Nursery & Landscape Notes Spring 2023

DON’T SWEAT IT THIS SUMMER

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Nursery & Landscapenotes

Published by

North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. 968 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC 27607

NCNLA Staff

Richard Lawhun Executive Vice President

Katie Rodrigues Director of Events & Education

Kathryn Stansbury Director of Business Development

Wendi Doak Director of Marketing & Communications

Rayna Bailey Office Manager

Nursery & Landscape Notes is published quarterly by the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. (NCNLA), covering news, research, education and business in the nursery and landscape industries. The publication is distributed to approximately 825 horticulture producers, landscape professionals and industry suppliers.

Nursery & Landscape Notes is provided as a member service.

2023 NCNLA Board of Directors

Tim Johnson, II President

Tim Johnson Landscaping Statesville, NC

Ariel Montanez

Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer

Pender Nursery

Garner, NC

Kevin Cagle

Past President

Greenthumb Nursery, LLC

Ether, NC

Michael Gossett

Gossett’s Landscape

Nursery Inc.

High Point, NC

Eric Mangum

Caterpillar

Clayton, NC

Dana Massey

Plantworks Nursery

Rougemont, NC

Advertising

NCNLA EVENTS

Summer Educational Summit

June 15, 2023

McKimmon Conference and Training Center

NC State University

Raleigh, NC

www.ncnla.com/SES

Robert Cagle Memorial Golf Tournament

June 16, 2023

Lochmere Golf Club

Cary, NC www.ncnla.com/GOLF

Green & Growin’ 24

January 15-19, 2024

Greensboro, NC

www.greenandgrowin.com

INDUSTRY EVENTS

AmericanHort Cultivate

July 15 – 18, 2023

Columbus, OH

www.cultivateevent.org

JoCoPlants Show

August 16, 2023

NC State Fair Grounds

Jonathan Schwarz Pender Pines Garden Center

Hampstead, NC

Ed Snyder Greenleaf Services

Linville, NC

Trey Warrick Scottree & Shelby

Nursery, Inc.

Shelby, NC

Educational Advisors

Jodi Riedel

NC State University

Raleigh, NC

Justin Snyder

Alamance Community College

Graham, NC

NCNLA Day at Caterpillar

August 23, 2023

Clayton, NC www.ncnla.com

Certified Plant Professional Exam

June 30, 2023

Mills River, NC

Oct. 6, 2023

Wilson, NC

Jan. 15, 2024

Green & Growin’ 24 Greensboro, NC www.ncnla.com/CPP

For advertising inquiries and publication schedule, please contact Wendi Doak at wdoak@ncnla.com or 919-819-9119, ext. 1002.

The inclusion of products or brand names in this publication is not an endorsement by the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association.

Mission: To provide essential value to our members through education, marketing and advocacy.

Vision: To promote and protect the interests of North Carolina’s green industry.

Connect with NCNLA

facebook.com/NCNurseryandLandscapeAssociation twitter.com/tweet_ncnla instagram.com/ncnla ncnla.com | BuyNCPlants.com | GreenandGrowin.com

Tax Deductible Dues Contributions or gifts to NCNLA are not tax deductible as charitable contributions. However, they may be tax deductible as ordinary business expenses. A portion of your dues is not deductible as an ordinary business expense to the extent that NCNLA engages in lobbying. The estimated non-deductible portion of your dues assessment is 20%.

©2023 NCNLA

Raleigh, NC

www.jocoplantshow.com

ELEVATE

September 10-13, 2023

Dallas, TX

www.landscapeprofessionals.org/ elevate

ON THE COVER

WELCOME, NEW NCNLA MEMBERS! NC State-Landscape Construction Services

Raleigh

Flat Rock Nursery Wrightsville

Southern Oak Nursery & Supply Knightdalee

Illicium ‘NCIH1’

Star Flower Scorpio™

See article on page 28.

Cover photo and article provided by: Tom Ranney

JC Raulston Distinguished Professor Department of Horticultural Science North Carolina State University

A Busy Spring and Summer Ahead!

Spring is here! While I’m sure each of you is busy with the hustle and bustle of the season, I hope you can find a moment to take a deep breath, step back and enjoy the craziness that is spring in the green industry. As hectic as it can be, this season is one of the biggest reasons each of us chose this incredible field of work. With all the uncertainty over the past few years, from COVID to labor shortages to supply chain issues, one thing has remained the same throughout: spring. Even with many forecasting questionable economic times in our future, our industry remains strong.

As we look at the year ahead, I would like to take time to share some of the work the NCNLA board and staff have been doing, as well as some of our upcoming events. There are so many great things happening and exciting events coming up — and, likewise, many ways to get involved with the association.

Tim

The board is coming off its two-day spring meeting at the JC Raulston Arboretum, during which we reviewed past events and looked ahead to next year’s Green & Growin’, covered legislative items and discussed ways to keep improving how we serve you, our members. We also had the opportunity to spend some time with faculty and staff at North Carolina State University, and we are thankful that NCSU continues to be so invested in strengthening its relationship with NCNLA. During a meet-and-greet with NCSU staff, we learned about many new things happening at the university and had a chance to tour new facilities at the school. In the process we had a great time getting to know one another, and even shared a meal together.

The NCNLA Legislative Committee has also been incredibly busy in recent months, and I can’t thank Matt Hunter enough for the countless hours he has spent leading our legislative efforts. Matt and Rick have been hard at work and are currently

bringing new members on to the committee to help advance its goals. I was able to join the group in Raleigh in March for a day of meetings with legislators, and it has been a thrill seeing this group gain momentum, working with lawmakers and other industry partners to make sure the green industry’s best interests are being fought for and protected. Be sure to read the full Legislative Committee update in this issue.

Looking past this busy season, we have several funfilled and educational events coming up over the summer:

• NCNLA Summer Educational Summit

(June 15): We are excited to host the first edition of this annual event at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh. We have an incredible day of learning planned for you and would love to see you there! Visit www.ncnla.com for more information and to sign up. Sponsorships are also available.

• Robert Cagle Memorial Golf Tournament

(June 16): The tournament will be back at Lochmere Golf Club this year, so please consider joining us for an enjoyable day of golf while we raise money to support our scholarship fund. The event has grown every year, and we want to sell it out in 2023 — so please bring customers and/or colleagues out to play. Or, if you’re not a golfer, sponsorship opportunities are available. Funds raised at the tournament go a long way toward helping us support future generations of professionals in our industry.

• Certified Plant Professional Exam (June 30): The CPP exam will be held in Mills River. However, if this location isn’t ideal for you, there will be other opportunities throughout the state over the next several months.

• NCNLA Day at Caterpillar (Aug. 23): We are excited to be going back at Caterpillar’s Facility in Clayton for the third year in a row. This year’s event will offer great opportunities to learn about Caterpillar equipment, as well as different facets of our industry. Stay tuned for more information — you won’t want to miss it!

I hope each of you has a successful and profitable spring, and I hope to see you at the Summer Educational Summit in June. Until then, enjoy the madness!

Tim Johnson Landscaping Statesville, NC

NCNLA is Offering a Variety of Activities this Summer

Get out your calendars! NCNLA leadership and staff are finalizing several events that offer opportunities to satisfy licensing requirements, support the NCNLA scholarship program by playing a round of golf, earn an industry designation, learn about the latest trends in equipment while enjoying a cookout, and simply mingle with friends and colleagues. Upcoming events include:

• June 30: NCNLA is offering the North Carolina Certified Plant Professional (CPP) exam at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, NC. Preregistration, supporting documents and a $100 fee are required to sit for the exam.

Richard “Rick” Lawhun NCNLA Executive Vice President

• June 15: NCNLA hosts the 2023 Summer Educational Summit at McKimmon Center on the North Carolina State University campus. The program includes seven sessions covering a variety of topics specifically designed for landscape contractors, including landscape lighting, natural stone applications, weed control, worker’s comp claims, green infrastructure, bidding processes and soil health. This year’s event is expected to attract more than 150 attendees, so be sure to register soon.

RickDon’t need the continuing education units (CEUs)? Take advantage of one of the sponsorship opportunities available to promote your products/services to a target audience.

• June 16: Kevin and Robby Cagle host the 2023 Robert Cagle Memorial Golf Tournament at Lochmere Golf Club in Cary, NC. Proceeds benefit the NCNLA Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to horticulture and landscape students who plan to pursue careers in the nursery and landscape industry. Join NCNLA members and industry colleagues for an afternoon of fun in the sun. Not a golfer? Take advantage of one of the sponsorship opportunities available to support the event and promote your products/services.

Already have your CPP? Be sure to submit a renewal application as soon as possible, as failure to renew may result in a lapse of the certification. First-time renewals are not subject to CEU requirements.

• Aug. 23: Caterpillar will host an open house for NCNLA members at its facility in Clayton, NC. The afternoon event includes equipment demonstrations and offers members a chance to tour one of the area’s leading equipment plants to learn more about the solutions Caterpillar has to offer the green industry. After the tour, be certain to hang around for the cookout/ networking event that begins at 3:00 PM. The open house is free, but preregistration is required to attend.

Additional information about each of these events is available online at www.ncnla.com. Take the time to join us at one or more of these events over the next few months — they will be worth your while! And, as always, stay well and stay passionate about the industry you love!

Owner, president

Five Minutes with Freeman Landscape Inc.

How did you get into the business?

Jim (North Carolina State University 1974) grew up in the family nursery business, which was started by Jim’s dad, mother, and grandfather (NCSU 1915) in 1949. Unfortunately, tornadoes destroyed the business in 1984, and Jim turned to landscaping full time after that. We formed our own company, which is certified as a Women Business Enterprise, around the time we met and married in the early 1990s.

What’s a typical day like for you and your staff?

Our managers get our four divisions — landscape install, irrigation install, nursery and maintenance — going at 6:45 AM each morning. I typically work from 9 AM-6 PM. My focus is on the business as a whole, and I manage our accounting department, along with two assistants. I also work closely with our managers every day to ensure the departments are running smoothly. Jim handles most of the design and take-offs for projects. James Freeman (NCSU 2016) oversees the installation departments.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Working with a great base of employees, many of whom have been with us 15 years or more, has been wonderful. We strive to create and maintain a family atmosphere for our employees. Seeing the company grow over a 30-year period and building its stature and respect among general contractors has also been very fulfilling. Seeing the respect our oldest son, James, he has garnered among our clients, has been especially rewarding.

What is your company best known for?

We are very well respected by many of the largest general contractors, and we are known for having the resources and desire to finish large projects on time with a high degree of quality.

Robin, Jim, and James Freeman

What issues are you concerned about as a company in the green industry?

We constantly fight the labor issues, and I would say that is the most challenging aspect of our business. We are also very concerned about the push from outside factions to control what types of plants may be used in landscaping.

What have you gained from your involvement in NCNLA?

Insight into the industry outside our dayto-day operations.

What advice do you have for someone interested in or just starting out in the industry?

Take advantage of the many opportunities to learn how to organize and streamline your business. Set up accounting properly and get some type of platform to keep track of your profits and losses. Price your work appropriately, do quality work and ensure that your integrity is beyond reproach.

Certified Plant Professional Update

The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association would like to recognize the following professionals who recently renewed their Certified Plant Professional (CPP) certifications (as of April 26, 2023):

Hilarie Barber Blevins, Sandhills Community College

Thaddeus J. Cole, Highland Heritage Landscapes Inc.

Attention, All CPPs

There are currently 166 active North Carolina Certified Plant Professionals, each of whom is highlighted on our website at www.ncnla.com/ cpp. If you would like your email address added to your CPP listing so potential clients can reach you, please email education@ncnla. com, permitting NCNLA to share your contact information.

Upcoming CPP Exams

• June 30, 2023: Mills River, NC

• Oct. 6, 2023: Wilson, NC

• Jan. 15, 2024: Green & Growin’ 24 in Greensboro, NC

Christine Dzielak, Landmark WNC LLC

Edwin Henderson, Town of Rolesville

Mark A. Morgan Jr., The Morgan Landscape Group Inc.

CPP and Got to Be NC Partnership

In 2022, NCNLA teamed up with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) to co-brand a trailer that will travel across North Carolina as part of the North Carolina Food Distribution Division’s six food programs:

• Schools

• Emergency feeding assistance

• Commodity supplemental food

• Summer feeding

• Summer camps

• Disaster relief

Partnering with NCDA&CS and its Got to Be NC initiative is the

beginning of the North Carolina CPP consumer awareness campaign. The primary goal of this campaign is to educate consumers that individuals within our state have proven they are green industry experts and are available for hire.

Be on the lookout for the Got to Be NC and CPP trailer the next time you are on the highway —it may be on its way to an NCNLA event or a food delivery near you!

For more information about the CPP program, to renew your CPP certification or to register for an upcoming exam, visit www.NCNLA.com or email education@ncnla.com.

Eugene “Gene” Russell Brogdon, 74, of Dawsonville, GA, passed away Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, at his residence following an extended illness.

Born June 17, 1948, Gene had been a resident of Dawson County for 10 years, previously residing in Loganville, GA. He was of Christian faith and had been active in numerous Methodist churches over the years. Gene was raised in Lyons, GA, where, as a 1966 graduate of Lyons High School, he earned the “wittiest” superlative.

From 1967-1971, Gene served in the United States Navy during the war in Vietnam, where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal for Korea.

A lifelong Georgia Bulldog fan, following his military service he attended the University of Georgia (UGA), where he earned a degree in agricultural journalism and was a “Damn Good DAWG.” He also attended Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, GA, and Brewton Parker College in Vidalia, GA.

Gene spent his 34-year career working with numerous horticulture-related companies, including Zarn, IEM, Lerio and Nursery Supplies. He also served on the board of directors for the Center for Applied Nursery Research at UGA and was president of sales and marketing for the Georgia Green Industry Association. A very talented and a handy builder, he helped his wife with many projects and built dog houses, his daughter’s lofted bed at college, and stages for high school plays. He also cared for the Loganville High School baseball fields from 1993-1997. Gene received many awards for his hard work and achievements, including the 2012 Nursery Supplies Lifetime Achievement

Award in recognition of outstanding performance, the 2013 Georgia Green Industry Association Staff Award of Excellence, and the 2015 Southern Nursery Association Pinnacle Award for outstanding service and advancement of the industry by an allied member.

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Diane Brogdon of Dawsonville; his children, Melanie Brogdon Charles of Dahlonega, Russell Brogdon (Dagny) of Dawsonville and Stephanie Brogdon (Amanda) of Durham, NC; his grandchildren, Hannah, Rebekah, Grayson, Matthew, and Nathaniel; his sister, Linda Lewis (Keith); and several nieces, nephews and other relatives. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Sara Lou Brogdon, and his brother, Fred Brogdon.

Daniel Rodney Finch, 76, passed away Saturday, April 8, 2023.

Dan received his bachelor’s degree at East Carolina University and his master’s degree at Duke University. A master potter who trained at the Penland School of Crafts, Dan taught pottery classes for adults at Dan Finch Pottery. He was a past president and board member of the North Carolina Pottery Center and a 2010 inductee of the Twin County Hall of Fame for Nash and Edgecombe counties, and was appointed for two terms (1993-2005) on the North Carolina Board of Agriculture. In addition, Dan served as a member of the North Carolina State Fair Advisory Board and as president for the Village of Yesteryear from 1993-1998. He was also a past director and president of the North Carolina Nursery Association, as well as a recipient of the organization’s D.H. Copeland Award.

The owner of Finch Blueberry Nursery, Dan’s reach was known worldwide due to his work as a consultant for the government of Chile for the introduction, propagation and farming of the

blueberry plant. He was also a consultant for private firms in Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, and Spain in the 1980s.

As owner and president of Homes for Bluebirds, a nonprofit organization founded by his father, Jack Finch, Dan worked tirelessly to leave this world a better place for future generations. Homes for Bluebirds builds nesting boxes for the preservation of bluebirds and other cavity nesters.

Dan is survived by his loving wife, Amy Farabow Finch; his son, Rodney Justin Finch, and daughter-in-law Kathryn of Bailey, NC; his granddaughter, Addyson Carraway Finch of Bailey; his grandson, Owen Thomas Finch of Bailey; his brother, Gerald E. Finch, and sisterin-law Dot of Mt. Airy, NC; his brother, Kelly W. Finch, and sister-in-law Debra of Ayden, NC; his sister, Jane Finch Shaner, and brother-in-law Mark of Lake Mary, FL; and many nieces and nephews.

Daniel was preceded in death by his parents, Jack Rodney Finch and Ruby O’Dell White Finch, both of Bailey, NC.

2022 Scholarship Recipients

Each year, NCNLA awards scholarships to provide financial assistance to qualified students enrolled in degree programs associated with horticulture, landscape design or similar green industry fields of study in North Carolina.

In 2022, the following scholarships were awarded through the NCNLA Scholarship Program, with two exceptional students receiving $2,000 each.

NCNLA Scholarship: This scholarship, awarded to John Collins, provides additional financial assistance to deserving students in North Carolina.

Robert E. Cagle Memorial Scholarship: This scholarship, awarded to Danielle Clade, was established in memory of the founder of Greenthumb Nursery in Ether, NC. Also a long-standing member of NCNLA, Mr. Cagle helped organize an annual golf outing for industry members. The event, now named in his honor, helps to fund the scholarship program.

John is currently an agriculture biological science student majoring in plant science at the University of Mount Olive,

having received his Associate of Science degree from Surry Community College. Greenhouse and nursery management, along with crop science, have been his favorite courses so far. “Greenhouse and nursery management provided me with insights into the horticulture industry by giving me access to places I had never been before, such as tissue culture labs and other nursery operations,” says Collins. “Crop science introduced me to broader parts of agriculture, such as sweet potato and tobacco operations, that I wasn’t overly familiar with, since I’m a grain farmer.”

After graduation, John will assist with his family farm and explore other opportunities within the agriculture industry.

Danielle is currently pursuing her horticulture science degree at NC State University, with a minor in production and entrepreneurship, having received her Associate of Science degree from Wake Tech Community College. Her favorite courses to date have been plant propagation and nursery management. “Not only did I learn about different propagation techniques and nursery skills in those classes, but the professors were incredibly hands-on and had a passion for teaching students,” says Clade. “They gave me the skills and confidence I needed to go out and pursue internships and jobs in the field.”

After graduation, Danielle will go on to pursue her Master of Science degree in horticulture at NC State in the fall. She looks forward to utilizing her degree and experience to pursue a research-based career.

To learn more about the NCNLA Scholarship Program, visit www.ncnla.com/scholarships.

For more information on how individuals and organizations can support the NCNLA Scholarship Program, contact Katie Rodrigues, director of events and education, at education@ncnla.com or 919-816-9119, ext. 1000.

Danielle Clade

John Collins

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Legislative Update

The NCNLA Legislative Committee had a productive day in Raleigh on Tuesday, March 21, as members met with several state senators and representatives to discuss key issues that impact the nursery and landscape industry.

NCNLA lobbyist Dick Carlton and Legislative Committee Chair Matt Hunter of New Garden Landscaping & Nursery led a delegation that included Ariel Montanez of Pender Nursery, Tim Johnson of Tim Johnson Landscaping, and NCNLA staffers Kathryn Stansbury and Rick Lawhun. The group held productive and positive meetings with:

• Sen. Brent Jackson, District 9

• Sen. Bill Rabon, District 8

• Rep. Jimmy Dixon, District 4

• Rep. John Faircloth, District 62

• Rep. Jon Hardister, District 59

• Rep. Jeffrey McNeely, District 84

• Rep. Larry Strickland, District 28

Topics of discussion, which varied from meeting to meeting, included:

• Native Plants Act: Mandates the use of native plants for state-funded projects.

• Agriculture industry economic impact study: Provides funding to update the previous North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services study.

• Retaining walls: Clarifies existing legislation to allow landscapers to construct retaining walls more than 3 feet in height.

• Agriculture apprenticeship program: Provides funding for agriculture apprenticeships.

• Diesel engines: Addresses engine emissions standards.

• Waters of the United States (WOTUS): Determines North Carolina’s position regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new definition of WOTUS.

The committee continues to work with legislators to reduce the impact of Senate Bill 318, Native Plants Act, on the nursery and landscape industry. The Transportation Committee unanimously approved a revised bill on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, that incorporates changes requested by the industry. The Senate will likely vote on the bill in late spring or early summer, if they have not already done so by the time this article is published. Key revisions to the initial bill have the following effects:

• expand the definition of native plants to include plants native to the Southeast U.S., rather than just the state of North Carolina;

• limit application of the legislation to the Department of Transportation and to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources;

• allow cultivars and selections of native plants, provided they were not selected for reduced reproductive structures; and

• extend the date of implementation to Dec. 31, 2024.

The committee members are appreciative of Sen. Rabon, who met with them on several occasions to discuss the legislation and consider modifications.

The revised bill passed by the Transportation Committee significantly reduces the impact on the nursery and landscape industry. Universities, municipalities and government facilities, which make up a substantial portion of industry business, are no longer included in the legislation. Expanding the definition of native plants and extending the date of implemen-

Legislative Committee Members

Matt Hunter, Chair

New Garden Landscaping & Nursery

Greensboro, NC

Charles Allen

Green Biz Nursery and Landscaping

Fayetteville, NC

Kevin Cagle

Greenthumb Nursery

Seagrove, NC

James Freeman

Freeman Landscape

Wilmington, NC

Tim Johnson

Tim Johnson Landscaping

Statesville, NC

Eric Jones

Turf Teacher Inc.

Pfafftown, NC

Terry Kallam

Triangle Chemical Co.

Wilson, NC

Ariel Montanez

Pender Nursery

Garner, NC

Barry Partlo

Agri Supply

Garner, NC

Ed Snyder

Greenleaf Services

Linville, NC

Gary Whitehurst

Worthington Farms

Greenville, NC

Mark Yelanich

Metrolina Greenhouses

Huntersville, NC

Dick Carlton, Lobbyist

Law Office of Richard H. Carlton PLLC

Raleigh, NC

Kathryn Stansbury, Staff Liaison

NCNLA

Rick Lawhun, Ad Hoc Member

NCNLA

tation will allow the industry to better prepare to meet the expected demand for native material.

If you would like more information on the native plant bill or would like to join the Legislative Committee, contact the NCNLA office at info@ncnla.com. We welcome your participation!

From left to right: Ariel Montanez, Tim Johnson, Rep. Jimmy Dixon and Matt Hunter

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT »

Nursery & Landscape Notes is introducing you to the next generation of green industry professionals by featuring current and recent college students with plans to pursue careers in the field.

Bonnie Martinez

Student Profile

Name: Bonnie Christine Martinez

Hometown: Colonial Heights, VA College: Sandhills Community College

Graduation dates: May 2024

Major/Area of Study: Landscape and gardening (associate’s degree)

Horticulture-Related Places You Have Worked/

Interned: I am currently in the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens Work-Based Learning program. We also have spring, summer and fall labs where we get hands-on experience. Working in the gardens is one of my favorite things to do!

How did you discover horticulture?

My first experience in horticulture was with my grandmother when I was five years old. She loved peonies, gladiolus and strawberries. One of my favorite memories is of her kneeling next to me in the garden, telling me to make sure that when I pulled up weeds, I also got the roots. To this day it makes me smile. She inspired me to get my hands dirty.

What were your most valuable experiences, either in school or from other exposure to the industry, and why?

My most valuable experience happened when I lived at Langley Air Force Base, where they had a Yard of the Month program. I really wanted to win the contest, so I planted a ton of plants that year — but it was one of the ugliest yards, so I didn’t win. However, I was determined to gave it another try, and I did win Yard of the Month the next year! In fact, I won for the next seven years in a row, and I was actually recognized as Yard of the Year for three of those years! The best part of the experience was that I fell in love with gardening, and my passion for plants continues to this day.

What were your favorite college classes, and why?

My favorite class in college is Plant Identification (at Sandhills Community College, we’re lucky to be able to take three semesters of that class). Learning all about each individual plant is rewarding, interesting and fun!

What are your plans after graduation? I hope to start a business selling rare and unusual plants. My goal is to have a greenhouse where people can find plants that aren’t sold at the big-box stores.

What advice would you give to a student interested in the field? Go for it! The green industry is fun and

offers many different options for successful, satisfying and rewarding careers.

Fun question: What is your favorite plant, and why?

My favorite plant is impatiens, which give a beautiful pop of color in a shady garden. They make me smile.

Renew Your CPP Designation Today

and Receive a Padfolio and Lapel Pin!

Continuing Education requirements are waived for the first renewal. Your renewal will go towards the growth of the CPP Program to expand program offerings, communicate the importance of the designationto consumers and market the program to interested participants.

www.ncnla.com/CPP

NCNLA DAY AT CATERPILLAR

Join us at Caterpillar in Clayton, NC for a behind-the-scenes look at production, product demonstrations and a networking cookout. Attending this event will satisfy one renewal CEU for Certified Plant Professionals.

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Caterpillar Edward J. Rapp Customer & Training Center 954 N. Carolina Highway 42 E Clayton, NC 27527

SCHEDULE

10:00 am – 11:30 am

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

12:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Caterpillar small wheel loader factory tour

Networking cookout hosted by Caterpillar

Irrigation, drainage, planting, and grading demonstration stations (Each group will rotate between stations.)

Must preregister to operate equipment. Closed toe shoes required. Go to www.ncnla.com/CAT to register by August 9, 2023.

Registration fee: $10 (proceeds will go to the NCNLA Scholarship Fund). Space is limited, so register early!

15% o in-store Cat® promotional merchandise for attendees

The Recent Buzz at UMO North Carolina School Update

By Dr. Jason Davis, Assistant Dean, School of Agriculture & Biological Sciences

For centuries, humans have harnessed the power of bees to produce honey and pollinate numerous crops and commodities. In recent years, however, bee populations have experienced a decline due to pesticide overuse, parasites, pests, climate change, and loss and destruction of habitat (Jonker, 2022). Now, members of the University of Mount Olive (UMO) community are making efforts to help boost honeybee colony numbers, educate future leaders and encourage participation in sustainable practices. Along with a nonprofit organization known as the Beekeepers of the Neuse, UMO faculty and students recently began work to build and maintain a new apiary, the Trojan Apiary, at the Kornegay Student Farm, located about five miles from the UMO campus.

The partnership began in 2022 with a certified beekeeping course provided by the nonprofit for UMO students, with an inaugural class of 12 students training to become certified beekeepers. The Beekeepers of the Neuse also then pitched in to assist with the creation of the Trojan Apiary. Initially, one package of bees was purchased to begin the first hive. Two other swarms were then caught using swarm traps and transferred into hives at the apiary.

UMO also has worked to incorporate bees and the school apiary into the sustainability plan for the farm, where bees are utilized to pollinate several crops, including strawberries, blackberries, grapes and numerous vegetables. To further UMO’s sustainability plan, several pollinator plots were installed at the farm to provide perennial native wildflowers. The flowers, native to Eastern North Carolina, provide pollen and nectar for the bees during periods of the growing season during which flowering plants may not be available. The select mix of flowers was developed specially by Garrett Lee at Garrett Wildflower Seed Farm of Four Oaks, NC (garrettseed.com).

Students play a significant part in managing the bees and pollinator

plots, including preparing the plots by prepping the soil with tillage, soil amendments and nutrients, and then planting the seed. By taking an active role, students learn about the complex relationships between native plants and healthy bee populations, as well as the importance of these factors in both the local environment and agriculture production, helping to maintaining a safe, reliable food supply.

The perennial wildflowers provide not only a burst of color and food for our bees, but also a reminder to invest in the environment and wildlife in our area.”

Each year, blackberries and strawberries from the Kornegay Student Farm that are not sold on the fresh market are processed into jars of jam for separate sale. This past holiday season, the jams were sold as a gift trio, along with a jar of honey from the Trojan Apiary.

Jonker, S. (2002) Retrieved from the Internet at: www.visiontimes.com/2022/ 02/13/declining-honey-bee-population.html.

Dr. Jason Davis, an assistant dean in the UMO School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences

Dr. Jason Davis, an assistant dean in the UMO School of Agriculture and Biological Sciences, prepares to install a package of bees into their new home.

April flowers provided by the perennial native wild flower mix.

An Update on Student Numbers in the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State

By Helen Kraus, Associate Professor and Undergraduate Programs Director

Jodi Riedel, Senior Lecturer and AGI Coordinator

With demand for talent so high among employers in the North Carolina nursery and landscape industry, the North Carolina State University Horticultural Science Department continues to work hard to boost the field of students pursuing horticulture as a major and a career.

Guiding students to horticulture is an ongoing challenge. In addition

to the ebb and flow of societal trends and career interests among high school students, admission to NC State continues to be very competitive. In fact, the unweighted average GPA of our incoming class is currently 3.87. Unfortunately, not all students with an interest in horticulture will be able to attend.

With these factors in mind, the Horticultural Science undergraduate program has developed several strategies to support students in beginning and successfully completing their degrees in horticulture. We like to say: “It doesn’t matter where you start — it only matters where you

finish.” We help students select classes that will transfer from an Associate of Science degree (completed at NC State or a community college) into a fouryear Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in horticulture. When enrolled in our horticulture BS program, students are paired with a faculty advisor who teaches and researches in the student’s area of interest. That advisor will serve as a mentor for course selection and career development all the way through the student’s graduation from the degree program.

Of the nearly 190 students currently in the NC State horticulture program, approximately one-third

HortPack competition team at the 2023 NALP competition in Mississippi

are pursuing a two-year Associate of Science degree, with concentrations in landscape technology or smallscale farming. About half of program students pursuing a BS degree transferred into horticulture from another school or area of study; the other half started in the program as first-year students straight out of high school. Regardless of how they arrived in the program, however, all

horticulture graduates will take with them an excellent education and a passion for their careers.

Our BS students are currently distributed approximately evenly among the program’s three concentrations: plant breeding and biotechnology; production systems and entrepreneurship; and landscape design, gardens and urban environments.

Happily, student numbers in our BS program are up 74% from where they were in 2017, promising a strong influx of new horticulture graduates in the near future. NC State Horticultural Science remains a strong, hands-on, problem-solving-focused program with courses that meet the desires and interests of our students and fulfill the needs of the horticulture industry. The undergraduate program also prides itself in the fact that prior to graduation, students must complete an internship, research or teaching experience in horticulture — learning opportunities that provide transformative lessons for students and help steer the focus for their future careers. If you would like to host a student intern, please reach out to me at helen_kraus@ncsu.edu, and I will be happy to help you set that up.

Finally, we continue to make great memories and enrich our students’

lives while they are in school. The Horticulture Club, Pi Alpha Xi and the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Competition Team all continue to thrive. In March, 19 students and three coaches from the NC State Horticulture and Turfgrass departments ventured to Mississippi State University to compete in the NALP National Collegiate Landscape Competition. “HortPack” students worked with industry mentors to help them prepare for more than 30 competitions, ranging from arboriculture to employee development. Several of our students placed individually in the top three nationwide, and overall NC State placed in the top 10. In addition, the team brought home the Stihl Spirit Award, a testament to its unified support of Wolfpack Pride. These students were supported by numerous industry stakeholders who volunteered their time and financial contributions to help them attend this weeklong event. In 2024, the HortPack will compete in Provo, Utah, at Brigham Young University. If you would like to support this incredible endeavor, please reach out to Jodi Riedel at jssonger@ncsu.edu to make a difference — and maybe find a future employee for your landscape or nursery business!

Nicole Vitale getting ready to climb in an arboriculture event

Alex Hafler in computer-aided landscape design

Daniel Wasserman competing in irrigation installation

Spotted Lanternfly Established in North Carolina

By Paul Adams, Amy Michael & Joy Goforth

Steve Troxler Commissioner of Agriculture

The highly invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula, SLF) was first discovered in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014 by a hunter who noticed a strange insect in large numbers on tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima). Through humanassisted movement such as vehicles, trains, campers, materials stored outdoors, and even landscape and hardscape materials, SLF has quickly invaded 14 states in just eight years. On June 23, 2022, SLF was reported and confirmed in North Carolina in the Kernersville area, on the border of Forsyth and Guilford counties.

Figure 1 Current spotted lanternfly distribution map. Cornell CALS — New York State Integrated Pest Management

This pest indiscriminately lays highly camouflaged egg masses on any outdoor surface, often looking for protected areas like the undersides of structures and tree cavities. Since the egg masses resemble spots of dried mud, they are often overlooked and are then transported to a new location, where they emerge in the spring and search to feed on one of more than a hundred suitable host plants.

SLF is a member of the family Fulgoridae, which places it more closely to the likes of cicadas and plant hoppers than to the flies and butterflies with which it is often confused. It is originally from eastern Asia, where it is not a problem and does not exhibit some of the problematic behaviors we see here in the United States. SLFs have piercing sucking mouth parts, and their prolific feeding results in the expulsion of a sugary excrement referred to as honeydew. This honeydew, which is generally unsightly and gross, encourages the growth of sooty mold and fungal mats in extreme cases, which can kill understory plants and attract stinging insects.

SLFs have one generation per year in the U.S., but they do not all hatch at once, meaning that multiple life stages can be found in one place throughout the year. In North Carolina, SLFs emerge from their egg masses in late March. The first instar (immature stage) moves up the tree or shrub to the young spring leaves and settles on leaf midribs and veins on the undersides of the leaves. This behavior is due to the more

delicate mouth parts of immature SLFs, which are incapable of piercing more woody tissues. SLFs progress through three more immature (nymph) stages from early April through late July. In late June through July, the immatures develop into winged adults capable of mating and producing offspring. Adults are much more mobile and more likely to cause damage and symptoms on host plants. Adults converge to mate, often in large swarms, and females begin to lay eggs in early September. SLFs will lay eggs on nearly any surface you can imagine — not only on host plants, but practically anything stored outside.

At present, SLFs have been documented utilizing more than 130

different species of plants in the U.S. for either feeding or egg laying. Some hosts of note include maples, cherries, grapes, apples, willows, walnuts, sycamores, poison ivy, roses, staghorn sumac and others. SLFs also utilize two invasive plant species as hosts — tree of heaven (Ailanthus altissima) and chinaberry (Melia azaderach), both of which are found in North Carolina. Tree of heaven is much more prevalent in central and western North Carolina, whereas chinaberry is much more prevalent in eastern North Carolina. Although SLF can complete its life cycle on either species, tree of heaven is highly preferred. Both chinaberry and tree of heaven specialize in disturbed habitats and can commonly be found on roadsides, in parking lot edges and along railway rights of way. Of the species mentioned above, grapes are the only commodity currently showing economic damage directly from SLF feeding; however, as SLFs establish further in the southern U.S., that may change. Agriculture accounts for about 6-6.5% of North Carolina’s economy, with a value of about $13 billion as of 2021. SLF poses a threat to our agricultural industries in two primary ways. First is the direct impact of feeding on plants we value, whether as food crops or for landscaping. Second is through interfering with the ability of businesses to ship goods across state lines, due to quarantines and regulatory constraints. Property values, tourism and outdoor venues are also highly impacted by the presence of this pest.

Figure 2. Spotted lanternfly adults feeding on tree of heaven. Streaks of honeydew run over black sooty mold, encouraging the growth of additional fungi. Photo by Whitney Swink.

Figure 3. Sizes and expected timing of spotted lanternfly life stages in central North Carolina, based on observations in Kernersville.

Nurseries and landscape professionals are some of our best resources to watch for this pest across the state. Reporting an initial find to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) gives us the best opportunity to respond quickly and work to control a population before it spreads. Any suspect SLF should be reported immediately by contacting your area Plant Protection Specialist or by using the online reporting tool at ncagr.gov/slf. To report, take a picture of the insect with a size reference (like a pen), if possible, and keep the insect in a freezer

until one of our staff gets in touch. If the insect gets away, please submit a picture of the place you found it — this can give us a good starting point for

our survey. If the suspect SLF is found in an incoming shipment, the best practice is to seal the delivery vehicle (if still present); if the vehicle has left, keep all the delivered materials together in one designated area. This can keep the insect from spreading throughout your facility while NCDA&CS personnel mobilize.

The most wide-reaching impact of SLF will be its impact on interstate commerce. While North Carolina currently has no SLF quarantine, it remains to be seen what requirements will come from states where this pest is not known to be established. SLF is also going to impact homeowners as a landscape and nuisance pest. Many plants utilized by SLF can be found in the average homeowner’s yard and in multifamily housing and park landscapes. At present, homeowners are also encouraged to report all suspected SLF sightings to the NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division.

Efforts to control the SLF population at the Guilford/Forsyth county line continue, but we expect additional reports of this pest during summer 2023, particularly in urban areas, tourist destinations and transportation hubs. Early detection and rapid response are key to keeping this highly invasive pest from becoming established. Learn more about SLF and its lookalikes at ncagr.gov/slf. SLF posters, outreach materials and resources are available for your business and can be obtained for free by sending your request to badbug@ncagr.gov.

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Illicium:

Dinosaurs of the Plant World W

Tom Ranney

JC Raulston Distinguished Professor Department of Horticultural Science North Carolina State University

e often talk about how magnolias are an ancient genus, but compared to Illicium, magnolias are the new kids on the block. Illicium are part of the oldest, basal lineage of flowering plants, known as the ANA grade, that includes an odd assortment of plants, including amborella (a primitive plant from New Caledonia), water lilies and the curious genus Illicium. Collectively these are the foundational ancestors of all flowering plants, dating back some 160 million years. A bit like sharks, Illicium haven’t changed much over time. Good designs are timeless, and fossil records show Jurassic-era Illicium were pretty much the same as they are today — and surviving grazing Brontosauruses, meteors and

global extinction events unscathed is some serious “street cred.” Fast forward millions of years, and Illicium now have a global distribution, with around 40-50 species of shrubs and small trees — six of which are found in the New World, with the remaining species scattered throughout Asia.

Cold hardiness of Illicium has been a bit of an enigma, and it turns out that many species of Illicium are much more cold hardy than we initially gave them credit for. Take Illicium floridanum, for example, which has a current native range is along the Gulf Coast (U.S. Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zone 8). I. floridanum was most likely pushed south during Pleistocene glaciation events and just hasn’t had a chance to migrate back up north. After the brutal winter of 2022-2023, I asked around a bit on how Illicium fared. Folks throughout USDA Zone 6b reported that I. floridanum was one of the best-performing broadleaf evergreens, particularly when protected from wind and sun during periods of low temperatures. We got down to zero degrees here in the mountains, and I. floridanum didn’t flinch. Illicium anisatum, henryi and parviflorum were all fine, too.

About that smell? The genus Illicium gets its name from the Latin for “allurement,” a reference to enticing aromas — but not everyone would agree. Illicium are pungent, and if you crush the leaves or roots, you get a strong anise-like scent. Personally, I actually like that sort of pine-tree, terpenoid

smell. However, particularly on a hot day, the flowers can turn unpleasant — or, as botanists say, “malodorous.” Illicium are impressive chemical factories that contain diverse, volatile organic compounds found in no other plants. Many of these compounds are biologically active and demonstrate antibacterial, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral (anti-HIV), insecticidal, neurotoxic and phytotoxic activities. Illicium verum is of particular importance as an epicurean crop, and its seedpods are well known in kitchens as the star anise spice (not to be confused with other Illicium species, which have a similar appearance and can be toxic). However, most I. verum grown as a crop are used as a source of shikimic acid, the primary ingredient in the antiflu medication oseltamivir phosphate, sold as Tamiflu®. But what might be equally important is that few animals feed on Illicium, probably due to their unique secondary metabolites, and I. floridanum and mexicanum are particularly resistant to deer.

So, how can you improve on millions of years of evolution? Well, Mother Nature has provided a great foundation. Being enamored with Illicium here at the Mountain Crop Improvement Lab, we started a breeding program back in 2000. Our goal was to try to combine good cold hardiness, reblooming, different

flower colors, compact habits and deer resistance in a native, broadleafed evergreen shrub, and we worked with the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association on this collaborative research and development project to do just that. Plant breeding is more than just slinging around some pollen, however — this project took more than 20 years and a serious investment of staff and facilities to do crosses, grow out populations, do field tests in multiple locations, make selections, propagate and work with industry collaborators to commercialize.

The result has been two new Illicium hybrids: Star Flower Scorpio™ (‘NCIH1’ PP29,939) and Star Flower Orion™ (‘NCIH2’ PP29,938), which are advanced hybrids between I. floridanum and mexicanum. Both plants have solid USDA Zone 6b cold hardiness, and are probably hardy at colder temperatures with shade and protection from winter winds. Easily managed as 4-foot shrubs, Scorpio has red flowers and Orion has white flowers. Both bloom in the spring and again in late summer. They probably grow best in moister soils with a little afternoon shade, but they are pretty tough and adaptable once established. They root easily from cuttings in summer, fall and winter, with relatively high auxin treatment (e.g., 7,500 IBA quick dip). Star® Roses and Plants is overseeing marketing and distribution, but look to our great North Carolina propagators for liners and to nurseries for finished plants. And thanks to NCNLA for supporting this work!

Interested in more on the history, cytogenetics and evolution of Illicium?

Check out Ranney, T.G., C.F. Ryan, L.E. Deans, and N.P. Lynch. 2018. Cytogenetics and genome size evolution in Illicium L. HortScience 53(5):620-623. https://journals. ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/53/5/ article-p620.xml.

How to Expand Your Landscaping Business into the Commercial Market

If you run a landscaping business, you probably started with residential work in your local community. And while residential properties can be easier to handle, commercial landscaping jobs have a lot to offer as well, providing better margins, higher chances of repeat business and excellent marketing opportunities.

To pivot your business from residential to commercial landscaping, building relationships with business owners is crucial, so you’ll need to know which prospects to target and how to target them. The following strategies can help you tap into the commercial market.

Connect with Local Business Owners Start with a list of potential leads and identify business owners in the area with properties that might need your services, then send out cold emails or make calls to property managers. Prioritize your leads systematically, based on

the specific needs with which your business can assist and the likelihood that a given prospect will respond to your offer.

Then, deploy a system to organize your prospect lists, including business management software that can assist in your outreach and communication efforts. From one central hub, you’ll be able to track which prospects you’ve reached out to, how often you’ve attempted to make contact and whether or not they’ve responded.

Market Your Landscaping and Lawn Care Business

Although attending in-person networking events, working the phones and reaching out via email should certainly be priorities, be sure not to overlook the importance of digital marketing. Everything from Google Ads to social media

Getting involved in your community is also a great way to build brand awareness and create buzz around your commercial work. This might include participating in nonprofit events and charity work, hosting lectures and webinars catered to building owners and manager associations, and building a community presence at your local chamber of commerce.

Build Brand Loyalty

Incentive programs are an excellent way to build brand loyalty and generate more high-quality accounts, so consider offering discounts or other rewards to clients who refer new business to you.

User-generated content also can be a powerful marketing tool, and online testimonials are a great way to get your name out there. Be sure to ask repeat clients to leave feedback, framing the request as an opportunity to help your company grow.

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