AmericanHort Connect - June 2022

2022: June

An AmericanHort Member Benefit

A KNOWLEDGE RESOURCE FOR OUR INDUSTRY

IN THIS ISSUE

Getting Ready for Cultivate’22 AmericanHort is proud to be hosting Cultivate’22 July 16–19 in Columbus, Ohio.

This must-attend event is where the entire industry gathers for professional development, conducting commerce, connecting with new and old business contacts, and seeing the latest plant and product innovations. Come meet the 650+ exhibitors, attend one of 140+ educational sessions, and learn industry best practices by participating in an industry production tour or hands-on workshops.

FEATURES

HRI & ADVOCACY UPDATES

UPCOMING EVENTS & EDUCATION Webinars

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Save the Dates: AmericanHort Fall Events

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AmericanHort to Relieve Industry Demand for Basic Horticultural Training

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The Perfect Season for Growing Relationships with Lawmakers

Welcome New Board Members and Officers

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Celebrate National Pollinator Week

Congrats HortScholars

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tHRIve Presentations at Cultivate’22

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BACK2BASICS

AmericanHort to Relieve Industry Demand for Basic Horticultural Training Meagan Nace, Senior Manager, Education Program Development Rachel Rawls, Manager, Education Program Development

Recent data reflects that there are currently more than 11 million occupational openings, showing that we sit at an all-time high of need for workers even though the unemployment rate is decreasing.

As the green industry looks to hire record numbers of employees, one thing has become apparent. The need for simple yet effective training tools for horticultural employers is a MUST. AmericanHort’s focus on preparing horticultural businesses for the future is increasing with the roll out of new programs to support those who are training team members with limited horticultural experience, and those in management roles training their teams.

”Post-Covid-19 has created a new labor force seeking a career change.

Some of these laborers are coming to the horticulture industry and they need basic Hort education such as how to successfully grow plants in a production facility.” – Mary Werth, Suburban Lawn and Garden, Inc. Launched this past winter, the Back2Basics virtual program is a series that includes 15-30 minute presentations from leading growers, researchers, retailers, and industry professionals that can be used for training supplements, or refreshers for teams across the industry.

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Each Back2Basics virtual program will focus on a specific industry segment and job type.

Guided by the AmericanHort Community Connector groups, the AmericanHort education team hones in on required tasks or knowledge for those specific roles when building out each program. As a member of AmericanHort, these recordings are available in the AmericanHort online Hort Knowledge Center, a members-only resource.

Each live Back2Basics virtual program includes multiple presentations from industry leaders on fundamental skills needed to be a successful team member whether you are new to the retail sales floor or working in a growing facility.

Program Goals: By the end of each Back2Basics virtual program, attendees will have: •

a better understanding of the best practices from their respected industry segment

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practical tips and foundational knowledge for their business sector

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access to leading industry experts and the ability to ask them questions

The team recommends you watch the programs during their live scheduled date and time so you and your team can interact with the trainers and speakers.

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Assessing water quality and the role it plays in growing

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Setting up and troubleshooting your Dosatron®

Attending an AmericanHort event?

We have you and your team covered.

To learn more about the learning opportunities for you and your teams at Cultivate’22 please visit AmericanHort.org/ CultivateEducation.

During Cultivate’22, the Greenhouse, Nursery and Retail programs feature a comprehensive Back2Basics track of sessions with a focus on applicable and actionable education for new industry professionals and will offer tools for those training team members.

Benjamin Franklin once said “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Education in horticulture is not a one-size-fits-all.

Learners can dive in hands first during the full day Back2Basics Workshop: Practical Skills for Growers. Held on Saturday July 16 at Thorsen’s Greenhouse, more than ten industry leaders will provide training of practical skills essential to be an effective grower. This is an ideal opportunity to learn from industry experts as participants ask in-depth questions and practice, refine, and perfect skills in important growing functions.

Topics for this Cultivate’22 workshop include: •

Counting your predatory mites and maintaining quality control

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Applying nematodes and keeping them alive

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Checking EC, pH and other factors that influence nutrition

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Collecting, shipping, and sending samples for disease ID

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Making sure your microbial products are coming out of your spray tank live

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Choosing the right dipping method and do it effectively

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Collecting insect and mite samples to ship for ID

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Using traps for monitoring pests

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Managing diseases through climate control

AmericanHort will continue to provide support and training tools for you and your team through in-person events and online educational programming. Moving forward, members can expect to see educational opportunities that fit whatever stage they are in their career.

For more information on the educational programs mentioned, or to become part of the AmericanHort Community Connectors that help guide the education team in programming decisions, please contact us at Hello@AmericanHort.org.

Welcome

New AmericanHort members!

PLUS AB Lighting Captain Carp Fisheries Devault Enterprises Environmental Plant Management (EPM) Flier Systems USA Inc. Kokosflora Otto Trading Inc Rayn Growing Systems Rogitex Soul of the Party Victory Innovations Wivid AB Zona Productions —

BASIC Accenture All Color Growers Inc. Amelia’s SmartyPlants Future Flores LLC Gardens by the Bay Golden Spruce Nurseries Green Lake Nursery Meadowlark Farm and Garden Inc

Murphy Citrus Nursery Inc Piedmont Feed & Garden Center Pine Hills Nursery Pocochay Nursery PolyFlex Products Puzzle Piece Greenhouses Stark Bro’s Nurs The Sprouted Home Tilth Soil Vivero Pocochay Ltda West Star Organics Wilbur-Ellis —

ACADEMIC Ana Gomez Amanda Barth Dharti Thakulla —

STUDENT Sean Knapp Max Janos Nathalia Tello Benjamin Stover Helen Simonson *As of 5/23/22

2022: June | 3

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

AmericanHort Welcomes New Board Members and Slate of Officers for 2022–2023 Mary Beth Cowardin, Vice President Marketing & Member Engagement

BOARD MEMBER AmericanHort announces the election of four new members to the board of directors, along with the election of a new slate of board officers. The official welcome and installation will take place at Cultivate’22 being held July 16–19, in Columbus, Ohio.

The new slate of officers will include Jon Reelhorn of Belmont Nursery as the new chairman of the board, and Rob Lando as the new vice chairman of the board. Cole Mangum of Bell Nursery will become the immediate past chairman and J. Harvey Cotton will continue to serve as board treasurer in a non-voting position.

Jon Reelhorn is owner and president of Belmont Nursery located in Fresno, CA. Belmont Nursery is a third-generation business that loves being part of their local community and includes nursery growing, greenhouse growing, and a retail garden center. Jon is a graduate of Fresno State University with a degree in Plant Science, a graduate of the California Ag Leadership Program and a graduate of the Executive Academy for Growth and Leadership. Jon is active in the industry having served as a board member with the California Farm Bureau and California Nursery and Landscape Association (now Plant California Association). He held several committee roles with the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) and has been chairman of the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI).

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Rob Lando cofounded and grew Ohio based AgriNomix into North America’s largest supplier of automation to nurseries and greenhouses. At the start of this year, AgriNomix and Zwart Systems joined forces to become part of the newly formed AdeptAg where he continues to be involved with business development and R&D projects. Rob recently formed Western Roots LLC to allow him to continue to use his industry experience to work with growers on strategic planning and management issues. Rob is an active board member for Neighborhood Alliance, a Northeast Ohio non-profit which provides essential services to Lorain County residents in all stages of life. Rob was first elected to the AmericanHort board of directors in 2018, prior to which he served as a member on the AmericanHort Finance Committee.

The AmericanHort membership has elected the following new board directors: Kurt Becker is Executive Vice President (EVP) of Dramm Corporation, located in Manitowoc, WI, which has been a leader in watering tools and accessories for over 75 years.

As EVP of Commercial Products Sales & Marketing, Kurt has decades of experience collaborating with growers on pest management, irrigation systems, humidity management and air movement. In addition to managing the commercial business for Dramm, Kurt leads marketing for the group and has been instrumental in Dramm’s support of Cultivate and AmericanHort.

Kurt’s industry activities have included

“ We are excited to welcome these leaders who come from various segments of the green industry and encompass diverse experiences, skills, and backgrounds,” said Ken Fisher, president & CEO of AmericanHort. “We also appreciate the dedication and commitment of our officers and the leadership they provide our organization and industry, particularly during the challenges of the past few years.” serving as a director for Bedding Plants Incorporated, Ohio Florist Association, and America in Bloom.

Matt Edmundson, President of Arbor Valley Nursery in Brighton, Colorado, is a second-generation nurseryman and third generation business owner. Arbor Valley Nursery is a hybrid supplier growing balled and burlapped shade and ornamental trees as well as container grown woody shrubs, western natives, perennials, and ornamental grasses.

Their facility offers the latest technology in irrigation and water quality management as well as scale for producing, holding, and shipping products to markets including landscape projects and retail garden centers.

Matt is a graduate of the University of Colorado-Boulder and has served in various leadership roles with the Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association, the Colorado Nursery Research and Education Foundation and the GreenCo legislative committee.

Kent Fullmer is President at Fullmer’s Landscaping, Inc. in Dayton, OH, a residential landscape design and build company. Kent’s father started the business in 1962, Kent assumed ownership of the company in 2005 and continues to lead the second-generation company with passion and integrity. Kent brings high energy to the art of landscaping and his goal to provide positive personal experiences to Fullmer’s Landscaping’s clients. Kent has considerable experience working across the industry as he has served on the board of directors of the Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association, is currently serving on the AmericanHort Landscape Contractor Committee. He is a certified arborist as well as a member of the International Society of Arboriculture.

Ann Tosovsky is President of Home Nursery Inc. a field and container production nursery headquartered in Albers, IL. The business includes production facilities in Illinois and Tennessee and distribution centers in Illinois and Missouri. Ann is a third-generation owner and leader of the business that celebrated their 100th Anniversary in 2021. Not thinking this was the life for her, Ann attended Eastern Illinois University and pursued a degree in business. Ann worked her way around the company and learned the processes and procedures of the business gaining experience in sales, marketing, and administrative tasks. She transitioned to the role of president in 2012.

Ann has considerable experience working across the industry and the community having served on a variety of industry boards and organizations including the Illinois Green Industry Association Board of Directors, Madison County Extension Education Foundation Board, Hortica Advisory Council and Hortica Insurance Board Member, The Gardens at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Advisory Board, and the Rotary Club of Edwardsville Board of Directors.

These new directors will join current directors Mike Gooder, Plantpeddler Inc, IA; Steve Mostardi of Mostardi Nursery, PA, Lyndsi Oestmann, of Loma Vista Nursery, KS, Ed Overdevest, Overdevest Nurseries LP, NJ; and Jonathan Saperstein, Everde Growers, TX. AmericanHort and its members also want to thank outgoing board members, Tom Hughes of Hughes Nursery & Landscaping LLC, IA, who served six years on the board including immediate past chairman, and Gerry Docksteader, Advanced Horticultural Solutions, MD; Joe Hobson, Midwest Trading Horticultural Supplies Inc, IL; and Amy Morris, N. G. Heimos Greenhouses, IL, who served three-year terms as board directors.

2022: June | 5

FROM THE HILL

A D V O C A C Y U P DAT E S

The Perfect Season for Growing Relationships with Lawmakers Evan Lee, Director of Policy and Government Relations

The Halls of Congress are empty in Summertime. Lawmakers head home for the month of August to meet with constituents and work on local interests.

With the upcoming midterm elections, many lawmakers will fill their August schedule visiting local businesses to highlight issues on voters’ minds.

Therefore, summertime is an excellent season to grow a relationship with your federal lawmakers and make an impact on behalf of the industry.

Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL-12) tours N.G. Heimos Greenhouse with Amy Morris and her sister, Micky Byland.

Several AmericanHort members got a head-start on relationship building. In April, Amy Morris with N.G. Heimos Greenhouse in Illinois hosted her U.S. Representative Mike Bost. While touring the facility, Amy discussed the labor-intensive nature of plant production, the cost challenges, and uncertainties with H-2A, and trucking woes.

Amy thanked him for his YEA vote on the Farm Workforce Modernization Act last year and his support for the Drive Safe Act, which would allow drivers under 21 years of age to apply for a commercial driver’s license to enable them to operate across state lines. The tour ended with a promise from the Congressman to return with his wife for the poinsettia trials.

Meanwhile, the team at Olson’s Greenhouse Gardens hosted U.S. Rep. Burgess Owens earlier this Spring. Jordan Rolfe and his management team led the Congressman through their Utah facility, stopping to visit with their U.S. and H-2A workers. The visit illustrated for the freshman Congressman the labor intensity of plant production and the need for a stable workforce.

Rep. Burgess Owens (R-UT-04) tours Olson’s Greenhouse Gardens in Utah with Jordan Rolfe and his management team.

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As we see it, facility visits are the absolute best way to tell your story, build a strong working relationship with your legislators, and show how policies impact you and your community.

Ready to host your lawmaker? Here are a few tips to help get you started.

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Don’t Wait Lawmakers schedule appointments weeks in advance. Now is the time to contact your local office, ask for the Scheduler’s contact information, and extend an invitation to visit in August.

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Make Your Pitch

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Be Prepared

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Perhaps your lawmaker is already familiar with your business, which is great! If not, when you extend an invitation, share pictures of the facility and information about the business, what you do, how many people you employ, something about your connection with the community. Fortunately, everyone loves plants so most lawmakers will jump at the chance for a visit!

Visiting local small businesses allows lawmakers to highlight their focus on issues we face like taxation, inflation, supply chain challenges, and labor shortages. Be prepared to talk about how your business is coping in the current environment and ways Congress can help.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to All GPN 40 Under 40 Members of the Class of 2022 – Especially Our Own! GPN’s Forty Under 40 program shines a spotlight on the amazing young talent in our industry.

We applaud all of those named to the 2022 class, including our very own Meagan Nace, Senior Manager, Education and Program Development. Meagan is instrumental in putting together educational programming that benefits our members and the entire green industry. Congratulations to Cole Mangum, Vice President of Operations at Bell Nursery USA LLC who is our current board chairman. Thanks for all you do for the industry and AmericanHort!

Meagan Nace Senior Manager, Education and Program Development, AmericanHort

And Remember AmericanHort is here to help! Our advocacy team in Washington, DC, is always one phone call or email away should you need any assistance setting up a site visit or advice on discussing our industry and issue priorities.

An Ame

ricanHort

Member

Cole Mangum Vice President of Operations, Bell Nursery USA LLC

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2022: June | 7

HRI U P DAT E

Celebrate National Pollinator Week: June 20–26 Pollinators & Plants: Research Update Jennifer Gray, Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) Administrator Dr. Michael Martin, HRI Director of Science, Research, and Regulatory Programs

There is no question that horticulture is beneficial to bees and pollinators.

After all, the best way to support bees is to plant healthy and bee-friendly plants. For generations, professional growers of trees, plants, and flowers have been stewards of the environment and champions of sustainable practices. We know and grow the very thing pollinators need to thrive: diverse and ample forage sources.

The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), the AmericanHort foundation, has funded several research projects since 2015 to inform best practices, educate, and empower horticulture professionals with stewardship practices.

Plant Cultivars Two researchers have recently conducted projects evaluating plant cultivars and their impact on pollinators. First, Dr. Harlan Patch at Penn State University has developed a method to assess pollinators’ plant attractiveness.

To learn more about HRI and its funded research, please visit HRIResearch.org.

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Dr. Patch understood that to keep pace with the speed at which new cultivars are introduced to the market, a rapid method of measuring their attractiveness to pollinators is needed. Traditionally, this process is lengthy and time-consuming, requiring either collection and expert identification of pollinator species that visit each cultivar or observing and counting the number and types of pollinators that visit a plant. Because of the expertise and time required, pollinator attractiveness is often a characteristic not included in most cultivar breeding and evaluation protocols.

By utilizing properly trained, non-expert observers (citizen scientists) and multiple, short-duration observations, Dr. Patch and his team developed a pollinator attractiveness evaluation method requiring considerably less time and expertise while delivering consistent and trustworthy results.

As pollinators and pollinator health become

more important to the public, assessment tools such as this will become essential in providing information to allow consumers to select plant varieties that give the most significant benefits to pollinators.

From this project, Dr. Patch is developing an app that will eventually integrate features that go beyond simply scoring the pollinator attractiveness of cultivars, making this an adaptable tool for any user, anywhere in the U.S. In another research project, Dr. Dan Potter at the University of Kentucky investigated the hot button issue of native cultivars, sometimes referred to as nativars. Nativars are vegetatively propagated native species selections with desirable traits, such as plant size, flower or leaf color, or bloom period. These traits usually make them more desirable in home and landscape settings.

Still, these selected traits could potentially affect their value to pollinators as nectar or host plants.

Specifically, Dr. Potter evaluated if milkweed (Asclepias) nativars provide the same benefits to monarchs (Danaus plexippus) as wild-type milkweed species. His research found that in home and landscape settings, milkweed cultivars are similarly capable of attracting and supporting monarchs and native bees when compared to wild-type species. Dr. Potter does note that the use of nativars would be inappropriate in natural areas or in restoration projects, where the importance of maintaining species genetic variability is critical. He also encourages the planting of multiple milkweed species, wild types, or nativars, as well as other plant genera to support pollinators throughout the year.

pollinators were, in fact, attractive to pollinators.

Participants also indicated a willingness to pay more for plants grown without pesticides harmful to pollinators.

It is important to note there was a significant decrease in this premium price if the pesticide toxicity had dissipated by the time of purchase.

Survey participants also indicated that an endorsement was important—those plants indicating a "multi-agency initiative for protecting bees" was the most trusted message concerning the selection of plants attractive to pollinators.

What can the industry learn from this project? Best practices do influence consumer confidence, but consumers cannot know how a plant is grown, nor its beneficial attributes, unless they are provided that information. Utilizing plant tags and labels to communicate pollinator attractiveness, growing practices, and thirdparty endorsements has implications for consumer purchasing behavior.

With the Covid-era increase in plant enthusiasts, the green industry is experiencing an influx of savvier-than-ever consumers, especially when it comes to pollinator health. Implementing sciencebased best practices for pollinator health, understanding pollinator interaction with plants, and knowing what information resonates best with consumers can help horticultural businesses build trustworthy relationships and protect pollinators.

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One of the most recent research projects was led by Dr. Andony Melathopoulos at Oregon State University. Dr. Melathopoulos wanted to better understand consumer confidence in green industry pollinator protection practices. To find out, Melathopoulos undertook an extensive survey of consumers in a variety of retail settings.

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Consumer Confidence

In each issue of Connect, we’ll be “hiding” a new small graphic.

When you find it, email us at ConnectSeekAndFind@AmericanHort.org, and tell us where you found it.

For this June issue, respond by July 1.

2022: April | 9

t H R I ve S ESS I O N S

You can’t tHRIve without HRI? Don’t Miss the tHRIve presentations at Cultivate’22 Jennifer Gray, Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) Administrator

Over the course of Cultivate, Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), the AmericanHort foundation, will present 13 classes in the tHRIve Knowledge Center, located in a classroom right on the trade show floor. Available to attendees at every level of registration, these sessions cover pest and disease management, greenhouse lighting, and production efficiencies.

Kicking things off is a quartet of 30-minute boxwood blight sessions that include production practices, effective sanitization, scouting, pesticide controls, and training tools for both English- and Spanish-speaking scouts.

Speaking of consumer insights, the new influx of plant enthusiasts presents the industry with both opportunity and challenge. We will host a 60-minute session sharing research-backed insights and tools to best equip the industry in engaging with and converting these new customers into life-long buyers.

Dr. David Byrne will share a 60-minute presentation diving into how analysis of DNA sequence data is leading to molecular approaches to accelerate the development of rose rosette disease (RRD) resistant rose cultivars for our gardens and what that means for the horticultural industry.

Dr. Joe Neal asks the question, “do you want to reduce your weed control costs by over 40%?” and we respond with a hearty, “Yes!” He will summarize decades of research and show how optimizing weed management practices into a systemic weed management program will reduce weed control costs.

Three 20-minute presentations will cover all aspects of flatheaded borer management, including insecticides, cultural controls, and insights into consumer impressions of these management strategies.

You may have heard about the Systems Approach to Nursery Certification (SANC), but do you know that there is a new (free) online risk-assessment tool available to all growers, whether part of SANC or not?

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Here is a schedule of presentations being made on the tHRIve Knowledge Center Stage at Cultivate’22 to feature HRI funded projects.

SUNDAY, JULY 17 Check out a 30-minute presentation on the tool and learn how it can help reduce pest risks associated with greenhouse and nursery plant trade and how it can help grow your business.

Finally, in first of two “What to Expect When You’re Selecting” (which also wins best-named tHRIve session of 2022), researchers from LAMP (Lighting Approaches to Maximize Profits) will discuss light systems and economics including a demo of online cost estimators based on your specific location, crop, and greenhouse inputs. The second of the two classes will cover crop responses to light quantity and quality, including how to assess sunlight availability and the impact of light to help guide your lighting decisions.

Bringing together researchers and the industry is an HRI core value and just one of the ways we fulfill our mission to encourage innovative solutions, provide practical application, and share valuable information companies can use to grow their businesses.

Learn more about these classes, and the full Cultivate education line-up using this QR Code or going to AmericanHort.org/ CultivateEducation.

Boxwood Blight Insight Group (BBIG): Sanitation and Nursery Practices 9:30 AM–10:30 AM Jerry Weiland, USDA Fulya Baysal-Gurel, Tennessee State University Boxwood Blight Insight Group (BBIG): Scouting Tools and Pesticide Controls 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Luisa Santamaria, Oregon State University Jay Pscheidt, Oregon State University (Free) Risk Assessment Tool: Use and Benefits 1:00 PM–1:30 PM Craig Regelbrugge, AmericanHort Tom Buechel, Plant Sentry Growing Green Industry Profits from an Emerging Market of Plantspeople 2:30 PM–3:30 PM Julie Campbell, University of Georgia

MONDAY, JULY 18 Strategies for Reducing Weed Control Costs in Container Nurseries 9:30 AM–10:30 AM Joe Neal, North Carolina State University Flatheaded Borer Management 11:00 AM–12:15 PM Karla Addesso, Tennessee State University Jason Oliver, Tennessee State University Alicia Rihn, University of Tennessee Moving Toward Roses Resistant to Rose Rosette Disease 1:30 PM–2:30 PM David Byrne, Texas A&M University

TUESDAY, JULY 19

We want to thank everyone who took the time to apply for the inaugural HRI Leadership Academy class. We are excited to announce the class members at Cultivate’22.

Stay tuned for more details. To learn more about this program, visit: HRILeadershipAcademy.org.

What to Expect When You’re Selecting?

Light Systems and Economics 9:30 AM–10:30 AM A.J. Both, Rutgers Neil Mattson, Cornell What to Expect When You’re Selecting?

Crop Responses to Light Quantity and Quality 10:45 AM–11:45 AM Neil Mattson, Cornell Nate Eylands, Cornell

2022: June | 11

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Central Ohio Greenhouse and Garden Center Celebrates 40 Years in Business Baker’s Acres Greenhouse and Garden Center, located in Alexandria, OH, about 25 miles east of downtown Columbus, celebrates their 40th anniversary this year.

Baker’s Acres is operated by the second generation of the Baker family, Pam and Nick Baker. Self-professed plant nerds who care about the environment, have an entrepreneurial spirit, and will eagerly share their horticultural knowledge gained from years of education and experience. Baker’s Acres’ mission is to provide customers with top-quality, well-grown plant materials at a fair and honest price. They pride themselves on their fun and lighthearted team spirit and strive to offer an unmatched selection of plants from the “old favorites” to hardto-find items and the newest varieties on the market.

Located on three acres, Baker’s Acres has 15 heated greenhouses, where they grow more than 4,000 plant varieties which are sold in their indoor and outdoor retail spaces.

The team at Baker’s Acres propagates many of their own plants. Utilizing a custom soil mix in conjunction with a mist system and heated benches, they produce Baker’s Acres’ quality plant materials. They recently retrofitted to LEDs for day-length extension to maximize the potential for year-round production. Their switch to LEDs is part of a desire to increase operation sustainability. As part of this sustainability drive, Baker’s Acres has used beneficial insects for more than ten years and is currently considering adding 12 | AmericanHort.org

solar or wind power in the future.

Like many garden retailers, the pandemic influenced Baker’s Acres’ online sales.

They have invested in internal systems to manage inventory and support curbside pickup, which they offered during COVID restrictions. With the desire to create a community amongst their customers, Pam is in the process of creating a customer loyalty program and anticipates offering loyal customers VIP treatment, such as special access to certain rare plants and “early opening” shopping times. Baker’s Acres has a wholesale mum program supplying mums to one of the largest local farmer’s markets and a significant begonia program. They have sold plants at farmers’ markets and other events and recently partnered with central Ohio craft breweries offering popup shops to sell various popular plants like succulents and rare houseplants.

Over the past two years, Baker’s Acres emphasized selling rare and exotic plants to take advantage of the houseplant boom and draw new customers to their business.

On occasional Fridays during off-peak months, communications are posted to social media about rare plant offerings using innovative teaser messaging to create hype. Customers can purchase online and have 48 hours to pick up their plants in the

store. These customer visits help drive sales of other items, boosting their bottom line.

In addition to their online Friday rare plants sales, Baker’s Acres has created a special in-store “Exotica” section to merchandise these coveted rare plants. This section includes several rare plants in 2-inch pots.

The reduced cost of these smaller plants is meant to encourage customers to “stretch” their abilities and try new things.

Despite these new sales channels and coming out of a strong spring season, Baker’s Acres, as many of us, are concerned over softening future sales as inflation rises prices of nearly all goods and services.

Nonetheless, Pam and Nick continue to work with vendors to find unique product offers to attract new customers and drive loyalty with their current customer base.

Learn more about Baker’s Acres and other garden retailers by participating in the Garden Retail Tour or Garden Retail workshop at Cultivate. Learn more at AmericanHort.org/Cultivate-Tours.

Learn more at AmericanHort.org/CultivateEducation.

Extend a Warm Welcome to Our Newest Team Member AmericanHort is pleased to announce the arrival of Sara Neagu-Reed, as Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs. Sara will be located in the Washington, DC office working with Craig Regelbrugge, Executive Vice President-Advocacy, Research, and Industry Relations; and Evan Lee, Director of Policy and Government Relations.

Sara joins AmericanHort after a decade of working in various government affairs and legislative roles. Prior to joining AmericanHort, she served as Associate Director of Federal Policy for the California Farm Bureau Federation, where she advocated for the interests of California farmers and ranchers before Congress, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR). She has prior career experience at USDA and working for a Member of Congress.

Sara fills an advocacy team position that opened up with the departure of Tal Coley, who is moving to Florida to serve as executive director of the Florida Nursery, Growers, and Landscape Association.

2022: June | 13

HORT SCHOLARS

AmericanHort Announces HortScholar Class of 2022 The AmericanHort HortScholars program sets students in horticulture on a path to success by exposing them to the breadth of the horticulture industry, its opportunities, and its leaders. The program offers a beyond-the-classroom experience, giving insight and awareness of the industry, its supply chain, and where the scholars might find a home for their passion. The focus of the program is on professional development, including attending educational sessions, networking, and working with industry mentors at Cultivate.

AmericanHort is pleased to present the 2022 HortScholars:

Phoebe Austerman Oklahoma State University

Ethan Jenkins NC State University

Daniela Perez Lugones University of Florida

Brian Schulker NC State University

Rachel Swicioinis Southeast Missouri State University

Lisa Richards Gwinnett Technical College

Meet our 2022 HortScholars at Cultivate!

July 17, 4 PM ET Come hear their Ignite Presentations on the tHRIve Knowledge Center stage.

Visit AmericanHort.org/HortScholars to read more about this year’s impressive class.

Download your C’22 app Maximize You Cultivate Experience!

Download the Cultivate’22 App Available for both iOS and Android devices, the Cultivate’22 show app is a tool to make the most of your conference experience. Us the app to search for exhibitors on the trade show floor, easily plan your time at Cultivate suing the show planner, search for education sessions, see the conference schedule and more!

AmericanHort Connect 2022: June Hello@AmericanHort.org 2130 Stella Court Columbus, Ohio 43215-1033 USA (614) 487-1117 Main 14 | AmericanHort.org

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UPCOMING EVENTS

Opportunities for Education & Connection UPC O M IN G

Webinars June 23, 1 PM ET

Biology and Management of Volutella blight caused by Pseudonectria bux Tom Hsiang, PhD and Amy Shi, MSc, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada August 23, 2 PM ET Building a Better Monarch Butterfly Garden Dr. Dan Potter, University of Kentucky September 7, 1 PM ET How Do Weather and Climate Impact Boxwood Blight?

A Modeling Approach to Aiding in Boxwood Disease Management

AmericanHort to Host Plug & Cutting Conference This Fall in Colorado In-person training opportunities will happen at the AmericanHort Plug & Cutting Conference this fall near Denver, Colorado. With a similar focus on providing the tools and technical training needed for new growers—but with a focus on young plant production—the Back2Basics comprehensive program of a hands-on workshop, located at a top 100 Greenhouse, and track of education that will cover all the basics to help your team perform better.

For more information on the Plug & Cutting Conference visit AmericanHort.org/Plug.

Dr. Len Coop September 13, 1 PM ET Negotiating & Understanding Landing Costs Sam Kirkland, Epicor October 25–27, 12–1:30 PM ET Mastery Series Inventory Management Jason Bader, Principal of The Distribution Team 3-part series, $99/member and $199 non-member per webinar.

Register for these programs at AmericanHort.org/Webinars

Landscape Operations INDUSTRY TOUR

AmericanHort to Host a Landscape Operations Tour This Fall in Kansas City Save the Date! October 24-25, 2022 in Kansas City, KS. Stay tuned. Learn more at AmericanHort.org/LandscapeTour.

Additional programs are in the planning stages. Visit AmericanHort.org/Event for the latest information on upcoming educational programs.

About AmericanHort AmericanHort is the national association of horticulture businesses and professionals across the spectrum of the industry.

Perform better, grow stronger, and prepare for the future as a member of AmericanHort, the green industry’s leading association.

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Thank you for renewing your membership with AmericanHort!

If your membership is due for renewal, we’ve sent you a message with a link to renew online.

Have questions or need assistance?

Contact us – Telephone: 614-487-1117 or Email: Hello@AmericanHort.org.

It is that time of year again for many of our members—annual membership renewal. For more than two-thirds of AmericanHort members, your membership year is set to expire on June 30, 2022.

We appreciate your membership and support of the association and the green industry and want you to continue to receive your member benefits.

It’s that Time of Year Again— Renew Your Membership Today!

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