Nursery & Landscape Notes Fall 2015

Nursery Landscape NOTES October • November • December 2015 | Vol. 49, No. 4

Publication of the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc.

January 11-15, 2016 Greensboro, NC

LEARN | BUY | CONNECT

 More details on page 14

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 1

COMING I

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JANUARY!

Nursery & Landscape Notes 50th Anniversary Issue

Take a trip through time as NCNLA members share memories of our past…and visions for our future.

Celebrate with us.

Advertise in the 50th Anniversary Issue.

Contact Kaley Jacobs 919-816-9119 Kjacobs@ncnla.com

Oct. Nov. Dec. 2015 Vol. 49, No. 4

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37 COMMENTARY President’s Message

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Executive Director’s Message

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Networking: Effort = Success

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NCNLA NEWS NCNLA’s 2015 Horticulture Scholarship Recipients

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Member Spotlight

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In Memoriam

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AROUND OUR INDUSTRY 2015 Robert Cagle Golf Tournament

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Federal Update

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SNA Honors Warsaw, NC, Nurseryman

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Green Industry Update

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Get Great at Green & Growin’ 16

Achieve Your Business Objectives

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Education Conference and Marketplace...

Cost-based Estimating

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Summer Green Road Show Review

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Industry learned, looked and bought in Hickory, NC Aug 12-13

RESEARCH UPDATE The Emerald Ash Borer: Emergence, Detection, and Elimination Efforts

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What’s in YOUR Water?

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Root Cutting Propagation of Euscaphis japonica

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New Members

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Calendar of Events

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Advertiser’s Index

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How Do You Grow a Great Idea?

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Goals for Come Alive Outside™

Fresh Opportunities for Green Industry Sales

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OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 3

NCNLA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

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

NCNLA Staff Corey Connors Executive Director

Tell A Better Story

Cody Lewis Operations Director Kakki Collins Program Director Kaley Jacobs Communications Director Judi Neff Member Services Director Nursery & Landscape Notes is published quarterly by the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. especially for nursery production, nursery research, interior and exterior maintenance and design build contractors in the landscape industry. The publication is distributed to approximately 1200 horticulture producers, landscape professionals and industry suppliers.

NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES is provided as a member benefit.

2015 NCNLA Board of Directors Kirk Davis President Brad Rollins Vice President/ Secretary/Treasurer Michael Dickey Past President Paige Moody Mike Hudson Chad Gragg Conrad Hayter Jamie Thomas Shanon Spivey Barb Fair, Educational Advisor

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have been in the nursery and landscape business all my life and a member of NCNLA for a long time. I have always considered my membership being good for trade show exhibiting and networking with all the great people in the industry.

Several years ago, that networking became an opportunity to serve on the board of the NCNLA. I was a little hesitant at first, but then thought it was time to become involved and help in any way I could. I can honestly say that I am really glad that I did! It has been a real eye opener to see just how much NCNLA does to ensure a successful future for the green industry. It’s a story of people working together to grow our industry.

What strikes me the most about NCNLA is how willing people are to help each other by contributing their knowledge and time. That kind of collaboration isn’t typical. I often hear people in other types of businesses say, “it’s not the work that is hard, it is the people.”

This is not true at all with the people of NCNLA. It is great to be associated with an organization where I can learn from others and share what I have learned over the years.

It has also been great to see what goes on inside NCNLA. I was surprised to learn how many aspects of this association there are and how many people it takes to get things done. There are political challenges and regulations facing our industry that require people who are willing to do the work — and able to get the job done. I am glad we have them in NCNLA. If you are like me, and prefer to serve in other ways, the good news is that there is something for everyone who is willing to become involved.

For rates, content submission, and media kit, contact Kaley Jacobs at 919-816-9119 | Kjacobs@ncnla.com

I think the best thing about being involved in NCNLA is the people who have helped me become a better business owner. I hope that when it's my time to step down from the board, that I will have impacted someone’s life as so many people have impacted mine.

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

I believe our industry is in a good position right now. An economy on the upswing and many people moving to North Carolina means change for our industry and we need to plan for the future. NCNLA is already looking ahead and I am glad to be a part of it.

Advertising

Purpose Statement

NCNLA’s purpose is to be a flexible, knowledgeable, responsive, environmentally-conscious organization providing the nursery and landscape industries with leadership, technological and business advancement opportunities, and information services.

Goal Statement

NCNLA’s ultimate goal is to benefit its members’ economic, professional and personal growth.

Kirk Davis, NCNLA President Patterson’s Nursery

I believe our industry is in a good position right now. An economy on the upswing and many people moving to North Carolina means change for our industry and we need to plan for the future.

As we move forward into 2016, NCNLA is committed to serving members better and looking at the bigger picture of our association. We are focused on helping those in the Green Industry become better business owners. Our goal is to be an association that makes its members proud to belong and want to become involved.

As a stronger economy creates increasing demand for your services, you may wonder if you have time to take advantage of the many benefits of NCNLA. The truth is, this is when we should be focused on education, changing trends, new plants and different avenues to network and help each other. Let’s move forward together and all become better Green Industry leaders — so we can write an even better story for the future.

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 5

䘀愀挀攀戀漀漀欀⸀挀漀洀⼀䴀一䤀䐀椀爀攀挀琀㐀㌀

䠀伀圀 圀䔀 䌀䄀一 䠀䔀䰀倀 㠀㄀㔀 䈀爀愀挀欀攀渀 刀搀⸀ 倀椀攀搀洀漀渀琀Ⰰ 匀䌀 ㈀㤀㘀㜀㌀ ⠀ ⤀ 㠀㘀㐀 㘀㈀㔀ⴀ ㄀㈀㔀

䴀一䤀䐀椀爀攀挀琀⸀挀漀洀

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䈀刀伀䄀䐀 匀䔀䰀䔀䌀吀䤀伀一

䐀䤀刀䔀䌀吀 䨀伀䈀匀䤀吀䔀 䐀䔀䰀䤀嘀䔀刀夀

6 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

䴀唀䰀吀䤀倀䰀䔀 䰀伀䌀䄀吀䤀伀一匀

䘀刀䤀䔀一䐀䰀夀Ⰰ 䬀一伀圀䰀䔀䐀䜀䔀䄀䈀䰀䔀 匀吀䄀䘀䘀

NCNLA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

We Want You!

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n creating strategic priorities for the coming year, the NCNLA Board of Directors placed its greatest emphasis on the organization’s ability to “Tell a Better Story.” To improve the value of membership in NCNLA, the Board established three objectives within this strategic priority. Now that the FY2016 organizational budget has been adopted, and the details of the plan ironed out, NCNLA’s volunteer leadership and I are asking for your assistance.

In order to improve upon the organization’s member value proposition, the NCNLA Board of Directors set the following objective:

By September 30, 2016, NCNLA will improve the perceived value of the association by increasing the amount of member participation on volunteer committees, improving member engagement.

NCNLA’s strength as a member organization comes from the sense of community felt among its diverse group of active members. Since my arrival in December, I have been blown away by the pride that our membership takes in its organization and the thoughtful perspectives that have been shared with me as I have traveled across the state. The feedback that I have received has been an incredible mix of unique historical perspective, insightful analysis regarding the current state of the industry and a bevy of exciting new ideas that the NCNLA should consider using.

With all sincerity, THANK YOU for that. NCNLA is your organization. In order to better serve your business, we need to continue to have a dialogue to better understand what your business needs to succeed.

What the NCNLA Board has chosen to do is to facilitate that dialogue through the implementation of a new volunteer leadership structure. The purpose of this new structure is three-fold:

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To ensure that program committees are aligned with the organization’s strategic direction to improve association performance;

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To enhance the flow of ideas, information and trends from a larger volunteer base to inform the Board’s future consideration of strategic directions;

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To identify and develop the next generation of NCNLA leadership.

Recognizing the need to balance the requirements of serving in NCNLA’s volunteer leadership with your foremost priorities (yourself, your family, your business), the association’s new volunteer leadership structure has been thoughtfully designed to minimize demands on the volunteer’s time while maximizing the efficiency of forums in which NCNLA can gain valuable input. To wit, the schedule establishes meetings twice a year, one via conference call at the beginning of the year to establish priorities and one in-person meeting at a non-peak time for the industry to meet face-to-face and enjoy some fellowship.

NCNLA is your organization. In order to better serve your business, we need to continue to have a dialogue to better understand what your business needs to succeed.

NCNLA’s new volunteer leadership structure calls for 25 individuals, representing a broad cross-section of geographies, industry segments and perspectives, to serve a two-year term. To ensure smooth transition into this new model, three-year terms will also be available for interested parties to enable a rotation of talent on the newly established councils and committees. To serve, your company must be a member in good standing with NCNLA. To the many who offered to help the association however they can this past year, I warned you I might take you up on that. I'm doing it formally now. You know who you are. Call me.

To those in the NCNLA membership, from lifelong stalwarts to the up-and-coming next generation of green industry professionals, who are interested in making a modest commitment of time and resources that will pay big dividends for your business and your industry, I leave you with this: WE WANT YOU!

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 7

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8 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

OPINION

Networking: Effort = Success

By Scott Culbreth, Hackney Nursery Company

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etworking, according to Merriam-Webster dictionary, is the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions, specifically, the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business. I love the last part the best — “cultivation of productive relationships…” — sounds like a nurseryman wrote this!

an event is worth my time or money, but my purpose for being there is also to connect with existing and/or potential customers, support the organization, and network.

Networking will always pay off. Maybe not right away, but in the long term. I believe it’s always worth investing my time to develop relationships where both parties benefit.

Build relationships

The rewards of networking are directly related to the efforts I put into it. Seems the more I give the more I get in return. I am not talking something superficial. I mean finding friends and partners where the relationship is both business and personal.

My father was a Methodist minister. He taught me many years ago, it is okay to ask someone for something, just be prepared to return the favor when the time comes. To me, that is what networking is about.

I hope I offer helpful information, and in return hope to gain knowledge that will help me become both a better sales rep and a better person. Lasting relationships are beneficial to both parties.

Make connections So how should we network? Besides making phone calls and visits to someone’s place of business, we do it by being active and involved. We attend, volunteer, display and help fund industry events and community programs.

Networking opportunities are everywhere — even on vacation and at sports activities. Many of my contacts and friends were made back when I played golf and participated in the SNA and industry association tournaments.

But let me be very clear, I am not the best at attending, or participating in everything. Like most people, I need to work on it. But I do believe it is our duty to support the communities where we live and work, and the associations that work for our industry.

Sometimes it’s easy to see the payback — through orders, etc. Other times I may question whether

A valuable networking event that I attended recently was NCNLA’s Summer Green Road Show in Hickory, NC. Summer shows everywhere are struggling. But through the years, I have loved attending them! Why? The pace is typically slower so there’s more one-on-one time to talk with people. Good weather and longer daylight hours mean after the show events are well attended, and we get to just have fun together without pressure.

(Well, no pressure for doing business — players of NCNLA’s annual cornhole competition would probably tell you that the pressure was on!)

Once again this year, I made several important contacts while exhibiting at the Hickory show.

I also picked up information that let me take advantage of several opportunities that I otherwise might not have known about until months later.

Most often, moves and changes in our industry happen during the summer months. Businesses close or open, buyers and other key employees move on to other companies, friends receive deserved recognition. Attending summer events gives me a chance to catch up on what’s new.

Be there Our business and personal lives are still made up of friendships and connections. Interaction develops trust and provides opportunities to find out more of what you have in common.

It’s also important to just stay visible. I try to attend as many tradeshows and functions as I can, because “out of sight, out of mind,” still holds true.

I want to make sure that my customers, and the industry, know my company is still here — and I’m still out there working every day.

Scott’s networking tips:

Get out of your comfort zone. Next time you attend an event, don’t just talk to your existing friends and acquaintances, make an effort to meet new people.

Find someone you recognize but have never met. Walk up, shake their hand, look them in the face and get to know them!

Always have several business cards on you. If you’re old school like me and don’t keep a smartphone handy, make sure you also have a pen in case you need to write something down.

Here’s the most important tip of all: follow up with the contacts you make! Send a joke in an email or share some information you know they would appreciate, but stay in touch.

At the shows or on the road, let's network!

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 9

NCNLA’s 2015 Horticulture Scholarship Recipients

NCNLA has awarded scholarships to three students through the NCNLA Horticulture Scholarship program for the 2015-2016 academic year. Each is a highly-motivated and deserving individual who has demonstrated great promise for the future of the industry.

Anna Gragg Coming from a family of nursery farmers, it was not a big surprise when Anna decided to embark on a career in horticulture. She has grown up in the business, worked at her family’s farm, and thus has been exposed to many aspects on how to be successful in this industry. Anna believes it is important to follow in her family’s footsteps, but she is also excited to discover her own passions in the field of horticulture.

An excellent student, Anna’s teachers say she also demonstrates a combination of dedication, intelligence, and common sense that is rare for one so young. She is highly motivated to learn all she can, is always eager to work, and sticks with a task until it’s done. Her work experience includes working as a nursery hand at Gardens of The Blue Ridge in Pineola, NC, potting and propagating plants, working in the company’s greenhouses, and performing any other needed tasks related to the business. In addition, Anna has gained valuable experience learning about wildflowers, such as how, when, and where they grow.

Anna got a head start in her education by dual enrolling at Mayland Community College while still in high school. This fall she will return to Mayland to continue pursuing her Associates Degree with a major in Horticulture, and a minor in Micro Propogation/Landscape Design.

She is expected to graduate in the Spring of 2016, and afterward plans to continue her education to obtain a four-year horticulture degree.

In addition to being a student, she is involved in a number of horticul10 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

ture-related organizations and activities. She is an active member and officer of the Avery county FFA, coordinated a plant sale at the county’s extension office, and performs community landscaping (including the grounds at her own high school).

Anna has demonstrated she is a future asset to this field, and we are lucky to have her.

Katherine Miller Agriculture has always been an essential part of Katherine’s life. She grew up in her family’s business, Pittsboro Feed, where they sold everything from animal-feed and garden crops to baby chicks, and even Christmas trees.

As she grew up, she was influenced by industry leaders and learned many valuable lessons about hard work, patience, kindness, and using one’s mind. In high school she was introduced to ornamental horticulture and the nursery industry by a teacher and fell in love with Plant Science.

Katherine dual enrolled in the North Carolina School of Science & Math Online Program and Central Carolina Community College while in high school. Her teachers speak very highly of her, and one outlined her many leadership, athletic, service, and academics accomplishments.

Unlike many of her peers, teachers say Katherine tackled her assignments with focus, zest, and determination. She has excellent time management skills — being able to balance her high school assignments, online college courses, extracurricular activities, and working in her family’s feed store. She thrives on staying busy and successfully maintaining the balance.

Katherine will attend North Carolina State University in the fall to pursue a major in Plant & Soil Sciences and a minor in Crop Biotechnology. She hopes to make a difference in the industry by using

plant science to increase production, increase drought tolerance, and reduce our pesticide use.

Keep an eye out for the positive impacts Katherine will make on this industry.

Lucas Yanders Lucas was raised in a family that owns a landscaping company, Yanders Landscaping, and has had the opportunity to observe and learn the various skills and traits it takes to run a business. From that beginning he became very involved in many horticulture/landscape activities, organizations, and programs, such as: FFA, NC Soil and Water Conservation division of NCDA, and the Horticulture Department at NCSU. He has been recognized and commended through a number of awards, honors, scholarships, fundraisers, school service projects, and achievements in his community.

Mentors of Lucas note that he is a conscientious student, striving and achieving excellence in everything that he does. He is described as a

trustworthy, honest, and responsible person who has a tremendous work ethic. His exemplary leadership skills and strong determination to succeed present him as a positive role model to other students. He regularly displays great self-discipline and time management skills as he balances school, FFA, a part time job at Apex Nurseries, and devotedly helping out his family’s business.

All of these valuable traits and experiences confirmed his decision to earn an Associate’s Degree at North Carolina State University, studying agribusiness and horticulture through the Agricultural Institute.

Lucas’ skill set, capabilities, and promising potential will enable him to go far in the horticulture field. The sky is the limit.

NCNLA is committed to recognizing and rewarding future horticulture industry leaders. The NCNLA Horticulture Scholarship is an opportunity for full-time students enrolled in 2 or 4-year horticulture programs in North Carolina to receive education financial assistance.

Scholarship recipients are determined through a competitive application process, administered by the NCNLA Board of Directors. Applicants are evaluated by numerous factors including scholastic aptitude and industry potential. Work experience within the industry, leadership ability and financial need are also considered when determining scholarship winners.

For more information on the NCNLA Horticulture Scholarship program, please visit www.ncnla.com/ncnla-scholarships.

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 11

NCNLA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Five Minutes with Michael Currin, Greenscape Inc.

GREENSCAPE INC. & WEED MAN Holly Springs, NC Principals: Michael F. Currin, Founder; Daniel Currin, CEO In business: 40 years NCNLA member: 40 years Estimated revenue: $14 million Employees: 200

Michael Currin has spent his life working in, and for, the Green Industry. The past-president of NCNLA talks about his chosen career and how he came to be where he is today.

What led you to a career in landscaping and to form Greenscape?

I had worked at Reynolda House while at Wake Forest University and got to know Paul McGill and Ann Cathey who were the gardeners there. Both were graduates of the Sandhills Community College Landscape Gardening program; and I thought, “this is really interesting, working with your hands, teaching, and at the end of the day you can see what you accomplished.”

I tried teaching and coaching after graduating from Wake Forest but eventually enrolled at Sandhills. After graduating there in 1976, I did an internship with Stan Owen at Owen Garden Center in Fayetteville and started doing a little landscape work there. I really fell in love with the creativity, the educational opportunity and that each day was different. It was very gratifying to be able to envision what people wanted, build it and see what you had accomplished at the end.

After three years at Owen Garden Center, Stan gave me a wonderful opportunity to partner with him in a new landscape business, which I named Greenscape. I will forever be indebted to him. In 1979 I bought Stan’s interest out. That was when the name Greenscape Inc. became really important to our success.

What is your business best known for?

Early on our focus was residential design build. We got into commercial office building installations in 1986 and 12 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

Photos: (far left and center) Greenscape founder Michael Currin (left) passed the mantle of management on to his son, Daniel six years ago; (top right) skillbuilding at a Greenscape training meeting; (above) Greenscape volunteers in the garden at the Marbles Kids Museum in Raleigh.

Opposite page: Two Greenscape installations: edible living wall; flower bed at Cameron Station.

then developed our maintenance business. We added lawn care when we bought our Weed Man franchise in 1995. We began shifting our focus toward commercial maintenance just before the recession, because we felt we needed to add more value to the company. I have to give my son Daniel a lot of credit for that move.

What kinds of things keep you up at night?

It has always been when we have fallen short of my expectations — whether it had to do with a customer, vendor or employee.

How would you describe your role at Greenscape today?

My official title is Founder. I stepped aside from day to day operations about six years ago to let the next generation put their stamp on the business. Daniel and his team have done a tremendous job and have grown the company significantly. Since then I have tried to see my role as a facilitator and supporter.

I still have a lot of skin in the game, so to speak. We have been working on transition planning and estate planning for a number of years and are now at the point of finalizing some of that.

IN MEMORIAM With sadness, we say goodbye to three members of our industry family.

Benjamin “Ben” Harold Brown Benjamin “Ben” Harold Brown, 92, of Rockwell, NC, passed away August 5, 2015. A graduate of North Carolina State University, Ben founded Brown’s Nursery in 1953 with his wife, Carrie Leona Hampton (to whom he was married for 67 years). Ben was best known as an expert propagator of nursery stock, specializing in the grafting and budding of ornamental fruit trees and Japanese Maples. He taught many classes in grafting, and local and regional colleges brought their horticultural students to meet and work with him.

A past president of NCNLA and recipient of its highest honor, Ben also served as president of the Southern Nursery Association, Piedmont Association of Nurserymen and Redbud Garden Club; and was active in the International Association of Plant Propagators.

Ben will be remembered for his many local landscaping projects, including Rowan Cabarrus Community College and the Rowan Couty Health Department. He is survived by his children, Ted Brown, Kaye Brown Hirst and husband Ed, and Amy Brown; three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

What do you do every day?

Once I stopped going to the office, I took over the nursery here on the farm where I live. I stay active in the business through Daniel as we meet and talk from time to time and I attend the executive team meetings monthly. I have also been working to help get the new Landscape Contractors License Bill passed and just finished service on the Irrigation License Board.

I have always believed it’s important to give back to the industry in order to make things better.

What has been most rewarding part of your career?

Watching the company go on past my day-to-day involvement; and watching people grow in their roles and their managerial skills.

What have you gained through your involvement in NCNLA? It has provided an opportunity to learn how to do things better and a way to connect with other successful people in the industry.

How would you advise someone just starting out in NC’s green industry?

Get involved in the industry through the various associations — both local and national — that represent what you want to do. Don’t let the cost keep you from participating — it will be the best investment that you will ever make and what you learn will pay it back tenfold. I would also encourage young people to work for some of the great companies that exist in the industry. Find some mentors and don’t be afraid to pick their brains.

Gerald “Donnie” Sisk NCNLA member and nursery owner Donnie Sisk passed away on September 6, 2015. Donnie started working in the nursery business in 1976. He loved working outdoors and became an excellent grower of dogwoods. In 2008, Donnie started After Hours Nursery in his hometown of Huntland, TN. According to his wife Ann, “Donnie was truly a mountain man and an avid hunter who loved nature, wildlife and family. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. Material things meant nothing to him. He always treated people the way he wanted to be treated.”

He is survived by Ann Bauer Sisk, his wife of 43 years; daughter, Jennie Lynn Smith and her husband, Leighton; son, Jed Sisk; and three grandchildren.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grantfuneralservices.net.

Thelma Arnette Witherspoon Thelma Arnette Witherspoon, 93, passed away on July 10, 2015, in Durham, NC. Thelma obtained a BS in Business Administration from Winthrop College. She used her education to partner with her husband, Robert, to establish Witherspoon Rose Culture in 1951, a model business in Durham for over 64 years. They worked side by side in this labor of love to share the beauty of roses with others.

As a member of Ephesus Baptist Church for over 60 years, Thelma served in many roles including being one of the first women deacons and teaching teenagers in Sunday school.

Preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Robert Kenneth Witherspoon, Thelma is survived by her sister, Willena Arnette Turner; two daughters and sons-in-law, Alice Annette Witherspoon Tate, Rhonda Gill Witherspoon Pike, Philip M. Tate and David V.B. Pike; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 13

GET GREAT at

T

ake thousands of horticulture and landscape professionals, and set them down in the North Carolina Piedmont with a world-class education program (peppered with plenty of CEUs of course). Combine with a tradeshow marketplace as large and diverse as the industry itself, then add networking for spice and a heapin’ spoonful of warm Southern hospitality…

That’s NCNLA’s recipe for one great event…and YOU’RE invited.

Green & Growin’ 16. January 11-15 . Greensboro, NC Here’s a peek at what’s in store.

LEARN

Green & Growin’ 16 Education (Jan 11-13) includes more than 55 business sessions, specialty classes and certification courses.

It’s also a one-stop CEU shop for green industry professionals looking to earn credits toward eight different accreditations at the national, regional and state levels. All education programs take place at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons. (See pages 16-19)

BUY

Green & Growin’ 16 Marketplace (January 14-15) is a prime opportunity to see top products from a broad array of industry producers and suppliers, chat with representatives and place orders for the coming year.

With an average of 450 exhibiting companies and 4400 attendees, the annual trade show has been described as the place where “critical mass” meets “don't get lost in the crowd.” It takes place in the Special Events Center at the Greensboro Coliseum.

CONNECT

North Carolina’s green industry enjoys a unique culture of cooperation and camaraderie among its family-owned farms and small businesses. Networking opportunities throughout the show make it a great place to connect and build relationships. Be sure to join us at Green & Growin’ 16 — you won't find anything like it on the trade show circuit this winter.

www.GreenandGrowin.com 14 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE

EDUCATION

www.GreenandGrowin.com

January 11-13 | Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons

MONDAY, JANUARY 11 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

SPECIALTY CLASSES & CERTIFICATIONS (See page 16 for topics) TUESDAY, JANUARY 12

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

SPECIALTY CLASSES & CERTIFICATIONS (See page 16 for topics)

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

EDUCATION TRACKS (See page 18 for topics) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13

8:30 AM – 9:45 AM

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY BOB DOLIBOIS The Horticultural Industry Comes of Age

8:30 AM - 7:30 PM

NC Sod Producers Association Annual Meeting

10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

EDUCATION TRACKS (See page 19 for topics)

5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

NC Green Industry Council Annual Meeting

Green & Growin’ by the numbers

*G&G Average: 2012-2015 **G&G 2015

4,437 Average Attendance*

1,688

Companies Attended**

31

States Represented*

MARKETPLACE

January 14-15 | Special Events Center at the Greensboro Coliseum

THURSDAY, JANUARY 14 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM

NCNLA Membership Breakfast & Annual Meeting

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

GREEN & GROWIN’ MARKETPLACE (Registration hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM)

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Green & Growin’ Welcome Party

FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

GREEN & GROWIN’ MARKETPLACE (Registration hours: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM)

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Women in the Green Industry Gathering

Quality Products and a Big Market Base Savvy plant buyers head to the Green & Growin’ Marketplace each year to find a diverse array of top quality plants. With 300 miles of coastline, the highest peaks east of the Rockies and every climate in between, North Carolina’s growers produce varieties that thrive in many different planting zones.

Smart sellers exhibit at Green & Growin’ to gain prime market exposure. It’s located in Greensboro, the 10th largest U.S. city (by population) in the South Atlantic region. Less than two hours away are the burgeoning markets of Charlotte (2nd) and Raleigh (7th).

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 15

EDUCATION Specialty Classes and Certifications, 1- and 2-day Classes

January 11-13 Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons

www.GreenandGrowin.com

Gain marketable skills and career-boosting credentials. Sign up soon. Class size is limited.

MONDAY, JAN. 11 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Budgeting and Estimating Workshop 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM Pesticide License Class & Test 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM Landscape Design and Graphics Part I – The Fundamentals 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM ICPI PICP Specialist Course Sponsored by Belgard

Sponsored by Belgard Instructor: Belgard Representative

Monday, January 11 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM Are you an experienced contractor doing residential and/or commercial concrete pavement? If you’re already installing permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) or aiming to expand into the market, this course is for you. Learn how to meet industry-established guidelines for residential and commercial PICP applications; and improve the quality and value of your PICP installations. Curriculum: n Overview and systems n Job planning and documentation n Job layout n Flow and estimating quantities n Soil and site characteristics n Sub-base and base materials n Edge restraints n Bedding and jointing material n Paver selection and installation n Maintenance Go to the head of the class — study in advance.

Read the student manual online: www.icpi.org/studyicpi (No need to print it – you’ll get a student manual on-site.)

FEE (includes class and certification test) Belgard will provide breakfast, lunch and breaks.

ICPI members $236 (must verify membership with ICPI)

NCNLA members $266

Spanish Pesticide License part 1 Class (8:30 AM-12:00 PM) & Test (1:00 PM-5:30 PM) Sponsored by National Hispanic Landscape Alliance

ICPI Level One Paver Certification

Sponsored by Belgard Instructor: Belgard Representative

2

Day Course

Nonmembers $295

FEE (includes class and certification test) Belgard will provide breakfast, lunch and breaks both days.

*You must pre-register to attend these courses.

16 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

2

Day Course

Class size is limited to 50 people and no more than two people from the same company.*

Enhance your knowledge of the construction and installation of interlocking concrete pavements. This practical course is taught

by ICPI instructors and is tied together with a video that takes participants through a step-by-step concrete paver installation.

Curriculum: n Job planning and documentation n Estimating quantities n Job layout, and flow n Soil characteristics and compaction n Base materials n Edge restraints n Bedding and joint sands n Selection and installation of concrete pavers n Maintenance and management n Specialty applications and construction tips n Safety, estimating and job costing n Contract basics

$280 (must verify membership with ICPI)

Instructor: Marcus VandeVliet, MV Enterprises

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Class size is limited to 60 people.*

ICPI members

Spanish Pesticide License part 2 Class (8:30 AM-12:00 PM) & Test (1:00 PM-5:30 PM), Sponsored by National Hispanic Landscape Alliance

Budgeting and Estimating Workshop

8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Class size is limited to 60 people.*

WED., JAN. 13

Sponsored by Belgard

ICPI Level One Paver Certification Sponsored by Belgard 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Spanish Pesticide License part 1 Class Sponsored by National Hispanic Landscape Alliance 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM Energy Saving Landscape Certification 1:00 – 5:00 PM Landscape Weed ID & Management Workshop

ICPI PICP Specialist Course ICPI PICP Specialist Technician Certification

TUESDAY, JAN. 12 Budgeting and Estimating Workshop Pesticide License Class & Test (8:30 AM – 5:30 PM) Landscape Design and Graphics Part III – Designing the Sustainable Landscape ICPI Level One Paver Certification

NCNLA members $350

Nonmembers $315

This hands-on workshop is based on real-world information and scenarios!

Day One. Create your company’s 2016 budget for sales, production costs and recovering overhead.

You’ll be able to use it to project monthly cash flow and improve overhead recovery methods. Key financial ratios will also be reviewed and compared to industry standards.

Day Two. Develop an estimate for a landscape project using your company’s costs and overhead including labor, materials, equipment and subcontractors. After determining recovered overhead and profit amounts you’ll submit your “bid.” All attendee bids will be shared anonymously afterward so you can see how you’d fare.

Members

Non-members

$275

$325

Landscape Weed ID and Management Workshop Instructor: Joe Neal, NC State University

Monday, January 11 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM Class size limited to 30 people Learn how to identify weeds and develop a landscape weed management plan during this half-day, hands-on workshop. Bonus: You’ll also get a copy of Tim Murphy’s book: “Weeds of Southern Turf Grass.”

Members

Non-members

$100

$150

NC Pesticide License Class and Test

2

Day Course

Monday, January 11 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM

Tuesday, January 12 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Class is limited to 100 people*

Landscape Design and Graphics Instructors: Dr. Richard Ludwig and Bill Slack Class size is limited to 40 people

Energy-Saving Landscape Certification Monday, January 11 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM Learn the key areas of energy-saving landscapes from industry experts and receive your certificate at the end of the day.

Monday, January 11 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

n Part I – The Fundamentals This workshop provides concentrated training in the fundamental skills of landscape design.

It introduces the concept of Speed Graphicstechniques that create “jump off the page” symbols in a fraction of the time of regular drafting. Whether you’re a newcomer working the garden center front lines or an experienced landscape contractor, this unique, hands-on, faceto-face session will dramatically improve your ability to communicate landscape design ideas on paper.

n The Economics of Energy Efficiency Dr. Barbara Fair, NC State University, shares valuable background information and details about making your landscape — and that of your clients — more energy efficient. Find out why it is so important to our economic and environmental health.

n Designing Energy Efficient Landscapes

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Cathy Lindsey, Lindsey Landscape and Design, explains where to place plants to save energy around both residential and commercial properties. Find out what plants will work well in your part of North Carolina.

n Part III – Designing the Sustainable Landscape

n Selecting Plants for Energy Efficient Landscapes

Tuesday, January 12

(The Level I course is encouraged, but not required as a pre-requisite.)

This course was designed for landscape professionals who want to create environmentally friendly landscapes and gardens. The hands-on workshop provides extensive training — moving from the basics to a sustainable master plan in just one day. Improve your design skills as you learn how to create — and sell — practical, profitable, earth-friendly solutions to the eco-savvy client.

FEE Members Non-Members

One Day $275 $325

Both Days $500 $600

Bryce Lane, NC State University, Emeritus, explores what “right plant, right place” means in an energy-saving landscape. Learn which site and plant considerations should take priority and hear about plants with great reputations during this review of the selection process.

Class registration (does NOT include test) Members

Non-members

$100

$150

Test registration (paid to NCDA on site) Core Test $50

Categories $20 each

Two manuals must be purchased prior to the class. Download the order form: http://ipm. ncsu.edu/pesticidesafety/orderform.pdf Purchase manuals online: http://pesticidemanuals.com Or, contact Issac Lewis: 919-515-3113; ijlewis@ncsu.edu Be sure to mention that you are attending the Pesticide Class at the Green & Growin’ show to receive free shipping.

Spanish NC Pesticide License Class and Test

Sponsored by the National Hispanic Landscape Alliance Instructor: Cesar Asuaje, University of Florida/Palm Beach County Extension

Two-Part Course Class is limited to 50 people each day.

n Can Turf Contribute to an Energy Efficient Landscape?

Monday, Jan. 11, Part 1

Danesha Carly, NC State University, explains the important role of turf in energy-efficient landscaping. Get tips on minimizing the inputs to maximize the benefits.

Tuesday, Jan. 12, Part 1

8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

8:30 AM – 12:00 PM 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Training

Training NC Pesticide Applicators Licensing Exam

Wednesday, Jan. 13, Part 2

n Green Roofs Mark Weathington, JC Raulston Arboretum, NC State University, explains how a green roof can save energy.

FEE (includes lunch and certificate)

*You must pre-register to attend these courses.

Day One covers core safety training and NC laws.

On Day Two you’ll learn ornamental and turf grass training in the morning and take the NC Pesticide Applicators Licensing Exam (administered by NCDA) in the afternoon.

Members

Non-members

$100

$150

8:30 AM – 12:00 PM 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Training NC Pesticide Applicators Licensing Exam

Class registration (does NOT include test) Members

Non-members

$100 $150 Test registration (paid to NCDA on site) Core Test

Categories

$50

$20 each

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 17

All programs take place at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons

EDUCATION SCHEDULE Build and Expand Your Skills, Learn Best Business Practices, Earn CEUs!

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 BUSINESS TRACK

LANDSCAPE TRACK

NEW PLANT TRACK

IRRIGATION TRACK Sponsored by the Carolinas Irrigation Association

8:00 – 8:55 AM

Cultivating Leaders in Your Company: Leadership Training Workshop

Update on the New Pollinator Protection Labeling & Changes to the Worker Protection Standard

Get Personal! Landscape Varieties that Connect with Your Customers

Turfgrass and Plants Watering Requirements – Part 1

9:00 – 9:55 AM

Assessing and Managing Tree Risk to Scale Insect Infestations

The Heritage Collection

Turfgrass and Plants Watering Requirements – Part 2

10:00 – 10:55 AM The Art of the Sale – Panel Discussion

Do You Have What It Takes to Successfully Manage Fruit Trees in a Landscape?

Natives Born and Bred for Carolina Gardens

How to Follow Proper Location & Excavation Guidelines – Part 1

11:00 – 11:55 AM How to Keep Your Team Fired Up!

Preemergence Weed Control in Landscape Beds – Back to Basics

The Traveling Plantsman: How to Follow Proper Location Reliable and Relevant Plants for & Excavation Guidelines - Part 2 21st Century Horticulture

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN

12:00 – 1:00 PM 1:00 – 1:55 PM

Providing World Class Customer Pollinator Habitat and Service Conservation in the NC Landscape

New Plant Introduction Panel

2:00 – 2:55 PM

Top Ten Biggest HR Mistakes

Measured Value of Soil and Plants in Green Infrastructure Performance

3:00 – 3:55 PM

Sales Tips for Those Who Hate Selling

Timing for Scouting and Treatment Beyond Beauty: of Scale Insects Useful Plants for Modern Landscapes

Pumps - Part 1

4:00 – 4:55 PM

The Work of Leaders: How Vision, Alignment, and Execution Will Change the Way You Lead

Fate and Behavior of Pesticides in the Landscape

Pumps - Part 2

Beautiful Bushes: Super Shrubs for the Landscape

NC Irrigation Contractors Licensing Board Minimum Standards Rules

www.GreenandGrowin.com 18 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

All programs take place at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons

EDUCATION SCHEDULE

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13 8:30 – 9:45 AM

KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY BOB DOLIBOIS The Horticultural Industry Comes of Age

Breakfast will be served at 8:00 AM

BUSINESS TRACK

TURF & LAWN URBAN IRRIGATION MAINTENANCE FOREST TRACK TRACK Sponsored by the TRACK

LANDSCAPE TRACK

RETAIL TRACK

GROWER TRACK

10:00 – 10:55 AM

Managing Sales as Ensuring Your a Process Work is Profitable

Hot Pots

Checklist for Substrates in Nursery Production

11:00 – 11:55 AM

Job Costing, And Why It Is Critical to Maximize Your Profits

Inventory…Friend Source Water or Foe??

Quality Used for Irrigation

Sponsored by the NC Sod Producers Association

Carolinas Irrigation Association

Turfgrass Selection Drought Tolerant Considerations for Trees North Carolina

Bidding and Estimating for Irrigation Contracting

Bio-rational Materials for Pest Management

Underground Cisterns and Associated Pumping Systems

Pruning Trees

LUNCH ON YOUR OWN

12:00 – 1:00 PM 1:00 – 1:55 PM

AB Testing, What Is The Plants, The It and Why Should Pests and the I Care?

Bees: Surviving the Three-Way Duel

Know Your Customer, Grow Your Sales. The Retail Garden Market is Changing - Are You?

Scouting, Monitoring, and Managing Major Diseases of Field and Container Plants

Effective Disease Caring for Trees Management After a Storm Strategies for Cool and Warm Season Turf

Basic Irrigation System Design

2:00 – 2:55 PM

Get More Jobs Breeding Turfgrass Done in Less Time! for Stress Tolerance and Pest Resistance in the Transition Zone

Tips for Writing Good Marketing Copy & Designing Great Signs and Advertising

Getting Started, Again, in the Nursery Business

Advanced Turf Weed Management for Lawn Care Operators

Trees and Utilities

Water Conservation & Responsible Irrigation

3:00 – 3:55 PM

Employee Incentive Systems: How to Motivate Staff Above and Beyond Compensation

Site Assessment and PreparationGetting it Right and Making Some Dough

Herbicides for Consumers – What Your Customers Need to Know About the Products on Your Shelves

Scouting, Monitoring, and Managing Major Pests on Field and Container Grown Plants

Preventative Pesticide Strategies for Cool and Warm Season Turf Pests

Minimizing Tree Damage in the Construction Process

Creating Business Opportunities Through Water Conservation

4:00 – 4:55 PM

Using Google Analytics to Improve Your Business

Choosing the Right Plant for the Job: Landscape Plant Selection and Use

Controlling the Uggs and Bugs: Preventing and Treating Disease and Insects

The Crap People Do to Trees

Irrigation Troubleshooting Tools and Techniques

www.GreenandGrowin.com

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 19

GreenandGrowin.com

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Bob Dolibois

Brie Arthur

Bryce Lane

Denise Ryan

Keynote Speaker

Enchanting “Winter” Tale

Goes for a Triple Header

Heats Things Up

A national award-winning instructor at NC State University, Bryce Lane is perhaps best known to avid horticulture fans as host of the three-time Emmy award winning show “In the Garden With Bryce Lane.“ The instructional program focused on the “how-to” of gardening with an educational twist, highlighting many different gardening practices and plants for American home gardens.

Denise Ryan is a motivational pyromaniac. Her infectious energy, humor, and enthusiasm will set a room ablaze. After earning millions for clients in the corporate world, Denise realized she had a talent for firing people up. Fifteen years later, Denise motivates small businesses across America at conferences and annual meetings. Her no nonsense, direct delivery coupled with her business savvy and humor leave audiences not only laughing, but with actionable tips.

In the 40 years since A Century of Service described the evolution of the nursery and landscape industry, the horticulture industry in the U.S. has undergone a lifetime of change. From clipboards to computers — and from operating comfortably under the radar to experiencing increased governmental and regulatory scrutiny — commercial horticulture has evolved to become an economic force that’s larger than Hollywood.

How we grew is a fascinating tale told expertly by Bob Dolibois, who guided the American Nursery & Landscape Association for 21 years through tumultuous growing pains as well as bountiful boom times.

Dolibois has combined keen insight, unsurpassed knowledge, and a dose of humor to this chronicle of a dynamic and sometimes confounding — but ever evolving — industry. It’s a “coming of age” story you won’t forget!

The Foodscaping and Landscape Design correspondent for PBS’s Growing a Greener World, Brie Arthur provides practical advice on integrating edibles in a traditional ornamental landscape. She founded of Emergent: A Group for Growing Professionals, a forum for young green industry professionals who promote the value of plants, gardening and all things horticultural as the way of the future. She’s also a former nursery production manager, propagator and grower.

Her session at Green & Growin’ is a lovely photographic tale about a cherished southern heritage plant, the winter Camelia. Come be inspired by Brie’s fascinating blend of history and the art of gardening during “The Heritage Collection” (Tuesday, January 12).

Need CEUs? You can earn continuing education credits toward nine state and national licenses and certifications at Green & Growin’16. Details are on the website: GreenandGrowin.com/ education/ceus.

Having taught more than 20,000 students during 30+ years as a lecturer, Bryce has a unique and engaging speaking style that makes him a perennial favorite at Green & Growin’. This year he’s on tap three times. Catch Bryce at “Cultivating Leaders in Your Company: Leadership Training Workshop” and “Beautiful Bushes: Super Shrubs for the Landscape” (both on Tuesday), and “Choosing the Right Plant for the Job: Landscape Plant Selection and Use” (Wednesday).

Feel the warmth twice on Tuesday when Denise presents “How to Keep Your Team Fired Up!” and “Sales Tips for Those Who Hate Selling.”

North Carolina

National

• Landscape Contractors’ License

• ISA Certified Arborist

• Pesticide License & Certification

• NALP Landscape Industry Certified

• Irrigation Contractors’ License

• SAF Certified Forester

• Landscape Architects License

South Carolina Pesticide License Tennessee Pesticide License

20 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

33740 S.E. Lusted Road Gresham, OR 97080 Phone (800) 831-2599 | Fax (503) 663-7658 Email — trees@surfacenursery.com www.surfacenursery.com

Don Brookshire, Sales Representative Phone (843) 768-4941 | Cell (704) 533-3442 donnieb45@gmail.com

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 21

2015 Summer Green Road Show

By Kaley Jacobs

NCNLA traveled up to Hickory, NC, this year for our 5th Annual Summer Green Road Show on August 12-13.

About 750 green industry professionals and enthusiasts trekked to the event, which included a variety of educational classes (where attendees could earn CEU credits), a two-day Trade Show and networking opportunities among North Carolina’s beautiful mountain landscapes.

Trade Show The Hickory Metro Convention Center, with ample room for both the Trade Show and Education Conference, hosted this year’s event. The exhibitors moved in to the show space on Tuesday, August 11, with their plants, products, and equipment in preparation for the Trade Show on Wednesday and Thursday. (A big Thank You to Caldwell County Nurserymen's Association and our volunteers for Move In/Move Out support. These guys selflessly donate their time and energy to help our exhibitors get in and out of their spaces with ease.)

The intimate setting of the Summer Green Road Show allowed exhibitors and attendees the chance to catch up with one another, discuss business opportunities, industry news, and trending topics without feeling rushed.

Education Many attendees took advantage of Wednesday and Thursday mornings’ variety of educational opportunities, including important classroom topics, hands-on workshops and organic “Just in Time” discussions. More than 60 continuing education credits (CEUs) were offered throughout the two days,

22 | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES 2015

including the hard to find “V” credits required for private applicator recertification.

Industry experts taught classes in four tracks: Business, Grower/Landscape, Retail and Irrigation. Session topics covered relevant information and industry trends, such as: Pollinator Protection, Changes to the Worker Protection Standard, and Neonicotinoids for Insect Control. A brand new, hands on workshop, “Optimizing Your Sprayer for Better Coverage and Greater Savings,” generated high marks from attendees, who said it was great to get information that is immediately applicable to their business.

Networking Our networking event this year truly “knocked it out of the park.” Industry peers and friends enjoyed a night out on Wednesday evening for a Hickory Crawdads baseball game. NCNLA’s 5th Annual Cornhole Tournament kicked off the night with 25 teams competing for the winning title.

It was Cody Gragg and Ethan Wright, who persevered and won this year. Attendees reported they had a blast watching and participating in the fierce competition, all the while raising funds for horticulture research.

Shuffling into the baseball game after the tournament, attendees got to sit front row, picnic table style, and enjoy a buffet. With the temperature in the mid-80s combined with clear, blue skies, everyone had a great time relaxing and networking with other industry professionals.

For more information on the Summer Green Road Show and all NCNLA events, visit www.ncnla.com.

Thank You SGRS Sponsors Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Silver Sponsor Gossett's Landscape Nursery

Bronze Sponsor

Exclusive Networking Event Sponsor

Cherokee Manufacturing SePRO Corporation

Robert M. Gragg & Sons

North Carolina Composting Council

Exclusive Bus and Tailgate Sponsor

Lanyards Sponsor

“Being there is what counts! When deciding on whether to exhibit at the NCNLA Summer Show in Hickory it came down to; what will we miss if we aren’t there? Turns out we would have missed meeting four new potential customers and the great opportunity to network with other growers and suppliers!”

Mark Peters, Piedmont Carolina Nursery

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 23

How Do You Grow a Great Idea?

Daniel Currin and Andy Paluch talk about their goals for Come Alive Outside™

“W

hat if people spent more time outside?” This was the question green industry consultant Jim Paluch asked in 2010 in response to the growing childhood obesity epidemic. In response, he created Come Alive Outside, an initiative that began by encouraging green industry professionals to create outdoor spaces that would draw adults and children outside.

The initiative has grown into a 501c3 nonprofit that works with a wide range of groups to spread their message. We sat down with Come Alive Outside’s President and CEO, Daniel Currin of Greenscape, Inc., and Executive Director Andy Paluch (founder Jim Paluch’s son) to talk about their plans for growing the young organization.

Q: Come Alive Outside transitioned from a movement – an idea – to a 501c3 nonprofit at the beginning of 2015, so you (Daniel) and the board members are all new this year. Tell us about your first six months.

DC: Starting a nonprofit can be challenging. We’re lucky there were a number of things already in place, including many partner companies and some great programs, like the Design Challenge. Having Andy Paluch on board as the executive director has also been great. He’s got a lot of energy and handles the day-to-day operations. Growing the number of partners is one of the biggest tasks ahead of us. We’ve also been working on strategies to get the message out. We can’t make our mission a reality without a lot of support.

AP: Thank you, Daniel. I will say our greatest successes, all across North America, are where we see companies that have become engaged through a Come Alive Outside program continue to embrace this deeper role in their community. What is particularly exciting about the work we are doing right now is taking the experience of companies 24 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

that were pioneers in doing this and developing programs that make it easier for other companies to do the same. We are very fortunate to have many of these pioneers as directors and advisors, guiding the organization forward with their business acumen and their passion for the cause.

Depending on what we do right now, in twenty years the landscape profession could either be one of the most vital industries in the world, or it could be one of the most irrelevant.

Q: There are a number of groups that encourage people to get outside and be active. How is Come Alive Outside different?

DC: We are more focused on community systems versus individuals. We want to involve organizations with the reach and ability to create great outdoor spaces and encourage people to use them. We hope that we’ll see a multiplied effect by engaging green industry supporters.

As an example, Come Alive Outside Partner Companies, Christy Webber Landscapes and Michael Hatcher and Associates, are currently working with The Kitchen Community in Chicago and Memphis. This is another really great nonprofit that works with schools to install Learning Gardens to help kids connect with where their food comes from. There is such a great benefit for everyone involved in helping to connect landscape professionals with these types of projects in communities all across North America.

AP: Our mission is to drive new types of collaboration in communities in order to create the awareness and opportunity for people to live healthier lives outside. We currently focus quite a bit of our effort and programming on helping companies within the landscape industry

connect with other organizations and partners in their community that share a passion for getting people back outside, because these companies are the missing link in a lot of communities.

Greenscape is a great example of how this collaborative approach to working with the community can spread in all kinds of exciting directions. Through working with NC State Students, the Boys and Girls Club, Marbles Kids Museum, Community Food Lab, and others, Greenscape has become more than just a landscape company; it is an essential part of a larger system of partners working to create positive change in the community.

Q: Tell us about the Come Alive Outside Design Challenge.

DC: The Design Challenge is a great program with two goals: First, high school and college students interested in landscape and horticulture careers get some practical experience with the industry as they compete in a design and build project. Canada has done a good job of creating horticulture tracks in its schools, so students know about careers in the industry. That’s not the case in the US. In this country, people don’t tend to choose careers in horticulture unless they had an outdoor background as a kid, so the competition helps promote careers in the green industry. Second, as the designs are implemented at the schools, the elementary children then have an outdoor learning space to Come Alive Outside. One of the other benefits: most of these projects are scalable, so once they are implemented at the first school they can easily be replicated at others.

AP: We see the Green Industry struggling with an image problem and a problem of relevancy — issues that not only raise questions about the continued growth of the industry, but also threaten the capacity for building and maintaining resilient, livable and healthy urban areas in the future. Companies that are engaging with their communities through Come Alive Outside programs have decided to be proactive in helping people celebrate the joy of spending time outside and value the natural and built environments that give them the opportunity to do so.

We love to partner with green industry professionals who are passionate about taking this proactive approach — rather than sitting back and hoping that a generation of children who grew up inside on the couch will continue to demand the same products and services that their parents did. Depending on what we do right now, in twenty years the landscape profession could either be one of the most vital industries in the world, or it could be one of the most irrelevant.

More about Come Alive Outside “Come Alive Outside” is a reminder of what works. It’s a reminder of the things that make our lives healthy and our memories special. The movement encourages land care professionals to design, build and maintain spaces that bring people back outdoors. Over the past three years, those three words have inspired individuals, families, business and communities across North America to take actions that will get people of all ages off the couch, outside and enjoying nature. We encourage you to learn more about it — and get involved!

To Learn More, Visit the Website: ComeAliveOutside.com n

Want to get involved? Email Andy Paluch at andy@ComeAliveOutside.com

n

To support the movement by becoming a Partner Company visit ComeAliveOutside.com/partner-registration

n

Follow the action on Facebook, facebook.com/ ComeAliveOutside and Twitter, @ComeAliveOutside

Q: What are your goals for the organization?

DC: I have three near-term goals for Come Alive Outside. First, we are working to get the organization on a solid financial footing so we can be most effective implementing our strategies. Second, we’ll add to staff to support and build on much of the work Andy has already started. Finally, we’re working on a legacy project — one that sets a stake in the ground and says: “This is who we are and what we do, and here are the results.” Watch for more on that.

AP: Five years from now, we see Come Alive Outside as an important force in supporting a growing number of individuals, families and communities enjoying the full benefits of great outdoor spaces where they live, work and play. We believe that we will be successful in doing this if we continue to become more efficient in connecting companies in the landscape industry, as well as other relevant industries, with partners in their communities that are also working to bridge the growing gap between people and nature.

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 25

Marketing Reboot

Fresh Opportunities for Green Industry Sales

By Brie Arthur

T

here has never been a better time to be a Green Industry professional. We produce the best that nature has to offer and our products and services have many functions throughout society.

The opportunities are limitless as global populations rise to eight billion by 2025.

I have spent the summer travelling across the U.S. speaking at Green Industry events. Each experience has a unique flavor, but one common element exists: passion, synergy and a hopeful outlook for the future.

Plants provide environmental, community and health benefits that young consumers are invested in. From attracting beneficial insects and pollinators to water remediation, food systems and exercise, they offer a diverse outlet for a wide range of new consumers.

Next Generation Marketing In the coming decade, a new generation will be empowered as the target consumer for our industry. Horticulture professionals have an incredible opportunity to begin marketing and selling all of the advantages that plants provide.

The millennial generation has a diverse outlook and different priorities for what plants should accomplish in the landscape. Studies show young consumers have an interest in gardening but lack the know how to be good at it. Horticultural products and services are a resource that new consumers value.

Most of all, millennials seek engagement from their hobbies. They want to feel challenged, to learn from their successes and failures and, ultimately, share it with the online community. Every day is an opportunity to indulge in a lifestyle worth taking a picture of — and plants fulfill that need.

Going Beyond “Pretty” The appeal of “multi-purpose plant material” seems to fit right into the values of today’s busy world. Time is of the essence and every aspect of life requires functionality, efficiency and multi-tasking. We have to 26 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

redefine pretty; flowers and aesthetic attributes are no longer the exclusive driver of plant sales.

Green infrastructure is one of the fastest developing markets impacting growers and landscape professionals. The good news is: Plants are THE solution! The use of vegetation, soils and natural processes to manage water and create healthier environments is at the heart of green infrastructure.

Eco-Friendly Infrastructure At the scale of a city, county, neighborhood and shopping center, green infrastructure refers to the patchwork of planted areas that provide habitat, flood protection, clean air and runoff water. Simply put, it’s a way to mimic nature by soaking up, storing and cleaning water in urban spaces.

The discussions revolving around how to add ecological functionality to new and existing developments directly impacts the Green Industry. This not-so-distant future market is on the verge of shifting the role plants play in the human environment. Opportunities for nursery growers will continue to evolve over the next decade as infrastructure is overhauled to accommodate a growing urban population.

Edible and Ornamental Another shift in creating purposeful design in the American suburban landscape is Foodscaping. This design practice is the logical integration of edibles in a traditional ornamental landscape. Inspired

by HOA guidelines, this approach to developing suburban food systems provides an opportunity for homeowners and landscape contractors to play a role in local, sustainable food production.

People across the world are prioritizing organic growing methods to supplement their produce consumption. Foodscapes provide beauty, utility and satisfaction over conventional design; a key factor for attracting, engaging and retaining customers.

Edibles enhance a space by providing a unique seasonal component with additional health and economic benefits. This style of planting encourages daily interaction and can provide a relaxing routine after a busy day at work. The lifestyle of the home gardener is having a renaissance and the green industry is poised to benefit.

Foodscaping Healthy food production is paramount for the growing global population. It is also a great way to involve the next generation of children.

Elementary schools across the US are creating edible classrooms to introduce children to how food grows. These programs are encouraging youth to understand the responsibility of health and wellness through nutrition.

Campus wide Foodscapes are being designed to supplement seasonal produce in school cafeterias. Maintenance and harvest programs are connecting landscape professionals and communities to a “can’t live without” product and service provided through the art form of Foodscaping.

Civic Service Supporting community horticulture programs is a meaningful strategy for the green industry to embrace. By offering support to public gardens and community educators we are enabling a long term approach of creating a capable consumer armed with know-how and experience.

During his tenure as Director of the JC Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh, NC, Dr. Ted Bilderback developed a strategy to connect the nursery trade to the Raleigh community. By following his passion for education, Ted developed the Children’s Program in 2011 and it quickly became a huge hit with a new demographic.

The North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association (NCNLA) and the Johnston County Nursery Marketing Association have created an effective way to support this community initiative by pledging chal-

lenge gifts benefiting the Children’s Program. Children are the future, and horticulture leaders are wise to recognize their role and responsibility as stewards of this profession.

Let’s work together with all green industry disciplines to ensure that we are poised to play the most important role ever. From green infrastructure Brie Arthur to sustainable food production, horticulture professionals can celebrate the role and responsibility we play in the world.

Never under estimate the opportunities that abound and remember to ask yourself, “How are you preparing to cultivate and accommodate the needs of the new consumer?”

Professional plant propagator, landscape designer and horticultural communicator Brie Arthur is the Foodscape and Garden Design Correspondent for the PBS show Growing A Greener World.

Want to learn more?

Brie will be covering this topic and more in detail at Green & Growin’ 16, January 11-15 in Greensboro, NC. Education sessions take place Monday through Wednesday, followed by the Marketplace on Thursday and Friday. Watch for details at GreenandGrowin.com

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 27

www.hawksridgefarms.com Growers and marketers of unique plants and new cultivars.

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2015 Robert Cagle Golf Tournament NCNLA held its 2015 Robert Cagle Golf Tournament on August 28, 2015 at the Lochmere Golf Club in Cary, NC. About 40 participants enjoyed a round of golf followed by a casual dinner with their industry peers and friends.

Each year, NCNLA hosts this event to benefit the Horticultural Research Institute and NCNLA research programs. To date, the tournament has raised over $50,000 for HRI and $5,000 for NCNLA research endowment funding.

Congratulations to our winning team, “Greenthumb 2.” And thank you to all of the players and sponsors who participated in the event this year, your support of our industry and NCNLA is always appreciated.

Closest to Pin 7: Morris Newlin

Winners

Longest Drive 9: Kim Powell

Low Gross Robby Cagle, Jeff Etheridge, Kim Powell

Tournament Sponsors

Low Net 1 Matt Bland, Joe Ritchie, Jacob Ritchie, Travis Hester

HOLE SPONSORS:

Low Net 2 Kevin Cable, John Ritchie, Sean Pancoast, Steve Larose

Low Net 1: Matt Bland, Joe Ritchie, Jacob Ritchie, Travis Hester

Low Net 2: Kevin Cagle, John Ritchie, Sean Pancoast, Steve Larose

Low Net 3 Brad Rollins, Jack Rollins, Austin Bagwell, Marcus Vandevliet Closest to Pin 7 Morris Newlin

Bland Landscaping Co. Fairview Garden Center Greenscape Greenthumb Nursery New Garden Panoramic Farms Patterson’s Nursery Sampson Nursery

BEVERAGES SPONSOR: Greenthumb Nursery

Closest to Pin 11 Brad Comer Longest Putt 18 Jack Rollins Closest to Pin 11: Brad Comer

Low Gross – “Greenthumb 2” Robby Cagle, Jeff Etheridge, Kim Powell

Longest Drive 9 Kim Powell

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 29

30 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

Federal Update

Articles are provided by NCNLA and AmericanHort as a Lighthouse Program partner benefit. For more up-to-date information, visit www.AmericanHort.org

A Ray of Hope in Ash Borer Battle?

For over a decade, the Emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, has been causing environmental devastation wherever it spreads in the United States, both in rural and urban areas. It is believed that the EAB was accidentally introduced to the U.S. on wood packing materials most likely carried in cargo ships from Asia.

The EAB larvae feed on ash phloem, cutting off the movement of resources within the tree. The pest has caused tens of millions of ash trees to die in a period of just a few years.

The EAB was first detected in southeastern Michigan but has made its way to over 24 states, from New England to Colorado to North Carolina.

Now, there may be at least a glimmer of hope.

Earlier this year, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) published in the Federal Register a notice announcing its environmental assessment of the introduction of a parasitic wasp, Spathius galinae, as a potential biological control for EAB. That assessment has been completed. After careful consideration, APHIS has determined that there would be no significant negative environmental impact from the release of S. galinae in the U.S., paving the way for its release.

Release of such a biocontrol agent is no guarantee of success. Yet, we are at a positive moment in a long and frustrating battle against one of the most serious forest and landscape pests to gain a foothold in the U.S. in the last century. Here’s hoping!

“Waters” Rule Update On August 27, the day before the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Water of the United States (WOTUS) was scheduled to take effect, a federal judge in North Dakota blocked the rule’s implementation.

In issuing a preliminary injunction against the rule, Judge Ralph Erickson of the District Court for the District of North Dakota found that the 13 states that brought the lawsuit would likely be harmed without court intervention.

Following the ruling, EPA said in a statement that the injunction only impacts the thirteen states that filed for it: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming. EPA said that the rule will take effect today for all other states and that EPA is evaluating the court order. The plaintiffs went back to the court asking the judge to clarify that the order applies nationwide, but he ruled on September 4, that the injunction only applies to the 13 states.

Several other WOTUS related lawsuits by states and industry groups are pending in other jurisdictions. Several other cases have been consolidated into one lawsuit pending before the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Cincinnati. Multiple litigants had requested injunctions in their lawsuits, and most had been dismissed and deferred to the Sixth Circuit. For now, and the foreseeable future, all eyes will be on the courts to determine what happens next.

A Weighty Issue for Those Shipping by Truck Shortly before Congress adjourned for the month of August, the Senate passed legislation to reauthorize federal transportation programs. Congress is now back, and the House is poised to consider its own version of a reauthorization – in case you’re wondering, we’re talking about an actual reauthorization. The House Transportation Committee is scheduled to mark up a reauthorization bill on September 17.

A long-standing transportation issue of importance to many sectors, including the specialty crop sector, has been the proposal to allow states the authority to increase truck weights allowed on Interstate highway routes under conditions consistent with safety and respect for infrastructure. The Safe, Flexible and Efficient Trucking Act (SAFE Trucking Act) will be introduced in the House, prior to the Committee markup. This measure is expected to provide states with the option of allowing vehicles with at least six axles to carry up to 91,000 pounds on interstate highway system routes within their borders. The current limit of 80,000 pounds has been in place for more than 30 years.

Research by the U.S. DOT has shown that the configuration under the Safe Trucking Act promotes safety and cost savings.

AmericanHort has joined onto a letter with like-minded organizations urging support for this provision.

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 31

Notice of Proposed Bylaws Amendments This is to provide official notice that amendments to the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association’s (NCNLA) By-Laws have been proposed. The proposals have been submitted in a manner consistent with all requirements, having been approved for presentation to the Membership by unanimous vote of the NCNLA Board of Directors on June 27, 2015.

In accordance with Article XIII of the NCNLA By-Laws, notice is hereby given to all Members that the following amendment proposals will be voted upon at the next annual business meeting of the membership, January 14, 2016, at the Greensboro Coliseum Special Events Center, Greensboro, NC. To be approved, the amendment requires a two-thirds vote of the Voting Members who are present at the annual business meeting.

The proposed language for addition to the NCNLA By-Laws is italicized below:

Article 5.3.c Election at Annual Membership Meeting.

Except as provided elsewhere in these Bylaws, the incoming Elected Directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of the Members by vote of the Active Members.

Those nominees who receive the highest numbers of votes cast shall be deemed to have been elected. Each newly elected director shall enter upon his/her official duties at the end of the annual meeting at which he/she was elected. The term for

directors shall be three years unless otherwise specified at time of election.

Article 5.8 Bonds. The Board of Directors may by resolution require any officer, agent, or employee of the Corporation to give bond to the Corporation, with sufficient sureties, conditioned on the faithful performance of the duties of his/her respective office or position, and to comply with such other conditions as may from time to time be required by the Board of Directors.

Article 6.2 Election and Term. The officers of this nonprofit corporation shall be elected by the Board of Directors prior to the annual meeting. The Board shall elect a three-member committee from within the Board and chaired by the Past-President to nominate a slate of officers to the Board for approval. Nominations from other board members are allowed after the slate of officers is presented. To be eligible for nomination to the Vice-President/Secretary Treasurer office, a candidate shall have been a member of the Board of Directors for a period of one year. The Vice-President/ Secretary Treasurer shall serve as President during the year following his/her term as Vice-President/Secretary treasurer as long as such person is then otherwise qualified to hold the office of President. All officers shall enter upon their duties at the beginning of the new calendar year for a term of one year.

32 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

Article 6.3 Removal and resignation. Any officer elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed by the Board of Directors with or without cause by a majority vote, but such removal shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person so removed. An officer may resign at any time, by communicating his/her resignation to the Corporation, but such resignation shall be without prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the Corporation with such officer.

Article 6.4 a. President. The President shall serve as Chairman of the Board, subject to approval by the Directors and shall preside at all meetings of the corporation and the Board of Directors.

He/she shall hold board meetings when he/ she deems the need or when petitioned by three or more directors. He/she shall be an ex-officio member of all committees. He/ she shall perform all other duties as usually pertain to the office of President. b. Vice-President/Secretary/Treasurer. The Vice-President/Secretary/Treasurer shall, in the absence of the President, perform all duties of the President. He/she shall be chairman of the Finance Committee and shall prepare a proposed budget for presentation to the Board of Directors for approval prior to the end of the current fiscal year. He/she shall work with the Executive Vice President to assure that all minutes and legal papers that pertain to the nonprofit corporation business are executed

properly and maintained in proper order and available for inspection upon request. He/she shall also work with the Executive Vice President to assure that all financial records of the nonprofit corporation are properly recorded and maintained and accurately presented in a timely manner. He/she is to review and assure that the yearly audit is completed and that the annual tax returns are filed as required by law. c. Executive Vice-President. The Executive Vice-President (EVP) shall serve at the pleasure of and direction of the Board of Directors and shall receive for his/her service such compensation as the Board may determine. The EVP will work with the Vice­President/Secretary/ Treasurer to assure that all minutes of official meetings are maintained and stated properly, the vice-president and finance committee to prepare a proposed budget, and will maintain and distribute monthly financials and oversee signing all checks with 2 board approved signatures on each check. The EVP will manage all activities and business of the Corporation as instructed by the Board of Directors. The EVP will be bonded in such form and amount as required by the Board. The EVP shall not have a vote on the Board of Directors. The EVP shall have the power to hire, evaluate, discipline and terminate other employees as deemed necessary. The EVP may have a membership vote in the Corporation if an Active Member of the Corporation in good standing. The Executive Vice President shall maintain (at the Corporation’s expense) such bonds as the Board of Directors may require.

SNA Honors Warsaw, NC, Nurseryman with David E. Laird Sr. Award NCNLA member Jeff Allegood, General Manager of Old Courthouse Nursery in Warsaw, NC, is the 2015 recipient of the Southern Nursery Association’s David E. Laird, Sr. Memorial Award. The honor, which recognizes young men and women for outstanding service in the field of environmental horticulture, was presented on July 23 in College Park, GA, during the 117th Annual SNA Business Meeting.

Jeff’s career in the nursery industry has exposed him to container production from propagation to 200 gallon containers, and to business management ranging from “mom and pop” to large-scale wholesale operations.

He has extensive experience with pot-in-pot and other emitter irrigated production systems.

Born and raised in Greenville, NC, Jeff got his first job working in

the cornfields at 15. During high school and college he did landscaping and worked at several retail nurseries. A proud Wolfpack alumnus, he received a BS in Forest Management from North Carolina State University in 2000.

He began his career in the wholesale nursery industry at The Tree Source in Greenville, NC, in 2001 and went on to manage production at several other container-grown nurseries, including Old Courthouse Nursery in Warsaw, NC. In 2006 he and his wife Katie moved to Louisburg, NC, to help run her family’s business, but the economic downturn forced them to close. In 2010, Jeff returned to Old Courthouse Nursery, where he now oversees operations and sales.

The 40-acre, container grown nursery does in-house propagation to feed its production

OTTO LUYKEN LAUREL JAPANESE MAPLE FLOWERING CHERRY ENGLISH BOXWOOD

of 1 to 25-gallon material. As the market started to show some signs of improving in 2012, Jeff and his team at Old Courthouse began aggressively building inventory — focusing on “bread and butter” items like upright evergreens and hollies, and magnolias, rather than trendier products. By having plant material when others did not, Old Courthouse prospered and now has customers from Georgia to New York. As Old Courthouse Nursery has plugged into other growers’ production planning, much of its material has started to be produced Jeff credits his success to the on a contract-grown basis. knowledge he gained working An active member of NCNLA, with others in the nursery Jeff received the association’s industry, a strong work ethic Bill Wilder Outstanding Young instilled by his parents, and to Nursery Professional Award in the owners and employees at Old Courthouse Nursery for 2013. He currently is President pushing through the downturn of the Johnston County Nursery and working hard to make the Marketing Association, a company thrive.

24-nursery cooperative.

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OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 33

GREEN INDUSTRY UPDATE

GIC 5th Annual Water Symposium…

Another Great Success!

T

he 5th Annual Water Symposium took place June 18 in Raleigh and was, to put it simply, truly another huge success. This year continued the discussion from last year’s very successful Water Symposium, of strategies for employing green infrastructure methods to meet the water challenges of our rapidly urbanizing society.

Plants and pervious surfaces to manage storm water at the watershed and site level are a major part of the answer. Rain gardens, permeable pavement, cisterns, constructed wetlands, parks, urban forests and green roofs are all the future (and root structure) of the new urban standard.

Municipalities, commercial developers, growers and private landowners increasingly are looking for options to manage water at the site and regional levels. Plants and managed landscapes play a leading role in their decision-making.

The reach and importance the Water Symposium has developed is illustrated by its range of participants. Attendees included, among others, water policy makers and purveyors, nurserymen and greenhouse growers, engineers, landscape architects and designers, storm water managers, environmental consultants, Irrigation and landscape contractors, NCSU faculty and researchers.

Eye-Opening Presentations Introduced by Cyndy Allison, GIC President, Trevor Clements of TetaTech set the stage with his opening Keynote Address, “Water Resilience and Flexibility Through Green.” His presentation formed the foundation of an enlightening symposium agenda featuring nationally known speakers:

n Seth Brown, PE, Storm and Stream Solutions, LLC, Alexandria VA, talked about “Creatively incenting and financing green infrastructure implementation.”

n Emily McCoy, PLA, ASLA, Director of Integrative Research, Andropogon Associates, Philadelphia PA, presented “Green infrastructure performance on the ground: Real data from the real world.”

n Kevin Boyer, PE, Stormwater Management Division, City of Raleigh, NC, brought attendees up to date on the “Green Infrastructure momentum in Raleigh.”

n Bill Holman, The Conservation Fund, Chapel Hill, NC, explored how “Green Infrastructure is creating opportunity in North Carolina.”

n Dr. Barrett Kays, President, Landis, PLLC in Raleigh, NC, contributed a session titled “Integrating storm water & water conservation into urban landscapes and soils.”

NCSU Update Dr. Steven Lommel, Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at North Carolina State University updated the audience about the many areas NCSU CALS is focusing on relative to efficient water management and plant science. His presentation underscored the value and importance of water and the green industry — to North Carolina and for NC State University.

Water is the key ingredient for the green industry’s future in North Carolina, Dr. Lommel told his audience. Sustainable irrigation and water management are needed in both agricultural and urban areas throughout the state.

He shared his excitement about the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center at NC State.

By investing in a world-class independent research institute and academic facility to advance agbiosciences research and collab-

34 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

orations with industry, NC is poised to be the world leader in plant science.

All of the 2015 GIC Water Symposium speaker presentations can be found online at SavingWaterNC.com.

Special Recognitions Bill Holman received the second annual Blue Green Innovator of the Year Award. The honor recognizes outstanding leadership and innovation in environmental stewardship in regards to water conservation, water use efficiency and the development and implementation of green infrastructure by an individual, organization or government entity.

Holman’s leadership and work relating to water includes supporting North Carolina’s conservation trust funds in the state legislature, protecting Waterrock Knob on the Blue Ridge Parkway in Haywood County, establishing Headwaters State Forest in Transylvania County, and working with water and electric utilities to increase protection of water supplies.

Dr. Tom Monaco, Professor Emeritus, NCSU and Honorary Chair for the 2015 GIC Water Symposium, was presented with the GIC Friend of the Industry Award in recognition of his dedicated service to the Green Industry Council.

Dr. Monaco has quietly supported the efforts of the GIC through NC State University in many ways and has been instrumental in assuring continued sponsorship of the Annual Water Symposium. His unwavering support made him the unanimous choice for this recognition.

Practical Wrap-up The final afternoon session was a panel discussion by several notable symposium attendees who were pulled out of the audience. They

were asked to share what they felt were the most important points made during the symposium and what made them noteworthy. Moderated by Debbie Hamrick, NC Farm Bureau, the program helped attendees focus on the “take away messages” — the perfect wrap up to an incredible symposium.

Mark Your Calendar for the 2016 GIC Water Symposium Plans are already underway for the 6th Annual GIC Water Symposium, which once again will be co-hosted by NC State University. The Symposium takes place on Thursday, June 16, 2016.

Dr. Charlie Hall, Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University, is the planned keynote speaker. Known for his enthusiasm, passion and intensity, Dr. Hall’s expertise includes innovative management and marketing strategies, financial analysis and benchmarking, and the outlook for nursery and greenhouse crops.

Landscape Contractor License Passes the General Assembly As you now know, on August 1, 2014, the NC General Assembly voted to create a license for landscape contractors and change the NC Landscape Contractors’ Registration Board to the NC Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Board.

The number one reason for the license is to provide for consumer protection. The previous statutes allowed only marginal authority to the existing Landscape Contractors’ Registration Board to arbitrate consumer complaints. The new Licensing Board will have greater authority to help consumers that have legitimate complaints with work performed by licensed landscape contractors.

Additionally, the new license eliminates the conflict with the general contractor

requirements. Increasingly, commercial and municipal landscape projects greater than $30,000 require the landscape contractor to be a licensed general contractor. This legislation allows licensed landscape contractors to install landscape projects greater than $30,000 within the definition of landscape contracting without being licensed general contractors.

As another benefit of having a North Carolina Landscape Contractors’ License, licensed landscape contractors will be seen as professionals and their businesses as responsible companies that adhere to high standards.

Potential customers are more likely to do business with licensed professionals.

Continuing education requirements of seven hours annually will keep licensed landscape contractors current on the latest best management practices, environmental issues, water efficiency practices, landscape construction techniques, and more… all to help build and grow their businesses. All those who have embraced the new license agree that licensing is a big step toward improving the professionalism, knowledge and public image of the profession.

The NC Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Office had received more than 3,000 applications at the time this article was written. The Licensing Board website (www.nclclb.com) is continually being updated. It includes information about currently licensed landscape contractors, a “Frequently Asked Question” section, landscape manual and decal order forms, approved continuing education course availability and other details relevant to currently licensed and future landscape contractors, as well as the general public.

If you have any questions, please contact the office; send an email to licensing@nclclb. com or call 919-266-8070.

GIC Annual Meeting and Reception at Green & Growin’ 2016 The GIC Reception and Annual Meeting are scheduled for Wednesday, January 13, 2016, at the Sheraton Greensboro, in conjunction with the NCNLA’s Green & Growin’ 16.

Past receptions and annual meetings have included NC General Assembly leaders, the Commissioner of Agriculture and other public figures.

It’s a great event to meet and talk with legislative leaders, state officials and other dignitaries — as well as an opportunity to get to know others who are passionate about the green industry — so plan to attend.

NCNLA Members – Thank You! It is through your membership in NCNLA that the GIC is the effective force in the legislature and the voice for the green industry in North Carolina. With the combined support of NCNLA and other green industry associations, the GIC has accomplished, and will continue to accomplish, so much more with a united group than any one association could do on its own. Thank you!

GIC PAC Support The GIC PAC (Political Action Committee) desperately needs your help. The PAC supports legislators that are friendly to the green industry. Your personal contribution to the GIC PAC helps us make contributions on behalf of the NCNLA and other member organizations to elect and re-elect legislators that understand and support our issues and concerns.

It is critical that we support legislators that recognize and support North Carolina’s green industry. Contributions may be made through the GIC website (www.ncgreenindustrycouncil.com) or by contacting the GIC office at 919-372-1586. Please help the PAC today!

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 35

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• Containerized Lining Outstock • Finished Landscape Material • B&B Trees & Shrubs • Ground Covers

BEE

• Cryptomeria • • Hollies • Juniper • • Leyland Cypress • • Nandinas • Cherry Trees • • Magnolias • Red Maples • • Oaks • Japanese Persimmions • • Red Buds • Dura-Heat River Birch • Zelkova

HIGH POINT

DIRECTIONS: North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association

36 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

OFF INTERSTATE 40, EXIT 208 NORTH SANDY RIDGE ROAD TO MARKET ST. - 7 MILES LEFT ON MARKET ST. (old US 421) TO BUNKER HILL ROAD 1.3 MILES RIGHT ON BUNKER HILL RD TO BEESON RD - .4 MILES LEFT ON BEESON RD TO SPIVEY’S NURSERY - 1.6 MILES

Best Practices

Use Your Website to Achieve Your Business Objectives

By Timothy Howard, Clarity Connect

“We need a new website.”

“Why?” “Ours is old.”

“What do you want it to do?”

“Have more pictures, a design that ‘pops’ and be able to easily update our availability.

Oh, and maybe an e-newsletter” Sound familiar? If you’re considering investing in a new website for your business, this isn’t the place to start.

A

new website is no different than any other business investment. It needs to support your ability to achieve an objective. So before you start to think about the site’s functionality, sit down with your management team and talk about your business objectives.

Every company is different, but here are few that will probably be on the list:

n

Increase profitable sales

n

Increase margins

n

Decrease packing and shipping costs

n

Improve customer retention

n

Increase average order size

n

Increase order frequency

n

Increase and improve number of new customer leads

n

Be perceived as a subject matter expert to build trust

n

Reduce inventory expense

Internet technology can’t solve all your problems, but it can help you in many areas. Here’s how to use your website to increase your average order size and frequency.

Making bigger sales There are two primary ways to increase average order size. One is to sell more of an item already being purchased. The other is to increase the number of items or services ordered.

Highlight volume savings.

To encourage larger quantity purchases, display volume pricing prominently on the site — make sure it is simple to understand. Add tips and suggestions designed to increase unit sales, like “Plant multiple coneflowers of multiple heights and colors for a low-maintenance, deer resistant butterfly garden.”

Implement calculators so customers can determine the

proper quantity of product to purchase. Non-professionals typically underestimate the amount of mulch, soil or stones required for their landscape project.

Adding a mulch and soil calculator will eliminate that problem.

Similarly, plant calculators can be used to determine the number of plants needed for a larger space. Be sure to have the output display in units that you sell.

Promote related items.

Connect items to sell complimentary products or services.

Look at any major retailer’s website and you'll see “People who bought this item also purchased...” followed by product pictures. In the plant world, displaying companion plants helps increase average order size. For landscapers, be sure to promote complimentary services.

For example, on your irrigation installation and maintenance

page, promote aeration and overseeding, and vice versa.

Boosting order frequency Talk up your favorites.

For plant sales, keeping the ”Top Picks” section of your site up to date is an important way to increase both order frequency and size. If you’re walking around your nursery, see something and think "Wow! That looks great!" stop, take a picture with a smart phone and post the image, caption and date to your website right from the field. Additionally, sending “Top Picks” out electronically (to customers who want to be notified) will increase the likelihood of a new order.

Make it easy.

Most things being equal, people tend to purchase from suppliers who are easy to work with. Here are a few tips to make it easier for your customers to buy from you.

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 37

Jake A. Parrott Insurance Agency, Inc. P.O. Box 395 Seaboard, NC 27876

2508 N. Heritage Street P.O. Box 3547 Kinston, NC 28502

Phone: (252) 589-1324 Fax: (252) 589-1642 • Suppliers of bulk aged pine bark fines.

• Custom mixes available containing lime, sand and/or minors/ • Fast, dependable service

Toll Free:

Telephone: 252-523-1041

1-800-PARROTT

Fax 252-523-0145

1-800-727-7688

E-Mail: mparrott@parrottins.com Website: www.parrottins.com

Serving You Since 1937

Memberships: North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association

NATIVE PLANTS FOR SALE

We Specialize in Herbaceous Native Plants for:

• Storm Water Management Ponds • Rain Gardens • Dune & Tidal Marsh Grasses • Upland Meadows

1115 Claridge Nursery Rd. • Goldsboro, NC 27530

Growers of quality shrubs, trees, and groundcovers.

B&B and Container. email or call for a wholesale price list Lee Casey - Owner, leercasey@gmail.com Larry Watson - General Manager, lww.caseynursery@gmail.com

HORTICULTURAL SERVICES

Kevin T. Fabula

410-329-6466 Fax 410-329-2156

19960 Gore Mill Road, Freeland, MD 21053 www.signaturehort.com • kevin@signaturehort.com

38 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

Amy Dill - Sales, amydill71@gmail.com

1-800-891-1801

Fax 919-735-2307

www.caseynursery.com A family tradition since 1927

For Growers: n

Add a searchable plant library.

n

Have your availability viewable online without downloading.

n

Add plant status (in-bloom, cut-back, dormant).

n

Implement online ordering with the ability to select desired and latest acceptable delivery date. (Please don’t think “my customers won’t use it” – many will!)

n

Be sure your site works well from a smart phone.

n

Show order history online and allow customers to duplicate and then modify an old order.

n

Display recommended substitutes when a variety is no longer available.

For Landscape Contractors: n

Add a quote request form that allows a prospect to select services they are interested in, time frame and budget. (To state the obvious, be sure to follow up promptly!)

n

Link items in your electronic quote to product and plant pictures on your site to help people understand what they will be getting.

n

Have your online portfolio look great on mobile phones and tablets.

n

Allow customers to access accounts and make online payments.

n

Send e-newsletters promoting seasonal services.

n

Add bulk mulch ordering with a desired delivery date.

For Garden Centers: n

Keep ”What”s New” up to date.

n

Focus on seasonal plants, products and quick DIY projects.

n

Promote events to bring people to your location.

n

Implement a ”Plant of the Week” program with additional gardening information such as how to use it in a combination planter or to attract pollinators. (This is also a great way to build valuable website content that can also be used for e-marketing.)

n

Sell gift certificates online.

n

Order online and pick up your meal at many different restaurants.

n

Take a picture of a check with your phone and deposit it immediately.

n

Check in to your hotel room from a smart phone a day in advance.

Just walk in and give them your name and your key is ready.

n

One click checkout on Amazon.

n

Swipe your phone to pay for coffee.

n

Order products online and pick them up at the store.

Your customers experience this kind of convenience 24/7. How disappointed will they be when they visit a site after hours and have to wait until morning to ”Call for Availability?”

Timothy Howard is the president of Clarity Connect & GardenCenterMarketing.com.

No, you’re not “different” Using ”the horticulture industry is different” excuse to avoid using your website and technology effectively is a good way to become obsolete.

People today expect to be able to shop easily wherever they are and whenever they want. Just think about some of the ways companies have made it easier for you to do business with them. You can: n

Check-in online or at a kiosk for air travel.

Want to learn more? Timothy will be covering this topic and more in detail at Green & Growin’ 16. Watch for details at GreenandGrowin.com/education.

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 39

MANTS 2016

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40 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

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P.O. Box 818 Brooklandville, MD 21022 410-296-6959 800-431-0066 fax 410-296-8288

Best Practices

Cost-based Estimating

A

ccording to a recent New York Times article, one of the top reasons that businesses fail is there is not enough demand for the product or service at a price that will produce a profit for the company. I firmly believe the demand for your products and services is increasing. The question is, what should the price be, to produce a reasonable profit?

Cost-based estimating at its core consists of three components. The first component is direct cost. This consists of field labor costs, material costs, equipment costs and subcontractor costs. The second component is overhead recovery. The amount of overhead to be recovered should be based on a budget projected for the upcoming year. The third component is profit.

There are a number of pricing systems currently used in the landscape marketplace. The first is the unit price.

This is commonly used for things like pricing a paver patio. The unit price would be $15 per square foot. If the patio is 400 ft.² then the price is $6,000.

The formula used is Cost + Overhead = Breakeven + Profit = Price. This allows the estimator to separate out cost, overhead and profit.

The second is the multiplier method. This is commonly used to price planting projects. The plant cost is multiplied by 2.5 or 3 times. The third method is the labor only overhead recovery system. All the overhead is recovered based on the labor cost. The fourth method is the single overhead recovery system. A single percentage is added to the project costs to determine the breakeven.

The pricing system I would recommend is the multiple overhead recovery system (MORS). The MORS method of overhead recovery will add a percentage to each direct cost. This system will adjust the amount of overhead required to be recovered based on the varying percentages of costs required to produce the project.

By Marcus VandeVliet, MV Enterprises

Steps to an Accurate Estimate The starting point to produce an accurate cost-based estimate is to build the job in your mind. I would recommend this be completed at the job site. Site conditions and variables will dramatically impact the number of man-hours required to produce each project.

Accurate takeoffs as well as determining the scope of work are very important. Check the plan and elevations at the project site. Using the verified takeoff information, determine the material quantities required to complete the project.

Most projects begin with site preparation, including removals, demolition, grading, excavation, etc.

Man-hours should be assigned to the site preparation phase. Labor should now be allocated to the materials

The formula used is Cost + Overhead = Breakeven + Profit = Price. This allows the estimator to separate out cost, overhead and profit.

The Multiple Overhead Recovery System Direct Field Labor Cost

Material Cost

Equipment Cost

Sub-Contractor Cost

Average Crew Wage + Labor Burden

$15.00 + 25% LB = $18.75

Material Cost + Tax & Shipping

$50.00 + 7% GST = $53.50

Equipment Cost per Hour or Day

$75.00 per day

SubContractor Cost

$500

Overhead Recovery 70%

$18.75 + 70% = $31.86

Overhead Recovery 10%

$53.50 + 10% = $58.85

Overhead Recovery 25%

$75.00 + 25% = $93.75

Overhead Recovery 5%

$500.00 + 5% = $25.00

Breakeven

$31.86

Breakeven

$58.85

Breakeven

$93.75

Breakeven

$525.00

Profit Margin 20%

"$31.86 + 20% = $7.97

Profit Margin 20%

"$57.00 + 20% = $14.71

Profit Margin 20%

"$18.75 + 20% = $23.44

Profit Margin 20%

"$525.00 + 20% = $131.25

Price

$39.83

Price

$73.56

Price

$117.19

Price

$656.25

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 41

estimated for the project. I would recommend developing standard production rates for most common tasks performed.

The next step would be to assign additional labor required for project variables. These would include site conditions such as work area access, mobilization to the job site, cleanup, load and unload time, debris removal, etc. Equipment should now be added to the project based on the length of the project. The final step would be to allocate any subcontractor costs.

The single most important piece of estimating information is the breakeven amount. The difference between the breakeven amount and the price is profit. When you lower the price of a project and the scope of work is not changed, all you are doing is lowering the profit.

For example, if you present a $10,000 proposal with a breakeven amount of $8,000 and the customer asks you to produce the project for $9,000 although it is a 10% reduction in price, it is a 50% reduction in profit.

Profit considerations It is often necessary to negotiate the profit amount. There are five factors that determine what the profit should be. The first is need.

How badly does your company need this project? This is usually impacted by your current production backlog. The second is project size. A small project’s profit should remain relatively high, while a larger project’s profit could be lowered.

42 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015

The third factor is marketplace. How competitive is this current marketplace — for example how many other companies are providing estimates? What is the basis for determining the customer’s decision — is it price or quality? The fourth factor is the customer. How will the customer impact your ability to be profitable? The final factor is risk. How risky is the project? The higher the risk, the higher the profit should be.

Cost-based estimating information will also become the foundation for job costing — comparing the estimate to the actual cost (what we thought would happen vs what actually happened).

Because cost-based estimating requires determining the number of man-hours, it is now possible to dramatically improve the accuracy of production scheduling. Determining material quantities and costs will also improve material handling. Not only is the price more accurate based on your company’s costs, but the same information can be used to improve all aspects of production management.

Want to learn more?

Marcus will be covering this topic and more in detail at Green & Growin’ 16. Watch for details at GreenandGrowin.com/education.

The Emerald Ash Borer: Emergence, Detection, and Elimination Efforts

Top: EAB adult. Bottom: EAP with wings spread.

DAVID CAPPAERT

Defoliated ash tree.

Top: D-shaped exit hole.

Bottom: Serpentine galleries and EAB larva.

Photographers: David Cappaert, Michigan State University, Bugwood.org, Daniel Herms, The Ohio State University, Bugwood.org, Kelly Oten, NC Forest Service, Bugwood.org, Whitney Swink, NCDA.

E

merald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire; EAB) is a highly destructive invasive insect that has killed millions of ash trees throughout the United States and Canada. EAB is a metallic-green woodboring beetle (Buprestidae) that feeds almost exclusively on all species of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) and was first detected in Michigan in 2002. The beetle has since spread north to Ontario and Quebec and throughout 25 states, including North Carolina.

Detection Symptoms of ash trees infested with the beetle include a general decline in the appearance of the tree such as thinning of the crown; epicormic shoots (sprouts which emerge from the trunk); and increased woodpecker activity, which causes bark splitting.

The beetle overwinters as larvae and adults emerge from May to June in North Carolina and can be found throughout the summer months. When an EAB emerges from a tree it leaves behind a D-shaped exit hole. Bark can also be peeled back to reveal serpentine feeding galleries created by the larvae.

Major Economic Impact Emerald ash borer has greatly impacted plant-related industries, property owners, municipalities, and state

agencies due to efforts to control the spread of this highly destructive pest. For example, more than 9,500 nurseries in southeast Michigan were affected by the restrictions on the sale of ash nursery stock and regulations on movement of ash lumber affected more than 2,000 sawmills and logging companies in the state according to a report published in the Annual Review of Entomology (Herms and McCullough 2014*).

KELLY OTEN

WHITNEY SWINK

DANIEL HERMS

DAVID CAPPAERT

DAVID CAPPAERT

By Whitney Swink, Edited by Phillip Wilson and Vernon Cox, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Purple prism trap.

NC counties with EAB quarantines (in red) as of September 10, 2015.

The economic impact of EAB throughout the country is estimated to cost billions in the treatment and removal of infested and dead ash trees.

NC Quarantine Areas The North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) noticed declining ash in Granville County in June of 2013 and upon closer inspection discovered trees infested with EAB. This was the first detection for our state. Shortly thereafter, the beetle was discovered in Person and Vance counties. In September 2013, EAB was detected in Warren County. Commissioner Steve Troxler ordered an emergency quarantine for those counties for the purpose of limiting the movement of infested firewood or other materials that may harbor EAB life stages out

* Work cited: Herms, D. A., and D. G. McCullough. 2014.

Emerald Ash Borer invasion of North America: History, Biology, Ecology, Impacts, and Management. Annu. Rev. Entomol. 59: 13-30.

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 43

of the infested area. More specifically, the quarantine restricts the movement of the following regulated articles: the emerald ash borer; ash trees (Fraxinus sp.), ash stumps and roots, ash logs, ash lumber, ash chips, and ash bark chips; and any hardwood firewood.

In addition to the Franklin County detection, NCDA&CS Specialists found the beetle and evidence of its life stages in Durham, Graham, Johnston, Orange, Wake, and Wilson counties while conducting visual surveys and checking traps. The EAB quarantine area was expanded to include each of those counties.

The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Last month, NCDA&CS Specialists checked and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) Plant Industry Division removed the purple prism traps placed throughout and NCFS are working in cooperation with the US EAB penny size reference North Carolina and additional EAB were discovDepartment of Agriculture’s Animal and Health Plant (photo: Howard Russell, ered in Iredell, Catawba, and Lincoln counties. As Inspection Service (APHIS) to conduct an ongoing Michigan State University, a result of the widespread beetle detections, survey for EAB throughout the state. Purple prism Bugwood.org) Commissioner Troxler expanded the quarantine to traps were placed in ash trees in the spring and are cover the entire state. monitored throughout the beetle’s flight season then removed late summer to early fall. Visual surveys are also conducted How to Help year-round to look for declining ash trees that may indicate the presWe encourage homeowners, landowners, and those in the plant ence of the beetle. industry to report any symptomatic activity they observe in ash trees In March 2015, the NCDA&CS State Entomologist, Alonso Suazo, to the NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division hotline at 1-800-233-9333 or discovered a stand of ash trees in Wayne County infested with emerald newpest@ncagr.gov. ash borer. The county was immediately added to the quarantine area.

EAB can affect all four types of ash tree grown in the state and was recently confirmed by a researcher in Ohio to attack white fringetree Wasps Used in NC Detection (Chionanthus virginicus) which is in the same family as ash.

In June, EAB was detected in Franklin County as a result of the Cerceris fumipennis Biosurveillance Program, the purpose of which is to utilize For more information on emerald ash borer and the quarantine areas a native ground-dwelling wasp that preys exclusively on jewel woodin North Carolina, please visit the NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division boring beetles in the family Buprestidae to detect invasive beetles website at www.ncagr.gov/plantindustry/Plant/entomology/ such as EAB. Due to this find, North Carolina became only the second EABProgram.htm. You can also contact our State Entomologist, state in the nation to successfully utilize the wasp for the detection of Alonso Suazo, by phone (919) 707-3752 or by email Alonso.Suazo@ this destructive pest. ncagr.gov if you have any questions.

Gem Box

®

Ilex

What a gem!

This dwarf broadleaf evergreen looks more like a boxwood than an inkberry. This dense, ball shaped plant has dainty dark green leaves with attractive red tips in spring. An ideal boxwood substitute, Gem Box® Ilex is great as a small evergreen hedge or as a container specimen.

Terri Vander Meulen, Southeast Account Representative, 616-223-3377 www.springmeadownursery.com 800-633-8859

100c / 0m / 81y / 66k

45c / 15m / 90y / 20

Download the iBook at: http://springmeadownursery.com/catalog Learn about Gem Box® and other Proven Winners plants with the new iBook for landscapers. Easy-to-read overviews of each genus lead to detailed, downloadable pdf sheets for individual varieties.

44 NCNLA_GemBox.indd | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 1

9/24/15 1:42 PM

What’s in YOUR Water?

(Is 16 ounces of prevention worth higher quality plants? You bet!)

By Anthony LeBude, North Carolina State University; Daniel Overcash and Michelle McGinnis, North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Finding a dependable and high quality source of water is the first step for a nursery and greenhouse operation. Without it, nothing else happens.

The quality of water used for irrigation has a different impact depending on where it is being used. When growers know what is in their water they can start to make a plan on how to use it in their propagation, seeding, potting, and fertilizer programs.

When to Sample Your Water The water supplies are getting low for nursery and greenhouse producers in some parts of the state. Some growers are looking to find additional water sources to provide irrigation for their crops.

Meanwhile, current water supplies shrink in volume so chemical properties that were considered low hazard at the beginning of the summer, might now become concentrated in smaller volumes of water.

These changes in chemical properties can adversely affect plant growth and concentrations of pesticides in spray tanks. High alkalinity water can cause some pesticides to reduce in strength by half after as little as 4-8 hours mixed in poor quality water.

Water analysis should be done twice a year at nursery and greenhouse facilities. We recommend sampling in winter when water volumes are the highest and again during the summer when volumes are at their lowest to see how quality differs between these two times. Now that abnormally dry and droughty conditions are upon us, it is a good time to check your irrigation water quality.

I moved the intake valve in the retention basin or foot valve in the well? Are the boron, sodium, or chloride levels at acceptable levels?

The old adage still applies in this situation, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” For a $5 test you can learn so much about the most fundamental requirement of your operation.

Simple Sample Steps

What You’ll Learn The NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) agronomic lab analyzes irrigation water samples for $5.00.

The NCDA&CS solution analysis lab measures concentrations of the elements P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Cl and Na. Additional measurements include ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), urea, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total alkalinity and hardness. In addition to analytical results, the report includes recommendations on usability, hazards, and management strategies.

Some questions to consider at this time of year: Are the soluble salts (electrical conductivity) in the irrigation water higher than ideal?

Are there issues with high alkalinity levels?

Have iron levels been increased because

Collect your sample in a rinsed 16 oz. plastic drink container after the water has been run long enough to clear the pipes of standing water. Take the sample as close to where it will end up on the plants, by sampling at the sprinkler head or drip emitter.

Mail it within 24 hours

by USPS: NCDA&CS, Agronomic Division, Solution Section, 1040 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1040

by FedEx or UPS: NCDA&CS, Agronomic Division, Solution Section, 4300 Reedy Creek Rd, Raleigh, NC 27607

Contact your regional agronomist or extension agent for further assistance.

Photo: Patterson’s Nursery, Charlotte, NC.

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 45

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        

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Root Cutting Propagation of Euscaphis japonica (Korean Sweetheart Tree)

By Rachel Burress, Diane Mays,and Dennis Werner, NCSU Department of Horticultural Science

Euscaphis japonica, commonly called the Korean sweetheart tree, is an attractive small tree that has limited presence in the commercial NC nursery industry. The species has attractive glossy-green foliage and reddish-purple striated bark. Its most noteworthy ornamental attributes are the heart-shaped, red fruit pods that open to reveal the shiny black seeds in late summer (Figure 1).

Dr. J.C. Raulston originally brought this species to North Carolina from a collection trip to South Korea in 1985.

Euscaphis japonica is widely distributed in warm-temperate East Asia.

As it has been known from Japan, it is not very cold hardy, probably Zone 7b to 8a. It is one of a number of species that also inhabit the Yellow Sea coast and coastal islands of Korea, the only part of the mainland of Korea that was not covered by glaciers in the last Ice Age. Without exception, trees and shrubs that grow in both Japan and along the Yellow Sea coast of Korea are considerably more cold hardy when collected in Korea. This difference is at least one zone of hardiness and sometimes more. In the case of Euscaphis, we were able to find a few trees on Paekryong Island just north of 38 degrees N latitude. Progeny from those collections are perfectly hardy in Zone 6 and probably Zone 5b.

Figure 1. Attractive fruit and seeds of Euscaphis japonica, the Korean sweetheart tree.

Vegetative propagation of Korean sweetheart tree using stem cuttings has been problematic; no protocols for successful stem cutting propagation have been reported. Hence, the species is seed propagated, and plants are deployed in the industry as seedlings.

Seed are somewhat challenging to manage, as they display double dormancy characterized by immature embryos and chemical dormancy. Germination may also be negatively impacted by a hard seed coat, initially proposed by Raulston in his original notes after introduction. Hence, seed require about three months each of both warm stratification followed by cool stratification, and perhaps seed coat scarification, to overcome seed dormancy. Populations of plants derived from seed propagation demonstrate variation in height, leaf character, and flowering intensity, making it difficult to attain uniformity in landscape settings.

Euscaphis japonica is restricted to patient specialty growers in North America due to lengthy seed germination and lack of routine vegetative propagation. Development of a vegetative propagation method for this species would be desirable, allowing deployment of uniform clones. Furthermore, superior individuals identified in variable seedling populations could be selected, increased, and deployed as named cultivars.

This article describes preliminary studies of vegetative propagation of E. japonica from root cuttings, conducted as part of an undergraduate student research project by the senior author.

Figure 2. a). Original trees of Euscaphis japonica in the NCSU Arboretum field nursery. b). Adventitious shoots developing on remaining root pieces after removal of large E. japonica from NCSU Arboretum (now JC Raulston Arboretum) via tree spade.

The initial stimulus for this study occurred in the early 1990’s, when the third author observed the behavior of two established E. japonica trees in the JC Raulston Arboretum field nursery. These two large plants, probably five to seven years old, were dug with a tree spade and moved to the Arboretum proper (Figure 2a). A few months after relocation, numerous adventitious plantlets were observed to develop along the perimeter of the original planting hole, arising from the ends of the cut root pieces remaining after transplanting (Figure 2b).

So, 25 years later (what took us so long!), the senior author, an undergraduate student in Horticultural Science, expressed interest in exploring this response and initiated a study examining the feasibility of root cutting propagation.

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Figure 3. Adventitious shoots emerging from remaining root mass after cutting of root ball 2-3 inches below the crown of Euscaphis japonica. Image taken about two months after cutting.

Methods Established, container-grown trees were acquired in February 2015 from Panther Creek Nursery, Willow Spring, NC. The trees were in seven-gallon containers, four to five years old and dormant at the time of acquisition. The plants had well-established root system, and had originally been propagated by seed.

The following strategy was employed to obtain root cuttings. Trees were removed from the pot, and using a pruning saw, the root mass was cut about two to three inches below the crown of the tree. Using hand-held pruning clippers, individual root cuttings were cut from the root system still attached to the parent trees to determine if they would successfully form adventitious plantlets. Harvested root pieces were used in two different experiments.

In Experiment 1, root piece propagules were placed horizontally in a Kadon Dyna-flat™ (Kadon Corporation, Dayton, OH 45439) filled with Fafard® 2P soilless propagation substrate (60% peat : 40% perlite) (Fafard® Corporation, Sun Gro® Horticulture, Agawam, MA, 01001).

Root pieces averaged 5.1 cm (2.1 in.) in length and 5.2 mm (0.21 in.) diameter. Trays were filled to the top, and 37 root cuttings were oriented horizontally only slightly below the surface of the media, about 1 mm in depth from the top of the cutting.

Misting was occasional, at about 8 seconds every 15 to 30 minutes, delivered using fog nozzles, sufficient to keep the top of the media damp, but not excessively wet. Greenhouse temperature during the course of the experiment was 78F days/68F nights. Cuttings were monitored weekly for response.

The remaining root balls severed from the parent tree were placed back in the original pots, covered with a shallow layer of soilless substrate and placed under mist. Exposed roots on these root balls were examined for formation of adventitious roots on the cut root surfaces.

In Experiment 2, 37 root cuttings harvested from the parent plant were placed vertically in individual cells of a 32-cell “Root Tutor™ #32 propagation tray (Summit Plastics, Tallmadge, OH, 44278) containing Fafard 2P Propagation media. Root pieces averaged 5.4 cm (2.1 in.) length and 5.3 mm (0.21 in.) diameter. Depth of an individual cell in the propagation tray was 10.2 cm (4 in.). The proximal end (end

nearest the original crown of the tree) of the root cutting was placed uppermost, and was positioned such that the cut surface was flush with the surface of the media. Trays were then placed in mist and managed as described above for Experiment 1. Cuttings were monitored weekly for response. Both experiments were started on March 3, 2015. Results were recorded 47 days after the experiment was initiated. For both experiments, the number of root cuttings that formed an adventitious shoot, and the number of adventitious shoots produced on each cutting were recorded.

Figure 4. Early differentiation of adventitious shoots from cut surface of root cutting of Euscaphis japonica about three to four weeks after establishment.

Figure 5. Later development of adventitious shoot derived from root cutting of Euscaphis japonica about five to six weeks after establishment.

Figure 6. Typical adventitious shoot derived from root cutting of Euscaphis japonica about seven weeks after establishment.

Figure 7. Transplanted adventitious plantlet derived from root cutting of Euscaphis japonica.

Results The root mass remaining after severing the tree below the soil line formed numerous adventitious shoots on the cut surfaces of the exposed roots (Figure 3).

These shoots were easily divided and grown off in separate containers.

In both experiments, differentiation of adventitious shoots, as evidenced by faint green coloration on the cut end of the root pieces, was noted about four weeks after placement of cuttings in the media (Figure 4). After five weeks, distinct plantlets were visible (Figure 5).

At the termination of the experiment, plantlets were well developed (Figure 6).

Based on the percentage of cuttings that produced shoots, vertically oriented root cuttings performed better than those oriented horizontally, but both groups provided acceptable results.

About 60% of cuttings oriented vertically produced at least one adventitious shoot. Of those vertical cuttings that produced shoots, an average of 3.2 shoots were produced per cutting.

About 47% of horizontally oriented root cuttings produced at least one shoot, showing an average of 3.9 shoots per cutting (Table 1).

All cuttings, including those that did not produce shoots, appeared healthy at the termination of the experiment, suggesting that those cuttings that did not show a response may have done so had the experimental time frame been extended.

A subsample of plants were potted up and grown. Transplanting was routine and successful, and plants have established well (Figure 7).

Euscaphis japonica, unlike many other species that are propagated by root cuttings, did not form new adventitious roots at the base of the newly produced adventitious plantlets. Rather, new root formation on transplanted individuals primarily originated from the original root piece. We have noted some minor chlorosis on new emerged

Table 1. Propagation of Euscaphis japonica by root cuttings.

Root cutting orientation

% cuttings that formed shoots

Average number of shoots per cuttingz

Horizontal Vertical

46.8% 59.4%

3.9 3.2

Effect of cutting orientation (horizontal vs. vertical) on percentage of cuttings that produced shoots, and number of shoots produced per cutting. z

Based only on those cuttings that produced a minimum of 1 shoot

leaves on some plants, interpreted to be a symptom of minor element deficiency.

Results from this preliminary study provide evidence that Euscaphis japonica can be propagated from root cuttings, which will allow the deployment of clonal cultivars of this interesting species. Further refinement of the protocol described would likely enhance the success of root cutting propagation above the acceptable levels described in this study.

About the authors: Rachel Burress is an undergraduate student; Diane Mays is a Teaching Technician, and Dennis Werner is an Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor at North Carolina State University Department of Horticultural Science

OCTOBER•NOVEMBER•DECEMBER 2015 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 49

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