Nursery & Landscape Notes Summer 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

»

Certified Plant Professional Exam

Sept. 19, 2023

Charlotte, NC

Oct. 6, 2023

Wilson, NC

Jan. 16, 2024

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

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

Green & Growin’ 24 January 15-19, 2024 Greensboro, NC www.greenandgrowin.com

INDUSTRY EVENTS

ELEVATE

September 10-13, 2023

Dallas, TX

www.landscapeprofessionals.org/ elevate

MANTS

January 10-12, 2024

Baltimore, MD www.mants.com

WELCOME, NEW NCNLA MEMBERS!

Premier Landscapes

By Adam, Inc. Micaville, NC

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Mills River NC

Landscape Solutions CMD Cary, NC

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

Centertown Nursery

McMinnville, TN

Bill Foote, NCDA&CS

Raleigh, NC

Styrax japonicus ‘Burgundy Moon’ Japanese Snowbell Styracaceae

See article on page 33.

Cover photo and article provided by: Mark Weathington

Director, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University

Expand your customer base by adding your plants, supplies and services to NCNLA’s exclusive online searchable platform.

BuyNCPlants.com makes it easy for buyers to find your business through PlantAnt, the green industry’s most powerful search engine. Buyers are able to search by type of material or geography.

Listing Options:

n Current Inventory

(Members Get Unlimited Listings)

n Product Photos

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n Recognition of NCNLA

Members, Green & Growin’ Exhibitors and Green & Growin’ Partners

Contact

Navigating Summer’s Successes and Challenges in the Green Industry

As we enter the dog days of summer, I hope all of you are having yet another successful spring season. Hopefully you will get a chance to take some time to rest, relax and recharge with your families, ahead of what will hopefully be a busy fall season. While the uncertain economic forecast hasn’t gotten any better recently, most people I have spoken with in our industry are still having good years, at least as far as sales are concerned. However, our industry hasn’t been immune to the supply chain issues that have plagued most others. With that said, I am thankful that we are in an industry that remains strong.

Tim Johnson Landscaping Statesville, NC

TimAs we look toward fall, I would like to share some of the work the NCNLA board and staff have been doing, as well as some exciting news that will be very helpful for both our Legislative Committee and our association as a whole. NCNLA has so many great things happening throughout the year, and June brought us the NCNLA Summer Educational Summit, the Robert M. Cagle Memorial Golf Tournament and a board meeting. I am so proud of the hard work the NCNLA staff put into the Summer Educational Summit — they have done an excellent job developing and evolving this program to provide great value to our membership. We are continuously working to provide education and training opportunities throughout the year that have so much more value than just the CEUs. Personally, I made the error of attending the Summer Education Summit solo this year, but I won’t make that mistake again! Next year my company will send several team members to the event. During every session I attended, I couldn’t help but think how members of my team should have been benefitting from the event’s informative speakers and sessions. I hope you will consider the same for your teams next year.

We had a great crowd for the Robert M. Cagle Golf Tournament, thanks to all of you who came out to support NCNLA’s scholarship fund! The tournament is such a worthy cause and so vital to the future of our industry. I can’t think of anything more important than encouraging the next generation to enter an industry that has provided such great career opportunities for each of us. I thank each of you who played and sponsored — and if you didn’t attend, I hope you will next year. Let’s continue growing this event! By the time you read this issue, we will have had another NCNLA Day at Caterpillar. Thank you to Caterpillar for again sponsoring this event and being such a great host. These gatherings provide hands-on training in multiple facets of our industry, such as irrigation, tree planting and more. In addition to the training, attendees have opportunities to take a tour of the factory and operate some of the newest, most technologically advanced equipment available to our industry.

Now for some big news! The NCNLA Political Action Committee (PAC) is now approved and in effect!!! This took a substantial amount of work by the NCNLA staff to work through the process with the North Carolina Board of Elections. I am appreciative of their efforts and look forward to working with our Legislative Committee to raise money for this fund. The PAC is a vital tool to help us develop relationships with our lawmakers in Raleigh. We will continue to work hard lobbying for the issues that are so important to our industry and membership, thus giving us a louder voice — not only by supporting lawmakers working on bills important to our industry, but also by hosting events that enable us to speak with them directly. You will be hearing from us soon about opportunities to donate to the PAC.

As always, if you are not involved with NCNLA and would like to be, please reach out to us! We have so many opportunities to get involved. Until next time, stay cool and safe, and I hope to see you around at our events!

Strengthening NCNLA’s Advocacy Efforts

Richard “Rick” Lawhun NCNLA Executive Vice President

Advocacy is an essential element in advancing the mission and policy goals of NCNLA. In general, advocacy involves educating members, key stakeholders and decision-makers on specific issues of importance to the nursery and landscape industry. Lobbying, on the other hand, focuses on influencing legislators to support or oppose a particular piece of legislation. Lobbying is considered a form of advocacy, while advocacy activities are typically much broader in scope. Since resigning its membership with the North Carolina Green Industry Council in April 2022, NCNLA leadership and staff have implemented several actions to raise the association’s visibility and effectiveness in maintaining a positive regulatory and legislative environment for the industry. The NCNLA Legislative Committee, created under the guidance of Matt Hunter of New Garden Landscaping & Nursery, currently includes more than a dozen members. Responsibilities established by the committee include:

• Monitoring local and state regulations and legislation impacting the green industry.

• Coordinating the activities of the NCNLA lobbyist.

• Making recommendations to the NCNLA Board on regulatory and legislative positions that impact NCNLA members.

• Seeking to influence regulations and legislation through letters, phone calls and meetings with key decision-makers.

• Working with allied organizations on matters of mutual interest.

• Organizing an NCNLA Legislative Day in Raleigh for members to meet with legislators.

For additional information about the activities of the NCNLA Legislative Committee, see the Legislative Update on page 24.

To increase the Legislative Committee’s effectiveness, NCNLA recently formed a nonpartisan political action committee (PAC), which is registered with the North Carolina State Board of Elections (ID# STA-4407T7-C-001). The PAC will be used to support candidates for state elective office who share our policy goals. It should be noted, however, that membership dues cannot be used to support political candidates — instead, the PAC will be funded through voluntary personal contributions from owners and employees of NCNLA member companies. Your contributions will assist in advancing the industry’s public policy agenda and supporting Legislative Committee members in building relationships with state lawmakers and other decision-makers. These relationships will help ensure that the association’s policy positions are delivered to key lawmakers during the legislative process. If you would like to contribute to the NCNLA PAC, see the 2023 Contribution Form on page 25.

As always, stay well and stay passionate about the industry you love!

T&O

Five Minutes with Terry Kallam

How did you get into the business?

It all started when I worked on a golf course during high school and fell in love with the maintenance side of the business. I loved the relationships I formed with management and my other colleagues on the course. After that, I knew a career in the turf and ornamental industry was for me. I ended up going through the turfgrass program at Wayne Community College and the rest is history.

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

A typical day for me is staying on top of inventory, dealing with accounts receivable, talking to the turf and ornamental team about what’s happening in the field, and keeping them up to speed on upcoming products and programs. A typical day for our staff is getting out in front of our customers, delivering products, and participating in local association and university events.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

The most rewarding part of my career has been working at Triangle for the past 12 years and building a strong specialty business. I am blessed to have a great team. We really are one big family, from our sales team to our warehouse team — everyone puts in the extra effort and looks out for one another.

What is your company best known for?

For 76 years, Triangle has remained a local, family-run business that is continually expanding and adapting to meet the needs of its customers, as well as the demands of the changing agricultural and turf and ornamental industries.

From left, Randy Brown, Spencer Matthews, Thomas Page, Terry Kallam, and Matt Page at NCNLA’s 2023 Green & Growin’ trade show

Our customers love our Steel Green Manufacturing sprayer/spreaders!

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

Like most of our competitors and our buying group members, we are always concerned about how the next generation will deal with purchasing their green industry products. The online business continues to grow and is something that will only grow in the future. I still believe that our end users will support the local independents like us who provide consulting and great service.

What are your favorite offerings from NCNLA?

NCNLA has always been a great supporter of the turf and ornamental industry. The association’s quarterly publication, Nursery & Landscape Notes, is very well written, and we love attending the Green & Growin’ show each January — the meetings are very beneficial, and the trade show is expertly organized.

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

This one is easy to answer. My son just graduated from North Carolina State University with a turf degree. He had very little real-world knowledge of golf or turf maintenance but wanted to try his hand at sales, and he quickly realized it was a tough job. He now works for a large lawn and landscape company and has really learned what it takes to get the job done. It’s fun seeing how passionate he is about it. If you are someone who thinks they might want to get into the turf and ornamental business, my advice would be to get involved in many facets of the industry, as early as you can, to see what you like best. This is a large industry with many moving pieces — you might find you like one aspect more than others, and you will be happier and more successful when you go to work every day to do something you truly love.

The Triangle Turf and Ornamental team catching some shade and a smile at NC State’s Turfgrass Field Day

NCNLA

Ten hopeful green industry professionals traveled to Mills River on June 30 to sit for the Certified Plant Professional (CPP) exam at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center. Thanks go out to Sam Marshall, area specialized agent and NCNLA CPP Committee member, for his support and assistance in hosting this exam.

Congratulations to the following individuals who earned their CPP accreditations:

Gail Byrd, LKN Landscape Design

Sarah Christas, North Carolina Cooperative Extension — Caldwell County

Frank Clapp, Elon University

Franchesca Davis, Cateret Community College

Zack Greenhill, SiteOne Landscape Supply

Greg Huber, Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture, University of Georgia

The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association (NCNLA) would also like to recognize the following professional who recently renewed her CPP certification (as of August 17, 2023):

Hilarie Barber Blevins, Sandhills Community College

Tim Johnson II, Tim Johnson Landscaping, Inc.

Stephen Sluder, BuckTom Services, LLC

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.

Upcoming CPP Exams

• Sept. 19, 2023: Charlotte, NC

• Oct. 6, 2023: Wilson, NC

• Jan. 16, 2024: Green & Growin’ 24 in Greensboro, NC

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.

CPP Renewal Process

Ways to earn CPP CEUs:

Attend an educational session approved by a horticulture/arboriculture industry board or organization

Below are some examples of industry board approvals that qualify as CEUs toward CPP renewals.

• NC Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Board

• NC Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board

• NC Board of Landscape Architects

• NCDA&CS Pesticide Division

• International Society of Arboriculture

NCNLA educational course

NCNLA offers two educational opportunities per year:

• Green & Growin’ (January, Greensboro)

• Summer Educational Summit (June, Raleigh)

Postsecondary teaching

Professional development training

CPPs employed by a university or community college may earn three credits per three-credit-hour course that they are solely responsible for instructing.

CPPs responsible for developing and presenting a professional development topic to others in the industry are eligible to earn CEUs for their commitment.

NC State Extension courses

Attend an NC State Extension education course and earn one credit per one hour of instruction.

There is no maximum number allotted for this category — CPPs may earn all eight CEUs by attending industry board-approved courses.

Each 50-minute period of instruction will earn one CEU. There is no maximum number allotted for this category — CPPs may earn all eight CEUs by attending NCNLA educational courses.

A maximum of three CEUs may be earned from this category.

For each 50-minute presentation or class given, CPPs may earn one CEU. A maximum of three CEUs may be earned from this category.

There is no maximum number allotted for this category — CPPs may earn all eight CEUs by attending Extension courses.

2023 Scholarship Recipients

Every year, the NCNLA grants scholarships to financially support qualified students pursuing degrees related to horticulture, landscape design or other fields in the North Carolina green industry. In 2023, the NCNLA Scholarship Program gave out three awards of $1,000 per student. Additionally, the Robert Cagle Memorial Scholarship of $2,000 was awarded to one student.

NCNLA had the privilege of inviting these scholarship recipients to share their unique stories of how they discovered horticulture, as well as their personal journeys, aspirations, and dedication to horticulture and the green industry.

Emily Eldridge was awarded an NCNLA Scholarship of $1,000. She is currently a student at North Carolina State University seeking her bachelor’s degree in horticulture science.

NCNLA: How did you discover horticulture?

Emily Eldridge: I discovered horticulture during my freshman year of high school. I grew up on a farm in Johnston County, so I knew that I loved growing things. My freshman year, I was enrolled in a horticulture class and absolutely fell in love with the topic. That summer I attended the NC State Horticulture Science Summer Institute, where I explored the industry in depth and learned that this was the field where I belonged.

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

EE: One of my most valuable experiences so far has been competing on the HortPack Competition Team in the National Collegiate Landscaping Competition. This team has given me a great sense of community and allowed me to network with many professionals in the industry. I have also gained experience and knowledge about many aspects of the horticulture industry, and I even ended up placing nationally. Another valuable experience has been my internship at Smith’s Nursery, where I work in retail, wholesale managing and marketing plants. I have learned many skills through my internship, but most importantly I can now see my future career in the nursery industry.

NCNLA: What were your favorite college classes, and why?

EE: So far my favorite college class has been Plant Identification. I really enjoyed learning about different tips for identifying certain plants, and we had numerous opportunities to learn outside of the classroom on our plant walks. Up to this

point in college, I haven’t taken many major-related courses, but I am really looking forward to Nursery Management this coming semester.

NCNLA: What are your plans after graduation?

EE: I plan to work in the nursery industry for a few years until I get a decent amount of experience. At that point, I will decide if I would like to start my own business or continue to work for someone else. I love working with people and plants, so I may end up doing some type of education or sales position. So many aspects of the horticulture industry seem like something I could make a career out of, so I have a lot of options.

Gabriel Burleson received an NCNLA Scholarship of $1,000. He is currently enrolled at Sandhills Community College seeking his landscape gardening associate’s degree.

NCNLA: How did you discover horticulture?

Gabriel Burleson: During my earlier years, my grandpa Rick, a forestry major, introduced me to a wide knowledge of nature. Later, several summers ago, my former elementary music teacher introduced me to horticulture while I worked for her. She was formerly a master gardener and ran a florist shop, and she passed on a great deal of knowledge to me. Additionally, I took several horticulture classes in high school, and my agriculture teacher, Jarret Elliot, was another huge influence on me.

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

GB: My most valuable and memorable experience was my first high school agriculture class, Horticulture 1, where I learned how to grow and manage plants. This was the first class that instilled in me a love for plants and watching things grow.

NCNLA: What were your favorite college classes, and why?

GB: My favorite classes thus far have been Greenhouse Production and Plant Propagation because I get to see plants grow and change through different processes.

NCNLA: What are your plans after graduation?

GB: I am still taking classes and am undecided at this time about my future after graduation. Currently I’m trying to decide between doing lawn maintenance and working for a greenhouse to produce different plants and crops.

Jesus “Junior” Garcia was awarded an NCNLA Scholarship of $1,000. He is currently a student at Sandhills Community College, where he is working toward his landscape gardening associate’s degree.

NCNLA: How did you discover horticulture?

Junior Garcia: I was basically born into horticulture. My father has been in the trade since 1999, and I was born six years later. Around age 9 or 10, I started to join him on weekend side jobs, but it wasn’t until I turned 13, when we moved to live in North Carolina, that I actually started to feel passionate about growing and maintaining shrubs and trees.

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

JG: It was probably being able to attend Green & Growin’. Seeing how many different careers were available and how many people, like me, felt passionate about horticulture, gave me that increased desire to continue in my degree. That event opened my eyes to just how many people shared my enjoyment of this trade and wanted to share their abilities with others.

NCNLA: What were your favorite college classes, and why?

JG: I really enjoyed Turf Cultivation, Arboriculture and Pest Management. In Turf Cultivation I learned the science behind various things in turf care, like fertilization and aeration. Arboriculture was interesting because, although we did study a lot about how trees function, I really enjoyed learning the whole aspect of tree climbing, knots and techniques. In Pest Management I got to learn about what affects plants, how to identify them, and how to properly treat and manage them in a more sustainable way.

NCNLA: What are your plans after graduation?

JG: I plan on staying and working in this beautiful state. I also wish to grow our family business, specifically designing and maintaining high-end commercial and residential properties in a more environmentally conscious way. I’d like to be able to give more people the chance to enjoy outdoor spaces.

Lauren Staley was awarded the Robert Cagle Memorial Scholarship of $2,000. She is actively pursuing her bachelor’s degree in horticulture science at NC State.

NCNLA: How did you discover horticulture?

Lauren Staley: From a young age I had a strong desire for the outdoors, spending much of my time immersed in nature and gardening with my father. It took a few years, but I eventually realized my passion for horticulture as my future career. In high school I focused on animal science until I took an introductory horticulture class during my senior year through our FFA

program. I immediately knew this was my calling. Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, I found my place in the excellent horticulture program at Alamance Community College, where my passion for the industry flourished. Thriving in this field is now my goal.

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

LS: One of the most valuable aspects of my journey in the horticulture industry has been the opportunities provided by Alamance. Through its exceptional horticulture program, I had the privilege to participate in various horticulture seminars and events across the eastern United States. These conferences proved to be transformative experiences, as they exposed me to every element of the industry and allowed me to dive deeper into its diverse branches. Beyond learning, these events offered me a platform for networking and connecting with seasoned professionals, enabling me to build meaningful relationships within the field. Such exposure has been instrumental in clarifying my passions and career aspirations. Moreover, both Alamance and NC State have generously granted us the opportunity to attend the National Collegiate Landscape Competition, where students engage in a wide array of industry events and competitions. This enriching experience not only allows interaction with future industry peers but also provides insights into lesser-known areas of the field. Embracing every opportunity that comes my way has been essential in my pursuit of knowledge and exploration of diverse career paths within the horticulture industry.

NCNLA: What were your favorite college classes, and why?

LS: Throughout my college journey, I have been fortunate to engage in a diverse range of horticulture courses, offering both educational knowledge and hands-on experiences across various branches of this field. Among my most valued courses were Plant Propagation and Soil Science. Plant Propagation proved to be an eye-opening experience, revealing the distinctive ways in which plants can be grown and multiplied from their own leaves and stems. Witnessing this process expanded my vision and appreciation for the industry’s innovative techniques, which serve to increase plant supply and preserve valuable plant genetics. On the other hand, Soil Science captivated me with its complexity and critical role in horticulture. This course dove into the intricate layers and composition of soil, emphasizing its role in providing essential nutrition, supporting living organisms and influencing plant growth. Understanding soil’s multifaceted roles and mastering its management are fundamental practices for success in the horticulture industry. These enriching educational experiences have further driven my passion for horticulture and reinforced the significance of continuous learning in this rewarding field.

NCNLA: What are your plans after graduation?

LS: Upon completion of my undergraduate degree, my immediate objective is to venture into the field of production management and gain experience within this sector of the horticulture industry. Through this hands-on role, I will seek to immerse myself in the day-to-day operations and strategic aspects of horticultural production, thereby enhancing my practical expertise and deepening my understanding of the industry’s dynamics. While working, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in agricultural education, recognizing the profound impact that effective teaching and mentorship can have on shaping the future of the horticulture field. Throughout my postgraduate studies, I aspire to empower and prepare the next generation of industry leaders. This journey of practical experience in production management and academic pursuit in agricultural education reflects my commitment to making a positive impact in the horticulture industry.

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 919-8169119, ext. 1000.

Successful 2023 Summer Educational Summit Provides Attendees with Expertise on Key Green Industry Topics

On Thursday, June 15, 2023, NCNLA held its first annual Summer Educational Summit, featuring seven sessions on vital continuing education topics for North Carolina landscape contractors. Matt Hunter, chair of the NCNLA Legislative Committee, hosted the event, which drew green industry professionals from around the state seeking to expand their knowledge while earning continuing education credits (CEUs) and enjoying networking opportunities with sponsors and colleagues.

During the event, green industry experts covered a diverse range of topics (summarized in this article), including effective lighting design, natural stone in landscaping, weed control, workers’ compensation claims, sustainable practices, bidding process optimization and basic soil health.

“We were so happy to be able host a great group of presenters and participants at the McKimmon Center for another successful Summer Educational Summit,” says Tim Johnson II, NCNLA president. “I couldn’t have been more proud of the educational value provided to our attendees. Year after year, NCNLA continues to create educational opportunities that go so far beyond mere CEUs, giving green industry members many ways to enhance their skills and increase their professionalism.”

Speaker Tabitha McComas

Mike Gauldin, Irrigation Service Manager with New Garden and speaker Jason Shanabarger

Eric Mangum with Caterpillar (sponsor) and Tyler Mason, Caterpillar intern and engineering student at NC State

Tim Johnson, NCNLA President and Clay Smith, Aspire

Keys to Effective Lighting Designs and Presentations

Jason Shanabarger of Unique Lighting helped attendees understand the difference between “That’s nice” and “Oh, wow!” by adding lighting to their landscaping projects. This session explored proper lighting design, best lighting installation practices and an overview of available lighting products — including downlighting, cross-lighting, backlighting and more.

Natural Stone in Landscape Applications

Using natural stone in landscapes offers versatility, dimension and durability to hardscaping projects. In this session, Erik Hagen of SiteOne identified how natural stone can be used in landscaping, as well as the benefits of utilizing natural versus artificial products. Attendees also learned about the installation techniques needed to keep projects safe and scenic.

Control the Weeds, Keep the Flowers

Despite best efforts to keep them out, weeds always seem to find a way to emerge in landscape beds. And although the necessity of hand weeding may never be eliminated,

many other options exist to remove weeds without damaging landscape plants. Dr. Joe Neal of North Carolina State University discussed principles, strategies and tools used to selectively control many of the most common weeds in landscape plantings.

Return-to-Work and Dealing with Workers’ Comp Claims

While no one wants an accident to occur in a workplace, ignoring the possibility would be doing a disservice to your company and your employees — and navigating workers’

NCNLA staff member Kathryn Stansbury, with Tony Haywood from NCDA&CS

UMO Students and event volunteers: Parker Bryan, Sarah Holloman, Peyton Mathis

comp claims should begin well before an incident does occur.

Joe Gupton of Jones Insurance discussed how to manage the process by explaining fit-for-duty testing and identifying the importance of accurate job descriptions. Joe also walked attendees through accident investigation procedures and return-to-work programs for injured employees, while defining employers’ rights surrounding these claims.

Get More Green in Your Landscape Projects

Although our industry’s plants and services are often perceived as a luxury, a growing body of research tells us that green spaces are vital to the health and wellbeing of our communities. During this session, Shannon Currey of Izel Native Plants discussed how to better promote the role of green spaces and show that plants and plant expertise are necessities, rather than luxuries. One prominent example is green infrastructure, which uses plants, soils and natural systems to manage water and create healthier environments. Using her experience working with grasses and sedges, Shannon highlighted some plants that are well suited for green infrastructure applications.

Optimizing Your Bidding Process to Maximize Profits

With today’s rising costs, landscape contractors everywhere are looking for ways to optimize their businesses and control

expenses to achieve growth. One of the quickest ways to boost revenue without incurring additional costs is by evaluating your estimating process — after all, the more accurate your bids, the better chance you’ll have of reaching your goals. In this session, Tabitha McComas of Aspire educated participants on how capturing direct costs in a timely, accurate manner informs profitable pricing — a key component of optimizing your bidding process.

Basic Soil Health 101

Michael Guran of Mirimichi Green Express educated attendees on how certain land-management practices have caused a depletion of organic matter in our soils, resulting in widespread degradation of soil content. Due to such practices, soil can become deprived of elemental carbon and nutrients, inhibiting the soil’s ability to hold water and increasing reliance on chemical inputs. This session helped landscape professionals understand the benefits of healthy soil and how modifying their management practices can help increase profitability and promote sustainability, without sacrificing landscape appearance and performance.

NCNLA would like to thank all of the attendees, speakers and volunteers who helped make our first annual Summer Educational Summit a success. Join us next year on Thursday, June 20, 2024, as the Summer Educational Summit expands to include two separate tracks: landscaping and nursery operations.

GOLD SILVER BRONZE

2023 Robert Cagle Memorial Golf Tournament

The 2023 Robert Cagle Memorial Golf Tournament, held June 16 at Lochmere Golf Club in Cary, NC, welcomed the most participants in the event’s history, with 52 players and 26 sponsors. Proceeds from this annual event fund the Robert Cagle Memorial Scholarship, which supports the continuing education needs of qualified horticulture and landscape students. NCNLA members Kevin and Robby Cagle, along with Matt Hunter,

Congratulations to the winners!

Longest Drive #12, sponsored by Greenleaf Services

Andrew Smith of Smith Grounds

Longest Putt #18, sponsored by NCNLA

Toby Lovering of SiteOne

Closest to the Pin #7, sponsored by Greenscape

James White of Nature's Select

1st Place — Lowest Gross

Caterpillar: Todd Lange, BJ Meier, Nick Will, Josh Downs

2nd Place — Lowest Gross

Nature’s Select:

Josh Gardner, Mike Blount, Nathan Herman, James White

Morris Newland and the NCNLA staff, spent countless hours organizing this gathering to honor Robert Cagle, an avid golfer who was committed to green industry education.

Thanks to Emily Eldridge, a North Carolina State University horticulture science major and one of our 2023 NCNLA scholarship recipients, for joining us for lunch and the tournament kickoff.

NCNLA ROBERT CAGLE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

Emily Eldridge, recipient of the 2023 NCNLA Scholarship with Robby Cagle and Kevin Cagle

Seen on the Green

Thanks to the golfers who participated, as well as to our sponsors for their overwhelming support.

Sow the Seeds of Success Through Sponsorships

Green & Growin’ is the Southeast’s largest green industry trade show, fostering the seeds of success for your business and employees alike. This weeklong event unites growers, retailers, landscapers and other green industry professionals for networking, continuing education classes, and valuable supplier and customer connections. Anchored by a three-day education conference and the two-day Marketplace, Green & Growin’ has evolved into a valued annual tradition for North Carolina’s green industry professionals.

NCNLA is delighted to offer exciting sponsorship opportunities that will undoubtedly enhance your company’s presence at Green & Growin’ 24. Explore the countless advantages of our Green & Growin’ Partner Program, featuring high-visibility items, show amenities and networking events to maximize your brand’s exposure among all participants — from attendees and speakers to business owners and buyers. Seize these fantastic opportunities to create a lasting impact and forge connections with potential clients and partners in the green industry.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of Green & Growin’ 24, please contact Wendi Doak at wdoak@ncnla.com or (919) 816-9119, extension 1002.

Silver Gold

Select

your Partner Program level.

Bronze $250

Benefits outlined above. Silver $500 Benefits outlined above, plus one of the following: Ice Company logo on signage at Marketplace ice machine.

Marketplace South Lounge Company logo on signage.

Women in the Green Industry Meeting Company logo on signage.

CPP Breakfast Company logo on signage.

for Annual Sponsors only) Company logo on signage.

Gold $1000

Benefits outlined above, plus one of the following:

Morning Coffee & Afternoon Snack Break (Education) Company logo on signage.

Morning Coffee & Afternoon Snack Break (Marketplace) Company logo on signage.

Marketplace Lunch (Thursday & Friday) Company logo on signage.

Cornhole Competition (limit 4)

Company logo on signage at President’s Reception.

Student Volunteer Break Room

Company logo on signage at Education and Marketplace.

Speaker Green Room Company logo on signage.

Platinum $3000

Benefits outlined above, plus one exclusive benefit:

Marketplace Tote Bags

Company branded bags for Marketplace attendees.

Event Lanyards

Company branded lanyards for event attendees.

Event Pens

Company branded amenity for Education attendees.

Education Notepads

Company branded amenity for Education attendees.

Marketplace Show Map

Company logo on the show floor make and plant material displayed at entrance of Marketplace.

Beverage Cups

Logo on cups at Education and Marketplace.

Ruby $4500

Benefits outlined above, plus one exclusive benefit:

Education Keynote Lunch (Tuesday & Wednesday) Company logo on signage and tabletops. Keynote speaker introduction.

President’s Reception (Thursday Evening) Company logo on event signage.

Event Volunteer Tees Company logo on volunteer T-shirts.

Marketplace Demonstration Area Company provided demonstrations, logo on signage and promotion at Marketplace.

Also Available: Create Your Own Sponsorship (Platinum and Ruby levels only) Contact Wendi Doak at wdoak@ncnla.com to discuss opportunities.

Legislative Update

The 2023 Long Session has certainly lived up to its name this year. At the time this article was written, North Carolina legislators had just returned from their Fourth of July break. Senate Bill 318, Native Plants Act, was referred to the House Committee on Rules, Calendar, and Operations on May 3, where it currently remains. The primary sponsor of the legislation, Sen. Bill Rabon, is pushing hard for this bill to become law, along with another piece of legislation he sponsored pertaining to medical marijuana: Senate Bill 3, Compassionate Care Act. The NCNLA Board of Directors and Legislative Committee, along with the North Carolina Farm Bureau, have worked diligently with stakeholders to create an amended bill the industry can accept. A preference for native plants is not a new issue and is not going away — the industry will see more legislation in the future to promote this material. As a result, the Legislative Committee and Board of Directors are working to better define and promote the association’s position on this issue, which promotes and values the

placement of appropriate plant material in suitable locations that ensure the plants will survive and thrive.

The NCNLA Legislative Committee is also working closely with our lobbyist on two other issues of interest:

• Maintaining the current $30,000 threshold for the landscape contractors’ license. There is a proposal to increase the limit to $40,000, which we oppose.

• Preventing efforts by county regulators/inspectors to prohibit landscape contractors from constructing retaining walls greater than 5 feet in height.

The committee is closely monitoring both issues to protect the interests of our members and industry.

Political Action Committee

On a related topic, NCNLA recently established a nonpartisan Political Action Committee (PAC) registered with the North Carolina State Board of Elections (ID# STA-4407T7-C-001). The PAC will increase the effectiveness of the NCNLA Legislative Committee by supporting candidates for state elective office who share our policy goals and understand the importance of maintaining a positive legislative environment for the industry. Member contributions will assist in advancing the industry’s public policy agenda and support the Legislative Committee in building relationships with state lawmakers and other decisionmakers. These relationships will help ensure that the association’s policy positions are delivered to key lawmakers during the legislative process. Stay tuned for information on upcoming fundraising efforts!

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

Jim Freeman

Freeman Landscape

Wilmington, NC

Debbie Hamrick

North Carolina Farm Bureau

Raleigh, 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

Nate Negrin

SouthernEEZ Landscaping

Charlotte, NC

Barry Partlo

Agri Supply

Garner, NC

James Powers

Beauty Lawn Inc. and Lawn Scenarios

Cary, 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

If you would like to make a donation to the NCNLA-PAC, please do so via the form on the following page. »

NCNLA-PAC 2023 Contribution Form

Complete and return this form with payment. Contributions are for the 2023 calendar year. Contributions must be made by personal check (no company checks), personal credit card or personal bank draft. PAC funds are used to support candidates for state elective office who share NCNLA’s policy goals and understand the importance of maintaining a positive legislative environment for the green industry. Thank you for your contribution!

Legacy Society

Annually ($6,400)

Advocate Club

Annually ($500)

Capitol Society

Annually ($4,500)

Bicentennial Club

Annually ($200)

President’s Circle

Annually ($2,500)

Century Club

Annually ($100)

Champion’s Circle Annually ($1,000)

Other $

My payment is by:

Personal check (payable to “NCNLA-PAC”) Amount: $

Personal credit card/bank draft Amount: $

Please provide the following information:

Name: Email:

Address: City, State Zip:

Employer/Company Name: Job Title:

Phone:

All contributions must be from a personal account. We cannot accept company/corporate checks or credit cards. If you are contributing using your credit card or bank draft, you will be invoiced electronically at the email address you provided. If contributing by check, please make personal checks payable to NCNLA-PAC and mail to: NCNLA-PAC, 968 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC 27607. If submitting this form electronically, please email it to kstansbury@ncnla.com.

North Carolina law requires political action committees to report the name, mailing address, job title and name of employer for each individual whose contributions total in excess of $50.00 in an election (defined as the period beginning the day after the general election up to and including the primary and the period beginning the day after the primary up to and including the general election). Contributors may not give more than $6,400 per election. Contributions are not tax deductible for federal or state income tax purposes.

The NCNLA Political Action Committee (PAC) represents the interests of the nursery and landscape industry at the state capitol in Raleigh, NC.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT »

Isaac Lund

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: Isaac Lund

Hometown: Yakima, WA College: Alamance Community College

Graduation Date: TBD

Major/Area of Study: Horticulture technology

Horticulture-Related Places You Have Worked/ Interned: Sarah P. Duke Gardens (Durham, NC)

How did you discover horticulture?

When I moved to Durham in 2016 to start a master’s program, I got a job as a student worker in the botanical garden on campus. I really enjoyed the setting and quickly developed a deep fondness for gardening and plants. That enthusiasm began to snowball, so I kept working at the garden after graduation and eventually landed a full-time staff position in 2021.

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

The most valuable experiences for me have been spending time at other botanical gardens and botanizing at natural sites. I’m really inspired by what other horticulture teams are accomplishing around the country, whether they’re in Portland or Eastern Pennsylvania or San Diego or Washington, DC. I work primarily with plants native to the American Southeast, and getting to see those plants, either in built environments or at home in their ecological communities, deepens my appreciation for what they can do for various spaces.

What were your favorite college classes, and why?

My favorite classes so far have been on plant identification. There are so many plants, so many characteristics and terms and various tools we use to better understand these living beings that are still, in many ways, very foreign to us. It’s a classic example of the phrase “the more you learn, the less you

know.” There are always more families or genera to learn, always more traits to recognize — and even when you think you’ve become familiar with a plant, it still finds a way to surprise you.

What are your plans after graduation?

I plan to stay at my current job and eventually move up into a higher position on the horticulture staff. I’m not sure what my long-term trajectory is quite yet, but I’m still learning and have plenty of time to chart things out.

What advice would you give to a student interested in the field?

Find ways to get involved in an organization that’s doing things you find interesting, and spend some time getting to know those people. If you like native plants, find a local chapter of a native plant society or a conservation group. If you like gardening and growing food, find a community garden or a local farm. The more time you spend trying things out and getting to know people who share your interest and passion, the better idea you’ll have of where you want to go and what kind of work you want to do.

What is your favorite plant, and why?

It varies from season to season, but one of my regular favorites is the orange milkwort (Polygala lutea). I first saw it in the Green Swamp near Wilmington, NC, and I’m always on the lookout for it when I go back to that site. It grows in wet areas all along the coastal plane,

and the color is so striking that some of us have started calling it “bog Cheeto.” It’s a really striking plant that I’ve really only seen in the wild or at botanical gardens. I’m not sure if it will ever be a popular landscape or garden plant, but I think infrequent sightings are part of what make it such a special plant to me.

North Carolina School Update

Success in the Green Industry Often Begins with a Horticultural Science Degree from NC State

By Helen Kraus and Jodi Reidel

In this article, we will feature a few of the recent graduates from the Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University. These amazing students started their educational journeys in different ways and with different goals, but they all persevered and are now “Wolfpack proud.”

One could say that Mason Hills hit the ground running when he began his studies in fall 2020 — but truth be told, he was already running! When he entered his first horticulture class, Mason already owned his own landscape installation and maintenance company. While he was busy excelling in his studies and participating in the Horticulture Club and on the HortPack Competition Team, he was continuing to grow his business.“My experience at NC State was truly one of a kind,” Mason says. “Considering the wonderful professors and students I interacted with and the valuable knowledge I received, there is no excuse for me not to be successful. This degree gave me the opportunity to make new connections, grow personally and develop into a professional at my craft. I’m forever grateful for this opportunity.” He graduated in May 2022 with his Associate of Science degree in horticultural science management and a concentration in ornamentals and landscape technology. His company, Landgreen, continues to grow and thrive.

Hannah Ledford began her horticulture studies as a transfer student in fall 2021. After trying out several majors, she finally found her home in horticulture, graduating in May 2023 with her Associate of Science degree in horticultural science management and a concentration in small-scale farming. Hannah was also active in the HortPack Competition Team. “My

educational experience with NC State’s Agricultural Institute was one of the best times of my educational career,” she says. “I truly enjoyed the hands-on aspect of labs and lectures, as well as networking with peers, professors and industry professionals.” Currently she is working with The Veteran’s Farm of North Carolina while she continues her education pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture education and a concentration in animal science.

Andrew Pfeifer began at NC State in spring 2019 as a first-year life science major, but his academic path would take a couple of turns along the way. The state’s diverse ecosystems inspired him to try zoology next, but he eventually graduated in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in horticultural science with a concentration in landscape design, gardens and urban environments, as well as minors in biological sciences and entomology. As a passionate outdoorsman, he wanted to learn how to create better, more productive habitats for wildlife. As a horticulture major, Andrew was

very active in the Horticulture Club, the HortPack Competition Team and Pi Alpha Xi. He served as a teaching assistant for several horticulture classes and grew plants for and helped maintain

Andrew Pfeifer

Mason Hills

Hannah Ledford (left)

the renovated gardens in front of Kilgore Hall. “The program was full of passionate instructors who ensured we had the best experience possible,” says Andrew, who is currently a horticulture extension agent in Stanly County, NC.

Parker Dearing came to NC State knowing that he wanted to learn everything possible about ornamental plant production and the business of growing and selling plants. He graduated in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in horticultural science, a concentration in production systems and entrepreneurship, and a minor in business entrepreneurship. Unfortunately, Parker’s first year as a student was a lonely one due to COVID, but he stayed engaged by participating in online social activities like Horticulture Club. Once students were permitted to be active on campus again,

so was Parker! His advice for incoming horticulture students is: “Don’t be afraid to step out of your shell! Go to every school event, club meeting and sporting event you can — that’s where you’ll meet the most people and make the best memories.” He completed an internship with Ball Horticultural Company in West Chicago, IL, and received a Dr. P. Allen Hammer Scholarship recognizing his academic merits. Parker is currently working at Panoramic Farms in Marshville, NC.

A first-generation college graduate, Calyssa Stevenson started at NC State in fall 2019 and completed her Bachelor of Science degree in horticultural science with a concentration in plant breeding and biotechnology in May 2023. And while relatively few college students take on research experiences, Calyssa actually completed two: one in small-fruit breeding and another in micropropagation with the Micropropagation Repository Unit. Her love for research and plant breeding

has led her to continue her education and pursue a Master of Science degree in horticulture.

Sometimes it’s a special professor that draws students to horticulture. Although Sydney Suits began her studies at NC State in fall 2019 as a design studies major, her career path changed while taking a World of Horticulture course taught by Mr. Lee Ivy. Ultimately she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in horticultural science with a concentration in landscape design, gardens and urban environments in May 2023. Sydney was very active in the HortPack Competition Team, participating in the National Collegiate Landscaping Competition (NCLC) three times! During the NCLC Career Fair, Sydney met with Jackie Kilby-Cranford of Yellowstone Landscape, which led to a “hard but rewarding” internship gaining experience in sales, management, design, enhancements and maintenance. Regarding her time as a horticulture student, Sydney says: “My mentors encouraged me just as much as they challenged me — and thanks to them, I truly grew into the person I was meant to be.”

Charlotte Yancey graduated in May 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in agroecology and sustainable food systems — one of NC State’s newest majors — with a concentration in urban horticulture and a minor in plant biology. “The opportunity to learn about both plant production and community work first attracted me to the major,” she says. “I have spent some of the best years of my life on the NC State campus!” Charlotte has held leadership positions in both the Agroecology Club and the Eta Upsilon chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority. An internship with the Well Fed Community Garden solidified her decision to work in food systems, and she currently hopes to land an internship in Italy focusing on grapes and olives.

Regardless of where or how these students began their college education, their experiences clearly show that the NC State horticultural science program provides a rich, rewarding collegiate experience, a solid foundation for continued growth, and a big head start toward long-lasting careers in the vibrant green industry.

Parker Dearing

Calyssa Stevenson

Sydney Suits

Charlotte Yancey

North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board

An Overview of the NCICLB Investigation Process

What a great (and

HOT) summer

it has been! The NC Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Board (NCICLB) hopes that all contractors have had a successful season! In this article, we will take a deep dive into the process of complaints and hearings.

Complaints to Hearings — How Does the Process Work?

The NCICLB is charged with the investigation and enforcement of alleged violations of the NCICLB law and rules (minimum standards), and since Jan. 1, 2009, the board has received more than 1,100 complaints. The majority of complaints received are for unlicensed practice and/or improper advertising; however, some involve minimum standard violations by licensees. No matter the reason, all complaints submitted to the NCICLB are investigated and acted upon, if necessary.

As licensed professionals, North Carolina irrigation contractors are selfpolicing, so the board relies on public complaints in order to enforce the statute and rules governing minimum standards for the design, installation and maintenance of irrigation systems. It is every licensee’s responsibility to report alleged violations to the board. Without this vital source of reporting, the board would be unaware of many instances of unlicensed practice and substandard irrigation work. In addition to reports

from licensees, the board also relies on the public — homeowners, neighbors, professionals and community watch groups — to help enforce the licensing law. Complaints may be submitted electronically through the board website (www.nciclb.org/nciclb-complaint-form/), emailed to info@nciclb.org or sent by mail, and must include evidence to substantiate the complaint. Anonymous complaints may not be accepted, per rule, as the investigator may need to speak directly to the complainant to obtain additional information throughout the investigation. When submitting complaints, be sure to include as much detail as possible, as well as any additional information or evidence that may help investigators in their efforts. When submitting a handwritten complaint, please ensure that all writing is clear and legible.

Investigations

Upon receipt of a complaint, the investigation begins. If the complaint is found to be valid, a Notice of Complaint (NOC) is sent to the alleged violator, and the complaint is referred to the board investigator. The investigator reviews the case and consults with the complainant, homeowner, alleged violator and any relevant parties regarding details of the case, and then typically reviews the work on-site to determine the extent, if any, of the alleged violation. Once the investigation is complete, a final report is compiled and submitted to the board’s investigatory committee for recommendation. If the committee finds evidence that a

NCICLB BOARD

Charlie Nieman, Chair

Kurt Bland, Vice Chair

Daniel Baker, Treasurer

Charles Allen, Member

Steve Hill, Member

Charles Hughes, Member

Dennis Pitts, Member

Chad Poole, Member

Shawn Lucas, Public Member

violation is likely to have occurred, action may be taken, as authorized in North Carolina General Statute §89G. Actions may include settlement fines, penalties, correction of substandard work and/ or improper advertising, and, in some instances, injunction.

Unlicensed Practice

Even more than 10 years after the North Carolina Irrigation Contractors’ Licensing Law was initiated, the practice of irrigation construction and contracting by unlicensed individuals remains an issue. While specific data is lacking, it is likely that many unlicensed irrigation contractors are still in practice today. The unlawful practice of irrigation construction and/or contracting jeopardizes the professionalism and standardization of best practices to protect our most precious resource, water, as well as consumers and the public.

If you see or are aware of the unlicensed or unlawful practice of irrigation contracting/construction, please report it to the board!

Complaints Resulting in Hearing: Common Causes

The board adopted rules in 2011 that specify the required minimum standards

for irrigation construction and contracting, and all newly licensed contractors receive copies of the law and rules. As well, the law and rules are readily available on the board website. Common minimum standards violations include:

• pipe installed at less than the minimum depth of 12 inches

• valve boxes of less than the minimum diameter of 10 inches

• absence of waterproof connectors

• mixing rotors and sprays on the same zone

• absence of pressure regulators and filters on microirrigation (drip) systems

• usage of nonuniform precipitation rates in the same zone

• improper sprinkler placement causing overspray onto impervious surfaces

• missing record drawings

• lack of maintenance or operation plan

• missing rainfall sensors

• Other common violations include:

• lack of a separate water meter, when required by the water purveyor

• missing backflow assembly or missing permit for backflow assembly, when required

As a reminder, North Carolina licensed irrigation contractors are NOT allowed to install or work on backflow assemblies without proper licensure — an additional license must be held for a contractor to install or perform work on the backflow assembly. More information on backflow assembly licensure can be found on the website of the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.

The Legal Process

After the complaint, investigation and final report, the board’s legal counsel becomes involved.

When the board’s investigative committee determines that there is sufficient evidence to support a complaint, a formal Notice of Violation (NOV) is issued to the identified parties by legal counsel. The NOV substantiates the nature of the allegations and explains the board’s authority to take disciplinary action. The board’s power to assess civil penalties, up to $2,000 for each violation, remains the primary tool for enforcement. When possible, the board seeks to resolve disputes by settlement, in keeping

with North Carolina General Statute §150B-22. The settlement is dependent upon the facts of the case and may involve penalties, fines, injunction, agreement to take the exam or to obtain additional continuing education hours, and, where applicable, correction of any deviations from minimum standards.

Where settlement is not possible, counsel issues a Notice of Hearing (NOH) to the respondent, and the board conducts a formal disciplinary hearing (a schedule of hearings and board meetings can be found on the board’s website).

Be Vigilant — NOT a Vigilante!

The board reminds all licensees and the public to please be vigilant, NOT a vigilante! The rules and law are in place to protect public health, safety and welfare, and to promote the efficient use of water — NOT so others can harass unlicensed contractors. In fact, the NCICLB includes an exemption in the law for unlicensed contractors to perform irrigation work if “the price of all contracts for labor, material, and other items for a given jobsite is less than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500).” (§89G-3 (5))

AROUND THE INDUSTRY

Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Board

Clarifying Some Confusion about the Landscape Contractors’ License

Landscape work offered, quoted and performed of $30,000 or more (including labor, materials and incidental items) for a given job site in North Carolina requires either a landscape contractors’ license or a general contractors’ license (and only a general contractor licensed as a building contractor, residential contractor or public utilities contractor is exempt from having a landscape

or business quoting a project under the $30,000 threshold that ultimately goes over $30,000 would be in violation of North Carolina law.

Similarly, a licensed landscape contractor or business cannot hire or subcontract to a third-party unlicensed individual — who is not a full-time W-2 employee of that licensed business — to undertake a project of $30,000 or more. If the licensed landscape contractor or business were to do so, they would be in direct violation of the law for “license lending.” Furthermore, the unlicensed individual who undertook such a subcontract would be in violation of North Carolina law for unlicensed practice, and both the licensed landscape contractor or business and the unlicensed individual would be subject to legal action. The same laws would apply if a licensed landscape contractor or business were to subcontract to a third-party unlicensed landscape business to undertake a project of $30,000 or more.

More and more homeowners, businesses and municipalities are learning the importance of hiring a licensed landscape contractor. Consumers appreciate the value of having a licensing board that maintains a high professional standard for the industry and serves as a watchdog to safeguard life, health and property. Currently a landscaper may undertake jobs under $30,000; however, the day is fast approaching when consumers will insist on hiring a licensed landscape contractor, regardless of project cost. In fact, consumers’ desire to hire licensed landscape contractors has increased so much during the past year that there has been a 50% increase in newly licensed landscape contractors.

For a few hundred dollars each year, you can avoid these pitfalls and gain the support and assistance of the state licensing board. Your license will expand your market by allowing you to bid on larger jobs — just like your competitors! In addition, the continuing education requirement for the license will indicate to your potential customers that you have the knowledge and value they seek for their project. Make a commitment to your business and profession by calling (919) 266-8070 to learn how you can become a licensed landscape contractor!

Mark Weathington, Director, JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University

Garden Elegance Personified Styrax:

Japanese snowbells are all exceptional flowering trees and are among the most elegant of all garden specimens, and few plants are more closely associated with the JC Raulston Arboretum (JCRA) than the ‘Emerald Pagoda’ snowbell (Styrax japonicus ‘Emerald Pagoda’) collected by J.C. Raulston on his 1985 expedition to South Korea. However, while ‘Emerald Pagoda’ is the best known and is rightly appreciated for its exceptionally large flowers and tidy, upright, oval habit, it isn’t the only Japanese snowbell released by the JCRA. One of my favorites, known as ’Crystal’, is a heavy-blooming, smaller-flowered form with purple flower stalks (pedicels) and deep green foliage that grows happily in the Arboretum’s White Garden. ‘Snowfall,’ a very dense and compact-headed selection, is unfortunately no longer growing at the JCRA (if anyone reading this received ‘Snowfall’ from the JCRA, we would love to get it back in our collection). »

There is more to this group than the Japanese species, however — in fact, there are about 130 different species, ranging from southern Canada to Argentina, the Mediterranean region, Asia and Malaysia. It is difficult to generalize too much about such a widespread group of plants, but most of the trees and shrubs that make up this group have smooth bark; are deciduous (with a few notable exceptions); have white flowers, usually with four to six (and as many as 10) petals and two to four times as many anthers as petals; and a smooth-surfaced, thin-skinned, dry fruit surrounding usually one to three seeds.

Styrax has long been an important plant, with the fragrant resin of several Asian and Malaysian species making their way to the Middle East as early as the Middle Ages. These resins, along with the area’s native Styrax officionalis, were collectively known as storax, gum resin or benzoin resin. The resin was used as an incense and medicinally, and the chemical styrene was first discovered in these plants, leading to the development of commercial synthesis and the creation of Styrofoam.

Japanese snowbell (S. japonicus), overwhelmingly the most prevalent species in commercial horticulture, is an exceptionally handsome small to medium-sized tree with white flowers that dance below its dark green foliage in April and May. Possessing great heat tolerance and hardiness to USDA Zone 5, it can be grown across most of the eastern half of the United States. Pink flowering selections, along with various combinations of weeping habits and, more recently, purple-black foliage, expand the possibilities and uses of snowbell as a specimen tree. Among the very newest additions to the garden palette is a U.S. National Arboretum introduction called ‘Burgundy Moon,’ which, much like ‘Crystal,’ has a dark burgundy pedicel and calyx contrasting with slightly fragrant white flowers.

A search on BuyNCplants. com lists seven cultivars of Japanese snowbell grown in the state. The only other species listed is our native Styrax americanus. American snowbell is typically a somewhat shrubby plant, although it can be grown as a small single or multistemmed tree growing to 12-15 feet tall. In the wild it usually grows in wet bottomlands and swamps, but it is also well adapted to more typical landscape conditions. Its native habitat indicates that it would be worth considering for use in rain gardens, where it should be able to tolerate periodic inundation. While Japanese snowbell is the epitome of elegance, American snowbell is usually a bit more open and informal, with small flowers sporting reflexed petals. The more southern variety, known as S. americanus var. pulverulentus, often represented in the trade by ‘Baby Blue,’ ‘Margie Jenkins,’ or ‘Jenkins Form,’ sports lovely powder blue foliage.

We have yet to find a snowbell here at the JC Raulston Arboretum that wasn’t

worth a place in the garden. We currently grow 14 species, plus six as yet unidentified wild collected species and 18 different S. japonicus cultivars and selections. Almost all snowbells will root from softwood cuttings, although commercially they are usually grafted on Japanese snowbell. Most snowbells grow in full sun to part shade but look their best in a sunny spot. The mid-spring often fragrant flowers, small stature and clean foliage make for a plant that should be as widely grown as flowering cherries, dogwoods and fringe trees, and the subtle but handsome gray fruits dangling from the late summer branches add another season of display. With all of its merits, including durability and ease as a landscape plant, there is no reason this elegant species shouldn’t be a prime specimen in every wellappointed landscape.

We have yet to find a snowbell here at the JC Raulston Arboretum that wasn’t worth a place in the garden.

As irrigation and landscape professionals, you know the benefits of using smart water products - reduction in water usage, healthier soil, and lower water bills. But often the hardest part is talking to your clients about why this makes sense for them. Scan here to see how you can help your clients understand Smart Irrigation.