The Scoop Online – July 2013 by Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association

Member Profile Plant of the Month Trends Team

Volume 36 No. 7 July 2013

Are Spireas Really Indestructible?

Also Inside

Spring Trials Report, Pt. 2

t h e o f f i c i a l p u b l i c at i o n o f t h e M I n n e s o ta N u r s e r y & L a n d s c a p e A s s o c i at i o n

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*Customer must be a member of Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association. Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association and Members agree to purchase a minimum of 15 units in each model year, and title, license, register and retain all vehicles for a minimum of 6 months. This private offer is not compatible with any additional retail or dealer incentives/ rebates (i.e. business choice, dealer cash, pull boards, etc.). For the program details, restrictions and list of eligible 2013 GM cars and light duty trucks, please see the dealer.

Volume 36 No. 7 July 2013

contents 22

51 HIGHLIGHTS

22 Organics Composting for Soil Amendment Rob Friend walks us through the steps in producing compost by positively forced aeration.    

26 California Spring Trials Report, Pt. 2 Carolyn Jones returns with more varieties from her annual visit to plant breeders and propagators. 

36 Eye Candy What form of advertising sells 24/7, doesn’t require monthly updates, and is a great conversation starter?   

39 Legislative Session Wrap-Up MNLA members will be affected by several important issues decided in the Minnesota legislature. 

44 MNLA Foundation Scholarship Winners Short profiles on the 26 students who received scholarships from the MNLA Foundation in partnership with 18 members. 

51 Managing Compaction & Moisture Improper or careless soil mix handling can result in many problems. 

15 IN THIS ISSUE 8 Events 10 From the Executive Director Pull up a chair at the MNLA table. 15 Plant of the Month Rudbeckia ‘Little Goldstar’ PP22,397. 16 Member Profile Fairview Gardens in Sauk Rapids. 34 MDA Nursery Survey MDA targets foreign and emerging plant pests in Minnesota nurseries. 43 Are Spireas Really Indestructible? 54 Alert: Firewood Used to Stabilize Nursery Shipments 57 Trends Team What will be the most important technology in your business over the next two years? 60 Watch for These Two Newer Invasive Pests Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) and brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB).

 Landscape & Hardscape Install & Design  Garden Services & Landscape Management  Garden Centers  Growers: Nursery & Greenhouse  Irrigation & Water Management  Arborists & Tree Services  All

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mnla .biz

Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association 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.TheLandLovers.org www.NorthernGreenExpo.org

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A Top Notch Equipment ................................................................................... 41 Alliance Designer Products ................................................................................ 4 Astleford Equipment Co. .................................................................................. 50 Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes .................................................. 18 Beberg Landscape Supply ................................................................................ 31 BFG Supply ................................................................................................ 12–13 Bullis Insurance Agency .................................................................................... 37 Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus ..................................................... 55

debbie lonnee, mnla-cp, president

Central Landscape Supply ................................................................................ 61

heidi heiland, mnla-cp, vice-president

Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ............................................................................. 31

Bailey Nurseries, Inc. 651-768-3375 • debbie.lonnee@baileynursery.com Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens 612-366-7766 • heidi@BloomOnMN.com

herman roerick, secretary-treasurer

Central Landscape Supply 320-252-1601 • hermanr@centrallandscape.com

bert swanson, mnla-cp, past president Swanson’s Nursery Consulting, Inc. 218-732-3579 • btswanson2@gmail.com

randy berg, mnla-cp

Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 • rberg@smig.net

scott frampton

Landscape Renovations 651-769-0010 • sframpton@landscaperenovations.com

tim malooly, cid, clia, cic

Cushman Motor Co. Inc ................................................................................... 47

Frontier Ag & Turf ............................................................................................. 35 Gardenworld Inc. .............................................................................................. 53 GM Fleet and Commercial ................................................................................. 3 Gopher State One-Call ..................................................................................... 55 Great Northern Equipment Distributing, Inc. ................................................... 56 Haag Companies, Inc. ...................................................................................... 42 Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies ........................................................ 24 Jeff Belzer Chevrolet .................................................................................. 32–33 Landscape Alternatives .................................................................................... 61 Maguire Agency ............................................................................................... 55

Water in Motion 763-559-7771 • timm@watermotion.com

Out Back Nursery ............................................................................................. 53

mike mcnamara

Plaisted Companies .......................................................................................... 14

Hoffman & McNamara Nursery & Landscaping 651-437-9463 • mike.mcnamara@hoffmanandmcnamara.com

RDO Equipment Co. ........................................................................................ 58

bill mielke

RDO Integrated Controls ................................................................................. 47

Waconia Tree Farms LLC 612-237-1728 • billmielke@waconiatreefarms.com

Rock Hard Landscape Supply division of Brian’s Lawn & Landscaping, Inc. .... 55

cassie larson, cae

TerraDek Lighting, Inc. ..................................................................................... 61

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

The Tessman Company .................................................................................... 38 Titan Machinery ................................................................................................. 2

Staff Directory

executive director:

Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz

membership director & trade show manager:

Mary Dunn, CEM • mary@mnla.biz communications director: Jon Horsman • jon@mnla.biz executive assistant: Susan Flynn • susan@mnla.biz receptionist: Jessica Pratt • jessica@mnla.biz accountant: Norman Liston • norman@mnla.biz

mnla foundation program director: Jodi Larson • jodi@mnla.biz

Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. .................................................................................... 7, 21 Truck Utilities & Mfg. Co. .................................................................................. 37 Unilock Chicago, Inc ......................................................................................... 59 University of Minnesota Continuing Education ................................................ 40 Vermeer Sales & Service ................................................................................... 25 Wheeler Landscape Supply .............................................................................. 56 Woodcraft Industries ........................................................................................ 61

advertising sales:

Ziegler CAT ....................................................................................................... 64

government affairs consultants:

All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2013, and may not be used without written permission of MNLA. The Scoop is published 12 times per year by MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville MN 55113. Address corrections should be sent to the above address.

Pierre Productions & Promotions • 763-295-5420 Betsy Pierre, Advertising Manager • betsy@pierreproductions.com Doug Carnival, Legislative Affairs Tim Power, Interim Government Affairs Director

ad list

Volume 36 No. 7 July 2013

➾ section title

mnla .biz

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➾ calendar

➾

july 13–16 OFA Short Course (Trade Show: July 14–16) Greater Columbus Convention Center ofashortcourse.org The OFA Short Course trade show, educational sessions, and networking events are all designed to provide the answers you need to keep your business successful (and help you sleep better at night).

aug1

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➾

Perennial Plant Symposium Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Vancouver, Brit. Columbia perennialplant.org The Perennial Plant Symposium is open to both members and nonmembers of the Perennial Plant Association, and is the only annual professional education conference dedicated solely to growing, retailing, and designing with herbaceous perennials.

aug14

Lake Service Provider Aquatic Invasive Species Training DNR Central Region Headquarters Office, 1200 Warner Rd, St. Paul, MN 56106 Contact: April Rust 651-258-5706 The Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering aquatic invasive species (AIS) training to owners of lake service provider businesses in Minnesota so they can legally work in the state’s waters.

july 21–27

➾

The Tessman Company Greenhouse Buying Expo August 14 The Prom Center, Oakdale 651-487-3850 Your “Hometown Team” is ready to help with all your Greenhouse, Nursery, Garden Center and Landscaping needs!

aug15 ➾

Carlin Buyerfest St. Paul www.carlinsales.com (855) 487-8108 Customers have plenty of opportunities to visit with vendors, ask questions and learn about new product offerings.

2013 MNLA seminars generously supported by John Deere Landscapes

MNLA Event

AUG1 july Garden Center 13–16 Tour

MNLA Event

july23 july Widmer Golf 13–16 Tournament ➾

OFA Course UofM Short Les Bolstad (Trade Show: St. JulyPaul 14–16) Golf Course, Greater Columbus mnlafoundation.com Convention Center 651-633-4987 ofashortcourse.org Join your fellow Hackers TheHorticulture OFA Short Course for for the tradeannual show, educational 23rd Widmer sessions, and networking Golf Tournament. This eventshas arebecome all designed event a to providefeaturing the answers tradition, lunch, you need toakeep your dinner, and day of golf business successful (and with a fabulous group of help youand sleep better to at people a chance night). win great prizes. Proceeds benefit the Research Fund of the MNLA Foundation.

aug 18–21 2013 International Low Impact Development Symposium Saint Paul River Centre www.cce.umn.edu 612-624-3708 The LID Symposium will bring together over 1,000 professionals to share their research, implementation, policy, financing, and education strategies to build and restore cities while protecting our environment.

➾

OFA Short Course MNLA.biz (Trade Show: July 14–16) 651-633-4987 Greater Join yourColumbus colleagues and Convention Centergarden tour the following ofashortcourse.org centers: Bachman’s Inc. in The OFA Short Course Fridley, Waldoch Farm Inc. trade show, educational in Circle Pines; Malmborg’s sessions,Center and networking Garden in Blaine; events areBrothers, all designed Mickman Inc. to Ham provide theand answers in Lake; Green you need to keep your Valley Garden Center business successful in Ramsey. Network (and helpbring you sleep and back better ideas at night). to implement at your own garden center, and share your ideas with your peers!

SEPT5–6 ➾

MNLA Event

Foster’s Spring Market 2014

➾

Mayo Civic Center, Rochester www.fostersinc.com ALL NEW Show in a familiar location: More Halls! Bigger Booths! New Format! Everything you love about Spring Market: Hottest new merchandise! Great Values! POWER Buying!

Key:

Event

SEPT18 MNLA Shootout South St. Paul Rod & Gun Club mnlafoundation.com 651-633-4987 Don‘t miss this annual sporting clays charity event that raises money for scholarships! This course runs at a beginner’s level — the focus is on fun. Proceeds benefit the MNLA Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Education ➾

All information on these and other industry events are online at MNLA.biz. july 13

mnla .biz

➾ from the executive director

Pull Up a Chair at the MNLA Table Last week, I walked into a room full of association CEOs that are part of the Midwest Society of Association Executives (MSAE) and sat down next to someone I had never met before. We immediately struck up a conversation about the value of membership in our respective organizations. we shared stories, recruitment strategies, and marketing techniques. We had an immediate connection Cassie Larson MNLA Executive Director simply because we are in the same line of work and were compelled to learn from one another. I now have another association executive in my rolodex to call on when the need arises. And, access to that community of professionals is more valuable than any discount I get from being a member of MSAE. I believe this story illustrates the TRUE value of an association membership. It’s not about the list of benefits or the cost savings, it’s about: • Relationship building • Promoting professionalism • Engaging with like-minded individuals • Sharing ideas; and • Gaining access to credible information and resources I hope that these phrases are also indicative of your MNLA member experience. Like any association, MNLA exists as a group of people who find strength in numbers while sharing common interests. Are you taking advantage of the pool of experience and people resources that are available through MNLA? Are you truly part of the “community”? If the answer is no, I hope you will consider engaging to get the most of your membership — I guarantee it will pay dividends for your business in the long run. MNLA member John O’Reilly of Otten Brothers, Inc. said it best in my opinion, “MNLA is a whole collection of real-world experts in their fields who are eager to share their successes and failures with each other. But to get the answers, you have got to be there to ask the questions and hear the answers. Newsletters are 10

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insightful, educational programs are certainly valuable, and we all like a discount; but the real value of membership is in the community of people.” In the past, when we have asked members why they belong to MNLA we’ve received a variety of responses… • Over the years it has provided me and my employees with educational opportunities. • The networking and support has been instrumental in growing my business. • I credit the association with helping me run a professional company. • I think it’s important to support the association that gives my industry “a seat at the table” in the state legislature. • I’m concerned with keeping current on green industry information and MNLA helps me do that. These are all great reasons to belong — as is the access to the green industry “community.” The decision to join or renew is different for every single business but my hope is that once you’re here, you will realize that the benefits go far beyond cheap rates on workers comp insurance or discounts on an educational program. My hope is that you will realize the true “community” of MNLA through personal engagement. Wouldn’t you like to sit down next to someone in your line of work who could offer you a cost saving solution to that nagging problem in a 10 minute conversation? If so, you’re in the right place! Just pull up a chair at the MNLA table. cassie larson is MNLA’s Executive Director and can be reached at cassie@mnla.biz.

➾ networkin g

leaders needed N etwork in g Groups L eaders N eeded

Get involved! We know you’ll take away more than you were expecting.

We are looking for leaders to coordinate the following MNLA industry segment networking groups:

what we need

Landscape Design Networking Group Nursery Growers Networking Group

Select meeting dates and ensure a site and host for the in-person group gatherings (this might be a coffee shop, restaurant during happy hour, or a business member location).

responsibilities

Ensure that you as leader or a designated group member picks a discussion topic or develops the content to be discussed. Help recruit participants. Start and moderate group discussion on the topic of the day. Solicit, record, and submit ideas from the group regarding: • Seminar educational topics • Government affairs issues • Services MNLA could provide to its members • Takeaways from group discussions

mnla welcomes members new

All Day Builders, Ely, MN

Lynn’s Glass & Garden, Milaca, MN

Artful Terrain, Woodbury, MN

North Metro Companies, LLC, Medina, MN (Welcome Back!)

Brookside+Garden+Center, Chaska, MN

Stone Arch Landscapes, Inc., Minneapolis, MN

Deer Creek Turf, Ham Lake, MN

Town & Country Landscaping of Rogers, Inc., Rogers, MN

G & K Mowing & Lawncare Service, Austin, MN

Valant Professional Products, Lake Ozark, MO

J & H Outdoor Services, Stacy, MN

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Come see hundreds of the top manufacturers for the Nursery, Greenhouse and Lawn & Garden Industry!

Grower & Garden Center

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Formerly the BFG Hort Expo and Commerce Trade Show

DON’T MISS THE BFG BUYING SHOW OF THE YEAR!

SPECIAL PRICING • GREAT DEALS • CASH SPIFFS • SPEAKERS • CATERED LUNCH

Minneapolis Convention Center 1301 2nd Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55403

Spend $10,000 at the Grower & Garden Center Expo and stay for FREE at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis!* *BFG will credit your account for the cost of the room only (additional charges to the room will not be covered). Bring your receipt or room confirmation to the registration desk at the Grower & Garden Center Expo. Must stay at Hyatt Regency Minneapolis for offer to apply.

Join us for many educational seminars on industry related topics to keep you informed and educated. Featured speakers include Charlie Hall, Ann Chase and many more.

Contact your BFG Sales Representative to Register or call (800) 883-0234 BFG SUPPLY CO. • 14500 KINSMAN RD., BURTON OH 44021 • 800.883.0234 • www.bfgsupply.com

DRAMM

... and more!

➾ plant of the mont h

plant month of

the

Rudbeckia ‘Little Goldstar’ PP22,397

One of the most common and best selling perennials is Rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’. It has a shelf full of awards and rightly so. Its great color at the end of the season with its iconic flowers and great habit make it a best-seller. As of late though, Rudbeckia black spot has really taken its toll on the crop in flower beds and it may be time to shake things up a bit.

are upon us and spring is firmly in our rear view mirror. So what do we do now that our benches are clear of spring annuals and vegetables? It is perennial season and time to introduce some long-lasting color into your gardens.

the dog days of summer

My new favorite black-eyed Susan is ‘Little Goldstar’. It is a new introduction from Jelitto really worthy of checking out. It has a much smaller habit than ‘Goldsturm’ and even ‘Viette’s Little Suzy’. At full height they get to be around 14" with the flowers sitting about 3" above the dark green foliage. It sits perfectly in a trade size gallon pot and as you can see from the picture, it also works well in porch pots. It provides a balanced-sized plant in a gallon that fits perfectly on retail benches in mass

displays. Some great ideas of plants to pair with them in planters are other fall color perennials; try combining with some creeping sedum, fescue grass, or thread leafed coreopsis. ‘Little Goldstar’ works exceptionally well in commercial landscapes as well. It is a low maintenance variety that does not spread like its big brother. It also holds up well to sprinklers where the ‘Goldsturm’ tends to get black spot from. When winter hits, just cut or rake off this summer’s foliage and wait for it to come back next year. In the coming seasons I really think you will be seeing this plant more and more as a complement to the traditional ‘Goldsturm’. ‘Little Goldstar’ has a wonderful habit, great disease resistance, and long lasting color throughout the fall. Give it a shot and let me know what you think!

plant of the month was written by jerod fehrenbach, twin orchards nursery. He can be reached at jfehren@aol.com. Main photo courtesy of Walters Gardens, Inc. Planter photo courtesy of author.

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➾ member profile

member profile fair view g ardens Meta L. Levin

C O M PAN Y SN APS H O T

Owner: Chanda Gebhardt Date Company Started: 2004 Location: Sauk Rapids Member Category: Commercial Flower Grower Garden Center/Retail Nursery Website: www.fairviewgardensmn.com

Early each spring, with the snow still on the ground, there is a ritual of sorts enacted at Fairview Gardens in Sauk Rapids, MN. customers, some with their own pots or baskets, some without (but all with visions of beautiful plantings dancing in their heads), parade into Fairview Gardens. The potting stations are open.

Fairview Gardens’ owner, Chanda Gebhardt, is known in the community for her outreach, teaching classes, answering questions on her own radio show, and working with schools and organizations. When she taught potting classes, she realized that the 25 to 30 attendees got no one-on-one help. So, Gebhardt instituted the potting stations. Beginning in March, from noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, anyone who wants help with container planting can come in and get it. Once the containers are planted, Gebhardt puts them in one of Fairview Gardens’ greenhouses, where they are tended and watched over until the weather is warm enough to put them outside, usually at the end of May or the beginning of June. The customer who planted the container then picks them up and brings them home. It’s a win-win situation for all, says Gebhardt, who started Fairview Gardens in 2004. “We had 300 customers last year,” she says. “They are paying full price early in the season, which helps with our cash flow.” Moreover, when they pick up their containers, they often walk through the garden center and buy something else.

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The do-it-yourself bug has been handed down from the Baby Boomers to the Generation X and Y crowd, so she has changed the way she markets her business.

Gebhardt’s path to her passion, which has become her company and its customers, began almost accidentally. Originally she had planned to study athletic training in college, but decided that was a mistake. After working for her father, a land developer, for one summer, she entered Hennepin Technical College to study landscape construction and design. She took a greenhouse production class and realized that she liked it. That fall, while taking a greenhouse engineering class, she started construction of a greenhouse, immediately applying everything that she learned in class. With her first crop, she held an “overproduction” garage sale and did $20,000 worth of business. The following year, her sale stretched to six weeks. And she built more greenhouses. In 2004, with her father acting as her business consultant, she opened the retail facility, which, with her now 13 greenhouses, covers about 10 acres on what used to be the 140 acre Fairview Holstein Farms. She carries annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and a variety of other products, including those in her gift shop.

In the meantime, Gebhardt began dating her now husband, Eric, a former sprinkler fitter doing fire protection work, who now works with her at Fairview Gardens. As the head grower, Eric runs all aspects of the greenhouse. In the first years Gebhardt ran everything with part time help from a friend. Now, there are 25 employees during peak season. That number, though, goes down to three during the winter. The Fairview Gardens clientele is becoming younger, says Gebhardt. The do-it-yourself bug has been handed down from the Baby Boomers to the Generation X and Y crowd, so she has changed the way she markets her business. Now she has a website, a presence on Facebook and hosts her own local garden show, “Mixed Greens,” every other Saturday morning and another at the garden center on Friday mornings.

“Last year we sold $5,000 worth of products in just three hours over the telephone,” she says. The Gebhardts believe in giving back to their community. “We look at whatever we can do that needs to be done,” she says. That includes supplying plants and advice for city projects, helping at schools and doing programs for local groups. Ever mindful of the importance of supporting her fellow business people, she grows 85 percent of what she sells and sources the rest locally. Gebhardt joined MNLA as soon as she started Fairview Gardens. “I’m concerned with keeping up with current information,” she says. Last year she served on the Team Tomorrow focus group and is pleased to see some efforts at outreach to members who, like her, are not located in the major metropolitan areas. In addition, she is working toward getting her professional certification through MNLA.

The Saturday morning show concentrates on questions from listeners, but on Friday mornings she often runs specials, which seem to be popular with her audience.

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F Lunch ree Friday Each

Fr mentar iday in July y grille d eats 1 Minnea 1 a.m. - 1 p.m & drinks polis H . ardsca pe Cen ter

Compli

FMLA Provides Options for

military families

The family of an active military member may face challenges that require time off from work when the military member is deployed to a foreign country, including arranging for alternative childcare, attending military ceremonies, or even caring for the injured military member. Casey Pettersen | Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC

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mnla .biz

➾ fmla

ince 2008, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) has included the Military Family Leave provisions, providing specific protections to military families so they are able to attend to some of these issues during this otherwise difficult time. These provisions apply only to employees of covered employers, which include government agencies (including local, state and federal employers) and private employers that employ 50 or more employees. Moreover, the employee (a) must have worked for the covered employer for at least 12 months; (b) must have at least 1,250 hours of service with that employer in the last 12 months; and (c) must work at a location where the employer has at least 50 employees within 75 miles of that worksite. The FMLA has provided two specific Military Family Leave provisions to allow family members to take leave from work when a loved one is deployed to a foreign country. The first provision is Qualifying Exigency Leave, which allows the spouse, parent, son, or daughter of a military member to take FMLA leave to attend to family-related issues that may arise. This provision allows the family member to take up to 12 workweeks of FMLA leave for qualifying exigencies, such as arranging for alternative childcare, making financial or legal arrangements, or attending military ceremonies. In the unfortunate event that a military member is injured or is otherwise seriously ill during active duty, the FMLA provides a second provision titled Military Caregiver Leave. This provision provides leave to family members so they are able to care for the injured or seriously ill military member. Only the spouse, parent, son, daughter, or next of kin of the military member may take Military Caregiver Leave. The serious injury or illness must have occurred in the line of duty, making the military member medically unfit to perform his or her military duties. This provision also 20

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extends to injuries or illnesses that existed prior to active duty and were later aggravated in the line of duty. The family member can take up to 26 workweeks of unpaid leave during a 12-month period for a qualifying serious injury or illness. If a qualified individual elects to take FMLA leave under one of these two provisions, several restrictions and requirements apply. The employee is entitled to the same health insurance benefits as if the employee had not been on leave. The employee cannot be paid during FMLA leave, however he or she may apply sick time, vacation time, or otherwise acquired paid time to FMLA leave. The employer’s normal policies apply, and FMLA requires the employee to abide by the employer’s required notice or call-in procedures. Under no circumstances can the employer use time off for FMLA leave as grounds for promotions, demotions, discipline, or other related employment decisions. In the event that the employer violates the employee’s rights under the Military Family Leave provisions, the Wage and Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor provides a detailed complaint process. For additional information about Military Family Leave under FMLA, see the United States Department of Labor website at www.dol.gov. This article provides general information on employment law matters and should not be relied upon as legal advice. A qualified attorney must analyze all relevant facts and apply the applicable law to any matter before legal advice can be given.

is a Law Clerk with Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC. If you would like more information regarding employment law or other legal matters, please contact Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC at 651-206-3203 or www.zmattorneys.com. casey pettersen

Organics Composting For Soil

amendment If you attended the Northern Green Expo this past January, then you participated in the next big thing in recycling: Source-Separated Organics Composting.

Rob Friend | The Mulch Store

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Source-Separated Organics in the foreground and yard waste behind.

rica Leland with Hennepin County Master Recycling Program, The Mulch Store, Waste Management, MNLA, and MTGF all took part in a three-day pilot project in the cafeteria area of the Expo to collect food waste for composting. The compostable organic material collected during the Green Expo was delivered to the Mulch Store’s Empire Processing Facility in Rosemount by Waste Management where it was made into compost. Similar initiatives are taking place all over Minnesota with many people participating even if they’re unaware that their school, or the restaurant or airport (like the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport) they are visiting has organics recycling in place. You are probably wondering why this is such an important issue. In 2010, 34 million tons of food waste was thrown into landfills in the United States (EPA, Reducing Food Waste for Business). When food is disposed in a landfill, it decomposes and can become a significant source of methane — a potent greenhouse gas with 21 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. While many technologic advances have been made, landfills are a major source of human-related methane in the United States, accounting for more than 20 percent of all methane emissions (EPA, Reducing Food Waste for Business). Recycling of organics and food waste is recognized as a higher, more valuable practice by the EPA’s Solid Waste Management Hierarchy. While there are many ways to recycle food waste, including programs that deliver food to food shelves, feeding it to livestock, turning it into animal feed, and composting, this article will be focusing on organics composting. Currently in Minnesota, the bulk

of the food/organic waste that is collected for composting comes from schools and businesses seeking to manage their waste in ways other than land disposal. This is a voluntary effort since Minnesota does not have mandatory source-separated organics collection like some cities and states such as Seattle, San Francisco, Vermont and Massachusetts. There are many different ways to compost organics; but the method I am going to discuss is the process that has been used and refined at the Mulch Store Empire location: positively forced aeration. The positively forced aeration process immediately begins when the source-separated organics delivered to our facility is mixed with a yard waste bulking agent. The Empire facility accepts materials like yard waste, food waste, non-recyclable paper products and compostable plastics. Due to our advanced processing methods, Empire is able to take meat and dairy products that are prohibited in the back yard compost bins or more traditional composting operations. Once the food waste/organics are mixed with yard waste, the operation can deal with a more “homogenous” material. This homogenous material is thoroughly mixed and the blend is then placed in 150-foot windrows over perforated piping. The pipe infrastructure is connected to electric fans that force air into the windrows which starts and accelerates the compost process. Because of the use of forced aeration, the operation is able to control the temperatures of the windrows to insure that the material does not go into an anaerobic state. The stable operating conditions created by the forced aeration process allows us to completely meet the standard of Process for Further Reducing Pathogens (PFRP), july 13

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â&#x17E;ž compostin g

ÂŽ

Trammel screeners doing final processing. The piles being built by the screeners are finished compost.

a guide to acceptable materials for organics recycling This list is to be used as a general guide for material acceptability and cannot be construed as all inclusive or exhaustive.

acceptable materials All food scraps All grass, leaves, yard trimmings, plant trimmings (note that emerald ash borer quarantine restrictions and other quarantines may apply to these materials) All non-recyclable paper products Napkins, paper towels, tissues Uncoated paper plates, cups & food containers Paper milk and juice cartons Paper bags and waxed paper (fast food wraps, etc.) Coffee grounds, filters and tea bags Pizza boxes All certified compostable products as determined by the Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI). For more information, visit bpiworld.org.

unacceptable materials Plastics of any kind including, Styrofoam, plastic bottles, condiment packets, plastic packaging, chip bags, candy wrappers and compostable plastics that do not meet BPI certification standards. Metal items including foil, metals, and cans Clothing Glass Diapers, sanitary products, pet waste

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Hedberg Scoop June2013outl.indd 1

4/30/2013 8:56:19 AM

or maintaining a minimum temperature of 131 degrees for seven consecutive days. This important standard needs to be met so that all pathogens and weed seed are removed from the resulting compost. We are able to meet PFRP within 2–3 weeks of starting the composting process. Once the source-separated organics has been in the static windrow for 1½–2 months, we move it to a curing area where the material will continue to break down until it is ready for final screening after 6–8 months. After this final screen, the material is ready to be sold as finished compost. As a finished product, compost is ready for sale to anyone from a homeowner to a landscaper or even large construction companies. The first and most common use for compost is as a soil amendment. The benefits for using compost as a soil amendment include: increased water holding capacity (as much as 10%), reduced need for some chemical fertilizers, increased soil cation, and improved exchange capacity which allows the soil to hold and release nutrients more efficiently. The second and fastest growing use for compost in Minnesota is in erosion control. Many studies have shown that compost can be highly effective for reducing and preventing erosion on an exposed slope. This is accomplished because compost has a significant water holding capacity, so much so that low-to-medium intensity of short-to-medium duration rain events may produce no runoff at all (Persyn et al, 2004). Those rain events that do produce runoff take

longer before the runoff starts and take longer to reach peak flow (Glanville et al, 2003). Using compost of low nutrient value has the added benefit of releasing less phosphorous and nitrogen than hydro seeding, hydro mulching, and seeded straw mulches, all common forms of erosion prevention (Faucette et al, 2005). Compost not only helps prevent erosion immediately upon application, it also provides an effective substrate for seed growth, conserving moisture, suppressing weeds, and providing slow-release nutrients to support the establishment of vegetation, thus providing long term erosion prevention (Faucette et al, 2005). For a good review of the research on compost as an erosion control see Faucette et al, Evaluation of stormwater from compost and conventional erosion control practices in construction activities, in the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, v. 60 no. 6:288-297. Compost has many more benefits including improving and stabilizing soil PH, improving soil infiltration, improving the soil’s ability to retain its nutrients for plant use, and many more. If you are interested in learning more about compost usage you can go to www.mulchstoremn.com or the United States Composting Council website www.compostingcouncil.org.

can be reached at rfriend@setinc.net. All photos courtesy of The Mulch Store.

rob friend

july 13

mnla .biz

â&#x17E;ž spring trials report

report: part II of the

2013 California

mnla .biz

july 13

Carolyn Jones | BFG Plant Connection

Spring TrialS

Welcome to Part II of the 2013 California Spring Trials Report. We are traveling south down the California coast and reviewing each stop in the order I visited them. We ended Part I at Skagit, so we will begin Part II at PanAmerican in Santa Paula and continue south until we end in Vista at Plug Connection. There are some great new introductions in this second half of the trip, so here we goâ&#x20AC;Ś

Dahlia Dahlinova Temptation from Fides.

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➾ spring trial S report

PanAmerican Seed  Dianthus Sweet Black Cherry – Sweet is an F1 series of Dianthus that work well for cutting gardens and landscapes. Garden height is 18–36". The new color Black Cherry is a dark burgundy and is just gorgeous. Cool Wave® Pansy – Two new colors, Golden Yellow and Purple, make a nice addition to this series. They also added a Berries and Cream Mix and a Pastel Mix. Gaillardia Mesa Peach – The newest color in this series of F1 Gaillardia. A nice yellow with an orange inner ring. Zone 5 hardy. Coleus Kong Jr. – A new Kong series gives you the same size plants with smaller leaves, so you have a more durable plant for shipping and planting. Four colors: Scarlet, Rose, Lime Vein and Green Halo. Zinnia Zahara Sunburst – A new color that opens yellow and orange “bleeds” in as the flower ages, so you’ll see assorted flowers on each plant. Great for a fall item as well as spring.

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Selecta < Calibrachoa MiniFamous™ Doubles – Three new colors in the MiniFamous™ Doubles! Red (top left), which is a nice, true red color, Blue, and Pink Vein (middle left). The Red and Blue really round out the series and make for a nice selection of colors .The Trixi® combo ‘Double Date’ has been updated to include Magenta instead of Pink for a bolder look. Geranium Double™ Take series – A new series of interspecific semi-double geraniums that boast a stronger flower with less shattering during shipping. Five new colors: Red, White Scarlet, Pink and Pink with Eye. They have a nice, tight habit and are very uniform across the series. Dianthus Everlast™ – This series was introduced last year and the new color is Dark Pink. These are chinensis type Dianthus and they are perennial. All have double flowers and bloom all summer. Also have a nice fragrance! Zone 4 hardy.

Fides Note: Fides and Ecke are owned by the same company now, as well as Dummen. So we saw new Ecke varieties at the Fides location. Dahlia Dahlinova Temptation – A new series of Dahlias with dark foliage that come from the same breeding as Hypnotica. These are large plants that should be in a 6" or gallon pot. Five new colors that can be grown right along with Hypnotica. > Stachys Bella Grigio – This is a new novelty plant that will work well in combinations. All silvery foliage and long strap leaves that are soft to the touch like a Lamb’s Ear. Really cool! < Geranium Patriot™ Papaya – I really liked this new color. It’s a soft orange with a touch of coral. Something a bit different in the Patriot™ series! Dianthus Sunflor Olivia – A new color in this series of pot dianthus, this one is lime with burgundy tips and it is stunning. Great for spring pots, and with a shearing, it will rebloom.

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mnla .biz

➾ spring trial S report

Suntory < Petunia Moonlight Eclipse™ – This one will be a ”wow” at retail! A soft blue with a green edge that is the first in this color. The habit is upright/mounding, similar to a Surfinia® Patio type. < Petunia Surfinia® Variegated Baby Purple (middle left) – A fun new novelty petunia with variegated foliage. It should size up right along with other petunias, but will be later to bloom than the other Surfinias®. < Petunia Surfinia® Heavenly Blue (bottom left) – This was another plant that everyone was talking about. It’s from the Surfinia® trailing series, and has lovely light blue flowers with a hint of ruffle in the petals. Great for baskets and containers! Sundiascia® – A new series of diascia that is upright and more heat tolerant. Sturdy stems will hold the flowers up, and the height can be 12" or more. Long days make taller flower spikes. Three colors: Upright Blush Pink, Upright Rose Pink and Upright Orange. Lophospermum Lophos® Compact Rose – If you and your customers love Lophospermum, this new variety will make growing and handling much easier. The compact variety is half the size/length with flowers at the top of the plant. Really an amazing difference! Also comes in Compact White. EuroAmerican  Gomphrena Pink Zazzle – This was another “wow” at Spring Trials. The flowers on this gomphrena are 2" across and bright pink! The plant is mounded with very fuzzy leaves. A new novelty that your customers will love. It can also be grown as an indoor plant, but it needs higher light levels to bloom. Great heat tolerance! Lantana Skittles – A lovely red/orange flower with beautiful variegated foliage. The leaves have a subtle white margin. Gaura Rosy Jane – This new gaura has a white flower with bright fuchsia pink margins. A great new variety that will attract lots of butterflies! Echeveria Moonlit Pearl™ – If you love succulents, this is a lovely new addition to the Euro line. It’s gray-green in color with a peach margin that sets off the color so you get a “glow.”

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Westhoff Crazytunias – There are several new colors of Crazytunias for 2014. Terra Cotta, Twilight Red and Mahogany Queen are three that impressed me. The availability was limited for 2013, but they should be easier to get in 2014.  Petunia Kermit series – A new series with a fun name! There are four colors, all with a green ring on the edge. They are Purple, Rose, Piggy and Baby. These have a nice mounding/trailing habit that is not too vigorous. Verbena Hurricane Hot Pink – Bicolor flowers that will remind you of the Twisters. Nice habit for baskets.

I hope you’ve seen some varieties that will spark your excitement for spring 2014 as you make your production plans. If you have a chance to visit trial gardens this summer, that’s a great way to see how these new plants are performing in our summer weather. Thanks for joining me on this review of the Spring Trials trip!

carolyn jones can be reached at cjones@bfgsupply.com.

july 13

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➾ MDA nurse y SURVE Y

2013 MDA survey for Foreig n and Emer g in g Plant P ests in M innesota N urseries

Kathy Kromroy & Tiffany Pahs

survey methods can be found in the table below. Trapping is occurring at 30 nurseries in the metropolitan area, using a variety of traps and lures for each insect. Visual inspections are occurring at 150 nurseries in the Twin Cities. Symptomatic plant samples are collected and submitted to MDA’s Lab Services Division for testing. Wood samples are collected from suspect material and placed in emergence chambers to rear adult woodborers for identification as appropriate. In addition to serving as an early detection tool, the information will contribute to a list of common woodborers found in woody nursery stock.

in may 2013 the minnesota department of

began an early detection survey for foreign and emerging pests of plants that are sold in Minnesota nurseries. Plant propagative material from sources in other states or countries is a pathway for the introduction of foreign insect pests and plant pathogens. Other pests may already be present in Minnesota, but have just recently begun emerging as major threats.

agriculture (mda)

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

Foreign and emerging plant pests and pathogens can kill or otherwise damage nursery plants, rendering them unmarketable. The climate in Minnesota is suitable for the establishment of these pests, and the economic consequences of establishment would be significant.

The survey objective is to establish the presence/absence of the target pests at nurseries throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area and high-risk nurseries throughout the state. A list of the target pests and pathogens, the plant hosts, and

please contact the mda arrest the pest line at 888-545-6684 or arrest. the.pest@state.mn.us with any questions regarding the survey.

Target Pests for 2013 MDA Foreign and Emerging Pest Survey in Nursery and Ornamental Plants

Funnel trap

Delta trap

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Pest/Disease

Host plant

Survey method

Tomato Leaf Miner (Tuta absoluta)

Tomato, pepper, eggplant

Delta traps

Golden Twin Spot Tomato Looper (Chrysodeixis chalcites)

Tomato, cucumber, peppers, beans

Wing traps

Oak Ambrosia Beetle (Platypus quercivorus)

Oak

Funnel traps

Pine Shoot Beetle (Tomicus destruens)

Scots pine, white pine, red pine, jack pine

Lesser Spruce Shoot Beetle (Hylurgops palliates)

Scots pine, white pine, dwarf Siberian pine, spruce, larch, fir

Large Pine Weevil (Hylobius abietis)

Conifer seedlings, pine, spruce

Basil Downy Mildew (Peronospora belbahrii)

Basil – all varieties of sweet basil

Impatiens Downy Mildew (Plasmopara obducens)

All garden impatiens except New Guinea impatiens

Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans)

Tomato, potato, petunia

Chrysanthemum White Rust (Puccinia horiana)

Several species of Chrysanthemum

Woodborers

Woody nursery stock and Christmas trees

Funnel traps

Visual inspection of plants at 150 nurseries

Wood sampling and emergence chambers for rearing insects

EYE CANDY Cheesy vs. professional. Over the top vs. just enough. Being in the aesthetic world of landscaping, we know there’s a fine line between gaudy and eye-catching. That becomes an even finer line to stay on the right side of when you’re talking vehicle wraps. But when designed properly, these can be another great tool in your advertising arsenal…even an ice-breaker. Rebecca Benson | Winona Nursery

mnla .biz

july 13

o what exactly is a wrap? Basically it’s a huge vinyl sticker for your car (for the majority of your car) essentially turning it into a moving billboard. It’s not just pin striping or company lettering. It involves large graphics and color. Not something to take lightly. You have to live with this every time you step into your vehicle, so it’s got to make you proud, not cringe. A couple of years ago we decided to try it. We bought a cute little white Chevy HHR as a service vehicle for one of our designers. We wrapped it up, and since then he has fielded positive comments everywhere from the bank drive-thru to a Friday night fish fry. Who would have thought it would garner that much attention, and so consistently? Complete strangers notice and ask questions, leading to more talk. And when the designer pulls up to the job site, the customer wants to chat about the car first; THEN he can talk landscaping. It’s kind of comical, but it’s also a nice way to start up the conversation. There’s no doubt the wrap is working, and we don’t regret the decision. So what was our process? Step Number One; we picked a unique, even cute vehicle to wrap. I hesitate to say “cute,” since the designer driving this car is a gentleman (how about “stylin’”?), but it really does seem to up the ante and show off the graphics. It’s fine on regular trucks, but it’s especially cool on these littler rigs. Then what? Well, we took the time to work on the design. We had ideas concerning the look we were going for, and we weren’t afraid to have our graphic design company rework and tweak the proofs. And rework and tweak. And tweak and rework. It took several times to arrive at the final design, but it was worth it. In the end, simple and lush was best. We did include our logo, phone number, and website. The rest was the well-executed graphic the designer came up with. After the design was finalized, we turned the vehicle over for a day. Again, the graphics company worked their magic, and when it came back to us, it was just as they say on the makeover shows — we couldn’t believe it was the same plain-Jane car. It really popped, looked attractive, and the graphics have held up extremely well over the last three years. The final step? Staying visible! When our designer goes out to eat, he parks his car in the most visible spot in the parking lot. He chooses the outermost space in our company parking lot. When going to high school sporting events, he takes the company vehicle, where he says even the opposing team has favorable comments. Yes, even after losing. Since then we’ve gone on to wrap our irrigation service vehicles as well. When we pull up, the customer immediately knows who we are and why we are there, which puts them at ease. And when it’s time to update or sell the vehicle, the wrap peels off without harming the paint beneath it. Could this easy, 24/7 form of advertising be something to consider for a vehicle in your fleet? Could be! We’ve found wraps (that are done well) to be great publicists, conversation starters, etc. What’s next: world peace?

rebecca benson

can be reached at becky@winonanursery.com.

july 13

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............

Tessman Company ............ Greenhouse Buying Expo August 14, 2013 Please RSVP by Friday, August 9th T 651-487-3850 • F 651-487-3115

& Specials Dating!

Darren Kellar

Greg Stone

Dan Faust

dkellar@tessmanse e d.com

gstone@tessmanse e d.com

dfaust@tessmanse e d.com

• New Product Lines

C ome visit us at our G re enhouse Buying Show. Take advantage of our Show Specials & D ating. Your H ome town Team is ready to help with all your G re enhouse, N ursery, G ard en C ent er and Landscaping ne e ds!

• Detailed Product Information • Show Buying Specials & Dating • Breakfast and Lunch Provided • Multiple Vendors Attending • Informational Speakers

Date:

We dnesday, A ugust 14, 2013

• Dosmatic repairs available at a Show discount!

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The Prom Center 484 Inwoo d Avenue N orth O akdale, M N 55128

Time:

9am - 4pm

Bring your injector to the show or ship it to us prior to the Buying Expo Show.

Greenhouse

Garden Center

Tessman • St. Paul, MN 1300 Sylvan Street St. Paul, MN 55117 Tel: 651-487-3850 Toll Free: 800-882-5704 Fax: 651-487-3115

Tessman • Fargo, ND 610 - 39th Street North Fargo, ND 58102 Tel: 701-232-7738 Toll Free: 800-474-7238 Fax: 701-232-7278

Landscape Tessman • Tea, SD 46958 Mindy Street Tea, SD 57064 Tel: 605-368-2586 Toll Free: 800-234-1965 Fax: 605-368-2809

The Tessman C ompany is Locally O wne d and O p erate d

➾ leg islati ve report

Wrap-Up of the 2013 Minnesota Legislative Session MNLA members will be affected by important issues decided in the Minnesota legislature this year, several of which we lobbied for at our Day on the Hill on March 6th. we had a number of successes and one significant failure this year. First, the successes: Tim Power

MNLA Interim Government Affairs Director

Indemnification Reform in Construction Contracts —

MNLA partnered with the Minnesota Subcontractors Association (MSA) to support indemnification reform in construction contracts. The heart of the new statutory language reads: A provision that requires a party to provide insurance coverage to one or more other parties, including third parties, for the negligence or intentional acts or omissions of any of those other parties, including third parties, is against public policy and is void and unenforceable. MSA led a coalition of business organizations in this successful effort and MNLA played a significant role in supporting and testifying for this long-needed reform. MNLA members who serve as construction subcontractors will no longer be subject to the current unfair practice of requiring subs to carry liability insurance for themselves, their general contractors and project owners during construction. A second MSA-led issue campaign on “retainage” was put off until later, in order to concentrate on indemnification reform. Pesticide Applicator Training Manuals — The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will be required to update all of its pesticide applicator training category manuals for pesticide applicator training in the next five years, using funds already held by MDA in its Pesticide Regulatory Account. Long-time MNLA friend Rep. Rick Hansen (DFL-South St. Paul) authored this bill, utilizing his expertise as a former MDA pesticide training manager. All MDA-licensed pesticide applicators

receive training in the A (Core) category, and many MNLA members also train in the E (Turf and Ornamental) category. The Turf and Ornamental category manual was last updated in 1997 and is being updated this year. Noxious Weed Law Updates — MNLA participates

actively as a stakeholder organization in MDA’s Noxious Weed Advisory Committee (NWAC). NWAC recommended changes earlier this year in the Noxious Weed Law, most significantly the inclusion of its noxious weed category definitions in statute. One of those categories is important to MNLA as NWAC conducts risk assessments that might add invasive horticultural plants to MDA’s noxious weed lists. “Specially regulated plants” includes noxious weeds that may be native species or have demonstrated economic value, but also have the potential to cause harm in noncontrolled environments. Plants designated as specially regulated have been determined to pose ecological, economical, or human or animal health concerns. Species specific management plans or rules that define the use and management requirements for these plants must be developed by the commissioner of agriculture for each plant designated as specially regulated. The commissioner must also take measures to minimize the potential for harm caused by these plants. The “specially regulated” category will allow for species-specific management plans for plants like Giant and Japanese knotweed and potentially for Japanese barberry, limiting the potential downside to regulation of these horticulturally-important species. State Forest Nurseries — This was MNLA’s only major defeat this session. The 2013 legislature repealed the

july 13

mnla .biz

➾ leg islati ve report

2011 session law that had placed limits on MN DNR’s authority to sell seedlings from their state forest nurseries (SFN’s) to private lands. MNLA spent an enormous amount of time and political capital on this issue, because our association’s leadership believes in the basic principle that government should not be in competition with private business. However, DNR has an 80-year history of selling conservation seedlings in Minnesota, and the change from a Republicanto Democrat-controlled legislature made the 2011 session law ripe for repeal. We hope that the improving economy will lift conservation seedling sales for all sellers, including our own commercial seedling growers. The legislature also appropriated funds this year for a DNR study on the SFN’s that requires updated recommendations to the January 2012 budget and financial plan for the SFN’s: $50,000 the first year is for development of a plan and recommendations, in consultation with the University of Minnesota, Department of Forest Resources, on utilizing the state forest nurseries to: ensure the long-term availability of ecologically appropriate and genetically diverse native forest seed and seedlings to support state conservation projects and initiatives; protect the genetic fitness and resilience of native forest ecosystems; and support tree improvement research to address evolving pressures such as invasive species and climate change. By December 31, 2013, the commissioner shall submit a report with the plan and recommendations to the chairs and ranking minority members of the Senate and House of Representatives committees and divisions with jurisdiction over natural resources. The report shall address funding to improve state forest nursery and tree improvement capabilities. The report shall also provide updated recommendations from those contained in the budget and financial plan required under Laws 2011, First Special Session chapter 2, article 4, section 30. Other 2013 Legislative Decisions That May Affect MNLA Members

• The legislature passed a new Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program, a voluntary pilot program for producers that will provide a ten-year certainty of no additional water quality regulation in exchange for meeting and maintaining a yet-to-be-determined set of water quality standards and practices. 40

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5/14/13 9:27 AM

I want MNLA members and our MTGF colleagues to know that our alerts had significant impact on issues. We provided dramatic impetus to the indemnification reform issue by having members contact specific legislative committee members who were hearing bills in their committees. • The legislature considered the following MNLA issues but DID NOT ENACT legislation this year, due to disagreement on the Environment Conference Committee between House and Senate: • Minimum wage increases — the House wanted an increase to $9.50, Senate to $7.50. According to MNLA lobbyist Doug Carnival, we should expect this issue to re-emerge in 2014. • Increased water appropriation fees — the House bill would have dramatically increased water fees for growers, golf courses and landscape use; nixed by Senate conferees. • Doubling of the aggregate production tax — a part of the Senate’s frac sand bill that was eliminated in the Conference Committee.

received from our members were simply outstanding. Obviously, the closer the alerts were to our busy spring season, the smaller the response we got. However, I want MNLA members and our MTGF colleagues to know that our alerts had significant impact on issues. We provided dramatic impetus to the indemnification reform issue by having members contact specific legislative committee members who were hearing bills in their committees. We provided over 100 letters to the plumbing board on an issue involving a potential new Minnesota plumbing code. Legislators and regulators are definitely aware of our association. They know that MNLA is involved in government affairs, and they know our views on the issues that matter to us. Thank you your willingness to respond to our alerts! Your involvement really makes a difference.

Grassroots Grows Results — MNLA asked its members to respond

to several legislative alerts this session as we supported specific bills in the legislature and a plumbing board issue. The results we

tim power

can be reached at timpower@powerconsults.com.

july 13

mnla .biz

Are Spireas Really

Indestructible? Dimitre Mollov | Plant Disease Clinic, University of Minnesota

pireas (Spiraea spp.) are widely grown plants in Minnesota due to their cold hardiness and low maintenance requirements. If you were to search the Internet for spirea diseases, there are many sites and blogs stating that spirea has no serious pest and disease issues. However, in the last few years many landscape sites in the Twin Cities metro area had severely stunted spirea plants with abnormally small leaves and shoot proliferation (witches’ brooms). Depending on the spirea cultivar, leaf discoloration can also occur. The leaf discoloration varies from pale green and yellow to dark purple. We have identified the causal agent of this disease to be phytoplasma. Phytoplasma is a small bacteria-like microorganism that lives in the plant vascular system. The phytoplasma infects the plant systemically. Utilizing modern diagnostic techniques we determined that this disease, new to Minnesota, is spirea stunt phytoplasma (reported previously in the USA only in central New York on S. tomentosa). Spirea stunt appears to be more symptomatic on Spiraea japonica cultivars. After 2–3 years of infection the whole plant exhibits branch dieback and becomes severely stunted. Eventually the plant dies. We have reported the disease in S. japonica ‘Little Princess’, ‘Norman’, ‘Daphne’, ‘Little Elf ’ and a few other varieties.

Disease on S. bumalda ‘Anthony Waterer’ can be asymptomatic at least at the beginning of the infection period and seems to affect this plant to a lesser extent. We have purchased plants from a few suppliers and the plants tested positive for spirea stunt from each supplier. The problem is widespread. Once the plant becomes infected there is no cure for the disease. The best way to minimize disease spread is to remove infected plants. In nursery settings it is important to cull infected plants. Spireas are produced by vegetative propagation and using infected stock will result in increased incidence of the disease. Taking cuttings from disease-free plants that are tested prior to propagation is a good measure for spirea stunt control. Spirea stunt phytoplasma belongs to the Western-X disease caused by phytoplasma that affects many plants in the Rosaceae family. It is known that the Western-X disease is spread by at least a few species of leafhoppers that are found in Minnesota. A vector for the spirea stunt phytoplasma has not been demonstrated but it is likely that the disease is leafhopper transmitted. dimitre mollov is Director of the U of M’s Plant Disease Clinic and can be reached at dmollov@umn.edu.

july 13

mnla .biz

➾ MNLA FOUN DATION

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Proudly Presentin g t h e 2 0 1 2 – 1 3 M N L A F oundation S c h olars h ip Recipients

The MNLA Foundation, in partnership with 18 members, presented 26 academic scholarships for the 2012–2013 school year. The MNLA Foundation matches MNLA member-sponsor dollars up to $500 toward each scholarship. Here is a look at this year’s recipients. For more on how they got interested in the industry, visit MNLAfoundation.com and click on the 2012–2013 Scholarship Recipients link. samantha born

chad emanuel

sponsored by law’s nursery, inc.

School: University of Wisconsin–River Falls Major: Prof. Horticulture, Minor in Outdoor Ed. Expected Graduation: May 2015

School: University of Wisconsin–River Falls Major: Landscape Hort & Community Planning Expected Graduation: May 2013

Future Plans: I would like to attend graduate school and earn a Masters and Doctorate in Horticulture. I am interested in the collection and preservation of new, or endangered species. If possible, I would like to someday teach, and inspire a passion in future generations, the same way it was sparked in me.

Future Plans: I plan to eventually partner with an architectural design/build firm, which would allow me the financial capability to run two inter-connected horticultural businesses: a self-contracting landscape crew consisting of people, with or without disabilities, along with several project managers; and a greenhouse and nursery stock supply company.

july 13

Your One Tractor Solution

Thank you to the following sponsors for your dedication in continuing to make these scholarships possible: Bachman’s, Inc.

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Bailey Nurseries, Inc.* Countryside Gardens, Inc. Gertens Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape*

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Cushman Motor Company, Inc. 2909 E Franklin Ave • Minneapolis, MN (612) 333-3487 • 1-800-759-5343 www.cushmanmotorco.com

Law’s Nursery, Inc. Malmborg’s, Inc. Mickman Brothers, Inc.* MNLA Commercial Arborist Committee Natural Creations Otten Bros. Nursery and Landscaping, Inc Robin D. Linder Memorial Scholarship* Rochester Arborist Workshop* Rush Creek Growers Inc. St. Croix Tree Service Tangletown Gardens LLC Wilson’s Nursery, Inc.* *Sponsored multiple scholarships.

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mnla .biz

Top Ten Reasons to Attend the APLD

International Design Conference in detroit

Why consider spending three days in Detroit the first weekend of August? Douglas Owens-Pike | EnergyScapes

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july 13

early twenty years ago I attended my first APLD conference when it was here in our Twin Cities. During those three days I heard great speakers, saw excellent examples of landscapes designed by local members, and made some friends from across the globe who remain important to me today for both inspiration and feedback. Since then, I have been fortunate to attend APLD conferences in Tucson, Seattle, Philadelphia, Pasadena, and Cleveland. Despite locales with climates far different from Minnesota, my investment of time always paid dividends far exceeding the cost. Each brought new, important learning experiences from innovative solutions to how to manage my company more effectively.

TOP TEN REASONS:

#10

Experience how an urban area is re-inventing itself. See new landscapes designed for food production, and using the latest principles of sustainability at a luncheon keynote by Rebecca Salminen Witt, president of Greening of Detroit. They are building their economy while training green industry workers.

See the latest award-winning landscapes from APLD designers who entered the 2103 design awards program.

Return home energized to find new solutions to common

US & world.

Learn how to ask the right questions to close more sales.

Visit up to 20 examples of garden design in public and private settings directly relevant to our own climate zone.

Forge new friendships with colleagues that will last a lifetime.

Set aside your practice during the slowest weekend of

Boost the economy of a city in bankruptcy, while practicing

Hear from the best designers practicing our craft:

Meet and learn from other successful designers from across the

growing season to learn from colleagues up against similar challenges.

landscape problems, e.g. welcoming new guests by guiding them to the desired entrance to your clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; homes.

thankfulness about how robustly our Minnesota recovery is progressing.

David Slawson, Combining the Art of Japanese Gardens With Native Diversity; Anthony Archer Wills, Whimsical to Wild Water Features; Genesis 3, Science of Moving Water With Precision

I know that several members of our MN APLD chapter are planning on attending. If you would like more information donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hesitate to send me an email at douglas@energyscapes.com. You can see a schedule and more details at: http://apld.org/_media/Events/Conference/ 2013/2013 APLD Conference At A Glance Schedule - draft.pdf. Cost: ~ $1,000 plus meals and transportation; non-members pay higher fees.

douglas owens-pike is the founding president of the MN Chapter of APLD and can be reached at douglas@energyscapes.com.

july 13

mnla .biz

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COVER STORY:

Managing Compaction & Moisture A very wise grower once told the young assistant â&#x20AC;&#x153;avoid compacting the mix at all cost,â&#x20AC;? and then proceeded to tell her the various ways that compaction can occur. In fact, improper or careless mix handling can result in many problems. Robert Steinkamp | SunGro Horticulture

➾ cov er story

Substrate compression hinders root growth. Compression factors were calculated from the weight of substrate in 1.0x (loosely filled to pot rim). Image courtesy of Janet F.M. Rippy, Sun Gro Horticulture Discovery Center.

n a mix, the components form into a sort of skeleton in which air spaces occur. When the mix is watered, the smaller sized air spaces fill with water while the larger sized air spaces drain out and fill with air. A fine mix, containing mostly small air spaces, will hold a lot of water. A coarse mix, having mostly large airspaces, will have a low water holding capacity. With fresh, unused mix, properties of water retention and aeration (physical properties) can be measured. If the mix is handled correctly, these properties will not be greatly altered after the mix is potted. Let’s discuss ways that the mix’s properties can be changed. Compaction

We all know that growing mixes and peat moss can be compacted because compressed bales have been used for many years. Loose filled bags are also subject to a degree of compression during packaging and shipping. These products must be fluffed out to attain the maximum yield. This is the point where the physical properties should be measured. Now let’s start filling pots. How much mix actually gets into a pot? Some growers pack it in and some gently fill. Because the packed pots contain more mix, the mix is compacted as compared to the gently filled pots. By compaction, the air spaces become squeezed shut. Aeration is reduced and water retention is increased as compared to the gently filled pots. Now consider two workers hand potting, and one packs more than the other. Both workers’ pots get placed on the same bench. There is a good chance that the grower will notice pot to pot watering inconsistencies because of the altered physical properties in the packed pots. With potting machines and flat fillers, changes in adjustment or the usage of several machines can also result in packing variations, resulting in inconsistencies. Moisture

The mix is easiest to work with when it is about 45–50% moisture. Here it will feel barely damp and when squeezed into a fist and 52

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tips for handling mixes: do’s: Fluff out baled mixes; even loose filled bag mixes should be fluffed Check moisture with the “squeeze” test before adding water to the mix Add measured amounts of water to achieve a consistent moisture level

don’ts: Stack pots or trays Over-wet the mix Over- stir the mix when adding water Over-mix when adding fertilizer

released, it will fall apart and not form a clod. It will easily flow through potting machines and flat fillers at this moisture level. Sometime the mix might be too dry, or the grower might just want to add additional water before potting. Often, a hose is run to the potting machine soil hopper. Water is added at intervals to moisten the mix before filling. Depending on how this is done, compaction can occur. Sometimes the water is added until the mix looks wet enough. Sometimes the mix is gently turned to facilitate uniform wetting. Sometimes the mix is vigorously stirred. If the mix is not uniformly wet, or if it becomes too wet, and especially if it is overstirred, compaction problems can occur. If the mix is too wet, stirring, or the tumbling and pouring action of the pot filler can cause the mix to form clods. If this wet mix were

The operators need to be trained to estimate the percent moisture of the mix before the decision to add water is made. to be squeezed into a fist and released it would not spring back as it would if it were drier. If the mix in the hopper is inconsistently wet, some pots might receive the wet, compacted mix and others might receive mix drier and less compacted. The operator might uniformly wet the mix in the hopper but apply varying amounts of water each time the moisture is adjusted. In this case, the mix from one hopper-full could be more compacted than the next. Each of these conditions would result in pot to pot watering inconsistencies. The key is to uniformly add the correct amount of water. First, a target moisture level must be determined. The operators need to be trained to estimate the percent moisture of the mix before the decision to add water is made. This can be done by feel. If water is to be added, the operator must know how much water to add per bag of mix to get the desired moisture level. If the operator is going to stir the mix, it should be done the same way each time. Other compaction related issues

the mix and make it finer, altering the original physical properties. Increased water retention and decreased aeration may result. Perlite and vermiculite are particularly fragile and are easily damaged by over-mixing. The same concerns about adding water, discussed previously, apply to mixers. The storage of pre-filled flats can cause issues. Often the flats are stacked on a pallet in a way that the cells can nest together. The result is that there is a gradient of compaction with the bottom flats affected the most. Flat to flat watering inconsistencies can result. It is important to understand and manage compaction of growing media. There are cases where some compaction is good. Very fluffy light weight potting mixes should be lightly or moderately compacted during potting to avoid excessive settling during the initial watering. Water holding properties of a high porosity mix can be improved by increasing soil compaction when using drip irrigation or sub-irrigation systems that require the lateral or upward movement of water. But as a rule, avoid compacting the growing mix.

Some growers buy mix and add fertilizer using a mixer. When doing so, only run the machine long enough to blend in the fertilizer. The tumbling or stirring action in a mixer can have a grinding effect on

robert steinkamp is a Technical Specialist with SunGro Horticulture, and can be reached at bobst@sungro.com or 800-833-7645.

A Deeper Shade of Green Local Genetic Origins

Native Minnesota Woody & Herbaceous (651) 438-2771 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax (651) 438-3816

www.outbacknursery.com

Call us first for all your native planting needs july 13

mnla .biz

➾ MDA alert

mda alert Firewood Used to Stabili ze N ursery S toc k S h ipments

Mark Schreiber

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

recently the minnesota department of agriculture (mda)

was notified by our New Hampshire plant pest regulatory counterparts of their discovery of an unusual use of firewood. State nursery inspectors conducting a routine nursery stock inspection found piles of cordwood/ firewood near one of the off-loading zones. The inspector asked about the firewood and was told that it was coming into the nursery with deliveries from out-of-state suppliers as dunnage for securing nursery stock during transit. It is not unusual for commodities being shipped by truck or container to have pallets, blocking slats and various spacefilling objects included with the shipment to keep the load from shifting thereby causing the trailer or container to become imbalanced. But this is the first time the New Hampshire staff had heard that firewood was being used for such a purpose. The MDA has not heard of this situation either!

mnla .biz

july 13

The inspector was told that when the truck arrived at the nursery, the trees and firewood were unloaded, the truck returned empty while the nursery gathered up the firewood and burned it on-site to dispose of it. The nursery also indicated that this practice has occurred over the years, but that there has been a noticeable increase this year in the number of shipments that containing firewood for blocking/stabilizing the shipment. While most of the firewood has been pine, pin oak, or maple, the last two shipments did contain some sizeable pieces of ash. So far sources of firewood/cordwood include nurseries in the states of Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Washington. It is highly unlikely that this practice is restricted to these several states and only for nurseries in New Hampshire. There are state and federal quarantines regulating the interstate movement of various species of bark-bearing, firewood-size wood. Most importantly besides being an unwilling participant in potential quarantine violations, your nursery operation may become infested with an invasive plant pest! Contact your supplier or shipper to confirm that NO cordwood/firewood is included with your nursery stock shipment.

mark schreiber

can be reached at mark.schreiber@state.mn.us.

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➾ trends

trends team question: what do you think will be the most important technology in your business over the next two years? mike mcnamara

steve hedberg

hoffman & mcnamara nursery and landscape

hedberg landscape & masonry supplies

Wi-Fi-enabled rough service tablet computers so that changes to plans / drawings can easily be relayed to crew working on projects in the field. Also makes documenting field changes, work utility locations, etc. much more efficient and potentially more accurate.

Software and computer developments will help us to better fulfill our mission to help our customers to be more successful.

robert race, pe

race engineering associates, llc

For me it is software and design tools, thus computer design aids. The next area would be technology resources: Google, MNLA resources, (where to find the answers), and the last would be putting the tools together and the resources to acquire product / technology acceptances.

andy petersen

steve sylvester, sylvester tree farm

Robots who can fill in for the lack of under-qualified people in the job market. It is really a shame that our industry, which has a need to fill these positions, cannot find enough people interested in actually wanting to get their hands dirty and earn a very livable wage. Young people are taught at home that working more than eight hours a day is a sin! Trying to get school kids excited about our industry is also tough. Now don’t get me wrong there are still a lot of people wanting to get into our industry but as more companies enter the market the demand for experienced workers grows and that is where the problem lies.

spectrum sales

The technology that is going to be the most important for my business is going to be wireless mobile communications and applications. I upgraded to these platforms 2 years ago and it instantly improved my business’ speed and flexibility. It made me almost instantly accessible to my customers on whatever format they choose to communicate with me. I see nothing but greater reliance on this wireless digital communication platform as these technologies continue to expand and improve.

kristine uter otten bros. garden center & landscaping

What I am seeing for the next couple of years in our business is wireless hand held devices that can do transfers, track and do annual inventory counts, track individual landscape jobs and be a portable POS system/line busters. We are now doing transfers…hoping to have the inventory piece in place in the next couple of months and then on to landscape job tracking and line busting by year end or next spring.

jeff pilla, bachman’s

Most technological advances in the past 20 years can be linked to electronic technology. Whether it is POS software, internet, mechanization of production, or genetically altered new plants; it all relates to electronic advances.

july 13

mnla .biz

➾ membersh ip renewal

congrats!

Thank you to everyone who sent in their MNLA renewals in May for a chance to win an iPad Mini! Congratulations to Phillips Garden who won the prize! Owner, Ed Burke, founded Phillips Garden in 1985. The business was named after the Phillips Neighborhood in which it began and still is based today.

L-R: Mary Dunn, MNLA Membership Director; Laura Savolainen, Maintenance Crew Member; Matt Phillips, General Manager; Lynn Aufderheide Biegler, Maintenance Manager; Cassie Larson, MNLA Executive Director.

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july 13

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➾ MDA alert

mda monitoring for S potted Win g Drosop h ila and Brown M armorated S tin k Bu g

within after hatching. Besides raspberries and blackberries, SWD has also caused problems elsewhere in North America on blueberries, strawberries, cherries and grapes – essentially any fruit with a skin thin enough to be penetrated by the female ovipositor may be a host.

Mark Abrahamson

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

At this point, it is unclear why SWD had such a banner year in 2012 and if the same pest pressure will occur in 2013. To keep tabs on the situation in 2013, the University of Minnesota and Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) will be maintaining a monitoring network to track and report the distribution and abundance of SWD across the state. We plan to maintain a weekly map of where SWD is being found here: http://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/ insects/swd.aspx. If you are interested in contributing to the SWD monitoring network this year, please contact the MDA at arrest.the. pest@state.mn.us.

Top: Male spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzuki) on a raspberry. Photo by Hannah Burrack, North Carolina State University, Bugwood.org Right: Brown marmorated stink bug adult. Photo by David R. Lance, USDA APHIS PPQ, Bugwood.org

spotted wing drosophila and brown marmorated stink bug are unfortunately two names that are becoming increasingly familiar to Minnesotans. These invasive pests are both relatively new to Minnesota – BMSB was first found here during 2010 and SWD during 2012 and, while these insects are very different biologically, they both pose significant challenges to a wide variety of plants and their fruits.

SPOTTED WING DROSOPHILA Spotted wing drosophila (SWD) made a big splash upon its discovery in Minnesota in August 2012. Between the August 15 announcement of the SWD discovery and the end of September, it was confirmed in 29 counties in a band from southeast to northwest Minnesota. SWD will attack a variety of thin-skinned fruit, but the biggest impact in Minnesota during 2012 was to raspberry and blackberry growers, many of whom suffered heavy losses from SWD infestation. SWD is a problem because they are not restricted to overripe, deteriorating fruit like our native fruit flies. Instead, SWD females use their saw-like ovipositor to lay eggs within intact fruit which the larvae then feed

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july 13

BROWN MARMORATED STINK BUG In contrast to the spotted wing drosophila experience in 2012, the brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) still seems to be rare in Minnesota. However, the ultimate pest potential of BMSB is much greater due to its broader host range which includes fruits, vegetables, row crops and landscape plants. Moreover, in the fall, BMSB adults seek sheltered places to spend the winter, i.e., our homes. In the eastern U.S. where BMSB has become a serious agricultural pest, it is a major nuisance as well because of this behavior. BMSB is similar to our native plant-feeding stink bugs in that they use their beak-like mouthparts to pierce plant tissues and suck out fluids. However, unlike our native stink bugs, there are no natural controls here to keep the numbers of BMSB in check. When numbers are high, BMSB can have a substantial impact on plants and particularly their developing fruits or seeds. Brown marmorated stink bug is present in Minnesota and has been documented in the Twin Cities metro area and the La Crescent and Duluth areas (https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/insects/stinkbug. aspx). While BMSB is still rare here, there is concern that eventually we will experience the same kinds of problems that are occurring in the eastern US. It is important that we monitor the status of this pest in Minnesota so that we are able to anticipate problem areas before they develop. You can help in this effort by reporting suspect BMSB to the MDA. When a suspect BMSB is seen, if possible, capture a specimen and send a picture of it to the MDA (arrest.the. pest@state.mn.us) along with details such as quantity of insects seen and the plant or plants they were seen on. Please save any specimens until you hear back from the MDA in case we need the actual specimen to verify the identification.

mark abrahamson

can be reached at mark.abrahamson@state.mn.us.

d v c w y c i o h y t

– i t p i o i W a p o

www.MNLA.biz | ocTober 2012

â&#x17E;ž th e last word

time TO renew your mnla membership Successful Businesses Grow Here !

education Northern Green Expo Technical training Business management CEO Symposium Pesticide recertification

networking and fun Networking Groups Widmer Golf Event Sporting Clays Tournament

government affairs Your voice at the State Capitol Regulatory watchdog and advocate

information The Scoop magazine MNLA eNews MNLA.biz Membership Directory

business services Fleet discounts on GM vehicles TBG Workers Compensation Insurance The Credit Card Dr./Better Business Solutions Zlimen & McGuiness Attorneys Holiday and SA Fuel Savings Garden Center Carryout Trays Outdoor Living publications Marketing Toolbox

for more information on any of these member benefits, to renew your membership, or for other help, contact mnla at 651-633-4987 or mary@mnla.biz. 62

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