Deduct Meal Breaks Automatically
Also Inside
Save It or Chop It?
Succession Planting New Standard Networking News
LANDSCAPE AWARDS Celebrating excellence in the green industry
Vol: 38 No: 3 Mar 2015 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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Volume 38 No. 3 Mar 2015
CONTENTS 12
15 19
IN THIS ISSUE 8
Events
10 From the President Build Bridges and Have Fun
45
12 Save It or Chop It? Faith Appelquist helps us understand the process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating tree risk.
19 Showcase Your Space Online Is it possible to allow customers browsing the internet to come into your physical store and take a look around?
24 Landscape Grass Research Update Mary Meyer reports on the growing success of ornamental grasses, and the research that has helped to pave the way.
39 Deduct Meal Breaks Automatically Patrick McGuiness knows that when a crew is out in the field, tracking breaks can become a logistical tangle.
15 The Mysterious Art of Beekeeping A greenhouse grower in Colorado shares his observations and experience. 22 Succession Planting Dean Engelmann plans for the future in this month’s Foundation Corner. 30 Nursery Stock Standards Jim Calkins reviews the first revisions to the Standard in 10 years. 59 Welcome New MNLA Members 59 Member News Bailey Nurseries acquires Plant Introductions, Inc. 60 Networking News The Campfire areas at the Northern Green Expo provided a great spot for networking. 62 Greet Gayle Say “hello” to MNLA’s newest staff member, Gayle Anderson.
42 Your Team on the Hill MNLA’s focus on government affairs is led by some key people, but your involvement is incredibly crucial to growing results.
45 2015 Landscape Awards You’ll be inspired by these photos of the latest projects to win the MNLA Award for Excellence in Landscape. Landscape & Hardscape Install & Design Garden Services & Landscape Management Garden Centers Growers: Nursery & Greenhouse Irrigation & Water Management Arborists & Tree Services All
The Scoop, March 2015, Issue 3, is issued monthly, 12 times per year. All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2015, 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 publisher at jon@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987. MNLA reserves the right to edit all Scoop content.
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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.NorthernGreenExpo.org
MNLA MISSION: The mission of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is to help members grow successful businesses.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
heidi heiland, mnla-cp, president
A Top Notch Equipment ................................................................................... 44 Alliance Designer Products ................................................................................ 4 Anchor Block Company ................................................................................... 23 Anderson Nurseries, Inc. .................................................................................. 29 Arborjet ........................................................................................................... 37 Astleford Equipment Co. ................................................................................. 40 Bullis Insurance Agency .................................................................................... 29 Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus ..................................................... 18
Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens 612-366-7766 • heidi@BloomOnMN.com
Central Landscape Supply ................................................................................ 18
herman roerick, vice-president
Cushman Motor Co. Inc ................................................................................... 55
Central Landscape Supply 320-252-1601 • hermanr@centrallandscape.com
Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ............................................................................. 35
scott frampton, secretary-treasurer
Fahey Sales Auctioneers & Appraisers ............................................................. 29
Landscape Renovations 651-769-0010 • sframpton@landscaperenovations.com
debbie lonnee, mnla-cp, past president
Bailey Nurseries, Inc. 651-768-3375 • debbie.lonnee@baileynursery.com
randy berg, mnla-cp
Fury Motors ...................................................................................................... 20 Gardenworld Inc. .............................................................................................. 31 Gertens Wholesale / JRK Seed & Turf Supply .................................................... 2
Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 • randy@bergsnursery.com
GM Fleet and Commercial ................................................................................. 3
tim malooly, cid, clia, cic
Jeff Belzer Chevrolet .................................................................................. 32–33
Water in Motion 763-559-7771 • timm@watermotion.com
mike mcnamara
Hoffman & McNamara Nursery & Landscaping 651-437-9463 • mike.mcnamara@hoffmanandmcnamara.com
jeff pilla, mnla-cp
Johnson’s Nursery, Inc. ..................................................................................... 31 Klaus Nurseries ................................................................................................. 18 Kubota Dealers ................................................................................................. 58
Bachman’s Inc. 612-861-7600 • jpilla@bachmans.com
Minnesota Propane Association ....................................................................... 56
nick sargent
Out Back Nursery ............................................................................................. 36
Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. 507-289-0022 • njsargent@sargentsgardens.com
Plaisted Companies ............................................................................................ 7
cassie larson, cae
Prairie Restorations, Inc. ................................................................................... 29
MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • cassie@mnla.biz
RDO Equipment Co. ........................................................................................ 61
STAFF DIRECTORY
Resultants for Business, Inc. (RFB) .................................................................... 35
Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz
Rock Hard Landscape Supply division of Brian’s Lawn & Landscaping, Inc. .... 11
executive director:
membership director & trade show manager: Mary Dunn, CEM • mary@mnla.biz
communications director: Jon Horsman • jon@mnla.biz education/cert manager: Susan Flynn • susan@mnla.biz government affairs director: Tim Power • tim@mnla.biz administrative asst: Gayle Anderson • gayle@mnla.biz mnla foundation program coordinator: Marceleen Mosher • marceleen@mnla.biz
accountant: Norman Liston • norman@mnla.biz advertising sales: 952-934-2891 / 763-295-5420
6
AD LIST
Volume 38 No. 3 Mar 2015
➾ S E CT I O N TITLE
Stonebrooke Equipment, Inc ............................................................................ 11 The Builders Group .......................................................................................... 38 Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. .............................................................................14, 23, 38 Truck Utilities, Inc. ............................................................................................. 18 Unilock .............................................................................................................. 26 Versa-Lok Midwest ........................................................................................... 57
Faith Jensen, Advertising Rep • faith@pierreproductions.com Betsy Pierre, Advertising Mgr • betsy@pierreproductions.com
Walters Gardens Inc. ........................................................................................ 48
legislative affairs consultant: Doug Carnival
Ziegler CAT ......................................................................................... Back Cover
MNLA .biz
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➾ C ALE N DAR
MNLA Event
MAR 17–18
MAR12 25TH ANNUAL HEDBERG EDUCATION DAY Earle Brown Heritage Center, Minneapolis
MAR 17–18
PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION Workshop and Exam
➾
TIES Event Center St. Paul
MINNESOTA SHADE TREE SHORT COURSE
➾
MNLA.biz
MNLA.biz cceevents.umn.edu
Prepare for the category A & E pesticide applicator certification exam by attending this 1½ day study program. Day 2 includes testing, if desired.
HedbergAggregates.com A full day of seminars, trade show and professional networking at the Earle Brown Heritage Center.
Bethel University Arden Hills
This year’s program will focus on diversity and urban forestry.
Generously supported by:
APR2 PRUNING YOUNG TREES: From Planting to Ten Years Midland Hills Country Club, St. Paul
MNLA Event
MAR31
MAR25 Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes 12TH ANNUAL SPRING OPEN HOUSE Bachman’s Cedar Acres, Farmington Bachmanswholesale.com The open house incudes: a vendor fair, seminars. greenhouse tours, and free lunch.
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➾
POPULAR PERENNIALS FOR LOCAL LANDSCAPES Heritage Room Bachman’s on Lyndale MNLA.biz Our local area is blessed with a cadre of experts on perennial plants. Attend this seminar and learn about the latest in popular perennials for our local landscapes.
MTGF.org
➾
Join us for a full day, hands-on workshop. You will learn about species, site selection and choosing the best tools for the job. Time will also be spent learning how to prune young trees, on the course from professional arborists. This workshop is designed for turf and grounds professionals with little or no pruning experience and all necessary tools will be supplied for use during the workshop.
2015 MNLA seminars generously supported by John Deere Landscapes
MNLA Event
MAR23
MAR19 Gertens Wholesale & JRK Seed and Turf Supply 2015 EDUCATION EXPO
➾
MNLA Event
MAR24
IMPROVING YOUR HARDSCAPE BUSINESS: Estimating, Equipment and Efficiencies
➾
Heritage Room Bachman’s on Lyndale
Mystic Lake Casino, Prior Lake Gertens.com/wholesale A new location this year! Join us for a tradeshow and a full day of education.
Roseville Oval
MNLA.biz
MNLA.biz
This seminar is geared toward business owners and decision makers. Speakers: Bill Gardocki and Donny Hines will provide information your hardscape business needs to hit the ground running in 2015.
This class provides eight hours of Power Limited Training credit orientated specifically towards the landscape lighting specialist.
MNLA Event
MNLA Event
APR7
APR 8–9
SUMMER TURFGRASS Maintenance Workshop
PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION Workshop and Exam
Hiway Federal Credit Union, St. Paul
➾
KEY:
Event Education ➾ ➾
LOW VOLTAGE LIGHTING Design, Installation & Advanced Controlling (PLT Relicensure)
MNLA.biz This program focuses on implementation of Best Management Practices for Lawn/Turf care maintenance. It is designed for contractors maintaining private and/or public grounds, employees maintaining park, cemetery, city, and/ or school grounds, and property managers.
➾
Roseville Oval St. Paul MNLA.biz Prepare for the category A & E pesticide applicator certification exam by attending this 1½ day study program. Day 2 includes testing, if desired.
Generously supported by:
All information on these and other industry events are online at MNLA.biz. Did you miss a webinar? ALL of our webinars are recorded and available for viewing afterwards. Login to MNLA.biz to learn more! march 15
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➾ F R OM THE PRESIDEN T
Build Bridges and Have Fun I wish to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued faith in me as a servant leader of the MNLA.
Heidi Heiland
Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens
i have one year under my belt as the 48th President of our trade association. I have one more year to go and am eager to understand how you feel I can best achieve my platform of “Building Bridges and Having Fun!” I hope to capitalize on this platform to garner alignment on diverse fronts. Please contact me with your thoughts at any time. I list for your review some recent opportune examples of bridges built to highlight means in which any one of us can make a difference. These were group efforts to achieve common goals, with the MNLA at the lead. We would not have been effective if we operated as silos. A challenge is that our original green industry is full of fiercely independent people, and they don’t build bridges well. However, we only reap what we sow. Please participate! We need you! • Reformed Sales Tax Fact Sheets.
Save It or Chop It?
Deduct Meal Breaks Automatically
Also Inside
• Hosted a pollinator symposium with diverse participants.
Succession Planting New Standard Networking News
LANDSCAPE AWARDS Celebrating excellence
Vol: 38 No: 3 Mar 2015
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
• Have we planted the seeds of change to start fresh this spring? • Is reconciliation ecology part of our vernacular and service set?
• Created a pollinator policy statement.
• Are we leveraging all of the benefits of being a member of the MNLA?
• Restructured MNLA governance model to ensure greater involvement.
• How is the indigenous wisdom in our companies being passed along to the next generation?
• Introduced fresh flowers and horticultural experiences into Board meetings to encourage our ideation.
• What new bridges are you going to build?
• Participation with industry affiliates and varied stakeholders is ongoing.
in the green industry
I am still savoring the comprehensive material gleaned from our fruitful Northern Green Expo. The improved education seminars and information shared during networking opportunities give me the fuel required for another enriched season. Even with all of these collective learnings, none of us has a crystal ball shining a light on how to best proceed into this interesting environmental time. As we transition to respond to client demand, attract future leaders, and propose innovative BMP’s in our companies, let us band together to make a greater difference. All ships rise with the tide! I encourage you to consider these elements within your own organization as well as within the MNLA:
....and let’s have fun doing it! MNLA PRESIDENT HEIDI HEILAND welcomes your feedback at 612.366.7766 or Heidi@BloomOnMN.com.
ON THE COVER
Several members were recently honored with the 2015 MNLA Award for Excellence in Landscape including this project in Stillwater. You can view all submitted photos and read the project descriptions by visiting the project gallery at http://www.mnla.biz/?page=2015Gallery. Along with achieving this professional distinction, all winners receive marketing assets such as a poster, photobook, video, and plaque for each award given. 10
MNLA .biz
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CHANGE YOUR WORK TRUCK WITH THE SEASONS – IN MINUTES. Turn your pick-up into a year-round revenue producer with SpaceKap – the transferable service body from Stonebrooke Equipment! SpaceKap offers the step-in convenience and space of a van with the versatility of a pick-up. Keep your inventory and tools organized, secure and protected from the elements. Need to plow snow or haul materials? Removing the SpaceKap is just as fast as the installation. Use a forklift or optional crank-up stands, and you are ready to go in minutes! Go to www.StonebrookeEquipment.com/Spacekap or stop in from 7:00am-4:30pm, M-F to learn how the SpaceKap can benefit your contractor business.
www.StonebrookeEquipment.com
SHOWROOM AND FACTORY
952-224-4440
Sales@Stonebrooke.co
14311 Ewing Avenue, Burnsville, MN 55306
SAVE IT OR CHOP IT?
UNDERSTANDING TREE RISK ASSESSMENT It is very common for people to be afraid of trees simply because they are large. Even the most majestic tree can feel like a ticking time bomb to a homeowner waiting for it to topple. Faith Appelquist | Tree Quality, LLC
Extensive decay at the base of a boulevard tree may lead to trunk failure. People in cars, on the sidewalk and nearby structures could be possible targets.
A silver maple with extensive defects might be retained if all targets were removed, reducing the risk.
Trees may have special significance because of their historic, aesthetic or wildlife value. A valuable leaning cypress tree is mitigated with props to reduce risk, rather than removed.
Most tree failures occur during periods of extreme weather — in this case heavy rains coupled by strong winds. Tree risk assessment analyzes normal circumstances and typical weather conditions.
A
ll trees have the potential to cause injury, damage, or to disrupt our daily lives. Does this mean we give our trees a pre-emptive whack just because we are in no mood to take chances? People are all over the map in what they consider safe or not. The perception of risk varies considerably. Avoidance may seem the answer to all risks, but avoiding risks may also mean losing out on the potential gain that accepting (retaining) the risk may have allowed. Not entering into a business to avoid the risk of loss also avoids the possibility of earning profit. On the other hand, the owner of trees does have a legal duty of care to ensure that their trees are reasonably safe. After many years of being confronted with this dilemma, the International Society of Arboriculture developed TRAQ, or Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. The amount of research on tree structure, health, and biology has grown by leaps and bounds over the last decade. The tree risk assessor must attend classroom training and pass an exam in order to be qualified. Using this method, the “tree risk assessor” employs a systemic process to identify, analyze, and evaluate tree risk. Using the TRAQ system, the tree owner is referred to as the “tree manager” and the arborist is the “tree risk assessor.” The risk level, whether it be low, moderate, high, or very high, is then communicated to the tree manager along with options for
mitigation. The tree manager must decide what level of risk he/she is comfortable with. The final decision belongs to the tree manager. How we balance risk and benefits is really a management decision, not a tree assessment decision. So what is the risk? Generally the risk is really, really low. In North America the death rate from being killed by trees is about the same as being struck by lightning, about 80–100 per year. On the plus side, trees around a home can increase property value up to 15 percent, according to a 2009 Virginia Tech study. The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equal to 10 room-size air-conditioners operating 20 hours per day, according to the U.S. Forest Service. In addition, a single bur oak can support up to 523 species of caterpillars which feed many birds such as chickadees. In risk management we are trying to balance risks and benefits. Hopefully the new TRAQ system gives us more tools to retain trees, to demonstrate their value and to help us decide when the risk is worth the benefits. To find a TRAQ qualified arborist, go to the ISA website: www. isa-arbor.com “Find an Arborist” section and look for this credential. 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.
FAITH APPELQUIST
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THE MYSTERIOUS ART OF BEEKEEPING NEONICS HAVE NOT PROVEN A THREAT Kirby Thompson | Britton Nursery
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➾ B E E KEEPIN G
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Photos courtesy of Kirby Thompson.
A
l Britton Jr. kept bees at Britton Nursery’s 6.5-acre property in Colorado Springs since the 1970s up until his passing in December 2013, and we intend to continue in his footsteps. Our beehives have easy access to all 20 of our production greenhouses as well as nearby open fields and our irrigation pond. Each year, we harvest several hundred pounds of honey from our hives. Keeping bees is a mysterious art more than an exact science. Sometimes bees get viruses, swarm or become agitated without apparent reason. Each winter, drone bees are literally “kicked out into the cold” by the worker bees and left to die just outside the hive doorstep. Each spring, a pile of dead drones always needs to be swept up. As both a perennial grower and a beekeeper, we encounter the conflicting priorities of managing our plants and our bees. Insect control is an enormous factor to ensure plant health and quality. No matter what techniques are used in a perennial growing operation, pests like aphids, thrips, mites, mealy bugs and hoppers are bound to threaten plant health. The necessity to control and prevent harmful insect infestation with pesticides brings into question the effect on the health of our bees, and the neonicotinoid debate is crucial to this discussion. We share the emotions of the “bee-safe” debate: honey bees are important contributors to our environment as are all pollinators, and we should protect them, making sure that threats against them are minimized. That said, we have not found concrete evidence connecting the treatment of our perennials with neonics to a direct negative impact on the health of our bees. We have been told that
neonic concentrations are higher in the stems and leaves of the plants but are almost untraceable in the flowers. We therefore make it a practice to avoid applying pesticides to flowering plants at times of the day when bees are working the flowers. The pivotal factor that we cannot ignore is that our customers do not want us to deliver perennials that are infested with unwanted insects. And we have found that insecticides containing neonics are far more effective than others to control harmful insect infestation. Since neonics are systemic, there is also a residual resistance that prevents future infestations of unwanted insects. Using beneficial insects to control harmful insects in a greenhouse operation producing containerized perennials is absolutely untenable. We would need to continually purchase and release beneficials since our plants finish growing and are sold in a month’s time during the heavy-selling season. Occasionally, a hive will turn up empty in the spring. The bees are just gone. The empty hive will usually get “raided” by bees from the other hives that will steal remaining honey. Why did they leave? Was it Colony Collapse Disorder? Or did the queen decide to head off somewhere else and take the other bees with her? As I said before, beekeeping isn’t an exact science as much as it is a mysterious art!
REPRINTED FROM LOOSELEAF with permission from the Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association and Kirby Thompson.
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A GOOGLE TOOL THAT ALLOWS YOU TO
SHOWCASE YOUR SPACE ONLINE Tara Loftus | Adapta Interactive
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➾ G OOGLE BUSIN ESS VI EW
E
verybody knows Pegman. (Yes, that’s his real name.) You can click and drag him around on Google Maps, and as long as you’re not in the Mongolian desert, he turns everything blue, indicating Google’s “Street View” is available to turn the map into a 3D virtual reality for you to explore block by block, building by building. Street View has been around since 2007 when Google launched it in a handful of U.S. cities. As coverage grew (today Street View is available in all U.S. cities as well as parts of five other continents), so did its popularity, so much so that today we are highly familiar with it. Perhaps we’ve used it in the last 30 days to check out some real estate, an event venue or travel destination. But what if Mr. Pegman could take us beyond the street? What if we could enter the buildings we see on Street View? Well, this is actually already possible! However few people know about it. The tool is called “Business View” and it utilizes Street View technology to provide virtual tours of the inside of a business. (It’s called “Business View” because it’s for businesses only; not residences of any kind — whew!)
How It Works
Just like Street View, Business View is comprised of dozens (or in some cases hundreds) of panoramic images that are stitched together to create a “real time,” 360-degree experience. However, unlike Street View, you don’t have to wait for Google to do it, rather you can work with a “Trusted Photographer” or “Trusted Agency” that Google has certified to do the work in your area. The work involves: 1. Shooting your space with the appropriate camera equipment; 2. Creating the panoramic tour using Google’s software; and 3. Uploading to Google for display. Trusted Photographers and Trusted Agencies handle all of this for a one-time fee that’s in line with market value pricing set by Google. Generally speaking, this means hundreds of dollars — not thousands of dollars — for a typical retail store to have it done. Not only is the price point affordable, but the work can be done quickly — your tour appears on Google within two weeks of the photo shoot. Where It Shows on Google
If you have Business View, your “See Inside” tour appears in three prime places on Google: Google Search, Google Maps and Google+, doubling your image presence where people are actually doing their searching. The result is more people clicking and discovering you. The top of the next column shows how Business View looks in search results for Nina’s Coffee Shop in St. Paul (see circled part). Clicking the “See Inside” box will launch the 3D virtual tour of the inside of the shop. Who It Helps
While Business View is available to any business (granted it is listed on Google Maps), it’s ideal for certain types of green industry
businesses whose retail spaces are of particular interest to potential customers. Think about your garden center scheduling a Google “Trusted” photo shoot during a time when your plants and displays are at their most stunning. Your store will always look beautiful whenever someone enters virtually! Or think about how your hardscape setup would show off your products and services, giving snow-bound web browsers a “walk-in” experience of your products and services. You can allow potential customers to experience your ambiance and décor up close before they come in; let them get a feel for the space and your standards for cleanliness. Bring customers to your showrooms day or night! “In the Know” Opportunity
You could use Google Business View to gain more exposure or enhance current marketing efforts (once published to Google, tours can also be embedded on websites and social media). Be the first to tell your customers about this cool feature in your next newsletter, email update or event announcement. Remember, if this is new to you, likely it is new for your customers as well. While it’s not possible for Google to determine exact ROI for a business that has Business View, the tool’s presence as part of their larger platform is only growing. Just last month they added an “Add Virtual Tour” button to all Google+ business pages (just like they’ve always had for photos) and each of the last two Google Maps updates have devoted more and more screen real estate to profile elements like Business View, photos and reviews. Perhaps even more telling are the products still being honed in their labs including the “wearable technology” Google Glass which will likely engage Business View to “see inside” wherever one casts a glance, and the self-driving Google Car which puts Street View, literally, in the driver’s seat. These massive projects are tremendously exciting and send a clear message that we will only see more of Pegman — and wherever he takes us — from Google in the future.
TARA LOFTUS is an Account Manager at Adapta Interactive and can be reached at tara@adaptainc.com.
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➾ F OU NDATION CORN ER
Succession Planting We all know the value and benefit of a strong, consistent flow of individuals entering into the Green Industry. At one point in all of our lives we each made a career decision that landed us in the roles we now play in our companies and in this great industry we call home.
Dean Engelmann
Tangletown Gardens
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maybe it was a high school science class, a college friend that had a different major, a summer job, a family business, or an individual who took us under their wing and showed us the great quality of life that comes with doing something you love. Likely it was a combination of several of these factors. For each of us, there was some trigger that made us enter this industry. Writing this on the heels of the Northern Green Expo in January, I couldn’t help but notice a common theme that came up in almost every conversation I had. “How can we find more good help?” It didn’t matter if I was talking to a fellow grower, a distributor, or a landscape design/contractor, a retailer, or an educator. The resounding need for more qualified personnel came up. The MNLA Foundation and the MNLA have a long history of working on ways to get more people interested in occupations in the green industry. Scholarships and career development have been two of the most common ways of fostering this industry growth. The benefits of this work are seen throughout our industry but I would argue that this alone is not enough to create a sustainable succession of quality individuals. We all know the benefits of belonging to an industry association and that we only reap those benefits if we are willing to contribute to its greater cause. Ultimately you only get out what you are willing to put in. Consider if a company scholarship program, an internship, or mentoring some young folks is in the cards for you. If you currently don’t engage in any of these I can only urge you to consider the benefits that might come from committing a little time and money into creating your next generation of employees. I believe that we need to go even further. The Marines march 15
and the Army offer us a good example of what it takes to recruit quality individuals. We need to engage our future employees at a much younger age. We need to get into high school science and agriculture classes, elementary and middle schools, reaching these kids at an impressionable age that gives us an opportunity to show off our industry and what it could mean for them. If we all were to look for opportunities to reach out into our communities and spend a little time talking with them at a young age we might have a fighting chance of recruiting some of these kids. We know we need them. Each year I take a few hours of my life and go in and speak to our local high school science class. It is not only satisfying for me to share what I do with these kids, but it is also enlightening to them to realize that there is an opportunity to have a career in this industry. The teachers love it, the kids love it, and the impact can be long lasting. I have seen with my own eyes a number of students that have changed course and now work in the industry. Every one of us has the ability to do this and it really isn’t hard. There are many opportunities for each of us to impact the long term sustainability of our industry but solidifying a good labor force is key. The Foundation and Association are working hard to reach as many people as possible and I would ask that you look for ways to support those efforts, and I would also challenge each of you to find a way to replace yourself in the industry so we can truly realize long term sustainability.
is a MNLA Foundation board trustee and can be reached at dean@tangletowngardens.com.
DEAN ENGELMANN
➾ G RA S S RESEARCH U PD ATE
LANDSCAPE AND ORNAMENTAL
GRASS RESEARCH
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Mary Meyer | University of Minnesota professor and extension horticulturist
UPDATE
Landscape or ornamental grasses continue to be popular across the U. S. The need for low maintenance, pest free perennials has helped fuel interest in grasses. Natural appearance and the importance of native plants for pollinators are other reasons grasses are used today. Visibility in prominent public areas, such as the High Line in New York City and Chicago’s Lurie Garden in Millennium Park showcase how attractive grasses are throughout the year and durable in large public spaces.
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PUT A
LOCK
ON THAT NEXT JOB. Give yourself an edge the next time you quote a landscaping project. Give yourself the Unilock® advantage. As the leader in the industry, Unilock’s distinctive products will grab your client’s attention and never let go, with leading edge designs that will help you blow the competition away.
TOWN HALL™
Town Hall™ is cast from original brick street pavers and offers a distressed, time-worn appearance. With Unilock’s everincreasing focus on permeable pavers, Town Hall™ has been designed to satisfy both traditional and permeable installation methods.
Recommend Town Hall™ as part of your next project bid to stand apart from the competition and lock up the job. For sizes, colors and other details for Town Hall™, please visit Unilock.com
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➾ G RA S S RESEARCH U PD ATE
I
n the most recent Census of Horticultural Specialties, data from 2009, released on December 2010, ornamental grasses were reported with total sales (retail and wholesale) of $124,261,000. The top 5 sales by state (in order from highest) were: California, Florida, Texas, Oregon and North Carolina. The USDA says this newest data is “not directly” comparable to the 2006 figures (due to differences in forms and collection methods) which showed ornamental grass sales of $116,827,000. 2003 was the first year ornamental grasses were defined and reported as a separate category in the census; reported sales that year were $61,213,000. It is no secret that grasses have increased in sales and popularity as low maintenance landscape plants. The next census reporting grass sales is being conducted now, and will be published in December 2015. Growers, retailers, and landscape designers know that grasses are making an impact on their sales and in the landscape. We are just beginning to understand and appreciate the importance of using grasses in preventing soil erosion, adding organic matter to the soil, providing larval food for pollinators, and habitat for wildlife, as well as being attractive plants for much of the year in the north. 2015 marks the 27th year of the Grass Collection at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Several applied research projects have been conducted at the Arboretum and on the St. Paul campus to increase our knowledge of propagation and production of grasses, as well as determine landscape field hardiness. In 2013, the Grass Collection was recognized as an accredited member of the North American Plant Collection Consortium (NAPCC), which recognizes plant collections for germplasm preservation and high standards of management. Current research work adds new plants to the collection annually, while documenting the results of past plantings. 2015 is the third
Six Master of Science & two PhD students have completed degrees on grass research at the University of Minnesota: YEAR STUDENT
THESIS TOPIC
1999 Virginia Gaynor MS
Effect of Seeding Date on Prairie Establishment
2001 Bruce Cunliff MS
Production of Native and Ornamental Grasses
2005 Joe Paul MS
Competition Studies with Miscanthus
2008 Esther McGinnis MS
Carex pensylvanica propagation studies
2013 Esther McGinnis PhD Floral Induction Carex pensylvanica 2013 Jennifer Boldt PhD
Foliar Anthocyanins in Coleus and Ornamental Grasses: Accumulation, Localization, and Function
2014 Jane Rozum MS
Water Use in Native Grasses / National Grass Trial Evaluations; co-advised with James Klett, Colorado State
and final year for the National Grass Trial of 17 cultivars of switchgrass and five cultivars of little bluestem. The Minnesota trials are one of 11 states participating in this work. Results are published online at www.grasstrials.com. Three editions of the Extension/Experiment Station publication Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates have been published based on the field results of the Grass Collection, the most recent one in march 15
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➾ G RA S S RESEARCH U PD ATE
Three websites have been published on grasses: • Grass Talk Interactive blog: grasstalk.wordpress.com. • Grass Trials Interactive blog managed with 11 editors at sites of national trials: grasstrials.com. • Miscanthus: Ornamental and Invasive Grass horticulture.umn.edu/miscanthus/default.htm. Blue Heaven™ is a patented grass that was released in 2006 and is sold throughout the United States. Two northern selections of Indian grass, Sorghastrum nutans are being propagated in 2015 and will be evaluated at numerous locations in the North to determine their suitability for release as upright, attractive grasses. References: Boldt, J., M. H. Meyer, and J. Erwin. 2014. Foliar Anthocyanins: A Horticultural Review. Hort Reviews 42: 209-239.
2012, available from: http://www.mnarbonline.com/Book-Ornamental-Grasses-for-Cold-Climates-P1482.aspx. Esther McGinnis, now an assistant professor at South Dakota State University, determined that Pennsylvania sedge is an obligate short day plant and does not require vernalization to flower. Jennifer Boldt, now a USDA ARS research scientist in Ohio, found that light makes a difference in the extent of purple color in grasses. The higher the light, the more anthocyanins, or purple and red pigments that were in the foliage of switchgrass and purple fountain grass. We also found that high light intensity plays a more significant role than cool temperatures in influencing foliage coloration. The exact role of these purple chemicals in switchgrass and fountain grass remains uncertain. It is obvious we have selected these plants for their appearance, and there may be little significance for their coloration in nature. To date, 16 peer reviewed journal articles; three books; seven reports or proceedings published from conferences; 55 trade publications and over 100 extension publications have been published involving grass research.
The Ornamental Grasses poster includes stunning color photos of grass species found in the northern landscape. Visit the MNLA.biz Store or call 651-633-4987. GardenMinnesota
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McGinnis, E., A. Smith and M. Meyer. 2014. Environmental Control of Flowering in Pennsylvania Sedge. HortTechnology 24: 301-306. Meyer, M. H. 2013. Ornamental Grass Trials. Acta Horticulturae. (ISHS) 980:59-65. http://www.actahort.org/books/980/980_8.htm. Meyer, M. H. 2011. Ornamental Grasses in the United States. Horticultural Reviews. Volume 39. Wiley and Sons, Inc. NY. p: 121-152. North American Plant Collections Consortium. 2015. APGA. Accessed 30 January 2015. http://www.publicgardens.org/napcc. USDA. NASS. 2010. 2009 Census of Horticultural Specialties, accessed 28 April 2011. USDA. NASS. 2007. 2007 Nursery Crop Summary. Accessed 10 October 2010.
THE GRASS COLLECTION is open to the public and can be accessed whenever the Arboretum is open. For more information contact Mary Meyer at meyer023@umn.edu.
Inspire your customers with MNLA’s Perennials Catalog, which includes two beautiful pages of ornamental grass varieties. Visit MNLA.biz or call 651-633-4987.
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➾ RE S E ARCH FOR THE R EAL WO R L D
Nursery Stock Standards: First Revision in 10 Years A revised version of the American Standard for Nursery Stock (the Standard), a researchand consensus-based document that should be well-known by all nursery and landscape professionals, has been approved and strives to continue a long history of improved standards for the production and sale of nursery stock that benefit both the nursery and landscape industry and purchasers of nursery stock including the general public. Dr. James Calkins
Research Information Director MNLA Foundation
RESEARCH FOR THE REAL WORLD
Information compiled by the MNLA Foundation to help the success of your business today MNLA.biz _________ The Scoop _________ MNLA eNews
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with the exception of annuals, the Standard outlines a set of production, measurement, and quality standards related to all types of nursery stock including field and container grown trees, shrubs, herbaceous perennials, landscape (ornamental) grasses, groundcovers, vines, and, by reference, Christmas trees (United States Standards for Grades of Christmas Trees, United States Department of Agriculture). The Standard was developed under the supervision of the AmericanHort Horticultural Standards Committee, approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on April 14, 2014 (ANSI Z60.1), and published by AmericanHort. The previous version of the Standard was approved ten years earlier in 2004. Some of the primary changes compared to the 2004 version include: • Consolidated plant type tables and a revised presentation of the standards for plant and container sizes that is intended to make the tables clearer and easier to use; • A clarification of how the caliper size of trees of trees should be measured; in short, caliper should be measured at a height 6" above the soil line unless the caliper at 6" is 4.5" or greater wherein the caliper should be measured at a height of 12" above the soil line; • Clarification of the relationship between the root flare and the soil line as related to caliper measurement; the height at which the caliper is measured (6" or 12") is measured from the soil line; • A new standard that nursery stock must be correctly identified by genus, species, and cultivar;
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• A new standard that pruning cuts must comply with pruning standards as outlined in the latest version of the publication Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management – Standard Practices – Part 1 – Pruning (ANSI A300). Tree Care Industry Association (www.tcia.org); • A new standard that co-dominant leaders must not be present in the lower crown of Type 1 and Type 2 shade trees to avoid weak branching structures and included bark; and • A recognition that fabric containers are acceptable for use in above-ground nursery production systems. These and other changes, as well as the myriad other standards included in the updated, 2014 American Standard for Nursery Stock, are important and should benefit and be of interest to growers, garden centers, landscape designers, and the landscaping public. As outlined on the AmericanHort website (http:// www.americanhort.org/standard), industry standards and the American Standard for Nursery Stock have been around for many years and are intended to “provide buyers and sellers of nursery stock with a common terminology in order to facilitate transactions involving nursery stock.” The nursery and landscape industry initiated the development of standards in 1921 and published the first edition of what was then called Horticultural Standards in 1923. The standards were revised and expanded over the years until the association decided to formalize the standards as a national standard under the requirements and oversight of the American Standards Association (the predecessor
Figure 1. The American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1), a national standard developed by AmericanHort and accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)), is an important resource for nursery and landscape professionals and the landscaping public; a revised version was just published in 2014 (Photo Credit: Jim Calkins).
of the present day American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The first national standard was published on June 22, 1949, and has been revised several times since. The 2014 revision of the American Standard for Nursery Stock was funded in part by the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI; http://www.hriresearch.org), the research affiliate of AmericanHort, and is once again accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). It is important to note that adherence to the standards outlined in the American Standard for Nursery Stock are voluntary. The existence of the American Standard for Nursery Stock does not provide any assurance of the quality of nursery stock that is specified or sold unless the standards are referenced in contractual agreements between buyers and sellers. Producers and other sellers of nursery stock should be aware of the risks associated with nursery stock that does not meet the standards outlined in the American Standard for Nursery Stock as nursery stock that does not meet the standards has the potential to affect the reputation of the seller and may be rejected by buyers. If you are not familiar with the standards included in the American Standard for Nursery Stock, now is the time to learn about them. Those who are familiar with the standards, but haven’t reviewed the latest version of the Standard, will want to familiarize themselves with the changes included in the newly-revised edition. The new American Standard for Nursery Stock (ANSI Z60.1) can be downloaded free of charge in an interactive format from the AmericanHort website at: http://www.americanhort.org/standard Citations: AmericanHort. 2014. American Standard for Nursery Stock. American Horticulture Industry Association (AmericanHort), 2130 Stella Court, Columbus, OH 43215. 109 pages. Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA). 2008. Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Management – Standard Practices – Part 1 – Pruning (ANSI A300). Tree Care Industry Association. www.tcia.org United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). 1989. United States Standards for Grades of Christmas Trees. Fresh Products Branch, Fruit and Vegetable Programs, Agricultural Marketing Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Washington, DC. (October 30, 1989). www.ams. usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?dDocName=STELPRDC5050490 TO COMMENT ON THIS RESEARCH UPDATE,
suggest research topics of interest, or pass along a piece of research-based information that might be of interest to your industry colleagues, please email us at Research@ MNLA.biz.
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FOUR TIPS FOR
CREATING A SUCCESSFUL WEBSITE
FOR YOUR GREEN INDUSTRY BUSINESS In this digital age, managing a small business website is a priority. But how do you determine the structure and content of your site? David Crary | HindSite Software
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#1
Make Content Easily Digestible
The key is to make it easy for your customers to use. Since customers can access your website any time they feel like it, the design and ease of use will definitely influence whether they choose to stay and make an inquiry or purchase from your site, or whether they navigate to another one. You have a small window of opportunity to grab their attention; that’s why the experience they have with your website is so critical. Be sure you make it as simple as possible for customers to make transactions, whether they’re purchasing a product or requesting a quote, site visit, or some additional information. They need and want a quick response to their inquiry. They don’t want to be bogged down with other bits of information that may interrupt their process. It’s essential that the experience is fast and precise. If not, they will click to another site to find exactly what they’re looking for. Keep these questions in mind when you’re developing content for your green industry website: • Who is your audience? • What are you trying to communicate through your website? • Which information on your website is static? • Which information on your website is dynamic? • What messages are you trying to convey to your customers about your business? • What is unique about your business that you want to be sure to share with your customers?
#2
Communicate a Clear Company Vision
A vision is a belief system and image that you want to create and project to anyone using your website. It’s important that you’re a proactive leader and take ownership of the website vision. By having a clear vision in your mind, it gives you and your employees a road map to follow to march 15
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➾ S U CCE S S F U L W E BS I T E S
A Deeper Shade of Green Local Genetic Origins
TM
create the kind of company website that reflects the image you want to project. This will help you attract new and current customers. Begin by trying to answer these questions: • What is the main focus of your website? • What are your company values and how do you want to highlight these values on your website? Solicit feedback from employees about your ideas regarding your company values and take time to assess your progress along the way. It’s extremely important you have a vision of what your website needs to be and how it will be used by your customers and employees.
Native Minnesota Woody & Herbaceous
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(651) 438-2771 • Fax (651) 438-3816
www.outbacknursery.com
Call us first for all your native planting needs
Cater Your Website to Your Demographic
In order to create strong online growth using your website you may want to consider utilizing demographic information as you make design and content decisions about your site. This type of business information can be gained using Google analytics or something similar, and by using other demographic/geographical data collection services. There are many demographic variables to consider including age, sex, income, and place of residence. Your goal is to gather and use this data to determine your target market. Below are some questions you may want to answer with analytics to better serve and target your customers: • Who is your core customer? • Do they live in an urban or small town setting? • In what region of the state do your customers live? • How does climate factor into their landscape options?
#4 • A cost-effective, long-term workers’ compensation program for the construction industry of Minnesota. • Cash Flow Advantage with pay-as-you-go premiums • Customized Loss Control Services designed for YOUR business • Member-focused Proactive Claims Management • 97% of businesses have stayed with TBG these past 15 years because they deliver a long-term solution to the specific needs of our industry.
Keep It Updated and Available From Anywhere
The goal of your website is to communicate with your current and potential customers and to also increase sales for your small business. Make sure your site is available from and adjusts to all standard devices (and this list grows and shifts all the time), so customers have easy access from a phone, a PC, an iPad, tablet or laptop computer. Remember to keep it simple and consider using this as a checklist when planning your site: • Easy for you and your employees to preview and update the content. • A consistent, simple design from page to page. • Make sure the page load time is minimal. • Make sure links are live, current, and updated regularly.
Contact: Dennis Medo, TBG Director of Insurance 651-389-1043 | Toll Free: 888-824-3923 | dmedo@tbgmn.com
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DAVID CRARY is president and founder of HindSite Software. You can reach David at info@hindsitesoftware.com. Want some more tips? Download HindSite’s free eBook, 6 Requirements for a Website That Sells.
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THE LEGAL (AND ILLEGAL) WAYS TO
DEDUCT MEAL BREAKS AUTOMATICALLY Requiring employees to clock in and out for every unpaid meal break is the safest way to ensure your company doesn’t inadvertently violate labor law by under paying workers. But when you’ve got a crew out in the field, tracking breaks can become a logistical tangle. Patrick McGuiness | Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC
➾ ME AL BREAKS
M
any employers cut back on the paperwork by automatically deducting a 30-minute meal break for any employee who works a full shift. If you use automatic break deductions, however, it’s important that you follow the law precisely. Otherwise, you could end up on the wrong side of an expensive lawsuit. It is perfectly legal to automatically deduct meal breaks from a worker’s clocked hours. But you run the risk that workers who end up working during some (or all) of their break will not be paid for all their work, because 30 minutes have automatically been deducted. Companies that willfully or negligently allow this to happen could face expensive legal penalties. If you automatically deduct meal breaks, it’s especially important to have appropriate break and reporting policies.
Seven steps to avoiding a lawsuit
1. Require workers to report when they skip a break or when the break is interrupted. Your company should have a clear policy for workers to follow if they miss a meal break. Whether you require workers to file a written memo or merely to report the aberration to a supervisor, it is important that there is an established routine for reporting when an employee works through a meal break. Many companies play it safe by offering more than one way for employees to report a missed break. 2. Schedule workers for full, 30-minute meal breaks. Minnesota law requires that employers give any employee who works eight hours or more a meal break. This break can be paid or unpaid, but if it’s unpaid federal law says that it must be at least 30 minutes long. If workers end up taking a meal break that is less than roughly 20 minutes, you should probably pay them for the time, even if you have unpaid 30 minute meal breaks. It is easier to simply require the workers to take the full 30 minute unpaid break rather than needing to pay for shorter breaks. 3. Don’t bother workers on break. In order for a break to be off the clock, federal law requires that it be entirely uninterrupted. If workers are interrupted during a break and asked to do work (no matter how minimal) the entire break is generally considered compensable time. To avoid a situation where workers end up working during their breaks, many companies implement policies that make it clear when workers are on break — for example, by requiring workers to take breaks in a location away from where that day’s work is being performed. It need not be a long way away, but far enough away that work isn’t inadvertently done during the break. 4. Require workers to take uninterrupted meal breaks. Sometimes employees end up working during a break
because they have to — unexpected, urgent problems arise or customers interrupt them to ask for assistance. At other times, however, a worker may work during a meal break by choice. If it is your company policy that workers get unpaid meal breaks, make sure employees understand that it is a violation of your rules to work during their break. If workers are found to be working during their breaks, give them appropriate warnings and sanctions, so they understand that they are expected to be fully off the clock. 5. Educate workers on your company break policies. All your workers should be told what breaks they are entitled to, whether the company will automatically deduct their breaks, and what the policy is for reporting when they don’t take a break. If your company has a handbook or written training materials, they should explain your break and time tracking policies and what workers are expected to do to ensure their hours are tracked accurately. These are also important areas to cover in any training or new hire orientation with workers. 6. Only deduct meal breaks that employees take consistently. Automatic deductions are often appropriate for crews out on a job because everyone takes a break at the same time, and you can easily track the duration of the break and any interruptions. But if your company has retail workers or supervisors who take irregular breaks, you should have a different system for deducting that time—such as requiring them to fill out time cards or to punch in and out when they go on break. 7. Finally, pay workers for any skipped breaks! This should go without saying, but regardless of what your company’s policies are, if a boss or supervisor knows that an employee worked through his unpaid break, the company should make sure to pay the worker appropriately. Over the last few years, automatic break deduction policies have led to a growing number of collective action lawsuits against employers, in some cases leading to settlements in the tens of millions of dollars. But at the same time, courts have found that automatic deduction policies are legal if they are implemented properly. This underscores the importance of following strict guidelines to ensure that if an employee skips a break or does work during it, they are paid for their time. on employment law and should not be relied upon as legal advice for every situation. A qualified attorney must analyze all relevant facts and apply the applicable law to any matter before legal advice can be given. If you would like more information regarding employment law or other legal matters, please contact Patrick McGuiness at Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC at 651-206-3203 or pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES GENERAL INFORMATION
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➾ GOV E RN MEN T AFFA I R S
Your Team on the Hill Jon Horsman
MNLA Communications Director Tim Power
MNLA Government Affairs Director
The Minnesota Legislature is in session! You probably already know that MNLA prioritizes having a robust government affairs program which can successfully represent the collective interests of MNLA members in legislative and regulatory affairs. But do you know the team that keeps their eye on the issues affecting members and maintains relationships on the hill as representatives of MNLA? represents MNLA on a variety of legislative and regulatory affairs, and has many years of experience in keeping his ear to the ground in St. Paul. He and Tim monitor the activities of the legislature and various state agencies, and ensures the “voice” of MNLA is being heard and acknowledged.
The Government Affairs Team
•
Tim Power Government Affairs Director
Tim analyzes proposed legislative actions, determines the potential impact on MNLA, and develops policy recommendations for consideration by the Government Affairs Committee and the Board of Directors. Tim has long been a go-to person within MNLA for regulatory plant issues, testifying before committees and other bodies on MNLA’s behalf when called upon. He coordinates with legislative and regulatory policy makers and their staff, including state and national nursery and landscape associations on issues, and works with the MNLA lobbyist to communicate to members of the Minnesota legislature, regulatory agency leadership and their staffs on industry-related issues. •
Cassie Larson, CAE Executive Director
Cassie oversees all MNLA activities including implementing the strategic plan’s focus on government affairs. Cassie participates in all discussions of government affairs policy direction, ensuring that MNLA’s resources are aligned with its goals. •
Doug Carnival, Government Affairs Consultant and Lobbyist
A part of McGrann, Shea, Carnival, Straughn & Lamb Chartered, Doug 42
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•
Tim Malooly, Government Affairs Committee Chair
Tim Malooly is the chair of the Government Affairs committee; in fact, he’s the longest-running chair within MNLA. Tim’s dedication to MNLA’s government affairs is a big factor in the program’s successes. • Government Affairs Committee The committee holds regular meetings where all topics raised during the year are vetted and prioritized. Many issues are discussed, but as there is only so much that can be accomplished in any single year, some important matters must be set aside. Tough decisions must be made so that our energy can be channeled effectively. Members: Scott Frampton, Landscape Renovations, Inc., Tim Malooly, Water in Motion, Inc., Terri McEnaney, Bailey Nurseries, Inc., Gail Nozal, S&S Tree and Horticultural Specialists, Jeff Pilla, Bachman’s, Inc., Cory Whitmer, The Mustard Seed Landscaping and Garden Center, Jennifer Wilson, Wilson’s Nursery, Inc.
from being heard in committee, thus forestalling action in 2014. Now, AGC has approached MSA in an attempt to discuss a solution amenable to all parties. MNLA Board Member Tim Malooly participated in recent MSA discussions with AGC, and hopes to see either an agreement amenable to both MSA and AGC or a legislative bill that would resolve this issue to the satisfaction of both MSA and MNLA.
Left to right: Cindy Grady, Joe Bailey, Chad Bischoff, Representative Susan Allen, Diana Grundeen, and Gail Nozal.
You Can Play a Part
Every year, MNLA and its green industry partners create an easy, “all inclusive” opportunity for members to get involved in government affairs and make their voice heard at our annual Day on the Hill. If you’ve never visited with your lawmaker before, and aren’t sure what you’d say to them if you did, don’t worry. Not only is there “just-in-time” training that occurs on that morning over a hot breakfast, there are also many members who have been active in this realm for a long time, and are happy to show you the ropes. It can be seem a bit confusing and possibly intimidating at first, but after a few conversations with legislators, you’ll begin to enjoy it. Their job is to serve their constituents, and though many are incredibly busy people, most will be happy to make time to meet with you. It’s vital to the success of our industry that we have broad participation in our government affairs program. If you missed this year’s Day on the Hill (which occurred on March 4th), you’ve missed out on a chance to influence the legislative process by informing our legislators about the issues and bills that affect our industry. The list of possible bills below is Tim Power’s current guess as to what bills we will or will not support in 2015 and where we stand on them as of January 23rd: • Transportation Funding — Important to both Democrats and Republicans, the issue of transportation funding is clearly on the horizon for the 2015 Minnesota legislature. However, preferred solutions and funding sources will be major areas of disagreement between the parties and between urban and rural legislators. This promises to be a spirited and interesting discussion. MNLA does not have an official position on this issue. • Retainage — The Minnesota Subcontractors Association (MSA) drafted and MNLA supported retainage legislation in 2014 that would have clarified restrictions and timing for when general contractors must pay their subcontractors after substantial completion of construction projects. The Associated General Contractors of MN (AGC) was able to keep this bill
• Pesticide Preemption— As happened in 2014, a bill has been introduced in the Minnesota House that would preempt for cities of the first order (in Minnesota, that’s St. Paul, Minneapolis, Duluth and Bloomington) the statewide control of pesticide use. In 2014, the preemption bill did not receive a hearing in committee and thus it died. MNLA expects the same fate for this new bill, but will oppose it if it receives a committee hearing. • Nursery Labeling Law Cleanup Bill — MNLA members are scrambling to comply with the new law that makes it illegal to label or advertise a plant as beneficial to pollinators if it has been treated with and has a detectable level of a systemic insecticide. Currently, MDA’s nursery inspectors are advising plant sellers to “Sanitize, don’t advertise” if they cannot be certain that plants are untreated. Elimination of any visual or textual reference to pollinators on plant labels and advertising is clearly not what the bill authors intended, but that currently is the most certain way for MNLA plant sellers to ensure compliance with this new law. MNLA is working with legislators and MDA to craft a cleanup bill that would minimize compliance difficulties in the new law. Stay tuned for updates, including a likely report in MNLA’s February E-News. This may be a big deal and an important issue for Day on the Hill. Another issue is emerging that probably will not show up at the Green Industry Day on the Hill. House and Senate companion bills have been introduced that would repeal the requirement for the planned July 2015 roll-out of a new DNR certification for aquatic invasive species (AIS) training for those who use trailers to move boats or equipment into and out of Minnesota waters, certified by a trailer sticker. Certain MNLA irrigation contractors who install and service irrigation equipment in Minnesota waters are already certified as DNR Lake Service Providers, and receive much more extensive AIS training as a part of that certification. If the trailer sticker law is in fact implemented, DNR says that currently-certified lake service providers will have the opportunity to receive trailer stickers either as a part of that LSP training or through the mail for those previously certified. MNLA does not have a position on the bills to eliminate this required trailer sticker and the underlying training, but it affects some of our members because stickers will be required for all, including lake service providers, if the law goes into effect. Stay tuned.
IF YOU HAVE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS ISSUES you’d like to discuss, contact Tim Power at tim@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987.
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5505 N. HWY 169 PLYMOUTH, 5505MNN. 55442 HWY 169 PLYMOUTH, MN 55442 763-398-0079 WWW.TOPNOTCHEQUIPMENT.COM 763-398-0079 • WWW.TOPNOTCHEQUIPMENT.COM 5505 N. HWY 169 PHONE: PLYMOUTH, MN 55442 • PHONE: 5505 N. HWY 169 PLYMOUTH, MN 55442 Conveniently located off Hwy 169 Conveniently & Bass Lakelocated Road off Hwy 169 & Bass Lake Road PHONE: 763-398-0079 • WWW.TOPNOTCHEQUIPMENT.COM Conveniently located off Hwy 169 & Bass Lake Road PHONE: 763-398-0079
• WWW.TOPNOTCHEQUIPMENT.COM
Conveniently located off Hwy 169 & Bass Lake Road
2015 MNLA
LANDSCAPE AWARD WINNERS Several members of the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) were recently honored with the 2015 MNLA Award for Excellence in Landscape. 20 projects received awards, and you can view all submitted photos and read the project descriptions by visiting the project gallery at http://www.mnla.biz/?page=2015Gallery. Congratulations to the companies and personnel behind these projects!
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➾ LANDSCAPE AWARD S
2015 MNLA LANDSCAPE AWARD WINNERS
All winning projects were displayed during the Northern Green Expo and recognized at the MNLA Awards Gala. A video showing five photos from each project and judges’ comments is online at http://youtu.be/PyA9woYWiAY. All winners receive the posters shown at Expo and many other marketing assets as well. MNLA creates a photobook, a video and a plaque for each award given, plus delivers a linkable project page in our gallery, a sample press release, a winner’s crest, guidelines for pitching projects to local home magazines, and tips for marketing your award to other media.
DID YOU KNOW? Entries are NOT judged against each other. In any given year, ALL entries could win awards, or NO entries could win an award. Each entry is judged against the standards of excellence. Judges must decide whether an entry, in their opinion, meets or even exceeds those standards.
Firm: Charles Seha Design Project: Chute/Nevin Project Entrant: Charles Seha Team members: Dan Campion Masonry: concrete work, brick work, veneer masonry, landscape supplies | Charles Seha: landscape design, dry laid limestone walls, grading, planting, drainage, project management Subcontractors: Finishing Touch Carpentry, Jim Amundson | Steve Carlson: Carpentry for garden building Firm: Field Outdoor Spaces Project: Bryant Avenue Project Entrant: Jason Rathe Team members: Jason Rathe – Designer Subcontractors: Blackstone Hardscapes – Concrete paver patio | Sparkhut Design – Corten Planters | Accentual Lighting – Lighting | Kelly Green Irrigation – Irrigation
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Firm: Ground One Enterprises Project: Burns Residence Entrant: Nathan Anderson Team members: Nathan Anderson, landscape architect | Pat Weiss, project manager | Jeff McCabe, estimator
Firm: Ground One Enterprises Project: Pihlstrom Residence Entrant: Nathan Anderson Team members: Nathan Anderson, landscape architect | Pat Weiss, project manager | Jeff McCabe, estimator
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TM
Veronica MAGIC SHOW® ‘Enchanted Indigo’ PPAF
WHEN YOU COME FROM GOOD GENES, IT SHOWS. There’s a lot of genetic know-how behind high performance perennials. That’s why Proven Winners® turned to Walters Gardens, Inc. as their perennial experts to bring exclusive, beautiful new varieties that perform reliably for growers, retailers and gardeners alike. Proven Winners® Perennials: Beauty you can see. Performance you can trust.
WALTERS GARDENS, INC. Proud supplier of Proven Winners® Perennials P: 888.WALTERS (888.925.8377) // F: 800.752.1879 // E: sales@waltersgardens.com WaltersGardens.com // ProvenWinners.com © 2015 Walters Gardens, Inc.
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➾ LANDSCAPE AWARD S
Firm: Mom’s Landscaping & Design, LLC Project: Casby Residence Entrant: Heather Grossmann
Firm: Mom’s Landscaping & Design, LLC Firm: Mom’s Landscaping & Design, LLC Project: Grieve Residence Entrant: Becca Bastyr Team members: Becca Bastyr, Designer & Project Manager | Daniel Wellens, Foreman Subcontractors: Edgework Builders: carpentry, masonry, electrical and gas installations | Concrete Designs: concrete countertop manufacture and installation | Aqua Engineering: irrigation design and installation
Project: Murray / Nguyen Residence Entrant: Bob Wallace Team members: Mike Weckman, Foreman Subcontractors: Milltown Construction – Carpentry | Orijin Stone – Stone Supplier | Twin City Brick & Stone – Paver Brick Supplier | Aqua Engineering – Irrigation | Select Mechanical – Gas Appliances and Lanterns | Nordeast Electrical – Electric | Admit One Home Cinema – Sound System | Terradek Lighting – Light Fixtures | Dakota Unlimited – Wrought Iron
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➾ LANDSCAPE AWARD S
Firm: Phillips Garden Project: Golden Valley Contemporary Entrant: Tom Kerby Team members: Tom Kerby – Landscape Architect, Project Manager | Ed Burke – Landscape Designer | Thomas Knox – Crew Foreman | Lynn Biegler – Maintenance Manager | Laura Savolainen – Maintenance Assistant Manager Subcontractors: Bulach Custom Rock – concrete work | Aqua City Irrigation – irrigation | Flair Fountain – water feature | N Design Partners – landscape lighting
Firm: Phillips Garden Project: Linden Hills – Arts and Crafts Entrant: Tom Kerby Team members: Tom Kerby – Landscape Architect, Project Manager | Darrin Mueske – Crew Foreman (stone craftsman) | Chandler Litterst – Crew (stone craftsman) | Lynn Biegler – Maintenance Manager Subcontractors: Bulach Custom Rock – concrete | Aqua City Irrigation – irrigation | Flair Fountain – water feature
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Firm: Phillips Garden Project: Modern Courtyard Entrant: Tyler Grissman Team members: Lead Designer/Project Manager – Tyler Grissman | Landscape Designer – Ed Burke Garden Designer – Lynn Biegler | Install Crew – Thomas Knox, Darrin Mueske, Chandler Litterst, and Alex Molitor
Firm: Savanna Designs, Inc. Firm: Sargent’s Landscape Nursery – Rochester
Project: Maiden Rock House
Project: McIntosh Residence
Entrant: Jim Hagstrom
Team members: Jeff Feece – Designer and Project Manager | Bob Thompson – Installation Supervisor
Team members: Peter Carlsen, Carlsen & Frank Architects, LLC – overall design of house & selection of materials on building, conceptual design of the front walkway
Subcontractors: Jeff Morse – Patio work | Ryan Davis – Wood Work | Bob Gander Plumbing – Natural gas installation Eagle Electric – Electrical hook-ups | Universal Concrete – Concrete steps | Shawn Fagan – Photography
Subcontractors: Landscape Renovations, Inc. – pavers & dry laid stone work | Northway Irrigation – design & install irrigation | Prairie Restorations, Inc. – prairie installation & maintenance
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➾ LANDSCAPE AWARD S
Firm: Savanna Designs, Inc. Project: St. Croix River Retreat Entrant: Jim Hagstrom Team members: Rehkamp Larson Architects, Inc. – overall design of house & selection of materials on building | Greg Olson – general contractor, coordinating construction & project management including stone veneer and bluestone patios Subcontractors: Tibbetts Stonework – fabricated & installed local limestone veneer under the direction of the owner and general contractor
Firm: Southview Design Project: Fitting In With Nature Entrant: Tim Johnson
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Firm: Southview Design Project: Thinking Outside the Deck Entrant: Colleen Moran
Firm: Stonepocket, Inc. Project: STEEL NATURE Entrant: Tim Heelan Subcontractors: Pete Spark of Spark Hut for building corten steel planters and a beautiful gate | Tony Schmidt of Accentual Lighting for lighting up the backyard
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➾ LANDSCAPE AWARD S
Firm: Switzer’s Nursery & Landscaping, Inc.
Firm: Yardscapes, Inc.
Project: Drew H. Lord House Landscape Renovation
Project: Lake Minnetonka Pool / Spa Project
Entrant: Glenn Switzer
Entrant: David Kopfmann
Firm: Yardscapes, Inc. Project: Minnetonka Residence Entrant: Clayton Johnson
The MNLA Landscape Awards is a program of recognition for installed landscapes. Submitting companies must be MNLA members who offer design, installation, design/build, bid/build, or other landscape specialty to their clients. 54
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THANK YOU TO OUR 2015 AWARDS SPONSORS:
Firm: Yardscapes, Inc. Project: Toomey Home Entrant: Lincoln Danforth
NEWS
Your One Tractor Solution
MCGUINESS STEPS OFF BOARD; SARGENT STEPS UP Due to other commitments, Patrick McGuiness, Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC, has had to resign his seat on the MNLA Board of Directors. MNLA bylaws outline the process for replacement which is the board president appoints a replacement to finish out the term for the vacated seat. President Heidi Heiland has appointed Nick Sargent, Sargent’s Landscape Nursery to finish out McGuiness’ term, which lasts through the end of 2015.
30o
58% Grade
One Tractor, Over 30 Commercial Grade Attachments:
Schedule a Ventrac Demo with:
Cushman Motor Company, Inc. 2909 E Franklin Ave • Minneapolis, MN (612) 333-3487 • 1-800-759-5343 www.cushmanmotorco.com
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➾ MNLA MEMBERS
EXCLUSIVE MEMBER CONTENT Did you know that there are many member-only resources available to you for FREE? You may come across a printed promotion for these member-only resources from time to time in the Scoop but you can access all this great material anytime online once you log in to www.MNLA.biz. Browse the MEMBERS ONLY dropdown on the far right of the menu bar!
Compiled Wage Statistics This information was compiled from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. MNLA researched positions that are specific to the green industry or those positions closely related to positions in our industry.
Plant Something Marketing Assets Looking for professionally created advertising materials? MNLA members are able to use the trademarked green stake and accompanying message and materials for use in your own promotions. These print marketing pieces all provide space for MNLA members to add custom branding.
PLANT Two of These
PLANT someThiNg.
ANd cALL us iN The morNiNg
Try NAmiNg someThiNg As eAsy ANd iNexPeNsive ThAT cAN PuLL ALL ThAT off.
want to improve your quality of life? how’s a plant or tree possibly going to make my life better, you ask? By lowering your heart rate, providing beauty and shade, improving your property value, lowering your energy costs, cleaning the air and water, and creating a more inviting yard and community.
Go Propane and SAVE!! Up to a $3500 Incentive
• On the purchase of a new propane powered commercial mower. $1750 incentive available for conversion of existing gasoline powered mower. ($1500 from MPA, 2000 available from PERC - go to http://www.propane.com/ commercial-landscape/ to apply.)
Up to a $3000 Incentive
• On the purchase of a new propane or dual-fueled pickup or conversion of a 2010 or newer model. Lesser amounts available on older models. Call the MPA for details.
Talk to your dealer about going propane today!! Offer ends March 31, 2015 For more information call the Minnesota Propane Association at 763-633-4271
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We are sculptors. Creators of beautiful spaces.
B50 Series
Standard L3901 Series
• 26 to 33 HP quality Kubota Diesel Engines • Powerful 3-range HST Transmission • Optional cab with integrated design for all weather operation
• 37.5 HP quality Kubota Diesel Engine • Synchro-Shuttle or HST Transmission • Front loader quick mount attach/detach plus a variety of performance matched implements available
See one of these authorized Kubota dealers near you! ALEXANDRIA Alex Power Equipment 111 50th Avenue West (320) 763-4994 GLENCOE Arnold’s of Glencoe 655 Lindbergh Trail (320) 864-5531 www.arnoldsinc.com
HASTINGS Neibur Tractor & Equipment 14380 East 240th Street (651) 437-3531 (888) 559-9492
NORTH MANKATO Arnold’s of Mankato 1715 Howard Drive (507) 387-5515 www.arnoldsinc.com
ST. CLOUD Arnold’s of St. Cloud 2995 Quail Road NE (320) 251-2585 www.arnoldsinc.com
KIMBALL Arnold’s of Kimball 701 Hwy 55 East (320) 398-3800 www.arnoldsinc.com
SHAKOPEE Lano Equipment, Inc. 3021 133rd Street West (952) 445-6310
ST. MARTIN Arnold’s of St. Martin 374 Industrial Boulevard (320) 548-3285 www.arnoldsinc.com
kubota.com
Kubota Tractor Corporation Markets a Full Line of Tractors and Construction Equipment Through a Nationwide Network of Over 1,000 Authorized Dealers. Optional equipment may be shown. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2015
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➾ ME MBER N EWS
WELCOME NEW MNLA MEMBERS! Advanced Construction, Oak Grove,, MN Stacy Lehn, 763-464-2084 Berg Exteriors, Inc., Maple Plain, MN Rob Berg, 763-479-1115 Carefree Lawn Sprinklers, Minneapolis, MN Brian Fieldseth, 612-588-4000 Clover Point Designs, Richfield, MN Kelly Vranicar, 612-518-3222
Jokela Power Equipment, LL Cold Spring, MN Pete Jokela, 320-292-6487
Rice Creek Building and Remodeling Inc, Lino Lakes, MN Joseph R. Kouba, 612-751-4646
Kirtland Electric, Vadnais Heights, MN David Schult, 651-704-9338
Specktacular, Elko, MN Charlie Speckmann, 952-461-5255
L.C.S Lawn and Tree Service Maplewood, MN Brock Eastlund, 651-731-5296
Sterling Arbor, Scandia, MN Jim Paul, 612-747-5363
CNS Holdings Inc, Somerset WI Chad Mecl, 651-249-8774
Lakeside Property Maintenance LLC Prior Lake, MN Matthew Weinzettel, 952-412-4484
Detailed Stump Grinding LLC Mankato, MN John Nelson, 507-389-8964
MasterTag, Geneva, IL John Martens, 630-667-5051
Dixon Lake Resort, Squaw Lake, MN Roger Christensen, 218-659-4612 Feed the Soul Gardens LLC Minneapolis, MN Wynne Sutton, 612-401-6606 Hiway Federal Credit Union, St. Paul, MN Bill Wagner, 651-265-6133 Integrity Landscapes, Bismark ND Brandon Bailey, 701-934-0094 Jim Murr Plumbing, Newport , MN Jim Murr, 651-457-1337
Matt’s Lawn and Landscape, Rogers, MN Eric Agrimson, 612-201-2468 Native Eye Landscapes, LLC Minnetonka, MN Kim Strahlman, 612-867-9202 New Leaf Landscaping and Design Mound, MN Lucas Gaudette, 612-423-1320 Nick Tree and Landscape, Big Lake, MN Nick Banyai, 612-227-6425
Storlie Tree Farm, Lakeville, MN Don Storlie, 952-985-0933 TCC, Osceola WI Chuck Thiel, 612-369-4354 Terrain Services, Inc., Chaska, MN Bridget Young, 612-770-0027 Valley Designs LLC, Fall Creek WI Kris Sivertson, 715-210-0818 Vintage Garden, Afton, MN Paula Welch, 651-307-0962 Westergren & Associates, Inc., Lonsdale, MN Dan Westergren, 612-756-0177 Wild Violets Landscape Design Hastings, MN Stephanie Girgen, 651-707-6054
R&R Leasing, Hugo, MN Matt Rehbein, 612-282-7153
MEMBER NEWS BAILEY NURSERIES ACQUIRES PLANT INTRODUCTIONS, INC. St. Paul, MN (January 12, 2015) Bailey Nurseries is excited to announce the acquisition of Plant Introductions, Inc. (PII), effective January 1, 2015. Widely recognized as a leader in plant breeding, PII has Plant Introductions, Inc. developed numerous innovative new partners Mark Griffith, varieties that have been marketed Dr. Michael Dirr and Jeff worldwide, many introduced by Beasley with Bailey Nurseries Bailey Nurseries. Since the President Terri McEnaney. introduction of Endless Summer® The Original, Bailey Nurseries and PII partners Dr. Michael Dirr, Jeff Beasley and Mark Griffith have developed a strong association. This relationship has expanded in the years since with PII breeding genetics for the Endless Summer® Hydrangea and First Editions®
Plants collections. “This new venture is a natural progression in our relationship with Dr. Dirr, Jeff Beasley and Mark Griffith,” says Bailey Nurseries’ President Terri McEnaney. “We have built such a collaborative rapport over the last 20 years, and we are incredibly excited to continue the groundbreaking work of PII here at Bailey Nurseries. We are also delighted that Jeff, Mark and Dr. Dirr will be staying on board to consult on breeding, plant trials and market trends.” “Mark, Jeff and I are enthusiastic about what has been achieved at PII and its future with Bailey Nurseries,” PII founding partner Dr. Michael Dirr replies. “We share a mutual passion for this industry and look forward to the potential of this exciting endeavor.” With the acquisition of PII, Bailey Nurseries solidifies its position to supply cutting-edge genetics and new introductions to domestic and international markets. This enables Bailey Nurseries to best support the industry and consumer demand with exceptional new varieties.
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➾ NE T WORKIN G N EWS
NETWORKING NEWS NETWORKING AT THE 2015 NORTHERN GREEN EXPO
Networking was alive and well at Expo this year! The Landscape and Turf Management, Landscape Design, Arborist, Garden Center, Professional Gardening, Landscape Contractor, and Nursery Grower Networking Groups had meetings in the Campfire areas in the tradeshow during Expo. Some meetings included Expo speakers as special guests. Julie Moir Messervy, Greg Pierceall, John Ball, Steve Bailey, Jody Shilan, and Kris Bachtell all participated in the networking group meetings. It was a great opportunity for attendees to get up close and personal with some of our visiting Expo speakers.
We discussed hiring, crew size & efficiency, and employment laws.
PROFESSIONAL GARDENING NETWORKING GROUP MEETING DATE & TIME: February 2, 2015 LOCATION: Wescott Library, Eagan
Hiring • To attract employees, consider offering financial or other incentives. To keep employees coming back from year to year, maintain a presence over the winter. • Local papers and the MNLA job board have not led to much hiring success. Craigslist and the Green Expo are better, but the best candidates have come from personal referrals. • Make your ad different. Make it stand out and give a sense of your company culture. Crew Size & Efficiency • Of the companies in attendance, the majority like to run two person crews, some had three, while others had up to four or more with a big property or project. • Ideas to stay organized and efficient: • Use a calendar system to schedule contract clients, but leave gaps for one-timers and new contacts. • Always be looking ahead. • Keep vehicles and tools organized. • Stagger start times. • Plan routes and take traffic into consideration. Employment Laws • Know the laws applicable to you and your size of company; talk to a lawyer. Some considerations: • ADA • Dept. of Labor • OSHA, • Insurance requirements — vehicle, worker’s comp, building, health (if required), business policy • Dept. of Ag — Nursery/Dealer licenses, Pesticide applicators • Dept. of Transportation — driver and vehicle requirements • Taxes — sales, payroll, unemployment, etc. • We also discussed billing hourly versus having seasonal contracts where a client pays for a defined season’s worth of care and then the company bills for any additional projects or unforeseen events. A discount for pre-payment could be offered.
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2015 Model Year Exclusive ve Allowance. Saon up to $8,000 . select models
Rebates up to $8,000 on your choice of Dodge, Jeep, and Chrysler vehicles. Available to all MNLA members! See reverse for more details or contact Mary at the MNLA office for more information 651-633-4987 or mary@mnla.biz.
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âžž LA S T WORD
GREET GAYLE
IN FEBRUARY, Gayle Anderson joined the MNLA team as Administrative Assistant. She brings with her more than 20 years of office experience with the last 18 working for Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Shoreview as their Business Administrator.
In 2004 she became a member of NACBA (National Association of Church Business Administration) and NACBANCC, their North Central Chapter. Through NACBA she attended certification classes at the University of St. Thomas for church business administration. She also attended monthly meetings, organized by the North Central Chapter, which provided continuing education and opportunities for
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networking with other business administrators. Gayle was Vice-President of NACBA-NCC for one year and President for two years. Gayle loves traveling with her sisters and has been to Arizona, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Germany, Mexico, Paris, and Switzerland. Gayle lives in Lino Lakes with her husband, Keith. She enjoys gardening, camping, reading, and spending time with their two children and six grandchildren. Be sure to greet Gayle when you come into the MNLA office. Her smiling face will be the first one you see!
MNLA FOUNDATION Improving the Environment by Investing in Research and Education
1813 LEXINGTON AVE. N | ROSEVILLE, MN 55113 | 651-633-4987 | FAX 651-633-4986 | MNLA@MNLA.BIZ | WWW.MNLAFOUNDATION.COM
PARTNERS FUND
You are encouraged to participate in the Research & Education Partners Fund at one of the participating suppliers recognized below. Your voluntary donation of Âź of 1% (0.25%) on purchases of plants and other nursery, greenhouse and landscape products at these suppliers is used by the MNLA Foundation to grow a brighter future for the industry. On an invoice totaling $1,000 at one of these suppliers, your contribution will be only $2.50. Your individual contribution is small, but collectively these small contributions will add up to make a real difference!
Research for the Real World
Career Development & Promotion
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L A N D S C A P E + M A S O N RY
Scholarships
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