The Buckeye, October 2013 Volume 24, Issue 9

October 2013

The Official Publication of the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association

Vol. 24, Issue 9

Sustainable vs. Organic What Consumers Think Take Full Advantage of

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The Buckeye is published 10 times per year by The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. 72 Dorchester Square Westerville, OH 43081 p 614.899.1195 f 614.899.9489 www.onla.org info@onla.org

CONTENTS

Editorial / Advertising ISSN 1536-7940 Subscriptions: $75/year jennifergray@onla.org, editor

October 2013 Vol. 24, Issue 9

The Fine Print The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, directors or staff and do not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as members of the ONLA does not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services.

ONLA Office Update Victory By Design

Legislative Feature: Neonicotinoid Insecticides, Fact from Fiction

10

Legislative Hotline ONLA Board Review Status Sheet; Moves Certain Bills to “Support Status”

23

California Dreamin’, Part Two

departments

10 Tips to Reduce Stress

October 2013 Vol. 24, Issue 9

12

Why Trees Matter Slide into a new Season

20

Look to the Future Kent State University Horticulture Technology Putting Excellence in Action

27

Greenhouse Growers Viewpoint Take Full Advantage of Double-Poly

29

Educational Update Consumer Research-Based Perceptions and Mis-Perceptions of the Terms “Sustainable” and “Organic”

39

Safety First Prevent the Flu

40

Landscapers Viewpoint Anybody Like Viburnums?

The ONLA Way

Directors Jason Bornhorst, Board Member JB Design Group, LLC

David Listerman, Board Member Listerman & Associates, Inc.

Bill Mainland, Board Member Klyn Nurseries, Inc.

Mark Reiner, Board Member Oakland Nursery, Inc.

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Dr. Hannah Mathers, Board Member The Ohio State University

President’s Perspective Planning Ahead

Andy Harding, Immediate Past President Herman Losely & Son, Inc.

Steve Maddox, Board Member Snapshot Garden Design

4

The Official Publication of the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association

David Richards, President-Elect South Ridge Farm

features

Staff Kevin Thompson, Executive Director Jennifer Gray, Associate Executive Director Amanda Domsitz, Communiciations Assistant Amy Eldridge, CENTS Manager Roni Petersen, Membership & Certification Karen Lykins, Accounting Officers Jim Searcy, President Hyde Park Landscaping, Inc.

industry news

front cover: sunset grass istockphoto

Mike Satkowiak, Board Member Markman Peat

In the spirit of land stewardship, please consider recycling this publication.

also in this issue

26 Industry Calendar • 26 Seedlings • 26 New Member • 31 ONLA Job Fair • 37 Member Services • 42 About The Buckeye 42 Classified Ads • 42 Ad Index

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President’s Perspective

What do you see? President Searcy sees the results of planning.

Photo courtesy Jim Searcy.

P l a n n i n g A h ea d Jim Searcy Hyde Park Landscaping, Inc. ONLA President jim@hydeparklandscaping.com

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Take a look at the photo I took for this month’s article.

I suspect different people will focus on different items in the photo. Beyond the very prominent young Maple in the foreground, we see a young Elm to the left, larger trees in the background including Pine to the right and mature Oaks and Maples to the left. Some of the readers will see the water fountain to the left and picture a small pond, while others will notice behind the Maple and the Elm are still smaller, yet newly planted trees with protective fencing in place. Finally, many of you will notice the “stumps” that are also prominent in this photo. I count six total stumps in view, and they are a big part of the reason I took the picture.

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Planning ahead is something we do every day in business and in our personal lives.

As landscapers, nurseryman, and property managers, members of the ONLA probably do more preplanning then most members of our communities. This is being written in August, a month that a lot of strategies are set and orders are placed for the upcoming spring, even though spring is six or seven months away. Nurserymen are planning years ahead by deciding now what trees and shrubs to line out next year, plant material that will not be ready for market until 2016 and beyond. You can be sure that successful businesses and organizations have realized a level of success in direct relationship to proper preplanning.

The stumps in the photo are a result of Ash tree removals. The property being shown was populated by 900 plus Ash trees. The owners were able to select and treat several hundred, but knew that many more would have to be removed. I love the example of planning this photo depicts, as these young trees were being established prior to the removal of the Ash. The stumps you see are a result of removals that have taken place over the last 8 months. The replacement trees were planted 3 to 5 years ago. What a fine example of proper preplanning.

As you plan for 2014, consider your association with the ONLA and the many ways we can be of assistance.

Now is the time of year companies can look to a managed care organization for their Workers’ Compensation program…we can help. If you are thinking of how you will handle the paperwork and reporting requirements in the future…we can help. Many companies review their Property and Casualty Insurance needs…we can help. Do you have a need for Credit Collection and/or Credit Card processing…we can help. These are just a few examples of programs available through your membership in ONLA. Another benefit is the connection we have with The Ohio State University. Our partner each year as we plan for the January CENTS show is The Ohio State University. The Ohio State Horticulture Department provides our attendees the very best Short Course Education available in the entire United States. If you have a question about diseases, insecticides, fertilizers, pruning, weed control (to name a few) you will have that question answered at the OSU Short Course. I guarantee, if your question is not addressed, someone will take it back to their offices

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and get an answer or a proper reference for you.

In addition to the “technical education” being offered each year at the OSU Nursery Short Course, our staff has worked hard to provide “business” type education.

Dealing with employee benefits, customer relations, and finding ways to manage the maze of government regulations can be a real burden to our members. We want to help and are working hard to bring you some educational opportunities that deal with the business of running your business or department. If you have suggestions on topics for future programming, please do not hesitate to contact the ONLA offices or me personally and we will work to meet those needs to the best of our ability.

I hope you enjoyed the photo used to illustrate the positive effects of long term planning. We believe the young trees in the photos will be growing and enhancing the environment for all of us many decades into the future. As you consider a plan for 2014, we believe you will find CENTS and the OSU Nursery Short Course to be worthy of consideration for a great start to a new year.

All the information you need will be constantly updated at our website, www.centsmarketplace.com and www. onla.org. B

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October 2013 5

REAP WHAT YOU SHOW. The stage is set for a show that is GRAND NEW. Your audience is waiting for you.

Secure your space!

Call ONLA today:

(800) 825-5062 CENTSMarketplace.com

ONLA Office Update

Kevin Thompson ONLA Executive Director kevinthompson@onla.org

Victory

By Design

Different people turn to different sources for their inspiration. Some people find inspiration in others, such as parents or children, a friend, co-worker, personal hero, daily quotes, church, or elsewhere. Do you know someone so inspirational you can always count on them to give you a lift when you are down?

According to Webster’s Dictionary, “inspiration” is defined as: 1) something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create; a force or influence that inspires someone; 2) a person, place, experience, etc. that makes someone want to do or create something; 3) a good idea.

Maybe you seek inspiration in your personal life differently than in your work life. A recent study by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research sought to learn the top reasons people attend conferences, especially younger generations. Among the findings of the report is that the top-five ranked reasons for attending conventions and exhibitions is the same across generations. Most professionals attend these events in order to look for new products/suppliers, gain insights on industry trends, network with colleagues, see and talk with current vendors/ suppliers, and to gain INSPIRATION and motivation for their jobs. Furthermore, the study’s authors wrote “if you motivate people with an inspiring and fun event, they will come.”

At the ONLA we hope that we can be a source of inspiration. In fact, it’s the theme of this year’s CENTS. This came about while sitting in a committee meeting in March, as we began planning the 2014 CENTS & OSU Nursery Short Course. When asked what he would like to get out of CENTS, a longtime committee member replied “I want to be inspired. It’s been a tough few years.

I think people need reminded what we love about this onla.org

industry…about plants…about landscaping.”

The CENTS exhibitor brochure reads: “Imagine that all the best, brightest, greenest in the green industry come together in one place at one time. Imagine the best speakers come to talk, the best buyers come to buy, and the best ideas come to light in a really big way. Imagine you prepare for the event, have something new to offer, and really bring your “A” game. And imagine that for the first time in a while you’re really inspired.”

Our goal is to inspire you from the very start. Beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, January 13, CENTS 2014 will kick-off with a different kind of Keynote Speaker.

For nearly two decades, the highly inspirational D.J. “Eagle Bear” Vanas has motivated others to practically apply the power of the warrior spirit in business and life to stay resilient, lead with courage, and thrive in tough, changing environments.

D.J.’s Keynote presentation “Victory by Design” is described as: Victory is not born from waiting for a better economy, a new administration, the perfect moment or the exact mix of resources – it’s about using what we have right now, around us and within us, to create success.

Our clients and customers deserve the best service we can provide them – regardless of circumstances – and this program will empower and inspire you to do just that.

The last few years have been tough on our industry.

But things seem to be improving and there are reasons to be optimistic looking ahead to 2014. So this January, if the last few years have beat you down, or a dreary Midwest winter has you in need of a little boost, let CENTS be your source of inspiration and serve as a reminder of what you love about this great industry. B

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Feature

There is no doubt that stress kills.

There are many health professionals and medical analyses that validate the strong negative impact stress has on your health and general well-being, as well as your longevity. It is the chronic, day in and day out stress that is the problem. It can exacerbate pain, cause depression, obesity, digestive disorders, autoimmune diseases, heart disease, and even contribute to the advancement of Alzheimer’s and cancer. There is good evidence that uncontrolled stress takes a major detrimental toll in so many areas affecting your good health...physical, mental, and emotional. There is good reason to learn how to control it.

Stress is the result of receiving some

sort of threat to our well-being and your body reacts by secreting cortisol and adrenaline which increases your heart beat, blood pressure, strength, stamina, and general alertness. That threat can come from many sources but it usually is job or relationship based but other sources can be problems with your children, your health, or your finances along with your own unrealistic expectations. Your muscles become tight, your senses are heightened, and you are ready for flight or fight. You learned all that to survive many centuries before.

We all know that prolonged stress is bad stuff...the important thing is knowing how to deal with it effectively. Here are ten steps to help.

Stressed out? Feeling like you can’t take it anymore?

Don’t let it ruin your life. Use these 10 tips to beat stress.

10 TIPS STRESS to reduce

1. Accept the fact that few escape stress.

Don’t think you are immune and not subject to its negative consequences.

Know thy enemy. Educate yourself more fully on just how stress can manifest itself.

2. Know for certain that you can beat stress.

This is key. It is this inner knowing -- not just believing -- that will make you successful in your head to head with stress. Go onto the internet and review all the positive stories of those who have dealt successfully with stress and come out on the other end with productive and happy lives. There is much value in the knowledge that others have experienced exactly your situation and more than survived very successfully.

3. Get comfortable with your own physical, emotional, and mental selfmaintenance regimens.

8 The Buckeye

Know that a good diet, a strong exercise program combined with a good self image, and some inaugural low key spiritual practices can prepare you to deal successfully with stress. Just the knowledge that your mind, body and soul are in sturdy shape is a huge deterrent to stress getting a foothold.

4. Adopt the attitude that “as one door closes another one always opens.”

Know that all things happen for a reason and that there is something better just around the corner. When you start “knowing” this, you will see so many examples magically start appearing in your life.

5. Bring humor into your life.

Documentation abounds on the positive impact of humor. Watch humorous movies, explore humor on the internet, and learn to laugh things off.

When you laugh, your body secretes endorphins - positive mood enhancers. onla.org

6. Adopt more positive friends and discard those that are continually negative.

These kinds of people have an immense negative impact. Avoid them.

Cheer up your living environment by bringing more cheerful, optimistic, and friendly people into your life. Turn the lights up, take time to smell the flowers and treat yourself on a regular basis to some chocolate, or a splurge dinner or vacation. It is important to have something to look forward to that makes you smile.

7. Bring more sunshine into your life...literally.

Vitamin D3 is good for positive physical, mental, and emotional enhancement. Get out from under the umbrella and enjoy the warmth for short periods.

8. Adopt the thought that “this too shall pass.”

We can all recollect so many times in our life of instances that we thought at the time were real deal killers...only to turn out to be not even a small ant hill.

9. Eliminate the need to be “right.”

Needing to be right is so important for so many of us that we destroy relationships and careers and eventually ourselves in its pursuit. Dr. Wayne Dyer has a great way to diffuse situations in which you find yourself needing to be right. He says just to say to the offending party, “You’re right about that!” and then let it go.

10. And finally and most importantly, imagine yourself living a life without stress.

Deeply internalize what that life might look like and feel the emotions that accompany that life and then start living your life as if that life was already in and about you. Adopt some time each day for some contemplative moments to remember to do all these exercises but especially this one.

Someday, health experts will look back on how we are living our lives and realize how deadly stress was to our 21st century society. B John Koeberer is co-founder, CEO, and President of The California Parks Co., a company serving the hospitality needs of visitors to state and national parks. A graduate in business administration from San Jose State University, Koeberer has also had successful careers as a real estate broker, hospitality consultant, and co-founder and CEO of a local community bank that eventually grew to become a billion-dollar institution. John Koeberer is the author of “Green-Lighting Your Future: How to Manifest the Perfect Life,” available through Amazon.com.

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Legislative Hotline

ONLA Board Reviews Status Sheet; Moves Certain Bills to “Support Status” At the most recent meeting of the ONLA Board, our current legislative status sheet was reviewed. Have you ever read the status sheet? Simply put, the legislative status sheet is a regularly updated “living document” that lists the bills that Capitol Consulting Group (CCG) is monitoring on your behalf.

For example, HB 5, the bill introduced

by Rep. Grossman (R; Grove City) relative to municipal tax reform has been on the Belinda Jones ONLA Legislative Consultant status sheet since the beginning of the year. bjones@capitol-consulting.net Negotiations continue between the Municipal Tax Reform Coalition (of which ONLA is a member), the Ohio Municipal League (OML) and legislators. We are hearing that a new version of the bill will be released soon. Whether the bill moves through the Ohio House before the end of the year or not will largely depend on the coalition’s ability to generate momentum in the legislature for favorable passage. Know that the OML is laser-focused on this issue and they appear to have the loudest voice at this time. If you care about municipal tax reform, contact us for a draft letter for you to personalize and send to your House member.

The status sheet is also updated to include new bills as they are introduced. Based upon recommendations from the Legislative Committee, the Board voted to draft letters of support for two new bills. One of the bills, if passed, would require BWC to share with companies their method of calculation of each company’s workers comp rates.

This simple, “show us your work” approach more than makes sense and deserves our support. Below please find a link to this bill.

HB 143 BWC Premium Rates

10 The Buckeye

(DeVitis, T, Butler, J.) To require the Administrator of Workers’ Compensation to include in the notice of premium rate that is applicable to an employer for an upcoming policy year the mathematical equation used by the Administrator to determine the employer’s premium rate. Committee Hearing in House (5/14/2013) Bill Analysis: http:// www.lsc.state.oh.us/analyses130/h0143i-130.pdf

Another bill that the board moved to “support” status is a Senate resolution calling on Congress to pass migrant labor reform.

SR 90 Immigration (Tavares, C.) To urge the Congress of the United States to enact comprehensive immigration reform. Referred in Senate (4/24/2013; Civil Justice) Bill Analysis: There are no bill analyses available for this bill.

Still other bills need more scrutiny, like the bills listed below:

HB 140 Residential Construction (Patmon, B.) To require licensure of residential construction contractors and to create the Residential Builders’ and Maintenance and Alteration Contractors’ Licensing Board to regulate the licensure and performance of residential construction contractors. Committee Hearing in House (5/8/2013) Bill Analysis: http://www.lsc.state.oh.us/analyses130/h0140-i-130.pdf

SB 78 Specialty Construction (Hughes, J.) To make changes to the law regulating specialty construction contractors.

Committee Hearing in Senate (6/18/2013; Commerce & Labor)

SB 150 Agricultural Nutrient Management (Hite, C.) To revise the law governing the abatement of agricultural pollution, to require a person that applies fertilizer for the purposes of agricultural production to be certified to do so by the Director of Agriculture, to provide for an agricultural pesticideuse category on commercial and private pesticide applicator licenses, and to make other changes to the Agricultural Additives, Lime, and Fertilizer Law. Referred in Senate (6/26/2013; Agriculture)

SB 176 Workers Compensation (Seitz, B.) To prohibit illegal and unauthorized aliens from receiving compensation onla.org

and certain benefits under Ohio’s Workers’ Compensation Law. Introduced in Senate (8/12/2013) To review the status sheet in its entirety, visit the ONLA website!

Getting to Know the Ag Committees in the Legislature

“The Guy”

As you know, the Ohio General Assembly has recessed for the summer so that they may attend “in-district” meetings, county fairs, etc… In light of the relative inactivity in the hallowed halls of the state house, and in light of the significant turnover we continually experience due to term limits, we thought it might be appropriate to take a moment to introduce some of the newer members of the Ohio House and Ohio Senate who serve on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees. For this month, we are pleased to introduce Representative Tony Burkley.

Tony Burkley serves as representative to the 82nd House District, which includes Defiance, Paulding and Van Wert counties, as well as part of Auglaize County. Representative Burkley is currently serving his first term in the Ohio House of Representatives after being appointed to the 130th General Assembly, and sworn in on January 8, 2013.

Shortly after, the Representative was appointed by Speaker

You know the guy….As we start “back to school” season and “off to college season,” I am reminded of a friend of mine who is “gracious” enough to always let me do all the work. You know “the guy” – the guy most likely to be out of town when you need help moving; the guy who has something come up when you need picked up from the service station; the guy who is happy to loan you his ladder but who really can’t be there to hold the ladder for you. You love the guy but the truth is he has no problem (and no guilt) letting you do all of the work.

While generally, in the green industry, you and your peers are supremely hard workers, there is one area worthy of examination – the ONL-PAC. The ONL-PAC is the political action committee for the nursery and landscape industry. In fact, it is one of the few PACs in the green industry (other green industry associations have not yet set up PACs).

The ONL-PAC has been very suc-

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Batchelder to serve on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee.

Prior to joining the House, Burkley served 16 years in county government, including four terms as Paulding County Commissioner. He has more than 40 years of private sector experience in his family’s small business.

When asked specifically about his appointment to the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Representative Burkley stated that he was “…pleased to see the Speaker appointed me to be on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. My district is very dependent on the agriculture industry.”

During Ohio Agriculture Week this year, March 10th – 16th, Representative Burkley made a Public Service Announcement and briefly discussed Ag-LINK, the program which allows farmers to finance their operating costs, and the fact that since Summer 2012 the maximum lending amount increased from $100,000 to $150,000. The Representative expressed his approval, and was pleased with the support that is being given to the agriculture industry. Burkley “looks forward to seeing our State continue to invest in the agriculture industry,” which is a “primary component of our State’s rich heritage.” B

cessful on modest means. We have interfaced with legislators from both political parties and we “show up” on signs at legislator golf outings and at various banquet fundraisers. Your ONLA Board and ONLA Legislative Committee work efficiently and effectively interfacing the right amount of the time with the right legislators; however, we need your help.

As you know, in past years, in an effort to raise money for the PAC, we have hosted golf outings and sporting clay shoots. While such events were relatively successful, the same folks showed up every year and the numbers started to dwindle. We understand that even though golf is fun, it is hard for small business owners to give up a day of good weather for “fun”. The customer comes first. Your legislative committee, the ONLA Board and the amazing (and I mean that sincerely) ONLA staff has wrestled with new ways to draw more PAC members into the family. Last year, we tried hosting a wine pairing

and a beer pairing dinner. Again, small numbers.

Last year, we also kicked off the “Dime-a-Day” campaign. We thought this campaign would be a “breath of fresh air” empowering ALL people to get involved in PAC without much time (a mail in donation) and with a very modest investment. We did garner some new members but there is a great opportunity for growth this year. To be honest, I wanted to call it a “Dollar-a-Day” campaign but a dime or a dollar, ten dollars or onehundred dollars, all donations count.

Have you ever contributed to the PAC? When was the last time you contributed to the PAC? Have you called your peers to urge their participation? We all benefit from the PAC; we all need to participate.

In sum, you don’t want to be “that guy” who doesn’t carry his weight.

Spread the word and contribute today...and contribute regularly. We need your help. B

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W h y Tr e e s M a t t e r

SLIDE into a new season Ken Cochran talking to College of Wooster First year group (over 450 in total this year) at Streeter Amphitheatre at Secrest

Fall is for planting, but late summer is also a great time for horticulture, and then there is spring, and winter bulbs indoors, and Jim Crockett always said, “November is arguably the most important time for gardening” (speaking of planning) and, oh, let’s face it, plants are truly for all seasons.

“The seasons go round and round on a carousel of time” as Joni Mitchell sang in her tribute to Neil Young, and so it is for all of us… …Including at OSU’s Secrest Arboretum in Wooster where once again the “First Years” of the incoming College of Wooster class came in late August for their service project, planting, cleaning windows in the Pavilion, mulching, and having fun with the most groovy (we date ourselves) Secrest Slide in the new Secrest Children’s Garden. This is all part of the Secrest and College of Wooster and Tree Campus USA partnership, with the Tree Campus for OSU Wooster led by Kenny Cochran and for the College of Wooster by Beau Mastrine. It was a glorious time for all, especially with all that is new at Secrest since the tornado there a dozen seasons

12 The Buckeye

ago now, and these students from Cleveland, California and Korea, a reminder of our promising collective future wealth.

The Award Winning… …Buckeye is one example of a treasure we all share, and now, speaking of wealth, and remembering Dan Herm’s award from ONLA this past January, which of course cannot be topped, Dan also received a prestigious international award this past August. This is one deserving guy. Yes, we really do love him.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) presented Dan Herms, Chair, OSU Department of Entomology with its prestigious R.W. Harris Author’s Citation at its Annual International Conference in Toronto, Canada.

The ISA’s description for the Citation: “Granted to authors of outstanding publications for sustained excellence in the publication of timely information pertaining to the field of arboriculture.” Notable past recipients include: P.P. Pirone, Cynthia Westcott, L.C. Chadwick, Elton M. Smith, Jr., Warren T. Johnson, and Wayne Sinclair.

The ISA published the following in its special awards newsletter: “Dr. Daniel Herms’ passion for tree care led him to a career in research and writing to guide arborists, fellow scientists, and students in arboriculture and urban forestry. Currently a professor and chair in The Ohio

please see page 15 onla.org

Future Green Industrarian First Years from the College of Wooster enjoy the Secrest Slide at the Secrest Children’s Garden. All new since September 16, 2010

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October 2013  13

ONLA_Full page 12-12-10 10:32 AM Page 1

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14 The Buckeye

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continued from page 12

State University Department of Entomology, his research is dedicated to understanding insect and woody plant interactions and their implications for pest management.

“Dr. Herms has written more than 200 publications, including more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. His work involving the emerald ash borer and the development of EAB–resistant trees is believed to hold great promise for the future of our urban forest.”

You can watch a video tribute to Dan Herms that was aired at the 2013 ISA Annual International Conference: http://bit.ly/ISAherms

Treasured Trees …And now for the trees of our lives – a few profiles.

Shagbark hickory (Carya ovata). Shagbark hickory is a large (70-90 foot) slow-growing native tree for Ohio and the Eastern U.S., though less prominent in the south.

It has compound leaves with mostly five leaflets, monoecious flowers (male and female flowers on the same plant but separated), and dramatic shaggy plates of bark on older trees. Large foliose terminal buds are a good ID characteristic and jagged branch structure is dramatic in winterscapes. Shagbark hickory thrives in moist, welldrained acid soils, but often predominates in upland sites due to its comparative advantage of excellent drought tolerance. Sweet nuts are a source of food for squirrels and many other animals and sap is used by some human chefs for specialty woodsy syrups. Green wood is used for smoking meats, cut timber for furniture, tool handles and other uses. Shagbark hickory readily hybridizes with certain other Carya species, C illinoiensis (pecan) and C. laciniosa (shellbark hickory). It has limited formal landscape use since it has a tendency as a “dirty” tree, dropping numerous twigs, small branches, and leaves. please see page 16

Dan Herms and OSU Buddy Bill Ravlin amidst the aspens in Colorado Inset: Dan Herms Inset (below): Dan Herms Wins the Stanley Cup in 2013!

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continued from page 15

Page 16, left to right Kenny in his usual work mode at Secrest on COW Service Day this year Joe Cochran in his usual work mode at Secrest on COW Service Day this year Beau Mastrine of COW and Kenny Cochran on COW Service Day at Secrest this year – August 24 Page 17, top to bottom Shagbark hickory emerges with foliage and flowers in Spring Shagbark hickory and its eponymous allseason trunk Yellowwood foliage and fruits of summer Kentucky coffeetree (photo by Sherrill Massey of Chadwick Arboretum)

16 The Buckeye

Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus). Kentucky coffeetree is a native mid North American tree that is planted as a tough urban survivor in streetscapes, and is tolerant of limey soils and tree pits (Chicago urban foresters list it as one of their five toughest street trees). It has a starkly coarse yet beautiful appearance in the winter landscape, and its early fall defoliation and late spring foliation make it perfect if long seasons of sun penetration are desired. The bipinnately compound leaves are huge, from 6-10 inches long, though the axillary buds that prove that the elaborately branching foliage is of such long multileafleted leaves are tiny and sometimes difficult to find amongst woolly hairs in the leaf axils.

The seeds in the fruit pods (it is a legume in the Fabaceae) were used as a poor substitute for coffee by settlers. These seeds are beautiful and were used for games and as jewelry

by Native Americans” the seeds are a shiny bright lima bean-like green now, but deepen to a hard texture and coffee-brown color as they age. These seeds are toxic to humans and to many animals, though careful roasting can detoxify the seeds when making the coffee substitute. The bark is ridged, wood is used in cabinetry, and the fall color is yellow. Plant one or a group as specimens for the winterscape; the starkness is borne out by the Greek meaning of “gymoncladus” as “naked branch.”

Yellowwood (Cladrastis kentukea).

This medium sized (30-50 foot) native

shade tree is a lovely ornamental with smooth gray beech-like bark and wonderfully aromatic pendulous white flower panicles of late spring, though flowers are somewhat inconstant, often numerous only every 2-3 years. The leaves are compound and pinnate and each large compound leaf may be up to 10 inches long with 5-11 leaflets. Yellowwood, also known as virgilia in the south is in the Fabaceae (bean family) with its tell-tale fruit pods, has a broad, rounded habit which sometimes spreads out a bit much with age and is subject over time to damage from high winds. Fall color is yellow to orange. Adaptable to various soils, and tolerates both alkaline and acid conditions. Wood is prized for the eponymous yellow heartwood and is used for specialized furniture, for gunstocks and by woodturners. Check out large specimens at arboreta from Cincinnati to Cleveland and plant yellowwood in your woodscapes.

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each...Some men think that they are not well in spring, or summer, or autumn, or winter; it is only because they are not well in them.” - Thoreau B Jim Chatfield and Joe Boggs The Ohio State University Extension Nursery Landscape and Turf Team chatfield.1@osu.edu boggs.47@osu.edu Photos courtesy Jim Chatfield, unless otherwise noted.

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Legislative Feature

Neonicotinoid Insecticides: Fact from Fiction Following the unfortunate and accidental bee-kill that happened in Oregon this past June, many activist groups have stepped up their efforts to prohibit or disrupt the use of neonicotinoids. In many cases they are trying to identify the use of these insecticides as the sole cause for Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) of European honeybees – a phenomenon, sometimes referred to by the more general term “Bee Decline,” where the worker bees do not return to their hive after foraging.

However, recent reports by the USDA and EPA suggest that the cause of CCD is likely much more complicated than any one factor. Documents developed by ANLA, OFA and SAF attempt to shed additional light on this difficult issue by recognizing the importance of protecting our environment and our pollinator population, while fulfilling the need to protect our crops from damaging insect pests.

ANLA, OFA and SAF have collaborated on a letter and a “frequently asked questions” (FAQs) document to help the horticulture industry get a better sense of the challenges we now face regarding our use of neonicotinoid insecticides. These documents will help growers, landscapers, and retailers explain to their customers why these chemicals are an important part of our toolbox, and the fact that current scientific evidence supports their responsible use as part of a pest management strategy. For more information, contact Joe Bischoff, ANLA’s Director of Government Relations (jbischoff@anla.org) or Lin Schmale, SAF’s Senior Director of Government Relations (lschmale@safnow.org). B

18 The Buckeye

What are neonicotinoids?

They are a class of insecticides, developed in the 1990s and approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

When applied appropriately, neonicotinoids are vital in controlling harmful and often invasive insect pests with reduced impact on non-­target insects (e.g., bees).

Why are you using pesticides, especially neonicotinoids?

Controlling pest populations is vital to a healthy agriculture system and pesticides are often one of the important tools for that purpose. Neonicotinoids are frequently used in combination with other strategies as part of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to reduce pest populations while managing against pesticide resistance development. In some cases, neonicotinoids are approved regulatory treatments for certification and interstate movement of nursery and greenhouse crops.

Are neonicotinoids safe for the environment?

It is important to remember their purpose – they do kill insects. However, when used as described on the EPA approved label, as is required by law, they are shown to have reduced impact on non-­target insects and represent a significant improvement over older chemistries. Furthermore, they are an important tool in defending our environment against invasive species such as Japanese Beetle, Asian Longhorned Beetle, Emerald Ash Borer and Hemlock Woolly Adelgid.

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Neonicotinoid Insecticides:

FAQs

Are neonicotinoids dangerous to humans?

Neonicotinoid chemistry, first developed in the 1990s, represents a tremendous advancement in insecticides. The chemical is based on the nicotine molecule that has been altered so as not to impact human nerve endings but to retain its ability to impact insects. The chemical’s ability to act systemically in the plant means that applicators do not need to spray broadly but instead can target applications and let the plant move the insecticide around. In addition, the residual control means fewer applications and less applicant exposure. Thus far, all the scientific evidence suggests that when neonicotinoids are used as described on the EPA-­approved label they are safer for humans, safer for the environment, and safer for non-­target insects – including bees.

Why has there been so much effort to discourage or ban neonicotinoids?

Some people in the conservation movement in the U.S. and European Union embrace what is referred to as the, “Precautionary Principle.” This term has been interpreted by many to mean that any new action or policy should be prohibited unless all of the possible consequences are known in advance. However, the precautionary principle approach actually inhibits research, innovation and incremental improvements. We fear that decisions made without scientific justification to restrict or prohibit use of materials like the neonicotinoids will undermine research and development into other new and reduced-­risk materials going forward.

Why were 50,000 bees killed in Oregon?

Initial reports suggest that the accidental killing of bees in Oregon would not have occurred if the label instructions had been carefully followed and the appropriate site, plant, pest, and timing considerations properly taken into account. This unfortunate event serves as a sobering reminder of the need to closely follow manufacturer and EPA-­approved labeling.

What happens if growers and landscapers can’t use neonicotinoids?

Some insects can cause significant damage to crops and their populations must be controlled. If growers and landscapers cannot include neonicotinoids as part of their pest management strategy they will have to turn to other chemicals, which are more likely to interfere with beneficial insects and other IPM options. Neonicotinoids are an important and advanced tool in our toolbox, so long as they are properly used.

What is the difference between Bee Decline and Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)?

“Bee Decline” is a more general term that reflects the decreasing number of managed honeybee hives over the course of decades due to urbanization, pests, pathogens, beekeeper retirements and other causes – including CCD. Colony Collapse Disorder is a syndrome where worker bees from of a European honeybee colony do not return to their hive after foraging. The cause for this abrupt change in behavior remains unknown but is believed to be associated with a number of interacting factors like – parasites, pathogens, genetics, malnutrition, migratory beekeeping, habitat loss, and environmental stresses, which does include pesticides. B

Source: ANLA

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Look to the Future

Kent State University Horticulture Technology Putting Excellence into Action Horticulture students in the landscape construction classes, are “studying” outdoors these days, as they design and build structural features for the Discovery Garden on the Salem campus.

A focal point of their work is an attractive architectural structure that introduces the newly featured Discovery Garden, and will also include a “living” barrier around the garden, signage and irrigation.

20 The Buckeye

The students are from the summer landscape construction I and II classes, taught by faculty member Stan Jones, within the horticulture technology program and are enhancing their skills through hands-on work. Students in class learn about landscape construction materials, transit and contour mapping, drafting techniques, construction specifications and putting those skills into action in the field. “They are learning and mastering those landscape construction skills so important in

today’s industry” Jones noted. “They are doing a great job and this is going to be a beautiful space for our campus and the Discovery Garden.”

The Discovery Garden was kicked off this past spring and is producing a variety of vegetables and herbs that are being donated to a local food pantry. It, too, is an outdoor classroom of sorts – designed to teach gardening techniques to students of all ages.

Kent State University at Salem is sharing the bounty from its Discov-

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ery Garden with deliveries of fresh produce to the Salem Community Pantry in recent weeks.

John Majernik, faculty member of the Horticulture program, is helping to oversee the development of the garden, along with fellow instructor Maurice Peoples.

They worked with students to plant items such as potatoes, broccoli, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, Swiss chard, onions, sweet peppers, carrots, beets, dill, parsley, squash, green beans among many other vegetables.

This past spring, Majernik and Peoples along with Horticulture student interns, Kim Merrick and Joe Kelly spent time planning, designing and prepping the garden plot, which is essentially an outdoor classroom where individuals can “learn, grow, live and laugh.”

Through their planning, people of all ages can learn basic gardening skills, along with new techniques. The Discovery Garden’s design helps the teaching process, with wide spaces between the planted rows that allow visitors to walk through the garden without disturbing plants.

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This is the first year for the garden, but ideas for expansion are already being considered, including container gardens and other outdoor spaces to expand learning opportunities.

“There are so many possibilities,” Majernik said. “This fits nicely with the idea of wellness and healthy lifestyles, knowing that we are growing vegetables and showing people how to take part in a wholesome activity. We’d like to eventually demonstrate how to can and preserve what we grow, and how to make the best use of available space.” Produce from the garden also will be used on campus for a wellness program, but much of the produce will be donated to the Community Pantry and later for a community dinner in the fall. B Stan Jones, Maurice Peoples, & Tina Smith Kent State University Horticulture Technology ONLA Scholarship & Student Activitied Committee sjones34@kent.edu Photos courtesy Stan Jones.

October 2013 21

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22 The Buckeye

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Feature

California dreamin’ Welcome to Part II of the 2013 California Spring Trials Report. We are traveling south down the California coast and reviewing each stop in the order I visited them. We ended Part I (September 2013 edition of The Buckeye) at Skagit, so we will begin Part II at PanAmerican in Santa Paula and continue south until we end in Vista at Plug Connection. There are some great new introductions in this second half of the trip.

PanAmerican Seed •

•

Dianthus Sweet Black Cherry – Sweet is an F1 series of Dianthus that work well for cutting gardens and landscapes. Garden height is 18-36”. The new color Black Cherry is a dark burgundy and is just gorgeous.

Cool Wave® Pansy – Two new colors, Golden Yellow and Purple, make a nice addition to this series.

They also added a Berries and

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•

•

•

Cream Mix and a Pastel Mix Gaillardia Mesa Peach – The newest color in this series of F1 Gaillardia. A nice yellow with an orange inner ring. Zone 5 hardy.

Coleus Kong Jr. – A new Kong series gives you the same size plants with smaller leaves, so you have a more durable plant for shipping and planting. 4 colors: Scarlet, Rose, Lime Vein and Green Halo.

Zinnia Zahara Sunburst – A new color that opens yellow and orange “bleeds” in as the flower ages. So you’ll see assorted flowers on each plant. Great for a fall item as well as spring.

Selecta •

Calibrachoa MiniFamous™ Doubles – Three new colors in the MiniFamous™ Doubles! Red, which is a nice, true red color, Blue, and Pink Vein. The Red

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PART TWO

•

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and Blue really round out the series and make for a nice selection of colors. The Trixi® combo “Double Date” has been updated to include Magenta instead of Pink for a bolder look.

Geranium Double™ Take series – a new series of interspecific semi-double geraniums that boast a stronger flower with less shattering during shipping. 5 new colors: Red, White Scarlet, Pink and Pink with Eye. They have a nice, tight habit and are very uniform across the series.

Dianthus Everlast™ – this series was introduced last year and the new color is Dark Pink. These are chinensis type Dianthus and they are perennial. All have double flowers and bloom all summer.

Also have a nice fragrance! Zone 4 hardy. please see page 24

October 2013 23

continued from page 23

Fides Note: Fides and Ecke are owned by the same company now, as well as Dummen. So we saw new Ecke varieties at the Fides location.

• Dahlia Dahlinova Temptation – A new series of Dahlias with dark foliage that come from the same breeding as Hypnotica. These are large plants that should be in a 6” or gallon pot. 5 new colors that can be grown right along with Hypnotica.

• Stachys Bella Grigio – This is a new novelty plant that will work well in combinations. All silvery foliage and long strap leaves that are soft to the touch like a Lamb’s Ear. Really cool!

• Geranium Patriot™ Papaya – I really liked this new color. It’s a soft orange with a touch of coral. Some-

24 The Buckeye

•

thing a bit different in the Patriot™ series!

Dianthus Sunflor Olivia – A new color in this series of pot dianthus, this one is lime with burgundy tips and it is stunning. Great for spring pots, and with a shearing, it will rebloom.

Suntory •

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Petunia Moonlight Eclipse™ – This one will be a “wow” at retail! A soft blue with a green edge that is the first in this color. The habit is upright/mounding, similar to a Surfinia® Patio type.

Petunia Surfinia® Variegated Baby Purple – A fun new novelty petunia with variegated foliage. It should size up right along with other petunias, but will be later to bloom than the other Surfinias®

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•

•

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Petunia Surfinia® Heavenly Blue – This was another plant that everyone was talking about. It’s from the Surfinia® trailing series, and has lovely light blue flowers with a hint of ruffle in the petals. Great for baskets and containers!

Sundiascia® – A new series of diascia that is upright and more heat tolerant. Sturdy stems will hold the flowers up, and the height can be 12” or more. Long days make taller flower spikes. 3 colors: Upright Blush Pink, Upright Rose Pink and Upright Orange.

Lophospermum Lophos® Compact Rose – If you and your customers love Lophospermum, this new variety will make growing and handling much easier. The compact variety is half the size/length with flowers at the top of the plant. Really an amazing difference! Also comes in Compact White.

•

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Gomphrena Pink Zazzle – This was another “wow” at Spring Trials.

The flowers on this gomphrena are 2” across and bright pink! The plant is mounded with very fuzzy leaves.

A new novelty that your customers will love. It can also be grown as an indoor plant, but it needs higher light levels to bloom. Great heat tolerance!

Lantana Skittles – A lovely red/ orange flower with beautiful variegated foliage. The leaves have a subtle white margin.

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Carolyn Jones BFG Plant Connection cjones@bfgsupply.com

CAPTIONS Page 23, left to right Dahlia Dahlinova Temptation

Westhoff

Dianthus Sweet Black Cherry

•

Geranium Patriot™ Papaya

•

EuroAmerican •

Gaura Rosy Jane – This new gaura has a white flower with bright fuchsia pink margins. A great new variety that will attract lots of butterflies!

Echeveria Moonlit Pearl™ - If you love succulents, this is a lovely new addition to the Euro line. It’s graygreen in color with a peach margin that sets off the color so you get a “glow.”

•

Crazytunias – There are several new colors of Crazytunias for 2014. Terra Cotta, Twilight Red and Mahogany Queen are three that impressed me. The availability was limited for 2013, but they should be easier to get in 2014.

Petunia Kermit series – A new series with a fun name! There are 4 colors, all with a green ring on the edge. They are Purple, Rose, Piggy and Baby. These have a nice mounding/trailing habit that is not too vigorous.

Verbena Hurricane Hot Pink – Bicolor flowers that will remind you of the Twisters. Nice habit for baskets.

I hope you’ve seen some varieties that will spark your excitement for spring 2014 as you make your production plans. If you have a chance to visit trial gardens this summer, that’s a great way to see how these new plants are performing in our summer weather. Thanks for joining me on this review of the Spring Trials! B

Gomphrena Pink Zazzle

Page 24, left to right Petunia Kermit Piggy Calibrachoa MiniFamous™ Double Pink Vein Calibrachoa MiniFamous™ Double Red

Page 25, left to right Petunia Moonlight Eclipse™ Blue Stachys Bella Grigio Petunia Surfinia® Heavenly Blue Petunia Surfinia® Variegated Baby Purple Photos courtesy Carolyn Jones.

October 2013 25

Industry Calendar

View www.onla.org for seminars, events, trade shows and more! O designates qualifying OCNT recertification events O October 1, 2013 Stormwater Management Training for Commercial Properties (new or expanded business opportunities for installation and maintenance of stormwater practices), Parma, OH. www.onla.org or 800.825.5062 for more information.

O October 2, 2013 Winning the Attention of the Socially Engaged Customer in a Digital World Webinar, www.pested.osu.edu for more details.

O October 8-11, 2013 IPPS Eastern Region Conference, Chicago/ Naperville, IL. from October 8-11, 2013. www.ippseastern.org October 9, 2013 Get Your Green Industry Fix Webinar, ONLA is pleased to once again offer a series of 50-minute webinars, in cooperation with OSU extension. www.onla.org or 800.825.5062 for more information.

Northeast Ohio Nursery Announces New Ownership; Sales Manager

O October 9, 2013 Wood-Destroying Insect Inspection Training, Reynoldsburg, OH. www.tandmservices.com/wdi2013 October 24, 2013 PLANET Green Industry Conference, Louisville, Kentucky, https://www.landcarenetwork.org/events/GreenIndustryConf/ index.cfm O November 9, 2013 20th Annual "Grateful Embrace” event.

The Ohio Lawn Care Association along with the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association join lawn care volunteers from across our great state give up a Saturday in November to provide the manpower necessary to apply fertilizer plant greenery so generously provided by our suppliers. Dayton and Rittman, Ohio. www.onla.org or 800.825.5062 for more information.

January 13-15, 2014 CENTS, Columbus Ohio, Attend the Central Environmental Nursery Trade Show (CENTS), with over 225,000 square feet of exhibition space, and soak up the innovation and ideas in an expanded market, centsmarketplace.com or 800.825.5062 for more information.

O January 13, 2014 Management Master Class (at CENTS), These sessions will be led by dynamic professional business speakers will cover the topics such as sales skills, business development, industry-specific management, and more. Send your managers to this conference, or attend yourself, and be sure that your best employees become your top managers. centsmarketplace.com or 800.825.5062 for more information.

O January 13-15, 2014 ONLA Business Classes and OSU Nursery Short Course (at CENTS), Columbus, Ohio, centsmarketplace.com or 800.825.5062 for more information.

O January 15, 2014 Conference of Women Leaders (at CENTS), Women in business face daily challenges that require a wide range of skills. This session, seeks to inspire, motivate and advise women working in the green industry. Enhance your skills during an upbeat, multi-faceted, and information-rich session specifically for women.

Whether you’re a female entrepreneur, a critical component in a family business, a woman invested in the success of your company, or all of the above, you’ll want to be part of this emerging group for women leaders. centsmarketplace.com or 800.825.5062 for more information.

January 17, 2014 Tennessee Green Industry Expo. Join the Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association at the Green Industry Expo. Nashville, Tennessee. www.tngie.com

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Sunleaf Nursery LLP recently announced the sale of the business to to Tom Hurst of Briar Rose Nurseries, Painesville, Ohio. The sale is expected to close by the end of 2013. Sunleaf emphasized the transition would continue with current staff and no changes to existing/future orders, nor availability of nursery stock. has plans to broaden the product mix by offering conifers from his existing nursery. Carol and Bob Lyons will continued with the nursery through 2014 to assist where needed.

Sunleaf Nursery also announced the hiring of Mike Scott as new sales manager. Mike brings many years of sales and customer service experience in the nursery industry. Carol, Bob, Mike and Katie are available for questions at 800-321-4108.

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Welcome New ONLA Member The following firm has been approved for ONLA membership, pending the completion of the application process, which includes requesting comments from the current ONLA membership regarding the qualifications and/or dues classifications of applicants within three weeks following receipt of this issue of The Buckeye.

The following company is applying for ACTIVE membership: Creative Earthscapes Inc. 376 Morrison Road Columbus, OH 43213 Chad Zofkie, Category 5 B

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Greenhouse Growers Viewpoint

Take Full Advantage of Double-Poly Double-poly is a popular greenhouse glazing method because of its energy efficiency and low initial cost. Less discussed benefits are its ability to reduce condensation and resistance to strong winds. For the best investment return, double-poly structures should be properly installed and operated to assure high insulation value, high light transmission, effective coandensate control, and long life.

A double-poly structure has its maximum insulation value when the air in between the two layers is static.

Leaking or non-inflated double-poly will not only lose its thermal insulation value quickly, also lost are other double-poly’s benefits in reducing condensate and wind load resistance. Manner of facts, single poly could be a better choice compared to where double-poly is not properly inflated. Non-inflated double-poly works as a thicker singlepoly that has slightly higher thermal insulation value but will lose 10-15% light transmission. Leaking double-poly can lose insulation value, larger leaks cause poorer insulation performance. On the other hand, a properly inflated double-poly structure can have all the benefits discussed earlier with a small blower to keep it inflated.

Typically, a 1/30 hp blower with 60 CFM capacity is recommended for every 10,000 ft2 of double-poly area. Under or non-inflated double-poly is due to air loss through holes and gaps caused by tear and wear or improper installation. Larger leaks can be visually detected from spotting deflated roof or sidewall, low air pressures between layers are signs of smaller leakages. Monitoring air pressure between the two layers of a double-poly structure is a good way for detecting leakage of all sizes as well as over-inflation that can shorten film life. It is important to once again emphasize that the insulation value of a double-poly structure, is directly related to stillness of air inside, larger air movement leads to larger reduction of insulation value.

For maximum light transmission of a double-poly greenhouse, dry and clean air should be used in between layers. Using outside air for the double-poly inflation is consistently recommended by commercial suppliers, Extension personnel, and researchers. Outside air in northern climate is generally dryer compared to warm humid air inside of a greenhouse. Using outside air reduces humidity level in between two poly layers where trapped moisture will form condensate when the outdoor temperature drops and causes light loss where incoming light is reflected off condensate on film surface. Also of concern is further light transmission reduction due to dust accumulation when dusty greenhouse air from potting, transplanting, or high traffic areas is sourced for the inflation. onla.org

Less known historical fact about the invention of double-poly structure was the desire of the inventors, William Roberts and David Mears, to control condensation inside of a single glazed greenhouse. For the best condensate control performance, double-poly should be properly inflated, and free of condensate drainage obstructions. Warmer inside film, resulting from still air insulation, reduces condensation. Well drained condensate without obstruction, keeps double poly surface free of water droplets that can reduce light transmission as well as cause plant damages where dripping occurred. Inside film surface of a double-poly structure should be wrinkle free, and free from contacting cross structural members (e.g. perlins). During installation, inside film should be pulled, but not over-stretching, to be wrinkle free. Avoid installing the film on hot days when film stretches more under warmer weather. Over-stretched film will shrink and wrinkle under cold conditions. Spacers are used for perlin installation underneath rafters. Spacing between please see page 28

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Figure 1. Maintain proper air pressure improves performance and longevity of double-poly structures. Under- or non-inflated double poly losses its insulation value quickly. Shown in the picture are two films cling to each with water in between the two layers. Water droplets reflect incoming light results in less light for plant growth.

Figure 2. Wrinkles on poly film are collection points of condensate droplets that can drip to damage plants below. Poly film should be installed wrinkle-free and properly inflated. Overstretched film will wrinkle when is cold outside.

28 The Buckeye

rafters and perlins, and proper inflation pressure are important to keep film from touching perlins.

Full design life span of double-poly structures can be achieved with proper installation and care. The key word here is not to over-stress the film including mechanical and chemical stresses. High temperature, over-inflation, under-inflation, non-uniformly distributed poly film fastening are primary mechanical stresses cause shortened service life. Poly film in contact with high temperature support structure weakens quickly. Structural surface in contact with poly film should be highly reflective as dark surface under sun can get very hot. For example, dark structural members should be coated with white latex paint or other non-oil based coating. The air pressure in between two film layers should be maintained between 0.2-0.4” of water: over inflation exerts excessive stress on the film; under inflation results in film flapping in windy days that causes accelerated film wearing from repeated rubbing against greenhouse structures.

Contact with the wrong chemicals can shorten the poly film’s useful life span. Materials, e.g. PVC, contains plasticizer that can leak when is in contact with poly. Leaked plasticizer will weaken poly and cause it to stretch, and fail early. Therefore, it is not a good idea to build a hoop house with PVC pipes or use PVC locks for securing poly films. Also to be avoided are fertilizer/growth regulator/pesticide that may have harmful effects on the poly film’s durability. When possible, applying chemicals to plants directly without splashing onto poly film to avoid accelerated film degradation. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to keep poly film from listed harmful chemicals.

In conclusions, for the best return of the money invested in double-poly structures, proper installation and operation are important for their long lasting high performance. While growers spending most of their time taking care of plants, paying some attention to their greenhouse structure can help crops grow better. With the appropriate preventative measures discussed in this article, growers can improve their profitability by growinng better crops with more light, less condensate dripping, and longer lasting poly film. B Peter Ling The Ohio State University Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department ling.23@osu.edu Photos courtesy Peter Ling.

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Educational Update Consumer Research-Based Perceptions and Misperceptions of the Terms “Sustainable” and “Organic”

This article is provided to you as a benefit of membership in the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association.

Content for this issue provided by: Dr. Bridget Behe Professor, Horticultural Marketing Michigan State University A238 Plant & Soil Sciences Building East Lansing MI 48824-1325 Phone: (517) 355-5191 x 1346 Fax: (517) 353-0890 behe@msu.edu www.hrt.msu.edu/bridget-behe/

Many consumers say they are concerned about the environment and there is substantial interest and an increasing demand for eco-friendly products, in and out of horticulture. Eco-friendly encompasses a broad range of practices which may include many different approaches, perceptions, terminology, and words. Our research team was interested to learn how consumers defined two key terms sometimes used on agricultural products in the marketplace: sustainable and organic. Our goal was to help the horticulture industry understand some of the perceptions and misperceptions of these terms. With that in mind, horticultural professionals might use words consumers understand better to more readily connect with them in the marketplace.

The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA), enacted under Title 21 of the 1990 Farm Bill, established uniform national standards for the production and handling of products labeled as organic. The National Organic Program (NOP) defined national standards for the production, handling, and processing of organically grown agricultural products and oversees the mandatory certification of organic producers. Only producers who meet the NOP standards and are certified can use the “organic” label (Gold, 2007). According to the USDA NOP definition, “organic” products are “produced without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.” Some consumers are more willing to pay more for organic products and reasons for purchasing organic products range from concern over the environment and/or food safety (Ritson and Oughton 2007; Essoussi and Zahaf 2008).

The word sustainable draws its definition from six different factors that can be classified as social, economic, or environmental concepts (Brklacich et al., 1991). First sustainability should maintain or enhance environmental quality; second, it should provide adequate economic and social rewards to all individuals and firms in the production system; and third, it should produce a sufficient and accessible food supply. Sustainable is another term often associated with eco-friendly practices but unlike organic, this term has no set definition, but should encompass Brklacich’s three concepts. Google Scholar showed there were 26,400 citations for the word sustainable from 1980-1990 and over a million since 2000. So the interest in sustainability, however it is defined, appears to be increasing. please see page 30

EDUCATIONAL UPDATE

continued from page 29

We developed our research concept from a study that was conducted in Atlanta in 2007. Steglin (2007) asked consumers exiting an Atlanta garden center which words they associated with the word sustainable. “Green” was a word associated with sustainable by 64% of that sample while “local” and “organic” were cited by 64% and 63% of that sample, respectively. This got us thinking about what Americans today think of the words organic and sustainable and what associations they have with those terms.

In May 2011, our team launched an online survey to better assess the market for horticultural products

in North America. We had multiple research dimensions, but report here on consumers’ associations with the words “organic” and “sustainable” much like Steglin (2007) did, but on a broader scale. We constructed an online survey and used Global Market Insite, Inc.’s database of North American consumers who were contacted by email to participate in the survey. Each of the 48 contiguous U.S. states was represented and the 1716 U.S. respondents were demographically similar to the average census demographics for the U.S. The survey asked a variety of questions around horticultural purchasing and recycling patterns, along

Figure 1. Percentage of Americans who associated words or phrases with the term “organic” from an online survey in 2011 (n=1716).

Figure 2. Percent of 1716 U.S. online survey participants who associated different terms with the word sustainable, depending on whether the had or had not heard the term.

30

The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association’s The Buckeye, October 2013

please see page 32

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October 2013  31

continued from page 30

EDUCATIONAL UPDATE

with traditional demographic and socio-economic questions. Respondents were asked if they had heard several eco-friendly terms and then were shown a list of potential characteristics that may or may not relate to that word. They were asked to check-off all characteristics that they perceived were related to the word.

No definitions or explanations were provided for any word or associated term.

Not surprisingly, 97% of Americans had heard the term organic (only 3% said they had not heard the term) (See Figure 1). Correctly 67% said no synthetic pesticide and 56% associated organic correctly with no use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Still, the correct definition of organic was identified only by these two characteristics by, at most, 67% of Americans. What else did they associate with organic? Slightly more than half said organic was better for the environment, had less pesticide residue on products. In a less positive vein, 53% associated organic with higher priced products. Forty-one percent associated organic with being more nutritious, 35% said better taste, and 30% reported it could mean a lower carbon footprint. To a lesser extent, Americans associated organic with no natural pesticide use (26%), local production (17%), neither of which is part of the federal definition of organic. So, there was correct

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association of the true parts of the organic definition by approximately half of the sample. Some (less than half) associate many positive attributes with organic but none are part of the definition. Unfortunately, about half also associated organic with higher prices.

We also asked the survey participants if they had heard the word sustainable. Most (74%) had heard the term, but this percentage was substantially lower than the percentage of Americans who had heard the word organic. We compared the responses of those who had heard of the term “sustainable” with those who had not in terms of the words or phrases they associated with the term (See Figure 2). Not surprisingly, a greater percentage of respondents associated all terms with sustainable if they had heard the term. The highest percentage was for energy-efficient with 51% of those who heard the term sustainable associating energy-savings with that term. Like the term organic, “green” was associated with sustainability by nearly half of the sample. Socially responsible as a phrase was associated with sustainable by nearly half of the respondents and 37% associated it with best management practices. Twenty-eight percent associated sustainable with organic and 15% associated it with certification. Although most organic production might be classified as organic, not all sustainable production can be considered organic. Twenty-two percent of the sample associated sustainable with local, which might also not be a factual statement, depending on the locale of production. Only 15% of those who had heard the term associated sustainable with expensive or pricey, much lower than the association with organic. But 11% did associate sustainable with sales or marketing gimmick.

From this study, we see clear evidence that while most Americans have heard the terms organic and sustainable, they are not clear in the definition of the words nor in the “correct” association of terms with those words. The results are not surprising from the ambiguity or confusion, but they do point to some clear recommendations.

First, marketers who use the term organic must follow the USDA labeling requirements. What may help reinforce the meaning of that term is to state the requirements either on the producer’s website or in related information (e.g. QR code, label/tag, sign proximate to product). Given the great diversity in responses and associations, it would help clarify actual production practices (e.g. no synthetic fertilizers used, natural pesticides used, etc.) while educating buyers and non-buyers. Second, the stipulation of more specific production practices (e.g. energy-saving, water-

The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association’s The Buckeye, October 2013

saving, etc.) may help to further refine the meaning of terms in the minds of consumers. It is those specific terms that most likely would not suffer from “green washing” or the attempt to over-state the environmental benefits of a production practice or product.

This article is based on a small portion of the results of a study funded by the USDA Federal State Marketing Improvement Program where federal dollars were matched with state dollars to conduct the study. The entire study was generated by a collaborative effort of the author and Drs. Ben Campbell (Univ. of Connecticut), Jennifer Dennis (Purdue University), Charlie Hall (Texas A&M), Hayk Khachatryan (Univ. of Florida), and Chengyan Yue (Univ. of Minnesota).

•

•

• •

•

Brklacichi, M. and C.R. Bryant. 1991. Review and Appraisal of Concept of Sustainable Food Production Systems. Environmental Management, 15(1): 1–14.

Essoussi, L.H. and M. Zahaf. 2008. “Decision making process of community organic food consumers: An exploratory study”. Journal of Consumer Marketing 25(2):95-104.

Gold, M.V. 2007. Organic Production. http:// www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/ofp/ofp.shtml accessed 9/1/13.

Ritson, C. and E. Oughton. 2007. “Food consumers and organic agriculture.” Understanding Consumers of Food Products. L. Frewer and H. van Trijp, eds. Cambridge, U.K.: Woodhead Publishing.

Stegelin, F. 2008. What Does “Sustainable” Mean to the Consumer Purchasing a Plant?

Southern Nursery Association Research Proceedings 38:26-28.

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EDUCATIONAL UPDATE

Whether edible or ornamental, the purchasers of our products have heard the terms like organic and sustainable. What those words mean to them is not consistent and sometimes erroneous. As competition heightens and growers look for ways to differentiate themselves from competitors, specific “best practices” are likely to garner more accurate attention from consumers. Words like green and sustainable are nice, but not specific. It may be in the long term interest of the business and consumer to state what some of those specific practices are under the umbrella terms of organic and sustainable. B

References

Bulbs Hidden Treasure Every avid gardener and landscape designer lusts for as much long lasting color as possible in the garden. Incorporating bulbs is a very effective way to add color and lengthen seasons.

To begin, consider using several different types of bulbs. We often neglect many of the so-called “small bulbs” in favor of Narcissus and tulips that give us bright blasts of color. With little effort, you will find many other bulb types that, used in large quantities, are just as attractive. For example, Eranthis (Winter Aconite) and Galanthus (Snowdrops) are the first harbingers of spring, blooming before most perennials have even begun to push their green tips out of the soil. Most of us use the large Dutch Crocus, but I love the Snow Crocus that are bi- or tri­-colored, such as ‘Advance,’ which is bright yellow on the inside and bluish violet and white on the outside. ‘Gipsy Girl’ is bright yellow with feathers of deep bronzy purple; ‘Ladykiller’ has purple violet petals with white edges; and ‘Saturnus’ is dark yellow with dark purple stripes. The Snow Crocus offer a greater range of color and they also better withstand the vagaries of winter weather than the larger Dutch Crocus. Take care to use greater masses of them since they are smaller.

please see page 36

34 The Buckeye

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By Design

(Large) Allium atropuprurem, Geranium (inset, previous page) Anemone blanda white, Tulipa ‘Heart’s Delight’

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October 2013 35

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continued from page 34

I also like to use the species tulips because they frequently perennialize, unlike their larger brethren, which should be treated as annuals. For years, I’ve used Tulipa bakeri ‘Lilac Wonder’, which is pale pink-lilac with a yellow center, because my garden is based on a pink/purple/blue/white color scheme. Another pink species is Tulipa pulchella (humilis) ‘Persian Pearl’, a real eye-catching magenta pink! It did not come back the following year, but that may have been my fault. They were planted near a sprinkler head and thus may have rotted.

Many other species Tulips are in shades of red or yellow. Most species tulips are found in the wild in dry habitats; therefore, to grow them successfully, we need to duplicate that habitat as closely as possible, specifically excellent drainage.

For those like me who love blue, there is also Chionodoxa (Glory-of-the-Snow) of which there are three species of varying shades, Puschkinia libanotica (Striped Squill) which is pale blue and white, Muscari (Grape Hyacinth) and Anemone blanda. The best-known species of Muscari is M.armeniacum, which is deep violet-blue.

There is also a lesser-known species called A.latifolium, which is blue on top and violet on the bottom instead of completely blue. The most common Anemone blanda is blue but it is also available in pink and white. Any of these little bulbs planted by the hundreds are spectacular in the landscape.

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Planting these little bulbs in tandem with larger ones (Narcissus, tulips and hyacinths) that bloom at approximately the same time provides wonderful displays. I must emphasize the importance of carefully selecting the cultivar for timing in order for this to work. When digging the holes, dig large ones to accommodate several bulbs at a time rather than individual ones. Plant the larger bulbs first, approximately six to eight inches deep. Cover them with a few inches of soil and plant the small bulbs right on top of them; then finish filling the hole. At bloom time, you will have a carpet of tiny blossoms which emerge through the larger ones to provide sometimes analogous color and sometimes, complementary color. Whichever type of color scheme you choose, spring glory will brighten your spirits.

Mentioning hyacinths leads me to share with you a special hyacinth that I am using. First, you have to understand that one of my personal prejudices has been a dislike of hyacinths. To me, they were large blobs with a scent that is overwhelming. After only forty years, I have revised that opinion. Nevertheless, after reading about the blue cultivar Hyacinthus multiflora ‘Borah,’ I decided to give it a try and discovered that I love it’s more informal look of loosely arranged florets on multiple stems. This hyacinth is an heirloom bulb that is still quite fragrant, but I don’t find the scent as offensive. Unfortunately, it has not naturalized as I had hoped.

I first saw Leucojum aestivum (Summer Snowflake) in a woodland setting with late Narcissus and didn’t know what they were, but I was determined to find out. Then I saw them again in a Charleston cemetery and discovered their identity. Years ago, I planted them in my own garden in a partially shaded, slightly moist spot, conditions that most bulbs will not tolerate. Their pendulous white bells on twelve- to eighteen inch stems used to bloom from early May well into June with their foliage remaining green until the end of summer. For the past few years, they have started blooming in early April and on into May. I had planted them among a shade-loving ornamental grass called Luzula nivea (Snowy Woodrush), but found it necessary to move the Luzula in front of them because the Leucojum foliage overwhelmed them. Then I planted Tricyrtis ‘Tojen’ (Tojen Toad Lily) among them.

Its height (three feet as opposed to the eighteen inches of Luzula) and large leaves allows it to compete and flourish with the Leucojum.

Most gardeners and designers focus on spring blooming bulbs but many of the summer blooming bulbs are worth our attention, especially Allium. My favorite is the late June/early July blooming Allium sphaerocephalum (Drumstick Allium). Its unusual shape and maroon color add excitement to my pastel border. I’ve planted it behind please see page 38 onla.org

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Allium unifolium, Geranium ‘Biokova Karmina’

continued from page 36

Ruellia humilis, the pale violet Wild Petunia, and one of my favorite annuals, Zinnia angustifolia ‘Classic White’, which blooms nonstop until frost. Another Allium I can’t live without is Allium giganteum for its shock value.

Everyone, regardless of age, is amazed at its height and size – four- to five-inch spheres on four-foot stalks! I’ve planted them next to the late blooming (June) Dwarf Lilac, Syringa meyeri, which is a paler purple and only a little bit taller than the Allium. I’ve also planted them in a client’s garden for the contrast value -- the tall purple balls behind a bright yellow Potentilla fruticosa.

Everyone exclaims over Giant Allium (Allium giganteum) and they are spectacular but they have one big problem. The foliage begins to look like it’s dying at least two weeks before the bulbs bloom. I dealt with this liability by interplanting it with Anemone hybrida (Japanese Anemone) which produces lots of foliage by May and June but doesn’t bloom until early fall. Therefore, the foliage of the Anemone hides that of the Allium while the large heads of the Allium bob above the Anemone foliage and makes an otherwise very green space a colorful space.

Too few designers make use of the smaller Allium species of which there many. I have planted Allium caeruleum (blue, usually 12” high) in Phlox subulata (Creeping Phlox) to extend color in that space since the Phlox blooms in April and early May but the Allium doesn’t bloom until the middle of May. Allium unifolium (also known as A.roseum), has flatter heads than the previous Allium, is pink and 12” high. This one I planted with Geranium cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo Karmina’. The

38 The Buckeye

Geranium is semi-evergreen and has bright pink flowers that bloom in May while Allium unifolium follows with its soft pink flowers in early June.

Allium atropurpureum, a maroon June bloomer, has flower heads that are taller at two feet and I plant them between perennials such as Geranium psilostemon that shows off its magenta flowers at the same time and Kniphofia (Poker Plant) that will not make its splash until midsummer. Another combination with which I have been very happy is Allium christophii planted between Astrantia (Masterwort). This short but large balled Allium has pale lavender flowers that appear in late May and early June while the Astrantia does not bloom until mid to late June. The structure of this Allium is quite appealing even after the petals have dropped and I often leave them for quite a long time. Last summer, in a garden I visited, the owner had painted the deadheads bright colors that would obviously add color to her garden for a very long time.

My garden is an unending delight to me twelve months of the year. Creative use of a variety of bulbs and smart planting strategies guarantee a long, gorgeous display.

The effort involved in accomplishing this will be well worth it. Let bulbs put on a show in your clients’ gardens too! B Bobbie Schwartz Bobbie’s Green Thumb bobbie@bgthumb.com

Photos courtesy Bobbie Schwartz.

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Safety First

Prevent the Flu The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent the flu.

Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or nose.

1. Avoid close contact.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. Stay home when you are sick.

If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3. Cover your mouth and nose.

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands.

Washing your hands often will help protect

you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcoholbased hand rub.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food. B

Handwashing 101 Clean Hands Save Lives! Tips on hand washing and using alcohol-based hand sanitizers: www.cdc.gov/handwashing Brochures and posters from “An Ounce of Prevention” campaign: www.cdc.gov/ ounceofprevention Consumer Advice on Handwashing: Links to lots of educational materials, including those for parents, schoolchildren, and health care workers at www.foodsafety. gov.

It’s a SNAP Toolkit: Handwashing: Part of It’s A SNAP program aimed at preventing school absenteeism from the School Network for Absenteeism Prevention (CDC, the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services and the Soap and Detergent Association. www.itsasnap.org/ snap/about.asp. B

Adapted from the CDC website.

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October 2013 39

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Anybody Like

I love Viburnums. I can’t help it.

I have been surprised at how many new ones are available. I will present a list with photos of a few I think are worth trying. Retired Professor Mike Dirr has been helping me expand my horticultural knowledge and I have purchased a batch of liner Viburnums from Gary Ladman of Classic Viburnums in Nebraska (classicviburnums.com) to find out for myself what some of these vibs will do. Gary grows about 200 types of viburnums so I can’t be too bad at about 40 types.

Dirr and Bill Hendricks spoke together at CENTS this past January and Viburnums were mentioned in their conversation. Dirr has introduced one he calls, ‘Pearlific’ which is an open pollinated seedling of ‘Nantcket’ viburnum which is the last of Dr. Egolf’s introductions from the US National Arboretum, see photos.

The main unifying feature in these plants is their viburnum utile blood.

Utile apparently is a rangy evergreen shrub with white non-fragrant flowers. Both ‘Pearlific’ and ‘Nantucket’ have evergreen to semi-evergreen, dark glossy foliage. I have a little ‘Nantucket’ and its foliage is a little larger than the Eskimo vib it is next too, very dark green and good looking. This plant has 15 leaves and two monster flower buds set, seems just like Eskimo. Search the internet for the USNA description of ‘Nantucket’ and you will see that Eskimo was crossed with vib macrocephalum f keteleeri to create it. I assume Egolf was trying to get larger and possibly fragrant flowers. The plant was introduced in 2008 to an industry heading for a major recession. Decker’s Nursery is growing liners of ‘Nantucket’ here in Ohio.

40 The Buckeye

Meanwhile Dirr got some cuttings of the then un-named plant from the USNA to evaluate, this was say 10 years ago. From his writings he says he got seeds from his ‘Nantucket’ plant that were open pollinated and got all excited. He sowed the seed and got two really nice plants with dark evergreen foliage, see photos.

He is a big fan of vib ‘Conoy’ which has fantastic foliage and great, nonfragrant flowers, but is tough to grow, tie up and ship. According to Mike, his seedling, ‘Pearlific’ grows better than ‘Conoy’ and should be easier to handle. All I have are his photos so I don’t know much about ‘Pearlific’ other than it looks like Eskimo foliage with a broader more rounded habit and flowers very heavy. I quote Mike on ‘Pearlific’ it gets, “5’ by 7’ in 7 years, evergreen, with abundant slightly fragrant flowers in early April, and red to black fruit. Easy to propagate, grows vigorously and sets flower buds as a one-gallon container plant. Easier to grow than ‘Conoy’ and has stronger stems.” Once I smell the flowers I will know more about the plant. I will grow this plant and see how it fares. A strong endorsement from Dirr carries a lot of weight with me. I was trying to buy liners from Griffith Propagation Nursery, but they are out of plants for now.

Next viburnum that is a must grow is ‘Conoy’. It has been perfectly hardy for me since 1999. It is an Egolf introduction from the late 1980’s and according to some authors is his best one. See my photos, it is completely evergreen and is a broad mound going to roughly 6’ by 8’ wide and more. It is slow, slow, slow to get started, hates a can and doesn’t like to be tied up. But it has drop dead gorgeous evergreen foliage that will

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Viburnums?

Landscapers Viewpoint

remind you of Ilex crenata. It has nice pink budded flowers that open white in mid April in Cincinnati.

It is like a Burkwood vib laid on its side with finer textured leaves, it makes a great foundation plant on a corner where it can get fat. The flowers are ever so slightly fragrant, so don’t get excited about a fragrance. Dave Marr does a great job growing ‘Conoy’ in the field at Double-D Plant Ranch in southwestern Ohio.

Further, Dirr wrote an article he titled “What’s New in Viburnums” last fall and published. From the tone of his article he is discouraged with the nursery trade for not expanding their viburnum offerings. In the trade’s defense, this has been a period of survival, not expansion. Anyway, while I was not paying attention a lot of vibs have been introduced. Dirr has a seedling of Eskimo he has named ‘Susy’ that you can get from Gary Ladman, it has a slightly fragrant flower. There is a compact form of burkwood called ‘American Spice’ that I am trying, see the photo. Its foliage is more like a carlesi vib than burkwood and is darker. Having compact plants is a good thing. I reviewed a catalogue from Gary Ladman last night to further this point. Gary lists 6 Carlesi forms, 20 Arrowoods, 10 dilatatums, 6 lantanas, 9 nudums and 23 plicatums and this was a 2010 listing. How many have you tried?

As always in plants the question is what is best not newest, so all I know to do is grow some of these and ask nurserymen what is doing well for them.

I picked up a few more pointers on vibs lately mostly from Dirr that may help you. To get good fruit set on them, mix the cultivars, for example in a hedge, plant one Willowood with a row of Alleghanys, they will cross pollinate and you will get a ton of seed. Same would be true for Arrowood forms, or Linden (dilitatum) vib forms etc. If you like Burkwood vib, try Burkwood ‘Park Farm Hybrid’ which Dirr says has better denser foliage. Keep your eyes open for vib seedlings in your plantings you might have the next great plant. Don’t forget to try a vib ‘Conoy’ even if it is an annual. B

Page 40, top to bottom Conoy, sheared ‘American Spice’ Baby ‘Nantucket’ and ‘Suzy’ Baby ‘Nantucket Page 41, top to bottom Conoy, tip pruned Eskimo ‘Suzy’ ‘Nantucket’ from Dirr ‘Pearlific’ blooming from Dirr ‘Pearlific’ from Dirr Vib. orientale, Dirr Photos courtesy Tom Fryman.

Tom Fryman Wm. A Natorp ONLA Landscape Contractors Committee tfryman@natorp.com onla.org

October 2013 41

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each issue and an estimated readership of over 10,000.

Advertisers benefit from an industry-specific audience, with distribution to professional nursery, landscape and independent garden center businesses and individuals, certified green industry professionals, educators/ researchers, and subscribers.

Acorn Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 acornfarms.com Boulders Direct. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 330.324.5336 Buckeye Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 buckeyeresources.com CENTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 centsmarketplace.com Decker’s Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 deckersnursery.com Ernst Seeds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 ernstseed.com Gilson Gardens. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 gilsongardens.biz Grayhawk Greenhouse Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . 39 grayhawkgreenhousesupply.com Klyn Nurseries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 klynnurseries.com

Access Ohio’s $4.9 billion industry. Contact Jennifer to learn how your business can benefit from becoming an advertiser in The Buckeye.

Medina Sod Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

800.825.5062 jennifergray@onla.org

Millcreek Gardens, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

medinasodfarms.com mgohio.com Oberfield’s LLC .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC

ONLA Classified Advertising: onla.org

The online classified service can be found on onla.org along with the complete postings. New ads will be added as soon as they are submitted to the ONLA. For more information, please contact the ONLA office at (614) 899-1195. The ONLA reserves the right to refuse ads. As we go to press, here are the ads posted on onla.org’s online Classified Section:

Help Wanted • Grounds Technician Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus, Ohio • Interior Horticulture Technician Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus, Ohio • Landscape Crew Leader Garden Girls, Hiram, Ohio • Landscape Foreman Rocky Fork Company, New Albany, Ohio

oberfields.com ONLA Member Benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 onla.org ONLA Publications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OBC onla.org

• Landscape/Maintenance Foreman M.J. Design Associates, Inc. Plain City, Ohio

Pickens Tree Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

• Nursery Operations Manager Wm. A. Natorp Company

Spring Meadow Nursery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

pickenstreefarm.com Scarff’s Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 scarffs.com colorchoiceplants.com Unilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 unilock.com Walters Gardens, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC waltersgardens.com

Ad Rates & Info Contact Jennifer Gray 614.899.1195 jennifergray@onla.org

42 The Buckeye

WHAT OUTDOOR LIVING SHOULD BE®

www.oberfields.com www.discoverrosetta.com 614-252-0955 • 740-369-7644 • 419-225-6761 • 937-885-3711 • 800-845-7644

Get Customers dreaming about their outdoor living spaces! full color catalogs and indexed “how-to-garden” encyclopedia: • RESELL IN YOUR STORE • SUPPLEMENT YOUR CATALOG • LEAVE BEHIND WITH A PROPOSAL • STAFF TRAINING features: space on the cover to promote your brand, available in small quantities, beautiful images to inspire customers and assist staff

Visit onla.org or call 614.899.1195 to order

Choose the ONLA publication that sells the beauty of outdoor living!