September/October 2025 by Indiana Nursery & Landscape Association

Landscape

Indiana Nursery & Landscape News

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

Phone: 317-889-2382

Toll Free: 800-443-7336 www.inla.org

PUBLISHER

Rick Haggard, Executive Director, INLA 765-366-4994 • rhaggard@inla.org

Advertising Rates: Media Kit available online at www.inla.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 46237 Office: 317-889-2382 Cell: 765-366-4994 info@inla.org • rhaggard@inla.org • haggard.rick@att.net

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Erick Brehob (2026) Brehob Consulting and Distribution, LLC 317-258-0544 • brehoberick@outlook.com

Kyle Daniel — Purdue University 765-494-7621 • daniel38@purdue.edu

Jill Glover (2026) Schneider Nursery • 812-522-4068 jill@schneidernursery.com

Jason Fritz (2025) Stantec Native Plant Nursery (574) 586-2412 Jason.fritz@cardno.com

Carlos Reichman (2025) A.J. Gallagher (317) 639-5679 carlos_reichman@ajg.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

MRTF - Annual Golf Fundraiser, Warren Golf Course 110, Notre Dame, IN 46556 www.mrtf.org

19-20

MRTF Landscape & Turf Seminar, W. H. Daniel Turfgrass and Research Center, 1340 Cherry Lane, West Lafayette, IN 47907 www.mrtf.org February 2026

2026

IOMA Golf Outing, Twin Lakes Golf Club, 3200 W 96th St., Carmel, IN 46032 www.ioma-web.com

Visit http://inla.org/events-calendar/ for updates and new event listings.

Welcome

New INLA Members!

New Active Members

Brickworks Supply Center

Robert Johnstone, Jacob Sanborn

Ph: (317) 751-2334

5007 W 96th St Indianapolis, IN, 46268

Cutting Edge Lawn & Landscaping

Max Groen

Ph: (219) 365-9766

9543 Wicker Ave

St. John, IN, 46373

Deming Property Solutions LLC

Mike Cline

Ph: (317) 691-3693

5228 E 225th St Noblesville, IN, 46062

Gemini Landscape Construction

Zac Brkljacic

Ph: (463) 245-2238

5118 E 161st St Noblesville, IN, 46074

LML Estate Management

Scott Morris

Ph: (317) 533-3707

5728 N Michigan Rd Indianapolis, IN, 46228

SiteOne Landscape Supply

Steve Monro

Ph: (317) 535-7891

130 Crossroads Dr New Whiteland, IN, 46184

Vivid Landscape

Scott Taylor

Ph: (317) 735-5800

5335 W 86th St Ste 7 Indianapolis, IN, 46268

New Affiliate Members

City of West Lafayette

Jennifer Gardiner

Ph: (765) 806-7701

222 N Chauncey Ave West Lafayette, IN, 47906

TRANSFORMING EXPERIENCE, INTO EXPERTISE

Our Territory Managers provide expert on-site training, design help, and business support. The online Hardscape Education Center is full of valuable resources, and our free U-TEC certiﬁcate courses offer installation training for new crew members.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S

Well, the time has come for some emphatic words from your humbled Executive Director of the INLA. In this year’s edition of one of the hottest stretches of late July & August, to this point of temperatures. Yes, here it is the middle of August righting this article to mainly recap a couple of events that the INLA has always been associated with or hosted.

I hope you continue reading this edition as I will do my best to recapture our annual INLA Summer Tour which was primarily in the near northwestern/ northern/northeastern locale of greater Indianapolis area, regarding the towns of Zionsville, Westfield and Fishers. As well as an in-depth educational start of the first part of the day, Wednesday August 6, 2025, at Tenbarge Seed and Turfgrass Supplies new INDY location just off I-69 and 96th Street, followed by a rare chance to visit Heartland Growers for a very open discussion, with Jim and Nick Gapinski as our host and tour guides.

After an enjoyable lunch at Heartland, prepared and sponsored by board member, Erick Brehob of Brehob Consulting and Distribution, LLC; the next stop was at Perennial Plus, in Westfield, which also was the site for Thursday evening dinner catered by John and Suzie Platte’s (Perennials Plus) daughter-in-

law’s company “Toast the Host. and first round of the INEF Auction.

The second day, Thursday, was filled with tours in the Zionsville area and Westfield areas with tours of many exhilarating landscaped homes and denotations by the project managers of challenges that came along with the projects. Friday was the 15th annual Shooting for Scholarships at the Indiana Gun Club. Please look further in the edition for some more in depth details of all the events.

Also, in this edition I will give a more in-depth detail of the 2025 Indiana Outdoor Management Alliance (IOMA) Golf Outing, held at Twin Lakes Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana on July 17, 2025; which had the largest turnout to date of 112 golfers represented. For the newest members of the INLA wanted to be sure that as a member of the INLA, you, your company and employees are also a part of IOMA. IOMA is represented by The Corydon Group, providing representation regarding in the Indiana General Assembly. Save the date for the 2026 IOMA Golf Outing to be held on July 16, 2025 at Twin Lakes with a rain date of October 8, 2026.

In this edition is also the 2025 INLA Green Excellence Award details for registering projects with a registration date to be submitted by December 15, 2025. I have heard from many companies that are planning to submit for different categories this year, so never hesitate to get an early start on taking pictures of projects. Please remember also the before, during and after pictures will help the judges hear the story behind the project’s pictures.

Another critical Save the Date is the 2026 Indiana Green

Expo February 9-11, with early exhibitor move-in on February 8, 2025. Yes, February 8th is Super Bowl Sunday, but with the special rates we have received from The Westin Indianapolis hotel, why not enjoy a relaxing evening here. Links to hotel and other registration items will be emailed to members and posted on the Indiana Green Expo, website in the near future, www. Indiana greenexpo.com

INLA Newsflash/Social update:

The INLA has hired JRL Local to oversee the balance of 2025 and part of 2026 calendar year regarding social media (Facebook, Instagram etc.) They have an introduction to their team, in this edition plus will be assisting on other necessary upcoming meetings, programs, etc. They sent 3 members to cover our summer meeting and were very grateful for the opportunity.

If you were not able to attend, please checkout some pics in this magazine edition and on INLA Facebook page. Attending our summer meeting were Meghan Hodges, Jacob (Jake) Clark and Reed Raibley.

Upon closing this edition of my Executive Director letter, I wish to extend a personal note of gratitude and a heartfelt Thank you to all the volunteers and board members that have assisted in the success of our association. It just goes to prove it takes a small army of volunteers that is required o make these events be as successful as they have been.

Keepin it green, Rick Haggard

–Executive Director

Rick Haggard

INDIANA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE

PRESIDENT SHAUN YEARY'S MESSAGE

To our INLA Members,

Who’s got 2 thumbs and won a Benelli Shotgun in a raffle at the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association Summer Meeting. Insert image here of me smiling with my two thumbs pointing emphatically toward myself. This guy!

I’d like to give a big congratulations to our current President-Elect Kevin Van Sessen and our Summer Meeting Committee for creating a memorable experience in this year’s event. The week’s events included stops to gracious hosts such as Tenbarge Seed and Turfgrass Supplies, Heartland Growers and culminated with a wonderful dinner event hosted by John and Suzie Platte at Perennials Plus in Westfield,IN. Our current INEF President, Dave Lafara, announced after our dinner that a total sum of $22,000 was awarded to Scholarship and Grant recipients this year. This year’s Summer Tour concluded with our annual Shooting for Scholarships where team RLM, Ricci Landscape Management, took the trophy once again. Our Summer Meeting Committee’s own, Brant Boram, walked away with this year’s “Sharp Shooter” award hitting 48 out of 50 clays.

The Summer Meeting has become our Association’s largest fundraising event of our year. If it weren’t for our Sponsors, auction donors and participating members, we would not be able raise the funds that have positively impacted so many lives. Thank you, everyone on our Summer Meeting Committee, so much for your efforts in making this year’s meeting a wonderful experience. Also, congratulations to Kent Wilhelmus for winning this year’s Alien Statue that seems to be becoming

a tradition our dinner auction. Just remember,” It’s for the kids!”. I’ll be looking forward to our Summer Event next year down in Evansville where I hear they have some pretty amazing projects they’re wanting to show off.

What’s going on in the INLA?

Those of you who attended our Summer Event might have noticed a team of people armed with cameras and microphones gathering content and documenting the experience. We have recently partnered with the team at JRL Local Media Company to help us navigate through our outreach and social media content. The INLA Board is excited to move forward with this new partnership in hopes of building stronger connections with our members all across our great State of Indiana.

Otra cosa que está pasando en la INLA: nuestro equipo de IHA ya empezó a trabajar en la traducción del examen de IAH al español. Cough, cough, cough…. I mean… Another thing happening in the INLA, our team from the IAH has been working on translating our IAH Exam into the Spanish language. Esta es una oportunidad increíble para nuestra comunidad Hispana…cough... Darn it! This is an incredible opportunity for our Hispanic community. The IAH program is one of the best in the country and we are excited it will soon be available to a group of people that has become such a large part of our industry.

This year has been a big year for our traveling CoT, Contractors on Tap, program. CoT has been a great opportunity to bring our members together in their own regions and offer some sort of value in the form

of a round table or educational event. Our greatest value as an Association is and always has been our people and the network we create. These events have done an amazing job of recruiting new members as well. Moving forward into Fall, we’ve got eyes on the north.

For anyone wanting to be involved, you don’t have to wait for our annual Committee Call-out meeting. Please reach out to any of us and we are more than happy to assist. We are always on the lookout for new and future leaders in our industry to help maintain, strengthen and grow our association from the inside as well as the outside. It’s been a blessing and a privilege being able to serve the people in our industry and I’m extremely grateful for our current Board of Directors and their contributions to our Association. I look forward to seeing you all at our next event and hopefully our Indiana Green Expo upcoming in February.

Appreciate you all!

Adios

Shaun (That’s Juan in Spanish)

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Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day Recap: Mark your calendar for July 21,2026

Kyle Daniel, Nursery and Landscape Specialist, Department of Horticulture and Landscape

The 2025 Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day took place on July 8 at the W.H. Daniel Turfgrass Research and Diagnostic Center in West Lafayette, drawing professionals from across Indiana and the Midwest. In addition to the 350 attendees, there were 30 exhibitors featured in the trade show.

1. John Bonkowski teaching the landscape tour attendees about common canker diseases and their management at the Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day on July 8, 2025.

The event began in the morning with a series of in-depth research tours led by Purdue faculty, staff, and graduate students. The morning sessions focused on four key areas: IPM in lawn care, lawn care management, golf, and landscape. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with current research, field trials, and best management practices on topics such as disease, insects, fertilization, weed control, equipment maintenance, and sustainable maintenance practices.

After a great lunch, the afternoon transitioned into workshops designed to give participants practical experience. Highlights included a landscape diagnostic tour that walked attendees through real-world plant health issues, a weed identification and control workshop, a sports turf tour at Purdue’s baseball stadium, and a tour of Purdue’s new golf course facilities.

Throughout the day, attendees also had the opportunity to explore the trade show featuring 30 vendors and exhibitors. The trade show displayed the latest equipment, products, and services available to the turf and landscape industry, including cutting-edge turf machinery, soil amendments, and pest management tools. The Field Day successfully combined education, hands-on learning, and industry networking, continuing Purdue’s tradition of supporting green industry professionals with research- based knowledge and practical solutions.

Don’t miss the 2026 Purdue Turf and Landscape Field Day on July 21 st at the W.H. Daniel Turfgrass Research and Diagnostic Center in West Lafayette.

Figure

INLA Summer Meeting Recap

INLA Summer Meeting – INEF Shooting for Scholarships 2025

The following is a recap of some of the highlights during the 2025 INLA Summer Tours and INEF Shooting for Scholarships. This event was primarily in the northern sector of Indianapolis, including the towns/cities of Zionsville, Westfield and Fishers.

During the INLA committee meeting in March this year a number of people that were going to be an integral part of this event as well as the 2025 Summer Meeting attended to start planning this event. The INLA Summer Meeting committee, chaired by Kevin Van Sessen (INLA President Elect), had the following either at the meeting or came aboard during the planning; Erick Brehob (INLA Board), Robert Johnstone (INEF Representative), Brant Boram (Committee Member – Musselman Landscape Solutions)), Rich Christakes (Committee Member - Alsip Nursery), Josh Howard (Committee Member – The Engledow Group) and Matt Colias (INLA Board), plus others that would be contacted leading up to the event.

Day 1 – August 6, 2025

There were approximately 30 individuals to partake in the first day of tours which were more of an educational growing aspect than landscape viewing. Everyone met at Tenbarge Seed and Turf Supplies newest location at 4141 East 96th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240 for a continental breakfast and tour of the facilities. Tenbarge is a well-established company with its foothold mainly in Haubstadt, Indiana. It was an opportunity to acquaint those on the tour with their heritage dating back to 1940, of the various items they sell. After the tour at Tenbarge, we headed further north to Heartland Growers located at 2621 East 186th Street, Westfield IN 46074. We were greeted by Jim Gapinski and guided on a tour by both Jim and his son Nick. While this company does a large volume of business with the large (BLUE) box store, they still service several landscape contractors and some garden centers. Located on 20 acres, as Jim described, the facility consisted of several of its acreage under cover with greenhouses. They were both very engaging to discuss the various processes that different crops growing at various or overlapping times and the use of controlled venting, shade curtains, watering etc. but wanted to be sure there is still a need for employees to keep a close eye on pest, disease and “dry” spots sometimes missed by the automated watering/fertigation system. They grow over 1 million mums and 500,000 Poinsettias at this location all under cover for the fall crops. Lunch was served at Heartland, prepared by INLA Board Member, Erick Brehob of Brehob Consulting and Distribution, LLC. Upon finishing lunch, we ventured a little southwest to Perennials Plus which has doubled in size to a total of 16 acres at the facility located at 4510 West 166th Street, Westfield IN 46074. John Platte greeted the group and showed how the various greenhouses are cooled, and watering systems functioned. This visit was also a prelude to Thursday night’s dinner and round 1 of the INEF Auction. It was amazing to see the intricacies that personal monitoring of these greenhouses creates a happy environment for the plants that are in the various sections of the greenhouse. John and his staff sure supply a fine product fulfilling almost any needs of the retail or wholesale customer. It was nice to see a nice selection still available for summer annuals, tropical plants, trees and shrubs due to proper planning for continued sales. Unfortunately, Perennials Plus automated transplanter had a bad solenoid that had just arrived as we had pulled up to start our tour. I must say that Perennials continued growth was well thought out of what needs were required before implementation. After this there were a couple of stops before ending the day which was getting warmer by the minute.

Day 2 – August 7, 2025

Please keep visiting the INLA Facebook and Instagram for various and numerous photos/reels taken by JRL Local during the event.

Everyone either departed from the host hotel the Holiday Inn Express located in West Carmel, IN, or planned to meet at the first tour stop. This day had approximately the same number of attendees, some were from the first day, but a few newbies also joined. Mike Cline (Deming Property Solutions) gave an overview of the first stop project on what had to be done to keep this clients property “private” in Zionsville. As we got to this first location, it became obvious by the amount of construction going on surrounding this home’s entrance, there must have been a lot of work required to keep this “private” property as serene as possible to the outside impact of subdivision progress. Upon entering, it was amazing that the noise, dust and other inconveniences suddenly dissipated from what we just traveled though just near minutes from this home. Mike explained the development of berms to raise blockage of road frontage and developments to the north to seclude the home from not only current road travels, but potential future increase decibels. The institution of a waterfall to the northeast side of the property also helped create a better deterrent to the road noise as well as the number of mature trees and evergreens. While transitioning to the back yard and seeing the hi-rise of trees and shrubs you could hardly see or hear all the construction that was going on “just over the hill” and seemed to increase the naturalization of the woodland areas just to the west. It was also amazing that all this was constructed just months before the tour and how a true vision can keep the client in their home on their property and not forced to abandon their livelihood. The next couple of stops were in the Holliday Farms, which is a fairly new subdivision also in Zionsville, just off Michigan Road

(US 421). The first stop in this edition was installed and completed by Salsbery Landscape of Carmel, IN. This very nice home had many challenges, especially due to a corner lot and the customer wanted to keep several existing plants. They did a magnificent job accentuating the home and craftsmanship of a pathway to the backyard and utilizing large, thick wall stone to raise the height for the pool that was being installed while having minimal space to move these without damaging wanted trees or neighbors’ land. Next stop was a job completed by Property Pros, which by the way the owners land backs up to the golf course. The client wanted to have access across the little creek for a walkway. The job obviously took some serious thought and discussion as there was minimal extra space to store materials while working on this project. Homes are very close in Holliday Farms and land is at a premium so, homeowners want to get the most use out of the landscape projects. Definitely appears that Outdoor Living areas are very high in demand. Next up was lunch at Urban Apples Cidery located at 18326 Spring Mill Road, Westfield IN 46074. The boxed lunch was catered by Nameless Catering out of Lebanon, Indiana and is host to several entities to cater almost any food selection. Urban Apples Cidery is a host for many events or special group seating that are fabricated to look like horse stalls as well as regular seating, offering a host of craft beverages, ciders and wine. Upon completion of lunch, next on the agenda was touring homes in the Chatham Hills subdivision, where the first stop was another one of Salsbery Landscape projects. Along the far west edge of the property was another naturalized wooded setting and this rather large home utilized more terrace type landscaping as well as large porcelain pavers in the patio area. The backyard backed up to the Chatham Hills Golf Club, which was hosting the LIV Golf Tournament August 15-17, 202. The course was shut down during our time of tours, but everyone in the group mentioned how serene the setting was and watched the irrigation running to keep the course a beautiful green. The next stop was a definite site to behold upon looking at all mostly glass front of the house. I believe the project was a PJE Lawncare and Landscaping project, with Josh Springer of Property Pros, doing the decription of this exquisite and massive project. This project had a half court basketball court on the lower level and a pool in the upper level. Josh did comment that while it is breathtaking in the daylight, several people drive by at night to see the house lit up inside. We finished the tour with a visit to Sundown Gardens located at 505 West 186th Street, Wesfield IN 46074. This wellestablished and one of the Premier Garden Centers in the area has lineage dating back to 1949, I believe, and before moving to this location, they were located right behind St. Vincent Hospital in Carmel, Indiana. Their new neighbor to the northeast is Grand Park. Scott Levy met the group and answered questions as well as Curt Scheller overseeing the outdoor garden center selections. Sundown offers another garden center offspring in Bargersville, Indiana which is called Miss M’s Home and Garden located at 4415 N State Road 135, Bargersville IN 46106. Whilst some ventured back to the hotel to make a quick change or get their own vehicles to head to John and Suzie Platte’s; Perennials Plus for another quick visit and stroll that did not attend Wednesdays’ event, then proceeded to have a reception, with assorted beers, wine and other non-alcoholic refreshments, prior to a buffet dinner catered by Ms, Jennifer Platte, owner of the company Toast the Host Catering and daughter-in-law of John and Suzie Platte. The INLA was treated like Kings and Queens, upon the delicious servings and multiple visits back to try extras that obviously the plates were not big enough to satisfy the first “tasting”. I would highly recommend Toast the Host for any of your catering needs. Upon, let’s just call it a moment of rest, the first night of INEF Auction started taking place. While there were auction items to bid on there was also a 50/50 raffle, plus a Benelli 12-gauge raffle happening as well. There would be another 50/50 Raffle at the Friday, INEF Shooting for Scholarships, the gun raffle would carry over until the end of the Shooting for Scholarships event. The 50/50 Raffle on Thursday night was won by Josh Bex of Silver Lining Landscape, with his cut being $220.00

Day 3 – August 8, 2025Shooting for Scholarships – Indiana Gun Club – 14926 East 113th

Street Fortvile, Indiana 46040

The 2025 version of the INEF Shooting for Scholarships had 7 teams vying for Best Overall Team and Best Overall Individual Prizes. Each Individual had 50 shots over 12 station layout with 4 shots per station and station 5 having 6 shots at this station. Best Overall Team was Team Ricci with a 5-person high total of 202. This team had 5 individuals with each individual receiving $100.00 cash. The team consisted of Mason Shank, Ed Greeley, Kyle Robinson, Nick Ricci and Dean Ricci. Second Place was Team Franco, with a score of 197. Best Individual Shooter was Brant Boram with a score of 48 out of 50.Brant received a plaque and $100.00 cash for his marksmanship. The prize monies as well as the second part of the live auction took place after lunch catered by Hoosier Homestyle. During this time Rick Haggard donated his $120.00 50/50 Raffle cash prize back to the Scholarship Fund. The last bit of business was to determine the winning raffle ticket for the Benelli Shotgun which were sold since the start of the INLA Summer event was – Shaun Yeary. A special thank you to Gordon of the Indiana Gun Club for their hospitality and in-kind contribution to our event.

As of this writing we are still going through all the items and auction monies to give an accurate fundraising amount for the entire INEF, but it looks like it is close to $11,000.00 for the summer event alone.

Extra special thanks to Julie Gillen and Vickie Newell for their tireless efforts in making this event run like clockwork! The entire 3 days could not have gone any better without a complete effort on everyone’s behalf. The list of individuals is endless and some I am not aware of, so let me say THANK YOU to EVERYONE INVOLVED and ready to head to Evansville for the 2026 INLA Summer Event

2025 Summer Event Sponsors

Tour Transportation

Schneider Nursery

Blade Cutters, LLC

August 6, 2025

Tour Luncheon

Brehob Consulting and Distribution, LLC

Oberfields

August 7, 2025

HOST

Perennials Plus Luncheon

Schneider Nursery

Dinner Sponsor

RLM (Ricci Landscape Management) LLC

Dinner and Beverage Sponsor

Matts Lawn and Landscape ***************************************************

Sporting Clays

August 8, 2025

Indiana Gun Club, Fortville IN

Breakfast Sponsor

Blue Grass Farms of Indiana

Station Sponsors

Alsip Home and Nursery * Kingsbury Acres * Tiffany Lawn & Garden

Edward Jones Investments

2025 INEF Scholarship Winners/Donation

2025 INEF (Indiana Nurserymen Endowment Fund) Scholarship Winners/Donation

On behalf of the Indiana Nurserymen Endowment Fund, we would like to congratulate the following students on being successful in receiving the following 2 – year scholarship amounts. There were 2 scholarship winners and a donation to the North Montgomery High School – Horticulture and Landscape Department.

Scholarship Winners:

Trista Madison Browning - $10,000.00 ($5,000.00 in 2025 & $5,000.00 in 2026 (pending transcripts)

Trista is from Evansville, Indiana studying Landscape Architecture at Ball State University. Trista interned with Second Nature Landscape Management in Newburgh, Indiana in 2025. Trista was also Student Council President, Chairperson and Assistant Chairperson (10-12) ; National Honor Society (10-12), Varsity Soccer (9-12), Varsity Cheer (10-11), Indiana academic All Star Award (2022) KIWANIS Character and Attitude Award (Soccer, 2023), Alumni Award for Character and Spirit (2024). This is the personal letter submitted on her INEF Scholarship Application for 2025.

“I have always been enthusiastic about creating. I took as many art classes as I could in high school. Outside of class, I found myself creating and tracing drawings of plants and landscapes. The reason I have settled my career focus on landscape architecture is the cross that exists between creativity, design, horticulture, and community. I am passionate about horticulture, specifically, because it is the very foundation of biology on our planet. Plants purify our air, cultivate and nourish our soil, and we rely on them for every meal we eat. Landscape architecture centers on the appreciation and preservation of Earth’s biological and natural beauty. Landscape design is particularly unique in its challenges because no two plants, even of the same species, will grow in the same way. Landscape designers are responsible for weaving different plants with divergent growing processes into one harmonious landscape. While this can pose a challenge, it allows the designer to produce creative ways to manage and shape the plants as they grow. Landscape architects, specifically, can work on large-scale projects, such as community parks, gardens, and trails. I believe that everyone deserves access to a space within which they can learn, touch, and discover nature’s beauty. My dream job is to be a landscape architect who acts as a steward of the land: designing sustainable public spaces where a variety of plants can thrive.”

Chloe Lynne Thomas Swartz - $10,000.00 ($5,000.00 in 2025 & $5,000.00 in 2026 (pending transcripts)

Chloe is from Mt. Vernon, Indiana, she will also be studying Landscape Architecture at Purdue University and was an intern at Second Nature Landscape Management in Newburgh, Indiana during the 2025 year. Chloe was involved in various school activities as well which included Future Farmers of America (FFA), Sunshine Association, Honors English (9-11), Advanced CC English (12), Dual Credit Economics, AP Statistics, Captain of English Academics Team, Basketball, Volleyball, and Track and Field.

This is the personal application letter from Chloe submitted.

“What initially piqued my interest in Landscape Architecture, was an opportunity I recently had to job shadow at a landscape architecture firm in Lafayette, IN. While I was there, I got to see a variety of projects happening around the city and on Purdue’s campus. I was surprised to learn how even small design changes could bring people together and create new experiences. What I first thought was just a career about drawing parks or outdoor spaces turned out to be so much more. I witnessed how excited clients were about their ideas and it helped me realize how meaningful it is to take someone’s vision and turn it into something real.

Landscape architecture is more complex than I expected. It involves designing for different places, thinking creatively, solving problems, and working closely with others. I’ve always enjoyed working with plants, spending time outside, and helping people, so it feels like the perfect fit for me. I want a career that lets me do something I’m passionate about, and one that makes a difference in people’s lives and in the environment. I believe the Landscape Architecture program at Purdue can help me grow those interests into a career.

Some of my favorite experiences have involved helping others and working with nature—like volunteering in our school’s garden or learning about how to grow plants in more sustainable ways. These moments helped me understand how landscape architecture isn’t just about making things look nice. It’s about designing outdoor spaces that are useful, welcoming, and good for the planet. That’s the kind of work I want to do.”

2025 INEF Donation $2,000.00

The INEF Board decided to also donate for 2025 to the North Montgomery High School Landscape and Horticulture

Department at the request of Ms. Nancy Bell in the amount of $2,000.00. The greenhouses that are located on the school grounds were damaged from severe high winds in the winter. The inner layer of poly was dismantled and draped almost if not to the floor. Rick Haggard was made aware of this during the proxy of the INLA – IAH Certification exam. I am sure that Ms. Bell, class and school are very appreciative of this donation as there is very little extra funding nor labor to install the materials the school is able to provide.

Get your work featured On our Instagram!

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!

INLA Job Board at www.inla.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@inla.org and send the job description along with how to apply.

Questions? Contact Rick Haggard, 317-889-2382 LOOKING TO PURCHASE EXISTING BUSINESS

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

& 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.

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.])

fungus (Fig. 2). After submitting a sample to the Purdue Plant

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

depending on life cycle stage, Hornbeam Rust appears to stay on its host throughout its life cycle.

Figure 1: Yellowing pattern on the upper sides of American Hornbeam leaves.

Figure 2: Orange pustules on the underside of an American Hornbeam leaf.

Figure 3: Orange pustules with yelloworange 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).

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.

Figure 6: A map of states with confirmed Hornbeam Rust populations color coded by the year the rust was identified.

Links:

• IN DNR Division of Entomology Inspectors: https://www. in.gov/dnr/entomology/division-staff/

• Purdue PPDL: https://ag.purdue.edu/department/btny/ ppdl/

References:

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

DON'T MISS IT: The INLA Green Excellence Awards 2025

Opportunity to showcase your team's work on a specific project and be recognized by peers throughout the Indiana Green Industry.

Find more info on our site using the QR code above, as well as on pg. 16 of this issue.

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, MIAH, IAH Committee Chair and Editor, 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.

CHAPTER 1 Study Guide

Chapter 1 – Plant Structure, Growth and Development

How plants work: Parts of a plant

Shoot system = vegetative and reproductive parts

Root system = all vegetative (growing) parts

Balance between shoot and root system is essential for plant health

Root / Shoot Ratio

Internal parts of the plant

CELLS = building blocks: many different specialized cells with specific functions.

Growth processes occur inside cells.

TISSUES = organized groups of cells

Epidermal Tissue= plant “skin”

Meristematic Tissue = growing areas

Vascular Tissues = plumbing

ORGANS = groups of multiple tissues

Vegetative Organs = leaves, stems, buds, roots

Leaves = factories: manufacture food, etc.

Comprised of blade and petiole

Epidermal layer = bread (Stomata are in Epidermal layer)

Palisade parenchyma cells = peanut butter (diagram on last page)

Mesophyl cells = jelly (most photo synthesis occurs here)

Leaves are attached to stems by the petiole at a node..

Stems = support for leaf and distributes food & H2O in & out of leaf.

1st year stems are called shoots. Leaves are attached to the stem in alternate or opposite positions

Stems contain the vascular system, comprised of Xylem and Phloem

Xylem = vessels carrying H2O, nutri ents & O2 from roots to leaves

Phloem = vessels carrying products of photosynthesis within the plant

Xylem & Phloem placement is very different in Monocots and Dicots

Dispersed throughout monocot stems (diagram on last page)

Arranged in continuous ring around pith in dicots

Stolons and rhizomes are modified stems.

Buds = the growing points of the plant; contain immature plant parts

Vegetative buds = immature stems & leaves

GEORGE BRENN'S IAH STUDY GUIDE (CONT.)

Floral buds = immature flowers

Different buds occurs in different locations:

Terminal (Apical) buds @ end of a shoot

Axillary (lateral) buds @ node in leaf axil

Adventitious buds form in other locations (when a tree is topped)

Roots = “anchor” for plant stability + entry point for minerals & H2O, and storage

Taproot = thick, unbranched downward primary root, (some dicots)

Fiberous Root = net-like mass of secondary roots (dicots & monocots)

Fleshy Root = like taproot, but branched (perennials)

Root Hairs grow from meristem (behind root cap): absorb H2O & nutrients

Michorrhizae = root fungus (good) living amongst root hairs in symbiotic relationship with root system: each benefits the other.

Adventitious Roots form on leaves & stems (rooted cuttings, layering)

Reproductive Organs = flowers, fruits, seeds

Flowers = Sex organs of the plant: showy & smelly to attract pollinators

Sepals – cover flower while in bud stage

Petals – colorful to attract pollinators

Stamens = (male) produce & hold pollen (anthers & filaments)

Pistils = (female) holds ovules (stigma, style & ovary)

Complete Flowers = all 4 parts are present

Incomplete flowers = 1 or more parts missing

Perfect Flowers have both male & female parts present

Monecious = imperfect (male only & female only) flowers on same plant

Dioecious = imperfect (male only & female only) flowers on separate plants

Hollies are dioecious (Ilex m. Blue Prince & Ilex m. Blue Princess)

Fruit = the mature ovary from a flower: protects developing seed and is a vector for dispersal of seed (via birds, animals, etc.)

Ornamental qualities often lasting longer than flowering aesthetics

Seed = the next generation: contains embryo, has protective cover = seed coat.

How Plants Grow and Develop:

Seed Germination: Seeds generally germinate when exposed to proper temps & moisture

Some seeds require modification of seed coat in order to germinate

Juvenility = vegetative growth only

Maturity = plant is able to produce flowers

Senescence = period prior to death of a plant organ

Examples: Trees drop leaves & herbaceous perennials die back to ground in autumn

Dormancy = plant growth slows of stops, but will restart

Growth and Development Process

PHOTOSYNTHESIS = the process by which plants utilize light energy for growth.

It is a 2 part process where the plant 1) captures energy; and 2) stores it.

RESPIRATION = the process through which stored energy is released so plant can grow. (= reverse of photosynthesis)

TRANSPIRATION= the mechanical process within the plant in which H2O moves through the plant via the xylem. H2O is absorbed by root hairs and pulled upwards until it is evaporated through the leaf pores (stomata). This evaporation “pulls” H2O from the roots up to the top of the tallest trees.

TRANSLOCATION = movement of materials, including plant foods and chemical signals within the plant via ithe phloem. Systemic pesticides are also translocated.

(continued on page 25)

GEORGE BRENN'S IAH STUDY GUIDE (CONT.)

METABOLISM = activity within cells that keeps plant alive and growing

Cell Division and Expansion

Meristem = region where cell division and expansion occur. Sole function of meristematic cells is Is to multiply themselves.

Apical Meristem (terminal shoot meristem) = area of primary shoot extension

Terminal Root-tip Meristem = area of root extension

Axillary Meristem = point of lateral (axillary) branch growth

Cambium = meristematic cells between xylem & phloem, just below surface of dicot stem. This is the region where increase in trunk caliper occurs

Intercalary Meristem: important in monocots (grasses); at base of grass blade, it allows blade to continue expanding after mowing

Hormones Control Growth

Hormone = substance produced in one part of plant & translocated to another so it influences

Growth & development at target location

Auxins promote (or inhibit) cell division & elongation.

Apical Dominance = ability of terminal meristem to suppress growth of axillary (lateral) buds behind shoot tip (= basis for understanding how plants respond to pruning)

Gibberellins = plant hormones that promote intermodal elongation

Cytokinins manipulate cell division to promote new growth and juvenility

Abscicic Acid causes growth to stop, leaves to drop and seed & bud dormancy

Ethylene is a gaseous hormone; promotes tissue aging & fruit ripening

Plant Growth Regulators = synthetic substances that act like natural homones.

Some PGR’s reduce internode elongation (B-9) = anti-Gibberellin, while other PGR’s promote root development (Rootone). 2,4-D is a powerful PGR.

Environmental Factors Control Growth

Light – gotta have it for photosynthesis, but plants vary greatly in adaptation

Full Sun = ≥ 6-7 hours of direct sunlight

Partial Sun / Partial Shade = means many things: filtered light; some direct sun….

Full Shade = ≤ 2 hrs of direct sunlight

Temperature – refers to plant hardiness

Cold Hardiness

Heat Hardiness

Moisture – plants are unable to survive without water, but can also drown in it.

Nutrients – will be covered extensively in Chapter 5

Air – O2 & CO2 are necessary for plant growth and occur naturally.

Soils must have sufficient pore spaces for gaseous exchange (more in Chap 5)

Gaseous pollutants: natural gas leaks; sulfur dioxide makes acid rain, etc.

INDIANA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE

IOMA Golf Outing 2025 Recap

Indiana Outdoor Management Alliance (IOMA) Golf Outing 2025

July 17, 2025 Recap

IOMA is represented by The Corydon Group pertaining to bills/laws during the Indiana General Assembly each year. IOMA is comprised of an Alliance of the following associations/groups. Founding Members are Indianapolis Landscape Association (ILA), Indiana Professional Lawn and Landscape Association (IPLLA) and the Indiana Nursery and Landscape Association (INLA). Current additions to the founding members include the Indiana Irrigation Contractors Council (IICC and subsidiary of IPLLA) and the Midwest Regional Turf Foundation (MRTF). Each member of these groups is also considered a member of IOMA.

This is a recap of the IOMA Golf Outing Fundraiser held July 17, 2025 at Twin Lakes Golf Club located in Carmel, Indiana. Twin Lakes is a private golf course nestled inside the Sherborne Green subdivision just off 96th street between Michigan Road to the west and Township Line Road to the east. Christian Brown – President of Twin Lakes has always been a huge supporter of IOMA over backwards to make our alliance feel like a regular member or better, as we had one of the largest (non-member) turnouts for 2025. This event has grown leaps and bounds over the past several years and one item of note was in the amount of preparation from the Golf Committee of IOMA, in having 90 golfers in 2024 and following up with 30 foursomes registered (120 individuals) with 28 foursome (112 individuals) making the call at Shotgun start time. Albeit start time was a bit delayed due to on/off rain showers that morning.

One concern we had going into the event, even with the record number of registrations, was the weather, especially in July which is one of the dog days of summer months. Fortunately while the humidity was high as one would think once golf started it seemed to progress in a fairly brisk pace. One difference that helped with the speed of play also, was the institution of “bogey golf”. This is where the

Mike Seaton, Golf Course Superintendent and Jim Keithley, Golf Professional and staff are always assisting at every turn, besides asking what they can do for us.

By the end of our event, during the 19th hole as many in the golf community say there was a no tie for 1st place, this year as the Corteva Agriscience team with a score of 52 (-20) which equates to 20 under par was the clear winner. The Corteva Agriscience team each individual received a $100.00 gift certificate towards their purchases in the Pro Shop. Ag Nutrition team placed second this year with a score of 56 (-16) where each individual won a $75.00 gift certificate to be used in the pro shop. Placing third in the IOMA 2025 Golf Outing, was the ILA Team with a score of 57 (-15) after tying with Vibrant Outdoors but won a virtual playoff that Twin Lakes utilizes based on lowest score of handicapped whole totals. Each individual team member of the team received a $50.00 gift certificate to be utilized towards any purchase in the Pro Shop

The effort of this event enables IOMA to continue to have united voice regarding governmental affairs in the realm of Indiana state legislature.

It was great to see so many returning teams and individuals, plus the influx of new participants. Each Team Registration received the following:

· 18 holes of golf (bogey golf)

· Golf Cart 2 pp per cart

· Driving range access

· Boxed Lunch and snacks throughout the event

· On Course beverages (beer, other cordials and non alcoholic)

· Automatic entry to door prizes

· Automatic entry to longest drive and closest to the pin

o Both men and women

· 1st, 2nd and 3rd place team prize

Thanks to the following sponsors: