DON’T SWEAT IT THIS SUMMER
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Mini Skid Steer
Updates on Green Industry Events and Developments
Plants rolling in, plants rolling out!
What a great spring. I hope you all are doing well and that your sales are strong. By the time you’re reading this, we’ll be moving into summer and things will be slowing down a bit, but the work continues. It seems like the theme for plants in spring 2024 has been “small and short” — especially for the larger container shrubs and trees. While this is a problem, it’s a good problem, since it means that demand for plant material is strong. And thankfully, all indications point to demand staying strong for a while.
Ariel Montanez Pender Nursery Garner, NC
In the meantime, I encourage all of you to protect your margins and manage inventory wisely. I often hear complaints about pricing. Rising labor costs and shortages of ready and willing workers continue to be challenges we all face, and they have had a significant impact on costs. NCNLA’s Legislative Committee, under the leadership of Gary Whitehurst, has been diligently working to address these issues through engagement with our local and state representatives. Over the past few months, we have spoken with the offices of Reps. Rouzer and Davis, as well as the office of Sen. Budd, to discuss the labor challenges our industry is facing through the H-2A and H-2B programs. As a result of those conversations, we have seen letters in support of freezing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate increases and addressing how they are calculated and implemented. And while the wheels of government move slowly, I am optimistic that we will see some action that will favorably impact our industry.
By the time you read this letter, the Legislative Committee will also have held another Legislative Day, during which we continue to engage and promote our interests with members of the North Carolina House and Senate.
In other news, the NCNLA Board and staff recently had a very productive two-day meeting! The staff brought many great ideas to the gathering to help enhance membership value and increase engagement. There are some engaging events coming up over the next few months, so be sure to put these on your calendar:
• June 20: NCNLA Summer Educational Summit at the McKimmon Center
• June 21: Robert Cagle Memorial Golf Tournament at the Lochmere Golf Club
• August 15: NCNLA Day at Caterpillar
• August 20: JoCoPlants Show
This isn’t an NCNLA event, but our friends from the Johnston County Nursery Association will hold their event at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds.
• Certified Plant Professional Exams:
○ September 17: Pike Nurseries in Charlotte, NC
○ September 23: Alamance Community College in Graham, NC
○ October 8: NC Cooperative Extension –Buncombe County Center in Asheville, NC
As we approach the warmer weather, I hope everyone has the opportunity to regroup, refresh and recharge for the sales-packed summer and fall seasons!
Dealing with Current Plant Shortages
Over the past two months, we have received numerous inquiries regarding shortages in the availability of plant material, particularly larger trees and shrubs. In talking with our nursery members, we’ve learned that some of the factors contributing to the current shortages include:
Richard “Rick” Lawhun NCNLA Executive Vice President
• Gardening boom: Homeowners wanted to improve their outdoor spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a significant impact on the availability of plant material. The effects of that gardening boom continue today.
• Supply shortages and cost increases: The availability and cost of supplies (e.g., plastic pots and fertilizer) necessary to grow plant material have contributed to the shortages. In addition, inclement weather in other parts of the country has led to increased sourcing of materials from North Carolina nurseries.
• Labor: The inability to hire workers who are willing and able to do physical labor is negatively impacting the quantity of plant material that can be produced.
• Propagation timeline: Depending on the species, it may take several years for a plant to reach the size specified in a bid document.
• Population growth: North Carolina is experiencing significant growth in residential subdivisions, commercial developments and public projects, which has contributed to the shortages by increasing demand for local plant material.
• Native plant legislation: The North Carolina General Assembly recently passed legislation requiring the use of native trees and shrubs in state parks, at historic sites and along roadways. The quantity of many trees and shrubs
being specified for these projects is currently unavailable. A lag of one to three years is expected for many shrub varieties, and a lag of two to five years is expected for many types of trees.
North Carolina’s nurseries will eventually be able to meet the increased demand for plant material. In the meantime, however, here are a few suggestions to help address the situation:
• Communicate: Make your customers and clients aware of the shortages.
• Evaluate the plant material specified: Consult with your local suppliers to determine the availability of plant material before bidding a job.
• Expand your search: You may be able to source specified plant material by expanding your search to include nurseries beyond your local suppliers. You can also visit NCNLA’s online wholesale buyer’s guide at www.BuyNCPlants.com for a list of nurseries and information on plant availability.
• Offer substitutions: Consult with your local suppliers to determine the availability of site-appropriate options that can be substituted for specified plant material.
The current demand for green industry products and services is unprecedented, and this demand has created shortages that are unlikely to be resolved in the short term. While plant material continues to mature, it is imperative that owners, inspectors and municipalities accept smaller and/ or similar plants as an equitable solution. As always, stay passionate about the industry you love!
NCNLA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT »
Savatree/Arborscapes
Charlotte, NC
Service Line Director
Jason Tebben In business
Since 2000
Number of employees 85
Member of NCNLA Since 2000
Favorite offerings from NCNLA Green & Growin’
Five Minutes with Jason Tebben, Service Line Director at Savatree/Arborscapes
How did you get into the business?
Throughout my teenage years, I loved working outdoors and really enjoyed the jobs I had in nurseries and landscaping. After graduating from high school, when contemplating what I wanted to study in college, I knew one thing: I dreaded the idea of working behind a desk and being stuck in an office all day. Any career that could prevent that was fine by me. Since I had thoroughly enjoyed my jobs in the landscape industry, I decided to pursue a degree in landscape horticulture and then start my business. I have no regrets!
What is a typical day like for you and your staff?
It’s crazy, but a good kind of crazy. No day is ever the same — every day is organized chaos, to some extent. Between Mother Nature dealing you blows, employees calling in sick, customers urgently requesting last-minute
projects, and unexpected deliveries or no-shows, it’s always something.
Generally we start our days getting our crews situated. Crews are given their work orders, and we go over details with the crew leader. After the crews are loaded and off to the job sites, the project managers meet the crews on-site and perform a walkthrough of each project. One project manager may have two to three projects to deal with, so walkthroughs can take up most of the morning. During the late morning and early afternoon, we meet with clients, check on projects, and work on invoices and estimates. In midto late afternoon, project managers check in on their projects and prepare work orders for the next day. Our typical workday is 7 AM-6 PM.
What has been the most rewarding part of your career?
I love driving around town and seeing the landscapes we installed 15-20 years ago and how they have matured. I’m proud of what we do and love seeing these landscapes develop, knowing I had a part in them. It’s rewarding to be respected within the community and have our clients trust us to transform their properties into something amazing.
Jason Tebben and Nathan Morrison
What is your company best known for?
High-end residential landscape installation and maintenance, and full-service tree care.
What issues are you concerned about as a company in the green industry?
Labor. All work in the green industry is challenging and difficult, and each year it seems to be harder to recruit younger talent to do what we do. Labor is a problem that’s not going away.
What have you gained from your involvement in NCNLA?
I love networking and meeting other professionals within the industry — you can learn so much from speaking to others. Professionals in the green industry are so easy to talk to and willing to share information about solving problems they’ve dealt with. I’ve peppered so many people in the green industry with questions throughout my career, and I’ve learned so much from others.
What advice do you have for someone interested in or just starting in the industry?
Working in the green industry is tough, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. You can make a good career working in this field, and it’s very rewarding. You’ll meet some of the most amazing people in this industry!
Certified Plant Professional Update
On March 22, 2024, 28 industry professionals sat for the Certified Plant Professionals (CPP) exam in Wilson, NC. NCNLA would like to thank Danny Lauderdale, area specialized agent, commercial ornamental nursery and greenhouse, Eastern Region, for hosting the exam and supporting NCNLA’s CPP program.
Congratulations to the following individuals who have earned their CPP accreditations:
Meghan Baker, North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Kalen Barfuss, Pope Landscape and Irrigation Company
Minda Daughtry, North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Debbie Dillion, North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Joey Filippini, New Garden Landscaping & Nursery
Charles Payton Flowers, North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Jesus Garcia, Purple Aster Landscape LLC
Rhiannon Goodwin, North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Christy Hackney, LanArc
Austin Poston, Ross Perennial Farm
Bart Renner, North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Cari Rosenbalm, North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Sarah Russell, Pope Landscape and Irrigation Company
Amy Scott, Scott’s Lawn and Landscaping
Michael Selander, Selander Landscape
Catherine Watts, Myatt Landscaping & Construction
Allen West, North Carolina Cooperative Extension
Upcoming CPP Exams
• September 17, 2024: Charlotte, NC
• September 23, 2024: Graham, NC
• October 8, 2024: Asheville, NC
Host a CPP Exam
NCNLA is beginning to coordinate plans for the CPP exams that will be offered in 2025. If you are interested in hosting an exam, please email education@ncnla.com for more information.
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.
NCNLA would also like to recognize the following professionals who recently renewed their CPP certifications for 2024-2026:
James Bullock, City of Raleigh Parks
Charles Fowler, North Carolina Department of Transportation
Amana Gillahan, The Biltmore Estate
Hannah Harvey, Plant Delights Nursery Inc.
Elizabeth Hathcock, SiteOne Landscape Supply
Monika Hollosi, Landscape Magic Design and Install
Grant Houlihan, Appalachian State University
Jane Nordwall, Southern States Carrboro
Joshua Peede, Isco Landscaping
David Poston, Healy Horticulture
Sarah Priddy, Southern States Carrboro
Kristin Searcy, The Biltmore Estate
Mark Sexton
Christohpher Shillinglaw, Red Mountain Landscapes
Amber Smithson, Southern States Carrboro
Jamie Talley, Elon University
Susan Tripp, Elon University
Timothy Warren, University of Mount Olive
Casey Wattinne, The Morgan Landscape Group Inc.
Wendy Williams, Elon University
Legislative Update
The primary mission of the Legislative Committee is to advocate for the interests of the Nursery and Landscape industries at the local, state and federal levels. At the federal level we coordinate with and support our national partners AmericanHort, National Association of Landscape Professionals and Farm Bureau. Gary Whitehurst of Worthington Farms is the chair of the Legislative Committee and also serves as the liaison to our national partners.
Lobbyist Anna Scott Marsh and her team at Michael Best Strategies have helped strengthen NCNLA’s legislative relationships through multiple recent events. NCNLA representatives attended the Breakfast with the Commissioner event on February 2 to continue building our strong relationship with Commissioner of Agriculture Steve Troxler and his staff. Last November, NCNLA was represented at an election fundraiser for North Carolina Rep. Larry Strickland, who represents Johnston County and has been very supportive of our industry. The NC Ag Partnership dinner was held on February 1 and attended by multiple legislators, candidates, commissioners and judges. Finally, the Imagine Ag Day event held at the SAS Institute campus on March 28 discussed the future of agriculture and how to speak
with a unified voice across all agricultural sectors to better accomplish goals for North Carolina agriculture at the federal level. Facilitated by Ray Starling and the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce, this event was sponsored by the Golden Leaf Foundation, the North Carolina Farm Bureau and Google.
NCNLA Legislative Day
NCNLA members, staff and lobbyists spent Wednesday, May 1, walking the halls of the North Carolina General Assembly and engaging with legislators on issues of importance to the green industry. The General Assembly convened on April 24 for its biennial short session. Members met with Rep. Jeff McNeely (Iredell County); Sam Deluca, research assistant to Rep. Larry Strickland (Johnston County); Rep. Karl Gillespie (Cherokee, Clay, Graham and Macon counties); Rep. Jimmy Dixon (Duplin and Wayne Counties); Rep. John Bell (Wayne County); Rep. Jarrod Lowery (Robeson County) and Rep. Destin Hall (Caldwell and Watauga counties). The group even enjoyed a quick tour of the North Carolina House and Senate Chambers, where lawmakers gather to conduct official business. Please stay tuned for updates as the legislative session progresses.
Legislative Committee Members
Gary Whitehurst, Chair Worthington Farms Greenville, NC
Jim Freeman Freeman Landscape Wilmington, NC
Debbie Hamrick North Carolina Farm Bureau Raleigh, NC
Tim Johnson
Tim Johnson Landscaping Statesville, NC
Ariel Montanez Pender Nursery Garner, NC
Nate Negrin SouthernEEZ Landscaping Charlotte, NC
James Powers Beauty Lawn Inc. and Lawn Scenarios Cary, NC
Ed Snyder Greenleaf Services Linville, NC
Mark Yelanich Metrolina Greenhouses Huntersville, NC
H-2A Reform Advocacy
Mark Metzler Jericho Farms Pikeville, NC
Mitch Smith Smith’s Nursery Benson, NC
Dylan Gragg North 40 Nursery Morganton, NC
Dana Massey Plantworks Nursery Rougemont, NC
Anna Scott Marsh, Lobbyist
Michael Best Strategies Raleigh, NC
Lane Hickman
Michael Best Strategies Raleigh, NC
Kathryn Stansbury, Staff Liaison NCNLA Raleigh, NC
Rick Lawhun, Ad Hoc Member NCNLA Raleigh, NC
At the national level H-2A reform and labor availability are the greatest concerns for the nursery industry. In the short term, fighting for a pause in the unsustainable increases to the Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) is the highest priority. Long term
Front row (left to right): Mark Yelanich, Gary Whitehurst
Back row (left to right): Lane Hickman, Rick Lawhun, Ariel Montanez, Rep. Jeff McNeely, David Hoffman, Nate Negrin, Mark Metzler, Anna Scott Marsh
(left to right): Ariel Montanez, David Hoffman, Mark Yelanich, Rep. Jimmy Dixon, Gary Whitehurst, Nate Negrin, Mark Metzler
goals include changing the AEWR calculation method and adding a limited year round employment option within the program. The Supporting Farm Operations Act (H.R. 7046), introduced by Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI-2), would pause the AEWR at 2023 levels and ask the U.S. Department of Labor to clarify classification rules for H-2A workers who perform more than one type of duty. NCNLA sent letters of support for the legislation to the entire North Carolina House delegation. On the federal level, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC), a longtime H-2A reform ally, and Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) co-sponsored the Supporting Farm Operations Act. The legislation is also supported by various agricultural organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation, the North Carolina Farm Bureau, the North Carolina Agribusiness Council and the North Carolina Sweet Potato Commission.
Recently, the bipartisan Agricultural Labor Working Group, co-chaired by Rep. Don Davis (D-NC-01) and including member Rep. David Rouzer (R-NC-07), released a final report after months of efforts to identify workforce challenges faced by the agriculture industry and propose legislative solutions. The full report includes policy recommendations that received unanimous support within the committee.
Finally, thus far in 2024 several NCNLA members have met with the staffs of Reps. Davis and Rouzer, as well as with the staff of Sen. Budd, to emphasize labor issues within the industry and the importance of reforming the H-2A program. Despite bipartisan support for H-2A reform, meaningful changes to the H-2A program are unlikely in the short term, given the current political climate in this election year.
In Memoriam
Gary Gordon Schwarz, was born November 23, 1954 in Nyack, New York. He was raised in Grandview, NY on the Hudson River near the Tappan Zee Bridge. Gary graduated from Tappan Zee High School in 1972. He graduated SUNY Alfred State College in 1974 with an associate degree in Floriculture Production. He married the love of his life, Sharon Arline Aulepp July 9, 1977. They moved to Congers, NY where they raised three children: Jonathan, Jessica, and Jason. Gary, Sharon and their children relocated to Hampstead, NC in 1996, where they founded Pender Pines Garden Center. Gary and Sharon sold Pender Pines to their son Jonathan and his wife Jennifer in January 2018. Gary continued working part-time, advising and sharing his love of gardening with all who met him. He also spent a lot of time working on his yard on Sloop Point Loop Road. His children and grandchildren are his proudest accomplishments.
Gary is survived by his wife Sharon, his sister Linda and her husband Bernie, his son Jonathan and wife Jennifer and their three children Lily, Cydney and Levi, his Daughter Jessica and husband Mark and their sons Dawson and Liam, and his son Jason and wife Ashley. Scan QR code for full obituary.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT »
Andrew Quate
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.
Student Profile
Name: Andrew Quate
Hometown: Julian, NC
College: North Carolina State University
Graduation date: May 2024
Major/area of study: Horticulture science
Horticulture-related places you have worked/interned: New Garden Landscape and Nursery, Yellowstone Landscape, Kiefer Landscaping and Nursery, NC State Horticulture Field Laboratory
How did you discover horticulture?
I discovered horticulture through my high school FFA program. I started my journey by taking an introductory horticulture class in high school, which then led me to take all the horticulture classes offered at my school. I was interested in pursuing a career in the field, so I applied to NC State. Since then, I have discovered my passion for landscape install and outdoor living spaces.
What were your most valuable experiences, either in school or from other exposure to the industry, and why?
Participating on the NC State National
Andrew Quate, Charlie McGhee (not pictured), and Rhett Pasour (not pictured) competed in the Installer Championship at Hardscape North America in Louisville, Kentucky on October 19, 2023.
Collegiate Landscape Competition Team has been especially valuable to me. Through this competition, which is hosted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals, I have been able to make industry connections, obtain internships, learn about potential long-term careers, make lifelong friends and develop my professional skills. Taking part in the team has also given me many other opportunities, such as being able to compete at Hardscape North America in the Installer Championship. That event helped me discover my interest in hardscaping, and I’m looking forward to exploring that area further in my future career.
What have been your favorite college classes, and why?
I really loved Nursery Management, Residential Landscape Design, Plant Propagation and Digital Media for Landscape Design because I enjoy learning how to grow and take care of plants, as well as how to use them in the landscape. The class I liked the most was Plant Propagation — it was fun to learn how new cultivars and varieties are discovered, maintained and multiplied. I really enjoyed the hands-on experience I gained during the lab portion of that class.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to work for a landscape company doing landscape install and hardscape work. One day I would like to be a manager of multiple landscape install crews or even run a landscape company of my own that specializes in hardscaping and outdoor living installation.
What advice would you give to a student interested in the field? Get your hands dirty early on. The more experience you have doing the actual work, the more appreciation you will have for the industry. Also, don’t be afraid to talk to people and make connections. I was and still am a little timid about approaching people, but it gets easier once you break the ice.
What is your favorite plant, and why?
My favorite is always changing, but plant right now it’s Dianthus. It’s a nice flowering groundcover/perennial plant, and I really like the wide range of colors available.
Andrew Quate, Grayson Black, and Alex Hafler competing in Landscape Plant Install at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition in Provo, Utah, on March 15, 2024.
Growing Great Leaders in the Green Industry North Carolina Collegiate Corner
By Jason Davis, Assistant Dean, School of Agriculture & Biological Sciences, University of Mount Olive
As a student in high school, I was fortunate enough to learn from many life-changing courses and teachers (including my agriculture teacher) and to gain experience in the FFA. The pinnacle of my experience, however, was being given a key to the school greenhouse. Although it wasn’t winning an award or earning an officer position, having that key was a special designation that required dedication, responsibility, trust and decision-making skills. Not only was it a symbolic key that opened the door to my future in the green industry, it was also a symbol of the trust invested in me by my agriculture teacher to oversee the greenhouse and care for the plants. The life lessons and leadership skills I learned during that time remain with me today.
We often encounter speakers at conferences who toss around terms like “leadership” and “management,” and we frequently associate leadership with great leaders, times of crisis, conquerors, battles and empires. Many of us, however, have a misconception that leadership is something abstract that is far away from us, our work and our daily lives — even though we all exhibit leadership daily through our hundreds of small decisions. And while it’s clear that the green industry needs strong leaders, is there a difference between leadership and management? Where do we find the balance between leadership and management? How does one role influence the other?
In brief terms, the idea of leadership has been expressed simply to me as “Doing what is right,” whereas management is “Doing it right.” In its broadest sense, leadership is the overall direction of any group or organization influenced by its mission, vision, values and culture. Management is the nuts and bolts that put the mission, vision, values and culture into action.
So, how can we both lead and manage at the same time? The Leadership Challenge (2012) by Kouzes and Posner1 provide us with some strong clues on how to be great leaders. After performing a meta-analysis of research on leadership from around the world, the authors formed the following precepts to help create and develop leaders.
Inspire Shared Visions
If you could envision a perfect future, what would it look like? If there were no barriers or limitations, what would you do? Do others share ideas similar to yours? How can you get them to buy into commonly shared ideas?
Model Expectations
The adage “Talk the talk and walk the walk” is more than just a common cliche — it’s a necessity. Others tend to be influenced by what they observe, and it’s hard to encourage others to do what we are unwilling to do ourselves. We must, as leaders, set an example for others to follow.
Encourage the Heart
As a leader, you may connect mission, vision and goals to individual feelings, needs, passions, interests and a sense of belonging. How do you recognize
accomplishments, achievements and success? Do you personalize recognition? What are you doing to help create a sense of belonging, fellowship and community?
Challenge the Status Quo
Leaders are never satisfied and never have time for mediocrity. They are always looking to innovate, improve, expand and grow. Are you looking for ways to innovate and capitalize on initiative?
Enable Others to Act
Opportunities tend to come to everyone, but seldom return to anyone. We can, however, share opportunities and encourage others to take advantage of them. How can you gain the trust of others and create relationships that empower collaboration and cooperation? What strengths do you and those around you possess? Is everyone on the team using their individual strengths?
Progress in the green industry is often evaluated in cold terms like increased revenue, sales volume and plants grown — so it’s easy to forget that we have a responsibility not just to grow business, but also to grow people. Through our actions, we can instill values in others to develop them as leaders, which, in turn, should also serve to enhance our business. Using the principles of Kouzes and Posner
outlined above, we can create a culture of leadership that attracts like-minded individuals and sets up businesses for future success.
So, to whom do you plan to give the “key” to your greenhouse, and what can you do as a leader to help enhance the careers of others? Here are a few simple steps you can take:
• Dress for success and look the part.
• Recognize others for achievements and success through awards, praise and sharing their achievements with others.
• Provide opportunities for growth by encouraging attendance at educational seminars, motivating staff to participate in trainings, and providing incentives for the attainment of certifications and credentials.
• Incentivize improvements and take suggestions from employees on ways to enhance, upgrade and refine processes.
• Provide opportunities for fellowship and discussion in a relaxed environment.
• Create opportunities for enhanced collaboration.
My experience with being entrusted with the key to my high school greenhouse not only kicked off my journey within the green industry, it also “unlocked” my potential for being a leader and set me on a path to help others have positive leadership experiences. By making a little extra effort within your own operation, you can help those around you rise to new levels of success in the industry.
Endnote
1 Kouzes, J., & Posner, B. (2012). The leadership challenge (5th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
NC State HortPack Journeys to Utah to Compete in ‘Landscape Olympics’
By Issac Lewis, Program Specialist, Department of Horticultural Science
During spring break this year, HortPack, the North Carolina State University Horticultural Science team, traveled to Provo, Utah, to take part in the National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC), a three-day contest featuring 30 landscape events
such as construction cost estimating, irrigation troubleshooting, backhoe operation and plant identification. Students from 49 participating schools around the nation vied to demonstrate their skills across diverse disciplines in the landscape world.
This huge annual event is affectionately called the “Landscape Olympics” by competing students and
their advisors, due to the high-energy competitive spirit on display at the competition, as well as the pride the participants exhibit for their schools and individual clubs. Each school creates and showcases a unique cheer at the event, and spirit is one factor upon which teams are judged. This year, the NC State HortPack took home the the STIHL Team Spirit Award.
NCSU HortPack students received the spirit award sponsored by Stihl for the second year in a row.
In the other competitive categories, HortPack’s Thomas Morgan took first place in the Woody Ornamental Plant Identification event. Kennedy Vinson placed second in the Compact Track/Skid Steer Loader Operation competition, and Grayson Black and Nicholas Taylor placed second in the Landscape Maintenance Operation event. Andrew Quate and Charlie McGhee earned a third-place finish in Hardscape Installation, Adam Miller took third place in Business Management, and Ethan Everhart and Lauren Turner took third place in the Safety First event. HortPack members also had 12 other top-10 finishes in the competition. Thanks to their hard work, the HortPack team placed ninth overall.
However, the competition itself is just part of the reason the team spends months preparing for the trip by training, studying and holding fundraisers. As an added benefit, students attending the NCLC are able to connect with helpful industry contacts from a range of sponsoring companies, including STIHL, John Deere, CAT, Davey, LandCare, Bartlett Tree Experts, SiteOne Landscape Supply and many others. Some companies even help students prepare for the competition locally. In addition, the NCLC features a huge career fair that connects students with those companies and enables them
to better understand what jobs and opportunities might be available to them after graduation.
HortPack members say they could not have made it to the 2024 NCLC without significant help and donations from many individual and corporate sponsors, such as Bland Landscaping, Greenscape, Greenview Partners, LandCare, Adcock’s Nursery, Ruppert Landscape, Myatt Landscaping & Construction, Plantworks Nursery, and Hoffman Nursery. The team’s appreciation for the partners that host and fund this opportunity can’t be overstated.
Beyond the competitive opportunities the NCLC offers to students, the experience also enables the team to explore other activities. This year, for instance, students got to travel to sites around Colorado and Utah, including the Denver Botanic Gardens, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park and Arches National Park.
“The trip gave us the chance to explore that part of the country, see beautiful places like Arches National Park and interact with so many people,” said Thomas Morgan, who took the only HortPack first-place standing in the individual events.
“The HortPack competition gave me the opportunity to see the mountains, but I enjoyed the camaraderie most,” added HortPack member Daniel Wasserman. “The care and compassion of people on our team were a highlight of the trip for me.”
HortPack is one of those clubs that reaches students on multiple levels, and is just one example of the incalculable impact NC State University clubs have on students across campus. Although preparing for the NCLC takes a good deal of time, money, planning and effort, participants universally find the event a worthwhile endeavor.
With this year’s competition complete, the team will now take a rest through the summer and get ready to prepare for their next NCLC adventure when the fall 2024 semester gets under way.
Joy Othoo participated for the second year in the Irrigation Installation competition. She started her pursuits in this competition while in high school working with the FFA at Wakefield High School and shadowing the NCSU HortPack.
Charlie McGhee (right) and Andrew Quate (left) compete in the Hardscape Installation event. The two had attended the Hardscapes North America competition in Louisville this past October and were sponsored by Belgard. They took home 3rd place in the nation for this installation.
Continued Learning at Alamance Leads to Future Success!
By Caleb Fox, Lead Horticulture Instructor, Alamance Community College
At Alamance Community College (ACC), we believe learning is a continuous, lifelong process that is essential to the success of our students. With that in mind, the ACC Horticulture Technology program has focused on continued learning more than ever over the past couple of years.
For instance, numerous students have recently completed courses from ACC’s continuing education program. Our Landscape Crew Leader Certificate program, offered entirely online from December to March, is designed to train future crew leaders, with live-streamed lectures covering topics such as irrigation, plant identification, leadership skills and more. ACC also now offers an online Landscape Account Manager Certificate program geared toward training account managers who are new to their roles in the industry. This program runs multiple times a year.
Additionally, during the winter months ACC offers a hybrid Arboriculture Certificate program that is designed to train students interested in the tree care industry. Students learn both virtually and in person, with topics including proper climbing techniques, proper planting, pruning and plant health care.
As a testament to the strength of ACC’s Horticulture Technology program, many of our students recently had the opportunity to challenge their knowledge and skills by taking
part in the National Collegiate Landscape Competition in Provo, Utah. After four days of tough competition with students from across the United States, three ACC students placed in the top 10 of their respective events. Remarkably, one ACC student placed eighth overall out of 600 competitors, and as a team ACC placed 26th in the nation.
Lifelong learning is a vital process to help keep every green industry team at the forefront of industry expertise. If any of these educational opportunities would be a good fit for you or your company, please contact Caleb Fox, lead horticulture instructor, at caleb.fox@alamancecc.edu or 336-506-4192.
Students from ACC’s Greenhouse Operations course planting for our annual plant sale
Students from the ACC National Collegiate Landscape Competition team in Utah competing in the Irrigation Troubleshooting category
A student on the ACC National Collegiate Landscape Competition team competing in the Landscape Maintenance Operations category
How to Write Killer Job Ads
Revolutionizing Recruitment in the Landscaping Industry
In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent is a significant challenge for landscaping businesses. Some people in the industry claim that finding people to hire is nearly impossible because “nobody wants to work.” Others rely on cumbersome, outdated application processes that involve downloading, printing and faxing applications (and they wonder why applications are few and far between).
Prioritize the Applicant’s Perspective
The secret to creating a killer job advertisement lies in understanding and addressing the candidate’s perspective. Job seekers today are looking for more than just a paycheck — they want positions that promise personal and professional growth. So, instead of listing stringent job requirements that tend to turn off applicants, effective ads should
By Jack Jostes, CEO, Ramblin Jackson
emphasize how joining your company can enrich their career. Mention your company’s commitment to employee development, highlight career advancement opportunities and showcase your collaborative work environment. By rewriting job descriptions to emphasize what candidates can gain from the positions, rather than only focusing on what qualifications the employer is seeking, landscaping business owners have reported a significant increase in applicant numbers. These strategies do more than just increase application rates — they also attract candidates who are better fits for your company culture.
Market Employment Opportunities Like Your Services
Landscaping companies that successfully communicate the specific skills and attributes they’re looking for tend to attract more qualified candidates. This approach involves more than just listing job requirements, however — instead, the messaging in your job description should resonate with the ideal candidate’s aspirations and skills. For example, you might showcase how your company fosters a culture of learning and industry excellence, such as providing regular training sessions on the latest horticulture techniques or best practices in customer service.
By helping candidates interested in professional growth see your company as a good fit for their needs and goals, you can dramatically improve the quality of applications and attract motivated candidates who are truly interested in developing their career skills.
Address Candidate Concerns Head-On
Today’s job seekers are more selective when applying for positions. They’re looking for positions that not only offer financial rewards, but also align with their values and lifestyles. For example, many individuals in the landscaping field are interested in career progression, meaningful work and a supportive company culture. Addressing these concerns directly in your job ads can position your company as empathetic and employee-focused.
To do so, create a job ad that acknowledges these desires and positions your company as THE place to work by emphasizing comprehensive health benefits, a strong team environment and other perks specific to your company.
Detail Salary and Benefits Clearly
Vague promises of “competitive pay” are no longer good enough to stand out on job boards. These days, candidates expect transparency and specificity regarding compensation and additional benefits. Although at this time North Carolina does not have a “pay transparency” law requiring businesses to include pay ranges in job advertisements, including these details just makes good business sense. Providing a clear salary range alongside other benefits, such as health insurance, paid time off and professional development opportunities, can significantly increase the number and quality of applications you receive.
Simplify the Application Process
A complicated or outdated application process can deter even the most interested candidates, so it’s essential to streamline the application experience and make it as user-friendly as possible. Make sure that the job application is mobile-friendly and can be completed entirely online, since many job seekers in this era are using their phones for job searches. Also be sure to include clear, step-by-step instructions and minimize requests for unnecessary or redundant information. A smooth application process reflects your company’s efficiency and respect for candidates’ time.
Evaluate Your Job Offer
Due to the effects of inflation and recent economic shifts, it’s important to regularly evaluate the competitiveness of your job opportunities. Benchmark your salaries and benefits against industry standards to ensure you’re offering an employment package that will be appealing to the type of candidates you want to attract.
The Secret to Retaining Top Talent
After attracting the right candidates to your landscaping business, the next step is retaining that top talent. Many companies mistakenly believe that recruiting is done once a new hire signs on, but successfully integrating and retaining employees requires a strategic approach to onboarding and training — especially during the critical first 90 days of employment.
Join Me At The 2024 Summer Educational Summit!
If you’d like to dive deeper into these strategies, I’ll be sharing my expertise and actionable leadership tips in a presentation of Beyond Team Performance Reviews: Helping Employees Win the First 90 Days on June 20, 2024, at the upcoming NCNLA Summer Educational Summit in Raleigh, NC. This interactive workshop is designed to equip landscape leaders, human resources professionals and managers with the tools they need to attract and retain the best talent in the landscaping industry.
COGONGRASS:
A Noxious Weed Threatening the Southeast
By Jarred Driscoll, Regulatory Weed Program Manager, NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division
Cogongrass (Imperata cylindrica) is a federally and state-regulated noxious weed that cannot be legally sold, moved or propagated in the United States. This invasive species poses a fire risk and has the overwhelming ability to rapidly outcompete native plants while reducing habitat for animals. As the spread of cogongrass continues to push northward from the heavily infested southeastern Gulf states, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) - Plant Industry Division is actively working to survey and treat any known infested areas in North Carolina to prevent establishment.
Commissioner, Steve Troxler
Cogongrass is native to southeast Asia, and according to a risk assessment conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is recognized as a problematic weed in more than 70 counties in the southeastern U.S., where the plant was accidentally introduced in the early 1900s in packing material for oranges, later spreading when trialed as a forage grass for livestock. The tenacity of cogongrass is derived from its ability to outcompete other plants with relentless rhizomes. In addition, cogongrass produces a homemade chemical cocktail that eliminates competition, a process scientifically known as allelopathy (Figure 1). The root mass of cogongrass is so dense, in fact, that attempts at pulling them up leave broken stems at the soil surface, which further promotes rhizomatous growth. Rhizomes on cogongrass form a thick underground mat, with the ends sharp enough to puncture skin (Figure 2). In addition to the allelopathy, the impenetrable stands choke out native vegetation growth, causing ecosystem changes that displace native plants and remove forage and habitat for wildlife. The extensive rhizome system also helps cogongrass overcome adverse conditions aboveground and serves as an energy reserve for overwintering. During wildfires or prescribed burns, cogongrass burns hotter than native grasses, creating additional risks. In fact, rather than being controlled by fire, cogongrass actually seems to thrive after a fire event.
At present, North Carolina has roughly a dozen infested locations occurring along rights-of-way and private property. Unique approaches are required to treat each site, since each location presents different challenges. Land managers also have different needs, but to date they have been willing to work with our department to treat each location (Figure 3). This type of cooperation with landowners helps make eventual eradication possible.
The green, wild-type cogongrass isn’t the only I. cylindrica regulatory issue for the NCDA&CS - Plant Industry Division, however. Attractive red-foliaged cultivars (‘Red Baron’ or ‘Japanese Bloodgrass,’ Figure 4) of cogongrass have been developed and are sold in the nursery trade. Concerns that these varieties might naturally revert to the highly invasive type over time facilitated regulatory action that prohibits the sale and distribution of all Imperata cylindrica in North Carolina.
During the summer months, cogongrass is typically found in dense, light green patches, with some of the leaves drooping while others remain more erect. Infestations grow in noticeable ovalshaped and circular patches. Leaves are usually 2-3 feet long (but can be longer), are generally ½-1 inch wide and have no visible stem. Upon close examination, the whitish midrib is often offset, and leaf margin is finely serrated and has a sandpaper texture.
Figure 2. Cogongrass produces extremely sharp rhizomes, one of the distinguishing features of the plant.
Photo credit: James Miller, USDA Forest Service.
Figure 3. A new infestation of cogongrass before treatment (left) and after treatment (right) using herbicides.
Photo credit: Jarred Driscoll, North Carolina Dept. of Agriculture.
Flowers are an excellent roadside identification characteristic, with the white, fluffy, cylindrical seedheads (2-8 inches long) appearing in late spring through June (Figure 5). The white, sharply pointed rhizomes are the most distinguishing trait, if you have a shovel handy. Plants turn tan to reddish tan after frost and remain standing through the winter.
If you think you’ve seen cogongrass or ‘Red Baron,’ please send a picture to newpest@ncagr.gov. For more information about noxious weeds in North Carolina, please visit Plant Industry - Weed Regulatory Services (www.ncagr.gov/divisions/plant-industry/plant-protection/ plant-industry-weed-regulatory-services). The National Invasive Species Information Center (www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov) also has a helpful video demonstrating how to most effectively identify cogongrass.
• Cold Hardy Zone 6
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Figure 5. Cogongrass in bloom. A feathery seedhead on full display. Photo credit: Bridget Lassiter, North Carolina Dept. of Agriculture.
Figure 4. ‘Red Baron’ or ‘Japanese Bloodgrass’ is a red-tipped cultivar of the green wild-type cogongrass. Photo credit: David Teem, Auburn University, Bugwood.org.
PATIO TREES
Make a Big Impact in Small Spaces
By Mark Weathington, Director, JC Raulston Arboretum
Ican’t recall when I first heard the term “patio tree” used for a woody plant grown as a single-stem standard. Certainly, even decades ago when I was getting started in retail horticulture in college, we sold rose standards, a handful of high-grafted dwarf conifers and perhaps a few tropical single-stem hibiscus shipped up from Florida. Since that time, though, and especially in recent years, it seems like the patio tree phenomenon has exploded. I began noticing the trend with fruiting trees like apples, peaches and mangoes, followed by other tropical and hardy trees and shrubs like panicled hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata) and grafted, weeping hollies. Notably, a fair number of those trees would likely need
significant yearly pruning to keep them in check.
These days, landscapes are shrinking. So, whether designated as patio trees or not, smaller plants are becoming more desired by consumers, whether to grow in a patio container on or just in a postage stamp garden. While it’s probably possible to keep most plants a suitable size with regular and ruthless pruning, marketing large-growing plants as longterm patio specimens is likely not what the consumer is expecting. Trees that are naturally smaller or that have been bred to be smaller are prime candidates for this landscape niche, though.
In partnership with Dr. Denny Werner, a former JC Raulston Arboretum
(JCRA) director and a distinguished North Carolina State University professor, the JCRA has released several new plants primed for the patio market. Drawing on his original breeding career with peaches, Denny took a look at the classic flowering patio peach, Prunus persica ‘Bonfire,’ with its burgundy foliage and pale pink flowers, and figured he could improve it. Thus was born P. persica ‘NC Peach-6’ Ruby Ruffle®, which has even deeper burgundy leaves than ‘Bonfire’ and sports a distinctive rippled margin along with intense semi-double, red-pink flowers in a show-stopping spring display. Since it only grows to about 6 feet tall and wide in 10 years, it is perfect for smaller gardens or larger containers.
Redbuds, especially our native Cercis canadensis, have been a major focus of our collections since J.C.’s time at the Arboretum. In fact, the JCRA holds a nationally accredited redbud collection and has provided material for research and evaluation around the world. Introductions like ‘Ruby Falls’ and
Flame Thrower® (C. c. ‘NC2016-2’) are among the hottest plants across North America and Europe, the latter winning the coveted Plant of the Year Award at the famed Chelsea Flower Show. While any redbud could be grown as a patio tree with judicious pruning and training, there was room for improvement in this respect. Enter the JCRA/Denny Werner Garden Gems® series of redbuds introduced this year.
Garden Gems® Amethyst and Emerald redbuds (C. c. ‘NC2017-6’ and ‘NC2014-5’) are the first but certainly not last in the series. The short stature (5-8 feet tall and wide in 10 years); small, glossy, heart-shaped leaves; and abundance of lavender-pink spring flowers make these redbuds completely unlike anything else on the market. As an added bonus, the foliage of Amethyst holds its color as well as or better than most other cultivars we’ve grown, and both selections appear to be at least somewhat more resistant to leaf-folder caterpillars.
We’ve been impressed with the public response to all three of these
plants, both in the ground and in containers, and we expect them to fuel that patio tree fire even more. Call them standards, call them patio trees, call them mega-bonsai — whatever you call them, patio trees are here to stay and offer a premium product for 21st-century gardens.
Certified Plant Professionals (CPPs) are highly skilled individuals who, through rigorous testing and required continuing education standards, showcase their expertise in the green industry. Hiring a CPP ensures a commitment to industry standards, guaranteeing high-quality work and problem-solving capabilities. Their presence enhances a company’s credibility, fostering trust among clients and customers due to their recognized competence and ongoing dedication to staying updated with industry advancements.
Chitalpa:New Advances in a Rare Intergeneric Hybrid
Thomas G. Ranney, Ph.D., JC Raulston Distinguished Professor, Department of Horticultural Science, Mountain Hort. Crops Res. & Ext. Center, North Carolina State University
With 104 genera and upwards of 800 species, the Bignoniaceae includes an array of spectacular flowering trees, shrubs and vines. In more tropical regions, Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia), Trumpet Trees (Tabebuia spp.) and the African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata) represent some of the most widely planted and economically important flowering trees grown globally. In temperate regions, we are more familiar with Cross Vines (Bignonia capreolata); Trumpet Vines (Campsis spp.); Trumpet Bushes (Tecoma spp.); and two distinct and closely related genera, Catalpa (Catalpa spp.) and Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis).
The genus Catalpa includes eight species with broad distribution spanning Asia and the Caribbean, and two species in North America. Commonly planted in the Midwestern United States, Catalpas are recognized as medium to large trees with a spreading form and large, showy, trumpet-shaped flowers.
The U.S. champion Northern Catalpa (Catalpa speciosa), located in Lawrence County, Ohio, has a height and spread of 71 feet and a trunk circumference of 274 inches — so some of them can get big! Depending on the species, some Catalpa are quite cold hardy, including Northern Catalpa, which shrugs off -40 F (USDA Zone 4). Desert Willow is more limited in size and diversity, with only one species, Chilopsis linearis, native to the Southwestern U.S. (USDA Zone 7 and warmer), typically maxing out at around 18-25 feet in height.
Combining the smaller stature of Desert Willow with the cold hardiness and larger flowers of Catalpa is an appealing concept. Nikolai Rusanov of the Uzbek Academy of Sciences Botanical Garden in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, set out to do just that more than 60 years ago. Although it’s not an easy hybrid to make, since this is an unusual intergeneric cross, he succeeded in creating the first ×Chitalpa in 1964. Two of these cultivars made their way to the U.S.: ‘Pink Dawn,’ which is smaller and has light pink flowers, and ‘Morning Cloud,’ which is larger with pale pink/white flowers. ×Chitalpa ‘Minsum’ Summer Bells® is a more recent introduction that has a pink flower color similar
Fig. 1. Dr. Richard Olsen conducting Chitalpa pollinations in 2004 during his Ph.D. graduate program at NC State. (Photo credit: T.G. Ranney).
Fig. 2. El Niño® Desert Orchid (×Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘NCXC1’ USPPAF). (Photo credit: T.G. Ranney).
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to ‘Pink Dawn.’ Although these initial introductions were definite proofs of concept and were respectable cultivars, they just didn’t measure up to other small flowering trees and never gained widespread popularity.
Here at North Carolina State University’s Mountain Crop Improvement Lab, we started breeding ×Chitalpa back in the early 2000s to see if we could make further improvements to bring these hybrids into the horticultural mainstream. One of our former graduate students, Richard Olsen (now director of the U.S. National Arboretum), initially led the effort as part of his Ph.D. research. This work included screening parents and breeding lines for resistance to powdery mildew (Erysiphe elevata) and Catalpa Sphinx Larvae (Ceratomia catalpae), using embryo-rescue and chromosome-doubling techniques to facilitate hybridization, ultimately leading to the development of improved hybrids.
Tree breeding takes time, however. After evaluating hundreds of hybrids for decades, we recently selected and introduced El Niño® Desert Orchid (×Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘NCXC1’ USPPAF).
Considering that Chitalpa isn’t much of a marketing name, the folks at Spring Meadow Nursery settled on “Desert Orchid” as a more appealing and marketable common name. El Niño® is a sterile hybrid between Chilopsis linearis ‘Bubba’ and Catalpa ×galleana (C. ovata × C. speciosa) that was completed in 2005, after about 19 years in the making. The
result is rather impressive: a small flowering tree with showy, fragrant, purple flowers that resemble orchids. For us, the height is about 6 feet after 5 years but will probably top out around 18-20 feet. Hardiness is at least USDA Zone 6 (we are in the process of testing it in colder areas). It also thrives in the Deep South. Colleagues at Louisiana State University’s Hammond Research Station, where they had extreme heat and drought last summer, recently wrote: “It’s like this plant is living in an alternate universe. Incredible establishment, vigor, leaf
quality, bloom appearance and fragrance, and pest resistance. Plants are 5-6 feet tall already from a one-gallon [container]. Exceptional heat tolerance.” They added: “El Nino. Wow — what an incredible plant this is, and one I never even thought could have existed! It generated lots of interest at field day.” Wholesale liners are available from Spring Meadow Nursery of Grand Haven, Michigan.
After Olsen headed off to the U.S. National Arboretum, he continued working on breeding Chitalpa. Crossing a unique and fertile tetraploid form of ×Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘Pink Dawn’ with a diploid, powdery mildew-tolerant Catalpa ovata resulted in an attractive triploid hybrid tree now named ‘Strawberry Moon.’ Compared to El Niño®, ‘Strawberry Moon’ is a much larger tree that can reach 39 feet tall in 12 years. Flowers are a nice dark pink, and since it’s a triploid, there isn’t much, if any, of the bean-like fruit set. Liners are available from various nurseries, including J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. of Boring, Oregon. You can contact Dr. Margaret Pooler (Margaret.Pooler@usda.gov) for other availability (www.usna.usda.gov/ assets/images/as_pdf_image/Chitalpa_ Strawberry_Moon_fact_sheet.pdf).
Time will tell how these new introductions will perform in the varied climates and markets around the world. If you give them a try, let us know what you think.
Fig. 3. El Niño® Desert Orchid (×Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘NCXC1’ USPPAF). (Photo credit: T.G. Ranney).
Fig. 4. Joel Mowrey, former research Specialist at NC State with El Niño® Desert Orchid (×Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘NCXC1’ USPPAF). (Photo credit: T.G. Ranney).
Fig. 5. ×Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘Strawberry Moon.’ (Photo credit: R.T. Olsen).
Fig. 6. ×Chitalpa tashkentensis ‘Strawberry Moon.’ (Photo credit: R.T. Olsen).
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