Spring Trials Report, Pt. II
Also Inside
Reimagining the Water’s Edge
Groundcovers Member Profile Plant of the Month
out & about Staying in touch via member visits
Vol: 37 No: 8 Aug 2014 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
Julie Moir Messervy
Jody Shilan
Kit Welchlin
Fred Rozumalski
Kris Bachtell Greg Pierceall
Chris LeConte
Joe Baer Marla Spivak
John Ball
Allan Armitage
Michael J. Hurdzan
Grow your knowledge with these speakers and more at the 2015 Northern Green Expo! Generously Supported by:
Steve Bailey
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find a distributor: www.arborjet.com/distributor Visit www.arborjet.com or call 781.935.9070.
Volume 37 No. 8 Aug 2014
contents 14
! T U O SHOOT 25
8
IN THIS ISSUE 8
Events
10 From the Executive Director MNLA staff stays in touch via member visits
43
14 Groundcovers for Shade Faith Appelquist’s quick list of her favorite groundcovers for shady spots or a woodland garden.
18 Think Like an Owner Grow your career by helping your company grow.
25 Apples Illustrate Research’s Value to Industry Horticultural success stories often start long before growing, marketing, distribution, and sales.
34 California Spring Trials, Pt. II During the second half of Carolyn Jones’ trip, she discovered some great new introductions.
40 How Divorce and Death Affect Ownership
17 Plant of the Month Jerod Fehrenbach reviews Panicum ‘Northwind’, the 2014 Perennial Plant of the Year™. 22 Member Profile Vineland Tree Care 32 Pesticide & Fertilizer News Tim Power brings us up to date on changes to MDA and EPA programs. 47 New Pollinator Labeling Law MDA answers questions about what it will really mean for MNLA members. 52 Business Briefs 54 Photo Flashback Board of Directors Past and Present
Samuel Geer writes about the design goals of shoreline gardens.
The Scoop, August 2014, Issue 8 (USPS # Pending) (ISSN # Pending), is issued monthly, 12 times per year. All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2014, 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. Application to mail at Periodical Postage Prices is Pending at St Paul, MN. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Scoop, MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville MN 55113.
Landscape & Hardscape Install & Design Garden Services & Landscape Management Garden Centers Growers: Nursery & Greenhouse Irrigation & Water Management Arborists & Tree Services All
Editorial Contributions. You are invited to share your expertise and perspective. Article ideas and manuscripts should be submitted to the publisher at jon@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987. MNLA reserves the right to edit all articles.
Bryan Zlimen answers the question: “What happens to small businesses upon the death or divorce of an owner?”
13 Out and About Photos from visits to member locations.
43 Reimagining the Water’s Edge
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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 Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens 612-366-7766 • heidi@BloomOnMN.com
herman roerick, vice-president
Arborjet .............................................................................................................. 4 Bridgewater Tree Farms ................................................................................... 12 Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus ..................................................... 16 Central Landscape Supply ................................................................................ 20 Cushman Motor Co. Inc ................................................................................... 41 D. Hill Nursery Co. ............................................................................................ 16 Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ............................................................................. 50 Evergreen Nursery Co., Inc. ............................................................................. 33 Everris ............................................................................................................... 53
Central Landscape Supply 320-252-1601 • hermanr@centrallandscape.com
Frontier Ag & Turf ............................................................................................. 21
scott frampton, secretary-treasurer
Fury Motors ...................................................................................................... 53
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
Gardenworld Inc. .............................................................................................. 33 GM Fleet and Commercial ................................................................................. 3 Gopher State One-Call ..................................................................................... 50
Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 • rberg@smig.net
Great Northern Equipment Distributing, Inc. ................................................... 31
tim malooly, cid, clia, cic
Haag Companies, Inc. ...................................................................................... 42
Water in Motion 763-559-7771 • timm@watermotion.com
patrick mcguiness
Jeff Belzer Chevrolet .................................................................................. 28–29
Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC 651-331-6500 • pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com
Johnson’s Nursery, Inc. ..................................................................................... 20
mike mcnamara
Klaus Nurseries ................................................................................................. 49
Hoffman & McNamara Nursery & Landscaping 651-437-9463 • mike.mcnamara@hoffmanandmcnamara.com
jeff pilla, mnla-cp
Bachman’s Inc. 612-861-7600 • jpilla@bachmans.com
cassie larson, cae
MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • cassie@mnla.biz
Kubota Dealers ................................................................................................. 24 Landscape Alternatives Inc. .............................................................................. 16 Minnesota Propane Association ....................................................................... 21 MTI Distributing, Inc. ........................................................................................ 49 Out Back Nursery ............................................................................................. 49
Staff Directory
executive director:
Plaisted Companies ............................................................................................ 7
membership director & trade show manager:
RDO Equipment Co. ........................................................................................ 12
Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz 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 assistant: Jessica Pratt • jessica@mnla.biz accountant: Norman Liston • norman@mnla.biz mnla foundation program director:
Resultants for Business, Inc. (RFB) .................................................................... 41
advertising sales: 952-934-2891 / 763-295-5420
Truck Utilities & Mfg. Co. .................................................................................. 49
Jodi Larson • jodi@mnla.biz • www.TheLandLovers.org
6
ad list
Volume 37 No. 8 Aug 2014
➾ section title
Rock Hard Landscape Supply division of Brian’s Lawn & Landscaping, Inc. .... 16 Sterling Arbor, LLC. ...........................................................................................45 Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. .................................................................................. 11, 46
Faith Jensen, Advertising Rep • faith@pierreproductions.com Betsy Pierre, Advertising Mgr • betsy@pierreproductions.com
Versa-Lok Midwest ........................................................................................... 51
legislative affairs consultant: Doug Carnival
Ziegler CAT ......................................................................................... Back Cover
mnla .biz
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➾ calendar
MNLA Event
aug14 aug13
aug14
Tessman Company Greenhouse Buying Expo
➾
Prom Center, Oakdale To register, call: 651-487-3850 Take advantage of show specials. Tessman Company, your “hometown team,” is ready to help you with all of your greenhouse, nursery, garden center and landscaping needs!
Carlin Buyerfest 2014
garden center Tour 651-633-4987 MNLA.biz Tour several MNLA garden center locations in the Twin Cities. Network with other professionals and take away great ideas to implement at your own garden center.
➾
Brooklyn Park, MN buyerfest.com Your one stop source for greenhouses, garden centers, nurseries and landscapers. Opportunity to visit with vendors, ask questions and learn about new products.
sept30 –OCT2 Field Field & Cover& Cover Production Tour Production To
sept17
➾ MNLA Shootout ➾
SHOOTOUT
Key:
Event Education
➾ 8
mnla .biz
!
MNLA Garden at the State Fair 651-633-4987 MNLA.biz Promote your business to the over 1 million people who attend the Fair — register to take a shift in the garden!
MNLA Event
South St. Paul Rod & Gun Club 651-633-4987 MNLA.biz 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.
aug21 –sept1
americanhort.org
➾
The AmericanHort Nursery & Greenhouse Grower Tour is coming to Minnesota! Visit americanhort.org for more details.
Did you miss a webinar? ALL of our webinars are recorded and available for viewing afterwards. Login to MNLA.biz to learn more! august 14
2014 MNLA seminars generously supported by John Deere Landscapes
aug 19–20
MNLA Event
sept11
IGC Chicago Chicago, Illinois Igcshow.com IGC Chicago is firmly established as the world’s largest garden center trade show. More IGC pros do their buying at IGC than at any other event because it has hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of new products and scores of educational opportunities.
➾
aug 26–27
2014 Clean Water Summit
➾
BFG Expo Minneapolis 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center, MN
oct 22–24
MNLA Event
oct2
GIE+Expo / Hardscape North America
MNLA Event
NOV21
➾Louisville, KY
➾ MNLA Snow Day MN State Fairgrounds 651-633-4987 MNLA.biz Snow Day is back! Learn what’s new in equipment and supplies and education to gear up for the next snow season. ➾
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chanhassen arboretum.umn.edu/ 2014CleanWaterSummit The 2014 Clean Water Summit will focus on both the costs and benefits of green infrastructure in development projects, including the economic, social, and ecological factors.
➾
gie-expo.com Two tradeshows co-located in one central location, provide your No. 1 opportunity to see what your industry is buzzing about. The 19 acre Outdoor Demonstration Area, within easy walking distance of the indoor exhibits, and the New Products Showcase make these prestigious shows an exceptionally efficient, productive marketplace.
➾ Pesticide
Recertification Workshop
➾
TIES Conference Center, St. Paul MNLA.biz This workshop meets the MDA Pesticide Applicator Recertification Requirements for categories A (Core), E (Turf and Ornamentals) and P (Vertebrate Pest). This is the last opportunity to recertify in 2014.
All information on these and other industry events are online at MNLA.biz. august 14
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➾ from the executive director
We’re Not Bill Collectors The MNLA staff has been out visiting members this summer, but contrary to popular opinion we’re not out collecting membership dues (although we wouldn’t argue if you wanted to hand us a check)!
the true intention of our visits is to connect with you and learn about your individual business needs, Cassie Larson struggles and successes. Understanding the membership MNLA Executive Director that we serve is the key to making sure MNLA remains relevant now and in the future. Below are just a few of the questions, struggles, and success stories we heard while we were out on the road: 1. Where has all the sod gone? This, the most unexpected question of our visits, came from both retailers and contractors. Many consumers are looking to their local garden center to purchase small amounts of sod for their yards. However, the garden centers we visited didn’t carry this product themselves. They wanted to know where they could send their customers who wanted to purchase small quantities of sod. We also were questioned by contractors about why locating and securing sod seemed more difficult than ever before. Contractors noted that the new home construction has started to turn the corner this year and this may be part of the reason for the increase in sod demand. We were able to talk with a member sod grower who said that they still have product available but it is taking 2–3 weeks for delivery rather than the next day delivery that has been typical the last few years. 2. The woes of finding good labor. While members are generally excited that the economy has taken a turn for the better, this means that the unemployment rate is down. Therefore, the competition for employees is worse than ever. “I’m having trouble finding good quality people to get the job done” is a story we heard over and over again. So, if you’re in this boat, you’re not 10
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Jon and Cassie had a great visit with Jim and Dan Shimon of Willow River Company
alone. The MNLA Foundation continues to work with educators at all levels to let them know about the career opportunities available in the green industry! 3. Rain, rain, go away… Design/build companies are generally excited to have jobs lined up into the fall, but, the current weather is pushing work out further and further. The rain has also presented challenges to landscape management
➾ from the executive director
Getting a first-hand look at what you do every day helps us understand what we can do to help you and the entire green industry. … We hope you’ll say yes to a visit and take the opportunity to show off your business; teach us about what you do.
and professional gardening companies — it’s hard to get out there in the rain day after day and complete those monthly contracts. Everyone we talked to is praying for a change in the current weather pattern. 4. We’re running out of plants. Many garden centers faced a new problem this spring…they were running out of many varieties of plant material, especially annuals. This is a story I have NEVER heard from members during my tenure at MNLA. What a great problem to have! The beautiful weather on Memorial Day weekend seemed to be a godsend for the member retailers we visited. We couldn’t even find parking spaces at many member locations. Getting a first-hand look at what you do every day helps us understand what we can do to help you and the entire green industry. So if we call and ask if we can come for a visit, just know it’s not because you’re on our hit list! We hope you’ll say yes to a visit and take the opportunity to show off your business; teach us about what you do. If you’d like to request a visit, please get in touch with MNLA Membership Director Mary Dunn at 651-633-4987 or mary@ mnla.biz who will arrange for staff and/or board members to visit your location.
can be reached at: cassie@mnla.biz.
cassie larson
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➾ out & about
&
AN INITIATIVE OF THE MNLA MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE IS TO STAY IN TOUCH AND THANK MEMBERS WITH OCCASIONAL VISITS.
MNLA Executive Director Cassie Larson and Communications Director Jon Horsman visited the Hedberg Stillwater location. Thanks Steve and Conni for showing us around!
Conni Sokolouski puts the MNLA staff to work at Hedberg.
Steve Hedberg explains the facade options to Jon.
Steve and Jon just before they threw out their backs.
We also visited Nesbitt Nursery. What a beautiful day to see all they offer. Not only do they grow beautiful spruce trees, they also have a restaurant, pumpkin patch, apple orchard and so much more!
Sue Flynn, Cathy Lorentzen and Jon Moos at Steve’s Elk River Nursery.
Evelyn Sutch, Mary Dunn and Robin Hoffman at B & B Hoffman Sod Farms. What a beautiful office location!
Kerry Glader and Sue Flynn at Plaisted Companies.
Van Cooley at Malmborg’s with two holders of his “Lollipop Credit Card.”
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Groundcovers for Shade Here’s a quick list of my favorite groundcovers that will add pizzazz to shady spots or a woodland garden. They are all spreaders and fill in to keep weeds at a minimum. Faith Appelquist
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f you have freed a woodlot of buckthorn and would like to keep World War III of invasive weeds from vying for the open space, you should give these a try, (and the deer won’t touch them). I also listed some plants that make a poor substitute and are best left at the nursery. 1. Canadian Wild Ginger (Asarum canadense): Wild ginger is one of those rare plants that flourishes in dense shade. Although not related to culinary ginger, its fleshy root does have a spicy aroma. Low and spreading, with heart-shaped leaves, it adds beauty to a moist woodland garden. Avoid: The European species (Asarum europaeum) 2. Dead Nettle (Lamium maculatum): Lamium brightens a shady corner with its silver-marked foliage. This groundcover reaches 6–8 inches tall and prefers sun to part shade. It is one of the few plants happy to grow under a conifer. Pretty white or mauve flowers show up in May or June. Bees love it. Avoid: Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum galobdolon ‘Variegatum’) 3. Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis): Japanese pachysandra is an evergreen groundcover for partial to full shade. It produces fragrant white flowers in May and grows to about a foot tall. It is great under bushes and in the open dry shade found under evergreen trees. It is susceptible to leaf blight, which results from a fungus. Thin out occasionally and don’t water overhead. Avoid: Periwinkle (Vinca minor) 4. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum): Plant below trees and shrubs where its tiny white spring flowers will bloom about the same time as crabapples and will last for several weeks. Reaching only about 6 inches tall, sweet woodruff forms
delicate well-behaved clumps of fine foliage on upright stems. It is easy to start from seed broadcast directly onto the forest floor. Avoid: Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria majalis) 5. Big-Root Geranium (G. macrorhizum ‘Bevans Variety’): I wonder how many square miles of this plant I have grown and given away. The Big-Root is so named because it grows from a ropelike rhizome that barely needs to touch the ground to thrive. It grows about 12 inches high, and has attractive foliage and cheery purple flowers in the summer. It is the first to pop up in the spring and the last to leave. Avoid: Snow-on-the-Mountain (Aegopodium) 6. Dwarf Bush Honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera): Steep slopes are tough sites. Whether the problem is soil erosion or difficulty mowing, bush honeysuckle is a garden workhorse. It is a low-growing, suckering native shrub reaching about 3–5 feet high. It requires almost no maintenance, isn’t fussy about soil and is perfectly happy in sun or shade. Avoid: Diervilla sessilifolia ‘Cool Splash’ 7. Ostrich Fern (Matteucia struthiopteris): A Minnesota native that is quick to colonize a woodland and give it that ‘Jurassic Park’ look. New fiddle head babies sprout as much as 3 feet from the parent plant due to rhizome roots. Rich, glossy green fronds can reach about 4 feet high. They prefer dense, moist shade and will look like heck if planted in sun or dry soil.
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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d v c w y c i o h y t
W
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➾ plant of the month
plant month of
the
Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ Here we go again; the dog days of summer are upon us. Our much cared for annuals are fading into the distance and are looking a little strained from the summer heat and a long arduous spring of cool weather and rain. Despair not though because there are some great options for the late summer and fall that really can tidy up a tired space or two in your gardens. Switch grass is the cure for what ails you.
In particular, I want to talk about Panicum ‘Northwind’ and why it was chosen as the 2014 Perennial Plant of the Year™ by the Perennial Plant Association (PPA). It’s not the first grass that has been chosen for this honor. Calamagrostis ‘Karl Foerster’ won the award in 2001, and Hakonechloa macra ‘Aureola’ took home the prize in 2009. With the popularity of ornamental grasses soaring, this is a great plant to have in your gardens. For starters, it is a moderate, fast-growing plant that grows to about two feet in diameter after a couple of strong seasons.
It is upright and strong through the fall and winter and isn’t prone to lying down during strong winds or when it is done blooming. It is a proven Minnesota-hardy grass as well. As a grower, I found some tendency towards rust in the nursery setting but very little once it’s out in a garden. There are few pests that bother them once they get a little taller, but they can be a tasty treat to rabbits and deer when they are a just coming up. ‘Northwind’ shows great versatility in the landscape as well. It is commonly listed as a great rain garden plant as well as something to be planted for erosion control. It has a wide horizontal spread and its coarse and heavy root system allows it to soak up water and control erosion. While it isn’t strictly speaking a native, it’s very close to one. You have probably seen it in bigger commercial plantings around parking lots and near buildings because it is very tolerant of dry hot conditions. It also is stunning as a mass planting. While it is similar to its
native cousin, panicum virgatum, it has an improved upright form that is almost more formal because of its evenness in growth and stiff stalks. Don’t forget to consider it in your fall pots as well. It works great as a center piece and will not overcrowd other plants in a pot for that short of a time period. Its olive summer color works well with Heuchera ‘Southern Comfort’, miniature fall mums, and some shorter carex grasses. When it does lapse into dormancy in October or November it holds nice beige foliage very well and works well as a snow break to keep it from blowing around. So what do you think of the PPA’s selection of Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ as the Perennial Plant of the Year™? I think it is a solid pick in particular over a couple in the recent past that just don’t hold up well in our climate. Look for this already hot plant to continue to rise in popularity over the next few seasons.
Jerod Fehrenbach of Twin Orchards Nursery can be reached at jfehren@aol.com. Photo courtesy of Terra Nova® Nurseries, Inc. www.terranovanurseries.com
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Think Like An Owner Grow your career by growing your company.
Jeffrey Scott, MBA | The Leader’s Edge
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P
• Go-backs due to incomplete work
ass this on to all employees: It is not enough in this economy to wait for the boss to tell you what to do. If you want to grow your career, you have to think and act like an owner or CEO. Ask yourself, “What would an entrepreneur do to help our company grow?” Here are some answers.
#1
Bring in prospects
The success of your company depends on its ability to attract new clients; but this is not just the role of marketing. Everyone in the company is in sales. How can you help the company gain new clients? I find that the best way is to give a talk in front of potential clients, on a topic about which you are an expert. For me it might mean giving a talk on leadership or time management to contractors. For you it might mean giving a talk at a garden club or trade association. Selling can also mean passing your business card to people you meet on the street or at the deli, for example. Whomever you meet, collect and pass along the good contacts you make to your sales team. Help the company grow, and you will too.
#2
Find efficiencies
For every dollar a company saves, it is 8 to 20 times more valuable to the company than making a dollar in new sales. Why is this? Because that dollar saved goes right to the bottom line. It is pure profit. In my experience, efficiencies can be found in the following areas: • Warranty • Material wastage • Call-backs from a client
• Unproductive yard time • Unbillable time • Downtime due to equipment failure • Inaccurate or incomplete paperwork Put on your thinking cap, and find ways to help. If you are not sure where to start, ask your boss where he or she is trying to improve efficiencies. They will appreciate the fact that you care. Increasing job efficiency can start with taking an extra walk around before you leave a client’s property. You can’t go wrong by raising your head, opening your eyes, and taking a bigger look at what is going on around you.
#3
Bring a “yes” attitude to work
You can single-handedly lift the attitude of your crew, and even your department, by having a consistent, outwardly positive attitude. The attitude of few influences the attitude of many. Be optimistic no matter the challenge, even when others seem negative. Lift other people’s outlook by keeping yours high. This includes saying “yes” when a peer or supervisor asks you for help. Just say “yes,” and find out how you can help. Positive attitudes are infectious — bring a “yes” attitude to work, and you will become instrumental in improving your company’s can-do spirit.
#4
Generate referrals
Your clients will refer you when they are wowed by your work and by the impression you make each day you are august 14
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➾ thin k like an owner
on their property. Every customer contact is an opportunity to make them happy that they hired you. It starts with a genuine smile and a wave hello, and an extra touch like picking up their paper or garbage blowing around. It is further supported by a genuine question to see if there is anything else they need, and it ends by leaving a job site cleaner than you found it. Office staff can make your clients feel “special” each time they call in. When you find out the name of the caller, repeat it and give them a phone-hug. For example, “Mr. Smith, I am so glad you called. How can I help you today?” Say this with enthusiasm, and you will be remembered and referred. I guarantee it.
#5
Learn valuable skills
One way to increase your chances of earning a raise is to learn new skills that your company needs in order to stay competitive. What skill should you learn? If you are not sure, ask your supervisor for suggestions. The more you learn and apply in a productive manner, the more you can earn. But don’t do it just for the money. Life is a journey, punctuated by learning new skills. The more skills you master, the more you will feel motivated and satisfied by your work, and the more confident you will become. Do it for the internal satisfaction.
#6
Bring a higher standard to work
Owners like employees who are focused and want to do things right. But since no one is perfect, there is always room to improve. Where can you improve your focus and workmanship? Where do you have go-backs, or where do you spend excessive time? Where are your clients not 100 percent thrilled with your work? Start with reflection: • On Fridays, identify one thing you could improve from the previous week, and commit to improving on it the following week. • Make notes at the end of each day on what you did to improve. • Keep a little black book of improvements. • Find one specific area each week to improve on. By the end of a full year you will have improved in more than 50 areas. That will have a huge impact with yourself, your clients and your company. Sweat the details, and your clients and boss will notice.
Jeffrey Scott, MBA, is a business consultant and facilitates peer groups for landscape business owners who want to transform and profitably grow their business. To learn more, visit www. GetTheLeadersEdge.com, e-mail Jeff@jeffreyscott.biz or call 203-220-8931.
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Commercial Propane Powered Incentive $1500 Incentive for purchase of NEW OEM propane powered mower $750 Incentive for conversion of existing gasoline powered mower to propane.
Propane-fueled commercial grade mowers provide benefits in cost and emission reductions. Research shows that propane engines reduce harmful emissions by onethird compared to gasoline. Other benefits include: • reduced fuel cost • no theft of fuel from the tanks • refueling ease • less equipment maintenance • no ground or air contamination from spillage • and increased engine longevity
Talk to your dealer about going propane today!! Mowers must be 30 inch width or greater Limit 5 mower incentives per company/person Applications available from info@mnpropane.org
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➾ Member Profile
member profile Vineland Tree C are Molly Altorfer
Photos courtesy of Vineland Tree Care
Vineland Tree C are
Owners: Jim, Maureen, Seamus and Connor Walsh Date Company started: 2003 Location: South Minneapolis Key Employees: Steve Merph, Caleb Olson, Mike Reina, Troy Demlo, Sam Wallace, Brock Hamel Number of Employees in Peak Season: 15 FT Areas Served: Metropolitan Minneapolis and St. Paul Member Category: Tree Care Services or Arborist Website: www.vinelandtree.com
Throughout its 11-year history, the family behind Vineland Tree Care has placed an emphasis on strong customer service and professionalism within the industry. Members of the Walsh family, including patriarch Jim, matriarch Maureen, and sons Seamus and Connor, continue to guide Minneapolis-based Vineland Tree Care. Question: Thank you, Jim, for agreeing to be profiled in this edition of The Scoop. Please tell us a little about the history of Vineland Tree Care. Answer: “We are not the typical father-son relationship that you hear about in other companies. I was working as a consultant when Seamus came into my office and said, ‘Let’s start our own company.’ So it was not the case of the father pushing the younger generation into the business. Seamus was really the igniter of the whole thing. A month later, Seamus quit his job and we’ve all — Maureen, Seamus, Connor and me — been involved along the way.”
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My philosophy is to ‘take care of it.’ Invariably issues come up and I tell our crew to deal with it because it only gets worse as it sits. We deal with things right away.
Q: Can you offer a few examples of Vineland Tree Care’s practice of sound business operations?
Connor, Jim and Seamus Walsh Q: What is distinct about Vineland Tree Care? A: “We have a really good, smart crew. Most of our employees have been with us for four to six years. They work independently and work well with customers, and consistently get high marks for customer service and communication. I am happy about that because their autonomy helps the company grow tremendously. And a key part of our 40 percent growth in the last year has been their communication.” Q: What types of services does Vineland Tree Care offer and what services differentiate the company from its competitors? A: “The main part of our service is tree maintenance, which includes tree removal. We service the ancillary parts of the tree — like pruning, insect and disease control, and we own all the equipment necessary to do this work. We offer insect and disease control, but we do it differently than other companies. We’d rather treat the tree with a tool, but not necessarily use the entire toolbox if it isn’t necessary.”
A: “I believe that our intra-company communications is good, due to our connectivity with iPhones and other devices. Our IT infrastructure is strong. We have a Cloud-based database and I think that allows for growth within the infrastructure. Health insurance has also been a big issue these last few years. We’ve stayed with the insurance we had, with some modifications. It’s expensive, but it is important to keep track of your people and to take care of them. A key part of our strategy has also been re-investing in our equipment. It has been an expensive but necessary investment.” Q: How does Vineland Tree Care compete against larger companies? A: “There are an increasing number of larger corporations taking a bite out of the local tree care market. We are local, we have local ownership — and a lot of people like that. In this area there is a want and a need for it.” Q: What is it like to be in business with your sons? How does that influence or impact the operations at Vineland Tree Care? A: “Being in a family business is more intense sometimes. We have some conversations that could take 90 minutes with non-family members but take three minutes with us. It’s just a matter of working with family, but also enjoying seeing each other at Christmas and other events. It’s a matter of keeping ‘work at work.’ We’ve each grown a lot through this — as father and sons. As the business grows, Seamus and Connor each have their area, and I respect that they are specialists in those areas.” Q: Vineland Tree Care places a premium on customer service. Can you offer
an example of that in practice or your philosophy on meeting customer needs? A: “My philosophy is to ‘take care of it.’ Invariably issues come up and I tell our crew to deal with it because it only gets worse as it sits. We deal with things right away. In dealing with our customers, I counsel our employees that if there’s a solution required, you can’t just jump in and fix it. There are steps involved. Identify the issue, let the customer know, and give options to fix the issue. Don’t leap to action too fast.” Q: Nine of Vineland Tree Care’s employees are certified arborists and you’re an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist. Why do you feel that these industry certifications are important? A: “I take a really strong stand on doing whatever should be done to increase professionalism in our industry. The bar isn’t that high. I encourage employees to act professionally and stress that they will be treated that way as well. The ISA certifications give our employees more of a background, and with that certification also come wage increases within our company.” Q: How has the MNLA helped your company? A: “MNLA has been instrumental in building my business. When I joined eight or nine years ago, I attended educational events and networking events. The MNLA is a gathering place for people who are engaged. I’ve made friends through MNLA and it has also done many things to professionalize our industry. And The Scoop is a nice magazine for an organization of its size. I’m proud to be a part of MNLA.”
in the Scoop? MNLA is always looking for a good story. Email jon@mnla.biz and we’ll add you to our list.
Interested in being profiled
august 14
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Apples Illustrate Research’s Value to
Horticultural Industry The success and storage issues of the ‘Honeycrisp’ apple, introducing transgenic apples, and genomic research that could foster the development of new and improved apple varieties.
Dr. James Calkins | MNLA Foundation Research Information Director
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➾ apple research
Figure 1. ‘Honeycrisp’ apple; an apple breeding and selection triumph, a hands-down consumer favorite, an incredible and welcome boon for apple growers, a precursor to other new apple varieties [e.g., ‘Minneiska’ (SweeTango®); the result of a cross between ‘Honeycrisp’ and ‘Minnewasheta’ (Zestar!®)], and a true horticulture success story made possible by persistent and sustained research (Photo Credit: Jim Calkins).
W
ithout a doubt, producing horticultural crops is a complicated and challenging proposition. Getting horticultural commodities to market and a quality product to consumers involves much more than growing and distributing plants and plant products. And, although agriculture and the horticultural segment of agriculture are complex and risky, they can also be profitable and rewarding endeavors. Regardless of the commodity involved — seedlings, transplants or rooted cuttings, field grown or containergrown landscape plants, lawn-grass or prairie sod, vegetable plugs or bedding plants, vegetable, flower, or grass seed, indoor flowering and foliage plants or cut flowers and floral arrangements, bulbs, rhizomes, or other geophytes, green roof plant modules or Christmas trees – success requires commitment and expertise on multiple levels and across a variety of disciplines supported by scientific research efforts dedicated to creating better products and improved and more efficient production and marketing practices from propagation to point of sale. Even so, we too often we forget the contributions and the key role of basic and applied research in nearly every aspect of the production to consumer pathway. From the development and selection of new, improved horticultural varieties through directed plant breeding and selection, to advanced propagation techniques involving seeds, grafting, or cuttings, to improved and more efficient production practices in the field, or in greenhouses or high tunnels, to improved harvesting, storage, and handling practices, to how the finished product is marketed to consumers, research plays an increasingly critical role in a production and marketing environment that is becoming more and more competitive. ‘Honeycrisp’ apple (Malus domestica ‘Honeycrisp’), the most expensive variety at my grocery store today ($3.99/pound) and
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$1.50 more per pound than the next cheapest variety (‘Pink Lady’ — $2.49/pound), one of the most successful and profitable apple varieties of all time, is a good example. It’s a great apple and a consumer favorite, but it can be hard to grow and difficult to store. Thirty years in the making, the ‘Honeycrisp’ apple was developed by the apple breeding project at the University of Minnesota Horticultural Research Center and released in 1991 (apple breeding started at the University of Minnesota in 1888; 126 years ago). Since then its popularity with consumers has been phenomenal and, as a result, more and more growers are planting ‘Honeycrisp’ trees in their orchards to meet the demand and make a profit. In 2006, because it was so special and unique, the ‘Honeycrisp’ apple was ranked as one of the top 25 academic research and technology transfer innovations that changed the world. ‘Honeycrisp’ apple was also named the state fruit of Minnesota in 2006 and remains a consumer favorite more than two decades after its debut. Though popular with consumers because of its unique flavor and textural characteristics (honey sweet, yet pleasingly tart, distinctly and “explosively” crisp, and incredibly juicy), and with growers because of its consumer popularity, cold hardiness, and long storage life relative to other varieties, ‘Honeycrisp’ still isn’t the perfect apple as it exhibits a number of production and quality idiosyncrasies and can therefore be a challenge to growers and distributors. Problems include a tendency to be alternate bearing (a heavy crop one year followed by a poor or nonexistent crop the following year), inconsistent tree growth and vigor, variability in fruit size and appearance (coloration), vulnerability to damage during shipping and handling, susceptibility to a number of diseases, predisposition to defoliation by Japanese beetles, uneven ripening, difficulties in determining fruit maturity and when to harvest, fruit cracking caused by wet weather during the harvest season, fungal decay of fruits on the tree and in storage, extreme susceptibility to the storage disorders soft scald and soggy breakdown, and significant variability in appearance and quality based on the climate in which they are grown. The flavor can also vary considerably depending on when the fruit is harvested (maturity) and how it is stored. As a result, trees must be sprayed to prevent diseases and improve quality, hand or chemical thinning of flowers and/or fruits is required to promote annual bearing and reliable crops and avoid excessively heavy fruit loads, the fruit must be picked over a period of several weeks to insure proper maturity rather than harvesting all at once (can be considered a benefit for pick-your-own operations), and the peduncles (apple stems) must often be clipped to prevent puncture damage to neighboring apples. As a result, it takes more work and attention to grow a high quality crop of ‘Honeycrisp’ than other, less fussy varieties and labor and other production costs are, therefore, higher compared to other varieties. Fortunately, consumers are also inclined to pay higher prices for ‘Honeycrisp’ apples compared to other varieties. As the number of acres planted in ‘Honeycrisp’ apples has grown, so has the need to store the resulting apples to maintain quality and extend the period of availability for consumers. The susceptibility of ‘Honeycrisp’ to several storage disorders has, however, been a challenge in this regard. As a result, pre- and post-harvest research at Cornel University (New York), Michigan State University, Washing-
ton State University, the University of Minnesota, and other institutions in the primary apple growing regions of the United States and Canada have focused on this problem with good success. Although the location where the apples are grown can influence apple characteristics and susceptibility to storage disorders, some key findings of this research include: • ‘Honeycrisp’ apples are best if harvested close to or at peak maturity as the classic ‘Honeycrisp’ flavor develops late; harvesting too late, however, can result in off flavors and an increase in storage problems including soft scald; harvesting too early can also increase the risk of soft scald. • Red coloration alone is not a good indicator of maturity for ‘Honeycrisp’ apples; a change in background color from green to light yellow is often recommended as a harvest indicator; flavor can also be a helpful harvest indicator. • Bitter pit, a physiological disorder thought to be caused by a calcium deficiency, may be apparent at harvest, but often becomes more prevalent in storage; environmental and production conditions that promote large fruit sizes can exacerbate the incidence of bitter pit; calcium sprays may reduce problems with bitter pit and are recommended. • ‘Honeycrisp’ apples are very sensitive to chilling injury and damage can occur in the field prior to harvest; rapid cooling and excessively cold storage temperatures can cause soft scald and soggy breakdown disorders; recommendations vary and injury can still occur, but storage at 34–36 degrees Fahrenheit or even higher (37–41 degrees) can help avoid chilling injury. • Preconditioning ‘Honeycrisp’ apples at 50 degrees Fahrenheit for five to seven days before placing them in storage at lower temperatures (delayed cooling) helps prevent soft scald (also called ribbon scald or deep scald) and controlled-atmosphere storage (CO2) injury; preconditioning also reduces the potential for chilling injury. • Diphenylamine (DPA), an antioxidant, can prevent controlledatmosphere storage (CO2) injury to ‘Honeycrisp’ apples. • ‘Honeycrisp’ apples are sensitive to carbon dioxide and elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels must be avoided; using venting or other methods to avoid CO2 buildup while loading storage facilities is recommended. • Air storage and treatment with1-methylcyclopropene (1MCP; SmartFresh™), an ethylene inhibitor, can maintain fruit quality in lieu of controlled-atmosphere storage which can injure ‘Honeycrisp’ apples. • Given the situational variability that has been observed, it may be helpful and prudent for growers and storage facilities to perform their own trials to evaluate the effects of maturity and various storage treatments and conditions to determine what works best for them. Ongoing research continues to investigate the storage disorders associated with ‘Honeycrisp’ and other varieties and how they can be avoided.
Thanks to fruit breeding and selection programs and ongoing basic and applied research, many of the production problems associated with ‘Honeycrisp’ and other apple varieties have also been eliminated, or at least minimized, and persistent research efforts continue to seek solutions to remaining challenges. Examples of advances in production strategies include the increased use of dwarfing rootstocks, increased planting densities (in the past around 150 trees/acre vs. about 1,000 trees/acre in contemporary orchards), and improved and more efficient pest management practices. Other apple research achievements include mapping of the apple genome, the development of superior apple varieties, improved production practices including dwarfing rootstocks, trees that bear fruit sooner (two to three years compared to six or seven years or longer), smaller trees that are easier to maintain and harvest, increased planting densities, more effective and efficient pest management methods, reduced production costs, more uniform and reliable crop loads, increased yields, more uniform and higher quality apples (improved fruit uniformity, increased sugar content, and enhanced and more complex flavors), and the potential for increased profits. The apple genome was mapped in 2010 and identifying and understanding the genes responsible for the desirable characteristics of ‘Honeycrisp’ and other apple varieties is another area of research that will benefit fruit breeders, apple and nursery growers, garden centers, apple consumers, and the many businesses that are affiliated with the production and marketing of apples and value-added apple products through their beneficial effects on the breeding and selection of new and improved apple varieties. Specific to ‘Honeycrisp’ apple, genetic linkage maps have been developed that have the potential to enable marker-assisted breeding activities and improved screening techniques related to the development of improved apple cultivars based on specific fruit characteristics and other factors like disease resistance. An interesting avenue of research and development related to apples is the development of genetically modified, or transgenic, apples. In 2012, two transgenic apple varieties – Arctic™ Golden (GD743) and Arctic™ Granny (GS784); developed from the well-known and popular ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Granny Smith’ varieties, respectively — were petitioned for deregulation by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) by Okanagan Specialty Fruits, Inc. based in Summerland, British Columbia (Canada). The technology used to develop Arctic™ apples involves the insertion of extra copies of the gene sequence that regulates the production of polyphenol oxidase, the enzyme responsible for the browning of apples that have suffered mechanical damage including damage from slicing. The extra copies of the apple gene sequence create an effect called RNA interference which causes the plant to shut down all of the polyphenol oxidase genes. The process is called gene silencing and the result would benefit the sliced and fresh apple markets. The technology has also been applied to ‘Fuji’ and ‘Gala’ apples and any apple variety could be transformed in this way including ‘Honeycrisp’ apples and other popular varieties. The company also has plans to apply the same technology to cherries, pears, and peaches. Deregulation would allow commercial production without restrictions and these transgenic varieties could be august 14
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➾ apple research
grown, marketed, distributed, and processed like any other apple variety. Although a final decision has not been made, USDA review documents suggest these genetically modified apple varieties are “unlikely to pose a plant pest risk” and that there is “no basis in science” for prohibiting their release. As a result, deregulation appears likely, but, as has often been the case with other genetically modified organisms (GMO’s), there has been considerable pushback and their ultimate success remains to be seen. Though they have not questioned the science, both the United States Apple Association and the British Columbia Fruit Growers’ Association, and other groups and organization for the same and other reasons, have expressed opposition to the deregulation of Arctic™ apples based on concerns about consumer acceptance and damage to the market image of apples as a healthy and nutritional food choice. Transgenic apples are now a member of a relatively exclusive group of transgenic horticultural crops that are or may soon be approved for cultivation in the United States — a sweet corn, papaya, zucchini squash, and, most recently, potatoes under the Innate™ moniker (petitioned for deregulation by the J.R. Simplot Company in 2013; the first generation of Innate™ potatoes includes five varieties — Innate™ ’Russet Burbank,’ ‘Ranger Russet,’ ‘Atlantic,’ and two proprietary chipping varieties). Although the technology used is a little different, silencing of the genes that code the same enzyme that causes browning in apples (polyphenol oxidase) prevents browning caused by bruising and slicing when potatoes are processed to produce products like French fries and potato chips is one of the transgenic benefits associated with Innate™ potatoes. Of course, there are also a number of genetically modified agronomic food crops and additional genetically-modified plants, including horticultural crops, are likely to follow. Several transgenic plants, including other transgenic potatoes, have faced challenges and have never made it to market or were abandoned based on lack of interest. If deregulated, it will be interesting to see if Arctic™ apples and Innate™potatoes are embraced by growers and consumers and how successful they become. Regardless, the development of transgenic plants is a growing area of research that promises better plants (better quality, pest resistant, easier to grow, more productive, etc.) and garners both praise and controversy. It is an area of research that green industry professionals should follow closely. Although ‘Honeycrisp’ apple is an incredible success story, production and other challenges remain and research continues to address the needs of apple growers and a variety of challenges throughout the orchard, to market, to consumer pathway for this popular variety and apples in general. Traditional breeding and selection techniques and the development of transgenic varieties of apples and other species will remain in the forefront of improvement efforts and apple growers and other green industry professionals should be aware and engaged to help ensure the best outcomes. For additional information about the characteristics of ‘Honeycrisp’ apple, research related to storing ‘Honeycrisp’ apples, transgenic apples, genomic research that has the potential to foster the development of new and improved apple varieties, and the history of the University of Minnesota fruit breeding program, see the following selected resources: University of Minnesota. 2012. Honeycrisp Description. Minnesota 30
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Agricultural Experiment Station. Warner, G. 2014. Honeycrisp: Don’t Kill the Golden Goose. Good Fruit Grower: Jan 30, 2014. Schupp, J. 2010. Honeycrisp – Past, Present, and Future. Fruit Times 29(2):1-3. Rosenberger, D., J. Schupp, C. Watkins, K. Iungerman, S. Hoying, D. Straub, and L. Cheng. 2001. Honeycrisp: Promising Profit Maker or Just Another Problem Child? New York Fruit Quarterly 9(3):4-8. Motoviloff, J. 2006. The Honeycrisp: A Sweet, Tart Jump-Start for a Sagging Limb of the Apple Industry. 2006. The Better World Report; 2006 Edition, Pages 27-30. Cowgill, W. and D. Polk. 2009. Japanese Beetle, Honeycrisp Apple and Sunburn. Plant & Pest Advisory 14(15):1-2. Luby, J.J. 1991. Breeding Cold-hardy Fruit Crops in Minnesota. HortScience 26(5):507-512. Contreras, C., N. Alsmairat, and R. Beaudry. 2014. Prestorage Conditioning and Diphenylamine Improve Resistance to Controlled-atmosphere-related Injury in ‘Honeycrisp’ Apples. HortScience 49(1):7681. (abstract only) Contreras, C., R. Beaudry, P. Schwallier, R. Tritten, B. Shane, A. Irish-Brown, M. Danilovich, and N. Rothwell. Accessed May 6, 2014. Current MSU Recommendations for Honeycrisp Storage. Michigan State University. Beaudry, R. and C. Contreras. 2012. Optimizing CA and Air Storage for Honeycrisp. Michigan State University. Beaudry, R.M. 2010. Region-by-Region Storage Recommendations for Honeycrisp: Responses from Apple Storage Researchers (Information provided by R. Beaudry, Michigan State University; C. Tong, University of Minnesota; C. Watkins, Cornell University; R. Prange, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Atlantic Food and Horticulture Research Centre, Kentville, Nova Scotia; J. DeEll, Ontario Ministry of Agriculture; G. Kupferman, WSU; and J. Mattheis, USDA-ARS, Wenatchee, Washington). DeEll, J. and B. Ehsani-Moghaddam. 2010. Preharvest 1-Methylcyclopropene Treatment Reduces Soft Scald in ‘Honeycrisp’ Apples during Storage. HortScience 45(3):414-417. University of Minnesota. 2012. Honeycrisp Apple Research Results. College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences; Department of Horticultural Science. (regional research related to production and postharvest issues associated with ‘Honeycrisp’ apple including research performed by Dr. Cindy Tong in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota; a collaborative product of the CSREES regional Postharvest of Fruit Project). Delong, J.M., R.K. Prange, P.A. Harrison, C.G. Enbree, D.S. Nichols, and A.H. Wright. 2006. The Influence of Crop-load, Delayed Cooling and Storage Atmosphere on Post-storage Quality of ‘Honeycrisp’™ Apples. Journal of Horticultural Science & Biotechnology 81(3):391-396. Colby, S. 2014. The Enigma of Storing Honeycrisp. Growing 12(2):34. Herrick, C. 2013. How To Successfully Store Honeycrisp. Growing Produce; November 15, 2013. Bennington, W. 2014. USDA Set to Eat the Poison Apple. Climate Connections is a project of Global Justice Ecology Project; January 9, 2014. Doyle, M. 2014. Genetically Engineered Apple Likely to Get OK from USDA. The Seattle Times; January 7, 2014. Carter, N. 2012. Petition for Determination of Nonregulated Status: Arctic™ Apple (Malus x domestica) Events GD743 and GS784. Okanagan Specialty Fruits, Inc., P.O. Box 1533, Summerland, BC V0H 1Z0, Canada. Arctic Apples. Accessed May 9, 2014. Information about Arctic®
apples from Okanagan Specialty Fruits, Inc.; the company that developed them.
Miller, H.I. and R. Wager. 2014. A Better Apple Awaits, But Regulators Won’t Allow Us a Bite. Forbes; 2014.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). 2013. Okanagan Specialty Fruits Petition (10-161-01p) for Determination of Non-regulated Status of Arctic™ Apple Events GD743 and GS784: Draft Environmental Assessment.
Clark, M.D., C.A. Schmitz, U.R. Rosyara, J.J. Luby, and J.M. Bradeen. 2014. A consensus ‘Honeycrisp’ apple (Malus × domestica) genetic linkage map from three full-sib progeny populations. Tree Genetics and Genomics: Published Online March 11, 2014.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). 2013. Okanagan Specialty Fruits Inc.’s Petition (10-161-01p) for Determination of Non-regulated Status of Non-browning Arctic™ Apple Events GD743 and GS784: Plant Pest Risk Assessment.
von Mogel, K.H. 2013. Q&A with Haven Baker on Simplot’s Innate™ Potatoes. Biology Fortified, The Biofortified Blog; May 8, 2013.
United States Apple Association. 2013. Consumer Updates and Information: Genetically Engineered Apples. U.S. Apple Association, 8233 Old Courthouse Road, Suite 200, Vienna, VA 22182 (U.S. Apple Association statement of non-support of the deregulation of the genetically engineered Arctic™ apple). British Columbia Fruit Growers’ Association (BCFGA). 2013 (accessed May 9, 2014). BCFGA Calls for Moratorium on the Release of the GM Apple. BCFGA, 1473 Water Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1J6, Canada.
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). 2013. J.R. Simplot Co.; Availability of Petition for Determination of Nonregulated Status of Potato Genetically Engineered for Low Acrylamide Potential and Reduced Black Spot Bruise. Federal Register, May 3, 2013. J.R. Simplot Company. 2014. Introducing Innate™ Technology (information about the use of Innate™ transformation technology for the improvement of potatoes). Janabi, F. 2013. The Lowdown on GMOs: According to Science. Smashwords.com (an online publisher and distributor of e-books).
Sustainable Pulse. 2014. GMO Arctic Apples Antibiotic Gene Set to Destroy US Apple Exports. Sustainable Pulse; January 11, 2014. Directive 2001/18/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 March 2001 on the deliberate release into the environment of genetically modified organisms and repealing Council Directive 90/220/ EEC. Official Journal L 106, 17.04.2001, Pages 1-39.
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.
Xu, K. 2013. An Overview of Arctic Apples: Basic Facts and Characteristics. New York Fruit Quarterly 21(3):8-10.
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➾ government affairs
Pesticide/Fertilizer News That Will Affect Your Business A surcharge increase is coming for the Agricultural Chemical Response and Reimbursement Account, and changes are proposed to the Worker Protection Standard.
ACRRA Fee Increase Effective Next Year Tim Power
MNLA Government Affairs Director
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The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) manages a fund created to reimburse costs incurred in cleaning up agricultural chemical incidents. Fertilizer and pesticide manufacturers, distributors, applicators and dealers pay an annual surcharge on their fees to fund the account. The surcharge amounts will increase on January 1, 2015. Here is the official MDA announcement: “The Agricultural Chemical Response and Reimbursement Account (ACRRA) was created to reimburse persons for costs incurred in cleaning up agricultural chemical (pesticide and fertilizer) incidents. The account is funded by annual surcharges assessed on pesticide and fertilizer manufacturers, distributors, applicators and dealers. The surcharge rate has changed through the years of the program. ACRRA surcharges were reduced in 2010 by approximately 2/3rds from levels that had been set in 2005 because the ACRRA fund balance was above the statutory maximum of five million dollars. Since that time, and despite the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) efforts to protect the fund, program reimbursements have exceeded revenues, and the fund balance has declined. The balance is projected to drop below the minimum balance of one million dollars during 2015 or 2016 based on current expenditure and revenue trends unless surcharge rates increase. Commissioner Frederickson is responsible for maintaining the ACRRA fund balance. On April 16, 2014, the MDA held a public hearing to take comments about a proposal to set surcharge rates back to their pre-2010 levels. The Commissioner attended the public august 14
hearing and has reviewed comments; and after much consideration, he has approved the ACRRA surcharges increases so that the fund balance will be maintained. These increases will take effect in January 2015. The new fee structure will be implemented on January 1, 2015; it will be reflected on application forms, reports and other documents sent by MDA. What will these changes mean? • Commercial and Noncommercial Pesticide applicators will pay a $25 surcharge on a license vs. the $8.25 currently paid. • Structural companies will pay a $100 surcharge on a license vs. the $33 currently paid. • Fertilizer companies will pay a $50 surcharge on a license vs. the $16.50 currently paid. • Pesticide dealers will pay a $75 surcharge on a license vs. the $24.75 currently paid. • Fertilizer tonnage fees will be $0.30/ton vs. the $0.10/ton currently paid. • The ACRRA surcharge on annual gross sales will be 0.30% vs. the 0.10% currently paid.
For more information about the ACRRA fund and the surcharge changes, please visit www.mda.state. mn.us\acrra. Please feel free to contact Rae Lynn Herbster ACRRA Administrator at 651-201-6138 or at raelynn.herbster@state.mn.us.” EPA’s Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Proposed Changes: Comment Period Ends 8/18/14
The Commissioner attended the public hearing and has reviewed comments; and after much consideration, he has approved the ACRRA surcharges increases so that the fund balance will be maintained. The federal Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WPS protects agricultural workers in our industry, requiring employers to train, outfit, and advise workers regarding certain occupational hazards including pesticides. The EPA is proposing changes to the WPS, summarized below: • Increased frequency of mandatory trainings (from once every five years to annually) to inform farm workers about the protections they are afforded under the law, including restrictions on entering pesticide-treated fields and surrounding areas, decontamination supplies, access to information and use of personal protective equipment. Expanded trainings will include instructions to reduce take-home exposure from pesticides on work clothing and other safety topics.
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• Expanded mandatory posting of no-entry signs for the most hazardous pesticides; the signs prohibit entry into pesticidetreated fields until residues decline to a safe level. • First time-ever minimum age requirement: Children under 16 will be prohibited from handling pesticides, with an exemption for family farms.
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• No-entry buffer areas surrounding pesticide-treated fields will protect workers and others from exposure from pesticide overspray and fumes. • Measures to improve the states’ ability to enforce compliance including requiring employers to keep records of applicationspecific pesticide information as well as farmworker training and early-entry notification for two years. • Personal Protection Equipment (respirator use) must be consistent with the Occupational Safety & Health Administration standards for ensuring respirators are providing protection, including fit test, medical evaluation, and training. • Make available to farm workers or their advocates (including medical personnel) information specific to the pesticide application, including the pesticide label and Safety Data Sheets. • Additional changes make the rule more practical and easier to comply with for farmers. • Continues the exemptions for family farms.
For more information, and to comment on the proposed changes, see: http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/safety/workers/proposed/index.html. The comment period ends August 18th, 2014, and specific instructions on commenting are shown at the above link. MNLA will be submitting comments on behalf of its grower members, but individuals are encouraged to comment as well.
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âžž spring trials report
2014 california
Spring Trials Re
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Carolyn Jones | BFG Plant Connection
port: Part II Welcome to Part II of the 2014 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 Dummen, so we will begin Part II at Floranova in Lompoc, CA and continue south until we end at EuroAmerican which was held at the new Ventura Botanical Garden. This year the trip was shorter in miles because we didn’t have to go all the way to San Diego. The southern exhibitors moved north instead. There are some great new introductions in this second half of the trip, so here we go…..
< Coleus Hipsters™ Zooey – Hipsters™ is a new series with a low, slightly decumbent habit that is great for containers or borders. ‘Zooey’ is yellow-green with red highlights on long, thin leaves. At Spring Trials, 1 plant filled a 12" basket!
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➾ spring trial S report
Floranova < Begonia boliviensis F1 Bossa Nova – this is an exciting new series of boliviensis begonia from seed. 4 colors (orange, red, white and rose) and a mix! The habit is mounding and trailing, and they look stunning in a basket or pot. The mix is definitely a look we haven’t had before! <
Petunia Espresso Frappé – a unique new petunia with frilly edges and a naturally compact habit. Available in Ruby, Rose and mix. Great for pots or packs. Terra Nova Nursery Brunnera macrophylla ‘Alexander’s Great’ PPAF PVR – a new Brunnera “on steroids”! Gigantic clumps with huge silver-flecked leaves and 14" flower stems, this plant will fill a space fast. Zone 4 hardy. Makes a very dramatic statement! Echinacea Dixie™ series – a new series, outstanding bud count on compact plants with lots of crowns, giving a mass effect. 4 colors, Dixie Belle (hot pink), Dixie Scarlet, Dixie Blaze (orange) and Dixie Sun (yellow). Westhoff Calibrachoa Candy Bouquet – a very unique new calibrachoa flower that will wow your customers! Mounding habit. Lilac Falls – a cross between Stachys and Lamium. Something different for hanging baskets or combos. Small lilac flowers and soft, flexible foliage. Verbena Estrella Merlot Star – the latest color in this series, this one is a beautiful dark pink/light burgundy. Large flowers and a mounding/trailing habit.
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Skagit Gardens Delphinium New Millennium™ – a truly dwarf delphinium, more compact than Magic Fountains, and won’t flop. Zone 3 hardy. Brunnera Heart series – a vigorous series with thick, hefty leaves that stand up well to heat and humidity. 2 colors, ‘Sea Heart’ is silvery with dark veins, and ‘Silver Heart’ is pure silver with soft green veins. PanAmerican < Euphorbia Glitz F1– the first euphorbia from seed! No-pinch habit makes for easy growing, and early vigor will make this one easy to grow. < Kabloom Calibrachoa – the first calibrachoa from seed! 6 core colors that will work perfectly in baskets, mixed containers and small pots. The comparison displays at Spring Trials showed no differences between Kabloom and the vegetative series. Really an exciting breakthrough! <
Easy Wave® Velour Petunia – 3 new colors with deep, velvety flowers that will make any combination pop! Burgundy, Red and Berry Velour. Try Burgundy Velour with White and Neon Rose Easy Waves®. Fuseables® Petunia Ooh La La – the first Fuseables® that is a combination of Wave® petunias! Easy Wave® Burgundy Star, Easy Wave® Neon Rose and Shock Wave® Coconut. Really attractive! Akila® F1 Osteospermum Daisy White – an AAS winner for 2014, this is white with a yellow center. Very uniform and easy to grow. Patio Baby F1 Eggplant – compact plants produce baby-size, easy to pick eggplants. No thorns! Can be grown in a container. Tomato Heirloom Marriage™ – tomato varieties created by crossing 2 heirlooms to create a tomato that is much higher yielding and earlier maturing than their heirloom parents. 3 varieties: Genuwine, Big Brandy and Perfect Flame. Coreopsis Sun Up – flowers weeks earlier than Presto or Early Sunrise for faster turns and earlier spring sales. Semi-double, clean yellow flowers, first year flowering. Zone 4, 10–12" tall.
Selecta > MiniFamous® Double Calibrachoa – 2 new colors, Purple and Chiffon Begonia California Sunlight – boliviensis begonia with a superdense habit that won’t fall apart in baskets and pots. Rounded petals give the orange flowers a different look. 10–12" height. Can be grown in full sun. Bounce™ and Big Bounce™ Impatiens – an interspecific impatiens with New Guinea looks that can be used in sun or shade. Named Bounce™ because it bounces back after a wilt without losing flowers. Resistant to Impatiens Downy Mildew.
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➾ spring trial S report
Ecke/Fides/Dummen (Ecke and Fides are now owned by Dummen) Petunia Fortunia Orange – bright orange with a lighter center giving this flower a “morn” look. Medium vigor, trailing habit. Petunia Fortunia Lavender Star – a new bicolor that will be a hot seller! Dark Lavender edges with creamy yellow center. < Dahlia Hypnotica® – 4 new colors in this popular line: Sangria (red with yellow tips), Bellini (coral/orange), White and Tropical Breeze (was not available in 2014 but will definitely be ready for 2015!) Suntory Petunia Surfinia Sumo™ – new series with a vigorous, mounding habit that is very full. Perfect for large baskets and containers. Recommended for 6" pots or larger. 3 colors, Plum, Pink and Bold Lilac. > Scaevola Surdiva® Variegated Blue – the first scaevola with variegated foliage! Very attractive, great heat tolerance, blue flowers.
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EuroAmerican Savvy Succulents® – 2 new additions to this popular line, Aeonium Sunburst has yellow, pink and green variegation. Echeveria Lipstick has red tips on each thick, fleshy green leaf. <
Supermint® Series – ornamental mints that are compact with a great scent. 2 colors: Midnight Mojito has lavender flowers and Sunrise Mojito has orange/pink flowers. Something different! Sundancer Fuchsia – a fuchsia that can take full sun, this plant has the potential to be a shrub in the west…great for baskets or 1 gallon pots here in the Midwest.
I hope you’ve seen some varieties that will spark your excitement for spring 2015 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 Spring Trials 2014! Carolyn Jones of
BFG Plant Connection can be reached at cjones@bfgsupply.com.
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➾ legal issues
How Divorce And Death Affect Small Business Ownership A client recently asked, what happens to small businesses upon the death or divorce of an owner? What documents should be in place prior to those events to smooth an ownership transition? These questions can have many different answers depending on the facts of a specific situation, but here’s a general overview of the process, consequences, and ways to control ownership of a business if a death or divorce occurs:
Bryan Zlimen
Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC
What happens to a small business if an owner dies?
Consequences
The answer depends on the type of business. If the business is a sole proprietorship or a partnership, the death of an owner will normally terminate the business. This is because those types of business structures are inseparable from their owners. The deceased owner’s share of the business assets or the value of those assets will generally transfer to the owner’s estate like other property. If the owner has a Will, it will guide who inherits those business assets. If there is no will, Minnesota law (known as intestacy statutes) will determine who gets the deceased’s business assets. If the business is a corporation, limited liability company, or other business entity, it will continue to exist and will maintain ownership of all business assets. The deceased owner’s stock or other ownership interests will transfer in accordance with his or her Will or, if there is no Will, the Minnesota intestacy statutes.
When ownership interests transfer due to death or divorce, many problems can arise. One problem is that the remaining owners may now find themselves in business with people that they don’t know or don’t want to be in business with. This could be the ex-spouse of a former owner or a stranger who inherited shares and knows little or nothing about the company. Another is figuring out how to determine a value for the deceased owner’s interest in the business. There are many different ways to calculate the value of a business, and the results can vary widely depending on the method used. Parties that receive ownership interests, such as ex-spouses or estate representatives will likely choose a method that provides the highest value if the remaining owners wish to buy the transferred interests. Those remaining owners would generally argue for a lower value to make repurchasing interests possible. Disputes regarding valuation can be expensive, time consuming, and stressful for all involved.
What happens to a business ownership interest if one of the owners gets divorced?
Contrary to what many people believe, a business owner’s spouse is not a co-owner of the business just by virtue of marriage. If a spouse doesn’t own a stake in the business (e.g. his own shares or her own partnership interest), that spouse is not an owner of the business. If there’s a divorce, however, the value of the owner’s interest in the company will be counted as an asset, and the spouse could be entitled to half of that value. When there aren’t enough other assets available, the ownership interests can get assigned to the spouse to fulfill the owner’s divorce obligations. 40
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What documents should a business owner have in place?
Though the consequences of transfers upon death or divorce are serious, there are steps that business owners can take to prevent issues and determine in advance exactly how these types of situations should be handled. The most important step that business owners can take is to create a buy-sell agreement (“BSA”). BSAs govern the transfer of business ownership interests and create a structure that ensures transfers occur in an
Though the consequences of transfers upon death or divorce are serious, there are steps that business owners can take to prevent issues and determine in advance exactly how these types of situations should be handled. organized and fair manner. They allow owners to anticipate and control how a death or divorce will impact the business, reducing the likelihood of disputes. For example, a BSA might require a party that acquires shares by involuntary means (such as death or divorce) to sell those shares back to the company at a set price. They can also create ways to fund that repurchase, such as creating provisions for life insurance policies. Another important document for business owners to create is a Will or other estate planning tool. These documents can be drafted to comply with the provisions of a buy-sell and ensure that business interests are transferred or otherwise resolved in a way that meets the owner’s goals and ensures that only desired transfers occur. No one wants to spend time planning for a death or divorce, but if you’re a small business owner, it’s especially important to have a plan for the distribution of your business ownership. Otherwise, you risk setting yourself, your loved ones, and your business partners up for a terrible headache at a an already challenging time.
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This article provides general information on business and collections 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. If you would like more information regarding business law, collections, or other legal matters, please contact Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC at 651-331-6500 or info@zmattorneys.com. Bryan Zlimen is one of the founding partners of Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC. His law practice focuses on assisting contractors & other small business owners. He has 12 years of experience working in residential construction and landscaping. He can be reached at bzlimen@zmattorneys.com.
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Shoreline Gardens
Reimagining the Water’s Edge The lake home is an iconic image of Minnesota life. With more than 90,000 miles of shoreline in Minnesota, there are a lot of property owners grappling with the question, “What can I do with my shoreline?” Samuel Geer | reGEN Land Design
The Great Basin Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden. All photos courtesy of reGEN Land Design.
Interestingly, lakeshore properties are often beautifully landscaped around the house, but the shoreline area is often kept as turfgrass to the edge of the water, armored with rip-rap, or else is left as a neglected, weedy area. Because of complex government regulations and the assumption that these areas must otherwise be “restored,” people often cannot conceive how shorelines can be integrated into their property as a garden space. As a result, shoreline plantings represent an under-realized business opportunity for landscape designers and contractors and a way to add value to lakeside properties while minimizing water quality impacts to the lake. There is a widespread assumption that the only acceptable shoreline improvement other than rip-rap armoring is native shoreline restoration, but in practice this is only one of many suitable planting design approaches. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Watershed Districts, and organizations dedicated to protecting water quality and wildlife have advocated for the restoration approach because of its many benefits. As a vegetative buffer, native restorations stabilize shorelines against wave action, filter sediment and nutrients carried by stormwater runoff, and can provide critical habitat for wildlife. This message has innate appeal to those who value wildlife and natural resources, but unfortunately this message falls flat with many other people for a few important reasons. One major limitation is that native restoration plantings require specialized knowledge to design, establish, and maintain, which limits the ability of many designers and contractors to successfully implement august 14
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â&#x17E;ž shoreline gardens
Image 1. Formal Topiary Shoreline Garden.
Image 2. Garden Variety Shoreline Planting.
Image 3. Native shoreline restoration garden.
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these projects. Also, native shoreline restorations inherently possess a wild aesthetic that does not appeal to everyone. By reimagining the shoreline as a garden space, design alternatives to turfgrass or native plantings emerge that can be adapted to work with the aesthetic sensibilities of a wider range of shoreline property owners. The overarching design objective of shoreline gardens is replace turfgrass with a densely planted vegetative buffer strip that can thrive in the shoreline condition. Beyond that, the design possibilities are endless. Shoreline gardens can be composed of both native and cultivated species, and be thoughtfully designed to add appeal to the shoreline from both the land and water. Like all gardens, they exist on an aesthetic continuum. At one end of the spectrum there are formal gardens and at the other end are more wild or naturalistic plantings. The continuum speaks to the level of human control visibly evident in the planting. For instance, topiary gardens, like the one shown (Image 1) represent the formal end of the spectrum where the landscape is precisely controlled through the careful manicuring of hedges. This planting style works well on open sites with formal architecture, where a wild garden might look messy and out of place. However, such a planting can still provide the same stormwater treatment and incorporate a carefully framed, but diverse perennial garden. For those who want formality, simplicity, and color, the shoreline can be planted using garden variety perennials and shrubs such as daylilies and hydrangeas (Image 2). While these plants may not provide the same habitat benefits that a diverse native garden provides, they will flower profusely and can easily be maintained by anyone regardless of their level of horticultural knowledge. At the other end of the spectrum are more natural gardens, like the native shoreline restoration shown (Image 3), where the human imposed order is less apparent and the plants are allowed to intermingle, evoking wild nature. A shoreline garden can be planted as a native restoration, with an effort made to restore the aquatic and emergent plant communities as well as the upland species. This approach tends to work
In each case the goal is to design a resilient planting that is able to thrive in its shoreline context, improve biodiversity, and be appreciated and maintained by its human stewards.
best in more undisturbed settings where it will enhance the existing plant communities and blend with the surrounding natural areas. In each case the goal is to design a resilient planting that is able to thrive in its shoreline context, improve biodiversity, and be appreciated and maintained by its human stewards. In the middle of the spectrum is a more balanced approach known as “Enhanced Nature” that characterizes the evolution of garden design for the 21st century. Enhanced Nature, a term popularized by the English ecologist and designer James Hitchmough, refers to a planting that values the importance of beauty for human users and recognizes that human created and managed ecosystems can support considerable levels of biodiversity and perform critical ecological services. The Evening Island Shoreline Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden (pictured overleaf ) is an excellent example of an enhanced nature garden. Built upon a backbone of native plant species, the garden incorporates intermingled bands of cultivated native and exotic plant species to add color and contrast to the planting while at the same time increasing biodiversity. The planting is crawling with pollinators and elegantly stabilizes the shoreline. By creating a planting that is beautiful you increase human investment and ultimately create a more sustainable landscape. Another important aspect of the Enhanced Nature concept is that rather than focusing on whether a plant is native or exotic, it is more sensible to focus on its attributes that will allow it to thrive within the site context. Given global warming trends, Minnesota is expected to have a climate similar to that of the state of Kansas by 2050. If this is true, then the question of whether a plant is a Minnesota native becomes much less critical than whether a plant can survive periods of intense drought, heat, and flooding. The most critical aspect in plant selection is that the plants are pre-adapted to the conditions of the site requiring minimal inputs of water, fertilizer, and human care. In the case of shorelines, we often want to choose plants that are deep rooted, lower in height and can withstand varying moisture conditions as the lake levels rise and fall. Naturally, when introducing exotic species to shoreline habitats, one must be careful not to plant aggressively seeding species or ones that will naturalize and become invasive. But as our climate becomes more extreme, we will need to carefully design our landscapes by building resilient plantings and soil systems capable of enduring our changing environment. In this way, the future of garden design lies at the intersection of ecology and aesthetics, through the creation of resilient landscapes robust enough to survive in challenging conditions, but beautiful enough to inspire people to protect and maintain them. This is the premise of our upcoming book, The Lake Minnetonka Guide to Shoreline Gardens. The staff of reGEN Land Design is writing the book with grant support from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District. The guide is intended to be an inspiring and instructional manual with practical project planning guidance that will empower property owners to improve their shoreline and provide landscape professionals with design resources. By presenting shoreline gardens as a prestigious design feature that will enhance the shore appeal of a property, it is possible to reach a wider audience and catalyze a transformation of our lakeshores. The Lake Minnetonka Guide to Shoreline Gardens will be available for purchase in spring 2015.
Samuel Geer is co-Founder of reGEN Land Design, and can be reached at Sam@reGENLandDesign.com.
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➾ pollinators
Q & A WITH MDA: NEW NURSERY POLLINATOR LABELING/ ADVERTISING LAW By Tim Power | MNLA Government Affairs Director
or a characteristic of a plant would therefore be considered advertising. 2. MDA’s suggestion for nurseries to simply avoid advertising or labeling a plant as beneficial to pollinators is a very good one. Specific definitions of highlighted terms and criteria for meeting this goal would be very helpful. A: Nursery dealers should avoid using terms or symbols to
The 2014 Minnesota Legislature passed a bill that affects nursery stock labeling and advertising regarding pollinators. Below is the action paragraph in the bill, which will be added to the “Labeling and Advertising of Nursery Stock” section of Minnesota’s Nursery Law and is effective as of July 1, 2014. “A person may not label or advertise an annual plant, bedding plant, or other plant, plant material, or nursery stock as beneficial to pollinators if the annual plant, bedding plant, plant material or nursery stock has been treated with and has a detectable level of systemic insecticide that (1) has a pollinator protection box on the label; or (2) has a pollinator, bee, or honey bee precautionary statement in the environmental hazards section of the insecticide product label.” In order to gain a more thorough understanding of how this change will affect members, MNLA sent a short series of questions to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) which is the agency tasked with enforcing this new law. MDA’s answers to these questions indicate that MNLA members will have two choices to be in compliance with this new law. 1. Members who can be certain that the plants they sell have not been treated with systemic insecticides will not be affected by this new law, though MDA will continue to inspect their plants and may take samples. 2. Nurseries that cannot make that statement may need to significantly alter their labeling and advertising practices in order to comply. The following is a complete list of responses to the questions submitted by the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association regarding changes to Minnesota Statute 18H (as referenced above). 1. Is there a threshold, above which one is advertising, and below which one is describing plant characteristics? Is there a set of terminology to avoid, or one to use, to remain in the plant description arena as opposed to advertising? A: Advertising is defined as an effort to bring public attention to or promote something. Calling attention to an attribute
indicate that a particular species or variety is attractive for pollinators if it has been treated with a systemic insecticide that has a pollinator protection box on the label or has a pollinator precautionary statement in the environmental hazards section of the label. 3. Does a nursery’s term or symbol for a plant such as “attractive to butterflies” meet the intended meaning of “beneficial to pollinators” in the new law? I think a discussion with the bill author (Hansen – D, South St. Paul) would yield an answer of “yes”, but we are more interested in the MDA legal department’s stance on this question. A: Yes 4. Does the nursery’s sale or use of books or other not-nurseryproduced materials with pollinator information constitute advertising? Does generic pollinator and pollinator-friendlyplant information constitute advertising? If so, only for specifically-mentioned plant products, or for all pollinatorfriendly plants? A: If the material is intended to bring public attention or to promote an attribute that is beneficial to a pollinator then that material would be considered as advertising. 5. At what point do nursery-produced signage, catalogs, BMP sheets, plant characteristics matrices or design suggestions at the sales site become advertising and/or labeling? A: If the material is intended to bring public attention or to promote an attribute that is beneficial to a pollinator then that material would be considered as advertising. 6. Nurseries must follow this new section of the Nursery Law AND avoid the use of “free from” or “grown free from” language in 18H.14C unless they can substantiate their claim. Do you see any complications in meeting both? A: Should a nursery advertise the plant material as being beneficial to pollinators and “grown free from” pesticides then the plants may be subject to both 18H.14(b) and 18H.14(e).
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7. The bee boxes are, so far, only on labels of products
A: The MDA will work to develop a list of nursery/landscape
containing four neonics. However, pollinator precautionary
insecticide products affected by the law. Development of this
statements are already found in the label’s environmental
list will need to be a collaborative effort with other entities
hazards sections of a number of other systemics, including Bailey Nurseries, Inc. acephate and chlorpyrifos. With the possible exception of 1325 BAILEY ROAD products that are translaminar systemics, should we assume ST. PAUL , MN 55119-6199
and will likely take time to develop so that it is manageable, PHONE: 651.459.9744 maintainable and understandable. 800.829.8898 FACSIMILE: 651.459.5100 9. This new law is aimed at retailers, but I assume it applies 800.829.8894 equally to wholesale growers, rewholesalers, distributors,
that all of those products will be affected by this law? A: All insecticides that act systemically — including those that
designers/LA’s who sell plants?
A: Yes — Anyone selling nursery stock, annual plants, bedding or that have a pollinator, bee or honey bee precautionary plants, or plant material is subject to this law. statement in the environmental hazards section of the product 10. What and whose actions or requests would trigger an label are affected by the law. order to test plant material? What actions or requests will 8. Would it be a good idea for MDA to produce a list of not trigger? How can we help? insecticide products and/or active ingrenursery/landscape As adients proud participant in this United tates And/or agriculture, wliste certainly A:understand the importance of pollinators to the NOT affected by newSlaw? another A nursery that “advertises” plants as beneficial (including agricultural i ndustry a nd o ur n atural e nvironment. O ur i ndustry m ust l ead t he way by providing solutions to improve the ing those that are affected? Nurseries will need resources the term attracts) to pollinators will be expected to provide health o f t he b ees w e e njoy i n o ur o wn b ackyards. B ee n utrition a nd h ealth i n g eneral can be improved by advocating to find possible chemicals as a piece of their ongoing IPM documentation on all insecticides used in the production of for programs. mass planting of perennial shrubs in and around municipalities. Diversity of flowers over a long period of time those plants. In addition, the MDA may initiate sampling of (spring, summer, and fall) will improve bee immune systems. Providing artificial habitat options and managing them accordingly will also improve bee survival over our long winters. New Neonicotinoid Label FOR FOOD CROPS AND COMMERCIALLY GROWN ORNAMENTALS NOT UNDER CONTRACT FOR POLLINATION SERVICES BUT ARE ATTRACTIVE TO POLLINATORS Do not apply this product while bees are foraging. Do not apply this product until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen unless one of the following conditions is met: • The application is made to the target site after sunset • The application is made to the target site when temperatures are below 55˚F • The application is made in accordance with a government-‐initiated public health response • The application is made in accordance with an active state-‐administered apiary registry program where beekeepers are notified no less than 48-‐hours prior to the time of the planned application so that the bees can be removed, covered or otherwise protected prior to spraying • The application is made due to an imminent threat of significant crop loss, and a documented determination consistent with an IPM plan or predetermined economic threshold is met. Every effort should be made to notify beekeepers no less than 48-‐hours prior to the time of the planned application so that the bees can be removed, covered or otherwise protected prior to spraying. act through translaminar means — and that have a “bee box”
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➾ pollinators
It should be noted that the Minnesota Department of Agriculture intends to enforce this new statute using a phased approach. the plant to determine if there are detectable levels of the specified systemic insecticides. 11. If a detectable level of a covered systemic insecticide is found in a tested plant, is that by itself prima facie evidence that the plant was treated? How about the possibility of unintended drift from another applicator/farmer, resulting in a detectable level in a plant? How do you define “treated”? A: It is the nursery retailer responsibility to ensure that if they advertise or label a plant as beneficial to pollinators, that the plant is free of detectable levels of systemic insecticide.
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Protect What Matters
MDA is aware that there will be many more questions regarding the change to this law. Members should e-mail additional questions to mda.nursery@state.mn.us for response.
www.gopherstateonecall.org
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It should be noted that the Minnesota Department of Agriculture intends to enforce this new statute using a phased approach. The initial focus of the MDA will be to inform and educate the nursery industry about the requirements of this new law. They will also begin conducting initial inspections with a focus on non-regulatory compliance assistance and collecting random samples of nursery stock advertised as pollinator beneficial in order to develop some baseline data regarding the existence or prevalence of systemic insecticides in nursery stock. MDA will be working on providing to the industry a list of affected insecticides. MDA’s initial enforcement actions will be to provide information and education to plant sellers during inspections about the requirements of the law and whether they are currently in compliance.
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➾ bu siness briefs
business briefs American Horticultural Society Honors Dale L. Bachman with Paul Ecke Jr. Commercial Award Alexandria, VA. The American Horticultural Society (AHS) is pleased to announce that Dale L. Bachman has been named the 2014 recipient of the Society’s Paul Ecke Jr. Commercial Award, which recognizes individuals or companies whose commitment to the highest standards of excellence in the field of commercial horticulture contributes to the betterment of gardening practices everywhere.
Bachman is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Bachman’s, a Twin-Cities/St. Cloud, Minnesota, chain of floral, gift, home, and garden centers. Founded in 1885, Bachman’s is now in its fifth generation as a family-run business. Dale, who started with the company in 1972, has led its growth in an ever-changing marketplace by opening several new garden centers in the Minneapolis metropolitan region, adding services, and diversifying product lines. He assisted in creating a wholesale nursery division, instituting indoor and outdoor landscaping services, and establishing greenhouses and a 600-plus-acre growing range for producing much of what is sold at Bachman’s retail stores. The Paul Ecke Jr. Commercial Award is one of 12 Great American Gardeners Awards the AHS presents annually to individuals, organizations, and businesses that represent the best in American gardening. Each award recognizes significant accomplishments in various horticultural disciplines such as scientific research, communication, landscape design, youth gardening, teaching, and conservation. Nominations for the 2015 awards are open through September 30, 2014 at www.ahs.org/awards. ### The American Horticultural Society (AHS), founded in 1922, is an educational, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that recognizes and promotes excellence in American horticulture. One of the oldest and most prestigious gardening organizations, AHS is dedicated to making America a nation of gardeners, a land of gardens. Its mission is to open the eyes of all Americans to the vital connection between people and plants, to inspire all Americans to become responsible caretakers of the Earth, to celebrate America’s diversity through the art and science of horticulture; and to lead this effort by sharing the Society’s unique national resources with all Americans.
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Book Review of Douglas OwensPike’s ‘Beautifully Sustainable’ Douglas Owens-Pike is the owner of EnergyScapes, a long-time MNLA member business. After 35 years in the nursery business, I usually favor practicality over ideology. Douglas’ new book ‘Beautifully Sustainable’ allows readers to utilize both traits, providing great ideas and suggestions while utilizing his ecosystem approach to landscape design, installation and maintenance. More-traditional green industry members might consider Douglas to be an extreme environmentalist, but his ideas form the backbone of what many MNLA members subscribe to — the opportunities in green infrastructure, avoidance of invasive landscape plants, consideration of native and introduced pollinators and other wildlife, putting the right plant in the right place. I’m happy to be an extreme environmentalist right alongside Douglas, if that is the appropriate label. ‘Beautifully Sustainable’ begins with seven steps in planning and design, followed by sections on site preparation/implementation and maintenance. It must have been difficult to organize the sections logically, because the various chapters are peppered with ideas, case studies and Douglas’ personal experiences in dealing with specific issues. The take-home message about this book is that it takes a complete reading, with re-reading in specific sections, for a reader to understand the totality of Douglas’ preferred process and sequence. In the end, I think this book does as good a job as I have seen in laying out a coherent strategy for non-professional landscapers to follow. While aimed at amateur designer/ installer/maintainers, ‘Beautifully Sustainable’ offers great ideas and strategies for professionals to utilize in their own businesses. I have always considered myself to be a “doer” and not a designer, but this book offers even non-creative types like me the opportunity to craft a well-thought-out plan and to implement and maintain it. And the beauty for our industry is that there will be many readers who will gain inspiration from Douglas’ book, yet look to professionals for help in making those inspirations become reality. By Tim Power, MNLA Government Affairs Director
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➾ last word
photo flashback MN L A B oard of D irectors Past and P resent
The year 2015 marks the 90th Anniversary of the association, and we want to celebrate our past and energize our future! This is part of a series of photo flashbacks you will see in the Scoop during the upcoming year that help to celebrate our past.
1957: New officers of the Minnesota State Nurserymen’s Association, left to right: Don Wedge and Keith Law (directors); Kimball Andrews (president); Lawrence Bachman (vice-president) and Edward S. Reid (secretary-treasurer).
A group of MNA/MNLA presidents from 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Front row: Don Wedge, Walt Carpenter, Ray Sackter, and Bob Velander. Back row: Cliff Otten, Gordon Swanson, Jerry Theis, and Brad Pederson. The group gathered at the 1996 MNLA Summer Meeting in Duluth.
1998: The MNLA Board of Directors try their hand at the grill during the Summer Meeting at the Arboretum. Pictured are Brad Pederson, Cliff Otten, Faye Sargent, Forrest Sargent and Paul Morlock. 2001: MNLA Board of Directors at Expo. Front row: Jim Wilson, Denny McNamara, John Mickman, and Bert Swanson. Back row: Debbie Lonnee, Roger Landsburg, John Daniels, Van Cooley, and Tim Power.
2014: Your current MNLA Board of Directors. Front row: Debbie Lonnee, Patrick McGuiness, Heidi Heiland, and Mike McNamara. Back row: Tim Malooly, Herman Roerick, Scott Frampton, Randy Berg, and Jeff Pilla. 54
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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
Scholarships
Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association 1813 Lexington Avenue North Roseville, MN 55113