The Scoop Online - December 2022

LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

Those Fabled Lawns of Yesteryear

8 Events 16 Northern Green 2023

Join us at Northern Green 2023 to meet vendors, learn, and network with industry peers. 27 How to Choose a GILI Candidate

Consider these factors when choosing a candidate for the 2023 Green Industry Leadership Institute.

Not a Nut Nuts are commonly labeled as such when often they belong to completely different classifications.

Government Affairs Felipe Illescas shares MNLA legislative priorities for 2023.

Day on the Hill 2023 Join us on March 2, 2023, for the Green Industry Day on the Hill to share industry priorities with legislators.

Executive Board Candidate Profiles

Don’t forget to vote! MNLA Board candidate profiles are available in this issue.

Northern Green Silent Auction

The MNLA Foundation is now accepting donations for the Northern Green Silent Auction.

MNLA Foundation Partners Fund Invest in the future of the green industry by contributing to the MNLA Foundation Workforce Development Partners Fund.

Cover photo: iStock.com/RobertScottJacobs. Table of Contents Images: Top Left: iStock.com/bakhtiar_zein. Middle: iStock.com/beekeepx. Bottom: iStock.com/filo.

MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

Successful Businesses Grow Here! 1813 Lexington Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113 651-633-4987 • Fax: 651-633-4986

Outside the metro area, toll free: 888-886-MNLA, Fax: 888-266-4986 www.MNLA.biz • www.NorthernGreen.org

Mission: The mission of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is to help members grow successful businesses.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Randy Berg, President

Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 • randy@bergsnursery.com

Matt Mallas, Vice-President

SiteOne Landscape Supply 763-512-2849 • mmallas@siteone.com

Terri McEnaney, Secretary-Treasurer Bailey Nurseries 651-459-9744 • terri.mcenaney@baileynursery.com

Faith Appelquist, MNLA-CP Tree Quality LLC 612-618-5244 • faith@treequality.com

Greg Krogstad

Rainbow Treecare 952-922-3810 • gkrogstad@rainbowtreecare.com

Patrick McGuiness

Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC 651-331-6500 • pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com

John O’Reilly

Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping 952-473-5425 • j.oreilly@ottenbros.com

Nick Sargent, MNLA-CP

Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. 507-289-0022 • njsargent@sargentsgardens.com

Jim Shimon

Willow River Company — Landscaping & Tree Farm 715-386-3196 • jimshimon@willowrivertree.com

Cassie Larson, CAE

MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • cassie@mnla.biz

STAFF DIRECTORY

Executive Director: Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz

Associate Director: Jon Horsman, CAE • jon@mnla.biz

Dir. of Government Affairs: Felipe Illescas • felipe@mnla.biz

Education & Cert Mgr: Hallie Chasensky • hallie@mnla.biz

Communications Coor: Brianna Burns • brianna@mnla.biz

Regulatory Affairs Mgr: Jim Calkins • jim@mnla.biz

Foundation Program Mgr: Paulette Sorenson • paulette@mnla.biz

Administrative Assistant: Louise Nemmers • louise@mnla.biz

Accountant: Pam Helgeson • accounting@mnla.biz

Advertising Sales: 763-295-5420

Betsy Pierre, Advertising Mgr • betsy@pierreproductions.com

Legislative Affairs Consultant: Doug Carnival

Anderson Nurseries, Inc. 51

Aspen Equipment 45

Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes 3

BCS/Max Distributing 51

Bullis Insurance Agency .................................................................... 30

Central Landscape Supply 55

Compeer Financial 15

Cushman Motor Company 37

Davey Twin Cities Wood Products ................................................... 26 Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ............................................................... 11

Frost Inc 51

Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply 2 Glacial Ridge Growers 26

Green Turf Sod Farms .......................................................................... 4

Jeff Belzer Chevrolet 28–29

Jeff Martin Auctioneers 46

Kubota 15

Lano Equipment, Inc. ......................................................................... 26

Maguire Agency ................................................................................... 36

Minnesota Propane Association 34

Monroe Truck Equipment 53

Niebur Tractor & Equipment 30

Out Back Nursery ................................................................................ 15

Plaisted Companies 7

Rock Hard Landscape Supply 36

SiteOne Landscape Supply 41

SMSC Organics Recycling Facility .................................................... 46

Spring Meadow Nursery/Proven Winners Color Choice .............. 9

The Resultants 11

The Tessman Company 30

Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. 48

Versa-Lok Midwest

Ziegler CAT

............................................................................. 21

The Scoop, December 2022, Issue 12 is issued monthly, 12 times per year. All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2022, and may not be used without written permission of MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113. Subscription price is $99 for one year, which is included with member dues. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Scoop, MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113.

Editorial Contributions. You are invited to share your expertise and perspective. Article ideas and manuscripts should, whenever possible, reflect real and specific experiences. When submitting an article, please contact the editor at brianna@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987. MNLA reserves the right to edit all Scoop content.

NORTHERN GREEN 2023

Save the Date for the premier event for green industry professionals in the northern region. Exhibit booths are available. Registration is now open. Northerngreen.org

GREEN INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE APPLICATION DEADLINE

Become a stronger, more confident leader when you participate in the leadership development program designed with a green industry focus. MNLA.biz

MNLA PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAM

Sit for the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2023. Additional February Date: February 24. Registration is limited. MNLA Office, Roseville, MN ➽ www.mnla.biz/events

GREEN INDUSTRY DAY ON THE HILL

The Day on the Hill is a critical opportunity for YOU to build relationships with elected officials and raise awareness about issues impacting your business, workforce, and the industry as a whole. Sign up to join your colleagues in Saint Paul. Saint Paul ➽ MNLA.biz

MNLA PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAM

Sit for the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2023. Additional Dates: March 10 and 24. Registration is limited. MNLA Office, Roseville, MN ➽ www.mnla.biz/events

MINNESOTA SHADE TREE SHORT COURSE

A two-day course for everyone involved in urban forestry, arboriculture, and the green industry. Minnesota Certified Tree Inspectors will be re-certified by attending the entire short course. ISA Certified Arborist© CEUs are available for most sessions. Arden Hills ➽ mnstsc.org

on industry events: MNLA.biz/events. Free, member-only videos: MNLA.biz/OnlineEducation.

Incrediball® smooth hydrangeas are a landscaper’s dream come true. Not only do they have super-large blooms on sturdy stems, but they thrive where other hydrangeas fall short. If you’re tired of explaining to customers why their hydrangea doesn’t bloom, sell them success with Incrediball® hydrangeas.

Cassie Larson MNLA Executive Director

Northern Green 2024: Launching a New Chapter!

The challenges of the past few years have given everyone reason to pause, examine, and reassess. During the past several months, a collection of board members and committee members have been meeting to discuss how to make our feature event, Northern Green, even more relevant to today’s green industry needs.

After gathering feedback from members, exhibitors, and volunteers — we’re so excited to share that Northern Green will be transforming starting in January of 2024. Trade shows and events are evolving, and we are continu ously striving to bring you the next best thing. The future is BRIGHT, and we’re excited for you to join us on this evolving adventure.

First, you’ll notice that we’re on the move! We heard loud and clear from members and exhibitors that there was a desire to move the show out of Minneapolis fol lowing the tragic events of recent years. While we have enjoyed nearly 20 years at the Minneapolis Convention Center, evolution and growth often demand change … and so we’re pleased to launch a new chapter of the Northern Green story in Saint Paul, and in addition, showcase a new and interactive Northern Green October event that will be held at the MN State Fairgrounds. We’ll be able to celebrate the season kick off and start to wrap up the year

with a Northern Green experience on both ends! Northern Green becomes a year-round hub for all communities of the green industry, with the education, networking, and tools you need to grow your business and career.

The indoor portion of the event will still take place in January, just one week later, January 23–25, 2024 with events at RiverCentre, Roy Wilkins Auditorium, as well as a variety of other event and restaurant locations close by in Saint Paul. Finding your colleagues and making connections is at the center of the event’s design. So, we invite you to join us in the all-new Northern Green Villag es — each community within the larger event will have education, product and service showcases, social events, and peer sharing designed specifically for the communi ty’s needs. For example, are you a landscape designer who wants to connect with other designers and architects? Are you a landscape management pro who wants to meet with other lawn and landscape pros? The goal is to provide an

experience with tools and connections you can take back to your workplace to be even more effective.

The addition of an outdoor component to the Northern Green umbrella allows for more demonstrations, hands-on education/installa tions, and interactive experiences at the oneday October event in 2024. Plus, suppliers will be able to feature outdoor equipment in its natural environment — test drive a mower, take a spin in that mini-excavator, or purchase a plow for the upcoming snow season. A variety of quick-hitting educational events will also be included.

Both event components, January and October, will feature curated social events to network and engage with your industry peers. This will be your opportunity to connect in a low-key, fun, and intentional way. Not everyone wants to interact in the same way, so we’ll have a variety of experiences from which to choose.

Finally, we’ll be launching a new flexible subscription registration model — register for one event or both all at one time to make it as easy as possible. Plus, send different team members on the same ticket!

While the big picture pieces are in place, many details are still in the development process. Are you interested in participating? We’d love to hear your ideas or have you join a team or committee that will help with the planning process. Please reach out, and we’ll get you connected.

Regardless, we hope you’ll plan to join us for the next chapter of the Northern Green story in Saint Paul in January and October 2024 — you won’t want to miss it!

➽ MNLA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CASSIE LARSON can be reached at 651-633-4987 or cassie@mnla.biz.

THE ADDITION OF AN OUTDOOR COMPONENT TO THE NORTHERN GREEN UMBRELLA ALLOWS FOR MORE DEMONSTRATIONS, HANDS-ON EDUCATION/ INSTALLATIONS, AND INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES AT THE ONE-DAY OCTOBER EVENT IN 2024.

LEADING PEOPLE

Who Are Different Than You

Steve Keating Toro, Inc.

ALL LEADERS, ineffective and effective leaders alike, have the same two problems. So, problem might not be the right word, but they all have the same challenges. The first challenge is that they are human. The second is that the people they lead are human too.

Humans don’t automatically like all other humans. We somehow find it easier to connect with people we like. We tend to stay closer to them. We talk more with people we like than people we don’t. I’m no psychologist but it seems to me we are more drawn to people who look like us, act like us, have the same backgrounds, and have the same beliefs. While that may be normal, it seldom helps us grow and develop.

We need the diversity of backgrounds, beliefs, and life experiences to broaden our thinking and open ourselves up to new opportunities. Leaders who hope to excel need that same broadening of their thinking. It is particularly important for leaders to embrace that diversity. Leaders must care for their people before they can effectively lead them. If you’re a leader who doesn’t truly know and value the people you lead then it will be almost impossible for you to lead them.

If leaders aren’t careful and intentional about how and where they invest their time, they will naturally invest a disproportionate amount of their time with those members of their organization that they are most like. But Authentic Leaders understand that it is their responsibility to lead and develop their entire team, not only the team members they like the most, and not only the team members who are most like them.

Authentic Leaders are aware of their bias es, both conscious and unconscious. They put processes in place to make certain those biases don’t get in the way of developing their people. Any of their people. They schedule time with every member of their team. That time includes discussions about work but also about the person. They ask questions to understand the entire person. They want to know about the person’s goals and what help they could use to achieve them.

As a leader, it is incumbent upon you to make judgments about your people. It is also important that you do so in a non-judgmental way. You can do neither of those unless you get rid of any biases you may have and the only way to rid yourself of those biases is to know and understand the person.

I have been personally challenged in my life to overcome some of those biases. Years ago, our daughter brought her new boyfriend over for dinner. I’m almost embarrassed to say I was shocked by his appearance the moment he walked in the door. I had all the doubts that a parent would have. I questioned how we raised her and where we went off track. I wondered what our family and friends would say if they ever met him.

But I’m kind of proud to say I pushed myself to expand my thinking. We had good conver sations, a nice dinner, and even played a few games after. As different as he looked when he walked in the door, I barely even noticed the Green Bay Packers jersey as he left.

You may find that funny but it’s a realistic example of how unfounded biases can impact how we deal with people if we’re not careful. As a leader, you are an example of successful behavior for ALL your people. If you want more open communication, better sharing of ideas, increased sharing of best practices, and more overall collaboration then you need to demonstrate the value of diversity within your organization. You can talk about the value of diversity all you want but your people will do what you do far faster than they will do what you say.

Leading people who are different from you can be very challenging. It can also be incredibly rewarding. It’s all in how you look at it. I hope you focus on the rewards rather than the challenges. ➽ WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STEVE? He will be teaching a Master Class at Northern Green! Register at northern green.org

AS A LEADER, IT IS INCUMBENT UPON YOU TO MAKE JUDGMENTS ABOUT YOUR PEOPLE. IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO SO IN A NON-JUDGMENTAL WAY.

LAURA KATEN has more than 20 years experience in the communication industry. She travels over 100 days a year for speaking engagements, and has spent the last 15 years specifically focused on helping individuals to increase self-awareness around communication habits that either support or unconsciously undermine their success.

GREEN INDUSTRY AWARDS CELEBRATION

RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE

GREEN INDUS

TUESDAY, JAN. 10, 4:30-6:30 P.M. TICKETS: $75 ($85 ONSITE)

AWARDS

Join colleagues and special guests in the Gallery at the Hilton Minneapolis for a celebration of Minnesota’s green industry on Tuesday, January 10, from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening with your fellow professionals, delectable food, outstanding projects, and fun as we celebrate service, research, leadership, creativity, innovation, and dedication. Kick off your year in style at the Green Industry Awards Celebration!

$75.00 per ticket. One drink, all food stations, dessert & coffee included with ticket purchase. Cash bar is available throughout the event.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

COMMUNICATING FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT!

Join us as we kick off the Northern Green in the main auditorium with international author and communication specialist, Laura Katen! Her talk titled Communicating for Maximum Impact! will highlight some of most important communication strategies that could mean the difference between your professional— and personal—success or stagnation.

This talk will focus around:

• Critical characteristics assumed

• Reversing a negative impression

• Nonverbal messaging

• Undermining words to avoid

• Giving your message immediate value

• Communicating your credibility

• The dos and taboos of virtual communication

We are thrilled to welcome Laura Katen as our 2023 Keynote Speaker!

Laura Katen

TRADE SHOW FEATURES

COURTESY OF: NEW in 2023!

NEW in 2023!

Come to booth 1127 and meet NASCAR driver, Jeffrey Earnhardt, grandson of racing legend, Dale Earnhardt Sr. Get your picture and an autograph, and a selection of Team Earnhardt swag!

Your Trusted Partner WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

This theater with a huge screen in the center of the action hosts a variety of live events, featured interviews, video highlights, and educational content all tailored for green industry professionals.

SUPPORTED BY:

Innovation & Inspiration Theater

10 exhibitors have items hidden in their booths. Find them all, then drop off your completed card in the big drum in Lobby C to be entered into a drawing!

NEW in 2023!

Generously

Supported by:

Lakeshore Campfire

Connect

COURTESY

Bring your throwing arm to booth 1549 for some axe throwing –new on the Northern Green trade show floor!

• Our Commercial Vehicle Inspection Demo includes a truck and trailer set up together.

• A Minnesota State Patrol officer will be on hand to discuss the most frequent types of commercial vehicle citations, and how to satisfy state and federal requirements.

The Sandbox

Looking to grow more efficient on your hardscape sites? Join Frank Bourque and his team of presenters for live, hands-on demonstrations and interactive sessions that will help improve your team's efficiency.

•

•

•

•

Backyard Campfire

MASTER CLASSES

PLT RELICENSURE

Speakers: Keith Radatz, and more Course Approval Code #: Pending on approval from MN Dept. of Labor and Industry This course has been submitted to the Minnesota Dept. of Labor & Industry for approval for eight hours of continuing education requirements for the Power Limited Technician License, including 2 hours of code and 6 hours of technical training oriented specifically toward the landscape industry.

7:30am - 4:30pm

3

SELECTION AND USE OF PLANTS IN THE LANDSCAPE

Facilitator: Dr. James Calkins, Sustainable Horticultural Solutions

The class will focus on the principles and theory of plant design, site analysis, and specifically plant selection. Attendees will also learn how to develop quality bedlines, mix and match plants based on function and landscape characteristics, how to build flexibility into the plant design process, and the importance of the relationship between design and implementation. Class includes lecture periods and in-class exercises.

GOING BEYOND LEADERSHIP

Speaker: Steve Keating, Toro, Inc.

10:00am - 4:00pm

9:30am - 4:00pm

Think you already “know enough” about leadership? Well guess again. That attitude will cause poor leaders to fall behind the people who are open minded enough to realize that there will always be more to learn. This session will focus on helping you learn the right tools to be an inspiring leader, not just a manager. Managing is about stuff, like budgets, buildings, inventories and spreadsheets. We manage stuff. Leading is about people and only people. No one leads a business, they manage the business. They lead the people who work at the business. Leadership at its core is helping people deal with what’s happening in their lives. It is about helping ordinary, often “messy” people achieve extraordinary results. Helping people achieve those results often means leading through change. With the speed that the marketplace is changing these days there has never been more for leaders to learn about how to lead effectively. Change is hard for most of us and leading through change is even harder. Come and learn effective leadership tools and techniques to put to work every day. Plus, hear directly from four green industry leaders on what has worked successfully, and what has not, for them in their leadership journey.

Generously supported by:

Attend a Tuesday Master Class at Northern Green, Jan. 10, 2023 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

PESTICIDE RECERT. (CATEGORIES A, E, & P)

Cat. P: 7:30 9:00am

Cat. A & E: 9:15am-4:00pm

Speakers: John Loegering, Angi Anbourn, Prof. Vera Krischik, Jolene Hendrix, Dominic Christensen, Nick Neylon, and more Pending approval by the Minnesota Dept. of Agriculture (MDA), this workshop meets Commercial Pesticide Applicator Requirements for Category A (Core), Category E (Turf and Ornamentals), as well as an option to add Category P (Vertebrate Pest Control).

Licensed applicators with Categories A and E who last attended a recertification workshop in 2021, and newly-licensed pesticide applicators in 2022, must attend an MDA-approved workshop by December 31, 2023. By attending the Pesticide Recertification class and scanning in and out onsite with staff of MDA, applicators will obtain recertification credit.

10:00am - 4:00pm

Speakers: Daniel Arabella, Arabella Stone Co. and Scott Frampton, Landscape Renovations, Inc Stonework has become the pinnacle of the greatest landscape work, but that is a misleading stereotype. It is what is on the inside that counts. How are your techniques in building helping create a legacy that we can look back on? No matter what material you choose to use in your construction techniques, there needs to be a greater emphasis on the depth of character in the design and installation.

In this session, local dry stone expert Daniel Arabella will cover topics from design and construction techniques to trends in natural stone, and the latest in tools, skills, and equipment for installation. Additionally, local landscapers will present case studies on recent projects – they will discuss the projects from start to finish including successes and how they overcame obstacles along the way.

Finally, the session will cover how to estimate and bid these projects so they are profitable!

NATURAL STONE WALL BUILDING NATIVE PLANTS FOR MINNESOTA LANDSCAPES

Speakers: James Wolfin, Twin Cities Seed; Brandon Miller, University of Minnesota; Dan Shaw, Board of Water and Soil Resources; Mary Meyer, Retired – University of Minnesota; and Gary Johnson, Retired – University of Minnesota

8:00am - 4:00pm

As urbanization continues to expand, native plants are often displaced by highly cultured species in these unnatural landscapes. The utilization of native plant species – where appropriate – can have significant value to pollinators and wildlife, to name a few. In this Master Class you will learn from experts which native plants would be most appropriate in practical settings such as lawns, landscapes, prairies and wetlands. Topics will include: lawns and pollinators, woody plants and managed landscape horticulture, native wetlands and prairies, native grasses, and native trees.

PRUNING SHRUBS in

Winter

Matthew Olson

THE WEATHER MAY BE FRIGID, but you can work in your client’s landscape this time of year.

Winter is an ideal time to prune shrubs for several reasons. The lack of foliage on the shrubs allows you to view their structure, giving you an idea of how much pruning is needed. Prun ing shrubs during dormancy is less stressful for the plant compared to pruning during the growing season. Pruning in late winter allows the wounds left by the pruning cuts to heal quicker, reducing potential disease or insect problems down the road.

Why Prune?

Pruning has many benefits. Pruning encour ages new growth, increases flowering, reduces disease, and improves the aesthet ics of the plant. Pruning old or weak stems promote vigorous growth on the rest of the plant. Removing interior branches opens the plant’s canopy, allowing increased airflow and sunlight to penetrate the entire plant. The airflow reduces the risk of disease and insect pests. Some shrubs can be rejuvenated, allowing leggy plants to become healthy and

full again. Overgrown shrubs can be cut back to a manageable size, making them an asset to a landscape rather than a problem. Before pruning, you should always have a goal for each shrub. Are you pruning to reduce the plant’s height? Perhaps the shrubs are overgrown and need rejuvenation to thrive again. Ask yourself what you want your client’s shrubs to look like in the future. Understanding why you’re pruning them will help you achieve those goals and improve their landscape.

Types of Pruning

There are several pruning methods for shrubs. How you prune them will depend on several factors. Consider the type of shrub and the overall health of the plant. When pruning, always remove dead or diseased branches on the plant. Branches that are rubbing or crossing other branches should be removed as well. When cutting back branches, it’s essential to make your pruning cuts no more than ¼ inch above an existing bud. Areas of a stem left above a bud will rot, which can lead to future disease or insect pest problems. This concept applies to cutting off whole branches as well. Always make the

cut where the two stems come together, and never leave a stub.

Thinning — This method involves removing 1/3 of the oldest stems on the plant each year. This pruning occurs over 3–5 years, allow ing the plant to maintain a natural shape. Thinning promotes new and vigorous growth below the cut, increasing airflow and sunlight into the shrub’s canopy. You can use thinning to prune most deciduous shrubs.

Rejuvenation — A simple method that involves cutting each stem nearly to the ground, leaving only 4–10 inches of stem at the base. This pruning is beneficial for shrubs that have become overgrown or leggy. You can only prune some shrubs using this method. Here are a few shrubs that respond well to rejuvenation pruning.

• Red Twig Dogwood

• Lilac

• Willow Shrubs

• Japanese Spirea

• ‘Annabelle’ Hydrangea

• Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle

• Potentilla

• Ninebark

Heading back — Involves cutting back indi vidual stems to reduce the height of the plant.

REGISTER YOUR WAY!

1. ONLINE – Visit NorthernGreen.org to register at your convenience (online reg. closes January 3).

2. MAIL – Use the registration form in the Advance Program (or download from NorthernGreen.org) and send your registration and payment by mail to the address listed.

3. FAX – Use the registration form in the Advance Program (or download from NorthernGreen.org) and fax back to 651.633.4986 with payment.

4. ONSITE – If you miss the Jan. 3 pre-registration deadline, you must register onsite Jan. 10-12.

Receive a discount on registration when you register by January 3! Plus, members of the following associations receive a $20 discount: MNLA, MGCSA, MPSTMA, MAC, MASMS, MSA, MTA, and MTSC.

Don’t forget that when you register by December 19 th , your badge will be mailed to you in advance. If you register between December 20 - January 3, you will be able to utilize Self-Check-In onsite.

Questions? Contact the Northern Green office for assistance at 651.633.4987.

JOB BOARD

The Northern Green Job Board has gone online! Post and find jobs for free on the Northern Green app. To get the NG23 app, download the Whova app on your mobile device. The event code is “northerngreen”. Click on Community at the bottom, then scroll down to Job Openings. Search openings already posted, or fill in the form to post opportunities at your company. Use the rest of the app to make your agenda and connect with fellow green industry professionals!

THE EVENT INVITATION CODE IS: “northerngreen”

This pruning method is adequate for most plants. When cutting back the stems, it’s best to cut back to an outward-facing bud; this promotes outward growth. Cutting back to an inward-facing bud will create branches that rub and cross each other inside the plant.

When to Prune

Many shrubs are grown for attractive flowers, and pruning is an effective way to increase flowering. Shrubs produce their flowering buds at different times of the year. Under standing when the flower buds are created is essential to consider when pruning. Shrubs that flower in spring typically produce flower buds shortly after blooming. Pruning these shrubs during winter will reduce flowering for the upcoming spring. To preserve the flow ers for spring, you should prune these shrubs immediately after they bloom. However, you can prune flowering shrubs in winter if your client is okay with a year of reduced blooms. Communicating to your client the benefits of rejuvenation may help them understand why pruning is a good option. Here’s a list of spring-blooming shrubs.

• Forsythia

• Lilac

• Serviceberry

• Ninebark

• Bridal Wreath Spirea

• Viburnum

Summer blooming shrubs often produce flower buds on new growth in spring. This allows you to prune them during winter without removing flower buds. Here are a few examples of summer-blooming shrubs.

• Hydrangeas

• Japanese Spirea

• Roses

• Smoke bush

• Potentilla

Site Selection is Important

Most shrubs require some pruning, but site selection can significantly impact the amount of pruning needed for a shrub to thrive.

2023 Northern Green registration badges generously supported by: 2023 Northern Green badge lanyards generously supported by:

Y Trusted Partne WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

Before planting, it’s essential to consider why you’re planting shrubs in a specific spot. You should also determine the characteristics of the site. How large of space are you trying to fill? This question is crucial for planting near buildings or sidewalks, where shrubs that are too large for the site create problems. Ask yourself how much sun or shade does the area receive? How tall do you want the shrubs to grow? Considering these questions will help you determine the type of shrubs suitable for your planting site. You should also visualize how the property will look in five, ten, or twenty years.

Here’s an example of why planning for the future is essential. My family has a cabin in northern Wisconsin, where we planted sev eral lilacs 20 years ago. When the lilacs were planted, they were in a perfect site with full sun. The lilacs thrived for the next 15 years. However, as time progressed, the nearby trees began to shade the lilacs, causing them to become leggy and have few blooms. As a result, the lilacs had to be removed. Lilacs require full sun to thrive, and no amount of pruning could’ve helped them in this case. Utilizing proper site selection will help you avoid problems in the future while promoting healthy shrubs in your client’s landscape.

Pruning is one of the most effective ways to improve the health of shrubs. Taking time each winter to evaluate and prune the shrubs in their landscape is worth it. Not only do shrubs benefit from pruning, but it gives us a chance to get some fresh air and exercise while observing the beauty of nature around us.

➽ MATTHEW OLSON is a professional horticulturist and garden writer. He has a bachelor’s degree in horticulture from UW-River Falls and is a certified professional with the Minnesota Nursery and Land scape Association. His enthusiasm for plants and the outdoors brought him to the green industry. He regularly writes articles about gardening for both gardeners and industry professionals. You can reach him at matt@mattolsonhorticulture.com.

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HOW TO CHOOSE A GILI CANDIDATE (Basic Requirements for Success)

First of all, let’s define a few terms.

CANDIDATE/STUDENT: The person who attends GILI.

SPONSOR: The person responsible for the financial decision to send an employee to the Leadership Institute.

DIRECT MANAGER: The person who gives the most direct oversight to the candidate’s day-to-day job. In some cases, this person may also be the Sponsor.

Choosing a candidate should be done carefully. Here are some tips for selecting the right person.

Sponsors:

Meet with key managers of your company and explain the program. Ask managers to nominate someone who they believe has the willingness and readiness to focus on developing their leadership management skills.

Candidate Success Factors:

• Candidate is willing to learn about themself and willing to practice and apply new perspectives between classes, even though it may seem uncomfortable at times.

• Candidate is willing to take extra time over and above attending class, and their position will allow for this.

• Candidate is disciplined enough to show up to class each month and arrive on time.

• Candidate is open to engaging with other students, offering up suggestions, and sharing information. Does not have a problem with participating in groups.

• Candidate has a track record of being committed, and following through with duties from beginning to end.

Candidates that supervise others (even a small number) are preferred. Please explain why the candidate is qualified to attend if he/she has a position that does not include a supervisory component. Exceptions have been made.

Sponsors and/or Managers:

Meet with employee to explain the program and ask the employee these questions:

• Do you believe you can handle such a program on top of your workload?

• Are you willing and able to focus on the course load as well as take on a project (a substantial deliverable worked on throughout the GILI year)?

• How can I help to make this a reality for you? (In other words, is there something that has to be modified for their job in order for this person to take the course?)

When Considering Candidates:

If the job position is such that the individual must call in last minute unable to attend, please reconsider or redesign the position’s expectation. This course requires consistent attendance. Only one absence is allowed.

A COMPLETE EXPLANATION OF THE VALUE OF GILI IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.MNLA.BIZ/LEADERSHIP. For questions contact Jon Horsman, MNLA Associate Director: 651-633-4987 or jon@mnla.biz.

the next leader in your business next year with this proven MNLA program!

Noxious WEEDS

MNLA Regulatory Update

James Calkins

MNLA Regulatory Affairs Manager

As most nursery and landscape professionals are hopefully aware, when the threeyear phase out period ends on December 31, 2022, winged euonymus (Euonymus alatus), also known as burning bush, winged burning bush, winged wahoo, firebush, and winged or corky spindle-tree, will become a Restricted Noxious Weed under the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 18, Sections 18.75-18.91; Ch. 18 MN Statutes, https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/18).

PHASE-OUT PERIOD ENDS AND WINGED EUONYMUS/ BURNING BUSH BECOMES A RESTRICTED NOXIOUS WEED ON JANUARY 1, 2023; AWARENESS OF OTHER SPECIES REGULATED AS NOXIOUS WEEDS IN MINNESOTA ENCOURAGED

THREE-YEAR

NOTES

As a result, it will no longer be legal to pro duce, sell, or transport winged euonymus and its cultivars in Minnesota beginning on Janu ary 1, 2023. For growers, garden centers, and landscapers who still have winged euonymus plants in stock, now is the time to be moving them out as they must be sold and delivered to their final destination for planting by the end of the year. Although removing existing winged euonymus plants from residential, public, and commercial landscapes is also a good idea and is recommended from an invasive species perspective, the removal of existing plants in designed landscapes is not a requirement for species that are designated as Restricted Noxious Weeds in Minnesota.

A member of the Celastraceae (Staff-Vine/ Spindle Tree/Bittersweet Family), winged euonymus is native to eastern and central Asia – eastern Russia, Japan, eastern and central China, and the Korean peninsula — and was introduced to North America as a landscape plant over 160 years ago in about 1860 and has subsequently become a very popular landscape plant. The popularity of

winged euonymus stems from its compact, mounded to horizontal habit without pruning, site adaptability (tolerant of most soils and sunny and shady locations), lack of signifi cant disease and insect problems, ease of production, reliable transplanting success, unique winter interest (winged stems), and, most importantly, its outstanding, scarlet fall color (pink in shady locations). Unfortunately, however, winged euonymus has increasingly been recognized as a harmful escape in the eastern and central United States and south eastern Canada ever since its ability to escape cultivation and invade native ecosystems was first documented in the 1970s.

As a consequence of its invasive tenden cies, winged euonymus is listed as an invasive species in at least 21 states and is regulated as an invasive species or noxious weed in multiple states including Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Winged euonymus also produces small, yellow-green flowers and small fruits (capsules) that open to reveal the seeds that

MNLA

Certified Professional Recertification Deadline

Approaching

The Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association takes great pride in the individuals who have achieved the Certified Professional status. All Certified Professionals must

seek recertification every three years. The objective is to promote continuing education, professional improvement, and community service among those who have obtained the MNLA Certified Professional status. A total of 18 points over a three-year period must be achieved.

Please check your recertification status to see if you’re due to recertify in 2022. If you’re unsure of your recertification deadline feel free to reach out to the MNLA office at 651-633-4987. We’ll be happy to provide you with the details. For those of you who have been Certified

Professional in good standing for 20+ years, you may be interested in the new MNLA CP Fellow Designation. You will have to bring your Certification current before applying for Fellow designation. Information and a link to the application are at www.MNLA.biz.

& Lifestyle Gardens

MNLA Past President Heidi Heiland hosted Congressman Dean Phillips and his Chief of Staff Zach Rodvold at her garden center location on November 1, 2022. The Congressman took the opportu-

Congressman Dean Phillips visits Heidi’s GrowHaus

A MEMBER OF THE CELASTRACEAE (STAFF-VINE/SPINDLE TREE/ BITTERSWEET FAMILY), WINGED EUONYMUS IS NATIVE TO EASTERN AND CENTRAL ASIA — EASTERN RUSSIA, JAPAN, EASTERN AND CENTRAL CHINA, AND THE KOREAN PENINSULA – AND WAS INTRODUCED TO NORTH AMERICA AS A LANDSCAPE PLANT OVER 160 YEARS AGO IN ABOUT 1860 AND HAS SUBSEQUENTLY BECOME A VERY POPULAR LANDSCAPE PLANT.

are covered with orange-red, fleshy arils (a specialized, and usually brightly-colored, outgrowth on a seed that partly or completely covers the seed), but they are not always pro duced in large numbers and are usually not particularly showy. The fruits are, however, the primary problem as they are eaten by birds which then disperse the seeds in their droppings. When deposited in woodlands and other native and disturbed environ ments, these seeds can foster naturalized populations that have the ability to over take native ecosystems much like common buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus), another landscape plant that has escaped cultivation and become a serious threat to woodland ecosystems.

In response to a growing number of reports of escaped plants in Minnesota and neighbor ing states, Euonymus alatus was evaluated by the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee (NWAC; Minnesota Department of Agricul ture/MDA) using the Plant Risk Assessment & Management Protocol for Minnesota and the species was subsequently recommended for regulation as a noxious weed in Minnesota following a three-year phase-out period to allow growers to sell plants that were already in production. This recommendation was approved by the commissioner of agriculture and Euonymus alatus became a Specially Regulated Plant to allow for a three-year phase-out beginning in 2020. Based on the findings of the risk assessment, MNLA sup ported the recommendation to list Euonymus alatus as a noxious weed in Minnesota. The risk assessment for winged euonymus is available on the Minnesota Invasive Species Advisory Committee (MISAC) website at Risk Assessments — Minnesota Invasive Species Advisory Council (mninvasives.org) Risk assessments that have been prepared

nity to perform some common garden center tasks like flocking trees and putting together spruce tip pots to gain a greater understanding of the green industry. Heiland and her team took the opportunity to discuss the green industry’s perennial need for more team members. She

also helped educate the congressman on workforce development initiatives being undertaken at MNLA and through the MNLA Foundation. The Congressman serves on the Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Workforce Development subcommittee which has oversight on

National Labor Relations Board and certain policies out of DOL impacting the workforce, so conversing about green industry workforce challenges continues to be extremely important. Grassroots grows results in government affairs!

Are you interested in hosting a visit for your local legislator or member of Congress at your business? Reach out to Government Affairs Director Felipe Illescas at felipe@ mnla.biz and he would be happy to help facilitate.

James Calkins

Figure 1. Winged euonymus/burning bush (Euonymus alatus) has been listed as a Specially Regulated Plant in Minnesota for the past three years to allow for a phase-out period for growers; as of January 1, 2023, winged euonymus will become a Restricted Noxious Weed and it will no longer be legal to grow, sell, or transport the species and all named cultivars in Minnesota.

Figure 2. Superb fall color and showy fruits are two of the characteristics that have made winged euonymus/burning bush (Euonymus alatus) a popular landscape plant for many years; unfortunately, the fruits are eaten by birds and the seeds are dispersed in their droppings. When deposited in woodlands and other native and disturbed environments, naturalized populations of winged euonymus that have the ability to overtake native ecosystems can result. The species has been increasingly documented as an invasive species in the eastern and central United States and southeastern Canada.

for other species, whether they have ultimately been listed as noxious weeds or not, are also available at the same location.

As part of the risk assessment for Euonymus alatus, it was determined that none of the existing cultivars are sterile or produce insignificant amounts of seed so no cultivars will be exempted from regulation. As a result, the species and all cultivars will be regulated and may not be produced or sold in Minnesota when the phase-out period ends and winged euonymus becomes a Restricted Noxious Weed on January 1, 2023. Although an internet search will produce lists of suggested alternatives to winged euonymus that are promoted as having landscape characteristics that are comparable to this popular landscape plant, few of the recommended plants live up to this standard and many of them are not cold hardy in Minnesota or require specialized growing conditions that do not exist in most Minnesota landscapes (e.g., acid soil). Although it has a more open habit, eastern wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus), a Minnesota native, and a species that should be planted much more than it currently is, may be one of the best alterna tives, although it can be somewhat difficult to find. Also called burning bush, eastern wahoo is shade tolerant, will grow in a wide range of soils, has showy pink to red fruits (capsules) that open to reveal seeds that are covered with orange-red arils, and has excellent red to reddish-pur ple, sometimes yellow, fall color. Examples of other species that might be planted as alternatives to winged euonymus include black choke berry (Aronia melanocarpa — native, site adaptable, white flowers, persistent, black fruits, and excellent orange to red fall color in full sun), fothergilla (Fothergilla spp. — cold hardy cultivars gaining in pop ularity, site adaptable, white flowers, and vibrant fall color in a mix of yellows, oranges, purples, and reds), nannyberry viburnum (Viburnum lentago — native, site adaptable, white flowers, bluish-black fruits, and orange-red to scarlet fall color especially in full sun), and American highbush cranberry (Viburnum trilobum – native, site adaptable so long as adequate moisture is available, white flowers, persistent red fruits, and orange to red fall color).

On a more positive note, researchers have been working to develop sterile selections of burning bush with some encouraging progress, but no sterile cultivars have been released so far. All of the plants that are regulated under the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law are, however,

James Calkins

reviewed every three years to determine if their risk assessments and regulatory status should be modified and any new cultivars that have been documented as being sterile would then be assessed as potential excep tions to the regulated status of burning bush. This possibility highlights the value of plant breeding and selection research relative to our understanding of plant sterility and the development of sterile selections of invasive plants. Given the interest in the development of sterile selections of burning bush, there is hope that this popular landscape species, and a plant that has been described as having “unlimited landscape value” by Michael Dirr, may once again be available for planting in Minnesota landscapes in the future.

In Minnesota, noxious weeds are placed in one of four categories for regulatory purposes – Prohibited/Eradicate Noxious Weeds, Prohibited/Control Noxious Weeds, Restrict ed Noxious Weeds, and Specially Regulated Plants. Forty-eight species are currently regulated as noxious weeds and specially regulated plants in Minnesota; 29 species on the Prohibited Noxious Weed list (16 on the Prohibited/Eradicate list and 13 on the Prohibited/Control list), 15 species on the Restricted Noxious Weed list, and four (4) species on the Specially Regulated Plants list. Prohibited/Eradicate and Prohibited/Control Noxious Weeds are non-native plants that are known to be detrimental to human or animal health, the environment, public roads, crops, livestock, or other property and must be eradicated (all above and below ground parts killed) or controlled (managed to prevent their spread by seed or vegetative means) on all lands within the state. They also cannot be propagated, transported, or sold in Minnesota.

Plants listed as Prohibited/Eradicate Noxious Weeds are either not known to be present in Minnesota or are not widely distributed in the state and preventing their introduction and establishment in the state or the eradication of existing populations is considered feasible.

Plants listed as Prohibited/Control Noxious Weeds are plants that are already established throughout the state making eradication an unrealistic option. Plants listed as Restricted Noxious Weeds are also non-native plants that have been documented as being harmful and they also cannot be propagated, transported, or sold in the State of Minnesota. Restricted Noxious Weeds are also typically plants that are widely distributed in Minnesota and would be difficult to eradicate or control on a statewide basis using the methods that are currently

available. And finally, plants listed as Specially Regulated Plants may be native or non-native species that pose ecological, economic, or human or animal health concerns but also have documented economic value and are managed to reduce the possibility that they will escape cultivation and cause harm. In all cases, unless a cultivar is specifically exempted from regulation, all cultivars are regulated.

Nursery and landscape professionals should know which species are regulated as noxious weeds in Minnesota and especially landscape species that have been listed as noxious weeds in the state.

Plants that have historically been grown and sold as landscape plants that are currently regulated as noxious weeds and plants with special regulations under the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law include:

• Prohibited/Eradicate Noxious Weeds

Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Japanese hops (Humulus japonicus), Ori ental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus), and tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima).

• Prohibited/Control Noxious Weeds

Bohemian knotweed (Polygonum x bo hemicum), common barberry (Berberis vulgaris), common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), giant knotweed (Polygonum sachalinese), Japanese knotweed (Polyg onum cuspidatum), and purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria).

• Restricted Noxious Weeds

Amur honeysuckle (Lonicera maackii), Bell’s honeysuckle (Lonicera x bella), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), common/ European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathar tica), crown vetch (Securigera varia), black/European alder (Alnus glutinosa), glossy buckthorn (Frangula alnus), Japa nese barberry (Berberis thunbergii; spe cific seedy cultivars as listed; cultivars that are not specifically listed may be legally grown and sold), Morrow’s hon eysuckle (Lonicera morrowii), multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), porcelain berry (Ampelopsis brevipedunculata), Siberian peashrub (Caragana arborescens; ‘Je farb’/Green Spires® exempted), Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica), and Queen Anne’s lace/wild carrot (Daucus carota).

• Specially Regulated Plants

Amur/ginnala maple (Acer ginnala), Norway maple (Acer platanoides), poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans; native), and burning bush/winged euonymus (Euony mus alatus), The special regulations for

these species are as follows. For Amur maple and Norway maple, sellers must affix a label directly to the plant or plant packaging that advises buyers to only plant these species in landscapes where the seedlings will be controlled by mowing or other means, and these species should only be planted at least 100 yards from natural areas. Poison ivy must be eradi cated for public safety adjacent to right-ofways, trails, and public accesses, and on business properties open to the public or lands where public access for business or commerce is granted. Poison ivy must also be eradicated or controlled along property borders when requested by adjoining landowners. And finally, as discussed at the beginning of this article, burning bush/winged euonymus is currently listed as a Specially Regu lated Plant to accommodate a threeyear phase-out but the species and all cultivars will become Restricted Noxious Weed beginning in 2023 and production and sale will no longer be allowed.

Unfortunately, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) nursery inspectors have found plants listed as noxious weeds being offered for sale in Minnesota this year and in recent years past resulting in citations and fines. Amur maple and Norway maple have also been offered for sale in the state without the labelling that is required based on their Specially Regulated Plant status. To ensure compliance with the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law, it is important that sellers of land scape plants are familiar with the Minnesota Noxious Weed Law and aware of the plants that are listed and regulated as noxious weeds in Minnesota. The Minnesota Noxious Weed List is available on the MDA website at Minnesota Noxious Weed List | Minnesota Department of Agriculture (state.mn.us)

The Minnesota Noxious Weed List is updat ed every three years based on the completion of risk assessments and recommendations for new listings that are approved by the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee (NWAC) and the commissioner of agriculture. In addition, the Minnesota Nursery Law stipulates that the status of all existing noxious weeds must be reviewed every three years and the listing sta tus of all plant species that are already listed as noxious weeds may be changed based on new information about their status in the state. As a result, species may be added or removed from the noxious weed list every three years with the caveat that new species may be

added to the list at any time as emergency listings. This year is the third year in the current noxious weed review and listing cycle (2020–2022) and a number of new species, including several landscape species, will be added to the Minnesota Noxious Weed List in 2023.

The following landscape species have already been approved by the commissioner of agriculture and will be added to the noxious weed list on January 1, 2023:

• Restricted Noxious Weeds

Saltcedar/tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima; production and sale of the species and all cultivars will no longer be allowed).

• Specially Regulated

Plants

Tatarian maple (Acer tataricum; as for Amur maple and Norway maple, sellers will need to affix a label directly to the plant or plant packaging that advises buyers to only plant these species in landscapes where the seedlings will be controlled by mowing or other means, and these species should only be planted at least 100 yards from natural areas).

The following recommendation for a new listing of a landscape plant is expected to be approved by the commissioner of agriculture before the end of the year and will likely become effective in 2023:

• Specially Regulated Plants

Amur corktree (Phellodendron amurense; only sales of named male cultivars will be permitted; sales of all other Amur corktrees will be prohibited and all existing Amur corktrees in designed landscapes and any escaped fruit producing trees must be controlled by tree removal or other means such that no seed is disseminated). The following new and modified listings of landscape plants have been proposed and are scheduled for a vote by the NWAC on December 12, 2022; if approved by the committee and the commissioner of agricul ture, these listings will become effective in 2023:

• Prohibited/Control Noxious Weeds

Oriental bittersweet (Celastrus orbiculatus); currently listed as a Prohibited/Eradicate Noxious Weed so this will be a change from the current listing; eradication of existing plants will no longer be required but seed dispersal must not be allowed).

• Restricted Noxious Weeds

Amur silvergrass (Miscanthus sacchariflorus; production and sale will no longer be allowed).

• Specially Regulated Plants

Callery pear (Pyrus calleryana; 3-year phase-out beginning in 2023; in 2026, Callery pear will become a Restricted Noxious Weed and production and sale will no longer be allowed).

Additional information about the MDA Noxious and Invasive Weed Program and the Minnesota Noxious Weed Advisory Commit tee (NWAC) is available at Noxious and Invasive Weed Program | Minnesota Department of Agriculture (https://www.mda.state.mn.us/ plants-insects/noxious-invasive-weed-program) and Noxious Weed Advisory Committee | Minnesota Department of Agriculture (https:// www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/weedcontrol/mnnwac), respectively.

IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS regarding this MNLA Regulatory Update or the listing and regulation of noxious weeds and invasive plants in Minnesota or neighboring states, or other places in North America, contact Jim Calkins, MNLA Regulatory Affairs Manager, at jim@mnla.biz; 612-258-7744 (cell).

➽

Not a

NUT

Faith Appelquist Tree Quality LLC

Right: iStock.com/pepmiba.

Left: iStock.com/igaguri_1.

Many of the edible plant products which we call nuts are, in botanical terms, fruit. Fruits of many woody plants are essentially foodstuffs for birds, bears, squirrels, and the forest community Fruits and nuts are very important considerations in woody landscape plants because they offer good ornamental assets (color, texture) and positive identifica tion features through late summer and into fall. They often persist until spring of the year following maturation. However, there is a major disconnect between what the layperson may call a “nut” and formal botanical classifi cations of fruit. For example:

• A coconut is not a “nut” — it’s a drupe

• A peanut is not a “nut” — it’s a legume

• A Brazil nut is not a “nut” — it’s a seed

• An almond is not a “nut” — it’s also a drupe

The list of ‘non-nuts’, in botany, is pretty long... And then there are the “berries” that aren’t really berries...

• Mountain ash berries are not “berries” — they are pomes

• Holly berries are not “berries” — they are pyrenes

• Hawthorn berries are not “berries” — they are pomes (or haws)

• Mulberries are not “berries” — they are aggregate fruit

Again, the list is much longer than the examples I have supplied. Does this discrep ancy between layperson’s terms and botanical terms really matter? For the layperson, no, of

Holly berries are pyrenes.

Chestnut are true nuts.

Hazelnuts are true nuts.

Kentucky Coffeetree pods are legumes. Acorns are true nuts.

All photos to right: Faith Appelquist

Almonds

course not. It is fine to eat your “nuts and ber ries”, oblivious of how they are classified by botanists. Perhaps to differentiate between what is a seed and what is a fruit, though, is important, especially if you want to plant one.

For those interested in botany, the more formal terms provide quite good classifica tion knowledge, which helps to predict the structure of the fruit of a particular species or genus.

It’s common for scientific or professional terms to be part of a more complex hierarchy than a layperson’s terms. It’s not practical for these differing terminologies to merge. Botanists, for instance, use their special ist knowledge and understanding of fruits amongst themselves but that’s not a good reason to relabel a packet of peanuts. Never the twain shall meet.

➽ FAITH APPELQUIST is an ISA Board

Certified Master Arborist, an ISA Municipal Specialist MN, and an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist®. Faith can be reached at faith@treequality.com.

Walnuts are drupes.

Faith Appelquist

Ginkgo “nuts” are seeds.

Buckeye “nuts” are seeds.

Mountain ash “berries” are pomes.

are drupes.

Faith Appelquist

iStock.com/GomezDavid

STEP UP & STEP FORWARD

Leadership lessons for Times of Uncertainty

Jerry Olson The Resultants

Left: iStock.com/filo. Top illustration: iStock.com/Yutthana Gaetgeaw.

THESE LAST THREE YEARS have

been hard for all of us.

The recent economic upheavals and uncertainties have been disastrous for some businesses while others found themselves overwhelmed with demand. Many have and continue to face supply chain challenges. Many leaders have never navigated times of significant inflation. The constraints of the labor markets have many of us wondering how to plan for the coming year. It seems the wider-than-ever social and political divides has everyone on edge. Regardless of what reality your busi ness is facing, uncertainty will continue

You may feel like it’s hardly worth planning and moving forward when so many things might change so rapidly. Yet, some things are clear. Leaders are not exempted from the hard things. Great leaders step up and step forward when things are hard. In the new year, here is some hope and some actions for leaders to consider.

Focus on the team

People will be the biggest constraint for peo ple for the foreseeable future. The demand for labor will continue to grow while the num ber of people in the workforce is not predict ed to grow significantly. We have just not had

enough babies in the last decades and too few immigrants are joining the workforce while the Baby Boom generation is retiring.

Good leaders are already focused on their teams as a key business strategy. They are engaging the people in their business in new and innovative ways. They are finding ways to attract people with top talent and keep them on the team. They provide them with challenging work, a healthy culture, and opportunities to grow. Those leaders who can gather teams of great people and engage them in a meaningful vision for the future will be ahead of their competition. Organizations with leaders who embrace an attitude and build on a system where the team says, “Let’s figure this out together!” will win.

Building this type of team requires effective communication with greater openness. Make the communication truly two-way. Listen with greater activity. Long gone are the days when teams tolerated a command-and-control style of leadership or multiple levels of confus ing bureaucratic hierarchy. Bring clarity and simplicity to your team structure and communication.

Embrace ambiguity

Great leaders aren’t prophets foretelling the future. Rather they are people willing to embrace the unknown for better and for

worse. The economic, social, and political worlds are being disrupted by varied and sometimes unknown forces. Those who embrace the ambiguity and uncertainty will be more prepared to change course when it is needed. Leaders can embrace ambiguity when they build relationship and make deci sion based on values rather than ideology.

Embrace the paradox that what worked successfully yesterday might not get the same results today. The disruptions we encounter might not make sense to us, but great leaders still move forward, not back. Be open to saying, “I don’t know” and be willing to work together with the team to find solutions.

Leaders who know themselves well and build their self-esteem on who they are rather than what they’ve done are better able to embrace ambiguity and change when need. We are better people when we can see our selves clearly and like what we see.

Build resiliency

More than anything else, good leaders possess the ability and tenacity to get back up after failure and keep going. They say to their team, “That didn’t work, but we will try again.” They are willing to admit “I was wrong” and then learn from mistakes. They build in others the courage to try, to fail, to learn, and then try again. They gave “grit,”

AS YOU LEAD YOUR TEAM, WHOEVER THAT IS, REGARDLESS OF THE SIZE OF TEAM,

MOVE FORWARD.

Right: iStock.com/filo. Top photo: iStock.com/jonya.

the ability to persevere through difficulties in pursuit of a greater goal.

Resiliency requires that we don’t take ourselves too seriously. It requires a self-confidence not based on the leader being “right” or even on always “winning”. Self-es teem based on external actions make us less able to move on from mistakes. Rather, resilient people base their self-confidence on clear awareness of who they are.

Move forward

As you lead your team, whoever that is, regardless of the size of team, move forward. Don’t get stuck in the past. Build for the future. Learn. Grow. Help your team grow and learn through the challenges. More forward through the disruptions. Move forward through the uncertainty with grit embracing ambiguity while you step up, step forward and bring your team with you!

➽ JERRY OLSON is a Business Advisor with The Resultants. The Resultants are a business advisory team that advocates for the best interest of your business, using a process that has proven time and time again to help companies build value and achieve personal and professional success. In addition, The Resultants have provided instruction and curriculum for MNLA’s Leadership Institute for the past seven years. To learn more about Jerry and The Resultants, visit www.theResultants.com.

FIED

ROFE S S IONA L FELL

OW

MNLA Certified Professional Fellows

The Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association has instituted a Certified Professional Fellow designation for MNLA Certified Professionals who are in good standing (e.g., not lapsed or expired), and who have maintained their status as an MNLA Certified Professional for at least 20 consecutive years. Certified Professional Fellows are longstanding nursery and landscape professionals and are recognized as industry leaders. Their commitment to uphold, improve and promote standards of professional excellence, and consistent participation in professional development activities and service to the green industry is being recognized with this Fellow designation. MNLA would like to congratulate the following Certified Professionals who achieved the Fellow designation as of November 2022:

• Donna Atallian, Lynde Greenhouse & Nursery, Inc.

• Dale Bachman, Bachman’s Inc.

• Richard Brickley, Jr., Bachman’s Inc.

• Renae Chesley, Bachman's Inc.

• Ron Davidson, Amity Creek Landscaping of Duluth

• Ken Dehkes, Hamline University

• Scott Endres, Tangletown Gardens

• Dean Engelmann, Tangletown Gardens

• Terry Ferriss - retired, Univ. of Wisc. River Falls

• Kimberly Gaida-Wagener, Rock Hard Landscape Supply

• Tom Haugo - retired, Bachman's Inc.

• Steven Hutton

• David Lange, Lange’s Nursery & Landscaping, Inc.

• David Lewis, Sargent’s Nursery, Inc.

• Debbie Lonnee, Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

• Jeff Pilla, Professional Turf, Inc.

• Lori Reiland, Custom Retaining Walls & Landscaping, Inc.

• Rich Schillinger, Professional Turf, Inc.

• Scott Solomonson, Living Space Landscapes, Inc.

• Joni Stapfer, Green Valley Greenhouse

• Bert Swanson, Swanson Nursery Consulting

• Amy Voight, A Team Landscaping, Inc.

• Cory Whitmer, The Mustard Seed Landscaping & Garden Center

• Cheryle Wilke, Flying W Gardens LLP

• Paulette Wozniak, Environmental Care Nursery & Landscaping

• Gary Zahrbock, Macalester College

• Bruce Zeman, Lakeside Lawn & Landscape, Inc.

westerndealers.com 877-888-9215

Felipe Illescas MNLA Government Affairs Director

Legislative Priorities for 2023

With the hustle and bustle of the midterm elections behind us, the spotlight is now on the cohort of new and returning elected officials that will be representing Minnesota residents and businesses at the state legislature.

Aside from figuring out what to do with the budget surplus, legislators will have to make important decisions around education, public safety, workforce shortages, and inflation relief; and MNLA will also be bringing priorities of our own. After receiving feedback from members through our 2023 legislative survey, and in conjunction with several conversations with members of the Government Affairs Committee and Board of Directors, our 2023 legislative agenda will include:

• Slip and Fall Liability Reform to ensure that snow and ice contractors do not have to shoulder all liability from slip-and-fall lawsuits when complying with best management practices for salt application

• Ending the Duty to Defend in order to establish fairness and equity between subcontractors and prime con tractors.

• Reforming backflow valve regulations so that our certi fied irrigation specialists, who have the same training and certification as a plumber, are allowed to repair backflow devices.

• Sales and Use Tax Reform to simplify the way in which landscaping, irrigation, and snow and ice removal services are currently being taxed and exempt.

In addition to the above priorities, we will be monitor ing seedling and tree production/availability, workforce incentives, H2A and H2B program changes, pesticide issues, pollinator-friendly programming, and other issues that arise.

We have been having very positive conversations with legislators from both sides of the aisle and we are well positioned to start the session on the right foot. If you are interested in learning more about MNLA’s legislative priorities or have any comments, please do not hesitate to contact me directly and also attend Northern Green where we will have a Government Affairs booth on the trade show floor.

➽ MNLA GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR FELIPE ILLESCAS can be reached at 651-633-4987 or felipe@mnla.biz.

Maintaining and Irrigating those Fabled LAWNS of Yesteryear

John Raffiani Raffiani’s Automatic Sprinkler Service

IN THESE TIMES OF A DIVIDED NATION, A PANDEMIC, and economic disruption, I find my thoughts wandering back to those halcyon days when I first started cutting lawns for several neighbors.

Being raised in a home of children tasked with chores, one of my early household duties beginning around age eight was to maintain the lawn and trim the edges. I got really into the job, and some of the neighbors noticed my handiwork and asked me to cut their lawns as well. And as an added bonus — THEY WOULD PAY ME TO DO IT!

I had a three horsepower Briggs and Strat ton engine on a hand-me-down that belonged to my grandfather and had no name to it. I think it was a hardware store cheapie, but it did the job, provided I kept the blade sharp and did not let the grass get too tall. When I cut a neighbor’s lawn, I would sometimes use their mowers, and one in particular was way better than the rest: the 21-inch Sensa tion with the reversible handle. Using the Sensation not only produced a superior cut, but shortened the cutting time by not having to turn around.

I wanted one, but the cost was out of my range, and I instead went down to the local hardware store and bought a 21-inch Toro “Whirlwind” mower that became my workhorse. It did a great cut, and every time I finished, I would just look at it with pride in a job well done.

Many of my customers were seniors who had no mower of their own save their old push mowers, and I of course charged more to use mine (I didn’t for my 93-year-old neigh bor since he would regale me with stories of his service in the Spanish-American war and

meeting Teddy Roosevelt — history always fascinated me). Some customers wanted me to use their mowers and I would add to their invoice extras such as blade sharpening, oil changes, and tune ups — it sure helped to have mechanical skills, thanks to my grand father’s influence. At the direction of some clients, I also sprayed Chlordane, spread manure on their lawns, and set up sprinklers that I would time and return to shut down.

The lawns back then were a source of pride to all the dads — the greener and thicker they were made everyone envious and pushed them all to try harder to obtain that perfect yard. Even the worst lawns back then were beautiful, but at a cost that would send shiv ers down the spines of today’s BMP propo nents — toxic chemicals, untreated animal waste, child labor (who do you think weeded the beds and pulled out the crabgrass?), and everyday watering to name just a few of the inputs.

By age nine I had a 12-client route to regularly maintain, but then everything changed. My grandmother passed away, and my grandfather made plans to retire by next year to Nice, France. We moved into his house sitting around 50 acres, with the fields and greenhouses that my brother and I worked at over the years under my grand father’s direction, and learned the business of plants and their propagation, pumps, and large irrigation applications. I had to tell my customers that I could no longer cut their lawns, but that didn’t stop me. My grandfather had sold 40 acres for housing construction and those newly sodded lawns cried out for maintenance. Since the new owners were all from New York City my grandfather showed my brother and I a new trade — installing lawn sprinklers. Combining that with sod installation, planting and cutting, there was money to be made in this trade. It also helped that several other landowners all within a

half-mile sold off their lands for construction. We were not old enough to drive, yet here was a landscaping market ready-made with scores of new homes!

But I am getting ahead of myself. After all, it wasn’t quite the simplicity of mowing a few lawns for pocket money. It had become an actual business, including hiring friends in the neighborhood to help. At times I would miss playing baseball or football because work needed to be done. Work would overlap weekends, too, and not in a good way, as “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy” comes to mind. I found myself after five years “in the biz” waxing nostalgic for those early days — not unlike today when I reminisce about the buzz of a 3-HP Briggs & Stratton and looking over a job well done.

And yet, like many of you in the landscape and irrigation trades, I too would never change a thing. There is just something about this business and making a lush green living carpet a reality that is at times difficult to put into words, yet it is with us forever. I’ll say it again — I wouldn’t change a thing — and I think none of you would, either.

➽ JOHN RAFFIANI is an active contractor who has been installing and servicing irrigation systems since 1966 — over 17,000 to date. He has completed projects ranging from small residential systems up to 100-acre sites including homes, shopping centers, corporate office parks, athletic fields, and condominiums in New Jersey, New York, Massachu setts, Florida, Arizona, and California. He is a Licensed Irrigation Contractor in NJ, an IA Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC), an IA Certified Technician (CIT), an Irrigation Association Regional Authorized Instructor, an NDS Certified Drainage Contractor, a Certified Backflow Tester, a Rutgers Certified Fertilizer Applicator and is a member of the IANJ, IA, NJLCA, NJTA and NEWWA. Raffiani will be a featured speaker at Northern Green 2023 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Join green industry professionals from around the state for a day of information-sharing and advocacy!

Our Day on the Hill is a critical opportunity for YOU to build relationships with elected officials and raise awareness about issues impacting your business, workforce, and the industry as a whole.

Members of MNLA’s Government Affairs Team and Day on the Hill “pros” will guide you through the day’s events, helping foster connections between attendees and ensuring you’re prepared for successful legislative visits.

Event Schedule:

Best Western Capitol Ridge, Capitol Hall

• 8:00-8:30 – Check-in & Complimentary Continental Breakfast

• 8:30-9:20 – Issue & Advocacy Orientation

Capitol Complex, Senate & State Office Buildings

• 9:45-4:00 – Meetings with your elected officials

• 9:20-9:45 – Small Group “Sessions” Registrations can be submitted electronically by visiting the MNLA.biz event calendar and downloading the form on our Day on the Hill event page.

GLOBAL RESOURCES WITH A LOCAL TOUCH

With a new look comes the power of a global team of experts, innovative solutions, more personalized products, and access to state-of-the-art technology that helps us solve problems like never before.

But that doesn’t mean we lost our personal touch. We’re as committed as ever to the communities we serve.

monroetruck.com

OFFICIAL NOTICE:

OFFICIAL NOTICE: ANNUAL MEETING ON JAN. 12 AT CONVENTION CENTER

Notice is hereby given that the annual membership meeting of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association will be held at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the Minneapolis Convention Center in room 101FG. During the annual meeting, the results of the Board of Directors election will be announced. An electronic ballot was sent the first week in December to the primary contact provided to MNLA by each business member. Following is a short biography of those persons nominated to be on the ballot.

CANDIDATES FOR DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE

Patrick McGuiness

Patrick McGuiness is a candidate for re-election to the MNLA Board of Direc tors. Patrick is an attorney and partner with Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC in St. Paul, Minn. The firm, founded in 2007, focuses on assisting green industry businesses with a variety of legal needs. Patrick has extensive experience in the green industry as former business owner and frequent contributor to industry publications and conferences.

In addition to being an attorney, Patrick is a director on the board of directors at Hiway Credit Union, a director for Minnesota Lawyers Mutual Insurance Company, and a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve serving as an Assistant Professor in the Law Department at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Patrick is a member of the Networking Committee and was formerly the chair of the stormwater planning task team.  He has also participated in MNLA’s strategic plan ning initiatives, the MNLA Executive Director search in 2012, and served for a short time as an at-large member of the MNLA Board of Directors when he was mobilized and deployed for the Army Reserve.

Kim Gaida-Wagener

Kim Gaida-Wagener is a candidate for election to the MNLA Board of Directors.

Kim is currently a Senior Sales Associate at Rock Hard Landscape Supply, a

family-owned landscape supply company with three locations; Burnsville, Farmington, and Jordan. She holds bachelor of arts degrees in environmental design and landscape architecture from North Dakota State Univer sity. She is also a MNLA Certified Professional Fellow.

Kim is a current member of the Trade Show Committee and Membership Committee and has formerly served on the Garden Center and Certification Committees. She also participated on the most recent strategic planning team and assists with MNLA Foundation fundraising activities.

Susan Bachman West

Susan Bachman West is a candidate for election to the MNLA Board of Directors.

Susan is a fifth generation family member and CEO of Bachman’s Inc. Bachman’s started in 1885 and has grown to now maintain six large floral, gift and garden retail stores, twenty-eight smaller floral shops, a wedding and special events division, a Nursery Wholesale and Hardscape division, a landscape design and installation division, and a greenhouse and nursery growing facility. Susan has a bachelor of arts degree from Wartburg College and a masters degree from Purdue University. She is also a MNLA certified professional.

Susan is a current member of the MNLA Education Committee and the Joint Programing Board. She has also served on the MNLA Board Development Committee.

WE’RE READY