Learning to Delegate
Also Inside
Making a Heaven of Hellstrips
Member Profile Out & About Member Socials
PLANTING FOR POLLINATORS Creating the garden of tomorrow
Vol: 38 No: 5 May 2015 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E M I N N E S O TA N U R S E R Y & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N
THINK BASE THINK GATOR THINK
FOR DRAINAGE & NON-DRAINAGE BASE
NO MORE
• 5” OF EXTRA EXCAVATION • EXPENSIVE DUMPING FEES • LONG HOURS OF INSTALLATION • TRANSPORTING TONS OF AGGREGATE
PAVER APPLICATIONS PAVERS
GATOR BASE
COMPACTED BEDDING SAND
GEO-FABRIC COMPACTED NATIVE SOIL UNDER LICENSE FROM BROCK INTERNATIONAL U.S. PATENTS NOS. 8,662,787; 8,827,590; AND PATENTS PENDING
GATOR BASE WAY
TRADITIONAL WAY
REPLACES 5 INCHES OF CRUSHED STONE
COSTLY EXCAVATION, FILL & DUMPING FEES
PAVER
PAVER
GATOR BASE
BEDDING SAND 1/2”
COMPACTED BEDDING SAND 1/2” GEO-FABRIC
NO CRUSHED STONE
COMPACTED NATIVE SOIL
=
5 INCHES OF CRUSHED STONE
GEO-FABRIC COMPACTED NATIVE SOIL
DO IT ONCE DO IT RIGHT! To l l f r e e : 1 . 8 5 5 . 8 4 7 . 7 7 6 7
Volume 38 No. 5 May 2015
CONTENTS 20
12 26
IN THIS ISSUE 8
Events
10 From the President A Prayer for Spring
45
20 Making a Heaven of Hellstrips Loree Bohl explores beautiful planting options for the space between the sidewalk and the street.
26 Planting for Pollinators Paul Zammit encourages creating the garden of tomorrow as a pollinator habitat.
36 Lowe’s Elimination of Neonics and Industry Response Lowe’s announces a phase out of neonics; the green industry responds.
40 Why Small Business Owners Have a Hard Time Delegating Learn how green industry business owners can get better at handing over the reins.
45 The Best Ways to Advertise Chris Heiler explains the difference between advertising and marketing, why it matters, and the best platforms for your business.
55 Choosing Landscape Design Software Join Diana Grundeen as she explores choosing the next phase of design software for her business. Landscape & Hardscape Install & Design Garden Services & Landscape Management Garden Centers Growers: Nursery & Greenhouse Irrigation & Water Management Arborists & Tree Services All
12 Member Profile Tami Gallagher explains how “picking her dinner” from her childhood backyard led to Home Sown Gardens. 15 The Best Crabapples for the Midwest Dr. Mary Meyer explores height, fruit, scab resistance and flowers. 24 Out & About MNLA Staff visited with members at the Hedberg Contractor Education Day, Gerten’s Wholesale and JRK Seed Spring Education Expo, and Bachman’s Spring Open House. 39 Member Appreciation Socials Celebrating MNLA’s 90th year and your awesomeness. 52 Recap: The Green Industry Leadership Institute Congratulations to those who completed the 2014 course. 61 Welcome New Members Join us in welcoming the newest MNLA members!
The Scoop, May 2015, Issue 5, is issued monthly, 12 times per year. All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2015, and may not be used without written permission of MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113. Subscription price is $99 for one year, which is included with member dues. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Scoop, MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113. Editorial Contributions. You are invited to share your expertise and perspective. Article ideas and manuscripts should, whenever possible, reflect real and specific experiences. When submitting an article, please contact the publisher at jon@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987. MNLA reserves the right to edit all Scoop content.
may 15
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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
Alliance Designer Products ................................................................................ 4 Arborjet ............................................................................................................ 18 Astleford Equipment Co. .................................................................................. 43 Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes .................................................. 11 Borgert Products, Inc. ....................................................................................... 19 Bullis Insurance Agency .................................................................................... 49 Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus ..................................................... 44 Central Landscape Supply ................................................................................ 49 Cushman Motor Co. Inc ................................................................................... 41
Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens 612-366-7766 • heidi@BloomOnMN.com
D. Hill Nursery Co. ............................................................................................ 56
herman roerick, vice-president
Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ............................................................................. 23
Central Landscape Supply 320-252-1601 • hermanr@centrallandscape.com
Everris ............................................................................................................... 25
scott frampton, secretary-treasurer
Frontier Ag & Turf ............................................................................................. 25
Landscape Renovations 651-769-0010 • sframpton@landscaperenovations.com
Fury Motors ...................................................................................................... 53
debbie lonnee, mnla-cp, past president
Gardenworld Inc. .............................................................................................. 44
Bailey Nurseries, Inc. 651-768-3375 • debbie.lonnee@baileynursery.com
randy berg, mnla-cp
Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 • randy@bergsnursery.com
tim malooly, cid, clia, cic
Water in Motion 763-559-7771 • timm@watermotion.com
mike mcnamara
Hoffman & McNamara Nursery & Landscaping 651-437-9463 • mike.mcnamara@hoffmanandmcnamara.com
jeff pilla, mnla-cp
Bachman’s Inc. 612-861-7600 • jpilla@bachmans.com
nick sargent
Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. 507-289-0022 • njsargent@sargentsgardens.com
cassie larson, cae
Gertens Wholesale / JRK Seed .......................................................................... 2 GM Fleet and Commercial ................................................................................. 3 Gopher State One-Call ..................................................................................... 23 Haag Companies, Inc. ...................................................................................... 37 Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies ........................................................ 46 Jeff Belzer Chevrolet .................................................................................. 32–33 Johnson’s Nursery, Inc. ..................................................................................... 54 Landscape Alternatives, Inc. ............................................................................. 56 Maguire Agency ............................................................................................... 54 Minnesota Propane Association ....................................................................... 34 MTI Distributing, Inc. ........................................................................................ 54
MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • cassie@mnla.biz
Out Back Nursery ............................................................................................. 54
STAFF DIRECTORY
Prairie Restorations, Inc. ................................................................................... 49
Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz
RDO Equipment Co. ........................................................................................ 60
executive director:
membership director & trade show manager: Mary Dunn, CEM • mary@mnla.biz
Plaisted Companies ............................................................................................ 7
Resultants for Business, Inc. (RFB) .................................................................... 41
communications director: Jon Horsman • jon@mnla.biz education/cert manager: Susan Flynn • susan@mnla.biz government affairs director: Tim Power • tim@mnla.biz administrative asst: Gayle Anderson • gayle@mnla.biz accountant: Norman Liston • norman@mnla.biz foundation program coordinator:
Rock Hard Landscape Supply division of Brian’s Lawn & Landscaping, Inc. .... 44
Megan Buchanan • megan@mnla.biz
Unilock .............................................................................................................. 29
advertising sales: 952-934-2891 / 763-295-5420
Versa-Lok Midwest ........................................................................................... 51
Faith Jensen, Advertising Rep • faith@pierreproductions.com Betsy Pierre, Advertising Mgr • betsy@pierreproductions.com
legislative affairs consultant: Doug Carnival 6
AD LIST
Volume 38 No. 5 May 2015
➾ S E CT I O N TITLE
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Specialty Turf & Ag ........................................................................................... 31 Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. ............................................................................ 14, 34, 57 Truck Utilities & Mfg. Co. .................................................................................. 44
Xylem, Ltd. ....................................................................................................... 49 Ziegler CAT ......................................................................................... Back Cover
➾ C ALE N DAR
MNLA Event
JUN18 2015 MNLA RESIDENTIAL LAWN CARE FORUM
➾
U of M Turf Research, Outreach and Education Center, St. Paul MNLA.biz 651-633-4987 Stay current, connected and informed about residential lawn care. Revolving stations with topics presented by U of M faculty. The session will appeal to both lawn and retail/garden center professionals.
➾
JUL 11–14 CULTIVATE 15 Columbus, OH Cultivate15.org Cultivate is the largest horticultural industry event in North America, serving every industry segment from production and retail to installation and suppliers.
MNLA Event
MNLA Event
AUG4 ➾
GARDEN CENTER TOUR MNLA.biz 651-633-4987 We will tour several MNLA garden centers in the Twin Cities. Network with other professionals and take away great ideas to implement at your own garden center.
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➾
AUG6 GARDEN PARTY Arla Carmichiel & Steve Kelley residence Kelley & Kelley Nursery & Landscaping, Long Lake, MN MNLA.biz 651-633-4987 Visit the private gardens of Arla & Steve, owners of Kelley & Kelley Nursery and Landscaping, for an afternoon tour or join us for an evening reception.
2015 MNLA seminars generously supported by John Deere Landscapes
MNLA Event
JUL21
MNLA Event
JUL20 MNLA NIGHT AT THE SAINTS GAME
➾
Oak Marsh Golf Course, Oakdale, MN
CHS Field, St. Paul MNLA.biz 651-633-4987
It’s time to celebrate our 90th year and your awesomeness. Join in the fun during MNLA’s Member Appreciation month.
KEY:
Event Education ➾ ➾
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JUL30 LANDSCAPE DESIGN TOUR MNLA.biz 651-633-4987 This year’s tour will include some recent MNLA award winning landscape designs and will focus on outdoor rooms and gathering spaces.
MNLA Event
AUG11
MNLA.biz 651-633-4987
➾
Join us as we celebrate the 25th Annual Widmer Golf Tournament and raise money for research! An awards reception will immediately follow the tournament with a chance to win great prizes.
MNLA Event
Central Landscape Supply, St. Cloud
MNLA Event
MNLA.biz 651-633-4987
Take a break from your busy season and enjoy a game at the New Saints Ball Park: CHS Field in downtown St. Paul. Your ticket includes a buffet picnic prior to the game on The Lawn and a reserved outfield ticket.
MEMBER APPRECIATION SOCIAL
25TH ANNUAL WIDMER GOLF TOURNAMENT
MNLA Event
AUG13
AUG19
MEMBER APPRECIATION SOCIAL
MEMBER APPRECIATION SOCIAL
Waconia Tree Farm, Waconia MNLA.biz 651-633-4987 It’s time to celebrate our 90th year and your awesomeness. Join in the fun during MNLA’s Member Appreciation month. All events will take place from 5–8pm. Food and adult beverages will be provided!
➾
MNLA Office, Roseville MNLA.biz 651-633-4987 It’s time to celebrate our 90th year and your awesomeness. Join in the fun during MNLA’s Member Appreciation month. All events will take place from 5–8pm. Food and adult beverages will be provided!
All information on these and other industry events are online at MNLA.biz. Did you miss a webinar? ALL of our webinars are recorded and available for viewing afterwards. Login to MNLA.biz to learn more! may 15
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➾ F R OM THE PRESIDEN T
A Prayer for the Rites of Spring I am a very spiritual being, close to my Episcopal roots most definitely, but more connected to the serendipity of life versus religious rites. The intention of my prayer is to inspire and make smile. I apologize if it has any other effect. A prayer for the rites of spring
Heavenly Father, Mother of our Earth, Karmic conscience that governs all, please watch over our original green industry as our season comes into bloom. As the consuming public turns their attention again to all things green may we offer wise counsel to help heal our natural world. As our contracts close and our products go out the doors, may we price prudently to be able to appropriately compensate employees, to grow our companies and to be fulfilled by the challenge and creativity of our calling. As copious amounts of information are shared at this time of year, may we communicate clearly and always have the right answer, to assuage customer complaints and employee concerns. As temperatures rise may they be gradual, so we don’t get heat stroke or sun-burned, and so lilacs and peonies can hold their blossoms for a long time. As the snow turns to rain may the drops fall gently, only at night, and with just the right amount coming down, to quench the thirst of our plants and recharge the aquifers but not so much to cause erosion problems or over saturate soils. As our vehicles mobilize may our teams be safe on the roads, not hit too many potholes and not be stopped
Heidi Heiland
Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens
for DOT inspections, or if they are, may we be in full compliance. As our teams are pouring themselves into their crafts and working so diligently, may they find balance to spend time with their families and pets, to make healthy meals, get enough rest, plus do their laundry and to enjoy God’s green earth that they spend so some much time cultivating. We know that we ask a lot of you Heavenly Father, and we also give great thanks for the immense gift of this world and hope to always show that devote gratitude in our daily work as we professionally and passionately nurture your creation. We thank you Mother Earth for the miracles you show us daily, for the sun rising another day and the mystery of the moon, for the important responsibility you are entrusting to us, for the MNLA community of souls with whom we can band together, for this line of work, our purpose, our ministry. May we all enjoy the abundance that we create! Amen.
MNLA PRESIDENT HEIDI HEILAND welcomes your feedback at 612.366.7766 or Heidi@bloomonmn.com.
MNLA MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
It’s that time of year — keep an eye out for your 2015–2016 membership dues renewals. In order to save the association printing and mailing costs, please return your renewal promptly. With summer approaching, we encourage you to take a minute to reassess your business needs. Don’t pay more than you have to! Please take a moment to review the MNLA Member-Only Exclusive Benefits at www.mnla.biz. Sign in, and take a look under the “MEMBERS ONLY” menu. Let us help you save on your bottom line! Feel free to contact the MNLA office if we can be of any assistance to you during the renewal process or for any of our products and services offered. We are available at 651-633-4987 or mnla@mnla.biz. 10
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➾ ME MBER PROFILE
MEMBER PROFILE HOM E SO WN G AR D EN S, L L C
Molly Altorfer
Photos courtesy of Home Sown Gardens
Left to right: Cynthia Schufman and Ann Hortsch.
C O M PAN Y SN APSH O T
Company Name: Home Sown Gardens, LLC Owner: Tami Gallagher Date Company started: 2007 Location: Eagan, Minnesota Number of Employees in Peak Season: 10 Areas Served: Twin Cities South Metro Member Category: Professional Gardening Services Websites: www.homesowngardens.com
Tami Gallagher grew up “picking her dinner” from her childhood backyard. In 2007, Gallagher turned her passion for gardening into Home Sown Gardens, offering garden maintenance, restoration, vegetable gardening, renewal design for existing beds and planters, and personal garden coaching. Gallagher realized that many of her clients were referencing their residential gardens as “messy” — and she knew that her upbringing, passion for gardening, and horticulture education could assist them.
ORIGINALLY IN BUSINESS AS A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER,
Q: Tami, thanks for taking the time to talk with The Scoop. What’s new lately at Home Sown Gardens? A: “We are adding a new service — edible gardens. This entails the design, planning and planting of vegetable and herb gardens. We can offer stand-alone, raised beds or as a part of an existing garden.” Q: Why this service and why now? A: “Home Sown Gardens has been asked to provide it and edible gardens have been in the media a lot lately. Eating healthy and
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I love being a member of MNLA. The educational events are fantastic. … It’s a great resource and adds to our professionalism. MNLA does so much for the green industry.”
we completed the garden and plants. Now we get to enjoy it as well when we are back for scheduled maintenance!” Q: What has been a key to the success of Home Sown Gardens? A: “We always keep evolving. There was a point when we had both the organizing and gardening companies and we couldn’t keep up with the demands of both. The gardening was more lucrative and that’s where my passion was, so we evolved to grow Home Sown Gardens and close the organizing business. Another key to our success is that we have awesome, dedicated employees who care about our clients and their gardens.”
Ann Hortsch. local is very popular. We wanted to draw extra attention to it and what better place to get your vegetables and herbs than your backyard? We expect to serve residential customers with our edible gardens, but we are also open to other types of clients.” Q: How much do education and certifications play a role in Home Sown Gardens? A: “Education and certifications play a large role in our business. I feel that it adds to the professionalism of a company. I am an MNLA Certified Landscape Professional and Master Gardener and a number of my employees have horticulture degrees and certifications. This makes our clients feel more comfortable knowing that we have knowledge in their gardens. Continuing education is huge for our company.” Q: What makes Home Sown Gardens distinct among its competition? A: “Gardening is all we do. We are highly specialized in the garden beds. Many other companies have other services but we focus solely on gardening. I don’t look at there being a lot of competition
— there is enough for all of us. We are confident in the fact that we are experts in gardening and we refer other work to the experts in those respective fields.” Q: What is the number 1 reason that a client will call Home Sown Gardens? A: “A lot of our clients have had a life circumstance that has pulled them away from caring for their garden. They will usually call after the garden has been neglected for a few years. We like to take the burden out of the garden for them so that it can bring joy again. We will start a regular maintenance plan for them, too, if that is something they are seeking.” Q: What is an example of a recent success story for Home Sown Gardens? A: “We recently had a client with a steep backyard that included overgrowth and lots of scrub trees. We collaborated with a hardscape contractor on the project. The challenge for us was to come up with a plant plan that worked with the steep area. The client also wanted to attract birds and wildlife and incorporate many of the features of the former garden. We cleared out the garden and the hardscape contractor did the hardscapes and then
Q: How do you manage employees and retain a quality staff? A: “I have a very close knit staff. It feels more like family than co-workers. I believe it is like that because I am invested, which in turns makes them feel like they want to work to the same level. I try to be a good role model and have a good work environment, which keeps employees coming back. We all believe in making the world a better place, one garden at a time!” Q: How has MNLA helped you through your journey to start Home Sown Gardens and now grow the business? A: “I love being a member of MNLA. The educational events are fantastic. We attend the Northern Green Expo, we use the Job Board and the vehicle discounts and gas cards. It’s a great resource and adds to our professionalism. MNLA does so much for the green industry.”
INTERESTED IN BEING PROFILED IN THE SCOOP?
Our writer is always looking for a good story. Email jon@mnla.biz and we’ll discuss the next steps.
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THE BEST CRABAPPLES
FOR THE MIDWEST Height, fruit, scab resistance and finally, flowers.
Mary H. Meyer | Extension Horticulturist and Professor, University of Minnesota
Sugar Tyme速 has disease free foliage in October 2014.
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➾ C RA B APPLES
‘Pink Spires’ has pink-lavender flowers; photo taken on October 5, 2014.
Firebird® has attractive fruit on March 6, 2015.
What is the difference between a crabapple and an apple? The size of the fruit. Any plant with fruit over 2 inches in diameter is an apple. Although the flavor varies widely, perhaps Henry David Thoreau best described the experience of eating crabapples in his essay Wild Apples: “Unexpectedly crude, — sour enough to set a squirrel’s teeth on edge and make a jay scream. What is sour in the house a bracing walk makes sweet. Some of these apples might be labeled, ‘To be eaten in the wind.’”
(⅝ inch or less) is a valuable food source sought by birds throughout the winter, and adds color and interest for many months. Late fall and winter is an ideal time to walk through a crabapple collection at a botanical garden or Arboretum, such as the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and pick your favorite because you can easily select scab resistant plants with clean, healthy leaves. Additionally, in winter, and many times in early spring, you can evaluate the fruit which varies widely in color and can last for months, easily six or even eight months. Remember that crabapple flowers last only days, perhaps a week. Why not select a crabapple for healthy leaves, and attractive fruit, and just let the flowers be an added bonus? From hundreds of crabapples, the short list below was developed based on fall appearance with clean foliage at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Additionally, these plants are also top recommendations from long-term research trials conducted at the Ohio State University (their Crablandia field plots); Morton Arboretum, Illinois; Purdue University, Indiana; and the multi-state National Crabapple Trials. I propose these 13 crabapples as “the best” for Minnesota and the Upper Midwest. If your favorite is not here, let me know! All of the plants listed show good to excellent resistance to apple scab with an asterisk * for those showing some susceptibility to the new apple scab strain now in the Midwest. ‘Red Splendor’ is a showy red-pink prolific flowering crabapple that originated in Minnesota, however, it is susceptible to scab, needs plenty of space due to its large size and can be defoliated and defruited in mid-summer due to scab. Which one would I plant in my yard? Anyone from this list, but something in the name ‘Professor Sprenger’ does resonate with me! It is a lovely tree that greets visitors on the Snyder Terrace at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Others you can see easily at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum are: ‘Donald Wyman’ planted in mass in the first parking lot bay across from the Oswald Visitor Center; ‘Adirondack’ marks the entrance to the espalier in the
L
ast summer so many times I was asked, “What is wrong with my crabapple?” that I started looking anew at crabapples. 2014 was a banner year for apple scab, discoloring the foliage, causing premature leaf and fruit drop. Affected plants looked dormant, or as many homeowners feared, dead. Apple scab can weaken trees, but rarely is fatal. Scab may allow secondary organisms to attack the tree and can decrease its winter hardiness, so it is best to purchase a scab-resistant crabapple. Knowing which crabapples are resistant to scab is complicated, as the newest study (Beckerman et al, 2010) shows a new strain of this disease may now infect previously resistant cultivars. Additionally, we tend to think only about the flowers on crabapples, and especially love the showy pink or red flowers that are, unfortunately, more often susceptible to scab. The first criteria for selecting a crabapple should be the ultimate size, height and shape of the plant, followed by scab resistance, fruit, and finally the flowers. It is a misconception that crabapple fruit is messy. The small colorful fruit 16
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Table 1. Thirteen Crabapples for the Upper Midwest. All have good to excellent apple scab resistance; * indicates some susceptibility to newest strain of apple scab. Large to Medium Small Trees
Cultivar
Bud /Flower Color
Fruit Color/ Size
Plant Form
Size/Comments
Availability: plantinfo.umn.edu
‘Adirondack’
white
orange-red; ½ inch
Upright/columnar
15–20 feet tall; 10 feet wide; distinct columnar shape
3 retail; 21 wholesale
‘Beverly’
Pink buds white flowers
Red; ½ inch
Upright rounded
20 feet tall; 20 feet wide; alternate bearing
1 retail; 4 wholesale
‘Bob White’ *
white
Bright yellow turning gold in winter
Large rounded
20 feet; showy fruit; watersprouts; alternate bearing
3 wholesale
‘Donald Wyman’
white
Red; 3⁄8 inch
Open spreading
15–20 feet tall; 20 feet wide
5 retail; 33 wholesale
‘Pink Spires’
Pink-lavender
Purple-red; ½ inch
Columnar
15–20 tall; 10–12 wide
27 wholesale
‘Prairiefire’ *
Coral red
Red turning purple
Round upright spreading
15–20 feet, purple cast to foliage;
10 retail; 94 wholesale
‘Prairie Maid’
Deep pink
Red, 3⁄8 inch
Rounded -open
15 feet tall; 15 feet wide
1 wholesale nursery
2 wholesale
‘Professor Sprenger’
Red buds; pink and white flowers
Orange-red; ½–5⁄8 inch
Open, spreading
20 feet tall; 20 feet wide; may be hard to find in garden centers; frog eye leaf spots
Red Jewel®, (’Jewelcole’) *
white
Red; ½ inch
Upright open
20 feet tall; 20 feet wide; fruits attractive all winter
4 retail; 49 wholesale
Sugar Tyme®
white
Red; ½ inch
Open spreading
15–18 feet tall; 15 feet wide
4 retail; 59 wholesale
Red orange; ⁄8 inch
Vase-shaped
8 feet tall; 8–10 feet wide; shape may vary
2 retail; 26 wholesale
Golden yellow; ⁄8 inch
Weeping
10 feet tall; 12 feet wide
3 retail; 41 wholesale
Red-purple; ¼ inch
Upright spreading
10–20 feet tall; 5–15 feet wide; purple cut leaf foliage
3 retail; 41 wholesale
Dwarf Tree/Shrub Malus sargentii Firebird®; (Malus sargentii introduced from Japan in 1892; other forms include bonsai-like ‘Tina’, 4' tall)
Red buds; white flowers
‘Louisa’
Pink buds and flowers
Royal Raindrops®
Magenta pink
3
3
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IntroducIng
QUIK-
SWITCH IT ON
our new lightweight air-powered device increases productivity. Precise dose and measurement you can see
one-thumb operation for fast injections durable aluminum body weighing less than 2 pounds Quick-connect adapter hooks up to air tank
downLoad arbor-mobILe on the IPhone or androId. Identify trees, pests, find solutions, access labels, and stay connected.
Learn more: call 781-935-9070 or visit
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➾ C RA B APPLES
Cloister Herb Garden; ‘PrairieFire’ makes the double allée at the Sensory Garden, ‘Pink Spires’ flanks the entry to the new Green Play Yard at the Andrus Learning Center, and two ‘Prairie Maid’ trees fill an island in the staff parking lot. There is an amazing variation that exists in these tough plants. A crabapple that grows well in Ohio, may not show the same disease resistance to apple scab in Minnesota. The weather and climate makes a difference. Touring crabapple collections near your home can give you a first-hand look at how the plants grow in your climate. Ideally, we would annually rate crabapples three times: for foliage and fruit in September and October; for winter interest and fruit (bird food) in January; and flowering in May. Look for yourself at a garden center, botanical garden or arboretum near you, so you can decide which form and fruit is best for your garden and landscape.
Green, T. L. 1995. Results of the national crabapple evaluation program. Accessed online October 3, 2014. <http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/fletcher/ programs/nursery/metria/metria08/m82.pdf>.
References and Further Reading:
Romer, J., J. Iles, and C. Haynes. 2003. Selection Preferences for Crabapple Cultivars and Species. HortTechnology 13:522-526.
Beckerman, J., J. Chatfield, and E. Draper. 2009. A 33-year Evaluation of Resistance and Pathogenicity in the Apple Scab–crabapples Pathosystem. HortSci. 44(3):599–608. Chatfield, J. A. E. A. Draper, and B. Cubberley. 2010. Why Plant Evaluations Matter. American Nurseryman 210(9):10-15. Draper, E. K., J. A. Chatfield, and K. D. Cochran. 2005. Marvelous Malus—Ten Crabapples Worthy to Know, Show, and Grow. Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Accessed October 6, 2014. <http://www.bbg.org/ gardening/article/marvelous_malus.>
M A N U FAC T U R E R OF P R E M I U M C ONC R E T E PAV I NG S TON E S , SL A B S & WA L L S
Green, T.L. 1996. Crabapples—When you’re choosing one of those apple cousins, make flowers your last consideration. Amer. Horticult. 75:18–23. Guthery, D.E. and E.R. Hasselkus. 1992. Jewels of the landscape. Amer. Nurseryman 175(1):28–41. Iles, J. 2009. Crabapples….. With No Apologies. Arnoldia. Accessed online October 10, 2014. < http://arnoldia.arboretum.harvard.edu/pdf/ articles/2009-67-2-crabapples-with-no-apologies.pdf>. Koetter, R. and M. Grabowski. 2014. Managing apple scab on ornamental trees and shrubs. Accessed online October 10, 2014. < http:// www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/trees-shrubs/managingapple-scab/>.
Schmidt, J. Frank and Sons. 2014. Crabapple Information Chart. Accessed online October 8, 2014. http://www.jfschmidt.com/pdfs/ JFS_CRAB_CHART.pdf. MARY H. MEYER, PH.D. American Society of Horticultural Science, Chair, Board of Directors, 2014-15; Professor and Extension Horticulturist, University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, can be reached at meyer023@umn.edu.
Create your own personal touch with the wide variety of high quality Borgert pavers, slabs and walls. Your patio creates the perfect mood to relax, entertain and just enjoy life itself.
Visit our showroom at: IMS, Suite 12C
For a dealer near you or for a free Borgert catalog call 800.622.4952 W W W. B O R G E R T P R O D U C T S . C O M
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MAKING A HEAVEN OF HELLSTRIPS The plots between sidewalk and street can be planted in a variety of beautiful styles.
Loree Bohl | Danger Garden
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P
ortland, Oregon has become a poster city for the less-lawn movement. Increased planting of “hellstrips” — also known as the berm, curb strip, beltway, verge or parking strip — has contributed greatly to Portland’s flora-friendly persona. Until recently, city bureaucrats weren’t so friendly to the practice. Plant advocates such as Sean Hogan of Cistus Nursery and others have slowly chipped away at the city’s misgivings by pointing out the benefits of cultivating these once-verboten areas. “Less lawn means more life — more diversity of plants and animals as well as more comfort and fascination for people,” wrote Evelyn J. Hadden, author of Hellstrip Gardening: Create a Paradise between the Sidewalk and the Curb (Timber Press, 2014). “Hellstrip (and front yard) gardens spread quickly because they publicly demonstrate that there are viable alternatives to covering that space with lawn.” Hellstrips are “the public faces of spaces,” according to Hadden. They are the first impression we get when walking up to a home or entering a commercial building from the street. The term “hellstrip” was coined by author and horticulturist Lauren Springer Ogden. An article in the New York Times quoted Ogden as saying, “The name just came out of my mouth. It’s a strip and it’s hellish. It’s hard for plants to grow there.” Deterrents include reflected pavement heat, compacted soil, foot and vehicle traffic, dog waste, road salt — and the list goes on.
between people and traffic. They beautify the street and the neighborhood while shielding, or at least distracting, pedestrians from unpleasant sounds and smells. Bio-swales are another form of hellstrip gardening. They help to reduce water runoff and remove pollutants from the environment. In a residential setting, a hellstrip planting can blur the end of the home garden and extend it to the street, making what can be a solitary endeavor into a social one. Of course, flowers may be picked, plants trampled (or worse, stolen), but planting with these hazards in mind can minimize both the emotional and financial damage. Hogan told a story of two young boys who were walking in front of his home and batting at the plants with sticks. Instead of yelling for them to stop, he talked with them about the plants. The next time he saw the pair they were educating a couple friends about those very same plants. Desperate for more space in which to garden, avid gardeners often resort to taking over every last scrap of neglected soil, including the strip between the sidewalk and the street. Perhaps that underutilized sliver of ground is the perfect place to introduce newcomers to the joys of gardening. No one enjoys the chore of mowing a lawn in a parking strip. By its very nature, that strip is a small, defined project, and is a far less intimidating undertaking than removing and planting the entire front lawn. Planning a hellstrip planting
A place to grow plants and community
Curbside plantings along a busy street create a natural barrier
The first step is the same whether it’s a hellstrip or any other new garden project, according to Darcy Daniels, garden designer at may 15
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➾ H E LLSTRIPS
land owned by Reed College in Southeast Portland. He advised doing plantings like this in the fall, when the still-warm soil and imminent winter rains will get the plants well established before they face the true test of a hellstrip — summer heat. Heal thyself, plants
Bloomtown Gardens. “Start with the list of site considerations, identify the limiting factors of the location and how much maintenance is realistic.” Is a planted hellstrip easier to care for than lawn? Not always, Daniels said, but choosing the right plants can lower maintenance. Hadden pointed out that some people may be leery of tackling a hellstrip because they think it can only be one of two possible styles: a tidy lawn or a wild mess of overgrown plants. In reality, a hellstrip garden can be any style: formal with geometric layers and textures, minimal with two or three repeated plants, a lawn “alternative” with plants that you can walk on, or even cottage style with casual floral abundance. As style options are explored, plant choices come into focus. “Right plant, right place,” reminded Daniels. Matching plants with their growing conditions can ensure the garden will look good year round. In his personal garden, Hogan planted the hellstrip with a wide range of exotic plantings certain to stop passersby. He kindly provided a pair of benches for folks to sit and soak up their surroundings. Hogan lives in a dense residential area in Northeast Portland, where street parking is a commodity, so he created several paths through the plantings. By giving people a place to put their feet, he minimized the chances they’ll end up stepping on a plant. By building up the soil, he created better drainage for the plantings and another impediment to people making their own paths. Maurice Horn, co-owner of Joy Creek Nursery, tackled a 10-footby-125-foot, scrap-filled hellstrip as part of a low-water project on 22
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Not every plant will thrive in street-side conditions. “Poor plant selection can turn a potential positive into a headache: more maintenance, or a messy unkempt jumble that challenges neighbor relations,” Daniels cautioned. Hellstrip plants need to be tough enough to stand up to abuse, sized correctly for the space so as not to obstruct sightlines or interfere with overhead utility lines, and should remain upright — no flopping allowed. Little Prince of Oregon, a wholesale nursery specializing in ground covers, ornamental grasses, ferns, native plants and succulents, grows a wide range of plants suitable for hellstrip plantings. Ryan Seely, sales manager at Little Prince, recommended a trio of thyme selections: Thymus serpyllum ‘Elfin’, T. citriodorus ‘Archer’s Gold’ and T. doerfleri ‘Doone Valley’. T. serpyllum ‘Elfin’ stays especially tight, forming a nice evergreen mat, but all three tolerate foot traffic and release a lovely scent when disturbed. Hadden said “self-healing” understory herbs, like mint and oregano, smell lovely when walked on; when broken, they typically re-root in place. Sedums are also self-healing, and Little Prince offers several. Sedum spurium ‘Dragon’s Blood’ and S. spurium ‘Voodoo’ both have red coloration. S. tetractinum has bigger foliage and turns a showy bronze and burgundy color in fall. Seely also recommended S. reflexum ‘Angelina’. This bright chartreuse sedum has been called aggressive, but in a hellstrip it remains within defined boundaries. In fact, the contained nature of a hellstrip offers an opportunity to grow plants that might otherwise be shied away from because of their aggressively spreading nature, such as Euphorbia robbiae and Aegopodium podagraria ‘Variegata’. A few highlights from Horn’s plant list from the Reed College project include Grevillea victoriae, Yucca filamentosa ‘Color Guard’ and Veronica peduncularis ‘Georgia Blue’. Horn also planted bulbs like Tulipa greigii ‘Red Riding Hood’ for spring color. Horn also recommended several grasses that are ideal for the hellstrip environment — and one that is not. Growing 3–5 feet tall, the often used and much-loved Calamagrostis × acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’ is too tall for a hellstrip. Instead, Horn selected C. × acutiflora ‘Overdam’, which gives a similar look but tops out at around 2–3 feet. Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ earned its spot with bright red color and a slow-growing, short habit. In his narrow, low-maintenance, no-water hellstrip, Greg Shepard, co-owner of Xera Plants in Portland, included decorative grasses, including the highly ornamental Schizachyrium scoparium ‘The Blues’, Callistemon viridiflorus ‘Xera Compact’, C. pityoides ‘Mt. Kosciuszko’, Halimium ocymoides, Carex tenuiculmis and Yucca linearifolia. An entire book could be written on selecting the right trees for hellstrip plantings. Until then, Hadden recommended Amelanchier
× grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance’ for small tree structure with great fall color, and Crataegus viridis ‘Winter King’ as a medium grower. Both are low care and low mess, not picky about soil, and highly ornamental. Medium-growing Celtis occidentalis attracts wildlife, has small berries, beautiful bark, and is recommended by many zoning departments. Hadden underscored the importance of considering where small trees grow in their natural habitat. Planting a tree that prefers to grow in a protected understory out in an exposed hellstrip is asking for trouble. When planted properly, hellstrips will continue to grow in popularity as viable gardening spaces. As more property and business owners look for alternatives to lawn, barren soil, gravel or blacktop, the “public faces of our spaces” will become more alive, attractive and interesting. LOREE BOHL is a plant lover who writes about her garden and plant-related adventures on her blog, thedangergarden.com. She is also a partner at plantlust. com. She can be reached at spikyplants@ gmail.com.
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➾ OUT & ABOUT
&
MNLA STAFF APPRECIATES the annual opportunity to visit with members and prospective members at our industry’s supplier shows.
Diana Grundeen, Trio Landscaping and Craig Trenary, Terra Forma Design, answer questions at the APLD display at Bachman’s Spring Open House.
Steve Hedberg visits with a customer at the Hedberg Contractor Education Day. Photo credit: Peter Kowler, cheapocreative.com.
A Hedberg Show attendee looks over materials at the MNLA booth. Photo credit: Peter Kowler, cheapocreative.com.
Gene Karjala and Cindi Olson of Anchor Block Company.
Gerten’s Wholesale & JRK Seed held their Education Expo at Mystic Lake Casino.
Gertens staffers Robin Dennison, Maddy Harris and Kayla Goehring.
Jason & Mady Pokorny, Karl’s Landscaping, Inc.
Setting up for the Bachman’s Spring Open House.
A display at the Bachman’s Spring Open House.
Susie Johnson hands out happy hour tickets to attendees at the Gertens Wholesale & JRK Seed Spring Education Expo.
The staff of Simons Landscaping at Gertens Wholesale & JRK Seed Spring Education Expo.
The Ziegler staff is ready to answer attendee’s questions at Gerten’s Wholesale & JRK Seed Spring Education Expo.
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➾ P OLLI NATORS
PLANTING FOR POL
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Paul Zammitt Nancy Eaton Director of Horticulture Toronto Botanical Garden Originally published by the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association: www.mnla.org.
OLLINATORS
A few years ago, I was invited to Bermuda for a speaking engagement. While touring gardens in between presentations, we visited a garden where the owner also kept bees. What began as an exciting and inspirational tour, took a sad turn.
Hoverfly on Sneezeweed (Helenium cultivar). Hoverflies (also known as flower flies or syrphid flies) feed on pollen, while their larvae are excellent predators that feed on aphids and other common insect garden pests.
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â&#x17E;ž P OLLI NATORS
A honey bee with laden pollen sacs visiting spring blooming crocus.
A
s we approached the bee yard, the owner informed us that he had recently lost seventeen of his twenty hives. This past fall, while leading a garden tour in Sicily, the ongoing decline of honey bee populations on the island came up in conversation on more than one occasion. Closer to home, I can clearly remember the gut wrenching feeling when I had learned that all five of our beehives at the Toronto Botanical Garden had not overwintered. Scientific studies and media reports confirm that honey bee (Apis mellifera) populations are in decline and the cause of these troubles knows no borders. The reports go on to remind us about the importance of honey bees, which were imported from Europe, and the vital role they play in pollinating and ensuring the fruit set of so many of our food crops such as apples, blueberries, cherries, soybeans and tomatoes, just to name just a few. Estimates put the value of honey bee pollination in excess of a billion dollars. We have also been warned of the decreasing worldwide supply of honey. Factors such as pesticide use, disease and habitat loss have all been linked to the declining honey bee numbers and these factors continue to threaten existing populations. While I am pleased by the increased attention, overall awareness, and, even in some cases, action being taken to help honey bee populations, I cannot help but feel the need to voice concern for other pollinators. Native pollinators also play a critical role in pollination of agricultural crops as well as native plants and therefore are vital in maintaining biodiversity in our natural ecosystems. These organisms have coexisted and evolved with one another over time. We know that when one of these populations suffers, all of the other organisms that interact or depend on them will also be impacted. Native 28
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pollinator populations, including hundreds of species of native bees, wasps, birds, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, and even bats are all sensitive to the same threats that are impacting honey bees. It is critical to understand the environment in which all pollinators exist and the requirements that must be provided for their ongoing survival. Years before stretches of land were cleared for farming and housing developments, native pollinator populations coexisted with other native plant and animal species. As land was developed and the natural habitat was lost, native wildlife populations struggled to find the food, water and shelter needed for them to survive. If these necessities are not being met, populations decline and in some cases are lost. Those organisms that are able to survive face the additional threat from the impact of pesticides used in forestry, farming and horticulture. The horticulture industry has been in the business of promoting gardening and encouraging people to create and maintain the landscape around them. Having spent 25 years in the industry, I am pleased to see what appears to be a shift in the role of the landscape in and around our homes. In the past, landscape design was driven mainly by aesthetic values. Plants were selected based primarily on how they grew, how they looked and how easy they were to maintain. Today, while overall aesthetics are still important, more and more gardeners and landscape designers are becoming increasingly aware of the role the space, just outside of their home, has to provide including much needed habitat to support local wildlife populations, including pollinators. As gardeners, we have the opportunity to create and maintain landscapes that are able to provide much needed habitat for pollinators. To do so, we must select plants and
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➾ P OLLI NATORS
Helleborus ‘Pink Frost’ provides an early spring source of nectar for a foraging honey bee.
adopt gardening practices that ensure a healthy environment that satisfies the need for food, shelter and water of these pollinators. There have been many articles and books written on this subject, in particular one of the must-read books by Douglas Tallamy, Bringing Nature Home. I am looking forward to his recent collaboration with the incredible plantsman, Rick Darke, on the book, The Living Landscape. Food for pollinators in the landscape can take on many forms. Primarily, we think of flowering plants to provide pollen and nectar. The pollen is a vital source of protein while nectar provides amino acids and life-sustaining sugars. Not all flowers provide each of these two components. Modern hybrids are often bred to have larger, fuller, more fragrant blooms. These traits are often achieved at the expense of pollen or nectar production. In addition to the presence of pollen and nectaries (nectar excreting glands), the shape, color, and, in some cases the fragrance of a particular blossom, are favored by one type of pollinator over another. Bees seem to prefer flat flowers on which they can land or those with a tubular shape that have a mild fragrance and are white, yellow or blue in color. Some bee favorites include the small white daisy-like blooms of the fall blooming Heath aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides), the yellow blooms of False Sunflower (Heliopsis helianthoides), and the purple tubular flowers of the beautiful Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta). Butterflies have a preference for narrow tubular blooms that are bright in color such as red or purple and often 30
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have a light fragrance. The scarlet red blooms of Beebalm (Monarda didyma) are always a sure bet to attract butterflies into the garden. Pollinating bird species, mainly hummingbirds, are attracted to cup or funnel shaped flowers that are white or intense colors such as red, scarlet or orange. The red pendulous flowers of native Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) are always a perennial spring hummingbird favorite, while the orange to red tubular blossoms of Trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans) are sure to keep them returning to the garden from summer to fall. It is interesting to note that hummingbirds are not attracted by fragrance. In order to attract and sustain pollinators in the garden, one should include multiples of the same plants and carefully select a range of early, mid and late blooming plants to ensure a steady food supply throughout the growing season. For a more comprehensive list of plants to attract pollinators to your specific regional area, I highly recommend the online reference, Selecting Plants For Pollinators, complied by the Pollinator Partnership (www.pollinator.org) and the North American Pollinator Protection Campaign (NAPPC, www.nappc.org). We might also wish to rethink our traditional war on weeds in the home garden. Dandelion (Taraxacum) and White clover (Trifolium repens), which have long been considered terrible lawn weeds, are a valuable source of nectar for bees. Do not overlook the potential of woody shrubs and trees. Select Willows (Salix), Redbud, (Cercis) and Dogwoods (Cornus) are always a buzz of activity when in bloom. The blooms of the native Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) result in a feeding frenzy of bees, beetles, flies and butterflies in spring when the trees are in bloom. The excitement continues in summer as birds gather to feed on the attractive fruit clusters as they begin to ripen. Pagoda dogwoods provide additional seasons of interest in the landscape from the golden autumn color of the foliage and their unique horizontal branching silhouette in the winter. Other choice shrubs and trees with multiple seasons of benefits for wildlife and seasons of interest include Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina) Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.) and Basswood (Tilia americana). One may choose to supplement native species with non-native species to increase the quantity of food plants available to pollinators in any season. For example, spring flowering bulbs such as Crocus (Crocus), species tulips (Tulipa), and Glory-of-the-snow (Chionodoxa) will provide an additional food source alongside native early-season favorites such as Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) and Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis). Some other non-natives that will attract and support pollinators in the garden throughout the summer include annuals such as Cosmos, Zinnia, Verbena, Salvia, Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia), and Alyssum (Lobularia), as will herbs such as Lavender (Lavandula spp.), Chives (Allium schoenoprasum), and Oregano (Origanum spp.). As pollinators and insects in general are extremely sensitive to insecticides, one should do some research when sourcing plant material. Where possible, grow what you can from seed. In addition to providing a food source from their flowers, numerous plant species play an important role as host or nursery plants, where the larvae eat the foliage as they grow and mature. Such
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One can further support Solitary and Mason bee populations in the home garden by installing a bee house (also known as bee boxes). These can be purchased premade or can be constructed using hollow stems of varying diameter from the garden.
Left: Swallowtail Butterfly Larvae feeding on fennel. The larvae of this beautiful butterfly are also often found on parsley. Top: A commercial bee house.
plants must also be incorporated into the landscape if we wish to support pollinators at all stages in their life cycle. In the book, Bringing Nature Home, Tallamy reminds us that genera such as Oak (Quercus) and Willow (Salix) are able to support 534 and 456 species of Lepidoptera, respectfully. In turn, these larvae provide a food source for many other insect and bird species. Perhaps one of the best-known examples of a larval host plant is Milkweed, Asclepias. The caterpillars of Monarch butterflies (Danaus plexippus) feed exclusively on the foliage and flowers of Asclepias as they undergo a number of growth stages before forming a cocoon and pupating. The loss of wild stands of Asclepias due to agricultural practices and pesticide use along their migratory path from Mexico north through the U.S. and into Canada has had a devastating effect on Monarch populations. There has since been a North American appeal for homeowners to plant Asclepias in their home gardens. As a result, the consumer demand for Asclepias seed and or plants has never been greater. Not all host plants need to be native to support pollinators in our home gardens. I have regularly found the caterpillars of swallowtail butterflies on the herb parsley (Petroselinum crispum) in my home garden. Personally, I recommend using parsley as an edging plant or adding it to mixed container plantings. It is a good example of a garden plant that is attractive and good for both the gardener and the local butterfly population. The foliage of select plants in the landscape will also be used as nesting material for some pollinators. Coming across what in the past has been considered as â&#x20AC;&#x153;damaged foliageâ&#x20AC;? by some is, in reality, a sign of a healthy garden and indicates the presence of local populations of solitary pollinators raising their young. For example, Leafcutter bees, (Megachile spp.) will use the foliage of Rose (Rosa) and Redbud (Cercis) to line their nests, which they build in hollow stems or wall crevices. When selecting plants to incorporate into the landscape, choose plants that will offer multiple benefits. In the case of Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) a wonderful single or multistemmed, eye-catching small tree in the landscape will feed bees in
the spring from the mass of spring pink blossoms while later in the season, leaf cutter bees use the foliage to rear their young. One can further support Solitary and Mason bee populations in the home garden by installing a bee house (also known as bee boxes). These can be purchased premade or can be constructed using hollow stems of varying diameter from the garden. One should not be so quick to clean up the garden and take all of the debris to the compost pile. Leaf litter in the garden will provide additional shelter, but avoid the common practice of using a thick layer of mulch over the entire garden. Ground nesting pollinators often cannot burrow through such layers making it impossible for them to dig underground nesting tunnels. Consider leaving some areas of soil on the south side of your garden exposed as this will provide easy access for these ground-nesting pollinators. Do not cultivate these areas to avoid the risk of disturbing the nests. A clean, fresh water supply is also an essential element of a home garden that hopes to attract and support pollinators. The source of water may be natural or man-made. To avoid any risk of the pollinators drowning, the water source should have some shallow areas and/or sloping edges leading to the water. A birdbath or water bowl will do as long as the water is topped up or changed regularly. Add some branches or stones that will rise above the edge of the water. These will provide a place for incoming insects to land. In addition to pollination there are other built-in benefits to attracting pollinators to the home garden. For example, hover flies (family Syrphidae, also known as syrphid flies, flower flies and drone flies) do much more than pollinate. The benefits of attracting them to the garden with select plants such as Alliums and Alyssum are often overlooked and unappreciated. The larvae of hover flies are important and veracious predators of many harmful garden pests including thrips, scales, caterpillars, and aphids. As a new gardening seasoning quickly approaches, it is the intention of this article to get us all to think about how and what we do in our own gardens and the landscapes we design, install, and maintain. Gardens can and should be used to invite and support pollinators (and local wildlife in general). They require a source of food, shelter, and fresh water. Once these requirements are met, it is usually only a matter of time before the garden of tomorrow becomes a habitat for pollinators, and so much more. PAUL ZAMMIT, Nancy Eaton Director of Horticulture at Toronto Botanical Garden can be reached at horticulture@torontobotanicalgarden.ca.
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➾ P OLLIN ATORS
POLLINATORS H O RTI C ULTUR E I N D U S T RY P RO V I D E S S O L U T I O N S
Lowe’s announces phase out of neonicotinoid-treated plants April 9, 2015 (Moorseville, NC) — Lowe’s Companies, Inc. announced the release of its 2014 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report, providing an expanded and enhanced review of Lowe’s sustainability objectives and the company’s progress during the past year. The complete 2014 CSR report can be viewed on Lowe’s website. The report outlines the company’s shared approach to meeting the needs of its customers, employees, communities and the environment while addressing key topics that are important to its business, stakeholders and society.
Lowe’s position is surprising, considering the most recent and positive reports on the state of honeybee health (NASS honey report) and recent peer reviewed research. This is an issue for which sound science must take priority. Plant growers are experts on how to produce healthy plants. We embrace the challenge of protecting bee and pollinator health and the opportunity to be part of the solution. We will continue to fund important research on the health of bees, and guide horticulture on safe and responsible pest management. Horticulture will look to the best science to guide our efforts.
One of the highlights of the report included the following: Lowe’s is committed to regularly reviewing the products and information it offers customers. Following studies that say many factors, including neonicotinoid pesticides, could potentially damage the health of pollinators, Lowe’s has committed to take several steps to support pollinator health. Lowe’s will phase out the sale of products that contain neonic pesticides within 48 months as suitable alternatives become commercially available. Lowe’s will include greater organic and non-neonic product selections, work with growers to eliminate the use of neonic pesticides on bee-attractive plants it sells and educate customers and employees through in-store and online resources.
AmericanHort, Society of American Florists, Horticultural Research Institute, American Floral Endowment Statement in Response to Lowe’s Position on Neonicotinoids April 9, 2015 (Washington, D.C.) — As professional horticulturists, we grow trees, plants and flowers, and healthy trees, plants and flowers are critically important to healthy bees and healthy bee habitats. Pollinator health is a highly complex issue, and we recognize that there are many factors that can affect bee health. Although the improper use of pesticides can harm bees, a growing number of credible independent studies indicate that neonicotinoids, when used as directed, are not the cause of widespread bee health issues. Consumers want plants that are healthy, beautiful and pest-free, and neonicotinoids have proven to be among the most effective pest management tools available. Neonicotinoids also are among the safest products we have for both our employees and the environment.
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Protecting Bees & Pollinators Video: Demystifies What Horticulture Needs to Know.
The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), in collaboration with AmericanHort, Society of American Florists, and the American Floral Endowment, released an educational video that provides information on the horticultural industry’s essential role in bee and pollinator stewardship. Titled, “Protecting Bees & Pollinators: What Horticulture Needs to Know,” the video narrates the current state of bee and pollinator health, provides information on factors that impact pollinators and the environment including the use of pesticides, and underscores the beneficial role horticulture plays in providing healthy and nurturing pollinator ecosystems. To watch the “Protecting Bees & Pollinators: What Horticulture Needs to Know” video, go to: http://americanhort. org/AmericanHort/Membership/Private/protect_bees.aspx.
â&#x17E;ž MDA SAFETY CHECK S
COMING THIS YEAR: MDA SAFETY C H EC K S FO R WO R K E R P RO T E CT I O N
As the 2015 cropping year begins, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) may be at your site to conduct an unannounced safety check to protect persons who work with treated plants or handle pesticides. Under the federal Worker Protection Standard (WPS) the MDA is authorized to check for: Pesticide safety training for people (called Workers under WPS) working with pesticide-treated plants or crops. Pesticide safety training for people who apply, mix, load or handle pesticides (called Handlers under WPS). Notification to workers: Workers must be notified when a pesticide has been applied in or near a work area. Based on the pesticide label, this may be an oral warning or posted signage to advise workers where and when a pesticide has been applied.
Decontamination materials such as soap, water and towels to workers and applicators are made available. Central location emergency medical information and pesticide application records (30 days from the date of pesticide application) need to be available and accessible. A site visit by an MDA Agricultural Chemical Inspector (ACI) may take several hours and could result in enforceable violations. WPS protects workers who produce crops (corn, soybeans, sugar beets, potatoes, small grains, greenhouse and nursery plants) and use pesticides (fungus, insect, weed and rodent control; or plant growth regulators). Want to get ahead of the game? MDA offers Compliance Assistance visits in advance of formal inspections.
Go to the MDA website at www.mda.state.mn.us and type in WPS or contact Gregorio Mendez-Ortega, lead MDA-WPS Inspector at: gregorio.mendez-ortega@state.mn.us; (507) 344-3204.
QUESTIONS OR FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as specified on the product label. This may include gloves, boots, coveralls, eye wear, etc.
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Join in the free fun! Mem ber
h Mont See you at the...
“Thank You” Socials It’s time to celebrate our 90th year and your awesomeness by joining in the fun during the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association’s Member Appreciation Month. Look for more information in the coming months for “Thank You” Socials at the following locations: • August 11th in St. Cloud at Central Landscape Supply • August 13th in Waconia at Waconia Tree Farm • August 19th in Roseville at the MNLA office All events will take place from 5 – 8 p.m., and food and adult beverages will be provided!
MemberAppreciationMonth-full-page.indd 1
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WHY SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS IN THE GREEN INDUSTRY HAVE A HARD TIME DELEGATING
(AND WHAT THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT) Why is it so hard for a small business owner in the green industry to delegate some of his or her responsibilities? When you stop to analyze what it took to get them to where they presently are it is easy to understand. Tom Borg Š2015
F
irst, in order for any small business owner to be successful, it takes a lot of hard work. Realizing they can always count on themselves to do it the “right way,” it quickly becomes a habit to do any present task at hand themselves. Habits are funny things. Once formed, we have to live with them. As Zig Ziglar once said, “Good habits are hard to form and easy to live with. On the other hand, bad habits are easy to form and hard to live with.” Developing the habit of doing everything, or most everything yourself, is easy to form, but as your business grows bigger, becomes extremely difficult to live with. In his book, Pizza Tiger, Tom Monahagn of Domino’s Pizza, confessed that he loved to make pizzas. He was good at it. He could knead and flip the pizza dough and make it just right. However, when he was starting out with just one or two stores, he realized that if he was going to really grow his pizza empire, he was going to have to stop doing the easy stuff, making pizzas. Instead he needed to start working on developing a good habit, which was more difficult to form, the habit of doing things that would expand the business. Let’s face it, most business owners and managers have a hard time with delegation. In a very real sense, they are stealing from their company. Stealing, in this sense, means that they are robbing it of the use of the skills and talents of the people they have hired. By not delegating, they will not allow these employees to learn and use new skills to do their job. The second way they are stealing is by continuing to do the tasks that could be delegated. This prevents them from doing the top priority activities they should be doing to grow the company. When I first started working with one of my past green industry clients, he had a very time-sapping problem. He didn’t trust his foremen to fill up the gas tanks of their trucks and their gas containers. So, each night after they brought back their vehicles to the shop, my client would drive the trucks, one at a time, to the local gas station where he would fill up both the truck and the gas containers. To say the least, this was definitely not a good use of the owner’s time.
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➾ DE LE GATIN G
As mentioned earlier, part of the reason an owner does not delegate is, over the years they have had to engage in many different activities to make their business successful, and often they enjoyed doing many of those different tasks. However, in order to take their company to the next level, they must come to realize that unless they learn how to effectively delegate, their company can never expand and grow. In my experience working with green industry owners, I have heard many different excuses for not delegating. Some of them are: • They don’t feel anyone who works for them can do it “exactly the right way.”
• It allows them to do more important things. A good way to look at this idea of delegating is to look at the game of baseball. The manager can’t play all nine positions of the team. Even if he could play all nine positions, he couldn’t do them all at the same time. If he is going to do a truly effective job of overseeing and really maximizing the talent and potential of his players, he has got to be the manager, not one of the players. Here are some basics on delegating a job effectively:
• They don’t feel secure enough to give authority to others.
• Pick the person to whom you want to delegate.
• They feel they will lose control if they give up some of their tasks or responsibilities.
• Plan out how you will delegate the job.
• They don’t think the people they hired are intelligent enough to do it properly.
• What you want him/her to do.
• They don’t trust the people that work for them.
• How well you want it done.
• They don’t feel others have the skills to do the task well enough.
• When you want it done.
• By the time they show someone else how to do it they feel they could have done it themselves. • They just don’t want to bother with the hassle of delegating to others. • They don’t want to stop doing the tasks they enjoy. When green industry business owners learn how to delegate, here are some of the benefits I have observed: • It gets the job done. • It grows their people. • It allows their people to feel involved. 42
• It creates better and greater productivity.
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• Explain to the person: • What you don’t want him/her to do.
• Discuss with them how they plan to do it and answer any questions they may have. • Let them do the job. So in summary, as Tom Monahagn learned to do, start delegating the right things to the right people and watch your business grow. This article first appeared in Irrigation & Green Industry magazine. is a business expert who works with small and mid-size green industry companies to effectively and profitably improve customer acquisition and retention. To ask him a question, please contact him at: (734) 404-5909 or email: tom@tomborg.com TOM BORG
THE BEST WAYS TO ADVERTISE
A LANDSCAPING BUSINESS IN THE DIGITAL AGE Chris Heiler | Landscape Leadership
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➾ ADV E RTISIN G
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e get lots of questions about the best ways to advertise a landscaping or lawn care business in this new digital age. Questions like, “Is radio and print advertising still relevant?,” “Should we pay to be on Angie’s List?” and “Does Facebook advertising actually work?” All good questions, my friends. Let’s address the best ways to advertise a landscaping business by first making an important distinction between advertising and marketing. Advertising is a form of marketing — they are not one in the same — and the terms should not be used interchangeably. In its simplest form, advertising is paid or sponsored messaging broadcast via traditional media like television, radio, newspapers, magazines, billboards, and direct mail or digital media like banner ads or Google AdWords. Marketing is much broader and includes disciplines like branding and public relations and strategies like networking. Digital marketing includes strategies such as search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing, and content marketing (all the fun digital stuff we offer at Landscape Leadership). In this article I plan to focus strictly on advertising in the digital medium. Direct mail, print advertising, etc., etc., has its place... just not in this article. J
Let’s address the best ways to advertise a landscaping business by first making an important distinction between advertising and marketing. Advertising is a form of marketing — they are not one in the same — and the terms should not be used interchangeably … Marketing is much broader and includes disciplines like branding and public relations and strategies like networking. • Landscape designers and architects • Landscaping contractors • Hardscaping contractors • Landscape lighting contractors • Pool designers and builders
The Rules of Advertising
For a small business like a landscape contractor or lawn care operator, you need to pick your spots when it comes to advertising. Be smart about where you put your dollars and manage your expectations accordingly. Fortunately, with the digital age upon us, we have more cost-effective and targeted avenues for reaching our prospects and customers today via advertising. Let’s dig into some of the best ways to advertise a landscaping or lawn care business in today’s digital age, starting with niche social networks and review sites. Niche Social Networks and Review Sites
Look in the mirror. You love looking at reviews online when making a purchasing decision, don’t you? Well, so do your potential customers. Remember what I said earlier about advertising lacking credibility? That’s because traditional advertising is biased, and often times, downright deceiving. We love (and mostly trust) online reviews because they are from a third-party — removing bias from the equation. This is one reason why review sites like Houzz and Yelp can be a smart choice to advertise your landscaping business. All have free plans which makes getting started a snap. As you get traction on a platform you can step into a paid “premium” plan for more local exposure. (Note: I am not endorsing the paid plans. That decision is fully in your court.) Let’s take a look at three of the most popular and important review sites for landscapers and lawn care operators, starting with Houzz.
It’s all about inspiring homeowners with visuals of your work. If you’re focused on commercial landscaping or the maintenance and lawn care side I would suggest passing on creating a Houzz presence and instead take advantage of Yelp and Angie’s List. What I really like about Houzz as a marketing platform for landscape companies is that it is very targeted. Homeowners using Houzz are actively searching for ideas and contractors for their projects. This can bring you qualified leads warmed up and ready to buy. To be successful on Houzz, focus on the following: 1. Add new “projects” on a regular basis using your absolute best photography (you’ll be competing against other amazing projects and images). This is not the platform to share average photos of your work. 2. Add detailed descriptions to your projects and each of your photos. Search engines like Google actually index the pages on Houzz and can rank these pages in their search results. So be sure to optimize your projects by adding descriptions. 2. Actively seek reviews from your customers. This will make your profile more visible within Houzz. The screenshot below shows the Houzz profile of Neave Group Outdoor Solutions.
Houzz
I refer to Houzz as a niche social network because it does have some social elements built into it such as a message board, commenting and sharing ideas with other Houzz users. Houzz will be best for design and design/buildfocused trades such as:
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Angie’s List and Yelp
Millions of households scour Angie’s List and Yelp searching for reviews and service professionals like landscapers and lawn care operators. Based on many personal discussions with landscape pros my view is that Angie’s List and Yelp work best for lawn care and landscape maintenance companies versus design/build contractors. That said, there are always exceptions to the rule. Also, I’ve personally heard more success stories from contractors on Angie’s List compared to those on Yelp. Take that for what it’s worth. Angie’s List is a bit different from the other review websites like Yelp, in that they charge users a nominal membership fee to read reviews of companies. This cuts down on bogus, anonymous reviews which can be a problem on many review sites. Social Media Advertising
Social media has lost a little of its shine, at least for small businesses. There’s such an overwhelming amount of noise on the social networks now that it has become very difficult for small businesses to reach their audience in an organic way. Let’s be clear, just because you share an update on your Facebook page or in your Twitter stream it doesn’t mean all of your fans and followers will actually see it. If you want to leverage social media to generate qualified leads and customers for your landscaping business, then now is the time to consider paying for advertising on these social platforms. That said, unlike a site like Houzz, users on social networks like Facebook and Twitter are typically not actively searching for ideas (or service providers) for their home improvement projects. They have a huge user base you can get in front of, but they are very passive.
also has a budget for Facebook ads. That should tell you how we feel about Facebook at this point. J Twitter
I feel like Twitter — as a social platform and advertising platform — is best for B2B (business to business) companies like software companies, hardscape distributors, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers who have a more national reach versus a strictly local market they operate in. I’m not convinced Twitter advertising is a smart spend for landscaping and lawn care contractors operating on a local level who are trying to reach homeowners. Twitter advertising has proven effective for us at Landscape Leadership, as measured by number of leads and real opportunities generated. The cost per lead tends to be a little more compared to Facebook ads, but I feel like the lead quality has been higher. Promoted tweets are the most common form of advertising on Twitter. You essentially pay to have your selected tweets appear in the feed of users who do not currently follow you. There are two primary reasons you would use Promoted tweets: 1. To gain more Twitter followers, or... 2. To generate more visits to your website (and, hopefully, more leads) If you or someone else in your company is a Twitter junkie and already using it to effectively reach your audience, then I can recommend complementing the organic approach with Twitter ads. If you don’t currently have a presence on Twitter, I don’t suggest trying to build one with Twitter advertising. The screenshot below shows an example of a promoted tweet on Twitter.
Chances are your “organic reach” (the total number of people you can reach for free on Facebook by posting to your page) has been on a sharp decline like the majority of Facebook pages. For many pages, reaching a measly 10% of their fans with an update is challenging now. Why should you consider advertising on Facebook? There are really two reasons to advertise your landscaping business on this massive social network: 1. To reach more of your current Facebook fans in order to increase interaction and engagement and even drive more repeat sales (assuming many of your fans are actually customers and not your neighbors). 2. To reach more Facebook users — who are not currently following you — in order to increase your number of fans, generate more leads, and/or make more sales. We’ve run numerous advertising campaigns on Facebook for our clients and the results have been positive, though not overwhelming. We’ve found the cost per click and cost per lead from Facebook advertising to be much lower than traditional pay-per-click advertising like Google AdWords. Our current position on Facebook with our clients is that we will not put any time into creating a Facebook presence unless our client 48
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LinkedIn, Pinterest and Instagram
As a “professional” social network, LinkedIn’s advertising platform is best for B2B green industry companies who cover a large market, either regionally or nationally. The reason I say this is because while LinkedIn has some fantastic targeting options, you can’t utilize them to your advantage unless you have a very large market to target. If you’re a local, commercial landscape contractor you will waste your money running LinkedIn ads, in my opinion. Pinterest and Instagram both launched advertising platforms recently. Advertising on Instagram is not available to all companies at the moment. Similarly, Pinterest encourages companies to join their
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➾ ADV E RTISIN G
“waitlist” for Promoted Pins. Because Pinterest and Instagram are so visual, these social networks could ultimately prove to be effective advertising channels for companies focused on residential landscape design/build, pool building and landscape lighting. For now, it’s wait and see.
Conclusion
I hope this article was helpful in outlining the best ways to advertise in today’s digital age. There are many channels available to reach your audience, though not all will be a good fit for your specific landscaping/lawn care company. I hope this serves as a good guide to get you and your business headed in the right direction.
Retargeting
From Wikipedia: “Behavioral retargeting (also known as behavioral remarketing, or simply, retargeting) is a form of online targeted advertising by which online advertising is targeted to consumers based on their previous Internet actions.” Let me simplify this, yesterday I visited www.TripIt.com to learn more about their mobile app, eventually leaving the site without signing up. Today I visited www.allrecipes.com looking for a smoothie recipe. While on this site I was presented with a banner ad from TripIt, who is “retargeting” me. See the screenshot below. Retargeting your past website visitors can be an effective way to draw them back to your site in hopes of converting them into a lead. You’re targeting people who have already shown interest in your company. This differs from our next subject — Google AdWords — which targets people who most likely have never been to your site. Many companies will use both of these digital advertising strategies together.
president and founder of Landscape Leadership, and originally appeared on the Landscape Leadership “Inbound Marketing for the Green Industry” blog. Call (800) 681-9169 or visit www.LandscapeLeadership. com for more information. THIS ARTICLE WAS WRITTEN BY CHRIS HEILER,
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS SUCCESSES FOR GREEN INDUSTRY’S WORKFORCE AmericanHort and its state association partners have shown some impressive grassroots muscle on three federal legislative initiatives. On March 17, AmericanHort and roughly two dozen state association partners joined a total of almost 140 organizations on a letter to House of Representatives leadership. The letter responded to the looming threat of the Legal Workforce Act (H.R.1147) being voted on in the House without provisions that would ensure legal workforce options for agricultural and seasonal employers. H.R.1147 would mandate that all U.S. employers use the federal E-Verify program. “Immigration enforcement without a program flexible enough to address the labor needs of fruit, vegetable, dairy, nursery, and other farms and ranches, will result in many U.S. farmers, their farm employees, and many in their rural communities losing their livelihoods as well as an overall decrease in U.S. agricultural production” the letter stated.
Google AdWords (pay-per-click advertising)
You’ve got to give it to Google; they’ve made a bazillion dollars with their AdWords platform, charging advertisers on a “per click” basis. But is PPC (pay-per-click) advertising really worth it to companies in the lawn and landscaping industry? It can be, if... • Your website is optimized for lead generation and pay-perclick advertising. In other words, you’re not just sending visitors to your homepage but instead strategically leading them to unique landing pages where you can convert them into qualified leads. • You understand how to target your unique audience with digital ads and know how to manage a pay-per-click advertising budget. • You understand how to measure your return on investment. If you don’t have a firm grasp on the points above you will waste a lot of time and money on Google AdWords.
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Next, our members collectively generated hundreds of letters, phone calls, and tweets calling for resumption of H-2B program processing. The seasonal worker visa program was abruptly shut down by the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security at a key time for the landscape industry, the single largest user. Horticulture industry grassroots helped persuade an impressive bipartisan group of lawmakers to join on a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, insisting that processing resume. It has, for now, though vigilance is the watchword in the coming weeks. Finally, AmericanHort members and grassroots partners advocated for House members to sign a letter to House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) and Judiciary chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA). The letter emphasizes, “It is imperative that any effort to implement mandatory E-verify be coupled with a solution to agriculture’s unique labor needs. Failure to couple these reforms together would create an unworkable situation for American agriculture.” The final letter was signed by 61 members, mostly Republicans. “This is an impressive push-back against those who insist that E-Verify must move first,” according to Craig Regelbrugge, senior vice president for industry advocacy and research with AmericanHort. “In agriculture speak, a promise that positive reforms will come later, after enforcement, is being asked to buy a pig in a poke. We and our grassroots partners helped move the needle on all these important efforts, and we’ll continue to work with Congress to get good reforms enacted. ”
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➾ G I LI 2 014
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All members of the 2014 class were honored at the MNLA Awards Gala with a Certificate of Completion for successfully fulfilling all of the requirements of the Leadership Institute. All were in attendance, as were facilitators and core curriculum instructors, Steve & Terri Wilcox of Resultants for Business, who along with MNLA Executive Director, Cassie Larson, took part in awarding the certificates.
Bailey Nurseries celebrates a successful graduate. L-R: John Bailey, Gordon Bailey, Jr., Fernando Villafan Roldan, Dan Bailey.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2014 CLASS OF THE GREEN INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE!
A toast to a year of learning to lead in green industry businesses! Back row L-R: Joseph, Michael, Alicia, Kent, Paula, Matt, Ben, Jon, Justin. Front row L-R: Catherine, Tyler, Fernando. Not pictured: Adam.
The team from Southview celebrated two graduates and two Landscape Awards. L-R: Tim Johnson, Justin Dorschied, Joseph Blumhardt, Chris Clifton, Colleen Moran, Meg Arnosti, Karen Filloon.
Mike Zetah receives his certificate.
Paula Wagner celebrates completing the program.
Steve and Terri Wilcox of Resultants for Business, Inc. created a customized leadership program that will pay dividends for MNLA businesses for years to come.
The 2014 Class: Adam Bachman, Bachman’s Inc.
Alicia Morarie, Sargent’s Landscape Nursery
Joseph Blumhardt, Southview Design
Jon Prochnow, Rainbow Tree Companies
Ben Cooper, Rainbow Tree Companies
Fernando Villafan Roldan, Bailey Nurseries Inc
Justin Dorschied, Southview Design
Paula Wagner, Prescription Landscape
Tyler Grissman, Phillips Garden
Kent Williamson, Dulcet Fountains & Aeration
Catherine Hanson, Sargent’s on 2nd
Michael Zetah, biota Landscape Design + Build
Matthew Kuha, Irrigation by Design
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THE 2015 LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE IS OFF AND RUNNING! THE SECOND CLASS IS ONCE AGAIN FULL, AND SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE RECEIVING THEIR CERTIFICATES AS HONORED GUESTS AT THE 2016 MNLA AWARDS GALA.
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CHOOSING LANDSCAPE DESIGN SOFTWARE We all try to make the most of our time and efforts. To do that as a landscape designer, many of us utilize computer aided design (CAD) programs to help us create plans. However, they are not all created equal, nor should they be, because we have different preferences in how we want to work. Diana Grundeen | Trio Landscaping
Some designers want a very technical drawing from which the installation can be executed, while others prefer a drop-and-click version to provide an idea of what they want to accomplish and to which the homeowner can agree. Are you looking for a program to do more than design? Are you hoping that the same program will help run your business, too? So what program is right for you? Know Your Needs and Style
I believe that by knowing your presentation style you can find programs that fit you better. Or, maybe it’s the level of input that makes it easier for you. How will you know until you try it, though? There is only so much you can gather from the online infomercials the programs offer … you did watch those, right? While they are a good starting place for understanding the options, another good source of information is to interview your peers. Not that you want to be just like your fellow companies, but if they are already using a program they are more likely to have a few inside tips on how they work, which would help you in your decision. Recently, a handful of my design friends were discussing this very topic during an Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) meeting. We talked about the different programs each of us use and the reasons we use them. We also talked about how some are considering upgrading to new programs — that is where I am. Combining that conversation with my informal inquiry with other companies resulted in discovering that many of us are using DynaSCAPE or PRO Landscape. Other choices include Vectorworks®, AutoCAD, or Land F/X, while many others are still hand drafting.
I currently use DynaSCAPE as my design program, and before that I used AutoSketch and drafted by hand. The past 9–10 years has given me a lot of time to get comfortable with DynaSCAPE, but also time to get frustrated with it not working the way I would like it to. Sure, I could add on additional modules to increase the options for my presentations, but I am not comfortable with how they work compared to how I naturally move through a design or think in CAD terms. So I went shopping. I have been shopping for almost two years now and am getting close to settling on a new program. I have gone to many software presentations, played with a few free trials and am now preparing to make the change by getting my computer up to snuff with the needs of a program that can run faster and do more. Should this Software Help to Run Your Business, too?
There is more to our business than just designing. For most independent firms, we have to estimate and schedule and make sure we have cash flow. For some, that is accomplished easier with all the parts of the business in one software. For others, we don’t mind using something different as it may help us get the results we are looking for, or work with the data in a way in which we are more comfortable. I currently run three programs to take care of my estimating, bookkeeping and client management. So far that is going okay, but I am not afraid to say there might be a better way of doing things. I am sure that there is. Yet I am cautious at jumping into something that will require me to function against my grain or have too steep a learning curve, as changing both the design may 15
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➾ S O F T WA RE
NEW
SCOOP COMING In January, MNLA will be introducing a redesigned Scoop. Our goal is to provide even greater programs and office functions could be too much to take on all to you, thewhat member, this at value once. So, choosing would through be beneficial to vital implement first communication service. To do that, we need to know is also important if they are bundled in one software. Having the what your current needs are! We would like to option (permission) to start playing in the other part of thegather software yourcan feedback on intimidating how you read Theas Scoop, slowly make it less as long you set awhich goal for the next part of you your value transition. If you could have wasted content most, anddon’t, whatyouyou wish wejust would money on a package you aren’t using to itsand full give potential. include. Please take five minutes us your opinions via a quick 5-question survey found here: Many Choices http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ScoopFeedback. If Part of my research came while reading an article in Landscape you’d rather forward your comments via email, send Contractor Magazine. They had a brief write-up on many of the those to jon@mnla.biz. programs, but I was dismayed when the one I had been following theWRITERS closest wasn’tWANTED on their list. I do, however, have a lot of other sources that did mention so Imembers don’t feel I’m going to jump on an We’re also lookingit, for who love to write obscure bandwagon. – members who want to share useful information, Here is a list of articles that provide information on many of the ideas, and innovations with their fellow members in software packages available to us in the industry:
the association’s monthly magazine. Write from the (landscape perspective ofLC/DBM. your industry segment • Alli Martin, “Choosing the Right Landscape install, garden center, grower, etc.); share knowledge Design Software.” LandscapeOnline.com. http://www. on landscapeonline.com/research/article.php/20040 business management or human resources; or offer insights via our soon-to-premiere “Ideas That • Sarah Pfleddere. “Cracking the Code:features How landscape Work” and “My Favorite Tool.” To offer yourbest services professionals determine which software solutions fit their businesses.” LandscapeManagement.net. http://digital. and/or receive information on deadlines and other landscapemanagement.net/nov2014#&pageSet=17 parameters, email susan@mnla.biz or call Sue Flynn • Jon PattyHorsman Vaughan. “How to Buy the Right Design Software.” or at 651-633-4987. Totallandscapecare.com. http://www.totallandscapecare.com/ how-to-buy-the-right-design-software/
So for now, I am going to focus on new design software, as that is what I feel the most ready for. Our hardware is now updated and later this summer we will start integrating the program, giving me all fall and winter to really get to know it well and to ditch my old program. By now, I am sure you want to know what software I think is going to be worth the move for my company, but I don’t want to influence your choice until after I have it up and running. Meet up with me at MNLA or APLD events or shoot me an email and I’d be happy to share where we are at in the process. DIANA GRUNDEEN
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can be reached at Diana@triolandscaping.com.
➾ G OV E RN MEN T AFFAI R S
PLUMBING BOARD ACTION PENDING: MNLA COMMENTS FORCE HEARING “The Minnesota Plumbing Board is considering rule amendments to Rules Governing the Minnesota Plumbing Code, Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4715, to be replaced with Chapter 4714, which adopt and amend the 2012 Uniform Plumbing Code.” With this notification, the Minnesota Plumbing Board (MPB) announced a public comment period for new draft Minnesota plumbing rules they have spent the last three years preparing. The comment period ended on April 8, 2015. Here is background information on their process: In April 2011, the MPB voted to adopt a new national plumbing code for Minnesota, choosing the 2012 Universal Plumbing Code (UPC) over the long-established and city-preferred International Plumbing Code (IPC) to replace the existing MN plumbing code. The plumbing industry-dominated MPB assembled a sub-committee to review adoption of the UPC in March 2012. MNLA took the opportunity to officially comment on the MPB’s proposal in general in March 2013, along with the American Council of Engineering Companies, American Society of Plumbing Engineers (MN Chapter), Building Owners and Managers Association MN and the Association of MN Building Contractors and several individual city
building officials and architects, engineers associated with 3M and Target, all in favor of adopting the IPC instead of the UPC. The MPB “accepted” those comments, but that acceptance has not deterred them from their intended course of action to adopt a UPC-based Minnesota code. When MNLA’s government affairs team received word of the public comment period in March of 2015, we mobilized our members and asked them to write letters to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s inside counsel, the designated DLI recipient for public comments on this issue. MNLA and green industry members responded, writing over 50 letters that have been officially received by DLI in time to be counted. DLI will now be required to hold a hearing on this issue, since more than 25 letters on this topic were received by April 8th. DLI’s hearing will be conducted on April 30, 2015, and MNLA hopes for an outcome that forces the MPB to start over in its review of national plumbing codes, to include both the UPC and the IPC in a side-by-side comparison to determine which would make a better base code upon which to build a new Minnesota Plumbing Code. We will keep you posted.
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NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 2014 CODE UPDATE
The National Fire Protections Association (NFPA) develops, publishes, and disseminates more than 300 consensus codes and standards for essentially every building, process, service, design, and installation we encounter in our daily lives at both work and home. Andrew Lindquist | Owner of Links Systems, Inc.
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The consensus codes and standards range from NFPA 1© (Fire Code) through NFPA 8506© (Standard on Heat Recovery Steam Generator Systems). For landscape lighting and irrigation electrical installation, we use the NFPA 70© — more often referred to as the National Electrical Code©. The intent of NFPA is to reduce the burden of fire and other hazards. The NEC 70© is revised every three years, with the most recent update being incorporated into the State of Minnesota regulations on July 1, 2014. Typically, during the three year review/ updating process, over 3,700 change proposals, along with over 1,500 public comments, are reviewed through a prescribed four step “Standard Development Process.” This process provides for public input, public comment and formation of a draft, technical review secessions, and a final council appeals and issuance of the standards/ codes. A much more detailed description of the revision process, along with a free online presentation of the 2014 NEC© finalized version, is available at the NFPA web site: http://www.nfpa.org/ codes-and-standard Revisions from the NEC 2011© to the NEC 2014© have direct influences upon your new or upgrading electrical landscape lighting and landscape irrigation installations activities. This article will highlight some of the most pertinent revisions. However, be sure to review the NEC 2014© by attending a relevant workshop, purchasing the NEC 2014© booklet or accessing a fee online presentation at the NFPA website. The article is not intended to provide specific installation instructions. It is the responsibility of the Power Limited Technician to fully understand and implement installations that meet or exceed the 2014 National Electrical Code©. Receptacles in damp or wet locations (Article 406.5 thru 406.9): Receptacles installed in wet locations are required to have “in-use” covers that provide weatherproofing. In addition, the receptacle outlet box’s cover is required to be “listed” for “extra duty,” regardless of how or where it is mounted. “Listed” means that the receptacle has been tested and approved by an independent listing organization. We typically think of the “UL Label” (Underwriters Laboratory© labeling) when we hear the word “listed.” However, there are many listing organizations that are acceptable to your local building inspector. The objective of this code revision is to prevent corrosion of the receptacle’s connections, thereby reducing the fire hazards associated with faulty connections and potential electrical arcing.
Cables installed in Corrosive, Damp or Wet Locations (Article
725.3(L)): This article references several other NEC articles in its effort to define cabling requirements. Overall, it requires that wire installed in wet locations that are above or below ground, shall comply with Article 310.10 (C), which specifies the type of cable allowed in wet locations. Those cable types are MT, RHW, FHW-2, TW, THW, THW-2, THHW, THWN-2, XHHW, XXHHW-2, ZW, or a cable type that is listed for use in wet locations. Overall, I am sure the majority of us have been using listed cable. However, you might want to check the wire that you have to ensure that you meet the revision. Note: As a point of reference, the NEC 2014© defines “damp” and “wet” locations as: • A “damp” location: “Locations protected from weather and
not subject to saturation with water or other liquids but subject to moderate degrees of moisture. Examples of such locations include partially protected locations under canopies, marquees, roofed open porches, etc., and interior locations subject to moderate degrees of moisture, such as some basements, some barns and some cold-storage warehouses.” • A “wet” location: “Installations underground or in concrete
slabs or masonry in direct contact with the earth; in locations subject to saturation with water or other liquids, such as vehicle washing areas; and unprotected locations exposed to weather.” Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter Protection (210.8): The NEC 2014© revision added to the number of locations requiring ground fault circuit-interrupter protection for all dwellings containing 125 volt single phase 15 and 20 ampere receptacles. The additional locations are: laundry, utility, and wet bar sinks (where the receptacles are installed within six feet of the outside edge of the sink); bathtubs/shower stalls; or dishwater receptacles. Ground fault circuit interrupter protection has been required for bathrooms, garages, accessory buildings, crawl spaces at or below grade, unfinished basements, kitchens, and boat houses. Arch Fault Circuit Interrupter Protection (210.12): The NEC 2014© revision added to the number of locations requiring arc fault circuit-interrupter protection for all dwellings containing 125 volt single phase 15 and 20 ampere receptacles. The addition locations are: kitchen and laundries. Arc-fault interrupter protection has been required in family rooms, dining rooms, living rooms, libraries, dens, bedrooms, recreation rooms, closets, and hallways. Both of the added locations for the above protection is a result of the ongoing goal for the NEC 70© regulations to protect the entire
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➾ NEC
There will be additional areas added to the NEC 2017© regulations.
dwelling, not just selected areas. There will be additional areas added to the NEC 2017© regulations. Luminaries (Lighting) Under Roof Decking (410.10(F)): Luminaries installed
in exposed or concealed locations under metal-corrugated sheet roof decking shall be installed and supported so that there is not less than 1-1/2 in. distance below (measured from the lowest surface of the roof decking) to the top of the luminaire. The reason for this revision was due to an issue of the sheet metal securing screw entering into luminaries that were too close to the sheetmetal decking. This additional 1-1/2" safety zone should eliminate this fire hazard. Luminaries listing requirements (410.6, 411.3, 411.4 and 600.3): All Luminaries, lamp holders and retrofit kits shall be listed. Class 2 power sources and lighting equipment (30 volts rms or less) shall be listed. All retrofit kits, equipment, regardless of voltage, shall have installation instructions and shall be installed in conformance with that listing, unless otherwise approved by
special permission. Special permission is defined as “the written consent of the authority having jurisdiction”. In most cases, this is the local building inspector. A listed system contains the following: The isolating power supply, low-voltage luminaries, the associated equipment, controller, fittings, cords, conductors, and connectors that are identified for the use with the luminary equipment and/or retrofit kit. Swimming Pools, Fountains and Similar Installations (Article 680.22 (A) (6)):
Listed low voltage luminaries not requiring grounding, and not exceeding the “low voltage contact limit”, and supplied by 60
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➾ ME MBER N EWS
WELCOME NEW MNLA MEMBERS! Andrew Fraser Andrew C Fraser P.A. Crystal, MN, 763-537-2700
Kevin Willms K L W Exteriors LLC Brooklyn Park, MN, 763-561-5296
Hans Frees Outdoor Excapes of Lake Minnetonka, Inc. Long Lake, MN, 952-926-6286
Steve Boyd Boyd Lawn Company Starbuck, MN, 320-287-3297
Kyle Klomp Klomp Sheetmetal Oakdale, MN, 651-738-1353
Clark Tufte Oxygen Service St. Paul, MN, 612-710-4401
Rick Buberl Buberl Blackdirt, Inc. Stillwater, MN, 651-430-8185
Errik Koening Koda Home & Garden LLC St. Louis Park, MN, 612-889-0179
Arnie Paradis Paradis, Inc. Brooks, MN, 218-686- 2520
Nancy Welty Culinary Delights Farm Big Lake, MN, 612-991-0469
Mich Pintar Mich Pintar Cambridge, MN, 763-6891940
Tyler Thayer Precision Outdoor Services Bloomington, MN, 952-881-6649
Jason Tessier Exterior Companies Forest Lake, MN, 651-248-1673
Dan Falck Midwest Specialty Sales, Inc. Fridley, MN, 763-780-4103
Bethany Sester Sester Farms Gresham, OR, 503-663-4844
Chelsey Carlson Fleetmatics Rolling Meadows, IL, 866-844-2235
Dana Groh Minnesota Sodding Company, LLC Welch, MN, 651-438-3867
Roger Gibney SRG Designs Cottage Grove, MN, 612-290-9355
Dale Gustafson GreenDale Design Golden Valley, MN, 763-544-4215
S. Milo Mietzner M-scape Design St. Paul, MN, 651-285-3883
Robert Funk Tecnifoam Circle Pines, MN, 763-537-7000
Dennis Hedtke Hedtke, Inc. Hamel, MN, 763-478-2120
Kim Strahlman Native Eye Landscapes, LLC Minnetonka, MN, 612-867-9202
John Von Bank Von Bank Lawn Care, Inc. Rosemount, MN, 651-775-0817
Jerry Hutchison Hutchison Excavating Deerwood, MN, 218-534-3922
Chad Nesbit Nesbit Agencies Eden Prairie, MN, 952-941-9418
Deb Sletmoen Implementation Specialists, Inc. Hawley, MN, 218-486-5095
Kevin Isler North Pro Representatives Waconia, MN, 715-417-0434
Scott Holmgren Innovative Land Design Associates Lansing, MI, 517-321-1394
Dan Lee North Wood’s Marine, MN, 651-433-4309
Chris VanderLinden JT Lawn Service Moorhead, MN, 701-388-3648
Matt Lennon Northwoods Industry LLC Marine, MN, 651-336-9417
listed transformers or power supplies that comply with 680.23 (A) (2) shall be permitted to be located less than 5 ft. from the inside wall of the pool. The “low voltage contact limit” is a maximum of 15 volts rms, with the term “rms” being the voltage that you measure on an rms voltage reading multimeter. The transformer and power supply must be listed for swimming pool and spa use and shall incorporate either a transformer of the isolated winding type with an undergrounded secondary that has a grounded metal barrier between the primary and secondary windings or one that incorporates an approved system of double insulation between the
primary and secondary winding. Be sure to review the entirety of Article 680 prior to installing or servicing swimming pools, fountains, and similar installations. Unless otherwise allowed, low voltage equipment cannot be closer than 10 ft. from the inside of the pool, fountain or spa.
ANDREW LINDQUIST, Owner of Links Systems, Inc. can be reached at alindquist@linkssystemsinc.com.
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➾ LA S T WORD
IN MEMORIAM The Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Arteka founder Jerry Bailey, Pearl Johnson, wife of John R. Johnson, Belden Plastics; and Mary Cross, wife of Don Cross of Cross Nurseries. Pearl Johnson Pearl L. Johnson, wife of John R. Johnson of Belden Plastics, passed away at age 93 on April 1, 2015. She is survived by loving husband of 70 years, John; children Rick (Bernie) Johnson, Brad (Linda) Johnson, Lynn (Allan) John; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters Hazel (Wally) Pehrson and Ruby (Gerald) Johnson; brother George Larson; many nieces and nephews. Mary Cross Mary Katherine Cross, age 75, of Lakeville, passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on March 28, 2015. Mary Cross is wife of Don Cross of Cross Nurseries. Preceded in death by her brother-in-laws, Jerry and Bob. Survived by her husband, Don; children: Jeffery (Deb), Gary (Kristy), and Catherine (Leon) Sternberg; grandchildren: Earl, Eric, Nick, Jake, McKenna, Emilie, and Caylie; sisters: Arlene Clay and Donna French; also by other loving relatives and friends. Jerry Bailey Below is a submission from current President of Arteka, Stewart Hanson, with details and reflections on the life of Jerry L. Bailey. Jerry L. Bailey, RLA, Founder of Arteka in 1970, passed away on April 5, 2015 at the age of 72. Healthy, happy and vibrant to the very end, Jerry suffered a sudden cardiac arrest after going for a run. He was enjoying the winter in Florida with his wife Mary Jo, and recent visits from his daughters Kristin and Erin, her husband, Mike, and Jerry’s granddaughter and four grandsons. I started working for Jerry in 1973 after a Hennepin Tech tour of six companies. I was so impressed with the creativity, scope of work and quality compared to all the others I went back that afternoon and got a job digging trees out of the heal. Among many, one of the things I remember is that when we built timber retaining walls, no joints could be wide enough to slip a playing card into, including the top course which was always mitered at the corners! Along with family, Jerry had two great passions: Landscape Architecture and landscaping; and real estate in the form of creating a business center and nature preserve. Jerry reluctantly sold the business, the name Arteka and most of the landscape assets to David Luse, founder of Natural Green (1976) in 1991 in order to pursue his dream of developing SkyRidge Business Center & Nature Preserve into that reality. I have always tried to visit SkyRidge every summer. Jerry would take me for a walk around the property and excitedly show me the new projects he had been working on. Sometimes you had to really pay attention to notice cool little surprise elements cleverly tucked in the woods. Nothing arbitrary, everything always well thought out, with meaning, planned and executed. Jerry built a great company in Arteka that remains vibrant 45 years later. In my opinion, he also realized his dream of creating a meaningful and beautiful business center and nature preserve at SkyRidge. The family is planning a celebration of life to be held at SkyRidge sometime this summer. The date and time will be announced. Obituary will appear in the Star Tribune at a later date. The SkyRidge and the funeral home link are below. Godspeed Jerry; you left a legacy and the world a better place. Stewart K. Hanson President, Arteka Companies 62
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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!
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