Pro Grow News Winter 2015

pro grow news WINTER 2015

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Pollinators in the landscape Part 3 Winter Protection Strategies

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pro grow news Winter 2015

contents Features

10 Gearing for Change 12 Pollinators in the Landscape Part 3 18 Winter Protection Strategies

for the Landscape

24 Build Your Company Through Internships

Departments

5 President’s Message

6 Committee Reports 26 Business Focus 29 Marketplace/Ad Index 30 My Favorite Plant On the cover — Conifers and berries create a nice

Winter|2015

holiday scene.

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pro grow news Winter 2015

committees

board PRESIDENT Tim Lomasney One Source Horticulture Tel: (978) 470-1934

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 Jim Stucchi, MCH Ahronian Landscape and Design, Inc. Tel: (508) 429-3844

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

SECRETARY/TREASURER Tim Hay, MCH Bigelow Nurseries, Inc. Tel: (508) 845-2143 PAST PRESIDENT Mary Jesch Cornucopia Gardeners Tel: (508) 879-1822

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

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

DIRECTORS Chris O’Brien, MCH Howard Designs, Inc.

Chris O’Brien, MCH — Chair Howard Designs, Inc. Tel: (617) 244-7269

PRODUCTS COMMITTEE

Kerry Preston, MCH Wisteria & Rose, Inc.

HISTORY COMMITTEE

Peter Mezitt, MCH — ­­ Vice Chair Weston Nurseries, Inc. Tel: (508) 435-3414

Peter Mezitt, MCH Weston Nurseries, Inc.

David Vetelino, MCH Vetelino Landscape, Inc. Jean Dooley, MCH Mahoney Garden Centers

Government Relations Director Henry Gillet Tel: (508) 567-6288 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Rena M. Sumner Tel: (413) 369-4731 Fax: (413) 369-4962

Philip Boucher, MCH — Chair Elysian Garden Designs Tel: (508) 695-9630

Mark Ahronian, MCH — Chair Ahronian Landscaping & Design, Inc. Tel: (508) 429-3844

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

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

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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

pro|grow|news

President’s Message

What’s Keeping You Busy?

By Timothy Lomasney

A

ll around, I see positive signs for our industry. Big signs include the numerous cranes standing tall in the Boston skyline, steadier financial markets, and retail spending approaching an all-time high. I appreciate one of the small signs as much as the big ones: With the ever-increasing emphasis on fall decorating, what used to be freshly planted mums, a pumpkin, and some Halloween props has grown into something much bigger, often done by an industry professional.

At retail garden centers, some set themselves apart by offering consultations, premium services, and workshops to customers who can afford to pay for what they want from their local expert. At wholesale, prices are up, especially on items that will continue to be short in the market.

Are you seeing better results from your business? Marketing and advertising are key if you promote an event or product that is unique to you. Is community involvement important to your potential clients? It doesn’t have to be a donation of time or product. It can be taking the role of a leader to help with community projects and problem solving. Is finding and keeping great employees the most important issue to keeping you successful?

One important step you’ve already taken to is to recognize the value of belonging to your trade organization. With social media and the Internet, it is easier to regularly get the message out to MNLA members, but it is far more than that.

There is just more to talk about now. The HartzlerHudson amendment to the Federal Transportation bill was recently voted down. Through the Lighthouse Foundation of AmericanHort, our members were asked to reach out to their representatives in the House. We did and they listened. This win becomes an opportunity: As an MNLA member, you can participate in shaping the way our government works to benefit your business.

NEW for 2016! You will soon be asked to participate, along with members of other trade associations, in our Economic Impact Survey. The results will be used to influence public policy and government regulatory decisions. Watch your email and snail mail in the month of January for this opportunity.

On February 10, 2016, Dreams & Solutions — MNLA’s first Industry Career Fair and Annual Meeting — will include an educational program, career fair, and MNLA business meeting all rolled into one fantastic event. For more information on this new and exciting program, please go to our website at www. mnla.com.

Timothy Lomasney, One Source Horticulture MNLA President Winter|2015

Do You Have What It Takes to be an MNLA Leader?

I want to personally invite you to become involved. MNLA is looking for members who are interested in serving on the Board of Directors in 2016. The Board is comprised of nine members who are committed to volunteering their talents and time to help guide the organization.

The Board meets approximately six times a year in the Marlborough area. If you or someone you know would like to be considered by the nominating committee, please contact me directly at (508) 962-5978, or call the MNLA office at (413) 369-4731.

Jim Connolly, MCH, Weston Nurseries MNLA Past President 2012-2013

Attend, Vote, and Participate...

It’s your Association!

MNLA Annual Meeting & Luncheon to be held in conjunction with the Green Industry Career Fair

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 Holiday Inn Boxboro, MA The MNLA Board of Directors invites you to be recognized as an industry leader by sponsoring the 105th MNLA Annual Meeting & Luncheon.

Thank you for your support!

For more information, please go to www.mnla.com

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MNLA Committees Give Them a Piece of Your Mind

Let’s Get Noticed

I

R

s there a state mandate you think should be changed because it costs too much or places an onerous obligation on your operation? Or perhaps it made sense once, but now is an empty exercise?

Governor Charlie Baker wants your help in reducing or even eliminating burdensome or unnecessary regulations the state has imposed on businesses and organizations over the years.

Earlier this year, the governor directed all agencies under his direct control to begin a yearlong review of all their regulations to ensure that none exceed federal requirements. That review is well underway now, but there remain opportunities for individuals and organizations to weigh in about state rules they think should be changed.

The governor’s office has established a website describing the objectives of the review: http://www.mass.gov/anf/budgettaxes-and-procurement/regulatory-review/. Public listening sessions have been held by many state agencies, and will wrap up shortly, but agencies will continue to take public comments in writing. Anyone can submit a comment on a specific regulation at www.mass.gov/anf/regreview.html By spring, the state agencies will make recommendations to amend the Code of Massachusetts Regulations based on what they hear from the public. So now is the time to give them a piece of your mind.

Chris O’Brien, MCH, Howard Garden Designs, Inc. Government Relations Committee Chair

ecently, I was pulling information together to help people understand the value of the MCH. I’ve learned that awareness is one of the most important aspects of building a strong certification program. While we typically focus on explaining the benefits of our credential to people within our industry, it’s the customers we work with who can drive demand for high caliber professionals. That’s why I’d like to personally challenge every MCH to take a Let’s Get Noticed Challenge.

What’s a Let’s Get Noticed Challenge, you ask? It’s simple: Get the word out about YOU as an MCH. In today’s social media, selfie-driven, 24/7 communications environment, we can get stronger when all of us participate. People need to know about our program and how it helps them. By communicating the value of the MCH, we have an opportunity to build recognition through our interactions with the people we meet every day. We just need to share our information.

Ready for the challenge? Here are some ideas to help you get noticed.

Use the MCH Logo • In your email communication signature • On your business cards • On your web and social media sites Create an Elevator Speech – Your ‘Why’ Here is the published description of our credential. When we talk about why we decided to pursue the MCH distinction, it is also our story and our passion that is engaging.

The title of Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist is awarded to professionals who have demonstrated a high level of competence by passing a comprehensive examination covering a wide range of horticultural topics, and by fulfilling prescribed standards of performance, conduct and experience. The Massachusetts Nursery & Landscape Association manages this state-wide certification program. Professionals annually maintain certification though continuing education and industry involvement in the field of horticulture.

Representative Carolyn Dykema with constituents Peter Mezitt, MCH, of Weston Nurseries and Jim Stucchi, MCH, of Ahronian Landscaping & Design.

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Provide More Information Take advantage of the work done by MNLA and the MCH Board to educate customers about the professionalism our organization brings to Massachusetts consumers. The MCH community specifically asked for a brochure to explain why it makes sense for consumers to work with a certified professional, and we’ve responded with the “Ask an MCH” trifold brochure. www.mnla.com

pro|grow|news

MNLA’s Own Turf-O-Ganic

Spread the Word NEW! Order your package of the “Ask an MCH” brochure today at www.mnla.com/?mch.

The Let’s Get Noticed Challenge is an opportunity for you to make a difference by including the brochures in your business proposals, as a hand-out to potential clients, or in a display at the garden center. Let Massachusetts consumers know what makes working with an MCH a great investment.

As we prepare for our 2016 landscape season, keep in mind that together we can spread the word about our MCH achievement. Increased awareness and recognition of the MCH credential can drive market demand for a heightened level of professionalism.

2016 MCH Exam Dates Interested in taking the MCH Exam? Choose February 24 or August 3, 2016, both at the Holiday Inn in Boxorough, Massachusetts.

W

e have found MNLA’s Turf-OGanic to be fantastic for our lawn treatment program. Besides being organic, it has trace minerals that are lacking in most soils today. What we like most about Turf-O-Ganic is that it provides slow, gentle release. It’s perfect for summertime feeding because it won’t burn the lawn, and it will feed gradually over several weeks. We also use it for our last fertilization for our lawn customers, as it’s not high in nitrogen.

When you compare what is in the bag with other major brands, it’s fairly priced for a real quality product. Our customers notice the bags we’re using in their yards, and will go looking for it for their other garden projects.

Having used MNLA fertilizer on every plant we put in the ground and every lawn we treat, I can tell you that customers are happy to see us using something that was developed by our extension service right here in Massachusetts, designed for Massachusetts soils.

Try some today.

Mark Ahronian, MCH, Ahronian Landscaping & Design, Inc. Products Committee Chair

Cheryl Salatino, MCH, Dancing Shadows Garden Designs Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist (MCH) Board Chair

Dogs at Work – Winter 2015 Griff at work at Mahoney’s Garden Center

Let’s recognize the unsung member of your team: The “person” who approaches every day and every job with curiosity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to stay by your side to the end of the day, no matter what.

Please submit a photo of your favorite canine friend in a work related activity. All entries will be posted online and one lucky dog will be featured in each ProGrow News issue in 2016. The quarterly winner will receive a bag of their favorite treats. At the end of the year, an esteemed panel of judges will select the MNLA Dog of The Year. Top dog will receive a cookie jar and a donation made in their name to their local animal shelter.

Please submit your photos and a brief introduction to your faithful companion to: mnlaoffice@aol.com.

Winter|2015

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MNLA Committees

What’s New?

Preserve, Inspire, Educate

A

T

ncient as I am, I remember with absolute clarity the huge star magnolia that flowered outside my bedroom window each year on my birthday. I also remember the five copper beeches, over a hundred years old by the initials and dates carved in them (HJM + LS, 1863), lining the drive of my school; the red roses climbing the fence in my Grandma Ann’s yard; and the two old apple trees, the only survivors of the orchard that once owned the land that became my Grandma Virginia’s garden apartment.

But I also remember that no one in my family ever planted anything. They enjoyed what they saw, but had no interest in doing any of it themselves. When this budding artist appeared before them, they sent me on quite a round-about route, thinking that I might make a good set or costume designer.

I’d love to know who in my past was the gardener, because certainly there must have been one.

It took me a long time to realize that plants were the love of my life, and even longer to make their wellbeing my life work. That’s why I’m so excited about MNLA’s new project, the Green Industry Career Fair to be held February 10th at the Holiday Inn in Boxborough. It’s the only professional green industry job fair in the state, but it also comes with some great speakers, an HR session, a yummy lunch, our annual meeting, and an excellent keynote speaker.

It’s the time of year for all of us to get back in touch with each other before the season begins. I’m always so glad to see familiar faces after a few months of winter. This is also your chance to showcase your company and find great new employees. Even if you aren’t sure how many new people you’ll need in the spring, you can collect resumes to take home and consider. Who knows what great new person you’ll meet, and what new ideas he or she may offer. And for the person considering employment, the same goes for you.

What’s best, in my opinion, is that we’ll be reaching out to high schools and colleges, to show the kids — who were smarter than I was and knew so much earlier in their lives what it is they want to do — that we are their future, and that we need them as much as they need us.

I hope a hundred years from now, my great- or greatgreat-grandchildren will be enjoying what we plant for them today. And I hope they’ll know who left these beautiful creatures for them to enjoy.

he winter off-season will soon find History Committee members reassembled and busy gleaning stored materials, sorting and filing those pertinent to our quest of archiving the association’s history as well Massachusetts notables.

We continue to plug along, as just three individuals can only do what they can do, as special assignments go unfulfilled or unanswered. We continue to seek new members — even short-term would be of help.

Our hope for this winter is two-fold. First, we hope to finish sorting our many, many stored boxes. Next, under the direction of the vice chair Skott Rebello, MCH, we hope to assemble a small version of our archival show for the annual meeting and conference on February 10, 2016. Perhaps a tall order, but the committee feels we need to showcase some of the collected materials, especially for the newest MNLA members who have no recollection of the previous committee’s display that was present at nearly all events sponsored by the association.

We have hung a tagline out to help keep us going toward the ultimate goal of the work before us: Preserve, Inspire, and Educate (PIE). We truly believe that, when we arrive at completion, the archives will both inspire and educate members and others about the association and a piece of Massachusetts’ proud agricultural past.

Philip Boucher, MCH, Elysian Garden Design History Committee Chair

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016 HOLIDAY INN, BOXBORO, MA

Kathy Bergmann, MCH, Bergmann Construction Education Committee Chair

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www.mnla.com

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Gearing for Change

By Philip Boucher, MCH

W

Today, though we feel more sophisticated, discussions e live in an age of change. Products change, our have a similar theme in our attempt to develop branding for preferences change, organizations change, methour MCH certification program to validate our image to the ods change, and certainly people change. The consumer and establishing our MNLA fertilizers as a pregreatest modern industrial era ever imagmier product line. Planning is critical as we try to understand ined is driven by changing innovations globalization, the changing nature of work, a changing workand information. We believe that change force, and the explosion of trade knowledge. As each new gencan be predicted and planned for, but eration evolves, the association tries to keep pace with trends, the activity of successfully implementing issues, and the educational needs of our members. change produces devilish details. Hard Managing change is about living up to one’s potential. By work, imagination, and solid decisions supporting MNLA, we help it meet the challenges of change overcome resistance as we progress to by creating meaningful opportunities that suit its mission and acceptance. members. This support shows the board that we appreciate Changes expected in 2016 include an economy that is their determination to meet problems head-on, embracing strong, humming with disposable income, small well-spaced new challenges and considering new risks. snowstorms, and ample overnight rainfall during the growing The new format for the annual meeting provides a chance season. to touch members and students for a One change this year is that New third time in just twelve months. This England Grows moves to the first week iteration should be exciting, and we of December. This has prompted a new all should attend. This opportunity for format for the MNLA Annual Meeting, industry exposure, education, and netan educational conference and job fair working is part of the character of our geared to showcase our industry and association — the most significant and association to a younger audience on Winston Churchill recognizable voice of the Massachusetts February 10, 2016. As we look back hisGreen Industry. torically, a standalone annual meeting was common. In a different world of lowspeed communication and an atmosphere of business secrets, Philip Boucher, MCH, Elysian Garden Design these events provided an opportunity to network along with MNLA History Committee Chair conducting the association’s business. It was here that real learning and business ideas grew and were exchanged.

Many strong, vital people have worked on our behalf over the years. Even when there was a structured blueprint in place, the flexibility of the individuals to see what was necessary was the strength of this association. New and old presidents, new boards and old, all concluded — as if inscribed on our stationary — that members must flourish in order for the group to flourish. The association has always had a deep commitment to its members and a compelling desire to address the issues that affect our industry.

As a member of the History Committee, I have read through papers and articles centered on the past activities of MNA/MNLA. Interesting reading, but what is most interesting is that many of the past concerns are similar to what we see today. Resistance to change and how it would fit into the association’s ability to help its members was a frequent argument, but conversations always revolved around what was Save the Date for MA Ag Day - April 5, 2016. best for the members.

It’s an opportunity to educate our elected leaders and state agencies on the green industry. Plus, it’s fun too!

“Change is the master key.”

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www.mnla.com

pro|grow|news

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016 HOLIDAY INN, BOXBORO, MA

James Entwistle Entwistle Bros. Farm, LLC Paul VanDenburgh Senior Farm Business Advisor

Career Fair Education Program Annual Meeting Keynote Speaker

At Farm Credit East, we help our customers make sure they’re up to speed on the various tax laws that affect their companies. We guide them throughout the year using sound strategies for success, including the use of prepayments, timing capital purchase decisions and transferring assets, so that when April comes around they’re in good shape.

800.562.2235 FarmCreditEast.com/TaxPlanning

WWW.MNLA.COM Winter|2015

We are you.

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Pollinators in the Create a pollinator-friendly landscape to attract bees.

By Mandy Bayer

P

ollinator-friendly plants are just one part of creating and maintaining pollinator-friendly landscapes.

The creation of pollinator habitats incorporates design, cultural practices, pest management, and weed management strategies. Pollen, nectar, water, forage plants, nesting areas, and shelter should all be considered during the design process. Be creative, and don’t forget to think both big and small — pollinators can be supported in a variety of ways, from trees that provide shelter and nesting materials to annuals planted in a window box for nectar and pollen.

Pollinator Habitats Familiarizing yourself with local pollinators will allow for the creation of appropriate habitats. Nesting and shelter locations, pollen and nectar sources, and water needs vary among pollinators. Ground nesting bees, which account for around 70 percent of native bees, need small areas of bare ground, sand, or sparse vegetation that are well drained and sunny. Bumble bees can use rodent burrows, existKalmia latifolia – mountain laurel ing holes, fallen leaves or plant matter, grassy areas, and meadows.

Maintained landscapes do not always have appropriate nesting sites or materials, so created habitats might be necessary. Bundled hollow stems, bamboo, or reeds, as well as logs and stumps with beetle tunnels, and nesting blocks can be added to the landscape for cavity-nesting bees. When placing potential habitat objects in the landscape, wind protection and sun exposure are important considerations. Shade and part-shade areas are important along with sunny areas, as they provide protection from inclement weather.

Hummingbirds need perches and nests on tall trees and shrubs away from predators. Hummingbird nesting materials

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can include twigs, plant fibers, spider silk, lichens, or leaves. Fluffy or fuzzy plant fibers are commonly found in hummingbird nests and can include ornamental grass plumes, lambs ear foliage, fuzzy seedpods, or soft casings.

Bumble bee with Rosa rugosa – rugose rose Butterflies need perches for sunning, puddles, and forage plants for caterpillars. Clean water sources are important for many pollinators and can be provided by birdbaths, fountains, small ponds, puddles, or a damp salt lick.

Plant selection and design help ensure that pollinatorfriendly plants are available throughout the year. Planting in clumps and repeating plants throughout the landscape will help avoid having pollinator habitats that are too small or isolated. Be aware of pollen and nectar content in flowers — perennials often have more nectar than annuals, and wildflowers are some of the best sources of pollen. Cultivated plants can be bred to be sterile, and double or very showy flowers often have less pollen than simple single flowers.

Floral features attract different pollinators, so having a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and scents can increase pollinator diversity. Having foraging and nesting sites in close proximity can assist in protecting habitats.

Bumble bee with Allium schoenoprasum Have a diversity of plant materials from perennials and annuals, trees and shrubs, to no- or low-mow areas.

Consider putting plants where pollinators nest or overwinter away from high traffic areas; this provides protection for pollinators and can hide damaged plants (some life stages require pollinators to eat vegetation, so plan accordingly).

www.mnla.com

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Landscape Part 3 Cultural Practices Pollinator habitats also need consideration during garden clean-up as fallen branches, stumps, and leaf debris can be pollinator habitats or overwintering sites. When possible, wait to trim and prune until after pollinator emergence in the spring. Limiting mowing to every other week or setting aside areas that can be mowed less frequently, as well as limiting pesticide applications, can help reduce pollinator stress.

Knowing which pests are actually harmful to your plants and using IPM monitoring strategies can help to limit pesticide use to when pests reach critical levels. This also helps to limit pollinator exposure to pesticides. When pesticide applications are needed, the least toxic pesticide possible should be used, and label recommendations should be checked and followed regarding use around pollinators and toxicity levels. Pesticides should be applied when pollinators are least active Monarda didyma - beebalm (such as late evening) and should be avoided on plants and weeds around blooming plants being frequented by pollinators. Use pesticides that do not persist on vegetation, and do not spray at low temperatures when dew formation can re-wet pesticides. Most pollinator poisoning occurs when pesticides are applied to blooming plants, but it can also occur from drift, contamination, or residues. Natural pest control through the use of beneficial insects should be used whenever possible.

Preventative measures such as groundcovers, weed barriers, hardscapes, and mulches should be used to control weeds along with mechanical or manual weed control methods such as mowing, cutting, pulling, girdling, and tilling.

Reintroducing natives and establishing desirable, stable plants can help to resist invasive species. Biological control, or natural enemies, can be used to keep invasive plants manageable when allowed to become established in pollinator landscapes.

Biological controls are used to manage unwanted plants through destruction or competition, and are best used when Winter|2015

pest populations are low. If physical means prove ineffective, focused selective herbicides should be used. Weed pressure can be reduced through proper management of soil nutrition and irrigation, with over-fertilization and over-irrigation resulting in excessive weeds.

Pollinator Highlight: Bees There are many different species of bees in the United States, with around 350 native bee species in Massachusetts.

Bees are high energy and need pollen and nectar from a variety of plants to feed themselves and their young. Nesting habitats vary for different types of bees, so it is important to have a variety of potential habitats in the landHoney bee with Apis mellifera scape. Bees are typically attracted to brightly colored flowers (except red — bees cannot see red), which are full of nectar. They prefer sweet-smelling flowers that are open in the daytime and have landing platforms. Tubular flowers with nectar at the base of the tube are often frequented by bees.

Buzz pollination, which is a unique type of pollination to bees, is when the bee grabs a flower in its jaws and vibrates its wings to dislodge pollen trapped in the anthers. This is common for tomatoes, peppers, and cranberries.

Bees can be either social or solitary, with three-quarters of native bees being solitary. Social bees include the bumble bee and honey bees. Solitary bees include carpenter, sweat, mining, and leafcutter bees. Some crops such as pumpkin, cherries, blueberries, and cranberries are better pollinated by native bees than honey bees. Tomato and eggplant are not pollinated by honeybees. Bees transport pollen by brushing against pollen which sticks to special structures on their hind legs or abdomen.

Mandy Bayer is Assistant Professor of Sustainable Landscape Horticulture at the UMass Amherst Stockbridge School of Agriculture.

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Plants to attract bees.

Plants to Attract Bees

Trees and Shrubs: Scientific Name Common Name Acer rubrum red maple

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Flower Color red

Size 40 - 70 ft.

Bloom Season spring

Amelanchier canadensis Arctostaphylos uvaursi Aronia arbutifolia

serviceberry

white

25 - 30 ft.

early spring

kinnikinnick, bearberry red chokeberry

white

6 - 12 in.

late spring

white

6 - 10 ft.

late spring

Ceanothus americanus Clethra alnifolia

New Jersey tea

white

3 - 4 ft.

summer

sweet pepperbush

white, pink

3 - 8 ft.

summer

Erica spp.

heath

pink, white, purple, lavender

6 - 20 in.

Hypericum perforatum Kalmia latifolia

St. John’s wort

Yellow

1 - 3 ft.

spring – fall (species dependent) summer

mountain laurel

4 - 12 ft.

early summer

Malus spp.

apple, crabapple

white, pink, multi white, pink, red

10 - 40 ft.

spring

Pieris spp.

pieris

1.5 - 8 ft.

spring

Prunus spp.

Quercus rubra

plum and cherry red oak

10 - 30 ft.

50 - 75 ft.

spring spring

Rosa spp.

rose

varies with type

summer

Salix spp.

willow

30 - 80 ft.

spring

Vaccinium spp.

blueberry, cranberry

1 - 8 ft.

spring

white, pink, red, multi white, pink yellow-green white, yellow, red, pink, purple, orange yellow-green white

www.mnla.com

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Our goal is to supply our customers with the best service, quality, and selection in the industry.

110 Codjer Lane, Sudbury, MA 01776 978.443.7177 www.cavicchio.com

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Plants to attract bees.

Perennials and Annuals Scientific Name Common Name

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Flower Color

Size

Bloom Season

Lavender, purple Purple

24 - 48 in.

pink, orange, red, purple, white purple, blue, lavender, white blue

12 - 60 in.

summer – early fall late spring – summer summer – early fall

Agastache foeniculum Allium schoenoprasum Asclepias spp.

anise hyssop

Aster spp.

aster

Borago officinalis

borage

Chelone glabra Crocus spp.

turtlehead crocus

Echinacea purpurea

coneflower

Galanthus spp.

snowdrop

white white, purple, lavender, yellow purple/pink (cultivars others) white

Liatris spicata

blazing star

lavender

chives milkweed

12 - 18 in.

12 - 24 in.

fall

12 - 36 in.

summer

2 - 3 ft.

3 - 6 in.

fall spring

2 - 5 ft.

summer

6 - 12 in.

spring

2 - 4 ft.

Lobelia cardinalis cardinal flower

red

12 - 24 in.

Monarda didyma

bee balm

red

2 - 4 ft.

late summer – early fall late summer – fall summer

Narcissus spp.

daffodil

6 - 30 in.

spring

Penstemon digitalis Solidago spp.

beardtongue

white, yellow, orange white

2 - 5 ft.

goldenrod

yellow

late spring – summer fall

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae Thymus spp.

New England aster

white, pink

thyme

purple, white

3 - 6 in.

summer

Tulipa spp.

tulip

6 - 24 in.

spring

Viola tricolor

viola, Johnny jump-up

orange, yellow, red, white, purple, lavender, multi purple, blue, white, yellow

3 - 6 in.

spring and fall

1 - 7 ft.

fall

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References

Pesticide Task Force of the NAPPC. “Protecting Pollinators: Why and How Pesticide Applicators Can Help Them” http:// pesticidestewardship.org/PollinatorProtection/Documents/ NAPPC.pesticide.broch.Applicators17.pdf USDA Forest Service. “Pollinators” http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/animals/ US Fish and Wildlife Service. “Attracting Pollinators to Your Garden” http://www.fws.gov/pollinators/pdfs/PollinatorBookletFinalrevWeb.pdf National Audubon Society. “How to Create a HummingbirdFriendly Yard” http://www.audubon.org/content/how-createhummingbird-friendly-yard Lois Berg Stack and Frank Drummond. University of Maine.

“How to Create a Bee-Friendly Landscape” http://umaine.edu/ gardening/master-gardeners/manual/ecology/how-to-create-abee-friendly-landscape/

Winter|2015

The Xerces Society. “Pollinator Plants, Northeast Region” http://www.xerces.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/NortheastPlantList_web.pdf USDA NRCS. “How Gardeners Can Help Pollinators” http:// www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/plantsanimals/pollinate/gardeners/and https://www.whitehouse.gov/ sites/default/files/docs/supporting_the_health_of_honey_ bees_and_other_pollinators.pdf Stubbs, C.S. and N. Coverstone. “Understanding Native Bees, the Great Pollinators: Enhancing Their Habitat in Maine” University of Maine Bulletin #7153 http://umaine.edu/ publications/7153e/ New England Wildflower Society. “Native Plants that Attract Pollinators” http://www.newenglandwild.org/grow/nativeplants-attract-pollinators.pdf

17

|

Special Winter Feature

By Gaele McCully, MCLP

W

ho can believe the growing and planting seasons are behind us? Can’t we just stay in a bubble of mild temperatures, long summer evenings, and refreshing autumn days? The reality is we must prepare for cold, snow, and ice to descend on the landscape. Whether we experience another winter like last year’s heavy snowfalls that damaged trees and shrubs, or a bitterly cold but snowless winter, it makes sense to think about ways to protect vulnerable plant material.

An added factor is the exceptionally dry conditions in much of the state that have placed plants under stress even before winter arrives.

Desiccation in arborvitae

Plants have their own internal mechanisms to prepare for winter. As the days shorten, they begin to move water out of

|18

their cells and develop compounds that assist in lowering the freezing point of water between the cell walls.

The aim of this cold-acclimation process is to prevent ice crystals from forming within or between cells, which causes the cell walls to rupture, allowing vital substances that sustain plant life to leak out. Once the acclimation stage is initiated, the lowering of outdoor temperatures during fall and early winter causes a plant to develop its hardiness in Burlapped tree small, daily increments.

If they lose moisture above ground and That is why growers allow plants to be don’t have adequate reserves to draw on exposed to cold temperatures before they at root level, they develop winter burn are protected with plastic covers. Some (brown foliage), branch dieback, and plants, however, such as Pyrus calleryana brittle branches that are easily broken (flowering pear) and Malus (crabapple), in strong wind. Newly planted trees and are not influenced by decreasing hours shrubs are especially prone to drying of sunlight, but develop cold hardiness out as their roots may not be sufficiently only with lowering temperatures. If temperatures drop rapidly with an early, deep well established. Spread a 4-inch layer of mulch around the base of shrubs and frost, damage can occur. trees — out to the drip line — to help Here are some conditions trees and shrubs may encounter in winter and ways retain moisture, minimize frost heaving, and insulate the soil. Just remember to we can help mitigate the damage. keep the mulch from touching the trunk.

Continue to water trees and shrubs Dehydration until the ground freezes, particularly Few things are sadder than trees and if autumn rainfall is light. During proshrubs that have suffered from the drylonged periods of thaw during the winter, ing effects of the wind, known as desicprovide water either by hose, or if nothcation. Evergreens, both coniferous and ing else, shovel salt-free snow onto the broad-leaved (rhodies, holly, leucothoe) ground surrounding trees and shrubs. never go completely dormant and are In exposed windy sites, erect a windparticularly susceptible to the effects of break by driving wooden stakes into the drying wind. They continue to transpire ground around the shrubs, then wrap moisture from foliage all winter long.

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Special Winter Feature

Wire trunk protection

burlap across the stakes and staple it to the stakes. The purpose is to keep winds out, not necessarily snow and ice. With smaller evergreens, it may be more convenient to wrap the body of the plant with burlap, leaving the top exposed to light and air. Another approach with broad-leaved evergreens is the use of anti-desiccants — chemicals that coat the leaves with a waxy film, but they are

Burlay windscreen

best applied monthly starting in November, on days when temperatures are above freezing. Reapplication is thought to be important to the degree of success of this method.

Snow and Ice Damage Branches can be bent and broken by heavy snow accumulation and ice storms.

|20

Selectively prune to remove weak tree the snow. Others think a gentle tapping crotches where snow and ice loads on the underside of a branch removes may cause branches to tear away from the bulk of the weight while risking little the main trunk. damage. There is Pruning should consensus, howevbe done well er, on the topic of before the onset removing ice from of winter, ideally branches: Don’t. in early spring.

Wait for it to melt To protect on its own. tall, multistemmed everSalt Damage greens such as Plants that are yews, arborvitae, subject to road salt and junipers by passing cars and from splitting, snowplows are at tie them with great risk, as salt garden twine. spray on leaves Drive a stake that and branches can is slightly taller burn them. Salt than the plant contained in meltinto the ground. ing snow enters Start at the botthe soil and is Arborvitae wrapped with twine tom and wind the absorbed by the twine around both the stake and the plant’s root system. High concentrations shrub. This will prevent the branches can kill woody plant material in a single from being forced downward under season. Consider building a snow fence the heavy weight of snow or ice. to block salt-laden snow. When spring A-frames made of heavy-duty arrives, water heavily to rinse the plant plywood can be and to dilute and erected to shield leach the salt out foundation plantof the soil. When ings that might planting new matebe damaged by rial, avoid proximsnow or ice slidity to areas likely ing from the roof. to be within the Ideally, shrubs reach of road salt. and trees should Consider the use of be planted a minsalt-tolerant plants imum of 4 feet such as rugosa away from the roses and cotohouse and eaves neasters, if approto reduce the risk priate. of damage from sliding snow.

Sunscald Opinions vary Sunscald develabout brushops on the south or ing snow from southwest side of branches after a trees after exposure heavy wet snowto direct sun. It is Juniper wrapped with twine fall. Some believe characterized by it does more harm than good, as tenelongated, sunken, dried, or cracked areas der tips are easily brushed away with of dead bark. When the temperature on

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93676

Special Winter Feature the sunny side of the trunk is considerably warmer than the air temperature, the sun-warmed side thinks it is time to break dormancy, only to be plunged back into the night-time cold, killing active tissue. Affected trees can have sparse foliage, stem, and stunted growth. Newly planted trees and thin-barked trees such as cherry, crabapple, linden, maple, and plum are most susceptible. As trees age, their bark thickens, insulating dormant tissue. Sunscald can be prevented with the use of commercial tree wraps and guards. Ideally, plant trees and shrubs prone to winter burn in natural shelterbelts such as the leeward side of buildings or hedges.

Critters Hungry rabbits and mice often feed on the bark of trees and shrubs, especially as food becomes scarce in late winter.

Mice chew on bark below the snow, while rabbits do their damage sitting atop the snow. If a trunk is completely girdled,

4

|22

Wire mesh trunk protection

it will die. By wrapping a mesh screen around the trunk from soil level to the expected snow line, you will protect the tree. Keep mulch away from the base of the tree, as mulch provides a warm hiding place for rodents.

Deer are the nemesis of many a gar-

dener, and this subject probably warrants an article of its own. A quick summary of non-lethal options to limit the damage done by deer includes using deer-resistant plant material (including plants that don’t appeal to their taste buds and plants they can’t reach), wrapping desirable plants with burlap, application of commercial deer repellents, and construction of fencing. Clearly, it’s a subject for further discussion.

As winter comes upon us, remember these words: “Winter is the season in which people try to keep the house as warm as it was in the summer, when they complained about the heat.” - Author unknown.

Gaele McCully, MCLP, is part of the landscape design team at Mahoney’s Garden Centers.

(888) 889-9996

www.mnla.com

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23

Build Your Company through Internships

by Mark Ahronian, MCH

M

any years ago, I realized that in building a successful company in the landscaping design/build field, I needed young, inspirational, positive people — people who loved the immediate results that landscaping provides. I needed creative people who liked working outside. I knew these young people were out there, but our industry was behind the times in outreach.

I often heard of high tech companies reaching out to future leaders. I decided I could do the same. So I let it be known at the Norfolk County Agricultural School, my hometown high school in Holliston, and the Stockbridge school that I would be willing to work directly with an intern as an owner. I wanted to teach them the Ahronian way.

As an owner, you immediately recognize the attributes of individuals through internships. Because you are working

directly with the intern, you find out where they need your help the most. It’s important to build their confidence, to only give them what they can handle at that time. It’s also important to keep an open dialogue. And it’s important to challenge them and keep them motivated.

When a young person starts out, and the owner helps them, they never forget; they become loyal, trustworthy, and part of the company fabric. They know and understand you, and why you like things done a certain way. Three of our most recent interns are back in college now, and plan to come back next year.

My first intern from 1998/1999 was Jim Stucchi, who today is MNLA’s vice president and part owner of Ahronian Landscaping. Today, my son, David, who is part of the upper management team, my construction head, Tom Goulding, and our fourth and newest designer, Christopher Johnston, all did their internships with us.

Later this month, we will bring on our newest intern from Holliston High. He is very excited. I work with the student career office at Holliston High and find that working with a local school has its advantages. First, the young intern may not have their own vehicle yet, and need a ride from parents, so close proximity is important. Since they will be working with you for a couple of hours at a time, you need to be close by. I typically ask the counselor to be flexible with the schedule. I ask for a four-window on Saturdays for a more reasonable time for outside work. It’s important for the intern to get hands-on training in a crew setting, and to learn how to use equipment. With shorter windows during the week, we learn plant identification, which they get quizzed on weekly. They also learn how to measure to scale, and we talk about design terms and what they mean. The intern has a binder and is required to do homework often using the Internet. When we’re done, this high school senior knows about sixty plants including the Latin names; they have done their own landscape design and color rendered it. They have been exposed to working outside, and they have an understanding of creativity and how we get from point A to point B. On a personal side, it is without a doubt gratifying to watch young people grow, and know that you had some measure of positive influence.

Mark Ahronian, MCH, Ahronian Landscaping & Design, Inc. Products Committee Chair

|24

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Business Focus

Spend Marketing Dollars Now to Ease April’s Tax Burden

by Marcha Friedman

F

inancial advisors love to remind us that we should think about taxes all year long, not just the end of the year.

Let’s face it, though. Many of us — me included — get so caught up in our dayto-day activities and responsibilities that thoughts of what we can do to offset our tax bills don’t always enter our minds.

Then one day we look up, realize the end of the year is bearing down on us, and think, “Yikes! I promised myself not to let this happen again!”

It’s not quite the end of the year, but it’s closing in fast. As a businesswoman who has to do marketing herself, I understand the importance of tax planning. Here are some thoughts on how the two can work together.

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before December 31, you gain a 2015 tax write-off. As it turns out, though, just like with tax planning, many people neglect to think about their marketing plans and budgets until they are nearly past what should have been the deadline. It means missed opportunities for both promotions and taxes.

It’s a double-whammy of woes.

You don’t want to fall into that trap.

Let me offer a few simple suggestions on how you can combine thinking about taxes with thinking about marketing and come out ahead on both.

• No need to delay. “Not to worry,” you say. “I’m not releasing anything until a few months into next year.

I’ve still got plenty of time.” But even if you plan a 2016 release date for your product or the launch of a new service, the time to start planning how to promote it is now. PR should not be a last-minute addon. It should be an integral part of your planning throughout the entire process.

• The tax advantage is now if you pay now. Don’t just plan your 2016 PR now. Pay for it now, too, and save the receipt for your 2015 tax returns. You get an immediate tax write-off, rather than waiting another year to use it to your bottom-line advantage. Just confirm the agency you hire is willing to let you pay now and launch your campaign later.

• Make sure you get what you pay for. If you go the route of paying now, but delaying the launch until well into the New Year, look for a firm that’s been around for years so you are confident it will still be in business when you are ready for your campaign to be put into action.

All that advance planning will pay off when it’s time to launch your business, service, or products. Not only is it smart from a tax perspective, it’s also like giving yourself a bonus present for the holidays.

Marsha Friedman (prinsider@emsincorporated.com) is the founder and CEO of pay-for-performance public relations firm EMS Incorporated, and the author of Celebritize Yourself. www.mnla.com

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Advertiser Index A&B Insurance Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

MARKETPLACE

Acorn Tree and Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Amherst Nurseries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Bigelow Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Cavicchio Landscape Supplies, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Coronis Consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Fairview Evergreen Nuseries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Farm Credit East . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Farm Family Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Griffon Greehouse Supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Motz & Son Nursery

Ideal Concrete Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Wholesale Growers of ...

Milton Cat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Shade and Flowering TreeS

Motz & Son Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

FruiT TreeS dwarf, Semi-dwarf & Standard

New England Regional Turfgrass Conference . . . . . . . . . . 28

combinaTion FruiT TreeS (4 in 1)

Northeast Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

eSpalier appleS

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Sylvan Nurseries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

walnuTS and FilberTS

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29

|

My Favorite Plant

Callicarpa dichotoma — Beautyberry — Color for Three Seasons

I

first noticed Callicarpa dichotoma in the Arnold Arboretum on Bussey Hill Road near the overlook. The brilliant lavender berries accented by brilliant yellow foliage stood out in the late October afternoon, with the long shadows cast by the sun so low in the sky.

Later, I found Callicarpa dichotoma ‘Issai’ and was intrigued by the more compact plant. I usually prune it down in early spring to 3 – 4 inches. This helps the plant stay more compact, and aids better fruiting on the new growth.

The leaf structure has a clean appearance, according to Dr. Michael Dirr, a horticulturist and professor of horticulture at the University of Georgia: “Opposite, simple, elliptic to obovate, 1 to 3 inches long, half as wide” in a very nice medium green color and slight serration.

In late spring after the leaves have emerged, one can see very delicate appearing pale pink flowers emerge along the top side of the arching stems.

The real show comes in middle to late autumn, when the leaves lose some of the green to become pale green to chartreuse, and brilliant purple/lavender berries appear in bunches again along the top side of the arching branches.

Just the Facts Type: Deciduous shrub Hardiness Zone: 5a Exposure: Sun to part shade Soil: Average, wet, dry Fall Leaf Color: Chartreuse Size: 42” high, 48” wide Growth Rate: Average Terence Duffy Weston Nurseries, Chelmsford, Massachusetts

|30

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