Indiana Nursery and Landscape News is the official publication of the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association, Inc. (INLA) and is published bimonthly.
Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association 7915 S. Emerson Ave., Suite 247 Indianapolis, IN 46237
Rick Haggard, Executive Director, INLA 765-366-4994 • rhaggard@inla1.org
Advertising Rates: Media Kit available online at www.inla1.org
Copy Deadline: First of the month preceding the month of the issue. Reprint permission granted if source is indicated.
Views expressed in articles or editorials do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the association or its directors, but are those of the writer. Trade names used in articles are for identification only. No discrimination is intended toward similar products and the INLA does not endorse the use of the products mentioned.
Subscriptions: Included with membership to the INLA. Nonmembers: $36.00 per year (six issues per year).
For questions regarding subscriptions, please call INLA at 317-889-2382.
Gabriel Gluesenkamp, Past President Designscape Horticultural Services 2877 S. TC Steele Road Nashville, IN 47448-9584 812-988-8900; Fax 812-988-2639 gabrielg@designhort.com
Shaun Yeary, President Greendell Landscape Solutions 749 West State Road 42 Mooresville, IN 46158 317-996-2826; Fax 317-996-2032 syeary@greendelllandscape.com
Kevin VanSessen, President-Elect Blade Cutters, LLC. PO Box 738 Crown Point, IN 46308 219-661-8206 Fax 219-226-3127 kevinvs@bladecutters.net
Kent Wilhelmus, Vice President Second Nature Landscape Management Inc. PO Box 651 Newburgh, IN 47629 812-483-7187 secondnature2004@yahoo.com
Rick Haggard, Executive Director & Publisher 7915 S. Emerson Ave., #247 Indianapolis, IN 46032 Office: 317-889-2382 Cell: 765-366-4994 info@inla1.org • rhaggard@inla1.org • haggard.rick@att.net
Jason Fritz (2025) Stantec Native Plant Nursery (574) 586-2412 Jason.fritz@cardno.com
Carlos Reichman (2025) Schuetz Insurance Services (317) 639-5679 carlos@schuetzins.com
Bob Wasson (2027) Wasson Nursery and Garden Center 765-759-9000 • bob@wassonnursery.com
Matt Colias (2027) Matt's Lawn Care and Landscaping 219-838-8900 • matt@mattslawn.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
8 Purdue Landscape and Turf Field Day, Daniel Turf Center, 1340 Cherry Ln, West Lafayette, IN 47907
17
August
6-7
IOMA Golf Outing Fundraiser, Twin Lakes Golf Club, 3200 W 96th St., Carmel, IN 46032
Registration at: https://ioma-web.com/event-5921368 ***Price Increase 10% - After June 1***
INLA Summer Meeting, Zionsville and Carmel, IN www.inla.org
8 INEF Shooting for Scholarships, Indiana Gun Club, Fishers, IN www.inla.org
19 Women in the Green Industry, Schneider Nursery, Seymour, IN
Visit http://inla1.org/events-calendar/ for updates and new event listings.
Active
Arrowhead Custom Lawn Care (812) 963-3317
Russell Alvey 13549 Saint Wendel Road Evansville, IN 47720
Duneland Landscape (219) 763-6741
Tom Frain
4337 Ohio St Michigan City, IN 46360
Krooswyk Materials 219-924-5605
Neil Krooswyk 9731 Indianapolis Blvd Highland, IN 46322
Lush Landscape 219-775-8531
Matthew Justice
15619 Grant St Crown Point, IN 46307
Welcome
New INLA Members!
Matt's Lawn Care & Landscaping LLC (219) 838-8900
Matt Colias Jim colias 13323 Calumet Ave Cedar Lake, IN 46303
RainMaker Irrigation / GreenMaker Lawn Care (219) 934-0000
Mark Hirchak 9928 Express Dr Highland, IN 46322
315 Broadway Chesterton, IN 46304 July
Thaddeus Landscaping (260) 215-3351
Thaddeus DuBois
377 Ems W17 Lane North Webster, IN 46555
Wellsand Landscaping and Hardscapes (219) 707-1150
Zack Wellsand
Wild Ridge Lawn & Landscape (317) 697-6721
Joe Wildridge 3355 S Arlington Ave Indianapolis, IN 46203
Affiliate
Sigma Enterprises LLC, The Excel Center Meadows (317) 520-3160
LaShawn Reed 8206 Rockville Rd #125 Indianapolis, IN 46214
Associate Central Turf & Irrigation Supply (260) 409-2196
Bernardo Luciano 5521 W Cleveland Rd, Ste B South Bend, IN 46628
Terpstra's Sales & Service Inc (219) 838-3600
Daniel Terpstra 1235 E Glen Park Ave Griffith, IN 46319
Time sure seems to fly by quicker the older I get!
Welcome everyone to the latest edition of the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Newsletter (Magazine).
In this edition you will find articles regarding the individual award recipients handed out at the 2025 Indiana Green Expo, during the INLA Annual Metting on February 11, 2025. The categories were: Indiana Nursery and Landscape Achievement Award, INLA Award of Merit and in 2024 we added an INLA Honorary Member. The last edition of the INLN recognized the various categories of Landscape, Hardscape and Maintenance categories submitted by various member companies!
The INLA purchased in August 2024, the domain of INLA.ORG, and is now using INLA1.ORG only in the background, as an extension. It took a little while upon switching to inla.org, realizing that every extension (tab) had to be updated to inla.org for them to work properly. Hopefully everything has been switched/updated/plugins/ etc. My email still works and has been forwarded to rhaggard@inla.org. But please check if you send an email that you add the rhaggard@inla.org as a safe sender.
As I reflect on the 2024 INLA successes, one of the many things I am most appreciative of is the engagement of board members actively engaging INLA members, or potential members in their respective committees. It was decided at the INLA Annual Board Meeting on February 10, 2025 to combine committees into 4 main groups with
a selected Executive Board Member chairing the various sectors. This means that there 3-4 regular individual committees, now submitting/report to an individual voice instead of that can execute regularly scheduled meetings of individual committees. Example the education, trade show, summer conference, membership etc. committees now have regularly scheduled zoom meetings, where committee members of that committee meet for 30 minutes –1 hour, to discuss and develop a plan for their committee and update the committee chair. It was great to see so many newfaces at the March 18, 2025 committee call-out, from longstanding members.
Please keep in mind that the INLA – IAH renewals will be coming in the mail soon. Also, please alert any IAH individuals needing recertified for 2025, if they attended the IGE in 2024 or 2025, we only need that they attended that particular entity and not individual classes. The same for NWINLA winter meeting, if unsure they can always contact me at rhaggard@inla.org, regarding the number of CEU’s they have.
Something else that will be new for the 2025/2026 is active membership renewal will be membership pricing. Platinum (3 million or above gross sales revenue – not income) will still be $450.00 per INLA fiscal year (July 1 – June 30); Class A (1 million – 3 million gross sales revenue – not income) will be $395.00 per INLA fiscal year; and 1 million or less gross sales revenue – not income) will be $350.00 per INLA fiscal year. Satellite membership will remain at $100.00 per location, as long as one of the locations pays the Platinum rate of $450.00. Those that are currently Associate Members the rates, starting for 2026 renewal will be $275.00 and Affiliate Members renewing for 2026 will be $100.00. These increases were needed as compared to pricing of other state associations close to our membership size, the INLA was the least expensive, regarding the cost for members to attend events and other offerings. In retrospect the INLA Membership committee is looking forward to update special discounts only available to current or new INLA Members. Keep your eyes and ears open for announcements coming soon.
On another tangent, please be sure to have your membership info updated with the letter sent with all the various memberships renewals, regarding phone numbers, basic contact information, email addresses and important contact information. I have received several email bounce backs from current legislative updates. It only takes a minute to be sure we have the correct information.
Also, a funny/not so funny update regarding our eNewsletter campaign. I was not aware the INLA was put on notice for too many spam reports, until receiving a notice of potential shutdown. Upon checking the clientele of our email lists; I noticed that roughly every week or every other week our email list growing by 75 to 250 newbies. Well upon checking the origin of these emails they were coming from Russia, based on boosting through Facebook. So if any of you are utilizing MailChimp platform and boost a particular event, you might double check your actual list by region. Please put in your calendars for upcoming events:
July 8, 2025 – Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day – Daniels Turf Center West Lafayette, IN
July 18, 2025 – IOMA Annual Golf Fundraiser Twin Lakes Golf Club Carmel, IN
August 6-7, 2025 – INLA Summer Meeting North (Carmel) and Northwest Indianapolis (Zionsville)
August 8, 2025 – INEF Shooting for Scholarships – Indiana Gun Club –Fishers, IN
August 19, 2025 – Women in the Green Industry Event –Seymour, IN (all are invited)
Keepin it green, Rick Haggard – INLA Executive Director
Rick Haggard
PRESIDENT
To my fellow INLA members,
Spring has finally sprung! The weather decided to play a little nicer that last week of February and in March we were runnin’ and gunnin’. April came in and the old saying that “April Showers bring May flowers” comes to mind when I think of the intense storms that we encountered. On a personal level, I decided to bring in a little help this past weekend to get my yard cleaned up and was able to get my first, week or two overdue, mow of the year in. It was a miracle considering all of our neighbors properties drain into ours. With all the precipitation we’ve had, it’s been nearly impossible to do anything out there. I know that some areas were hit pretty hard, and my prayers go out to anyone that had to endure the terrible brunt of those storms.
I’ve been thinking quite a bit about sales processes in the Landscape Industry lately, cause that’s what I do. How do we pitch value to our customers? What sets us apart from the competition? Could it be that your team for an Outdoor Living project are all ICPI and/or NCMA Certified? Could it be that you’re promoting industry standards as a member of the INLA? Could it be that all of your Landscape Team are IAH certified horticulturists? Working for a supplier, there are a couple of core company values that I think us and many of our competitors most always promote. Quality products and superior service. There are, of course, others. Best price, best inventory, best sales team. I may be just a little bit biased on that last one.
Let’s digress! Before you really analyze your sales process, I think it’s a great idea for a company to create a Customer Journey map and develop a better understanding of where your businesses processes fall into place and what you might do to improve them. You can find a ton of examples if you Google it. Go through each step of your customer’s journey and apply in each of those steps what your business does to benefit from it.
A Customer Journey may look like:
1. Awareness
a. Individuals who know about the Outdoor Living Lifestyle.
2. Interest
a. This is where your marketing and social media come in.
i. They’re actively curious about learning more about the Outdoor Living Lifestyle.
ii. Researching brands and products
iii. Determining if a project would meet their needs.
3. Time to Buy/Purchase
a. This is where your Sales Process comes in.
i. Client has heard your outstanding proposal and has decided to move forward with the project.
i. Keeping the client engaged and satisfied
ii. Willing to continue services or repeat services
5. Advocacy
a. The Customer has had an amazing experience that they will share with their friends and network.
i. You should never be afraid to ask for referrals.
Hopefully now you’ll be able to identify with your Customer Journey and see how your sales and operational processes fit in place. I guarantee you’ll be able to come up with many ways to improve your customer’s experience and subsequently improve your sales process’s value proposition. We can dive into the sales process a little in my next letter.
What’s going on in the INLA?
Numbers came out for the Indiana Green Expo and attendance had been at its highest since before Covid. Committee call outs went great and we’re stacked with loads of talent. Our whole Trade Show team is back with a ton of momentum and ideas as to how we can improve the experience of our next show. Our new Board member Matt Collias is going to be an incredible long-term asset to our association’s future. For all of our Northwestern members we’re going to be having another edition of our Contractor’s on Tap with on April 24th up in Crown Point. Hope to see you there. I had the privilege of sitting in on one of our INLA Education Committee meetings and am proud to say that they have got a really strong team. Almost as strong as the Trade Show Committee, but then again, I may be biased.
In conclusion, I’d like to always share gratitude for our Board of Directors, who are an amazing group of industry leaders, our Committee participants, who bring in a wealth of ideas and their contributions are what makes our events happen, and Frank Gieseking for supporting my involvement with the INLA. To all of you, I am extremely grateful and proud to serve alongside you. Now it is time for my book recommendation.
Traction
Get a Grip on Your Business
By Gino Wickman
Read it and reach out to me. I’d love to know what you learned.
All the best, Shaun
4. Retention
a. This is where your Operations Process comes in
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Growing Together: How Indiana’s Green Industry Can Cultivate Conservation in a Time of Change
Article & Photos by Scott Johnsen
Indiana is booming.
From the banks of the Ohio to the suburbs of Fort Wayne, you can feel the shift—more people arriving, more homes breaking ground, more roads reaching into fields that once grew corn and soy. It’s a season of rapid change, of economic opportunity, of undeniable momentum.
But beneath the hum of progress is a quieter truth: Indiana is growing fast, and our farmland is disappearing faster.
With each housing development stamped across former pastures, with each cul-de-sac poured where forests once stood, we are faced with a choice. Do we keep building outward without pause, or do we pause long enough to ask: what kind of Indiana are we leaving behind? This is where the green industry steps in—not as an afterthought, but as a leading voice.
A Crossroads Between Growth and Green
The state’s population has now surged beyond 7 million, fueled by migration from neighboring states and a surge of remote workers drawn to Indiana’s affordability and natural charm. Counties like Hamilton, Hendricks, and Vanderburgh are growing rapidly. Cities like Fishers and Evansville are transforming before our eyes, and builders are answering the call with homes, roads, and infrastructure—faster than ever before.
But as cities expand and skylines rise, the landscape industry finds itself at a rare intersection: between what’s possible and what’s responsible.
Farmland, once seen as abundant, is now at risk. The American Farmland Trust reports that Indiana lost over 300,000 acres of farmland between 2001 and 2016. In a state so deeply rooted in agriculture, this isn’t just a statistic. It’s a warning.
And for those in landscaping, nursery production, design, and horticulture, it’s a call to action.
The Quiet Power of the Green Industry
While bulldozers clear land and subdivisions unfold, we—those who plant, design, and preserve—have an opportunity to shape how Indiana grows. Every tree we choose to keep. Every prairie we restore. Every bioswale, every pollinator patch, every permeable path. These aren’t just features—they are choices that preserve the soul of the state.
Because at the edge of every new neighborhood is a chance to honor the land beneath it.
In Monroe County, for example, a local landscape firm worked with homeowners to install pollinator corridors in newly developed areas. The result? A living network of milkweed, coneflowers, and black-eyed Susans now hums with bees and butterflies, weaving nature back
into neighborhoods.
In Lafayette, a wholesale nursery made the bold choice to shift 60% of its inventory toward native and droughtresistant plants. Less water. Less maintenance. More resilience. That’s the new future they’re growing.
Former farmland lays in wait for the next urban sprawl. Merrillville, Indiana.
Fluke or Folly? Localized flooding in Evansville, Indiana.
And in southern Indiana, what began as a park renovation blossomed into a full-scale wetland restoration— designed not just for recreation, but for runoff filtration, wildlife habitat, and beauty.
These stories aren’t outliers. They’re blueprints.
A New Kind of Growth
If we want to protect Indiana’s heritage while building its future, we need to embed conservation into every phase of development—not as an afterthought, but as a core principle. That means using native plants that thrive in our soil and feed our wildlife. It means pushing for green infrastructure like rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable surfaces that fight runoff and cool our communities.
It also means teaching the next generation to see landscaping not just as a trade, but as a form of environmental stewardship. With many seasoned professionals nearing retirement, we’re not just losing labor—we’re losing decades of ecological wisdom. That’s why partnerships with schools and trade programs are so vital. We’re not just planting landscapes—we’re planting values.
A Call to Lead
Indiana’s green industry is more than capable. It’s powerful. And it must be bold.
As new roads carve through old fields, as city lights spill over once-dark skies, we need to be the ones asking tough questions at zoning meetings. We need to be working
for biodiversity.
We must be the growers who prioritize what supports soil, water, and pollinators—not just what sells fast.
We must be the voices reminding Indiana that growth doesn’t have to mean loss.
The Stakes Are High—But So Is the Potential
If we choose the path of unchecked sprawl, we face a future of hardpan soil, vanishing pollinators, toxic runoff, and forgotten roots.
But if we choose wisely—if we grow with intention— then Indiana’s boom can become a blessing. We can stitch together towns with green corridors, design communities where water is filtered naturally, and turn every front yard into a haven for life.
We can preserve not just land, but legacy.
Planting the Future, Together
The Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association is ready to lead this charge. By offering workshops, highlighting conservation success stories, and engaging in policy that supports sustainable development, we can rally our industry into a movement.
Because this isn’t just about what we build—it’s about what we protect.
with land trusts, city councils, and neighborhood groups to ensure that our ecosystems don’t get paved over in the name of progress.
We must be the professionals who design for beauty and
It’s about passing on an Indiana that still feels like Indiana.
And that future, that legacy—it starts with us.
Original photo before the housing was superimposed for cover image. Jasper County, Indiana.
New subdivisions now populate a once successful farm.
Hornbeam Rust: A New Rust Species to Look Out for in Indiana
By Will Drews, Nursery Inspector and Compliance Officer, IN DNR Division of Entomology and Plant Pathology
During a nursery inspection in Owen County in September of 2024, I noticed some interesting yellowing of the leaves on some American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana) trees (Fig. 1). A look on the underside of the leaves revealed some yellow-orange pustules, reminiscent of a rust fungus (Fig. 2). After submitting a sample to the Purdue Plant & Pest Diagnostic Lab staff, this fungal pathogen has been confirmed to be Hornbeam Rust (Melampsoridium asiaticum), a relatively new emerging rust fungal disease in the US.
Hornbeam Rust can be identified by its yellow-orange raised bumps, called pustules, on the underside of the leaves (Fig. 3). As these pustules develop, there will be corresponding yellow leaf spots that form on the upper side of the leaves. If there is a severe pustule load on the undersides, the yellowing pattern on the upper sides of the leaves may coalesce and appear as larger yellow patches (Fig. 4 & 5). Besides leaves, the samaras (fruit structures) may also become infected with Hornbeam Rust.
Hornbeam Rust originates from Japan and China and was first detected in the US in a couple counties in Florida in the fall of 2018. In 2019, similar rust reports were made in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. This new find in Owen County, IN was the first detection of Hornbeam Rust in Indiana and is likely the northernmost report in the country to date (Fig. 6).
Hornbeam Rust has been confirmed to infect American Hornbeam, European Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), and Hophornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) trees. Unlike a number of common rusts like Cedar Apple Rust which alternate between two very different hosts (e.g. Apples [Malus spp.] and Cedars [Juniperus spp.]) depending on life cycle stage, Hornbeam Rust appears to stay on its host throughout its life cycle.
Because of its recent discovery, not much is known about spread and control of this rust. If you think you have some infected Carpinus or Ostrya trees, please contact a nursery inspector or send a sample to Purdue PPDL. The DNR is interested in knowing about any new pest or pathogen in Indiana’s landscape and is always open to discussing new finds. Please contact the DNR at 1-866-NO EXOTIC ((866) 663-9684) or send an email to DEPP@dnr.in.gov for assistance.
Links:
• IN DNR Division of Entomology Inspectors: https://www.in.gov/dnr/entomology/division-staff/
Anger, N. et al. 2023. Ironwood/hophornbeam leaf rust, an emergent disease across the southeastern United States affiliated to Melampsoridium asiaticum. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change 6:1212192. doi: 10.3389/ ffgc.2023.1212192
(continued on page 13)
2:
Figure 3: Orange pustules with yellow-orange spores on the underside of an American Hornbeam leaf viewed under a 40X dissecting microscope.
Photo 4: American Hornbeam leaves with a severe Hornbeam Rust infection (left) vs moderate (right).
Figure 5: American Hornbeam leaf undersides with a severe Hornbeam Rust infection (left) vs moderate (right).
Figure 6: A map of states with confirmed Hornbeam Rust populations color coded by the year the rust was identified.
Figure 1: Yellowing pattern on the upper sides of American Hornbeam leaves.
Figure
Orange pustules on the underside of an American Hornbeam leaf.
Grateful: On the 2024 INLA Award of Merit
By: Kyle Daniel, Nursery and Landscape Specialist, Purdue University
How fortunate are we to work in an industry filled with such outstanding people? For all the wonderful things that can be said about the Green Industry, it’s the people who make it truly exceptional.
Earlier this year, I was deeply honored and humbled to receive the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association (INLA) Award of Merit. Having dedicated my career to supporting Indiana’s green industry through extension, teaching, and research, this recognition means more to me than words can fully express.
My journey in this field began at the age of 15, working for Johnnie’s Landscaping in western Kentucky. My first day on the job was a rainy Saturday, planting large arborvitaes at a new Southern States Coop in Henderson County. Despite the soggy conditions, I discovered something I genuinely enjoyed. At the time, I hadn’t planned on attending college, but Johnnie encouraged me to give it a try for one year. “If it’s not a fit,” he said, “you’ve always got a job here.” That encouragement led me to work my way through college for another small landscaping company, ultimately earning two degrees from Western Kentucky University and pursuing graduate studies at Ohio State University.
When I joined Purdue University as the Nursery and Landscape Specialist, my goal was simple: to support the professionals who grow, design, install, and maintain the landscapes that enhance our communities. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with so many incredible individuals—whether through the INLA, diagnostic services, or educational programs like the Indiana Green Expo.
The Award of Merit is presented to individuals who have made significant contributions to Indiana’s nursery and landscape industry. To be recognized by peers and colleagues in this way is truly meaningful. I see this honor not as a personal achievement alone, but as a reflection of the partnerships and collective efforts we’ve built across the state. The strength of our industry lies in collaboration, and I’m grateful every day to work alongside so many dedicated, talented, and innovative professionals. I’ll never take for granted how lucky I am to be part of such an amazing industry, surrounded by such exceptional people.
To the INLA and to everyone I’ve had the privilege of working with—thank you. This award is a powerful reminder of the relationships and collaborations that have shaped my career and continue to inspire me. There’s still much work to be done, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.
The criteria for this award as set by the forefathers of the IAN/INLA are as follows:
To be given to an individual(s) for meritorious service to the Landscape/ Horticulture Industry of Indiana.
Congratulations to a very deserving individual and friend to all!
Landscape, Lawncare, Tree and Shrub Care, or Irrigation Business in Indianapolis or surrounding counties. Call Jim Calvin, Calvin Landscape 317-247-6316
One of the many benefits of your INLA membership is the opportunity to have your work or business professionally photographed and showcased on our social media platforms. If you have a project you would like to highlight, we've got you covered! It's FREE!
Questions? Contact Rick Haggard, 317-889-2382 LOOKING TO PURCHASE EXISTING BUSINESS
INLA Job Board at www.inla1.org FREE JOB POSTING for INLA members! Positions are open to any who wish to respond! To post an open position at your company, please email info@inla1.org and send the job description along with how to apply.
Purdue Horticulture Society Explores Louisville's Botanical Wonders
The Purdue Horticulture Society embarked on the annual spring trip on March 28-30. This year the club picked Louisville to explore a botanical garden and arboretum. This annual trip provided members with an opportunity to expand their knowledge of horticulture and appreciate the beauty of diverse plant collections.
On March 29, the group visited the Waterfront Botanical Gardens, a vibrant, urban oasis dedicated to sustainable gardening and environmental education. Situated on a former landfill site, the gardens exemplify how revitalized spaces can become thriving centers of biodiversity. Students marveled at the lush plantings, innovative landscape designs, and eco-friendly initiatives aimed at conservation and education.
On March 30, the group traveled to the renowned Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest , a sprawling 16,000-acre natural preserve that blends art, science, and conservation. With its extensive collection of trees, wildflowers, and diverse ecosystems, the students were able to immerse themselves in the collections available at the arboretum. Highlights of the visit included a hike through the arboretum’s scenic trails, encounters with the famous Forest Giants art installation, and early blooming trees and shrubs.
The trip was made possible through funding from the Purdue Horticulture Society’s annual Spring Plant Sale, held during Spring Fest . This fundraiser provides essential support for club activities, including educational trips like this one. The 2025 Spring Plant Sale will take place on April 12 , offering annuals, houseplants, and succulents grown by students. Proceeds from the sale help fund future club events and hands-on learning opportunities.
2024 INLA Nursery and Landscape
Lifetime Achievement Award: Sam Beitler
Some of you older, seasoned INLA members remember the Indiana Nursery Association (INA) back when Dr. Don Schuder and his wife, Mary, (1970-1980’s) and then Dr Phil Carpenter and his wife, Judy, (1990’s) were the directors. Many of you are from a younger generation. Let me introduce myself.
I am Sam Beitler. My wife, Jayne, and our three grown and married children all live in the Evansville community. I served the INA (now INLA) on the board from the late 1980’s to 1993 when I became the Association’s president. At that time, I was vice president of McCarty’s Colonial Garden Center which had three locations in the Evansville market. I worked there from 1976-2001 after graduation from the Purdue University Horticulture Program.
Some of my peers in the Association included great people as Mike Jansen, Jim Messmer, Tom McGee, David Todd, Debra Wiseman, David Julius, Stan Brehob, Bob Maudlin, Dan Gluesenkamp, Tom Allen, Ken Koeneman, George Brenn, Butch Edwards, JT McCarty, and others that I held in high esteem but regrettably can’t include because of your attention span.
I remember so many great times serving the Association with summer meetings and the annual January meetings in several downtown Indianapolis venues.
In January of this year, I was approached by Kent Wilhelmus and Rick Haggard to be awarded the Nursery and Landscape Lifetime Achievement Award. Anyone involved in selecting me has my sincere appreciation. At the annual meeting in February, I received this honor, and I humbly want to again accept this award and thank the now INLA for considering my years of service to the Association. I am indeed grateful for the award and more importantly the opportunity to serve the great nursery and landscape industry of Indiana.
Green side up, Sam
Sam joins a list of recipients dating back to 1992. Sam was also President of the IAN, later known as INLA, in 1993.
The criteria for this award that Sam exemplifies are:
“To be awarded annually to any individual(s) who has given freely his/her time for strengthening the green industry of Indiana”
Congratulations on receiving one of the very few prestigious awards of the INLA.
INLA 2024 Honorary Member: Fred Whitford
It’s a special time when an ‘old’ Extension specialist receives word that he is the recipient of the 2024 Honorary Member to the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association. It is an award that puts a smile on my face, because it is recognition that your contributions have made a difference to the men and women you have worked with over the years.
Who could have ever guessed that an immigrant from France would ever find himself for more than three decades at Purdue University writing extension publications, offering training programs, filming videos, and speaking at educational seminars. I have always strived to present information, in whatever form, to those who seek my advice or attend workshops that would enhance their professional skills and business opportunities.
I was asked about the special persons who I felt contributed to my success as an Extension Specialist. The reality is there is not one person, rather it’s the folks in an audience that continued to push me along through their questions. Questions asked at programs that I could not answer drove me more to find answers which led to developing new publications and presentations. These questions along with my desire to learn propelled me forward into areas that I did not know needed addressed.
I would like to thank all of you who allowed me to visit your operations. While my visits were to help you stay in compliance with the constant changes in state and federal regulations, those site visits gave me a better understanding of what it took to run a successful business.
And lastly, I would offer a thank all my current and past colleagues who worked alongside me as we tackled issues and problems faced by those working in the nursery and landscape industry. I am very proud to say that today, unlike many universities, that Purdue University remains committed to applied research and a strong core of extension specialists and county educators working throughout the state to deal with today’s problems and issues.
While I get paid to do this job, it remains today as it was at the start of my career, that it is much more than just a job to me. It’s a mission to see others succeed and as a secondary sidenote, put a smile on their faces. Those of us who are practicing extension professionals always hope that somehow we have a small part of the successes of others.
It is both an honor and highlight to my Extension career to be recognized with the Honorary Membership Award into the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association.
Fred joins a selected group of very few individuals who bestow this honor. It simply states:
“We THANK YOU for all support throughout the years”
Vincennes University: 3rd Place
On Wednesday, April 9, the Vincennes University Horticulture Department travelled to Canyon, Texas, to compete in a judging conference held at West Texas A&M University. A four-student team, led by Agribusiness and Horticulture Coordinator, Melanie Ellis, participated in this four-part competition for the first time in the program’s history. The four areas included in the competition consisted of 1) general horticulture knowledge; 2) plant, equipment, tool, and supply identification; 3) problem solving; and 4) plant judging. The combined individual scores of Victoria Crites, Briley Hamilton, Lilly Weston, and Holyn Williams earned this team a 3rd Place Ranking in the four-year division! Congratulations VU Horticulture!
In the picture left to right are:
Holyn Williams, Victoria Crites, Melanie Ellis (Coordinator), Lilly Weston and Briley Hamilton*.
*Briley Hamilton was won the 2024 INEF Scholarship Winners
Women of the Green Industry Nursery Tour
To Be Held at Schneider Nursery
Schneider Nursery is hosting the “Women of the Green Industry” on Thursday, June 19th from 12pm-3 pm. Join the Schneider family and staff for a light lunch, tour of the greenhouse and retail center, and a tour of the growing fields. Hear a brief history of Schneider Nursery from family members while enjoying time with your colleagues, family and/or friends. Wear your walking shoes and bring a water bottle, as we will be exploring the fields on foot! All ages are welcome to attend and enjoy an afternoon of plants and people!
Register at https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bEPbCNp7KNs0ExU for the free tour!
All activities will take place at 3066 East Highway 50, Seymour, Indiana 47274
12pm-1pm- Arrival and light lunch
1pm- Schneider Nursery history by Margie Strange – 39 years in Green Industry
1:30pm – Walking Field Tour by Jill Glover- 10 years in Green Industry
2:30 pm- Tour of Garden Center and Greenhouses
Please register at the link to reserve your spot; we are looking forward to seeing you all! Questions- reach out to jill@schneidernursery.com.
GEORGE BRENN'S IAH STUDY GUIDE
The Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association has developed the Indiana Accredited Horticulturist Program to provide a method of self-study and accreditation for individuals in the nursery industry. The goal of this certification and accreditation program is to develop knowledgeable, motivated, professional employees for the landscape nursery industry.
There are over 700 Indiana Accredited Horticulturists and over 125 Master Horticulturists. The success of the program and the upgrading of the personnel in the nursery industry are direct results of the emphasis the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association have placed on education programs. You are encouraged to take advantage of this valued educational service of your association.
George Brenn’s IAH Study Guide
George Brenn, Four Seasons Landscaping Nursery, created this study guide to help teach the material covered in the IAH Manual. His intention was to assist those trying to master the subjects within the manual.
The new IAH Chapter 15, authored by Dr. Janna Beckerman and Dr. Cliff Sadof, describes the basic process of diagnosing plant problems. Proper plant health diagnosis involves evaluating fragments of information along with critical, open-minded thinking to develop well-reasoned conclusions and solutions.
This is a step-by-step process that involves:
Proper host identification
Process of elimination
Identification of SIGNS
Determination of problem
Observation of SYMPTOMS
Determine nature of problem
Proper Host Identification – essential to ID host plant for successful diagnosis (many genera known as Cedars)
Determination of Problem – is problem normal or abnormal? (e.g. normal Autumn needle drop of Pines or Taxodium)
Process of Elimination – certain plants are associated with common problems (e.g. Maples do not get EAB)
Define the SYMPTOMS – SYMPTOMS are the changes in appearance, growth or development in response to a problem. Symptoms reveal a disruption in normal plant function. Often, plants respond the same way to different problems, thus, diagnosis based only on 1 or 2 symptoms may be inaccurate
** Whenever possible, examine the ROOTS of the affected plant to observe and gather relevant info.
Identify SIGNS – SIGNS are evidence of the biologic agents of plant disease. Common signs include:
Presence of insects or excrement Frass Fungal mycelia
Bacterial ooze (see Ch15; pg7)
Determine Nature of Problem – This is when you use your smartphone and the Purdue Plant Doctor apps.
Distinguishing Between ABIOTIC and BIOTIC Agents – must assess Damage Pattern Distribution and Period of Time for Damage Development.
ABIOTIC Diseases are caused by non-infectious agents such as people or the environment. SYMPTOMS develop rapidly and are usually not progressive. >70% of plant health issues are Abiotic.
BIOTIC Diseases are abnormal conditions of a plant caused by living microorganisms. Biotic disorders are mainly host-specific (e.g. Verticillium Wilt on a Maple will not cause wilt on a White Pine)
Most common Abiotic Diseases in landscapes are caused by ignorance of & abuse by people (PPD’s)
Distinguishing Between Foliar Problems – Foliar problems rarely result in plant death, but are the most obvious. Many root & stem problems are first visible as foliar damage.
Entire or Major Portion of Top is most often related to a ROOT problem. (see Ch15; pg14)
(continued on page 25)
GEORGE BRENN'S IAH STUDY GUIDE (CONT.)
Stem Girdling from rope or twine on rootball, plant tags, OR from ‘Weedeater Disease’ causes vascular disruption
Sudden Decline is usually the result of ABIOTIC disorders (Ch15; pg15)
Physiological Disorder – e.g. Summer leaf drop in response to drought (Ch15; pg16)
Multiple Branch Death is usually root or vascular related (e.g. Verticillium) (Ch15; pg17) **Fireblight is a BIOTIC disorder (Ch15; pg18) but symptoms occur very rapidly
The Degree of a Plant’s RESISTANCE can change over time, as can the resistance of a pathogen to a pesticide
Single Branch Dying can be either Biotic or Abiotic (Ch15; pg19}
Foliar Injury – Chemical injury of foliage from phytotoxic pesticides, herbicides, etc., can cause leaf spotting, curling, cupping or twisting or other distortions of foliage (Ch15; pg20)
Foliar Problems in Conifers (Ch15; pg21-22) Need to observe if damage is on only leaves (needles) of a specific growth period (e.g. normal autumn needle drop on Pines and Arborvitaes, etc.)
Foliar Symptoms can indicate root problems (Ch15; pg23)
Vascular Wilt (Ch15; pg24) can be caused by excess salts, errant pH, herbicide uptake thru roots (Ch15; pg24)
Distinguishing Between Pathogens and Insect / Mite Damage requires OBSERVATION
SYMPTOMS = changes in appearance, growth or development. SIGNS = evidence of the biologic agent causing damage
The Combination of both Symptoms and Signs is required for preliminary distinction between pathogens & insects SYMPTONS and SIGNS of FOLIAR PROBLEMS
• Is entire leaf or only portions of leaf consumed? (Ch15; pg27) Are portions distinct? (Ch15; pg28 + Ch8;pg 41)
• Is webbing, frass or excrement present? (Ch15; pg27)
• Powdery Mildew (Ch15; pg29) There are many species of Powdery Mildew, but they are Host Specific
• Galls (Crown Gall, Rust Gall, Black Knot) (Ch15; pg50)
• Blights (Ch15; pg51-52)
SYMPTONS and SIGNS of ROOT PROBLEMS
• BIOTIC Problems – Most root problems are Biotic, but are often misdiagnosed. Many soil-borne pathogens are Anaerobic (= living in lack of Oxygen). These prosper in poorly drained soils (Ch15; pg42)
(continued on page 26)
GEORGE BRENN'S IAH STUDY GUIDE (CONT.)
& NEW IAHS
• Root Feeders – larval stage of Beetles (e.g. Jap Beetle or Rose Chafer Grubs), Weevils (e.g. Black Vine Weevil) or Moths (e.g. Sod Webworm) (Ch15; pg42 + Ch8; pg 54)
• Nematodes = microscopic roundworms. Root Knot Nematodes cause galls to develop at feeding sites (Ch15; pg53)
• Declines can be sudden or gradual (Ch15; pg15)
Congratulations New IAHs!
AlsipHome&Nursery,SaintJohn,IN
David Christakes
Richie Christakes
Isabella Damian
Cody Johnson
Jackson Lee
Kareena Murphy
Jami Shanks (Robles)
Mike White
CountrysideLandscaping, DeMotte, IN
Dakota Lawley
Joshua Overton
Marce' Chastain, Designscape, Nashville, IN
Amber Bryan, Forever Green, St John, IN
Elizabeth Raleigh, Grant Line Garden Center, New Albany, IN
Kashena Hottinger, Indy Parks & Garfield Park Conservatory, Indianapolis, IN
LakeshoreLandscaping,Valparaiso,IN
Martin Max
Carolyn McAfee
Mark Sojda, Lemcke Landscape, Inc., Indianapolis, IN
Allison Buriff, Love Your Landscape, Noblesville, IN
Chris Allen, Minnetrista, Muncie, IN
NiemeyerLandscapeSupply,Crown Point,IN
Crystal Music
Adam Vincent
Magy Vincent
Skylar Finch, Nolan's Lawn Care, Bloomington, IN
Rachael Miller, Perennials Plus, Westfield, IN
Lisa Remus, Remus Farms, Valparaiso, IN
RLM Inc., Hebron, IN
Tony Moon
Daniel Overton
Justin Robinson
Raegan Stinnett
Opio Henderson, Serenity Landscape Management, Hammond, IN
Hannah Smith, Town of Brownsburg/Parks Dept, Brownsburg, IN
Vega'sLandscaping,Valparaiso,IN
Jose Frausto
Eleazar Robles
Leo Vega
Quiz Due June 5
1. The most important component of diagnosing plant health problems is proper identification of the _______.
2. Determining if a problem is normal or __________ must be considered _________________.
3. Symptoms are the changes in _________, growth or development of a plant.
4. Often, plants respond the same way to _________ problems, and diagnosis based only on 1 or 2 __________ may be inaccurate.
5.Whenever possible, examine the ________ of the affected plant.
6. _______ are evidence of the biologic agent causing damage.
7.Abiotic diseases are caused by ____-__________ agents, such as people.
8. Biotic diseases are abnormal conditions of a plant caused by __________ __________.
9. Foliar problems rarely result in plant _________.
10. ______ _________ can be caused by rope or twine left on rootballs.
11. Sudden Decline is usually the result of _____________ disorders.
12. Fireblight is a ___________ disorder.
13.Conifers often appear to have foliar disorders in _______ due to normal needle drop.
(Continues on page 32)
IAH Quiz
Each quiz will be worth a .5 (one-half) CEU!
The Indiana Accredited Horticulturist Committee is pleased to provide you an opportunity to earn CEUs (continuing education units) in each issue of the Indiana Nursery and Landscape News.
The IAH quiz offered in each issue can be completed by anyone who is an “Active” (current) IAH (initial or masters).
Each quiz will be worth a .5 (one-half) CEU (continuing education unit) for the completion of the bi-monthly quiz with a pass rate of 80%. Over a 2-year period, you could earn up to 6 CEUs if you take and pass every quiz!
The INLA office will grade the quiz. Questions and answers have been provided by the IAH committee.
Thank you and good luck studying!
The Indiana Accredited Horticulturist Committee Co-Chairs
- George Brenn, Four Seasons Landscaping Nursery
- Gabriel Gluesenkamp, Designscape Hort Services Committee Members
- Brian Bunge, Twixwood Nursery
Name:
IAH No.:
Phone:
Email:
Send answers to: info@inla1.org -or- mail to INLA, 7915 S. Emerson Ave., #247, Indianapolis, IN 46237
- Wayne Gruber, Niemeyer’s Landscape Supply
- Jim Messmer
- Melissa Mravec, Allen Landscape
- Jodie Overmyer, Marshall County Soil and Water
14.There are many species of Powdery Mildew, but they are ______-_________.
15.Needle cast begins at the _____ of the plant and moves _________.
16.Diagnosis of insect damage includes observation of the actual _______ or its ________ .
17.______ _____ fungus is often associated with the excrement of Aphids or Scale Insects.
18. The majority of root problems are ____________ disorders.
19.Anaerobic pathogens most often reside in ________ __________ _______.
20. People Pressure Diseases are _________ disorders.
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