MARYLAND
N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENHOUSE A S S O C I AT I O N , I N C .
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Free State A NEWSLETTER FOR AND ABOUT MNLGA MEMBERS SPRING 2020 VOL. XLVII NO. 1
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Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 3
PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
W
riting an article for each issue of FREE STATE was almost a good enough reason to decline becoming president. I am not the writer my father is, or my grandfather was. So here I am back in high school writing the article the night before it is due. When I became President in January, I started thinking about some things I would like to change. Now, those things have changed due to the Covid19 outbreak (more on that later). I also thought about how my nursery has worked with the MNA, MNLA and MNLGA over the years. I am the third member of my family to be president of this great organization. My grandfather was president in 1942 and 43, my great uncle in 1953 and me in 2020. My great grandfather, grandfather and father all have received The Professional Achievement award from the Association. My grandfather went on the Honor Roll for ANLA. My great grandfather developed a red mallow and had it patented. It was (formerly) PP 835 so it was a year or two ago. All in all, that’s not too shabby for a small 4th generation nursery.
LARRY HEMMING
Eastern Shore Nurseries
I have read some of my grandfather’s old articles and speeches as nothing gets thrown away. When we cleaned out the old office, we found the pay records for Norman Fischer of Wye Nursery when he worked here as a young man. I realize after reading his articles from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s not much has changed. The two biggest problems are still labor and government regulations.
Robert Joh nston
Right now, we are in the midst of a global pandemic. The last pandemic we had was 100 years ago. From what I am seeing some sales have been crunched to others being normal. The problem being for how long does this last? The only thing we can do is be careful and try to keep working in these trying times. The MNLGA is here to help in any way we can. Do not hesitate to call me with anything the MNLGA can do to help you.
ing
emm H m a S . E
I will end this by saying the MNLGA needs volunteers for numerous jobs. I would like to see more representation from small firms. If my small nursery can send three presidents to the organization, I’m sure someone can volunteer for something from your nursery.
4 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
Contents 9 THIS BUSINESS OF OURS Mike Hemming 13 TOTAL PLANT MANAGEMENT Stanton Gill 20 GROWING WITH EDUCATION Ginny Rosenkranz 27 MANTS 50 Retrospective
Living Through These Interesting Times
Scale from Asia Hits Crape Myrtle in DE and VA
Our Native Flowering Dogwood
page 9
page 27
38
42 46 48 54
28 50th Anniversary Celebration 32 50 Years Strong 36 Raffles, Give-a-Ways and more
GROWING FORWARD Leslie Hunter Cario Strengthening Horticultural Connections with the Broader Agriculture Industry through LEAD Maryland
MNLGA Members Represented at MANTS MNLGA Annual Meeting FEATURED MEMBER Carol Kinsley Eastern Shore Nurseries, Inc.
GARDENCOMM C.L. Fornari Finding The Silver Linings Post-COVID19: Planning, Communications, and Opportunities
58 CHESAPEAKE GREEN RECAP Chelsea Bailey 62 AMERICANHORT
page 54
COVID-19, Main Street Lending, and Ralstonia Webinar
DEPARTMENTS page 13
page 20
page 48 ON THE COVER: Maggie Lundy, MNLGA member, of Environmental Concern exhibiting at MANTS 2020.
4 President’s Message 6 Director’s Message 8 Association Officers 8 Directory of Advertisers 17 Obituary 17 Wye Oak Sponsors 52 New Members 70 Maryland Green Industry Calendar of Events 71 MNLGA Mission Statement 72 Affinity Programs 73 MNLGA Chairs and Committees 73 MNLGA Board of Directors Executive Director: Vanessa A. Finney Quercus Management Staff: E. Kelly Finney and Chelsea Bailey Phone: 410-823-8684 | Fax: 410-296-8288 | E-mail: office@mnlga.org Web: mnlga.org | Free State e-mail: freestate@mnlga.org Design: Gregory J. Cannizzaro Graphic Design (contact information page 67) © 2020 Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association, Inc.
Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 5
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
E
arly on in the pandemic, when COVID19 information – fact sheets, CDC guidelines, Governor Hogan’s Executive Orders, recovery programs, BMPs, etc. etc. etc. was being produced VANESSA A. FINNEY Executive Director and distributed quicker than we could catch our breath, Ray Greenstreet shared with me a link to a video hosted by Anna Ball. I am so glad I took the few minutes to watch her video. In the midst of pure chaos Anna delivered thoughtful advice, that I would like to share with all of you. I think her words are totally apropos for the world in which we currently find ourselves, and extend truly into a pattern of how we can/should approach our daily lives, even in ‘normal’ times. First rule – Follow the Rules. I know this is getting harder to follow, the longer we are under stay-at-home orders. As I write my column, we are in week eight. Did any of us expect to be under restrictions for so long? But yes, we need to follow the rules – a civil society follows the rules and if we follow the rules, in this case – for social distancing, sanitation, etc., we will be able to keep our jobs classified as essential and hopefully not set off another spike in cases when we are able to socialize and gather again – be it for work or fun. Second rule – Be Positive. Right! What’s the point of being negative? Being negative won’t get you anywhere. We are all in this together – let’s support and lean on each other. I believe a whole bunch of businesses just discovered the value of working as a group and being part of a group – specifically the MNLGA. It took a pandemic, and offer of complimentary membership for a few months, but MNLGA took in over 130 new
6 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
members in three weeks – all folks eager and interested in keeping up with the latest news and resources, boiled downed and distributed in a timely and cogent manner. That’s nothing new for the MNLGA; that’s how we operate. But it was new to those 130 new businesses who found a positive and helpful connection with their industry peers. Third rule – Look for Opportunities. I was encouraged by the many members who contacted the office looking for advice and/or sharing feedback and best management practices. There has been a lot of creative thinking and adaptation implemented in the past two months. One of the biggest challenges has been keeping businesses open and workers employed, even though our industry is considered essential. Covid-related restrictions – like the closing of supply chains, implementation of social distancing, stay-athome orders – have all put a damper on how we’ve conducted business. But our members have prevailed – they have sought out opportunities to carry on, while still following the rules. Its not been easy; but the point is that often what we thought was not possible, is doable, and may even become part of our ‘new normal’ way of doing things. Fourth rule – Communicate. We all know the value of communication, which should never be underestimated. Many members shared samples of how they communicated with their employees, vendors, and clients. During the first month of the pandemic, MNLGA sent daily updates to members. Overkill perhaps under different circumstances, but not when the amount of critical and time-sensitive information needs to get into the right hands. Link to Anna Ball’s video: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=FtlIio_bXB4&feature=share I wish the best to all of you. You’ve been phenomenal; keep with it! “Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
ADVERTISERS Firm Page Affinity Program – MNLGA 72 American Landscape Institute 25 AmericanHort 26 AmericanHort Cultivate20 64 Angelica Nurseries, Inc. Outside Back Cover Babikow Greenhouses Inside Front Cover Cam Too Camelia 19 Cavano’s Perennials 7 Chesapeake Green Symposium 57 CPH 68 Fairview Evergreen Nursery 37 Farm Credit 12 Field Day 26 Foxborough Nursery Inside Back Cover Gregory J. Cannizzaro Graphic Design 67 The HC Companies 16 Hortica 18 Kollar Nursery 19 Manor View Farm 15 MANTS 74 MD Ag Ed Foundation 66 MNLGA.org 53 Office Depot 69 OHP 3 Perennial Farm 24 Wye Oak Sponsors 17
MARYLAND
N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENHOUSE A S S O C I AT I O N , I N C .
Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association Officers 2020 President Larry Hemming Eastern Shore Nurseries 410-822-1320 1st Vice President John Murphy Murphy John’s, Inc. 410-928-3029 2nd Vice President Leslie Hunter Cario Chesapeake Horticultural Services 410-924-5847 Secretary Patrick Waldt Griffin Greenhouse Supplies 443-417-3983 Treasurer Carrie Engel Valley View Farms 410-527-0700 Director-at-Large Jessica Todd Clear Ridge Nursery, Inc. 888-226-9226
MNLGA Contact Info: P.O. Box 726 Brooklandville, Maryland 21022 Phone: 410-823-8684
Kollar Nursery
Fax: 410-296-8288 G R E G O R Y J.
E-mail: office@mnlga.org
Graphic Design
Free State E-mail: freestate@mnlga.org
cannizzaro
Website: mnlga.org
MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
8 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
THIS BUSINESS OF OURS
Mike Hemming
Living through these interesting times W
ell this is a fine mess we are in. I have already changed this article three times in my mind and once on paper.
I will start with my son Larry being elected as president of the MNLGA in January. Larry is now the third president from our Eastern Shore Nurseries Inc. in our 91 years. He is preceded by his Grandfather E. Sam Hemming (1942 & 1943) and his great uncle Robert S. Johnston (1953). I have to admit I’m proud of him and am sure he will do a good job. It has already been an interesting time for Larry and all of us here and the rest of the world recently. I did ask him if he was sorry that he became president in this “interesting time”, remembering an apropos ancient Chinese curse, “May you live in interesting times”. COVID19 is obviously going to rattle our lives for
some time to come. Larry has been in contact with the rest of the board and MNLGA Executive Director Vanessa Finney just about every day. One of the good things they decided was to suspend membership dues through March 2021 and allow anyone in the industry a complimentary membership for the remainder of 2020. This, so they can go to the website and get correct information about how we are affected quickly and easily. As we well know there will always be incorrect info, guesses and outright lies spreading like wildfire in a case like this. You know this because this toilet paper shortage is just absolutely insane. All this is breaking loose, after a good winter, warm, and no snow here on the Eastern Shore and business coming in for us almost every day. Since the second week of January only 5 days went by with no sales through February. I think that is some kind (continued on next page) Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 9
THIS BUSINESS OF OURS (Continued) of record. It certainly gave us hope for a great spring. Spring did start out great and up until today, March 23, has remained very good. But this is the day Governor Hogan declared all nonessential businesses to close. So far that doesn’t include agriculture businesses which we are. I’ll say remaining as agriculture is something we should always fight tooth and nail to remain under that umbrella. We have had a number of customers saying things like, “Well if everything is going to be closed, we will just work in the yard”. That has worked in our favor so far. I just this morning put on Facebook that we were allowed to be open and would be open. We would follow the rules of social distancing, which is easy in a nursery. During this time we will deliver for free. We are trying to take every care to protect employees and customers alike. We are cleaning the sales office counter and equipment often. When I went to a Delaware nursery today, the office person met me at the door. She handed me the order sheet, which I signed with my own pen. I was not allowed into the office itself. Then my plants were brought to my truck. I always do the stepping up of plants to larger container sizes each winter after the cuttings are potted toward the end of February. This winter I turned that
10 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
around starting in early December to step up #1’s into #3’s and #3’s into #7’s. I was paying particular attention to hollies, bayberry, arborvitaes and others that we never have enough of. Because there was never enough time to get the move ups done in the winter. They always got done by midsummer. But the lost spring growing time meant they weren’t ready for sale until very late in the fall at the earliest. Especially the ones that I didn’t have room for in a warm greenhouse. I did get move ups done in time for the cuttings to be finished being potted about the usual time at the end of February by the employees that work in that greenhouse. We shouldn’t always do things the same way just because it’s always been done that way. Speaking of that, I’m going to try something new in propagation because our old mechanical timer for the mist system is worn in such a way that it over waters the cuttings. Last summer’s production of azaleas, Japanese hollies and Emerald Green Arborvitaes was poor in certain batches. Some batches taken on different dates did better but not great. On checking prices for digital timers, I was a bit appalled at the prices for them. During my searches through bing. com I found something I remember seeing when I was in college in the 70’s. This was a mist controller called the
Electronic Leaf. I absolutely despise Google and refuse to ever use it. Not only do they track your internet usage intrusively, they call us often 5 to 7 times a week to get us to upgrade. And don’t ever buy a Chromebook or they will know everything about you and controlling information on your online activity to use and sell as they wish. In any case, the Electronic Leaf must have something going for it to have lasted this long besides a lower cost over the timers. It will be somewhat easier to install in our situation. I’m sure there will be a learning curve on where to place the controller. It will be like the need to adjust the timers for varying conditions from day to day or even hour to hour. This can be a problem during weekends when no one is there. Reading reviews of the Leaf, the one bad review was an operator that had iron in their well water. The iron caused deposits to weight the sensor arm down and required it to be cleaned. The reviewer did note that it had been used for 6 years. Every one of the Gordlinia cuttings I talked about in my last article rooted and was potted up and is showing evidence of growth starting. So far no mortality, which I will report on as it is mentioned it articles about the plant. Speaking of cuttings, some good news, a bunch of Encore Azaleas came off patent this year. The list includes ‘Amethyst’, ‘Cheer’, ‘Coral’, ‘Embers’, ‘Rouge’,
and ‘Royalty’. Yes there are new ones out, but these are some favorites and now time tested. This a small break in what is getting to be an expensive trend in our business. One thing I have a problem with is it is very difficult to find plant patent dates. It is almost like they want to hide them. To keep us from knowing when we can propagate them? I do know that a large western nursery was sued for having out of date patent numbers in their catalogue. This is illegal. However, the suit was dismissed under a quirk in the law that said the plaintiff had no standing to sue. The outdated numbers were removed the following year. So, some good came of it. As I finish this, it is now the 30th of March. It has been the best March we have ever had. Who knows if it will continue? I hope and pray we all survive this both health wise and economically. Mike Hemming Eastern Shore Nurseries Inc 410-822-1320 esn@goeaston.net easternshorenurseries.com
The graphics used in this article can be found at mnlga.org and can be used for all your social media needs. Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 11
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TOTAL PLANT MANAGEMENT
Stanton Gill
Scale from Asia Hits Crape Myrtle in DE and VA I
bodies. This white sac is n the dead of winter what will catch your eye of 2020, I received a or your customer’s eye. picture of a scale on The females lay 100 to crape myrtle from an 300 pink eggs inside this arborist at the Bartlett sac. You can go from a Tree Company asking if light infestation to a heavy this was the crape myrtle infestation in short order. bark scale. I needed a sample to confirm the In 2004 a report was identification, but they received in at the lab of decided to send it to Dr. Michael Merchant, their company lab. The Texas A & M from a local sample came from a landscape maintenance site in Delaware. The company concerning an arborist sent a sample to unusual pest insect on the company lab in the crape myrtle that was Scale, cottony camellia taxus-females producing eggs and sooty mold on Carolinas and received Ilex-SK-14 proving exceptionally back a confirmation that difficult to control. This it was indeed crape myrtle bark scale. This scale was initial infestation was located on a commercial property also confirmed to be in Virginia Beach by Peter Schultz in Richardson, Texas. Initially this insect was identified in 2018 - 2019. When Dave Clement and I were speaking as an Eriococcid scale (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), in Norfolk, VA in January 2020 we had a chance to see most likely the azalea bark scale, Eriococcus azalea. A this scale firsthand. The build on the infested plant was sample of the scale was collected by Dr. Mike Merchant incredible. at Texas A & M in 2008 and submitted for ID and it We have not found it in Maryland yet, but with these surrounding states having an infestation it is only a matter of time until it shows up here in Maryland. If you find something suspicious on crape myrtle this year, please let me know. My email is Sgill@umd.edu. The azalea bark scale, Eriococcus lagerstroemiae, belongs to a group of scale insects known as felt scales. Adult females produce a white, felt-like sac around their
was still thought be azalea bark scale. Because of the fact that azalea bark scale had never before been recorded from crape myrtle, and they learned of a very similar species of Eriococcid scale that feeds on crape myrtle from China and Japan, they resubmitted scale samples to Dr. Doug Miller (now retired) in 2010, systematic taxonomist for scale insects with the USDA (continued on next page) Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 13
LEFT Scale, cottony camellia taxus scale with crawlers-SK-5 RIGHT Scale, cottony camelia taxus on holly-egg sacs-May 17, 2005-SK 306
TOTAL PLANT MANAGEMENT (Continued) in Washington, DC. He concluded that it was very likely that this scale insect is a new introduction of Eriococcus lagerostroemia, the scale previously known only from Asia. He was unable to detect any physical differences between the crape myrtle scale and the azalea bark scale. DNA analysis is necessary to differentiate the two species. As of the beginning of 2014, in Texas the crape myrtle bark scale had been observed infesting crape myrtles throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth-Denton-Rockwall area, and in Tyler, TX. In 2012 the scale was confirmed in Ardmore, OK and in 2013/14 it was confirmed in Houma and Shreveport, LA; Germantown, TN; and Little Rock, AR. It has since been confirmed in North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Georgia. In Texas, Dr.Merchant had a chance to test out several materials to try to control this new invasive scale. In addition to testing some newer neonicotinoid insecticides, they looked at applications of horticultural oil and of malathion. The latter two treatments provided no significant suppression of scale activity; however, they did see significant control with acetamiprid, clothianidan, and dinotefuran. History of the Crape Myrtle The National Arboretum did a lot of breeding work on crape myrtle. In the 1960s they released hybrid crape myrtles that were resistant to powdery mildew. The new hybrids were very popular and were being planted 14 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
everywhere. The number of plantings increased dramatically. Then something happened - we had two extremely cold winters and most of the crape myrtles were killed to the ground. People lost interest in this plant for several years afterwards. This was in the last decade- the 20th century. Fast forward to the 21st century - in the last 20 or so years, crape myrtles have made a comeback in Maryland and Northern Virginia. We had 7 very mild winters in a row and the crape myrtles seemed to flourish. In 2014 and 2015 the temperatures dropped into the minus double-digit range and many crape myrtles suffered but managed to struggle through. Crape myrtles seem to recoup very quickly during the heat of the summer, and you could barely see any damage in 2017. Why is this plant so popular in Maryland/D.C. and Northern Virginia? It is being used heavily in city-scapes where it is hot and dry, and they seem to perform pretty well. In Maryland nurseries, crape myrtle liners are planted out with increasing frequency and nursery managers tell me they cannot keep enough big crape myrtles in stock to meet the market. Many crape myrtles are being shipped in from southern nurseries to fill the demand from landscapers. Here is the problem, this scale that was introduced from the Orient is all through the south and in some nursery operations. You need to be very vigilant of crape myrtles being shipped in from the south and reject plant material if it has this scale
I have said over and over again, if you start over-planting any species, you will find an insect that will adapt to that popular plant. Some people are providing way too many opportunities for pest complexes to develop.
Stanton Gill, Extension Specialist in Nursery and Greenhouse IPM, Central Maryland Research and Education Center, University of Maryland Extension and Professor with the Landscape technology Program, Montgomery College
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Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 15
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OBITUARY
John H. “Jack” Radebaugh John H. “Jack” Radebaugh, 80, of Freeland, MD passed away Sunday, March 29, 2020 at Gilchrist Hospice in Towson. He was the husband of Nancy (Dougherty) Radebaugh to whom he was married 47 years. Born in Baltimore he was a son of the late George W. Radebaugh, Sr. and Anna (Martin) Radebaugh. Jack as he was known by many came from a big family who had a passion for growing crops and flowers. He was a hard worker who loved to farm, be outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Jack was a very generous man who always took care of his family and his friends. He was a veteran of the USMC and will be truly missed by all who knew him. In addition to his wife Nancy he is survived by four children Leslie and husband John Peddicord, John “Benny” Radebaugh and wife Deborah, David Radebaugh and wife Barbara, and J.D. Radebaugh and wife Shannon; nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one sister Jeannette Hollenshade. Jack was preceded in death by a son Patrick M. Radebaugh and three brothers George W. Radebaugh, Jr., Carroll Radebaugh and Joseph Radebaugh, Sr. Private services were held.
WYE OAK SPONSORS MNLGA would like to thank these companies for their sponsorship and support.
The MNLGA sponsorship Program is designed with your increased visibility in mind. It is a simple straightforward and reward driven program. The recognition opportunities coupled with an MNLGA Sponsorship are unparallelded for a state association. Sponsorship rates and benefits are avaiable on mnlga.org/sponsorship Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 17
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1877-55A SPRING 2020 • Free State News
16003141
4/10/19
A NEWSLETTER FOR AND
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
ABOUT MNLGA MEMBERS
SPRING 2020 VOL. XLVII
NO. 1
MARYLAND
The deadline for submissions for the summer issue of Free State Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse News is July 1, 2020.
FREE STATE
N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENH O A S S O C I A T I O N , I UN SCE.
Native Ferns,perennials, Perennials, Shrubs Trees. NativeWildflowers, wildflowers, ferns, shrubs andand trees for Dogwoods (including Appalachian Series), Ruby Falls Redbud, restoration, wildlife, landscaping, education, aesthetics or that Valley Forge Elm, and more. Contract growing. Since 1985. special project. Contract growing. Since 1985.
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We welcome your company news and updates or columns with your professional insight. E-mail anysubmissions to Free State News at freestate@mnlga.org or mail to:
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office@mnlga.org Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 19
GROWING WITH EDUCATION
Ginny Rosenkranz
O
OUR NATIVE
FLOWERING DOGWOOD 20 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
ur native Flowering Dogwood, Cornus florida is one of the most beautiful native trees in our area. It is truly a plant for all four seasons, springtime brings the flowers, summer the glossy green foliage, autumn brings foliar color and bright red berries, while winter brings the graceful silhouette of the horizontal branching and the decorative bark. Flowering dogwoods grow 15-30 feet tall and wide, growing taller and rounded while young and spreading out more when mature. Like many of our native small deciduous trees, it loves to live under the shade of larger trees, sharing the morning sun but sheltering from the more intense afternoon sun. Hardy in USDA zones of 5-9, the flowering dogwood thrives in moist, organically rich acidic soils with a layer of mulch to maintain soil moisture, keep the roots cool and remove the competition of the lawn grass roots. Please keep in mind that the mulch should be at least an inch away from the trunk of the tree and no deeper than two
inches. These trees also benefit from being planted at least an inch or two above the soil line whether it has been grown in a container or has be dug, balled and burlapped. The spring flowers are actually very small, yellow green in color and grouped in a button like cluster surrounded by four large, white, pink or red bracts which open flat. The bracts are nature’s way of showcasing the flowers and inviting the pollinators with a comfortable perch to rest on while they partake of the buffet of flowers. Each bract can expand up to two inches with the outer edge rounded with a central divot and together the flowers and bracts can be three to five inches across. The glossy green leaves are often reddish when they first emerge, then mature to three to six inch ovals with the veins curving to echo the oval shape. In the autumn the foliage can turn purple to various shades of red
that glow in the morning sunshine. Autumn also highlights the ripened bright red fruits that are prized by our native birds. The bark of the new stems is often green or purple in color then becoming grey. As the stems become branches the bark becomes more checkered and is colored dark grey or brown. All the attributes of this lovely tree have made it the State tree for Missouri, New Jersey and Virginia, but recently there have been a number of diseases that have proved problematic. Often the disease and insects attacking the flowering dogwoods occur when trees are stressed from being planted too deeply, soil that is too dry, soil that is too wet or plants planted in full sun. The Mid-Atlantic area saw a new disease, dogwood anthracnose (Discula destructive) in the early 1990’s and in the mid 1990’s another disease, powdery mildew, began to attack the Flowering Dogwood.
Dogwood anthracnose attacks trees that are growing in very cool, shady and moist conditions, showing up on the leaves as tan lesions with purple margins. The lesions continue to spread from the leaves to the petiole and then to the stems, causing cankers to spread from the stems to the branches and trunk of the tree. It is the spread of the cankers that causes the death of the tree, but the tree will try to outgrow the cankers with an abundance of water sprouts. Unfortunately the (continued on next page)
Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 21
GROWING WITH EDUCATION (Continued) environmental conditions that caused the initial infection usually attacks and kills the water sprouts. Dogwood anthracnose usually attacks dogwoods in the north and western parts of the western shore. Powdery mildew attacks trees that are growing in very dense shade. The environmental conditions that favor powdery mildew are warm, dry days and cool, damp nights. The disease covers the leaves and new shoots with a white powdery growth on the top surfaces and lead to leaf scorch of the margins, red- purple discoloration of the leaves followed by early leaf drop. Powdery mildew
22 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
usually attacks dogwoods on the Eastern Shore, Southern Maryland and the beltway areas. Insects that attack Cornus florida when the trees are stressed include the Dogwood borer and scales. The Dogwood borer adult is a clear winged moth and the female likes to lay her eggs on stressed trees or trees with damaged bark. The young caterpillars look for damaged bark as an entrance to the inside of the tree where they feast on the sweet cambium layer just under the bark. Flatheaded Apple borer will also attack a Flowering Dogwood if it is stressed. They are beetles that
lay their eggs under the plates of bark, or in bark crevices. The larva hatch out and bore into the bark to the sweet phloem layer to feed. There are two soft scale, Calico and Cottony Maple, which suck the sweet phloem layer to feed, and excrete a sugary substance called honeydew upon which sooty mold grows. The third scale, Oystershell scale, is a hard scale and although it still sucks the sap from the trees, applying a horticulture oil in the late winter can often control the scale. Fungicides had been the main method of control for both the diseases and proved to be very costly. Plant breeders began to find and/or create cultivars of Cornus florida that showed resistance to the disease. The first of the resistant dogwoods were created by Dr. Orton of Rutgers University by crossing C. florida and C. kousa creating the hybrid Rutgers Stellar series. These hybrid varieties are resistant to both dogwood borer and dogwood anthracnose and some show resistance to powdery mildew as well including the varieties ‘Celestial’®, ‘Constellation’® and ‘Stellar Pink’®. All of these hybrid varieties are small compact vigorous trees that can grow with up to 6 hours of full sun. C. ‘Celestial®’ has sterile flowers, grows 14-18 feet tall and almost as wide, and has a very dense upright habit. It heavily blooms with three to four inch overlapping bracts that start with a green shading that fades to pure white and mature to a light pink. C. ‘Constellation’® also has sterile flowers, with a low branching habit, growing 16-22 feet tall and
almost as wide. The many sterile flower clusters can grow four to five inches in diameter with widely spaced pure white bracts that are pointed at the ends similar to C. kousa. C. ‘Stellar Pink’® also has a vigorous dense upright habit growing 15-20 feet wide and tall and is sterile. The three to five inch light pink, rounded bracts surround the central button of flowers and are slightly overlapping. Because all of these varieties are sterile, they do not bear fruit for autumn beauty and the native birds. Plant breeders also searched out plants growing wild on the Catoctin Mountains in Maryland that survived the devastation of dogwood anthracnose and found C. florida ‘Appalachian Spring’. Currently C. florida ‘Appalachian Spring’ is the only cultivar with strong resistance to dogwood anthracnose. It also has the lovely silhouette of horizontal branching, large white rounded bracts surrounding the button of fertile flowers, beautiful fall foliage and large bright red fruit that is prized by native birds. Other surviving dogwoods were discovered and showed excellent resistance to powdery mildew. Some are difficult to find in the nurseries or garden centers but are worth the treasure hunt. C. florida Jean’s Appalachian Snow’ has large showy white bracts that are slightly overlapping, the lovely brilliant red fruit in the fall and good autumn color. C. florida ‘Karen’s Appalachian Blush’ has large slightly overlapping bracts that are softly stroked with light pink in the centers of each bract.
C. florida ‘Kay’s Appalachian Mist’ has soft white bracts in the spring, excellent fall foliage color and bright red fruit. The most difficult to find is C. florida ‘Appalachian Joy’, which not only has excellent resistance to powdery mildew but has up to eight pure white slightly overlapping bracts that surround the button of fertile flowers. C. florida ‘Cherokee Brave’ is one of our native dogwoods that is naturally resistant to powdery mildew and has beautiful red bracts that over time fade to a soft white.
the dark glossy green summer foliage emerges. Disease resistant trees have a better chance to exhibit the various reds to redpurple fall foliage, and the bright red berries that all the non-sterile plants have are devoured by our native birds as early as they mature.
Depending on where in Maryland you plant a dogwood, there are now some beautiful, disease resistant, graceful trees that will provide springtime color with red, pink or white bracts that cover the trees for almost two weeks before Ginny Rosenkranz Extension Educator, Commercial Horticulture, University of Maryland Extension, Dorchester, Sommerset, Wicomico and Worchester County 410 749-6141 x106 rosnkrnz@umd.edu
Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 23
24 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 25
P E R FO R M
BETTER Highlighting best practices throughout our industry.
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FIELD DAY 2020 Will be held at Longwood Gardens Date and time TBA
g n i Com Fall! this 26 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
Celebrating 50 Years of Business and 40 Years in Baltimore
The following pages are a retrospective of the 2020 show including the people who make it happen ‌ our members, the exhibitors and attendees and those behind the scenes. Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 27
MANTS RETROSPECT
Kelly Finney and Chelsea Bailey
A dinner to Remember I
n any “normal” year, the day before MANTS opens is best described as hectically fast paced with a side order of well-organized controlled chaos. But, 2020 was not “normal” because in addition to all that transpires behind the scenes (that the average attendee never sees or considers), MANTS was turning 50. On Tuesday evening, January 7th, a special group representing all aspects and multiple generations of the show gathered for an evening to remember. Yes, this was MANTS’ 50th Anniversary, but this occasion also marked our 40th year at the Baltimore Convention Center. This was a family celebration which included 50-year exhibitors, past and current Board members, long time attendees, members of the Union and other strategic partners and vendors and longtime convention center staff. There are too many people to thank and recognize, so I will limit it to three: the MANTS Board past and present who laid the foundation and have steadfastly protected the “MANTS means Business” philosophy; Peggy Daidakis of the Baltimore Convention Center, our first account executive, currently the Executive Director and a mentor, friend and colleague; Charlie’s crew and everyone behind the scenes, most of whom no one ever sees, but the ones who truly make MANTS, the Masterpiece of Trade Shows.
BOTTOM ROW Mary Louise Carter, Danny Shreckhise (MANTS Board) and Linda Shreckhise Charlie Parkerson (50 Year Exhibitor, Lancaster Farms/MANTS Board 82-90) Craig Regelbrugge (AmericanHort), Bernie Kohl Jr. (MANTS Board/ Angelica Nurseries) and George Mayo (pretending to be “retired”) Joe Knittle, John Lindner, Kelly Finney, Charlie Blocher, Brian Nave and Chad Knox with Vanessa Finney
28 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
TOP ROW Jan Carter (MANTS Board), Master of Ceremonies William Verbrugge (MANTS Board) with Bernie Duplan (MANTS Board 1973) MIDDLE ROW The Baltimore Convention Center has been “home” to MANTS for the past forty years Ken Fisher (CEO, AmericanHort) with Carl “Fletch” Flemer (50 Year Exhibitor, Ingleside Plantation Nurseries) Jan Carter presents Peggy Daidakis (Baltimore Convention Center Executive Director and first MANTS account executive in 1981) a gift of appreciation
Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 29
MANTS RETROSPECT DINNER (Continued) TOP ROW Dave Thompson (MANTS Board 89 – 94), Pierre Moitrier and Nancy Lowry Moitrier 17 Board Members, past and present, gathered for the 50th celebration. Back Row: Tom Saunders, Danny Shreckhise, Matt Dievert (VA), Mark Springer, Aaron Helmick, Norman Cole III (WV), Dave Thompson (MD), Brett Merritt (WV), John Lancaster (VA), Jan Carter (MD) Front Row: Bernie Duplan, William Verbrugge, Bernie Kohl Jr. (MD), Doug Hensel, Robin Rinaca (VA), Richard Marshall (MD), Charlie Parkerson (VA), Vanessa Finney (MD) CENTER ROW 50 Year Exhibitors display their commemorative lithograph, Tankard Nurseries, Star Roses and Plants (Conard Pyle), BFG (Wetsel Seed Company), Mobjack Nurseries, Ingleside Plantation Nurseries and Lancaster Farms Vanessa Akehurst Finney (MANTS Executive Vice President) recognizes those behind the scenes at MANTS BOTTOM ROW A MANTS timeline was featured at the celebration Brad Yoder and John Marshall Ruth Ann and Don McWilliams with Bernie Duplan and Carol Brose Cindy Cannizzaro, George Mayo and Greg Cannizzaro Brad Yoder reflects on being a 50 Year Exhibitor
30 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
ABOVE Long time partnerships are amongst the keys to MANTS’ success - Deb Peatt (Shepard Expo), Diane Debarros (Edlen) and Martin Husbands (MC Dean)
ABOVE John “Ed” Tankard reflects on being a 50 Year Exhibitor RIGHT Founding MANTS Board member Richard “Dick” Marshall served from 1970-1972
Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 31
MANTS RETROSPECTIVE
Kelly Finney
50 Years Strong, MANTS S
TOP ROW FROM LEFT Jennifer Seidl of Lancaster Farms talks plants MANTS means catching up Catalina Munevar of Plant ANT gives a demo It is all business for Bruce Ringlab and Tree Saether of Greenleaf Nursery Co. BOTTOM LEFT Ray Weigand looks over some nursery stock BOTTOM LEFT First year exhibitor Valen Zhao of Tree Nest
32 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
Another great year! More than 12,000 total registrants, attendees from 44 states and 15 countries had the opportunity to visit 968 exhibiting companies, spread out over 1,550 booths, to do business, network and learn about the latest green industry trends
Still Means Business
CENTER Belinda and Dale from Westlake visit Ingleside Nurseries ABOVE Lindsay Day of New Gen Boxwood describes their new release LEFT Susan Summers helps an exhibitor renew his booth space
Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 33
MANTS RETROSPECTIVE (Continued)
SECOND ROW FROM LEFT Doug from Saunders talks inventory with Village Farms Garden Center It is all business at Rijnbeek Perennials First Time Exhibitor Marco Orlandelli from the Orlandelli Group BELOW FROM LEFT Ladies in the Landscape Group Damon from Manor View Farm talks with new customers MANTS means the early morning registration rush
34 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
TOP ROW FROM LEFT Jan and Mary Louise Carter with Bernie Kohl of Angelica Nurseries Debby from Poole Brothers shows a wide selection of plants It is all about variety at Plantworks Nursery McHutchison means business at MANTS BELOW Lisa and Larry from L&M Greenhouse at Creek Hill Nursery
BOTTOM ROW FROM LEFT MANTS means the annual Thursday morning media breakfast MANTS means smiles at Buds & Blooms Nursery Steve from Beechwood Landscape Architecture reviews the specs Sam and Sammy Bridge stop at Qualitree
Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 35
MANTS RETROSPECTIVE (Continued)
Raffles and give-a-ways and more! BELOW Eric K of Elk Landscape Management wins Grand prize #1, a Toro Workman GTX provided by Turf Equipment and Supply Cheryl M of Robinson Nursery wins Grand Prize #2, a STIHL USA prize pack provided by Security Equipment Co. Andy S of Fairmont General Store wins Grand Prize #3, a John Deere Gator TS 4x21 provided by Atlantic Tractor
ABOVE Vanessa Akehurst Finney, Nancy Akehurst and 2019 Carville M. Akehurst Scholarship Award Winner Nicholas Dzurenda. Nicholas is from Blacksburg, Virginia and is a student at Virginia Tech The Four Amigos – Robert “Bob” Trumbule, Chuck Schuster, Hank Doong and George Mayo (coordinated and ran the MANTS 50th Anniversary drawings) LEFT American Landscape Institute students volunteered their time to help distribute 50th anniversary hats and key chains to attendees during the show RIGHT The Willoway Nurseries showstopper 36 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
The finest Taxus and Boxwood in the industry and so much more.
Carp Magic
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See Availability List on our website! FairviewEvergreen.com 7463 West Ridge Rd. P.O. Box 189 Fairview PA 16415 800.458.2234 e-mail: info@FairviewEvergreen.com Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 37
GROWING FORWARD
Leslie Hunter Cario
Strengthening Horticultural
Connections with the Broader Agriculture Industry
through LEAD Maryland
A
highlight of MANTS 2020, the event’s 50th anniversary, was the enthusiastic crowd that gathered for the LEAD Maryland Foundation Alumni Committee’s Educational Tour and Networking Social on January 9. Both activities took place right in the center of the action at MANTS, “The Masterpiece of Trade Shows,” which takes place every January at the Baltimore Convention Center near the Inner Harbor. LEAD Maryland is the state’s premiere agriculture and 38 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
natural resource leadership program administered by University of Maryland Extension (UME) and the Maryland LEAD Foundation. Participants in the MANTS Educational Tour and Networking Social included LEAD Alumni from every year of the program and most of the current LEAD Class XI Fellows, with diverse representation of Maryland’s agricultural community. Susan Harrison, LEAD Maryland’s Executive Director, and Debbie
FAR LEFT Leslie Hunter Cario (Chesapeake Horticultural Services) leads the yellow group on a tour of MANTS LEFT Geoff Delamater (Farm Credit) leads his MANTS tour BELOW Steve Black (Raemelton Farm) discusses exhibiting at MANTS
MidAtlantic Farm Credit, and the Maryland Nursery Landscape and Greenhouse Association (MNLGA). For John Marshall, the decision to help sponsor was simple. Through his participation in LEAD, he “met a lot of ag people beyond horticulture,” which provided him a better perspective of parts of agriculture that were unfamiliar to him and helped him in many ways. His operation’s success has allowed him the opportunity to give back to LEAD.
Simpkins, LEAD Program Director, along with UME’s Agriculture and Food Systems Program Leader, Dr. Darren Jarboe, and several LEAD board members took part in the event as well. Including spouses and other guests, approximately 75 people participated. LEAD’s Educational Tour and Networking Social events were generously sponsored by Marshalls’ Riverbank Nurseries (John Marshall Class VII), Ingleside Nurseries,
The events were conceived as a prime opportunity to connect LEAD Fellows, Alumni, and friends with one another, providing an opportunity to experience the DEPTH and BREADTH of the horticulture industry in Maryland. Planning by LEAD staff, alumni, and friends including Susan Harrison, Debbie Simpkins, Vanessa Finney (Class III, LEAD Maryland Foundation Past President, Executive VP of MANTS and Executive Director of MNLGA), Bill Schrodel (Class III and LEAD Maryland Alumni Committee Chair), Jessica Todd (Class IX and MNLGA Past President), Steve Black (MNLGA Past President), Leslie Hunter Cario (Class VII and MNLGA 2nd VP), Kathy Johnson, and Geoff Delameter ensured an engaging and educational atmosphere for participants. Tours were provided by the LEAD Alumni and friends involved with planning the event, leading small groups (continued on next page) Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 39
GROWING FORWARD (Continued) LEFT AND BELOW LEFT Brian Mitchell (Manor View Farm) talks about the green industry Smaller tours allowed for more interaction between LEAD Fellows and exhibitors PAGE 41 Tour Guides: Geoff Delamater, Bill Schrodel, Leslie Hunter Cario, Jessica Todd and Steve Black The post tour reception was enjoyed by all
“One impression that everyone left with is how friendly and welcoming everyone at MANTS is. Spirits were high, booths were busy, outlooks were so very positive.”
Susan Harrison
around the show floor, stopping to see booths of MNLGA members and other notable growers and suppliers from Maryland and beyond. Susan Harrison noted that “for many of the participants, it was their first time to MANTS. Having volunteers provide a 40 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
guided first look, was very valuable—we would have been lost without them. Thank you to our tour leaders!” Underlining the importance of these events, Susan explained “Fellows receive an introduction to the green industry during their 2-year LEAD Fellowship, but being at MANTS made all of those seminar presentations and statistics come to life—the economic impact, the diversity and scope of the industry, the leadership Maryland has in the industry nation-wide—it was all on display in a very interactive and engaging way.”
Steve Black commented that his tour group was “impressed by how interconnected, friendly, and collegial the ornamental horticulture industry is. While it’s a really big segment of agriculture, everybody [seems to] know everyone.” What made the greatest impression on the group Steve led was a visit to Waverly Farm’s exhibit. “Owner Jerry Faulring provided
an excellent summary of the business model of a field nursery operation.” Jerry emphasized the many years of planning and care for one crop, in contrast to traditional field crops. Participants from other agricultural sectors learned about how different it would be to run a business with a multi-year crop model. “The participants were impressed by the diversity of the show vendors and the fact that they come from across the world and not just the USA,” noted Jessica Todd. “When you think of the Green Industry, a lot of folks think strictly plants, however there are so many other businesses that are needed to keep the engine that is the Green Industry running smoothly. Whether its equipment, tools, advertising or chemicals, all are part of the Green Industry and that is what makes our industry so amazing and diverse.” Her tour group was most impressed by colorful displays, the size of plant material displayed, and large equipment. One of the most captivating exhibits for the group led by Leslie Hunter Cario was that of Raemelton Farm, owned by Steve Black. Nursery Manager Andrew Janosek discussed with the group how a sampling of deep-rooted cover crops, displayed root to shoot in tall, clear tubes, are being put to the test as natural weed control in the fields at Raemelton. An innovative and perhaps unexpected crossover between traditional field crops and ornamental horticulture, cover crops such as forage radish, crimson clover, lentils, and rye are showing great promise with soil improvement and chemical reduction. The networking social provided an opportunity for the
groups to come back together and enjoy a delicious assortment of appetizers highlighting Maryland’s agricultural products. “I heard from several nonindustry people,” said John Marshall, “that MANTS was much more than they ever thought and the nursery/ landscape/ greenhouse industry is much larger and [more] diverse than they realized.” Susan Harrison sums it all up by noting, “One impression that everyone left with is how friendly and welcoming everyone at MANTS is. Spirits were high, booths were busy, outlooks were so very positive. The plants were beautiful! The machinery and tools turned lots of heads! Celebrating 50 Years of MANTS was very special! Everyone at MANTS should be proud of the great reputation they collectively create for the industry.” Note - LEAD Maryland recently celebrated a milestone of its own, with 223 Fellows having graduated over the 20 years of programming. To learn more about LEAD Maryland and find application materials for the upcoming Class XII, visit: https://extension.umd.edu/lead-maryland. Leslie Hunter Cario Chesapeake Horticultural Services lesliecario@cheshort.com www.chesapeakehort.com MNLGA board member Leslie Hunter Cario runs Chesapeake Horticultural Services, consulting with nurseries, landscape operations, and nonprofit organizations. Leslie is a Class VII graduate of the LEAD Maryland Foundation fellowship, where she took part in extensive training in agricultural and natural resource leadership throughout Maryland and Chile. Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 41
42 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
MNLGA RETROSPECT
Kelly Finney
MNLGA Members Represent at MANTS FAR LEFT Edvin chats with an attendee on all that Cavano’s has to offer LEFT The Buds & Blooms Nursery team BOTTOM LEFT Leslie Hunter Cario and Heather Zindash volunteer in the MNLGA booth BOTTOM RIGHT Jerry Faulring displays the plant material that Waverly Farm works hard to grow each year
Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 43
MNLGA RETROSPECT (Continued)
CENTER ROW FROM LEFT Angela Burke talks with new customers about Raemelton Farm’s plant material Tom with Cam Too Camelia helps customers The Autrusa team
BOTTOM ROW FROM LEFT Cliff with E & E Trees showcasing their booth at MANTS that they’ve had for the last 38 years Kim Usilton from Angelica Nurseries catches up with colleagues George Bridge talks with attendees The Pender Nursery team shows off their booth
44 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
TOP ROW FROM LEFT UMD colleagues Stanton Gill and John Lea-Cox catch up in the MNLGA booth Dave Lundberg talks all things soil with an attendee Diane and Jim proudly display their MANTS booth
Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 45
RETROSPECT MEMBERS
Kelly Finney
MNLGA Annual Meeting E
very year on the opening Wednesday of MANTS, the MNLGA holds their annual kick-off meeting for the year. All members, officers, directors, and potential members are invited to attend. In addition to networking with colleagues, a lot of association business takes place in this room at the Baltimore Convention Center. Outgoing President Jessica Todd invited various board members and committee advisors to report on topics pertaining to the industry and the association. The outgoing board members and directors were all thanked and presented a special token of appreciation
TOP FROM LEFT Jessica Todd awards Chuck Schuster with the coveted Golden Goose award upon Chuck’s retirement from UME Larry Hemming thanks Jessica Todd for her service as MNLGA president as he is handed the official gavel of the organization Secretary Bartenfelder and Deputy Secretary Oberg award the Secretary’s Citation to the MNLGA
46 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
from the association. Two special awards were presented to Chuck Schuster (Golden Goose award) and Hank Doong (Professional Achievement Award). Secretary of Agriculture Joe Bartenfelder presented the Secretary’s Citation to the MNLGA’s Jessica Todd and Vanessa Finney. The membership voted and approved the Directors for 2020 and Larry Hemming was named President for 2020-2021. We thank everyone who attended and helped kick off 2020 with the MNLGA in Baltimore.
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TOP FROM LEFT MNLGA Board as nominated from left to right, Top Row: Will Peace, Bryan Schlosser, Carrie Engel, Brian Mitchell, Alex Betz and Jon Vander Vliet; Front Row: John Murphy, Larry Hemming, Jessica Todd, Leslie Hunter Cario and Tyler Van Wingerden ged associatio s related oming MNLGA been enganational trade of my need r group. I see everyone welc ”I have care and between taking than any othe ent level with many stateit comes to mation and ter s brigh and managemSharing infor encouraged of but when GA shine . red, cost member I may have MNL is nurtu t for the at the me issues, ssionals ly for any need organizationsn on investmen ds came to of profe member their fami The retur very best frien me into st and smallest at MNLGA. of my Many the large me a hallmark measured. that?!” be has beco ip can not can you beat membershMNLGA. How through rly Farm ing, Wave Jerry Faulr
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Hank Doong with his wife Susan and son Simon after accepting the Professional Achievement Award Chelsea Bailey discusses the new comprehensive Membership Matters promotional campaign The new Membership Matters folder cover (inset) Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 47
FEATURED MEMBER
Carol Kinsley
Eastern Shore Nurseries Inc.
48 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
L
arry Hemming’s family has been in the nursery business in Easton for four generations. His son, Robert, 23, who recently joined the operation, makes the fifth generation at Eastern Shore Nurseries, Inc.
president, but his column in the Free State magazine is familiar to all members. Self-described as “not a meeting person,” Mike has been active in other ways, especially with the Maryland Invasive Species Council.
The nursery is perhaps unique in that Larry is the third member of the family to serve the MNA, MNLA or MNLGA as president. His grandfather, Sam Hemming, was president in 1942 and ’43; his great uncle, Robert Johnson, was president in 1953. Larry became president this year. His father, Mike Hemming, may not have been
“Three generations in a row have won the MNLGA’s professional achievement award: Ernest Hemming in 1947; Sam in 1964, and Mike in 2012”, Larry said. Sam Hemming also was added onto the American Nursery Industry Honor Roll in 1997. (continued on next page)
Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 49
FEATURED MEMBER (Continued) His great-uncle Robert worked at the nursery until retiring in the 1960s. Now it’s just Larry, with his father, son, wife, Lori, and mother, Flo, who are involved. Ernest Hemming started the nursery with his son, Sam, in February 1929, the same year the stock market crashed in October, leading to the Great Depression. Hopefully the global pandemic and recent stock market dive will not result in a similar situation. In late summer 1930, Ernest thought his business would not survive. Then came a woman who saved the business. She had just purchased an estate in the area and wanted trees moved on the property. Ernest and Sam struck a deal to have the nursery’s employees work for her through the winter months to dig up and replant the trees.
Having apprenticed at Kew Gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens in London, Ernest planned to focus solely on growing English boxwood. But to survive the Depression, the operation became a landscape nursery in addition to selling wholesale to other landscapers. When Mike had finished college after a stint in the Navy and returned to work with Sam, the operation was still an inground, landscape nursery. Mike found that containers were easier and planted more and more of them until in 1980, field production ended. About that time Sam passed away, and to settle the estate the family sold off 150 acres. Like his father, Larry “started getting in the way” at the nursery at age 6 or 7. After high school, he went away to college, explored photography and other things for a while, then re-turned to join the company full-time in 1990. With Larry’s full approval, landscape operations ended in 1992 and the nursery concentrated on growing trees, shrubs and perennials in containers, selling both wholesale and retail. Most propagation is done by summer softwood cuttings under mist. Shipments of plants arrive regularly through the spring. There have been more changes since Larry came aboard, including a redesign of the irrigation system and addition of two 30-foot round pools with center drains that feed two 7.5 horse-power irrigation pumps.
50 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
“It’s going to be a challenging year, a unique year. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I had great hopes for this year economy-wise”. Mike Hemming At 150 gallons per minute per pump, they can water 300 gallons a minute, doing half the nursery at a time. The big thing most recently, Larry said, is a change “from selling a lot of everything to being more focused on natives and helping people with mitigation plans, new homes and new construction.” With new regulations on invasives, the nursery has totally phased out Tier 1 non-natives. “We still have some Tier 2, but we tell people about them.” There’s no English ivy, except for a patch in his own yard. “I don’t know how that got there,” Larry said. Like the cobbler’s child who has no shoes, “my own yard is the worst landscaped, full of weeds. After getting off work the last thing I want to do is weed,” he continued. “I remember one year a painting contractor was in here buying plants while his wife was home painting their house.” Asked about his favorite plant, Larry said he likes Japanese maples a lot because they are decorative. “I don’t really have favorites. I enjoy plants, growing them and selling them.”
holding off on. Some things that we normally buy extra of, we have not. Equipment is not going to be replaced like we had planned. Some other things we were planning on doing we’re holding off on. We did hire a new employee. She’s very good, works very hard. I hope we can keep everybody, but I just don’t know.” Unless things change, the nursery will be open seven days a week from April through June. For more information, visit us at easternshore nurseries.com or on Facebook.
Carol Kinsloey Kinsley Communications. 410-924-3582 cjkinsley@comcast.net
Interviewed at the end of March, while people were being told to stay at home, Larry added, “It’s going to be a challenging year, a unique year. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I had great hopes for this year economy-wise”. “We got plants in fairly normally. Some we’re Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 51
NEW MEMBERS
We welcome the following into membership in the MNLGA! The extensive list of “Comp Members” denotes businesses and individual professionals who have joined since the advent of the COVID-19 crisis. The MNLGA granted complimentary memberships through December 31, 2020. All other members have had their dues payments suspended through March 2021. Full contact information may be found within the member portal of the MNLGA website, www.mnlga.org. We encourage you to reach out to your peer members – they may be a valuable business connection for you. John Erwin Individual Professional College Park, MD 20747
Chris Carley U. S. National Arboretum Washington, DC
Hank Doong, Jr. Jerry D. Quality Bark Beltsville, MD 20705
Dustun Rosdail Turf Equipment and Supply Company Jessup, MD
Robert Trumbule Individual Professional Greenbelt, MD
Students: Chelsea West American Landscape Institute Robert Frische Towson University Daria Andrejak CCBC/University of Maryland Kristina Kidwell University of Maryland
COMPLIMENTARY COMPANY MEMBERS Hortacare LLC
Ambitious Plants
Demeter Design Sustainable Landscapes
Ashton Manor Environmental
Dyson Forestry
J & B Tree Service
B & D Lawn & Landscape, Inc.
Eaton Landscape
J. D. Clark Professional Services, LLC
B and D Lawn Pros
Ed’s Plant World
Jake’s Tree and Turf, LLC
Bell’orta Landscapes
Edrich Lumber
Jan Kirsh Landscaping, Ltd.
Biddle Family Farm, Inc.
Elite Landscaping Professionals, Inc.
JM Landscapes & Associates
Bloom
Fieldstone Nursery, Inc.
John Shorb Landscaping, Inc.
Bona Terra, LLC
First Energy
Borders and Butterflies
FTSS/ LB & B Joint Venture
Johns Hopkins U – Applied Physics Lab
Bowensville Farm and Nursery
Garden Makeover Company
Keystone Tree Experts
Casey Trees
Garden sPOTS
KHart
Chocolates and Tomatoes
Garden Time Designs
Liqua-Grow Turf/ Hanover Inc.
Claire Jones Landscape, LLC
Garden with Elisabeth
Clinton Nurseries
Good Earth Garden Market
Lynley Ogilvie Landscape Design, LLC
Community Landscape
Green Thumb Gardens
MAFC
CPM Landscaping
Hampton Nursery, Inc.
Maple Hill Lawn & Garden, Inc.
Daybreak Farm
Harvey’s Gardens
MARBIDCO
Del Toro Landscaping
Heartwood Landscape & Tree
Maryland Agriculture Education Foundation (MAEF)
Adkins Arboretum
52 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
Hummingbird Farms, Inc.
Questions? mnlga.org has the answers The MNLGA web site is designed for our members and is your single source for the answer to almost any question. The site offers: ■ Searchable Membership Directory ■ CPH program info, basic & advanced test applications and registration ■ Up-to-date industry calendar from around the Mid-Atlantic region for finding CEUs for pesticide, nutrient management recertifications, and general education in horticulture topics
■ Free State Nursery News issues and archives
■ MaGIC (legislative) updates issues and archives
■ Chesapeake Green - speaker resources - year round
■ Job Board which members can post and track resumes/responses ■ Business resources ■ CEU forms
Visit today!
MARYLAND
N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENHOUSE A S S O C I AT I O N , I N C .
McFall and Berry Landscape Management, Inc.
SBC Landscaping
Washington Gardener Magazine
Seaberry Farm
Winged Horse Land Management
McHale Landscape Design
Square Foot Gardening 4 U
Individual Professionals:
Misty Valley Landscaping, LLC
Sun Wild Gardens
Dawn Armstrong
Monrovia
Sun’s Garden & Landscaping
Susan Brennan
Moreland
Sunny Meadows Garden Center
Mariah Dean
Mulch Masters
Terry Schulz, LLC
Paula Keeton
Native by Design
The Earthworks Group
Joyce Martin
Oaktree Property Care
The Farmyard LLC
Elizabeth Ostrye
PDK Horticultural LLC
United States Botanic Garden
Jeff Popp
Pegplant
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Pinky’s Up Produce
University of Maryland Extension
Montgomery College – Students:
Plant Masters
Urban Gardens
Felecia Jackson
Poplars Farm
Valentine’s Delight Farms, LLC
Henry Keegan
Preston Landscaping, LLC
Villatoro and Sons, LLC
Melissa Martin
Rack’s Greenhouse
WashCo Highway
Corinne Seguin
Rutgers University Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 53
GARDEN COMM
C.L. Fornari
Finding The Silver Linings T
his spring I was remembering a story that my friend, Thomas Mann, told about Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Thomas is an artist and jeweler who owns a retail business in New Orleans that employs several people. Several years before Katrina, he read a story in the local newspaper about what would happen if a category 5 storm hit their area, and it scared him to death. So Thomas made a plan for himself, the business and his employees. All staff members had to come up with a practical destination where they could go to safety if such a storm was heading their way. The plan specified who would take the computers, who would take the stock from the store, and what roles each employee could play from remote locations. They had hurricane drills regularly to be sure everyone knew what to do…
Post-COVID19: Planning, Communications, and Opportunities
and his employees thought he was crazy. When Katrina was bearing down on Louisiana, Thomas was out of town at a trade event. But because of their planning, the staff knew what to do. They and the business were not only safe and saved, but they were able to keep running in the long recovery period after the storm. As we all struggle to get through and past the COVID-19 pandemic, Thomas’s story about disaster preparedness resonates. It’s in our interest to learn from this experience so we can be ready for similar events. But we can also find the silver linings and opportunities for improving our businesses. We can move forward in new and better directions. Flexibility In times like the spring of 2020 we discover just how much we like our routines. Suddenly, we’re not able to do things in the ways we’ve always done them, and this is disruptive and often infuriating. These are also times when we learn to be more adaptable as well. Here are just a few instances of flexibility that I’ve seen in our industry this spring.
Renewed interest edibles: In response to the COVID crisis, many are turning to raising their own fruits and vegetables this year. How can we, as landscapers, designers and retailers, help these people to be successful? Think about what services you can provide to those who are growing a Victory Garden 2.0. 54 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
• Does your business have a disaster plan? Although we might not be able to move our stock to other locations like Thomas Mann could do with his jewelry, there are many ways we can prepare for the unexpected. Are there places you could move expensive equipment in advance of a storm or rising floodwaters? If a pandemic demands social distancing, are there ways to better organize your offices so that phone can be answered remotely, and
staff can have separated workstations? Knowing how the COVID-19 crises has affected the way your business works, how can you make plans now that will allow you to work more efficiently should something like this happen again? • Many landscaping crews go out in teams to work on a property together. If there’s a need for social distancing and four people can no longer ride in the same truck, some businesses are sending smaller crews who travel in separate cars. • During the pandemic many garden centers offered curbside pickup. This might be a feature to carry forward, marketed as a service for those who are disabled or don’t have time to shop. Customers who phone in orders before lunch could pick up plants and supplies on their way home from work. Drivethru pickups at our garden centers might become as routine as the windows at fast food restaurants.
Curbside pickups: Curbside pickups of plants and products helped several garden centers stay afloat during the pandemic. Imagine how this service might continue to be beneficial to green industry businesses moving forward. Wouldn’t a “drive through” service be useful for customers who work full time but want to pick up their landscape supplies on their way home from work?
• Although much of the stock in garden centers is outside, most businesses funnel sales through a central, in-store register area. If ever there was an argument for bringing your business up to speed with outdoor sales on tablets or smartphones, our situation this spring makes the case well. For years the garden center where I work has talked about “someday” having additional registers for credit card sales outside, in the nursery. The pandemic has shown us that today is that someday. Improving Communications and Connections With Customers This pandemic has also made us aware of how important it is for our businesses to be up to speed with digital communications. Sadly, many in our industry are still reluctant to be active with Instagram, Facebook, on business blogs or emailed newsletters. Yet as this spring has taught us, these are the places where a majority get their information. • Organize your business so that you have employees who can post regularly on social networks and answer the questions that come in through those channels. Since many of these sites are photo-driven, those staff members should also be constantly taking photos that represent your work.
Outdoor gatherings: In the wake of the virus, many people have canceled their travel plans for the summer of 2020. These folks will be especially interested in their outdoor living spaces this year, which is an opportunity for our industry. From fire pits and outdoor fireplaces to patios and pools, we can help our customers have the backyard oasis they long for. (continued on next page) Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 55
GARDEN COMM (Continued)
Opportunities
• Develop an email list of your customers and supporters and schedule a monthly newsletter to go out to that list. A simple recipe for a newsletter for our businesses would be to include three regular items. 1. A short “In The Know” article that tells your clients one thing they should be aware of that month. This might be about cleanup from a recent storm, a pest that’s hatched out, or a plant that’s in full and glorious bloom.
Moving forward this season, we can predict a few immediate realities. First of all, our customers and clients are going to be hungry for color and beauty. They will want ways that they can celebrate life and all that is good in the natural world. It will also be important for people to have places where they can gather once again with friends and family.
2. FAQ: A frequently asked question that you are hearing that month. Just one, with a short answer, is enough to tell that customer that you are paying attention and want to help them solve their problems.
Since many have put travel plans on hold for the coming summer, their backyards and gardens will gain new importance. Be sure to communicate to your clients and communities that you understand their need to gather around fire pits and picnic tables. Show them the ways that you’re able to improve their yards with color and fragrance.
3. What’s Making Us Happy: This can be a shot of a great plant or the recent project you’ve completed for another client. A lovely photo with a brief caption is enough.
Additionally, people show more interest in growing their own food. Whether we call it foodscaping or Victory Gardens 2.0, the desire for raising organic vegetables and fruits is a trend we can all work with.
• As people all over the world were suddenly working from home, platforms such as Zoom and Skype have become key ways to communicate with our communities. This has proven to be a way to engage customers and keep up their level of excitement about what we do. Consider holding a virtual Happy Hour once a month, where you show a few photos of what your business is doing or plans to do in the future. Although it’s wise to mute attendees sound and disable their video, you can invite people to ask questions through the “Chat” feature and this keeps the conversations flowing. Hold online classes or tours of your garden center after normal business hours. Landscapers could present a “Before and After” event every couple of months where attendees are shown the work your crews have accomplished.
The local pandemic has shown us that life as we know it can turn on a dime. But as my friend Thomas Mann learned during Hurricane Katrina, it’s also an occasion to learn, adapt and grow for our future good.
• If you’re looking for ways to encourage the communications skills of selected staff members, sign them up for membership in GardenComm: Garden Communicators International. This organization is for bloggers, writers, photographers, videographers, broadcasters and speakers in the green industry. All levels of communicators are welcome. Find more information at www.GardenComm.org 56 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
Virtual events: Through April Country Garden held virtual cocktail hours where attendees could hear about plants and landscaping practices. It started with a recipe for a garden-based beverage (one alcoholic and one not), went on to show great plants in the garden, and finished with new and exciting stock that has come into the garden center. Over 250 people attended every Friday, and the garden center has gone on to schedule other enthusiasm-building virtual events.
C.L. Fornari is a garden communicator and consultant. She writes and teaches for Hyannis Country Garden, an IGC, is the current treasurer of GardenComm, and grows far to many plants at Poison Ivy Acres on Cape Cod. Connect with her at www.GardenLady.com
ADVERTISE WITH MNLGA PRINT, DIGITAL AND WEBSITE ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES* MNLGA.ORG
FREE STATE
ROOT OF THE MATTER
is the hub of the membership experience. It is the arrival platform where every visit to the site begins. Your advertisement will be a focal point upon arrival.
is a magazine published in May, August and December whose content is provided primarily by members. Free State is printed and mailed to members and posted on the website at mnlga.org.
is an all-digital electronic flash bulletin providing timely and need-to-know information on a wide range of industry issues. “Root” is published at least 24 times annually and additionally as needed.
*ADVERTISING RATES, SPECS AND DETAILS FOR ALL OF THE ABOVE LISTED PUBLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE ON MNLGA.ORG.
Call Kelly Finney today for rates and advertising dates, 410-823-8684 or email kelly@mnlga.org
MARK YOUR CALENDAR Maryland Nursery, Landscape, and Greenhouse Association and the University of Maryland Extension present
Chesapeake Green AN ANNUAL HORTICULTURE SYMPOSIUM
2021
A premiere two day industry-wide education and pesticide recertification conference
Wednesday, February 17 and Thursday, February 18 Maritime Institute, Linthicum Heights, MD
More information can be found on the MNLGA website, www.MNLGA.org Registration opens late-December at www.mnlga.org.
MARYLAND N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENHOUSE A S S O C I A T I O N , I N C.
Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 57
EVENT RECAP
Chelsea Bailey
Chesapeake Green AN ANNUAL HORTICULTURE SYMPOSIUM
T
he “s” word. We were all thinking it but didn’t want to put it out there, “snow.” Last year (2019) was an interesting Chessie to say the least. We had speakers presenting remotely, and it was incredible to watch attendees remain engaged with a Wizard of Ozlike “presenter behind the screen.” However this year – we were able to get back to our roots, and in my opinion, nothing is better than being able to shake the hand of the customer you just did business with, hug an old colleague, and spend time with speakers, attendees, and sponsors alike over a meal, and a good meal at that! This year, the conference pulled in over 230 people on the first day and 305 on the second day. It amazes me each year as the numbers grow. You have to sit back, and think is it a fluke, is it a good economy, is it a good program? While we don’t have a crystal ball, we do have faithful attendees, and new attendees that are just discovering the Chessie program. I believe that Andrew Ristvey said it best at Chessie this year, “…the value that I see in Chesapeake Green is a premier conference for our green industry to first of all be educated in the latest information about the green industry, not only within Maryland, but around the United States…” Speaking of information being shared on a national level, we welcomed keynote speaker, Dr. Charlie Hall, professor at Texas A & M University, and the Chief Economist for AmericanHort. If you have never heard Dr. Hall speak, I would encourage you to catch one of his talks. He is not only incredibly knowledgeable but exceptionally passionate. His keynote address “State of the Green Industry Heading into 2020” centered around which economic indicators are most pertinent to green industry businesses and how to interpret them. Attendees were left with a better understanding of the green industry economy and how they could tie some of the things Dr. Hall talked about into their
58 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
2020
own businesses. The rest of the day featured breakout sessions in the Nursery Grower, Landscape Contractor, Greenhouse Grower, Retail Growers and Garden Center, and Business tracks. The program brought in speakers from all over the country including Judy Sharpton (Growing Places Marketing), Adam Greenberg (iUNU), Natalia Hamill (Bailey Nurseries), Margery Daughtrey (Cornell), and many more. On the second day the morning program included relevant topics such as glyphosate, spotted lanternfly, native species and trials, and pesticide application. The afternoon program was comprised of breakout sessions in the Turf Management, Nursery Grower and Landscape Contractor, Nutrient Management, Turf Nutrient Management, and Aquatics tracks. As our faithful Chessie attendees know, the annual silent auction was held on the first day. For those that were new to Chessie they were pleasantly surprised with the “extra” fun that they were able to have all while supporting the MNLGA scholarship fund. Special thanks to Ginny Rosenkranz and Hank Doong for once again putting together a standout silent auction. The auction brought in over $2,500 this year – one of our best years yet! As Ginny said, “…even though the auction was small, it was mighty!” This auction directly benefits the MNLGA scholarships and we can’t thank everyone enough who donated items and bid on items for their generous support. One of my favorite things each year at Chessie is to sit at the registration table and watch everyone interact. It’s fun to watch colleagues meet and connect, attendees ask sponsors about their products, committee members talk with attendees on program and class content, and much more. Angela Burke noted that her favorite part about Chesapeake Green was “…just talking to (continued on page 60)
TESTIMONIALS
Kirk Floyd – Kdrone Services “…the conference is a great educational experience…”
Phil Wilson – MNCPPC “…I even send people that aren’t certified just for the knowledge…”
TOP ROW FROM LEFT Dr. Charlie Hall, the fantastic Chessie Green 2020 keynote speaker with Chuck Schuster Mary Kay Malinoski, Dave Clement, Andrew Ristvey, and Ginny Rosenkranz catch up on this side of the Bay Bridge
Angela Burke – Raemelton Farm When asked about being on the education committee, “I appreciate being able to have an influence on some of the topics and the speakers that are here…”
MNGLA President Larry Hemming kicks off the program Brett Karp and Paul Hartnett look at the program schedule to prepare for their afternoon talk Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 59
EVENT RECAP (Continued) everybody, getting to see everybody again. MANTS seems to be the big one but it’s nice to have another meetup later in the year.” In a world and industry that is constantly changing it’s nice to have a “home” in Chesapeake Green. Dave Lundberg from WeCare Denali said “Our company has changed a couple times over the past 8 years, but I think we have found a good home here.” I hope that you all feel the same way. Something about early mornings in February at the Maritime, rings “home” to me. I want to extend special thanks to everyone that helps make Chesapeake Green an overwhelming success each year from our speakers, to our attendees, volunteers, and many more. Our education committee works tirelessly on program content, contacting speakers, and much more. If you see a committee member at Chessie, please thank them, they are the heart and soul of this event. The MNLGA extends our sincere thank you to our committee members, Ronda Roemmelt (Chair), Angela Burke, Dave Clement (UME), Hank Doong, Stanton Gill (UME), Brett Karp, Mary Kay Malinoski (UME), John Murphy, Karen Rane (UME), Andrew Ristvey (UME), Ginny Rosenkranz (UME), Chuck Schuster (UME), Brian Mitchell and Heather Zindash. Thank you for another great year, and we hope to see you all at the Maritime for Chesapeake Green 2021 February 17 and 18. Come for the great education and stay for the awesome lunch!
ABOVE Chelsea Bailey reviews the vast recertification credits available 60 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
LEFT Roger with MNCPPC reviews which sessions he plans to attend
TESTIMONIALS
Bob Froelich (Bayer), Kathleen Hester (Gowan), and Russell Powell (Griffin) BELOW FROM LEFT Attendees enjoy one of the many outstanding presentations of the day Sandy Reagan with Baltimore City Rec and Parks Kim Rice from the MDA addresses attendees on spotted lanternfly Andrew Ristvey – UMD Extension “…Chesapeake Green is a premier conference for our green industry…”
Dave Lundberg – WeCare Denali When asked about his favorite thing about Chessie, “…the relationships, seeing customers, established customers and building new ones and just the charter of the organization”
ABOVE FROM LEFT Steve Horn places his bid on one of the many great auction items David with UMBC catches up with his peers Richard and William look at what sessions they plan on attending LEFT Chuck Schuster is the official emcee of Chesapeake Green John Murphy, Stanton Gill and Hank Doong talk about what’s new in the industry
Speaker Natalia Hamill of Bailey Nurseries addresses attendees Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 61
AMERICANHORT
COVID-19 Headlines for Horticulture
Some key COVID-19 developments over the past two weeks: • Congress has refreshed funding for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), allowing a reopening of a program that many horticulture businesses have turned to for loans that may be at least partially forgiven. • The latest Treasury/SBA “frequently asked questions” finally provides some clarification 62 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
on whether H-2A and H-2B workers’ payroll may be included for PPP purposes. The short answer is mostly “yes,” but AmericanHort has specific guidance available: <https://cdn. ymaws.com/www.americanhort. org/resource/resmgr/h2-pppupdated-guidance.pdf> • Congress has fixed an eligibility
glitch that prevented most agricultural businesses from applying for SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL). As a result, SBA has reopened its application portal for agricultural businesses only and will process applications that may have been submitted previously but denied because they were from agricultural enterprises. In latest-breaking
news, unofficial reports suggest that SBA will slash maximum loan amounts from $2 million down to just $150,000 due to the extremely high demand. • New guidance is out on the Federal Reserve’s Main Street Lending program, which is intended to provide a safety net for businesses too large to apply for the SBA programs (see related story).
• What about agricultural disaster relief for growers? AmericanHort and the California Farm Bureau on April 30 sent an informational memo to USDA Agricultural Marketing Service administrator Bruce Summers outlining technical approaches. USDA relief is expected to be formalized soon, though strict payment limits may limit its effect.
• Finally, some good news as horticultural businesses in states like Michigan, which had strict closure policies, are beginning to reopen. Craig J. Rugelbrugge Senior Vice President Public Policy and Government Relations 202-789-8111
Main Street Lending Program Details Released The Federal Reserve has released more information on the Main Street Lending program. In a press release, the Fed announced that it was expanding the scope and eligibility for the program through a series of measures to include a third loan option with increased risk sharing by lenders for borrowers with greater leverage, lowering the minimum loan size for certain loans to $500,000, and expanding the pool of businesses eligible to borrow. In addition, a substantive Frequently Asked Questions
document was released along with updated term sheets. The document link is: https://www. federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/ files/main-street-lending-faqs.pdf Loans will now be eligible for businesses up to 15,000 employees and up to $5 billion in annual revenue. These loans have a 4-year maturation and are not eligible for forgiveness, unlike the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). The yet-to-be-released program is not without its critics, as the Wall Street Journal has criticized certain
aspects of the program through its editorial page. It is still uncertain when the program will become operational. The Wall Street Journal article link is: https://www. wsj.com/articles/the-main-streetfakeout-11588288799 AmericanHort will continue to monitor the development of the Main Street Lending Program. Tal Coley Director of Government Affairs 202-789-8112
HRI Hosts Ralstonia Webinar Ralstonia solancearum race 3 biovar 2 (RSr3b2), a federal quarantine pest, was recently confirmed in a single geranium variety in a greenhouse in Michigan. This is the first confirmed case in the U.S. since 2004, after which it was eradicated. Diseased geraniums
planted in the landscape can potentially infect other plants, including tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplant, and must be destroyed. Since the detection was confirmed, AmericanHort has collaborated with the importer of the geranium
and with USDA APHIS toward the goal of a rapid, targeted, and effective response that minimizes unnecessary interruption. The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), the foundation of AmericanHort, joined this effort and (continued on page 65) Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 63
COMING IN JULY JOIN US ONLINE! A 100% online event that brings the high-quality learning and peer-to-peer engagement that you’ve always enjoyed at Cultivate. REGISTER AT CultivateVirtual.org From world-class education sessions, to online discussion forums, to making new connections with exhibitors, you don’t want to miss Cultivate’20 Virtual debuting July 13.
Attendance is FREE*!
64
* An Expo-Only pass is FREE for everyone, and the All-Access education pass is FREE for AmericanHort members and is discounted for non-members. SPRING 2020 • Free State News
AMERICAN HORT (Continued) hosted an April 29 webinar on the basics of RSr3b2. All the speakers featured have an extensive history with RSr3b2. Dr. Caitilyn Allen, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, provided an overview of RSr3b2, such as how it spreads and prevention strategies. Dr. Allen and her team focus much of their research on the interactions of R. solancearum and its many hosts, including plant responses to infection. Some of this work was supported by the Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative (FNRI), a program administered by USDA ARS to help support research beneficial to environmental
horticulture. HRI works closely with USDA ARS on prioritization of projects in the FNRI program. Dr. Matt Royer, Associate Deputy Administrator of Field Operations, Plant Protection and Quarantine, USDA APHIS, outlined the current steps being taken by USDA APHIS to eradicate this latest RSr3b2 introduction. Dr. Royer led USDA APHIS’ responses back in 2003 and 2004 to eradicate RSr3b2 as well. Similar to now, RSr3b2 was found on imported geranium in both 2003 and 2004.
Dr. Klopmeyer has been directly involved with RSr3b2 regulations, as well as provided technical and phytosanitary support. He is also past chairman of the AmericanHort Board. The webinar was held to help educate our industry and create awareness of RSr3b2. Roughly 330 industry members, regulators, and scientists attended. It can be viewed on the HRI website: <https://www.hriresearch.org/ article/ralstonia-webinar-what-youneed-know>
Dr. Mike Klopmeyer, President of Ball FloraPlant, shared insight into what happened during this latest incident from the perspective of Ball FloraPlant, a geranium supplier.
Jill Calabro, PhD Research and Science Programs Director 202-789-0683
Do you have commentary, opinion, press release, or an educational contribution for Free State? We love to hear from our members —whether it be news from your company, your ideas on industry happenings, or an educational piece that would be informative to your peers. If you are willing to share your news, please submit your contributions to Free State via office@mnlga.org. Contributions are due April 1, July 1, and November 1. Contribute as you like, or year round.
Questions about Free State, please give us a call at
410-823-8684. YES, I want a subscription to Free State Contact us with your request and we’ll add you to the mailing list. Subscriptions are $35 annually; MNLGA will invoice you upon receipt of your subscription request. (members need not subscribe) Name_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Business____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ E-Mail_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mail/Fax or e-mail: Free State, MNLGA, P.O. Box 726, Brooklandville, MD 21022 or e-mail: freestate@mnlga.org
Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 65
66 SPRING 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ Free State News
MARYLAND
MNLGA.org is YOUR Industry Resource Hub
N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENHOUSE A S S O C I AT I O N , I N C .
creative design solutions
COVID-19 Resource Page
Current members’ dues suspended through March 2021
Access member benefits to save on business operations
Business-to-consumer resources to help build customer communication Advertising
Make sure office@mnlga.org is on your safe senders list. Many e-mail communications have been sent to company key contacts since March 16. If you are not receiving them, please check your spam/junk boxes.
Brochures Direct Mail Catalogs Logo Design Package Design
MNLGA.org
Complimentary memberships are available through mnlga.org, Use “Click here to join!” and select 2020 Comp Org.
Trade Show & Vehicle Graphics
Gregory J. Cannizzaro Graphic Design 410-444-5649 • gjc.graphicdesign@yahoo.com
All of this is available at mnlga.org Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 67
Get Certified!
“
Earning the CPH certification lets your employer, customers, and professional network know that you have a solid understanding of the major horticultural focus areas. CPH Specialist categories offer a chance to concentrate further on particular areas such as IPM and Plant ID.
”
Leslie Hunter Cario Chesapeake Horticultural Services, LLC
Certified Professional Horticulturists (CPH) provide either “do-it-yourself” or professional landscape installation and maintenance advice. For more information contact the Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association 410-823-8684 or visit mnlga.org
You only grow the best. Why not offer your customers the best in advice, too! 68 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturist Program
6 1 2 3 4 5 6
good reasons your company should advertise in the MNLGA’s Free State Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse News Free State News is seen by members of Maryland’s Nursery, Landscaping, Greenhouse, Garden Center and Allied Industries and is the leading publication for members of the MNLGA
Free State News enhances your ad with important industry specific content that is educational and informative. And, the digital version gives readers direct access to your website
2020 MARYLAN Industry For a full and updated calendar of events, and to find registration information and event links, please visit the MNLGA website at www.mnlga.org.
August/September August 27– September 7, 2020
Free State News helps promote your company and product while providing direct access to readers in Maryland’s Green Industries
Articles are contributed by highly regarded members of the industry, many of whom have a lifetime of knowledge and are frequently published
The Maryland State Fair
Location: MD State Fairgrounds in LuthervilleTimonium Contact: MD State Fair Office, 410-252-0200 msfair@msn.com www.marylandstatefair.com/state-fair/state-fair-info
October
October 6, 2020
CPH – Basic Exam Free State News is a cost-effective way to help keep your name out in front of the membership and your potential customers
Free State News helps support the association in its endeavors on behalf of the green industry in the state of Maryland
For more information on advertising in the Free State Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse News contact Kelly Finney at MNLGA at 410-823-8684 or e-mail office@mnlga.org
70 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
Location: MDA in Annapolis Contact: MNLGA Office, 410-823-8684 office@mnlga.org www.mnlga.org
November
November 5, 2020
MAEF Banquet
Location: Michael’s Eighth Avenue Contact: MAEF Office, 410-939-9030 www.maefonline.com
MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION
AND Green y EVENTS CALENDAR January
January 6, 2021
MNLGA Annual Meeting
Breakfast Meeting 7:15 – 8:45 am Location: Baltimore Convention Center – Room 331 Contact: MNLGA Office, 410-823-8684 office@mnlga.org • www.mnlga.org January 6-8, 2021
MANTS Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show Location: Baltimore Convention Center Contact: MANTS Office, 410-296-6959 info@mants.com • www.mants.com
February
February 17-18, 2021
Chesapeake Green 2021
Location: Maritime Institute Contact: MNLGA Office, 410-823-8684 office@mnlga.org
Due to the spread of COVID-19, many industry events have been postponed. As we emerge from this challenge, adjust to a new “normal” and events are rescheduled, they will be posted on mnlga.org and announced in our e-news and Free State. Be sure to add office@mnlga.org to your safe senders and bookmark mnlga.org to track important resource updates.
MARYLAND
N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENHOUSE A S S O C I AT I O N , I N C .
MISSION STATEMENT The purpose of the Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association is to promote the use of ornamental plants, products, and services. The association supports all constituent groups of the horticulture industry including landscape, garden centers, interiorscape, grounds maintenance, nursery, greenhouse, and arboriculture. The association communicates the role of the horticulture industry in improving people’s quality of life.
SPECIFIC GOALS Promote professionalism through education programs for members and the public and by encouraging enrollment in educational institutions. Monitor state and local laws relating to horticulture industry. Participate actively in legislative and regulatory processes. Promote the use of environmentally sound practices in the horticulture industry. Monitor and communicate to members developments in allied industries including agritechnology. Support donations of plant products and services to state and community programs. Support research relevant to the horticulture industry. Participate in Maryland agricultural organizations.
Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 71
The MNLGA is constantly figuring out new ways to serve and benefit our membership. One of the ways that we do this is through our comprehensive Member Benefit Affinity Program. The following organizations below have offered exclusive discounts and packages for MNLGA members. For many of these benefits, one order will “pay-back” your annual dues!
Office Depot • Free next day shipping on orders of $50 or more • 20% - 55% off core office supply items • 5% - 10% off virtually all Office Depot Office Max Products • Average 10% off 200 technology items • Special pricing on print and copy: $.22 color; $.025 black and white; and 40% off finishing services • And More!
Service First Processing • Savings on credit card and electronic payment processing • Unique savings proposal based on your business needs • 15% of the net processing revenue that SFP generates from your account will be rebated back to you annually • Free equipment loaner program • Free online reporting Landscape Management Network Free LMN Budgeting software license (LMN is the #1 business management software in the industry) • 5% off LMN Professional Software License • Promotional savings off QuickBooks Enterprise subscription • Educational events throughout the year •
PartnerShip Discount shipping program through AmericanHort partnership Small package shipping discounts; significant carrier discounts; reduced truckload shipping; and expedited/guaranteed/tradeshow shipping services • No minimum volume requirements • •
TireBuyer.com • Save 10% on any order • In most cases—Free shipping to your home or local installer! • Over 110 warehouses in the US with over 8,500 nationwide installation partners
Plant and Supply Locator • FREE Business/Plant Listing in print and online! • One FREE banner ad with your listing • FREE subscription to Plant & Supply Locator—and you’ll have access both print and online
Farm Bureau Looking for even more discounts and savings programs? Access the Maryland Farm Bureau for additional savings and discount programs. Not a member? Consider joining! The MNLGA is a proud member of our local Farm Bureau—and you should be too! Annual membership costs $80 or less.
72 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
CHAIRS AND COMMITTEES
Education Ronda Roemmelt – Chair Angela Burke Dave Clement Hank Doong Stanton Gill Brett Karp Mary Kay Malinoski Brian Mitchell John Murphy Karen Rane Andrew Ristvey Ginny Rosenkranz Chuck Schuster Heather Zindash Nominating Mark Dougherty – Chair Richard J. Watson Finance and Planning Carrie Engel – Chair Larry Hemming John Murphy Leslie Hunter Cario Link/Shanks Scholarship Mark Dougherty – Chair MANTS Jan S. Carter Bernard E Kohl, Jr. William A. M. Verbrugge Membership Committee Rich Poulin Greg Stacho Awards - Professional Achievement, Carville M. Akehurst Michael Marshall– Co-Chair Kevin Clark - Co-Chair
Legislative/MaGIC James R. McWilliams– Chair Mark Schlossberg All Officers and Directors Alan Jones Bernie Kohl
ADVISORS TO OTHERS
CPH George Mayo - Chair Steve Bell Steve Black Steve Dubik Cindy King Andrew Ristvey Martha Simon-Pindale Ginny Rosenkranz Bob Trumbule Jaime Tsambikos Jon Vander Vleit Gaye Williams
LEAD Maryland Vanessa Finney
Scholarship Bernie Kohl, Jr. – Chair Hank Doong Leslie Hunter-Cario Jessica Todd George Mayo Mary Claire Walker
Maryland Invasive Species Council (MISC) Alex Betz Brian Mitchell
Historian George Mayo – Chair ADVISORS TO THE BOARD
Dr. John Lea-Cox University of Maryland
Invasive Plant Advisory Committee Brent Cassell Leslie Hunter Cario Kelli McGaw
Maryland Agriculture Commission Ray Greenstreet Maryland Farm Bureau Larry Hemming Kevin Clark Vanessa Finney MAEF George Mayo
University of Maryland – Dean’s Global Leadership Council Vanessa Finney Young Farmers Advisory Council (vacant)
Kimberly Rice MD Department of Agriculture
Every member of every committee listed above is an individual who volunteers their time in support for the MNLGA and it is with the utmost gratitude and appreciation that we thank you for your selfless endeavors. If your name is not listed above, please consider following the example of those who are. Contact Vanessa at 410-823-8684 with your interest.
MARYLAND
N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENHOUSE A S S O C I AT I O N , I N C .
Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association Board of Directors Terms Expiring January 2021 Alex Betz Kurt Bluemel, Inc. 410-557-7229 Cindy King The Mill at Kingstown 410-778-1551 Brian Mitchell Manor View Farm 410-771-4700 Tyler Van Wingerden Catoctin Mountain Growers 410-775-7833 Terms Expiring January 2022 Will Peace Tideland Gardens 410-778-5787 Martha Pindale American Landscape Institute 410-688-5115 Bryan Schlosser Roseland Nurseries 410-755-6500 Jon Vander Vliet Lawn Wrangler 410-975-5125
MNLGA Contact Info: P.O. Box 726 Brooklandville, Maryland 21022 Phone: 410-823-8684 Fax: 410-296-8288 E-mail: office@mnlga.org Free State E-mail: freestate@mnlga.org Website: mnlga.org
Get Active. Stay Involved. • SPRING 2020 73
S A V E
T H E
D A T E !
MANTS 2021 JANUARY 6-8
BALTIMORE CONVENTION CENTER
Be sure to mark your calendar and join us again next January!
REMEMBER, MANTS MEANS BUSINESS P.O. Box 818 • Brooklandville, MD 21022 410-296-6959 • fax 410-296-8288
www.mants.com
74 SPRING 2020 • Free State News
@mantsbaltimore #mants2021
WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE
GROWING FOR YOU
Foxborough Nursery, Inc. 3611 Miller Rd. / Street, MD 21154 phone 410.836.7023 / fax 410.452.5131
View Photos & Plant Information at www.foxboroughnursery.com