Pro Grow News Winter.21 Digital Edition

pro grow news WINTER 2021

www.mnla.com

Winter Hardiness Don’t Fence Me In

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pro grow news Winter 2021

contents Features 8

Appreciating Winter Hardiness

12 Don’t Fence Me In 20 MNLA: Serving Veterans Who Have

Served Us

30

Plant for Success — Monarda punctata

Departments

5 President’s Message

6 Government Relations Director 28 CDC Covid-19 Tips 30

Ad Index

On the cover — Winter 2021 brings a new dawn.

Winter|2021

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pro grow news Winter 2021

committees

board PRESIDENT Peter Mezitt, MCH Weston Nurseries, Inc. Tel: (508) 435-3414 VICE PRESIDENT Chris O’Brien, MCH Howard Designs, Inc. Tel: (617) 244-7269 SECRETARY/TREASURER

Kerry Preston, MCH Wisteria & Rose, Inc. (617) 522-3843 PAST PRESIDENT Tim Hay, MCH Bigelow Nurseries, Inc. Tel: (508) 845-2143 DIRECTORS Deborah Trickett, MCH The Captured Garden

EDUCATION & RESEARCH COMMITTEE Deborah Trickett, MCH — Board Liaison The Captured Gardens (781) 329-9698

FINANCIAL COMMITTEE (FINCOM)

Steve Corrigan, MCH — Chair Mountain View Landscapes & Lawncare, Inc. Tel: (413) 536-7555 Chuck Baker, MCH — Vice Chair Strictly Pruning Tel: (508) 429-7189 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE Chris O’Brien, MCH — Chair Howard Designs, Inc. Tel: (617) 244-7269 HISTORY COMMITTEE Philip Boucher, MCH — Chair Elysian Garden Designs Tel: (508) 695-9630

Steve Charette Farm Family Insurance Family Skott Rebello, MCH — Vice Chair Harborside P.S. David Vetelino, MCH Tel: (508) 994-9208 Vetelino Landscape, Inc

MASSACHUSETTS CERTIFIED HORTICULTURIST BOARD (MCH) Jack Elicone, MCH — Chair John R. Elicone Consulting Tel: (617) 527-5706 Corinne Jean, MCH — Vice Chair Wisteria & Rose (617) 522-3843 PRODUCTS COMMITTEE Peter Mezitt, MCH — ­­ Chair Weston Nurseries, Inc. Tel: (508) 435-3414 GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DIRECTOR Jason Wentworth Tel: (617) 417-4050 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Rena M. Sumner Tel: (413) 369-4731

Jean Dooley, MCH Mahoney’s Garden Centers David Anderson Hartney Greymont, Inc.

pro grow news Massachusetts Nursery & Landscape Association P.O. Box 387 Conway, MA 01341 mnlaoffice@aol.com www.mnla.com www.PlantSomethingMA.org www.mnlafoundation.org

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ProGrowNews is published quarterly by the Massachusetts Nursery & Landscape Association (MNLA), P.O. Box 387, Conway, MA 01341, tel. (413) 369-4731.

Articles do not necessarily reflect the view or position of MNLA. Editorial coverage or permission to advertise does not constitute endorsement of the company covered or of an advertiser’s products or services, nor does ProGrowNews make any claims or guarantees as to the accuracy or validity of the advertiser’s offer. (c) 2014 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in print or electronically without the express written permission of the MNLA.

www.mnla.com

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President’s Message

Looking Ahead ByPeter Mezitt, MCH

W

as there ever a better time than right now to be working in the green industry? The unfortunate occurrence of an international pandemic has made people evaluate what is most important to them, and we seem to be at the top of the list, along with every other supplier and service for outside the home. It’s almost like people discovered what we already knew. Once people were forced to slow down and spend more time at home, the home finally got the attention it deserved as that special place to enjoy, experience, and make memories. And the outside became a focal point through the year with new patios, pools, and plantings like we have never seen before.

Statistics show there are almost 20 million new gardeners in the United States this year, and most are saying they felt successful overall and are going to stick with it next year.

Most of these folks say they gave it a try because they wanted to make their outdoors more beautiful than before. Others wanted to engage with planting for the exercise and activity factor, while many others wanted to plant vegetable gardens and orchards to produce their own food. Whatever the reason, homeowners are more connected to what we do. Let’s enjoy that we are so important to many people’s lives these days and do what we can to keep people engaged and successful so it continues after the pandemic winds down.

Looking Ahead By the time you read this, MNLA’s new Virtual Forum will be launched; with 12 educational presentations — one each Thursday from January through April. These educational sessions will further your knowledge and give you the confidence you need to be successful in your business. Please watch for our newsletters and check the website occasionally to learn more about this robust lineup. You can benefit in so many ways, including earning your MCH credits.

Along with the educational sessions, industry suppliers will educate viewers on their products and services through a Vendor Marketplace. You will have opportunities to chat with sponsors or view a presentation during and after these sessions to remain up to date on the green and hard goods you rely on in your business as well as learn about new products and services available to you. The Vendor Marketplace will reside on the MNLA website all year, and many of these vendors will participate in this year-long sponsorship program.

The annual Job Fair will offer a Virtual Marketplace Winter|2021

opportunity where members who are looking for employees (who isn’t?) can advertise the positions they need to fill. MNLA will put forth an advertising blitz in late winter to generate awareness and interest from educational institutions and the public at large.

Lastly, our annual meeting will be held virtually on March 4th via Zoom. We will have a terrific keynote speaker — Ian Baldwin — you will not want to miss. We will also present the Environmental Leadership Award to a very deserving legislator who has helped our industry this past year.

It has been challenging to see people in person for quite some time, but we look forward to connecting with you virtually over the winter months. Hopefully, we can see each other in person this summer.

Peter Mezitt, MCH Weston Nurseries, Inc. MNLA President

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Companies can gain exposure at many levels through sponsorship, exhibiting, and posting open job positions.

Visit virtualforum.mnla.com for more information.

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he Massachusetts Legislature limps slowly to the end of the 191st session of the General Court but, as I finish writing this on December 10, it’s hard not to focus on Governor Charlie Baker’s announcement regarding COVID-19 two days prior.

In his message, Governor Baker detailed the frightening surge of coronavirus cases in Massachusetts and the Commonwealth’s response. With close to 4,000 new cases and 40 new deaths statewide, the Governor instituted a rollback on the reopening plan, returning to a previous iteration of COVID restrictions. The restrictions are intended to provide a “bridge” to the time when a vaccine is available, and the restrictions focus on public gatherings, restaurants, gyms, etc.

What does that mean for our members? There are no direct impacts, but we’ve all come to learn the only certainty during this pandemic is uncertainty. The vaccine is like elusive sunshine on the horizon, but it’s always darkest before the dawn.

Our members need to continue to operate “to the letter of the law” and then some.

As I’ve said several times since March, a scenario in which a sweeping lockdown is imposed may be unlikely, but it is not impossible. The ability to remain open and provide our essential services feels like a right to us, but to others it seems like a privilege. To those people, this privilege can be taken away, deservedly or not. Our team has fought too hard to give up now, but we need each and every member and their employees to continue that fight as well.

Continue to maintain standards that meet or exceed Massachusetts and CDC guidelines. Feel free to promote how safe your business is, whether it’s via social media or customer newsletter. Many of our members made tremendous gains last season, and not just because of high demand; our members were clearly taking the pandemic seriously, and customers appreciated that.

Let’s continue that high level of service throughout every spoke in the wheel of services offered by our members.

Our adaptation in the face of this crisis has endeared us to our customers, employees, and the ancillary businesses we deal with. It has also been recognized by policy makers. When faced with a potential shutdown in March, a phalanx of legislators pointed to the inequity of the situation and the fact that closing our members would actually have negative public health impacts. They pointed to our voluntarily adopted practices. We earned their trust and their advocacy at the highest levels of government. I’m confident that, if we continue to operate as we have, we will continue to have them in our corner. It’s up to us now to do our part, remain vigilant, and keep on working.

Jason Wentworth, Peacefield Strategies MNLA Government Relations Director www.mnla.com

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The Best Plans Deserve the Best Landscaping Products

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Appreciating Winter Hardiness

by Wayne Mezitt, MCH

O

ur clients often express confusion why some plants thrive in their gardens and others disappoint. Why can crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia) and camellia do well on Cape Cod but fail in our mainland gardens? What causes winter-burned leaves or disappointing flowers on some rhododendrons, while others in my yard look just fine?

As professionals, reasons for these situations may seem obvious to us. But most homeowners are less savvy, and that’s why applying our professionalism for them is imperative.

Researchers tell us that plants develop their optimum tolerance for cold temperatures with gradual acclimation each winter. “Cold hardiness requires that plants have acclimated properly through the natural process of lengthening nights and cool temperatures to become dormant. This is an active metabolic process requiring adequate moisture and proper nutritional balance.”

Flower buds are generally less coldhardy than growth buds on the same plant.

The actual flower bud hardiness of each individual plant is determined by “the relationship between the degree of cold hardiness (super-cooling ability of florets) and the acclimation intensity in flower buds.” Buds are at their hardiest condition when full dormancy conditions have been reached.

Every tree, shrub, and perennial has its own unique genetic composition that determines its winter hardiness. If a plant cannot tolerate the minimum winter temperatures in a region, it won’t thrive. A plant’s hardiness rating is a fundamental element we New Englanders consider when designing a garden, and it’s frequently the only major factor in our decision.

Note: Be sure your clients understand that “hardiness” differs from “heartiness” (which is the vigor and robust qualities shown by the plant). Many plants are hearty in appearance even though they are not sufficiently hardy to thrive in certain climates.

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Horticulturists have measured the minimum (and maximum) range of temperature tolerances for virtually every species on the market. The USDA Temperature Zone ratings (which map the nationwide historical minimum temperatures) are the most widely accepted criterion for plant adaptability.

For Massachusetts: • Worcester has historically been in USDA Zone 5, experiencing average minimum temperatures ranging from –20° to –10° F. • Boston is in USDA Zone 6, typically expecting minimum winter temperatures from –10° to 0°F. • Cape Cod is mostly USDA Zone 7, 0° to +10°F. average minimum.

Garden plants such as firethorn (Pyracantha), dove tree (Davidia), cherrylaurel (Prunus laurocerasis), and Leyland cypress (Cupressus × leylandii) generally succeed on Cape Cod and may perform well in Boston, but are disappointingly less consistently winter-hardy most years in the Worcester area, northward, and westward.

USDA Zones rate the above-ground hardiness of the plant in the ground, not necessarily its root hardiness. Potted plants tend to be less winter-cold tolerant than their in-ground sisters because their root system is exposed and can be damaged when matching the ambient air temperatures.

But it’s important not to use the historic USDA Zone ratings as the sole determinant of a plant’s suitability for a location! As our climate changes, average minimum winter temperature zone ratings continue to evolve. Many additional considerations (some are called microclimate factors) should be taken into account in choosing the appropriate plants for your client’s needs.

• Annual temperature extremes and fluctuations; humidity • Expected snow cover, first/last frost dates, length of the seasons www.mnla.com

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• Soil characteristics including moisture, drainage, acidity, and organic content • Shade conditions and intensity of sunlight • Exposure to wind, salt spray, and traffic • Proximity to bodies of water or structures that tend to moderate temperatures • Competition from other plants for water, nutrients, and light • Disturbance by animals and pests Some cultivars have been bred/selected to suit challenging conditions, and a few species of lesshardy genera tolerate colder temperatures.

For example, the blue hollies (Ilex x meserveae) show little of the winter damage that often affects the appearance of other types of Winter protection with bags evergreen hollies.

Rhododendron PJM differs from most rhododendrons, proving tolerant to low temperatures, full sun, as well as open, windy locations that can damage the familiar large-leaf

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rhododendrons. The species Abelia mosanensis (fragrant abelia) is far more winter-hardy than other abelia species which suffer winter damage in northern climates. Many new cultivars of plants now on the market, like dogwood, forsythia, and viburnum, have been bred and selected for improved winter Partially blasted rhododendron bud hardiness.

Local plant societies such as the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, Grow Native Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Rhododendron Society, and Native Plant Trust provide helpful information for plant performance in regional gardens. Most plant catalogs publish zone ratings for the plants they list, but these can often be “generous” in their claims; if a plant hardiness rating looks too good to be true, be wary.

Working with your clients so they understand why so many factors, including winter hardiness, affect their garden plant choices will enhance your credibility with them and also result in better outcomes for their yards and your professional reputation.

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Don’t Fence Me In

By Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD

T

he sun is shining, but it’s not yet time to put away the winter coats. However, if someone doesn’t have a fence or is thinking about replacing one, read on.

Although many landscapes have beautifully designed planting plans, creativity seems to be lacking when it comes to designing the fencing. We are used to seeing picket fences, stockade fences, split rail fences, and perhaps even bentwood fences, but why must those types of fences be the only ones we use? Why are the designs always vertical? And why are they always white, black, or gray?

For instance, I have a stockade fence that came with the house more than 35 years ago. It has held up fairly well and serves as an innocuous background for that section of my gar-

A blue metal door and Eco-Mesh fence star in a Virginia suburb. den. The fence is very long, so when I changed the trim color of my house and garage from brown to aqua, I painted every other fence post the same color and topped the posts with copper caps.

A woman who used to be in manufacturing took materials she was familiar with and made them into something special.

She used royal blue Eco-Mesh, wire mesh and frames that are powder coated in a wide variety of colors. It can be used for plant facades, screens, trellises and more that are strong and sustainable but she used it to create a tall fence that separates her driveway from her backyard.

Painting every other fence post aqua turned a boring fence into sight that pleases the eye even during the winter.

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This orange fence will provide color all year round.

One of Ohio’s award-winning landscape designers sparked a commercial landscape with a fence composed of orange metal panels. How’s that for something different?

Vertical fences such as the frequently used board-on-board are incredibly boring. Why not add another material to make the fence more interesting? We’re always looking for materials that will last, so why not use bamboo, which is rot and pest resistant? In an orientalstyle garden, a fence that intersperses wood boards with bamboo stalks creates a study in textural contrast.

It seems to me that a fence of horizontal design would greatly enhance a small space because it would give the illusion of greater width. I’ve encountered this type of fence made of irregular boards in England and here in the States, usually with a lattice topper.

The typical bentwood fence is made out of relatively thick branches, but I saw one in Detroit that was more like woven willow.

R: This fence divides the house and pool from the beach beyond.

Below: A stand of dwarf bamboo echoes this Asian-themed fence that is partially composed of bamboo.

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It was very graceful but also provided total privacy.

In my travels, I’ve seen an infinite variety of fences. These are only a few of the more unusual ones. I hope you will be inspired to create some distinctive fences of your own.

Bobbie Schwartz, a certified landscape designer in Shaker Heights, Ohio, is the owner of Bobbie’s Green Thumb, a full-time business focusing on landscape design, consultation, installation and maintenance, lecturing, and writing. Most of Bobbie’s designs are for residential properties. Her landscape signature is the use of perennials, flowering shrubs, and ornamental grasses to facilitate color and interest throughout the year. An obsessed gardener for fifty years and a landscape designer for forty-two years, her extensive travels to gardens and nurseries have contributed greatly to her knowledge of design and new plants. Bobbie has received several design awards for residential, commercial, and institutional designs. She lectures locally and nationally for master gardeners, botanical gardens, and landscape associations on various aspects of design and perennial and ornamental grass gardening. She also writes extensively for various associations and magazines. Her book, Garden Renovation: Transform Your Yard into the

The lattice topper provides something onto which Sweet Pea tendrils can cling.

Garden of Your Dreams, was released by Timber Press in 2017.

This lovely horizontal fence was designed by Deborah Silver of Detroit Garden Works.

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MNLA: Serving Veterans Who Have Served Us I t took four days, hard work by volunteers from the Harvard Lions Club, and generous contributions of materials and services from the American Fence Association and two of MNLA’s own — Bigelow Nurseries in Northboro and Omasta Landscaping in Hadley — to transform a patch of grass into a beautiful service-dog training area at Clear Path for Veterans New England (Clear Path NE) in Devens, Massachusetts.

Clear Path NE (https:// www.clearpathne.org/) is a 501(c)3 established in 2017 to provide support to veterans through a wellnessbased Community Center to bolster those who served, with a particular emphasis on reconnecting veterans to their communities upon their return home.

One of Clear Paths NE’s core programs is the training of service dogs for veterans dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, and/or traumatic brain injury. As this program expanded, Clear Path NE identified the need for a large, outdoor, fenced training area, but did not have the resources to build it.

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The Harvard Lions Club stepped forward to take on this project. Lion Bill Johnson first reached out to the American Fence Association for help. They generously provided all of the required fencing materials, and the Lions put it together in just two days.

Johnson then contacted MNLA Executive Director Rena Sumner for assistance with acquiring shrubs to provide necessary screening for the training area.

Rena reached out to the MNLA Board, and Pat Bigelow called Bill the very next day to tell him Bigelow Nurseries wanted to adopt the project, generously offering 29 8-foot-tall, dark-green arborvitae to be planted along the fence periphery.

Realizing that the handling and planting of such mature shrubs required professionals, Bigelow’s Jeff Willman connected Johnson with Chris Omasta, who drove 1.5 hours from Hadley with equipment and crew from his Omasta Landscaping and Yellow Ribbon Trucking companies www.mnla.com

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With a hard-earned reputation for service, quality, selection and sustainability, we work with professionals and garden centers throughout the area to keep our region beautiful.

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to plant the shrubs on a Saturday.

Harvard Lions finished up the next day, installing temporary irrigation and spreading 12 yards of mulch around the shrubs. The result is amazing!

None of this would have been possible if MLNA members hadn’t stepped up so generously to serve those who have served our country.

“It was such a privilege to provide plants for this great project and extraordinary team. A real opportunity for us as a grower,” says Pat Bigelow.

When asked to help, Chris Omasta replied, “As a veteran, being asked to volunteer for veterans required an easy answer: Where and when do we need to be there?”

There is still more to do at Clear Path NE. The entire site requires significant landscaping this spring to meet stormwater requirements for rain gardens, and outdoor areas will be created for congregating or for more private reflection.

“MNLA members don’t just grow, design, install, and maintain the outdoor landscape; they inspire, support, and enhance our communities with their expertise and generosity, says Rena Sumner.”

For more information, contact Jeannine Germain: jgermain@ clearpathne.org

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CDC: Things to Know about the COVID-19 Pandemic COVID-19 cases and deaths are rising across the United States. We all must remain vigilant. The changes we have had to make to routines and daily life are extremely hard, but these changes are even more important now and in the future. We must stop the spread of this new and dangerous virus. The more steps you and your family can take to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the safer you will be.

• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others who don’t live with you.

• Avoid crowds. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19.

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• Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you.

• Avoid crowds.

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HEY, WINTER! BRING IT. VENTRAC and OREC can handle winter’s worst.

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trouble breathing or pain or pressure in chest Get Tested for Current Infection • You can visit your state or local health department’s website to look for the latest local information on testing.

• Find new ways to connect with family and friends, get support, and share feelings.

• Eat healthy foods and get enough rest • Relax by reading, listening to music, or starting a new hobby.

• If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and want to get tested, call your healthcare provider first.

What to Do If You’re Sick • Stay home except to get medical care.

• Isolate yourself from other members of your family to prevent spread to them and the people they may have contact with, like grandparents.

Continued on page 26

• If you have symptoms of COVID-19 and choose to not get tested, it is important to stay home. Find out what to do if you are sick.

Coping with Stress

• Even if you don’t feel sick, you can spread COVID-19 to others.

• Care for yourself in one small way each day.

• Get care immediately if you are having emergency warning signs, like

• Unwind by doing yoga, listening to music, or gardening.

P: 207-499-2994 F: 207-499-2912 sales@piersonnurseries.com www.piersonnurseries.com GROWING FOR OVER 40 YEARS

Mailing Address: 24 Buzzell Rd, Biddeford ME 04005 Physical Address: 291 Waterhouse Rd, Dayton ME 04005

CARRYING A FULL LINE OF B&B AND CONTAINER LANDSCAPE PLANTS READY TO BE DELIVERED TO YOU  

SHADE TREES BROADLEAFS

 

FLOWERING SHRUBS EVERGREENS

 

FERNS & GRASSES PERENNIALS

 

NATIVE PLANTS WETLAND PLANTS

Check our website for our most recent availability (PW: pni2021) Or contact our office if you would like to receive our weekly availability emails

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www.mnla.com

pro|grow|news

Tips for Dealing with COVID-19

Here are some practices we have implemented for our garden centers in efforts to operate safe and responsibly.

• Use social media to encourage customers to shop during the week.

This is safer for you and helps us avoid larger crowds than necessary.

• Extend store hours to spread out traffic as much as possible.

• Offer phone orders and e-commerce orders for curbside pick-up so people can drive to a pick-up area and not have to get out of their car.

• Spread out displays over a larger area and give people more outside space to walk around in.

• Have an extra person stationed at registers on busy days to prepare a list of SKUs and get customers processed through the lines more quickly.

• Wash plexiglass, countertops, and credit card machines after every few customers.

• Wash carts before putting them back into the corral.

Connecticut Mulch Distributors

Highest quality mulch & soil products in New England. Now taking bagged mulch orders.

• Refresh Signage 3 Post the maximum allowable traffic inside the store.

• On busy days, place a staff person outside entrance doors to greet people and make sure the maximum allowable limit of people in the store is not exceeded at any given time.

Track with a clicker. When at capacity, ask people to wait until someone leaves before letting the next group enter.

3 Add floor stickers to remind people to keep six feet away from those around them.

3 Clearly mark entrance and exit only to keep traffic flowing correctly.

3 Place well-built plexiglass at the registers to protect staff and customers.

Peter Mezzitt, MCH Weston Nurseries

YOUR GOAL:

70 Mullen Road Enfield, CT (860) 698-9579

connecticutmulch.com

Having a partner that makes your life easier and your business more profitable

OUR MISSION: Making sure you reach your goal.

Contact us today so we can start helping you succeed!

Winter|2021

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25

Symptoms to Watch For The most common symptoms of COVID -19 are: • Fever

• Cough • Headaches • Fatigue • Muscle or body aches • Loss of taste or smell • Sore throat • Nausea

For more information, visit the CDC’s COVID-19 home page at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html.

Editor’s Note: MNLA urges every nursery, greenhouse, and landscape business to implement logical, common-sense practices to reduce transmission, thereby keeping more people safe and making the public health response the most effective it can be. Visit often for the latest updates: www.mnla.com/page/ covid-tips.

• Diarrhea

Other symptoms are signs of serious illness. If someone has trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure, or difficulty staying awake, get medical care immediately.

TAX PREP • TAX PLANNING • ESTATE PLANNING • PAYROLL SERVICES • FARM BUSINESS CONSULTING • BENCHMARKS • APPRAISALS • RECORD-KEEPING

TAX PREPARATION Just as 2020 was a year unlike any other, filing your

800.562.2235

2020 taxes will also be different. The financial circumstances brought on by

farmcrediteast.com/taxprep

COVID-19 could have a significant effect on the deductions and allowances available to your business. This year, more than ever, you will need a reliable ag tax specialist to help guide you through your unique tax situation.

Contact Farm Credit East to keep your business Strong at the Roots.

|26

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For More Information or to Register after December 18th…..Go to www.nertf.org

AMERICA’S #1

CAB OVER TRUCK Don’t settle for anything less.

Get the right body style for any job.

Isuzu isn’t just great for landscaping! Fit it with a snowplow and sander for the ultimate multi-purpose machine.

508.753.1403 | www.BallardTrucks.com | 442 SW Cutoff, Worcester, MA

Winter|2021

BALLARD Truck Center |

27

Can you name all of these winter plants?

Provide the genus/species/common name for all 9 plants below & earn 1 MCH credit!

Submission deadline is March 31, 2021. All submissions must be made online at: mnla.com/mch-challenge21 Thank you to Nick Steiman, MCH of Bigelow Nurseries Inc. for the challenge!

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

1 __________________________________________________________________________________ 2 __________________________________________________________________________________

Visit mnla.com/mch-challenge21 to submit your entry on or before March 31, 2021.

3 __________________________________________________________________________________ 4 __________________________________________________________________________________ 5 __________________________________________________________________________________ 6 __________________________________________________________________________________ 7 __________________________________________________________________________________ 8 __________________________________________________________________________________ 9 __________________________________________________________________________________

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Thank you for your entry in the 2021 Winter MCH Plant Challenge!

An MNLA representative will be in touch regarding your results. www.mnla.com

pro|grow|news

Advertiser Index

MARKETPLACE

A&B Insurance Group ......................................9 Acorn Tree and Landscape .......................... 31 American National .........................................13

For Advertising Information—

Amherst Nurseries .........................................29

Call Debbie Rauen

Arborjet ...........................................................22

(817) 501-2403 debbie.parksandrec@yahoo.com

Ballard Truck Center ......................................27 Bigelow Nursery ............................................26 Cavicchio Landscape Supplies, Inc. ............19 Connecticut Mulch Distributors, Inc.............25 Fairview Evergreen Nurseries .......................11 Farm Credit East ...........................................26 Green Environment Landscaping Corp. .......17 Griffin Greenhouse ........................................21 Ideal Concrete Block ........................................2 Medford Nursery ...........................................20

Watch for the All-NEW Four Seasons Guide Or download your copy at www.mnla.com The fastest way to find an MNLA Member

Milton Cat ......................................................15 New England Wetland Plants ..........................6 New England Regional Turfgrass Conference..27 Northeast Nursery ........................................32 Northern Nurseries .......................................20

The Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association

Four Seasons Guide 2020-21

OESCO..............................................................23 Pierson Nurseries, Inc. ..................................24 Prides Corner Farm ........................................25 Sylvan Nursery ..................................................6 Valley Green ...................................................23

A Year Long Resource — Complete MNLA Membership Massachusetts Certified Horticulturists

Vermont Mulch ...............................................10

UMASS Green Industry Resource Guide

Weston Nurseries .............................................7 Winter|2021

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29

Plant for Success

Monarda punctata Spotted Bee Balm Why This Plant Shines Monarda punctata is a wonderful native forb that is of tremendous value to many native pollinators. It is a very long-blooming, yet short-lived perennial that will reseed if there’s not too much competition. The blossom and bracts present one of the most interesting native flowers in my opinion.

Facts and Features This native, short-lived perennial blooms for about six weeks from mid-July to the end of August. The extremely unique flower is a pollinator magnet that thrives in poor sandy soils.

Botanical Name: Monarda punctata Common Name: Spotted beebalm or horsemint Type: Perennial Exposure: Full sun to part sun/part shade. Protect from hot late-afternoon sun and from sweeping winds Size: 1–2 ft tall x 1 ft wide.

Hardiness Zone: 3 to 8 Soil: Dry; poor quality OK Exposure: Full sun

Dustin Johnson Wilkinson Ecological Design Orleans, Massachusetts

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