pro grow news Winter 2014
www.mnla.com
Plants to Watch Mentors— A New Call The Origin of Garden Ornamentation
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pro grow news Winter 2014
contents Features 10 New England Grows is
Right Around the Corner
14 The Origin of Garden Ornamentation
20 Plants to Watch for in 2015 24 Mentors — A New Call
Departments
5 President’s Message
6 Committee Reports 18 Safety Sense 26 Business Focus — Snowplowing 29 Marketplace/Ad Index 30 My Favorite Plant
On the cover — A gazing globe in winter Photo courtesy of Walter Swift, MCH.
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pro grow news Winter 2014
committees
board PRESIDENT Mary Jesch Cornucopia Gardeners Tel: (508) 879-1822
EDUCATION & RESEARCH COMMITTEE
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
Kathy Bergmann, MCH — Chair Bergmann Construction Tel: (508) 533-3831
Rene Fontaine, MCH — Chair New England Botanicals, Inc. Tel: (508) 962-1064
VICE PRESIDENT Tim Lomasney One Source Horticulture Tel: (978) 470-1934
Tim Hay, MCH — Vice Chair Bigelow Nurseries, Inc. Tel: (508) 845-2143
David Ahronian, MCH — Vice Chair Ahronian Landscape & Design, Inc. Tel: (508) 429-3844
TREASURER Jim Stucchi, MCH Ahronian Landscape and Design, Inc. Tel: (508) 429-3844 SECRETARY Tim Hay, MCH Bigelow Nurseries, Inc. Tel: (508) 845-2143 PAST PRESIDENT Jim Connolly, MCH Weston Nurseries, Inc. Tel: (508) 293-8028 DIRECTORS Karen Howard, MCH Howard Garden Designs, Inc. Kerry Preston, MCH Wisteria & Rose, Inc. Peter Mezitt, MCH Weston Nurseries, Inc. Walter Swift, MCH Swift’s Creative Landscape, Inc.
David Vetelino, MCH Vetelino Landscape, Inc. Jean Dooley, MCH Mahoney Garden Centers
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS DIRECTOR Henry Gillet Tel: (508) 567-6288 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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 Garden Designs, Inc. Tel: (617) 244-7269 Walter Swift, MCH — Vice Chair Swift’s Creative Landscape, Inc. Tel: (508) 478-3768 HISTORY COMMITTEE
MASSACHUSETTS CERTIFIED HORTICULTURIST BOARD (MCH) Cheryl Salatino, MCH — Chair Dancing Shadows Garden Designs Tel: (978) 460-2180 Jack Elicone, MCH — Vice Chair J.A. Crowdle Corporation Tel: (617) 527-5706 PRODUCTS COMMITTEE Mark Ahronian, MCH — Chair Ahronian Landscaping & Design, Inc. Tel: (508) 429-3844 Peter Mezitt, MCH — Vice Chair Weston Nurseries, Inc. Tel: (508) 435-3414
Philip Boucher, MCH — Chair Elysian Garden Designs Tel: (508) 695-9630 Skott Rebello, MCH — Vice Chair Harborside P.S. Tel: (508) 994-9208 MAGAZINE COMMITTEE Walter Swift, MCH — Chair Swift’s Creative Landscape, Inc. Tel: (508) 478-3768 Gaele McCully, MCLP — Vice Chair Mahoney’s Garden Center Tel: (781) 729-5900
Rena M. Sumner Tel: (413) 369-4731 Fax: (413) 369-4962
DIRECTOR Michelle Harvey, MCH Lakeview Nurseries Tel: (978) 342-3770 EDUCATION COMMITTEE Kathy Bergmann, MCH Bergmann Construction Tel: (508) 533-3831 Tim Hay, MCH Bigelow Nurseries, Inc. Tel: (508) 845-2143 The Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, Inc. is proud to be a founding partner of New England Grows.
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
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.
President’s Message
Winter Offers Time for Reflection and Planning By Mary Jesch
N
ow that the gardening season has come to a close, our business takes the time to re-group and revitalize. I believe it’s important to clear the cobwebs of clutter from our minds, to slow down, take a deep breath, and evaluate the past year’s challenges and blessings. I know that many of you also have a heavy winter schedule, but I want to remind you to refresh yourselves over these colder months. There are a few necessary steps to be taken at the close of every year so you can whole-heartedly embrace the rigors of springtime when they come. You owe it to yourself, your employees, your customers, and your future to put aside the daily grind long enough to accomplish some year-end reflection and some next-year forward planning. So during the shorter days and slower pace of this winter, consider these things:
• Take stock of your leadership effectiveness. How well do
you hold to the vision of your business? How effectively do you steer your company towards the tasks at hand? Be honest with yourself, and plan your goals now for 2015 and beyond. If you don’t lead your business in the direction you want it to go, you won’t arrive at your goal. Our company is perhaps the smallest among MNLA members, but we still take the time for an annual review of our strategies for success.
• Walk through the operations and procedures you have
in place to meet your customers’ needs. The immense increase in available technology alone should be creating significant changes to your usual modus operandi. Find those particular things that can make you and your company more productive, but also more responsive to your customers. It’s probably time to take a hard look at those accounts that are worth the most to your business operation and find a way to thank those customers. Likewise, try to identify the few accounts that cause you the most complications, and find a way to minimize those difficulties.
• On a very tangible level, please take the time to meet with
your insurance agent, accountant, and financial and legal advisors. Their counsel can be invaluable in making sure that your business is operating on a firm financial footing. Update your insurance coverage, your marketing plan, your savings goals, and your will, if necessary.
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• Invest in your business — new vehicles, improved office
space, new equipment, and even new computer software (I like Dragon Naturally Speaking, myself). Addressing each of these items can relieve stress and head off problems before they become critical.
After all of this evaluation and planning, set some realistic goals for the coming year, and then dial up your energy just a little more than in the past. We each have competitors, and we need to position our businesses properly to compete as well as we can. If you stand still, you will lose ground. Take courage, be bold, and reach for success. It is MNLA’s job — always — to help you to reach that success. The quietness of winter brings a close to the normal operations of our industry with time to rest, recharge, and re-energize. In my case, it also brings with it a close to the term of my MNLA presidency. It has been a wonderful two years for me, full of interesting people and situations, projects, and accomplishments. No one operates in a vacuum, however, and some thanks are in order. First of all, to the members of the MNLA Board of Directors whose dedication to the members of our association is so gratifying to me, my most sincere gratitude. Your selfless dedication to MNLA’s interests has achieved great things for the association over these past two years. Secondly, to MNLA’s committee chairs, vice-chairs, and members, my congratulations on your achievements over this time. I have been delighted to share in the projects and accomplishments you have undertaken during the past two years, and I urge you to continue your efforts to stay energized and productive. Thirdly, to our past presidents and leaders, who have encouraged and inspired me with their most excellent example, I am most sincerely grateful. As I join your ranks, I am honored to be in such august company. To all of you, I wish only the best in the coming years. May you all have a blessed holiday season and New Year. Mary Jesch, Cornucopia Gardens MNLA President
Hope to see you at the MNLA Annual Meeting on February 5, 2015.
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MNLA Committees
MNLA Plans Education Initiative for New Beacon Hill Faces By Chris O’Brien, MCH
T
he elections are over! I, for one, will not miss the robocalls ringing on my phone every evening for many weeks now. But that does not mean it’s time for us to relax. There are new faces on Beacon Hill who will be making decisions affecting your business, but they may not know much about what we do or the scope of the horticulture industry in Massachusetts. MNLA will be working to fill that knowledge gap. There are an unusually large number of new legislators in the Massachusetts House this term. Retirements, runs for higher office, electoral challenges, and other factors contributed to the high turnover. The Senate also has new leadership. There will be new committee assignments and chairs in both houses. With a change of party in the governor’s office, we can expect wholesale change in the senior personnel of the secretariats and agencies administering state government. Inevitably, some of those new faces in the administration will come out of the newly elected legislature, resulting in more turnover there. The bottom line is a tremendous need for each of us — individually as business owners and collectively as members of MNLA — to educate these new faces about our own work, the role of agriculture generally in the Commonwealth, and the economic impact of the green industry. Mass Ag Day at the State House is scheduled for March 31. We have our work cut out for us. Chris O’Brien, MCH, Howard Garden Designs, Inc. Government Relations Committee Chair
Winter’s Not That Long By Kathy Bergmann, MCH
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ome lucky members of the green industry get to enjoy the perfect beauty of a greenhouse in the midst of a snowstorm. The rest of us sit in front of the fire nursing a mug of something hot with seed catalogues strewn across the rug before us, praying that spring may actually come again. That’s why I’ve always loved New England Grows. Wandering over to the top of those stairs to gaze down at trees and shrubs and perennials in full bloom, then meeting up with old friends and new plants is wonderful. I don’t even mind standing in front of 500 people to introduce exciting speakers as long as I get a seat in the front row and a chance to learn something truly new. Then New England Grows is over, but before you settle into those winter doldrums, consider this: The first day of NE Grows — February 4th — marks the first time that the sun will set later than 5:00 p.m. since November 1st. Just hang in until March. You can see spring in the antics of the birds and the swelling of buds. And sunset on — say March 19th — is at 6:53 p.m. You could call that twilight. The MCH Board and the MNLA Education Committee do. We call it the Twilight Meeting, and this year we’re excited to offer a new venue: Restaurant 45 in Medway, MA. Come congratulate the new MCHs (the ones who passed the plant ID in the dead of winter), and meet old and new friends for good food and drink. Trevor Smith, MCH, of Land Escapes in Arlington and president of the Ecological Landscape Association, is our keynote speaker. He will discuss rain gardens, living walls, permeable pavement, and fresh ideas to help conserve our most precious resource. Bring your questions. See you there! Kathy Bergmann, MCH, Bergmann Construction Education Committee Chair
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MNLA Foundation for Excellence
Who Could Benefit from MNLA Membership?
By Jim Stucchi, MCH
By Rene Fontaine, MCH
T
I
he MNLA Foundation for Educational Excellence provides $1,000 scholarships to individuals attending colleges, universities, and other technical schools and majoring in agriculture, nursery and landscaping, or forestry science and technology. This nonprofit foundation is the philanthropic branch of the MNLA tree. Just as MNLA supports today’s landscape and nursery leaders, the MNLA Foundation is dedicated to supporting the green industry’s leaders of the future. The Land Lovers MNLA is a partner in the national Land Lovers educational program to help educate students and teachers about the nursery and landscape industry and the career opportunities that exist. If you are participating in a career day at your local high school and would like to use this material, please call the MNLA Foundation office at (413) 369-4731. Foundation Scholarship The new and improved streamlined 2015 scholarship can be found online at mnlafoundation.org. A minimum of one scholarship will be awarded in the amount of $1000. Recipients may reapply year-to-year. Fundraising Please support our fundraising efforts. Plan to play or sponsor the 2015 Massachusetts Flower Growers’ Association Golf Tournament. The MNLA Foundation will again partner with MFGA in August 2015 for a day of fun and fundraising. Jim Stucchi, MCH, Ahronian Landscape and Design, Inc. MNLA Foundation President
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have an important question to ask: Why did you join MNLA? I’m sure you have some compelling reasons for your association with MNLA, maybe something that helped you grow personally and professionally. Whatever your reason, I’m confident there are countless others who could benefit for the same reason. Do you know someone who could benefit from the programs our association has to offer? If so, why is it that they are not active members? Perhaps they are unaware of how MNLA can help them and their business. This is where you come in. An organization is only as strong as its members, and we firmly believe we have a great group of individuals and businesses that make MNLA relevant. But we’re not satisfied with where we are. We want to expand and grow our membership, and with your help we can. Talk to your acquaintances within the industry. Share the value of MNLA membership with them. Ask them why they aren’t part of the largest green industry networking association in Massachusetts. Share your ideas about how MNLA has helped you and your business, and how MNLA can do the same things for them. If we want to remain relevant as an organization, we need some new blood: people with new ideas and great enthusiasm who can help make us stronger and more valuable as an association. Ask yourself: Do I know someone who could benefit from and add value to MNLA? Then invite them to join and Grow with the Pros at MNLA. Rene Fontaine, MCH, New England Botanicals Membership Committee Chair
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MNLA Committees
MCH News Wrap-Up for 2014 By Cheryl Salatino, MCH
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s the MCH Board wraps up 2014, there is still much to do. Here are the highlights.
MNLA Resource Guide The MCH Board, in conjunction with horticulture consultant Ron Kujawski, has begun work on a content update of the MNLA Resource Guide. Our intention is to regularly update the Resource Guide with the latest in best practices and state information. We are also working on a strategy to provide the Resource Guide in a digital format that allows access to the information from mobile devices. As the technology options evolve, we are determining an approach that provides the information when and where you need it. With so many options and alternatives, we have decided to take the time we need to evaluate and chart the right path for our plant geeks. Recertification Fee Change To level the playing field for all participating MCHs, the recertification fee for non-member MCHs will change for 2015. The new annual rate will be $75 per year. Since we strive to deliver the same benefits and educational programs to all MCHs, we need everyone to share in making those opportunities possible. The member recertification fee will remain unchanged at $25. Thank You Hope Sterling, of Sylvan Nursery in Westport, is leaving the MCH Board after several years of service. She has been a strong voice for nursery members and a fair and solid contributor in the conversation to strengthen our educational program. Her presence and energy will be missed. Thank you, Hope, for your service and dedication to MNLA. Last-Minute Recertification Points Complete our MNLA Plant for Success template for one (1) point. Go to mnla.com, click MCH, then MCH Recertification.
MNLA Products Program on the Move By Mark Ahronian, MCH
T
he Products Committee — MNLA members Chris Kennedy of Kennedy Country Gardens, Peter Mezitt of Weston Nurseries, John Avellino of Medway Gardens, and myself, Mark Ahronian of Ahronian Landscaping, along with Doug Dondero, Valley Green sales representative, and MNLA Executive Director Rena Sumner — has been working hard to bring you a revitalized product program. The program now encompasses new marketing initiatives including website information and a product video for the retailer and landscape professional. Featured for 2015 are new MNLA product banners in addition to the new plastic bags introduced in 2014. Chuck Dooley, president of Valley Green, our fertilizer company partner, has advertised in Pro Grow News all season and has authorized a referral award program for MNLA members. Together, we are committed to and excited about 2015, and we expect sales to increase because of your support. MNLA is the only nursery/landscape association with its own product line designed to be a members-only program, and they are another resource for your success. Since they aren’t found in box stores, this professional brand gives a retail garden center a line to be proud of and a new marketing niche. Plus every order you place helps your association with non-dues income that helps keep educational programs less expensive. MNLA products were designed for Massachusetts soils in the 1970s with the help of UMass Extension specialists. Go to MNLA.com to take advantage of the early-order discount program. Help us help you. Mark Ahronian, MCH, Ahronian Landscaping & Design, Inc. Products Committee Chair
Next MCH Exam Friday, February 6, 2015, at New England Grows. Questions? Email Cheryl Salatino at cheryl@dancingshadowsdesign.com. Please put MCH in the message subject. Cheryl Salatino, MCH, Dancing Shadows Garden Designs Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist (MCH) Board Chair
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MNLA EVENTS
New England Grows Make plans now to be in Boston for
N
ew England Grows is the place to be this February. It has it all: top-notch educational seminars where you can earn your CEUs, exciting exhibits displaying the latest innovations, and powerful networking with thousands of professionals in our industry…this, and much more, can be found at Grows 2015 on February 4-6 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center.
Registration is Now Open
A new registration system is rolling out for the 2015 New England Grows. For you, this means TWO registration options — Yes, two! Tailor your Grows experience by choosing the option that best meets your educational and purchasing needs at New England Grows.
Online Sign Up: Faster than ever! We’ve clocked it at three minutes and 35 seconds to complete your Grows registration.
Beat that!
3 All-Access Pass. The All-Access pass includes exclusive
admission to New England Grows’ world-class education seminars, the chance to engage with leading industry experts, and the opportunity to earn valuable CEU credits. You’ll also have unlimited access to Grows’ highenergy exposition filled with more than 500 of the industry’s top suppliers, informative Sprint sessions, innovative Learning Hubs, interactive demonstrations, and more. Sign up by January 15 for just $69 ($89 after January 15).
3 Expo-Only Pass. The Expo-Only pass provides admission to the idea-packed exposition at New England Grows. It does not include access to the Grows educational seminars or the opportunity to earn CEU or pesticide credits. Sign up by January 15 for $29 ($39 after January 15).
3 Send Your Team and Save Even More. When you regis-
ter four or more people from your company, the fourth and subsequent registrants receive a $10 discount on their All-Access or Expo-Only registration fees.
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Be sure to get the badge that’s right for you at Grows. Remember: If you need to earn CEU or pesticide credits, you must have an All-Access pass. Please help us get the word out about this new system.
Exposition
The GROWS exposition will be jam-packed with the hottest new plants, equipment, technology, and more. Get ready for savings. Check out the Grows website for a complete list of the hundreds of leading suppliers ready to do business and exhibitors offering show specials.
Seminars
New England Grows has selected an outstanding and inspiring group of expert speakers. You’ll have a chance to speak with many of them at Speakers Unplugged sessions and book signings. Here are a few members of our 2015 lineup.
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is Right Around the Corner New England Grows 2015 in February.
Doug Tallamy, Ph.D., University
of Delaware, will speak on Restoring Nature’s Relationships: Understanding the Importance of Native Plants. This session will open your eyes to the specialized relationships between animals and plants and what we need to do to make our landscapes functioning ecosystems.
Brad Lancaster of
HarvestingRainwater.com in Tucson, Arizona brings us an important message and information about how we can make a positive difference in Rainwater Harvesting & Other WaterConservation Strategies.
Jan Johnsen, author and co-
principal of Johnsen Landscapes & Pools, will present Heaven is a Garden: Designing Serene Spaces. Her seminar — based on her book on this topic — will provide inspirational designs illustrating how to create “simplicity, sanctuary, and delight” in a garden. You will also learn little-known scientific facts you can use to create uplifting outdoor environments that enhance comfort and well-being. Chic Plants for Modern Gardens: A Commentary on New Plants is the topic that Kelly Norris, horticulture manager of the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden will address. He’ll provide an overview of new varieties in some of today’s hottest perennial categories, evaluate what makes a great Winter|2014
garden plant, and suggest why we all need to demand more from the people who develop and grow them. Other outstanding presenters and seminars include: John Kennedy on Motivating Meaningful Change in a Team Environment; Whitney Cranshaw, Ph.D., on Creating Landscapes for Insects…or Not!; Ed Gilman, Ph.D., on Structural Pruning of Young Trees: The Hows and the Whys; Meg Muckenhoupt on Boston’s Gardens and Green Spaces: What They Reveal about Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow; Chris Roddick on The Massively Important, Ever-Evolving Relationship Between Plants and Soil Health; Bill Gardocki on The Latest Uses of Hardscape in the Landscape; Karen Bussolini on Ecological Thinking for Non-Scientists: Using Nature as a Model. For a full listing, check NewEnglandGrows.org. Other Highlights for Grows in February 2015:
3 Live Patio Build Hardscaping Demonstration 3 Common Ground Stage, with Sprint Sessions and Demos 3 Massachusetts Hoisting License Recertification Class 3 Retailers Choice Awards Program 3 Women in Horticulture Networking Luncheon 3 Grows After Dark at Laugh Boston Comedy Club at the Westin
EARN CREDIT!
New England Grows is one-stop shopping for your CEU credits. You can earn valuable credits for NOFA, APLD, LA CES, pesticide recertification, and more at the conference. Simply enter your certification license numbers when you sign up for the show. Your badge will be scanned at each session you attend. After the show, you will be able to print out a Continuing Education Certificate of Attendance.
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MNLA’s Learning Hub
Confused by the thousands of apps and websites that claim they will help you get business done? Curious about which apps actually work for the green industry? Here’s your chance to check out the apps your industry colleagues recommend. Try them out and see how they can help you and your crew operate more efficiently. You’ll walk away with a list of useful mobile tools and resources. MNLA is a proud founding partner of New England Grows. As such, MNLA receives grants each year from the proceeds of the event. Your participation benefits you professionally and your association as well!
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SCHEDULE
Wednesday, February 4 Seminars 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Exposition 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thursday, February 5 Seminars 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. MNLA Annual Meeting - 11:00 a.m. Exposition 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday, February 6 MCH Exam - 9:00 a.m Seminars 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Exposition 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Stay Connected
Get the latest information by joining New England Grows’ growing community on Facebook, and follow Grows on Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. For more information, check out NewEnglandGrows.org, call (508) 653-3009, and download
www.mnla.com
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The Origin of Garden Orna Statuary and garden ornamentation can play an important role in your By Walter Swift, MCH
I
n general, when we think of gardens and designed landscapes, most of us in the green industry readily think of the vast array of available plants that can be used to transform a space. That is certainly true if you are a plant enthusiast like myself. Others may first focus on the potential need for hardscape features such as walls, walks, or patios, and that is most likely due to the fact that their business may focus on masonry and hardscaping. But let us not forget statuary and garden ornamentation, which includes a vast product line and can play an important role in your bottom-line profits. Whether you own a garden center or a design/build landscape company, the opportunity for additional sales falls into this underused category. Lilypad frog and motion with water
Fountain statuary
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Definition Statuary and garden ornamentation can be anything from a simple birdbath, sundial, or gazing ball (all of which are on the low end of the profit margin spectrum) to the very expensive figural statues and fountains that offer a larger profit margin. Benches are often used as a focal point in the garden, but also serve as a functional piece for those who wish to sit and observe the landscape around them or simply reflect. Therefore, when one looks at the overall potential in a designed garden or landscape, plants as well as the potential need for a hardscape feature combined with statuary and/or garden ornamentation may ultimately become part of the total design picture.
Formal hand carved marble bench www.mnla.com
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mentation bottom-line profits, but do you know its history?
Formal statue of lion
A Victorian era replica fountain statue
Plants create texture, color, and movement. Hardscaping helps to create access, support grade changes, and allows for open patio space. Statuary creates focal points of interest, and garden ornamentation adds an accent of decor to a given area or theme. This is hand carved marble. Title: Summer in the Four Season series
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World History Statuary and outdoor ornamentation became part of the natural landscape long before Fredric Law Holmstead, the father of landscape design, first set pen to paper. Historically, landscape statuary and ornamentation were first created to be set in the natural landscape as a tribute to the gods, or in memory of a king, pharaoh, or famous warrior. These figural statues and associated ornamentations have been linked to all the great civilizations of antiquity: the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, Mayans, Chinese, and even early man as he etched and painted designs on the walls of his cave.
Bronze statue of boy playing flute
Bronze disc
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Asian influence www.mnla.com
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All of these symbols were created as symbols of worship, respect, and admiration. Landscaping was a secondary thought to these manmade statues and ornamentations and was simply added as an accent to the focal point. Here at Home In the United States, the use of statuary and garden ornamentation came into its own during the Victorian era. This was a direct result of the great fortunes that were gained by the benefactors of the industrial revolution. Throughout this period, the large scale use of statuary and ornamentation was created on commission by the great sculptors and only available to the rich. These wealthy elite built large mansions surrounded by vast landscapes and formal gardens filled with statuary, fountains, and opulent ornamentation.
Garden ornaments come in a wide variety of styles
Gazing Ball Winter|2014
Today Today, garden statuary and ornamentation are affordable to all. Although many of the priceless sculptured pieces of statuary, fountains, and ornamentation of a bygone era still exist throughout the world, they are safely secured in museums, privately owned estates, or publicly owned properties. However, our industry has access to the wholesale reproduction market of many of the best pieces that were created throughout the ages. The price range varies from piece to piece based on the quality of reproduction and the material used. The choices and opportunities are endless, so when you set pen to paper and design that next masterpiece landscape plan, consider the use of statuary and garden ornamentation. If good design concepts are implemented and you have educated the consumer/client
A bronze deer
with your vision, the potential for additional profits will often pan out. Walter Swift, MCH, owns and operates Swift’s Creative Landscape, Inc. He is MNLA’s Magazine Committee chair, Government Relations Committee vice chair, and serves on the Board of Directors. All photos by Walter Swift, MCH
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Safety Sense
Preventing Hypothermia, Frostbite and Trench Foot
E
xtended exposure to cold or freezing temperatures — or a combination of cool temperatures, wind, and moisture — can cause serious health problems, frostbite, and hypothermia including trench foot, which occurs when feet are exposed to cold and damp while in constricted footwear. Because workers in the landscape and horticultural services industry spend the majority of their workday outdoors, they face an increased risk of suffering cold-related illnesses compared to workers in other industries, but cold-related problems can be prevented or treated early when all parties are aware of the dangers, precautions, symptoms, and first aid procedures.
Wear headgear that also covers the ears and neck and is made of wool or a knit material with a wind-proof outer shell.
Employer/Supervisor Checklist Watch for signs of cold stress in employees and allow them to interrupt their work if they experience any symptoms.
Know what trench foot is (an injury of the feet resulting from prolonged exposure to wet and cold or cool conditions) and its symptoms: reddened skin, numbness, leg cramps, swelling, and tingling pain.
Allow appropriate rest periods in warm areas (such as a heated vehicle). Provide warm, non-caffeinated liquids to workers. Schedule outdoor work for the warmest part of the day. Reduce the physical demands of workers when weather conditions create a risk for cold-related illness. Use relief workers or assign extra workers for long, demanding jobs. Provide and make sure employees wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Monitor workers who are at increased risk of cold stress (those who are older, have cardiovascular disease, diabetes or hypertension, or take medication that inhibits the body’s response to cold or impairs judgment). Train employees in cold-related illness risks, prevention, symptoms (and the importance of monitoring themselves and co-workers for symptoms), and treatment. Incorporate all measures to protect workers from coldrelated illness into relevant health and safety plans. Employee Checklist Select proper clothing for cold, wet, and windy conditions. Layer your clothing. Wear an inner layer of synthetic fiber that wicks perspiration away from skin, a middle layer of wool or synthetic fabric that absorbs perspiration and retains warmth, and an outer layer of nylon that protects against wind and allows ventilation.
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Drink warm, non-caffeinated beverages and take short, frequent breaks in a heated space. Change into dry gear immediately if water gets on your body. Store extra gloves, hat, socks, and a coat in the vehicle that takes you to job sites. Know how to recognize the symptoms of hypothermia: shivering, blue lips, trouble speaking, confusion, lack of coordination, and fatigue.
Know what frostbite is (injury to the body that is caused by freezing) and its symptoms: numbness, tingling or stinging, aching and bluish or pail, waxy skin. Notify a supervisor immediately if you experience any symptoms of hypothermia, frostbite, or trench foot or notice signs of cold-related illness in a fellow worker. If hypothermia symptoms progress beyond shivering and blue lips, call 911. Take the person indoors or inside a warm vehicle, remove any wet clothing, and cover them in layers of blankets. For symptoms of frostbite, move to a warm, dry place and remove any wet or tight clothing that might cut off blood flow to the affected area. Don’t rub the area; this will cause damage to the skin and tissue. If there is no chance the skin will become cold again, warm it by submerging in warm (105° F), not hot, water. When normal feeling, movement, and skin color return, dry and wrap the area. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you or a co-worker experience symptoms of trench foot, remove shoes and wet socks, dry the feet and avoid walking on them, as this could cause tissue damage. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Reprinted with permission from Landcare Network © 2011 PLANET.
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Plants to Watch for in 2015 If you’re searching for the perfect spring plant, here are trees, shrubs, and perennials worth considering. By Gaele McCully, MCLP
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houghts of spring will soon occupy our minds, and while we all need tried-and-true plant material to anchor our New England landscapes, it is fun to explore new options. Some may even become the standard bearers of the future. Here are thirteen interesting trees, shrubs, and perennials that will be available for spring planting. Some are brand new introductions; others have been in the marketplace for a few years and have proved their hardiness and garden worthiness.
All of these plants come from quality growers and are worth considering when you are asked, “What’s new for spring 2015?”
Trees
Gaele McCully, MCLP, is the landscape designer at Mahoney’s Garden Centers.
Picea pungens ‘Zafiro’ A seedling of ‘Moorheim,’ ‘Zafiro’ has striking, lush blue needles and a slow growth rate. A compact dwarf tree, it is an alternative to ‘Montgomery’ or ‘Globosa’ as it offers a more consistent and fuller look.
Chamaecyparis obtusa ‘Thoweil’ Pronounced ‘To-weil’, this tree takes its name from two Dutch plantsmen, Thom DeLange and Weil Linnsen. It has generated considerable excitement because of its beautiful structural form. Although similar to ‘Spiralis’, it is more durable and transplants more easily. Its narrow, upright habit makes it a stately addition to a patio container or the garden. Thuja occidentalis ‘Jantar’ Pronounced ‘Yan-tar’, the Polish word for ‘amber’ (its winter color), this brilliant yellow Thuja is a sport of the Emerald Green Arborvitae. People see it from a distance and exclaim that it truly glows. It has the same growth rate as ‘Emerald Green’ and can be used as a screen or focal point.
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Picea abies ‘Hildburghausen’ This Norway spruce makes a statement in the rock garden or in small landscapes with its consistent form and good green color. The short needles are closely spaced on short stiff shoots, giving it a tight dense form. It does not sprawl or have open spaces. Globe shaped in early years, it takes on a pyramidal form over time. Tree photos by Randall C. Smith courtesy Iseli Nursery www.mnla.com
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Shrubs
Deutzia ‘Yuki Cherry Blossom’ This is the pink flowering Deutzia ‘Nikko’. It provides an elegant carpet of pink flowers on a neat mounding shrub. In addition to its eyecatching flowers, it offers rich burgundy-topurple fall color. Spirea media ‘Double Play Blue Kazoo’ For the deer-challenged customer, Spirea has some exciting new options. ‘Double Play Blue Kazoo’ has bright white blooms over unusual cool blue foliage. New growth has hints of burgundy, and fall foliage develops a rich red tone. It has a mounding form, 2 to 3 feet in height and width. Sambucus racemosa ‘Lemony Lace’ This award winning Elderberry creates a finely textured irregular mound of bright golden foliage that is more deeply cut than others of its species. Growing 3 to 5 feet in height, it has caught on in the Midwest as an alternative to Japanese Maples. New growth is reddish in color, and white spring flowers produce red fruit.
Physocarpus ‘Tiny Wine’ Ninebark is having a resurgence, and this dwarf version of ‘Summer Wine’ is a great option for smaller spaces. Growing 3 to 4 feet tall, it has small finely-textured foliage with good resistance to powdery mildew. Soft pink flowers complement the dark foliage.
Cephalanthus occidentalis ‘Sugar Shack’ An interesting option for soggy sites is the native Buttonbush. ‘Sugar Shack’ is a smaller growing version, reaching just 3 to 4 feet in height. It has colorful red fruit, glossy foliage, and fragrant white flowers.
Hydrangea paniculata ‘Little Quick Fire’ There has been a lot of buzz about this dwarf version of the popular ‘Quick Fire’. It blooms one month earlier than other Hydrangeas. Growing to a height of 3 to 5 feet, it is suitable for smaller residential applications. Shrub photos courtesy Proven Winners Winter|2014
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Perennials Agastache ‘Rosy Posy’ Along with ‘Peachy Keen,’ this is one of two new compact Agastache. ‘Rosy Posy’ has hot pink flowers with magenta purple calyxes. It blooms midsummer through early fall and forms a dense, compact, rounded clump 18 to 22 inches tall.
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Buddleia ‘Glass Slippers’ This Butterfly Bush has silver green foliage with icy, periwinkle-blue blossoms. Secondary flowers extend the show into the fall. At 3 feet, it is a relatively low, wide-spreading variety.
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Miscanthus sinensis ‘Oktoberfest’ This Miscanthus offers its blooms one month earlier than other varieties, with peak color in late September and early October. It has wide, deep-green leaves that develop deep purple and red highlights. Its shimmering burgundy flowers turn tan as they age in early fall. And who can resist the catchy name? Perennial photos courtesy Walters Gardens, Inc.
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Mentors — A New Call Mentors Have the Power to Influence Lives, But is Mentoring a Lost Art? By Philip Boucher, MCH
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he time-honored method of mentoring by teaching and reinforcing lessons to a new worker seems to be over. Gone is the time when young
men learned the nursery trade at the knee of a trusted older advisor without books, but simply by mouth to ear. It sounds like — and probably was — a very personal way to learn botanical plant names, propagation techniques, the timing in handling plants as cuttings or nursery liners, or any number of the basic aspects of a job needed by a newcomer. It was a different time — one that relied on the time spent educating young workers. What has been lost from these mentors is the wisdom and the knowledge of how and why things were done. The urge to keep recollections and lessons alive past a natural span seems to be an old and pervasive impulse. The gift of a mentor’s attention shows concern and appreciation of the effort and dedication of entry workers. We can all remember
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the one person that helped us out when we decided plants and the green industry was our future. In my case, some of the early precepts taught were the rhythm of the seasons and how certain jobs revolved around the timing of the forsythia flowering, the lilacs blooming, or the best time for taking hardwood cuttings. Today, we have IPM for the timing of spraying, advances in rooting hormones, and growing technologies that open a larger time spectrum for plant propagation. We are also receiving a more highly educated worker with skills that fit these newer times. This removes some of the training burden, but is our job done? Is shadowing a coworker to learn a job sufficient or the same as mentoring? In reading our historical papers, I have come across numerous references to mentors in our association’s past. One such individual was Frank A. Waugh, who founded one of the first landscape architecture programs at the University of Massachusetts in 1902. He was dynam-
ic, a great educator, a prolific writer, and perhaps one of the first to teach the insights of ecological design to his students. An accomplished photographer and musician, he was known to use music as a tool in his classrooms. His teaching and design philosophy influenced nearly four decades of students in the graduate program as well as countless industry people. In 1921, he was approached by the New England Nurserymen’s Association to establish a special program for nurserymen in Amherst. Delighted, he worked out a ten-week course that covered a broad range of subjects from botany and plant identification to soils, propagation, nursery practices, and more. The precursor to a four-year program, this truncated course infused many well-trained young men into the industry in the 1920s and 1930s. It was Waugh, his work, and his staff that taught many of the Greatest Generation, and when their education was interrupted by World War II (though he had died by 1943), his enthusiasm and
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ideals brought many back to complete their degrees. Many became industry leaders as well as valuable leaders in the Massachusetts Nursery Association and the NENA. The impact of this one man as a mentor to so many individuals makes me wonder if we are doing enough talking and personal teaching to influence another generation of green industry professionals, not at the university level, but within
our own businesses. I hear many profess that they “do not have the time for that.” Times have changed for sure, but the needs of industry have not. Mentoring is personal; it has to be. Finding that individual who can use your knowledge and experience will make a difference for both parties. As a mentor, imparting education and training is just part of the relationship. Mentors have the power to influence lives, build confidence, and serve as a strong tie to keep someone in the industry. Showing interest in someone’s hard work and a commitment to their understanding of the job is critical for a mentor. And having someone talk about the “old days” may further reinforce the lessons from the past and encourage their progress towards success. Philip Boucher, MCH, Elysian Garden Design, is MNLA History Committee Chair.
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Winter|2014
Register online for the MNLA Annual Meeting at mnla.com
(888) 889-9996
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Business Focus
Snowplowing: Is Your Business Protected?
A
s you gear up for snowplow season, it’s smart to take a good, hard look at your operations. Not only should your equipment be in prime condition and your employees properly trained, you should also review your practices and procedures. Check out the important risk management tools to consider in your snow or ice maintenance operations at mnla.com. Look in the Latest News box and click on “Resource for snow plow operators/businesses.” These tips and tools from Farm Family could help you reduce your loss exposure. You can print the handouts to post or distribute, or copy the list, form, and log templates and fill them in with your own business information. Provided by Farm Family. For more information, contact your local Farm Family agent or visit farmfamily.com to find an agent near you.
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Winter|2014
Looking for a lender who understands your business? In a business as specialized as yours, you need a leader that specializes, too. We’re ready to talk to you about all your financing needs. Call us today!
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New England Grows Recognized as a Top 25 Trade Show New England Grows, the horticulture industry’s premier trade exposition and educational conference in the Northeast, was recognized by Trade Show Network News as one of the Top 25 Fastest Growing Trade Shows in the country at an awards ceremony held November 14 – 16, 2014, in Cleveland. “We were honored to be recognized alongside some of the most progressive shows in the country,” said Virginia Wood, New England Grows’ executive director. “This award recognizes everyone who works so hard to bring GROWS to Boston every year and it reflects the vibrancy of the green industry.” The TSNN Top 25 Awards celebrate the fastest-growing shows – both association-led and for-profit events – using net square footage and attendance growth as their metric. New England Grows was a winner in the attendance category. Other association honorees in the same category include the American Institute of Architects, Water Environment Federation, American Library Association, and Offshore Technology Conference. Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association, Inc. is proud to be a founding partner of New England Grows. Pictured above: New England Grows was named a Top 25 Fastest Growing Trade Show by Trade Show Network News at an awards gala in Cleveland on November 15. Jennifer McPhee, tradeshow & conference director joined Virginia Wood, executive director, in accepting the award on behalf of New England Grows.
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Call Debbie Rauen (817) 501-2403
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Advertiser Index Acorn Tree and Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
MARKETPLACE
Amherst Nurseries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Bigelow Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Cavicchio Landscape Supplies, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Coronis Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Farm Credit East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Farm Family Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Griffin Greenhouse Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Ideal Concrete Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Milton Cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Motz & Son Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 NERTCS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
coronis consulting __________________
New England Wetland Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Sharing over 35 years of business & landscape success
Northeast Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Laurence S. Coronis 603.721.9812 www.coronisconsulting.com
Valley Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 The Vermont Mulch Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Weston Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Motz & Son Nursery Wholesale Growers of ... Shade and Flowering TreeS
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Winter|2014
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Plant for Success
One of My Favorite Plants The beautiful Tall Stewartia can thrive in less-than-ideal conditions By Hope Sterling, MCH
T
all Stewartia (Stewartia monadelpha) is an outstanding tree for year-round interest. It does well in small yards because of its relatively small footprint, and the delicate cup-shaped white flowers dot the branches from June to mid-July. While the flowers are not as large as other Stewartia, the seasonal interest doesn’t end with the tree’s flowering. The dark green foliage turns an amazing reddish orange and fire engine red in the fall. Once the fabulous foliage drops in late November, the rich, smooth, cinnamon-brown bark is displayed, showing up dramatically against an evergreen backdrop. For best results, Stewartia monadelpha should be planted in rich, well-drained soil, with regular watering during dry weather. No serious insect or disease problems are common. It has proven, in fact, to shine in less-than-ideal conditions
in my garden, where it lives in heavy clay soil, with no supplemental water, fertilizer, or TLC. A recent heavy snow load laid my tree down like a peeled banana, but following the snowmelt, a couple of threaded rods, washers, and nuts put it back together again. Hope Sterling, MCH is a buyer at Sylvan Nursery.
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