaf hoppers on red maples, but not as many,” he says. “My crews that plant the field that way call it ‘campo loco,’ or ‘the crazy field.’”

While Black and his team may have to spend more time planning and thinking about the organic production processes, he’s able to charge about 30 percent more for the product.

“The 30-percent price bump for our organic trees is about the same as what the market supports for organic fruits and vegetables,” he says. “I get to charge more, the landscaper gets to charge more, and the IGC gets to charge more.” NM

Plant health

FOR MORE: www.raemelton.com; www.usda.gov/organic

Pest and disease management has been the easiest to implement, simply by proper

Reprinted with permission: Nursery Management, January 2017 30 • Spring 2017

Reprinted with permission: Green Profit, originally published (March 2017).

Free State â&#x20AC;˘ 31

Scholarships

2017 Scholarship Information It’s that time of year again! Scholarship information for 2017 is now available. The MNLGA either offers or helps support various scholarships within the Green Industry. We encourage you to pass along this information to anyone that might be interested to take advantage of these great opportunities. More information on any of the below scholarships can be found on the MNLGA website, www.mnlga.org.

MNLGA Scholarship - Ornamental Horticulture In keeping with its mission to promote and provide for the future success of Maryland’s ornamental horticulture industry, the Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association sponsors academic scholarships to students pursuing an education in the field of landscape/ornamental horticulture. Currently, the MNLGA offers three scholarships for $5,000 each to students with status of Junior, Senior, or Grad Student, enrolled in a horticulture or landscape architecture degree program. Application Deadline: May 15th.

32 • Spring 2017

In addition to the Ornamental Horticulture scholarship, the MNLGA in conjunction with MANTS sponsors the Carville M. Akehurst Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is administered by the Horticulture Research Institute, and more information can be found on their website, www.hriresearch.org.

Mr. Akehurst was Executive Secretary of the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association for over 30 years, and was one of the founders of the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show. Mr. Akehurst was the Executive Vice-President of MANTS for over 30 years. More information including application directions can be found on the MNGLA website, www.mnlga.org.

The MNLGA website also includes scholarship information for awards offered by the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation and the Southern Nursery Association. Learn more about all of these offers at www.mnlga.org. ❦

See the following pages for the

2017

photo retrospective from

MANTS

®

The Masterpiece of Trade Shows ™ 11,000 JANUARY 11-13, 2017 More than

registrants (including exhibitors)

BALTIMORE CONVENTION 952 exhibiting companies in more thanCENTER 1500 booths

3,600+ non-exhibiting/buying companies represented P.O. Box 818

There are plenty of trade shows, but there’s only one MANTS. It’s the show where buyers know that they can find all the products their business needs. And sellers can count on meeting plenty of customers eager for their wares.

Exhibitors and attendees from

45 states and 16 countries www.mants.com

For 47 years now, it has been all business at MANTS. That’s why over 11,000 attendees, representing over 3,600 buying companies and nearly 1,000 exhibiting companies, attended our most recent show. But when the work day is over, and it’s time to unwind and relax, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers an incomparable array of fine restaurants and attractions.

Over

Brooklandville, MD 21022 410-296-6959 800-431-0066 fax 410-296-8288

On-line Registration is available 24/7 beginning October 1.

66% of registered attendees are owners, managers or buyers @mantsbaltimore #mants

81% are final decision makers or make purchasing recommendations

MANTS means business. In fact, some people say we were inspired.

Free State • 33

Danny Shreckhise (r) talks with a buyer

Plants and people â&#x20AC;Ś the heart of MANTS Attendees Jennifer Forrence and Donna Watts plan their route

Todd Shorb (c) of American Plant talks with friends from Rolling Acres Landscaping

An attendee takes notes to help keep it all straight

Kevin Owings and Richard Smid of Glyndon Gardens at the Iseli Nursery booth 34 â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 2017

MANTS recorded its highest day 1 total registration of over 10,000

Walters Gardens is stocked and ready for business

Mike Tripp of Dynascape gives a demo to Matt McMillan and Steve Johnson of Sam Bridge Nursery and Greenhouse

Jerry Pack of Pack Manufacturing listens to a customer

Mary Cawunder and Mike McConnell of American Native Plants

Molly Eure of Greenleaf Nursery (l) talks inventory with Stevi McCumber of Universal Stone

Marliyn Cox of I Must Garden with buyers Flowers, plants and people abound Free State â&#x20AC;˘ 35

Kurt Dickhoff of Dutchman Tree Spades displays his wares

MANTS means color, selection and variety

George Leidig of Autrusa talks to a customer from Saunders Brothers

Jonathan Garman of Wood Trellis Designs answers a question

Matt Christy of Manor View Farm helps prospective buyers 36 â&#x20AC;˘ Spring 2017

The City of MANTS

Obituary WILLIAM C. “BILLY” FOARD

Billy Foard, co-founder of Valley View Farms, passed away on January 25, 2017, at the age of 78. He and his brother, John “Punkey”, who died in 2010, opened the business on Friday, April 13, 1962. It began as a small roadside produce stand, to augment the wholesale vegetable growing operation at their family farm. Valley View Farms grew to become one of the largest garden center and nursery operations in the mid-Atlantic region.

The store expanded over the years by adding a large retail greenhouse, nursery department, outdoor furniture, water garden department, fall decorations, plus an extensive and very popular Christmas shop. Their success can be attributed to the hard work of the owners, seven days a week, plus the dedication of their loyal staff, with many managers having over thirty years’ experience at Valley View Farms.

Billy’s son, Andy, took over ownership and day to day management of the business in 2015, but Billy remained a constant hands-on presence at the store until very recently. Greenhouse manager Carrie Engel, who started at Valley View Farms in 1972, stated “Seldom does one find a friend, mentor and boss as cool as this guy. Billy, you taught me, my family, coworkers and business associates so much about character, kindness, work ethics, and the importance of being yourself”.

Billy is survived by wife Kay, sons Andy and his wife Kristen, Stuart and his wife Debra, daughter Lisa and her partner Lisa Valle, sister Suzanne Foard, and grandchildren Kaylin, Will, Jackson and Mason.

Valley View Farms is located on York Road in Cockeysville/Hunt Valley, Maryland.

Free State • 37

Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturist Program

Update

Congratulations to the following newly-minted Certified Professional Horticulturists. The individuals below passed the Basic Exam on April 11, 2017.

Edward Goodman

Melwood Horticultural Center

Victor Taylor

Montgomery College

Erika Edwards

North Harford High School

Sarah Hendrickson

North Harford High School – Student Certification

Emily Miller

North Harford High School – Student Certification

The next Basic Exam is scheduled for Tuesday, October 3rd. The Specialist in Plant ID will also be offered on this date. Contact the MNLGA office at office@mnlga.org, for more information.

We have answers when you have questions … mnlga.org The MNLGA web site is designed for our members and is your single source for the answer to almost any question. The site is your: • Membership Directory with member search options • Up-to-date industry calendar • Classified ads which members can post and track resumes/ responses • CPH program information including basic and advanced test applications and registration • Business resources • CEU forms • Free State Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse News (electronic issues) • Root of the Matter issues and MaGIC updates • Chesapeake Green - speaker resources - year round

38 • Spring 2017

• Industry calendar includes: – Event postings from organizations and educational institutions around the Mid-Atlantic region; – Resources for finding CEUs for pesticide recertification, nutrient management recertification, and general education in horticulture topics; – MNLGA events including Field Day, MANTS, Chesapeake Green and much more

Visit mnlga.org today!

Featured Member

RUPPERT NURSERIES

S

ince incorporation in 1990, Ruppert Nurseries has become one of the premier large-caliper wholesale tree nurseries in the central and eastern United States, specializing in providing the highest quality stock available. The business started when brothers Craig and Chris Ruppert decided to venture into the nursery business by lining out with acres of nursery stock to help support the demands of the landscape market. In 1991, Ruppert Nurseries, Inc. was officially formed with the purchase of a well-known local nursery which included tree spades, land and field inventories.

In 1996, the land for Fall Creek Farm, the company’s current location was purchased and planted with an initial crop of 6,000 trees.

Ruppert Nurseries now has 600 acres and an inventory of more than 100,000 trees. More than 125 varieties of shade, ornamental, flowering, and evergreen trees are tended by a staff of about 35 employees, including three certified arborists. Although tree sales to landscape contractors, re-wholesalers and garden centers is the mainstay, Ruppert Nurseries also provides customers with a number of tree-related services.

They have trees spades ranging in size from 54-inch to 100-inch available to dig and install or to transplant trees from 2.5- to 12-inch in caliper. The nursery

also is able to supply trees larger than 12 inches in caliper by hand digging these larger-sized trees.

One of their particular areas of expertise is planting these large specimen trees in difficult sites on both commercial and residential properties. They are frequently brought in to plant trees over walls, into courtyards and onto rooftops.

“Ruppert’s spade division is able to move not only our own trees to a site but is also able to relocate existing trees within a property to a new location.” explained Ronda Roemmelt, Ruppert Sales Representative. “Not many people

General Manager Kelly Lewis and MidAtlantic Sales Rep Ronda Roemmelt

have the skill and knowledge to be able do that.”

Ruppert Nursery is wholesale only, but is willing to work with homeowners only when they are purchasing a very large tree which requires the use of a truckmounted tree spade.

Roemmelt handles sales to the Mid-Atlantic where the bulk of their material is shipped. Ruppert Nurseries does, however, ship (continued on page 40)

Ruppert is able to relocate large trees with their 100” spade Free State • 39

material that is 4 inches and up as opposed to more costconscious southern customers.

Roemmelt has been in the landscape/ horticultural industry her entire adult career of 25 years.

Previously, she had worked with Ruppert’s Landscape in the late 1990’s as a purchaser, estimator, project manager, and sales person.

She left, but returned to Ruppert specializes in providing large trees Ruppert material as far north as Maine Nurseries in 2013 and took on the and as far south and east as sales role, in addition to managing Atlanta, Dallas and Oklahoma. the sales team.

As trees continue to be short on Craig Ruppert is company CEO; the market while the demand his brother Chris has retired. remains high, Roemmelt says Craig’s current responsibilities they find themselves shipping include strategic planning, financial more material than ever to nonmanagement and personnel traditional markets. They also development. ship large quantities of material “Craig is very active in the to the northeastern United States business, but not on a daily as well as New England. These basis,” Roemmelt said. “He enjoys markets have remained particularly spending time in the nursery and strong even through the recession. is here as much as possible, but Construction in these areas has his primary focus is the landscape been consistent. Also, people business.” there place a higher value on Kelly Lewis, a Certified larger caliper trees. Most often Professional Horticulturist, is the these northern customers favor general manager, overseeing the

40 • Spring 2017

“

600 acres and an inventory of more than 100,000 trees.

More than 125 varieties of shade, ornamental, flowering, and evergreen trees

”

day-to-day operations and longterm planning activities. He started with Ruppert Nurseries in 1994.

Under Kelly’s guidance, the nursery has grown from a small niche nursery to a well-respected large grower.

Nick Graves, also a CPH, is nursery maintenance manager.

As grower, he is responsible for the hands-on care of the trees and their maintenance at the nursery and its satellite farms. He oversees liner planting, pruning, irrigation, weed control and turf maintenance. He has been with the company since 2006. Nick’s attention to detail has enabled Ruppert Nurseries to become one of the best growers in the nursery industry. Ruppert Nursery’s specialty pruning program was also developed under Nick’s creative genius. Utilizing European methods, “We have been creating espalier, archway, pleached trees, pollarded, and rooftop specimens.

can host these lunch and learn events at the farm or offsite in the customers’ office. These talks provide an opportunity for landscape architects to learn a bit about trees and gain a continuing education credit, all while enjoying a beautiful day on the farm and a The largest trees may require hand digging and boxing

catered lunch!

In the latter instance, trees are Ruppert Nurseries puts out a shaped to create a roof and are bi-monthly e-newsletter which put together like a puzzle in the includes current availability, landscape to create a ceiling features, and a blog by Roemmelt. effect, Roemmelt explained. When If you’d like to be on the list to planted together they create a which the newsletter is emailed, “living room.” contact her at rroemmelt@ Ashley Miles, CPH is inventory ruppertcompanies.com or call her manager. She has been with cell phone, (443) 336-5263. Email Ruppert since 2013. In her position, is the best contact, Roemmelt said.

Ashley helps maintain Ruppert’s “I’m not often sitting at a desk!” holdback pattern, a program that Ruppert Nurseries, at 7950 allows them to supply larger sized Hawkins Creamery Road in trees. When a block of young trees Laytonsville will host Maryland reaches 2.5 inches (or 8 inches), Nursery, Landscape, and Ashley will mark every other tree Greenhouse Association’s in a row as available, leaving every Field Day June 29 from 8 to other remaining tree (unavailable) 4 p.m. This fresh air summer until the majority of the block event invites fellow nurserymen, reaches 4 inches (12 inches). At educators, and industry specialists that time Ruppert will then release to come together to learn, every other row of trees for sale. teach, and enjoy an outstanding Roemmelt says, “I should also venue. Information is posted mention that we have a neat online at www.mnlga.org. ❦ program at our nursery. We offer a ‘lunch and learn’ series geared Carol Kinsley to landscape architects but open to any of our customers. Ruppert

The 54” spade moves trees for shipping

Getting ready for transport

Fall colors grace the landscape Free State • 41

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Interested in a subscription to

Free State News?

Contact us with your request and we’ll add you to the mailing list.

Subscriptions are $35 annually; MNLGA will invoice you upon receipt of your subscription request. (members need not subscribe) Name_________________________________________________ Business_______________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________ City, State, Zip_________________________________________ E-Mail_________________________________________________

WWW.BRAUNGROUP.COM

Mail/Fax or e-mail: Free State, MNLGA, P.O. Box 726, Brooklandville, MD 21022 or e-mail: freestate@mnlga.org

1-888-732-7286

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SAVE THE DATE 3/9/15 2:20 PM

Maryland Nursery, Landscape

and

Greenhouse Association

Field Day 2017 June 29, 2017 • 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Ruppert Nurseries, Laytonsville, MD FEATURING • Extension Station Morning Field Tours • Equipment Display and Shop Manager Q&A • Complete Afternoon Farm Tour and Large Tree Digging Demo • End-of-the-Day Q&A and Craft Beer sampling

Registration will soon open on www.mnlga.org.

Questions, please e-mail office@mnlga.org or call 410-823-8684.

42 • Spring 2017

MARYLAND

N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENHOUSE A S S O C I AT I O N , I N C .

American Hort

Horticulture “At the Table” at White House Craig J. Regelbrugge

On April 25, President Donald Trump held a “farmers’ roundtable” in the West Wing of the White House. Roughly a bakers’ dozen producers were invited, representing diverse geographies and industries. We were most fortunate to have horticulture at the table, the seat capably filled

by Tom Demaline, president and CEO of Willoway Nurseries, Avon, OH, and incoming Chairman of the Board of AmericanHort.

Rural America is widely credited with propelling President Trump to victory. Yet the slowness to name and confirm a Secretary of Agriculture had caused concern in the hinterlands. Just in time, the Senate voted 87-11 to confirm Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture on Monday evening, and he attended the White House agricultural leader event.

The Tuesday roundtable provided the backdrop for a new Executive Order on Promoting Agriculture and Rural Prosperity in America. The order establishes a task force, chaired by Perdue.

The task force will examine over a 180-day period various regulations affecting farmers, with emphasis on the Environmental Protection Agency, Food and Drug

Administration, and Departments of Labor and Interior.

The Executive Order touches on a wide range of issues, including labor. It explicitly states that the Task Force will look at ways to “ensure access to a reliable workforce and increase employment opportunities in agriculture-related and ruralfocused businesses.” Demaline and others around the table discussed the critical importance of both the current workforce and of the need for streamlined and efficient visa programs. Foreign-

born labor comprises the majority of the on-farm workforce, and when we are producing here, we are creating jobs in the farm-dependent economy. So, enhanced domestic production means farm-dependent job growth for Americans especially in rural areas.

AmericanHort will monitor progress of the Task Force and provide guidance and input as the process allows. ❦ Craig Regelbrugge Senior Vice President, AmericanHort

Photo Credit: USDA Free State • 45

Growing

with

Education

Late Blooming Ginny Rosenkranz

W

Magnolias

ith the unusual winter and early spring weather the past two years coupled with the warm autumn diving into freezing cold winter, followed by warm sunny days in February with below freezing nights, it might be a good idea to look at later blooming spring flowering plants.

Magnolia x soulangean, or the Saucer Magnolia, is a perfect plant to find the later blooming cultivars, or the early spring landscape will go from bright pinkish purple to a soft brown overnight after a warm day followed by a freezing night.

The plants themselves are cold hardy from USDA zones 4-9, but the fragrant spring flowers are

46 • Spring 2017

not quite that hardy. The plants themselves can grow into a multi-trunk tree or shrub with a rounded habit, reaching 15-25 feet tall and wide. The fragrant, cup shaped flowers can be as small as 3 inches or as large 10 inches wide, opening with the warmth of the sun and closing in the cool evening. Flower color ranges from pure white or cream to a dark rose, pink or violet outer petal with cream or pure white on the inside of the petal, giving the flower a delightful two toned look as the flowers open. Finding a late blooming cultivar can be a challenge, but what plant lover is not up to looking for just the right plant for that perfect spot?

‘Brozzonii’ is an old cultivar that blooms 2 weeks later than the early Saucer Magnolias with pure white 8 inch flowers. ‘Verbaica’ is also late blooming with rose colored outer side of the petal and lighter pink inside.

Both cultivars are successfully grown as far north as Connecticut and Chicago, Illinois. Newer cultivars were created in the 1950 at the National

Arboretum by Francis DeVos and William Kosar and named the ‘Little Girl’ Magnolias. Six of these were created as a cross between M. liliiflora ‘Nigra’ and M. stellate ‘Rosea’ and include ‘Ann’, ‘Betty’, ‘Judy’, ‘Randy’, ‘Rickie’ and ‘Susan’. ‘Pinkie’ was a cross between M. liliflora ‘Reflorescens’ x ‘Rosea’ and ‘Jane’ was created with a cross between M. liliflora ‘Reflorescens’ and M. stellata ‘Waterlily’. These Magnolias bloom in mid to late April, often avoiding the brown frozen look that no one wants to see in their garden. ‘Ann’ has7-9 inch long deep purple red flowers that expand to 4 inches across, while Betty’ has 8 inch reddish pink flower petals on the outside with white inside. ‘Susan’ is more compact in growth with 5 inch fragrant fuchsia on the outside of the petals and a pale fuchsia color on the inside of the petals.

All of these magnolias are not totally frost proof, but they all stand a better chance of brightening the landscape with their soft blooming. ❦ Ginny Rosenkranz Extension Educator, Commercial Horticulture, University of Maryland Extension, Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester County 410-749-6141 ext. 106

Rediscover PENDER NURSERY PHONE: 800-942-1648 FAX: 919-773-0904

ONLINE: www.PenderNursery.com 2620 Wall Store Road

•

Garner, NC 27529

Free State • 47

Chesapeake Green 2018 AN ANNUAL HORTICULTURE SYMPOSIUM MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Wednesday and Thursday February 21 and 22 BWI Hilton Linthicum Heights, MD

Check the website during the coming year for more details.

48 â&#x20AC;¢ Spring 2017

Crop Insurance

Protect your farming future

Nursery Provides protection from loss due to natural hazards Field and container grown can be insured separately Losses can be determined separately by plant type with buy-up protection Optional endorsements include peak inventory, field grown rehabiliation and higher price protection Enrollment available throughout the year with a 30 day waiting period before insurance attaches.

Contact a crop insurance agent for details list available at: http://prodwebnlb.rma.usda.gov/apps/AgentLocator/#/ This message brought to you through a cooperative effort of the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the USDA Risk Management Agency.

“This institution is an equal opportunity provider.”

Secretary of Agriculture Joseph Bartenfelder Dep. Secretary James P. Eichhorst

www.mda.maryland.gov

Governor Larry Hogan Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford Free State • 49

Industry News

Alternative Weed Control Method for Greenhouse Propagation HRI Endorsed Project Progresses with FNRI Funds

WASHINGTON, DC and COLUMBUS, OH—March 15, 2017— An Agricultural Research Service (ARS) horticulturist is exploring an alternative method for controlling weeds in greenhouse propagation systems by using steam or hot water to kill weed seeds.

Dr. James Altland and his colleagues at ARS in Wooster, OH, with funding in part from the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI), have started documenting the critical temperature and exposure time needed for killing weed seeds with hot water or steam. The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) works closely with FNRI to steer research funds to projects like this one addressing propagation challenges.

Weed control in propagation is difficult because it primarily occurs in greenhouses or other covered structures where herbicides are neither labeled nor safe for use. Reuse of plastic propagation trays and containers exacerbates the weed problem. Seeds of many weeds, most notably bittercress (Cardamine flexuosa) and creeping woodsorrel (Oxalis corniculata), stick to plastic containers and trays and are

reintroduced into the production system when these containers and trays are reused.

Heat from steam or hot-water will kill weed seeds.

There is an abundance of research on the use of soil solarization to reduce weed seed populations and other pests in soil. Soil solarization, however, is a slow process that involves covering the ground with plastic to heat soil over several days or weeks.

Research on soil solarization has established thermal killing temperatures over the range of 40 to 70 °C with exposure times of hours to days. Use of hot-water or steam to kill weed seed would ideally use higher temperatures for shorter periods of time (seconds or minutes).

There is also evidence from some nursery producers that heat or steam will provide effective weed control.

In Oregon, some nurseries have adopted the Grower Assisted Inspection Program (GAIP) to prevent the spread of the pathogen Phytophthora ramorum. Part of this program includes the use of hot-water for killing P. ramorum on reused plastic by dipping it in a water

Steam sanitation: Large shipping containers can be converted to steam treat recycled plastic containers for both weed and disease control.

50 • Spring 2017

6 1

2 Weed sanitation: Seeds of several container weeds readily stick to plastic containers and germinate around the edge when old containers are reused. Notice the brown bittercress seed sticking to the container sides, along with germinating weeds.

tank at 80 °C for 15 minutes. While this control point was intended to prevent the spread of P. ramorum, it has also proven very effective in reducing bittercress populations.

Currently, there is no published (or otherwise) information on how high the temperature or how long the exposure time must be to provide 100% control of weeds common in greenhouse propagation. The most cited publication is over 60 years old and suggests that “most weed seeds” are killed with temperatures of 70 to 80 °C when exposed for 30 minutes. However, the same authors indicate that a few resistant weed seeds require 90 to 100 °C. So far, Altland’s research has found that creeping woodsorrel required exposure to 90 °C for at least 5 minutes for 100% control. Bittercress was completely controlled with 90 °C water at just 1 minute.

Altland’s research is updating an old tool with specific information on which temperatures and exposure times can be used to eliminate weeds seeds between successive crops in propagation.

For additional information, please contact Jennifer Gray, HRI Administrator, at 614-884-1155 or jenniferg@ americanhort.org. ❦

3 4 5 6

Good Reasons Your Company Should Advertise in the MNLGA’s Free State Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse News Free State Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse News is seen by members of Maryland’s Nursery, Landscaping and Garden Center Industries and is the leading publication for members of the Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association (circulation to members and CPHers is about 600 unique individuals) Free State Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse News enhances your ad by providing important industry specific articles which are educational and informative, and with the new digital version, readers are sent directly to your website via links Free State Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse News helps promote your company and product while providing direct access to readers in Maryland’s Green Industries Articles appearing in Free State Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse News are contributed by highly regarded members of the industry, many of whom have a lifetime of knowledge and are frequently published Free State Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse News is a cost effective way to help keep your name out in front of and reach your customers Free State Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse News helps support the association in its endeavors on behalf of the green industry in the state of Maryland

For more information on advertising in the Free State Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse News contact Kelly Finney at MNLGA at 410-823-8684 or e-mail freestate@mnlga.org

Photo credit: Jim Owen at Virginia Tech University Free State • 51

Green Garden Club Tour the Gardens of Lancaster Join GWA on the morning of June 17th, as members from across the region gather for a day of tours and beautiful plants in the Lancaster region of Pennsylvania. The morning will start with a tour of The Center for Pollinator Research at Pennsylvania State University. During our time at Penn State, GWA members will have the chance to explore the work of the center and their efforts to improve pollinator health, as well as a visit to Penn State’s Trial Gardens.

Lunch is provided, and will be served at the Lancaster History Museum and Tanger Arboretum. The remainder of the afternoon will be spent traveling and visiting the Freet Garden, Jossel Fears Garden and will culminate with a trunk show and dinner at the John Wright Restaurant.

Early bird registration ends on Friday, May 19. Visit GWA’s website for more information and to register for this great event.

Upcoming Events: GWA’s 69th Annual Conference & Expo GWA’s biggest event of the year, the 2017 Annual Conference & Expo, is heading to Buffalo, New York, August 4-7, and you’re invited. This year’s conference features a line-up of unforgettable events and experiences, including beautiful gardens, engaging education sessions, industry all-stars, essential networking and so much more.

Connect Join garden writers, bloggers, photographers, speakers and communicators from across the world for special events designed to make new connections and reconnect with old friends, including networking events and receptions, all culminating with the 2017

52 • Spring 2017

Annual Awards & Honors Dinner. And don’t forget to head to the Expo for a colorful showcase of new varieties, products and services from exhibitors changing the horticultural landscape.

Learn This year’s education schedule will be jam-packed with insightful and dynamic sessions from leaders in the industry, focusing on horticulture, writing, technology, business, publishing and much more. Back by popular demand, roundtable topics will feature exciting shortformat sessions made to inspire and inform. This year’s keynotes will include horticultural all-stars Kevin Gaughan and Robin Kimmerer.

Grow Buffalo is home to breathtaking public and private gardens and this year’s tour line-up will feature a

fantastic group of gardens, covering a wide array of techniques and trends. Enjoy special access to amazing public gardens as well as exclusive tours of beautiful private gardens, including a Horticulture Heritage Tour that includes Buffalo Olmsted Park, Darwin Martin House, Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Garden, Draves Arboretum, as well as a visit to Niagara Falls.

Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn and grow with GWA. To register and learn more, please visit our website: gardenwriters.org/Annual-ConferenceExpo-2017. ❦

CareerNext Summit 2017 CareerNext defines tracks to professional livelihoods in the world of ornamental horticulture. This oneday powerhouse lineup of garden media superstars is designed for students looking to grow education into stable jobs in the industry, veteran communicators looking to redefine career goals and confident professionals diversifying their toolbox with state-of-the-art media awareness!

Let us expand your horizons; dare to challenge your occupational rut. Join us at CareerNext for a fabulous, fun and functional day of self-discovery, networking and creative career-crafting!

Free State • 53

2017-2018 Event Calendar MAY May 23, 2017 Evening Plant Diagnostic Clinic Location: Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD Contact: UMD Extension & MAA, 410-321-8082

JULY July 29-August 2, 2017 ISA Annual International Conference and Trade Show Location: Washington, DC www.isa.org

JUNE June 2, 2017 Procrastinators Pesticide Recertification Conference Location: Wye Research & Education Center, Queenstown Contact: UMD, 410-749-6147, rosnkrnz@umd.edu

June 9, 2017 2017 Pesticide Recertification Location: 18410 Muncaster Road, Derwood, MD Contact: UMD, 301-590-2807, cfs@umd.edu

June 29, 2017 MNLGA Field Day Location: Ruppert Nurseries, Laytonsville, MD Contact: MNLGA, 410-823-8684 www.mnlga.org

54 â&#x20AC;¢ Spring 2017

AUGUST August 19, 2017 Green Industry Summer Picnic Location: Just This Side of Paradise Contact: MNLGA, 410-823-8684, office@mnlga.org

SEPTEMBER September 13, 2017 MAEF/MNLGA Scholarship Golf Tournament Location: Hampstead, MD Contact: MAEF 410-939-3090g

OCTOBER October 3, 2017 CPH – Basic Exam Location: MD Dept. of Agriculture Contact: MNLGA, 410-823-8684, office@mnlga.org

October 3, 2017 CPH – Specialist Exam – Plant ID Location: MD Dept. of Agriculture Contact: MNLGA, 410-823-8684, office@mnlga.org

JANUARY January 10-12, 2018 Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show Location: Baltimore Convention Center Contact: MANTS, 410-296-6959, info@mants.com

MARCH NOVEMBER November 3, 2017 Turning a New Leaf Conference Location: Dulles Hilton, Herndon, VA Contact: www.chesapeakelandscape.org/ new-leaf

March 20-23, 2018 The 9th International IPM Symposium Location: Baltimore Harborplace Hotel, Baltimore, MD Contact: 217-244-8174, mmarqua2@illinois.edu For a full and updated calendar of events, and to find registration information and event links, please visit the MNLGA website at mnlga.org.

Free State • 55

Press Release

Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentive Program For Nursery Operators Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) is a voluntary conservation program that helps agricultural producers and landowners in a manner that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. Through EQIP, the producers receive financial and technical assistance to implement structural and management conservation practices that optimize environmental benefits on working agricultural land.

Applicant must: • Control or own eligible land • Comply with adjusted gross income limitation (AGI) provisions • Be in compliance with the highly erodible land and wetland conservation requirements • Develop an NRCS EQIP plan of operations Where to start: Producers must have a current conservation plan in order to apply for EQIP. Start at your local Soil Conserva-tion District to ensure you have a plan, are in compliance with the requirements above, and discuss the options best for your operation.

Potential Practices for Nurseries: Take the first step! Reach out to your local soil conservation district.

• Chemical handling facility • Constructed wetland • Cover crops • Drainage water management • Forage & biomass planting • Field border • Filter strip • Integrated pest management • Irrigation water management • Nutrient management • Wetland creation, enhancement or restoration Conservation Activity Plans: • Energy Management Plan • Drainage Water Management Plan • Integrated Pest Management Plan • Irrigation Water Management Plan • Pollinator Habitat Enhancement Plan * Eligibility for and necessity of each of these practices and plans is operation specific. For example, forage and biomass planting between rows would depend on whether the nursery could maintain that cover for 5 years.

Take the first step! Reach out to your local soil conservation district.

Do you have commentary, opinion, press release, or an educational contribution for Free State?

We love to hear from our members—whether it be news from your company, your ideas on industry happenings, or an educational piece that would be informative to your peers. If you would like to share your news, please submit your contributions to Free State via freestate@mnlga.org.

Contributions are due April 1, July 1, and November 1. Contribute as you like, or year round.

Questions about Free State, please give us a call at 410-823-8684.

PUBLICATION NOTICE: The deadline for submissions for the summer issue of Free State Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse News is July. 1, 2017.

We welcome your company news and updates or columns with your professional insight.

E-mail any submissions you have for Free State Free State News to freestate@mnlga.org Magnolias or mail to: NURSERY

Late Bloom ing

Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association P.O. Box 726, Brooklandville, MD 21022

Inventory Snapshot

Boxwood Bligh t Complian ce

Agreement New Finding on Exotic Ambrosia Beetle

Highlights from: • Chesapeake Green • MNLGA Annua l Meeting • MANTS

56 • Spring 2017

Spring 2017 Vol. XLIV No. 1

, LANDS CAPE AN D GREEN HOUSE N EWS

MANTS

®

JANUARY 10-12, 2018

BALTIMORE CONVENTION CENTER

THE MASTERPIECE OF TRADE SHOWS™ Technology has certainly changed our lives, but in the nursery industry there still remains a vital need to conduct business face to face. And MANTS has been fulfilling that need artfully for 48 years now. Over 11,000 attendees, representing over 3,600 buying companies and nearly 1,000 exhibiting companies, attended our most recent show.

Buyers and sellers come together at our 300,000 square feet of exhibit space every January to conduct serious business, with no distractions.

But when the work day is over, and it is time to unwind and relax, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers an impressive list of fine restaurants and attractions.

Sure, you can find plenty of important information on the web. But you still need to attend MANTS to get the job done.

Remember, MANTS means business.

www.mants.com

P.O. Box 818 Brooklandville, MD 21022 410-296-6959 800-431-0066 fax 410-296-8288

On-line Registration is available 24/7 beginning October 1.

@mantsbaltimore #mants

Industry Regulations

Transportation Regulations – Enforcement Warning Many trucks used in the landscape and other trades have a registration GVW of 16,500 lbs. It is legal for a non-CDL driver to operate such vehicle. However, if a 16,500 lb. GVW vehicle is attached to a 10,000 lb.

GVW trailer, the total weight of 26,500 lbs. exceeds the legal limit of 26,000 lbs. combined GVW weight for an operator with a standard license.

Currently, the DOT is vigorously enforcing the 26,000 combined GVW weight regulation. An operator with a CDL could be summoned to court and/or his company or he be fined or worse for noncompliance.

It seems that manufacturers of trailers can indicate various weights for the same trailer. So, a trailer that may be actually 14,000 lbs. GVW might be registered 10,000 lbs. GVW and unless the trailer was specifically ordered from the manufacturer at 10,000lbs even the MVA registration stating such may not be acceptable to the DOT. Even if it is, it still raises a problem of the combined weight of the vehicle and the trailer pulled.

For current information and to be sure of compliance, contact the department of transportation Motor Vehicle Administration- MVA http://www.mva. maryland.gov/. ❦

Delivering the Confidence You Desire and the Value You Deserve for over 40 years * Our Landscape Distribution Center has an Extensive Selection of Quality Plant Material Available for Pickup or Delivery * Field Grown Material Available for Personal Selection * Potted Liners

Thoughts submitted by Oliver Hardy, MNLGA board director.

15601 Manor Rd, Monkton, MD 21111 410-771-4700 fax 410-771-8246 sales@manorview.com

www.manorview.com

58 • Spring 2017

Bright Ideas

Logos Exhibit Design Vehicle Graphics

Advertising Brochures Direct Mail

Fresh Solutions

Gregory J. Cannizzaro Graphic Design 410-444-5649 â&#x20AC;˘ gjc.graphicdesign@yahoo.com Lowry_full ad_MNLGA_Nov2016_print.indd 1

11/30/16 6:04 PM

MNLGA Green Industry Picnic August 19, 2017 Hosted by Rutley family at Just This Side of Paradise Farm 15240 Frederick Road, Woodbine, MD 21797

Featuring the Mayo Family Band for some great music Family games, good food, bonfire, camping available for those who want to keep the fun going!

Bring the whole family! Great chance to pal around with industry colleagues and family

Enjoy an afternoon of family fun Free State â&#x20AC;˘ 59

Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association (MNLGA) Affinity Programs

Getting the Most of Your Membership Office Depot • High use office items

discounted up to 85% • Everday office essentials catalog items discounted up to 70% • Discounted copy, print and binding services • Full line promotional products catalog selection discounted up to 20%

PartnerShip • Discount shipping

program through AmericanHort partnership • Small Package Discounts using FedEx • FedEx Express Discounts including Overnight, 2Day, International Services, and Saver programs as much as 27% • Save on Truckload and Tradeshow Shipments • FedEx Ground and Home Delivery discounts starting at 5% • PartnerShip LTL freight discounts

60 • Spring 2017

Commercial Friends and Family Program • Invoice pricing on all vehicles in stock. Pricing for

locates are on a case by case basis.

• Brands include Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ford and Ram. Expanding to other brands soon.

• All incentives that are being offered will be deducted from invoice pricing • Up-fits offered at employee cost • $500 off any negotiated price for used vehicles • Honor all Fleet accounts and if needed can be established with Ford or Chrysler • Discount delivery vehicle program or if qualified, courtesy delivery to local dealer

Plant and Supply Locator • All MNLGA members

receive 6 months of free unlimited online Plant Booth listings • Free subscription to Plant Locator magazine • After free 6 month period, members will receive: – Ability to keep 5 listings online free for an additional two years – MNLGA members already listing in print will receive equivalent online plant listings – Discounted packages for listings in print and online

TireBuyer.com • 5-10% discount on tire purchase • Free shipping on many products • Over 110 warehouses in the US, over 8,500 nationwide installation partners

• All other purchases qualify for either free shipping or discounted shipping

• Lower shipping rates than industry averages when shipping to a home or business

For full program description, discounts offered, and access to program contact information, log into the MNLGA membership portal on the MNLGA website. Portal access is located on the upper right hand corner of all pages of the website. If you do not recall your access credentials, simply select the link, “Forgot Your Password,” and you will be given instructions on how to proceed.

Shell – Fleet Plus Fuel Program • 15 cents off per gallon on fuel purchases from Shell for 12 months

• After 12 months, tier structure rebate program • No minimum gallons required • Built in security and purchase controls • Online account management • Comprehensive reporting • No transaction fees, no card fees, and no report fees

Free State • 61

You only grow the best.

Why not offer your customers the best in advice, too!

Certified Professional Horticulturists (CPH) provide either â&#x20AC;&#x153;do-it-yourselfâ&#x20AC;? or professional landscape installation and maintenance advice.

Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturist Program

For more information contact the Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association at 410-823-8684 or visit www.mnlga.org

Cultivate your business with a Certified Professional Horticulturist

Directory of Advertisers Firm Name

MARYLAND

N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENHOUSE A S S O C I AT I O N , I N C .

Angelica Nurseries, Inc.

Page Outside Back Cover

Babikow Greenhouses Braun Horticulture

42

Cam Too Camellia Nursery, Inc.

32

Mission Statement

Cavano’s Perennials

The purpose of the Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association is to promote the use of ornamental plants, products, and services.

The association supports all constituent groups of the horticulture industry including landscape, garden centers, interiorscape, grounds maintenance, nursery, greenhouse, and arboriculture. The association communicates the role of the horticulture industry in improving people’s quality of life.

Chesapeake Green Symposium

Specific Goals Promote professionalism through education programs for members and the public and by encouraging enrollment in educational institutions.

Monitor state and local laws relating to horticulture industry.

Participate actively in legislative and regulatory processes.

Promote the use of environmentally sound practices in the horticulture industry.

Monitor and communicate to members developments in allied industries including agritechnology.

Support donations of plant products and services to state and community programs.

Support research relevant to the horticulture industry.

Participate in Maryland agricultural organizations.

Inside Front Cover

8 48

CPH 62 Foxborough Nursery

Inside Back Cover

Gregory J. Cannizzaro Design

59

Greenstreet Growers

44

MAEF/MNLGA Golf Tournament

48

MDA Crop Insurance

49

Holly Hill Farms

17

Homestead Horticultural Supply

43

Lowry and Company

59

Manor View Farm

58

MANTS 57 MD Ag Ed Foundation MNLGA Affinity Program

18 60-61

MNLGA Field Day

42

MNLGA On-Line

38

MNLGA Green Industry Picnic

59

OHP 1 Pender Nursery

47

Walnut Springs Nursery, Inc.

13

Waverly Farm

19

To join the growing list of companies who advertise in the Free State Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse News or for more information, please call Vanessa or Kelly in the MNLGA office at 410-823-8684.

Visit the association website at: mnlga.org. E-mail Free State News at freestate@mnlga.org.

Free State • 63

Chairs and Committees Education Ted Carter – Co-Chair Ronda Roemmelt – Co-Chair Jessica Ahrweiler Angela Burke Dave Clement Hank Doong Stanton Gill Pete Gilmore Brett Karp Mary Kay Malinoski John Murphy Karen Rane Andrew Ristvey Ginny Rosenkranz Brent Rutley Chuck Schuster Nominating Mark Dougherty – Chair Richard J. Watson

Finance and Planning Carrie Engel – Chair Steve Black Jessica Todd Larry Hemming Link/Shanks Scholarship Mark Dougherty – Chair MANTS Jan S. Carter Bernard E Kohl, Jr. William A. M. Verbrugge Membership Committee Rich Poulin Greg Stacho Awards - Professional Achievement, Carville M. Akehurst Michael Marshall– Co-Chair Kevin Clark - Co-Chair Historian George Mayo – Chair

Legislative/MaGIC James R. McWilliams– Chair Mark Schlossberg All Officers and Directors Alan Jones Bernie Kohl CPH George Mayo - Chair Steve Black Shelley Hicks Cindy King Andrew Ristvey Martha Simon-Pindale Bob Trumbule Gaye Williams Scholarship Bernie Kohl, Jr. – Chair Hank Doong Leslie Hunter Cario Jessica Todd George Mayo Mary Claire Walker Economic Survey Steve Black Bernie Kohl George Mayo Dr. John Lea-Cox Strategic Planning Steve Black Brent Rutley George Mayo John Murphy John Lea-Cox (UMD rep) Jerry Faulring Carrie Engel MDA Representative ADVISORS TO THE BOARD Kimberly Rice MD Department of Agriculture Dr. John Lea-Cox University of Maryland

ADVISORS TO OTHERS CCLC – Ches. Bay Professional Landscape Certification (CBPL) Kody Cario Invasive Plant Advisory Committee Brent Cassell LEAD Maryland Vanessa Finney Maryland Agriculture Commission Marion Mullan Ray Greenstreet Vanessa Finney (at-large) Maryland Farm Bureau Larry Hemming Vanessa Finney MAEF George Mayo Maryland Invasive Species Council (MISC) John Peter Thompson Leslie Hunter Cario MDA Nutrient Management Advisory Committee Signe Hanson Amy Crowl University of Maryland – Dean’s Global Leadership Council Vanessa Finney Young Farmers Advisory Council Jessica Todd Every member of every committee listed above is an individual who volunteers their time in support for the MNLGA and it is with the utmost gratitude and appreciation that we thank you for your selfless endeavors.

If your name is not listed above, please consider following the example of those who are. Contact Vanessa at 410-823-8684 with your interest.

64 • Spring 2017

3611 MILLER RD â&#x20AC;¢ STREET, MD 21154 p. 410.836.7023 f. 410-452-5131

View photos and plant information: www.foxboroughnursery.com

Foxborough Nursery