Free State Nursery Landscape News - Summer 2014

Free State NU R S E RY

&

L A NDSCAPE

Summer 2014 Vol. XLI No. 2

NEWS

Japanese Beetles Making Their Way Back Highlights from the 2014 Summer Field Day

Soils Have a Nasty Habit of Moving Ginkgo Biloba: Lost and Found

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Free State • 1

2 • Summer 2014

Contents 7 Total Plant Management – Stanton Gill

15

14 Growing with Education – Ginny Rosenkranz

20 Featured Member Pinehurst Nursery

25 Field Day 29 It’s Time for Sharing – Jerry Faulring

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Departments 4 4 6 6 17 19 23 28 39 40 45 45 46

From the President – Brent Rutley Association Officers Director's Message MNLA Board of Directors New Members Scholarships Calendar of Events CPH Update Obituary Editorial MNLA Mission Statement Directory of Advertisers MNLA Chairmen and Committees

Executive Director: Vanessa A. Finney Quercus Management Staff: E. Kelly Finney and Chelsea Bailey Phone: 410-823-8684, Fax: 410-296-8288 E-mail: office@mnlaonline.org Web: www.mnlaonline.org Free State e-mail: freestate@mnlaonline.org

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Design: Gregory J. Cannizzaro (contact information page 41)­ Cover photo: Gregory J. Cannizzaro

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29 Free State • 3

President’s Message Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association Officers 2014 President Brent Rutley Capitol City Contractors, LLC 301-854-5620

Maryland Horticulture…

Promoting Professionalism.

1st Vice President Steve Black Raemelton Farm 240-416-0714

When I look back on the early days of our company in the 80’s, professionalism was not high on my list of priorities. Finding work, finding workers, getting paid and having enough money to Brent Rutley make payroll, buy fuel and pay taxes was my main concern. But I learned (albeit slowly), that to get good work, skilled workers, paying clients and charge what we were worth, I had to set our company apart from the “other guys”.

2nd Vice President Jessica Todd Clear Ridge Nursery, Inc. 410-775-7700

Understanding and implementing best practices, employee safety and education programs, customer service awareness, IPM methods and educating our clients on environmental stewardship all took time, commitment and yes, of course money, but the payback was phenomenal!

Secretary Brad Thompson Foxborough Nursery, Inc. 410-836-7023

Today our company offers employee health insurance, employee retirement plans, higher than industry average wages and a flexible (as best as we can), work schedule so all employees actually have time to enjoy their family and life! None of these things would have been possible without a genuine desire for knowledge and bettering our company culture.

Treasurer John Marshall Marshalls’ Riverbank Nurseries 410-677-0900 Director-at-Large Garet Bunting Bunting’s Landscaping & Nursery, Inc. 410-352-3371

I view professionalism as: the willingness to admit “I don’t know it all”, that others within our organization bring A LOT to the table in knowledge and that when a competitor can offer a better product or service, I need to find a way to weave that success into our business and relay that to our clients.

Educational events like MNLA’s Annual Field Day (thank you Schlosser family for opening up your business and demonstrating a very organized and well run nursery operation), as well as the annual Chesapeake Green two-day conference are crucial

Executive Director Vanessa Akehurst Finney

Maryland Nursery and Landscape Assn.

P.O. Box 726 Brooklandville, Maryland 21022 Phone: 410-823-8684 Fax: 410-296-8288 e-mail: office@mnlaonline.org Website: mnlaonline.org Free State E-mail: freestate@mnlaonline.org

Pinehurst Nursery hosted the 2014 MNLA Annual Field Day and showed off it bi plane, for the full story and photos turn to page 25.

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to business growth and success. Chesapeake Green offers educational “tracks” for nursery, landscape, greenhouse, retail and Pesticide Re-certification…literally something for everyone in our industry; all should make it a part of your company educational commitment.

Maryland is also rich in knowledge in our University system, the University of Maryland Extension, not only offers their expertise but educational programs to sharpen your skills and educate your customers. We aren’t just cutting grass, throwing down chemicals and jammin’ plants in the ground! NO NO NO, become your clients’ Environmental Stewardship Expert! Show them how you can create shade filled spaces, bursting with color for them to escape into or cooling native gardens that accept rain water and run-off that recharge our ground water aquifers. SET YOURSELF APART! Right now Chesapeake Conservation Landscape Council is in the process of developing a training and certification program aimed specifically for rain gardens, native plantings, and conservation landscaping. This training process and certification will become the “Gold Standard” as more and more homeowners, businesses and municipalities become educated and aware of environmental stewardship and its benefits. FIND YOUR NITCH!

As I close, I leave you with this thought; true professionalism begs an answer to this question, “what are WE doing to encourage the next generation to enter into our line of work”, sustaining our industry for generations to come? We need to coach, mentor, teach, and provide the resources to offer educational opportunities to our youth. MNLA has put its money where its mouth is by giving a $36,000 contribution this past June 14th at Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation 25th Anniversary celebration (which was matched by Baltimore County Farm Bureau at the same celebration), to advance their mobile lab showcase. This lab brings agriculture to the students at middle schools, high schools and private schools all over the State of Maryland…it is one piece in the bigger puzzle.

Sustainability isn’t only about resource management; it is about another generation, coming up behind us, well equipped, with a love for what we do ready to accept the baton moving ahead. ❦ Brent Rutley MNLA, President brentrutley1@gmail.com

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Director’s Message Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association Board of Directors Terms Expiring 2015 Gregory Stacho Akehurst Landscape Service, Inc. 410-538-4018 Jason Sersen Kingsdene Nurseries, Inc. 410-343-1150 Mary Claire Walker Patuxent Nursery 301-218-4769 Stormy Gibbons-Neff Clovelly Nurseries 410-778-9686

Terms Expiring 2016 Larry Hemming Eastern Shore Nurseries 410-822-1320 Carrie Engel Valley View Farms 410-527-0700 Peter Driscoll Dogwood Hill Farm 301-428-8175 Wm. Oliver Hardy Classic Lawn & Landscape Ltd. 410-335-6868

The Free State Nursery and Landscape News is a news magazine published for the membership of the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA).

For more information, e-mail: freestate@mnlaonline.org

6 • Summer 2014

Vanessa Finney

It certainly has been a tough year for the MNLA family in regards to the deaths of many of our members. Within the last calendar year, we’ve lost: Rod Witman, Ann Fischer, Bernard Kohl, Sr., Kurt Bluemel, Stanley Sheridan, and Brian Akehurst. I am saddened to reflect on the loss of these folks as I know they are so missed by their family, friends, and colleagues alike. In their unique way, each will have an everlasting impact on Maryland’s horticulture industry and the persons they influenced during their lives.

Certainly the toughest loss for me is my cousin and childhood playmate, Brian. Boy do I miss him and it pains me to see the grief that is borne by his wife, Joy, mother, Lois, children, Christiana, Brian, and Grahme, brothers, Bill and John, the rest of the Akehurst clan, friends, and colleagues. It is in times of grief, however, that we seek comfort in the memories we have.

And I have some great memories of growing up with my cousins, Bill, Brian, and John.

Coming from a family of four girls, these boys were like the brothers we never had.

My older sisters and I spent summers and weekends from the time we were about seven years old, through the high school years, working (and goofing off) at Akehurst Nurseries, alongside Bill and Brian.

Those were some long, hot summers spent in the fields and greenhouses propagating plants, weeding, fertilizing, weeding, trimming, weeding, spacing, weeding, potting, weeding, and mowing. Boy there certainly was a lot of weeding always needing to be done. And that chore always seemed to fall to the youngest of us.

We worked hard and really developed a close relationship with each other. We often spent weekends playing together, as well, picnicking and camping in the boys’ back yard.

Looking back, it was the best time. We were care free with not a worry in the world.

Aside from the real work that occurred between 8 am and 5 pm, there were known to have been a few shenanigans. My sister, Heather, and cousin, Bill, seemed to be the masterminds. I recollect a time, however, that Brian got the best of us. Heather and I were stripping cuttings in the basement of an old greenhouse. It was early morning and we were just getting our bearings when Brian asked us to go get him a crate of cuttings from the big cooler (generally used to store cut roses before distribution). We agreeably complied, opened the door, and BAM! right before us was a dead deer hanging upside down, seemingly just staring us down. What a shock this was! I don’t think we’d ever seen a dead animal before much less one so big and so very close up. I think that pretty much ruined our day – and did, quite obviously make a lasting impression on me.

At Brian’s funeral, it was recalled many times over what a quiet person he was. Mildmannered, perhaps, but bursting with integrity, kindness, humor, and faith. These are the traits that make a man and make a difference in the lives he touched. The lives that are enriched for knowing him. It is tragic to lose such a young man; I’m opting to take example from his family, however, Joy, Lois, Bill, and John, to be faithful, hold on to the wonderful memories we have, and know that the Brian we know will continue on in the lives and characters of those whom he loved and influenced.

Love you, cousin. See you later. ❦ Vanessa Finney Executive director Oh heart, if one should say to you that the soul perishes like the body, answer that the flower withers, but the seed remains. Kahlil Gibran.

Total Plant Management

Japanese Beetles Stanton Gill

on Their Way Back in

We have been pretty much Japanese beetle free for the past six years and it has been great. But, something happened in 2013 that is changing this blissful period.

It started raining on a regular basis during the egg laying period for adult Japanese beetles and as result we saw a higher survival rate of Japanese beetle grubs in the soil. Ultimately this means there will be more Japanese beetles in 2014 than in previous years. (continued on page 8)

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(continued from page 7)

The cold temperatures of -7 F in January for several days did nothing to reduce this grub population. They moved deep into the soil to overwinter and did just fine.

Meanwhile, people have been planting ideal food in landscapes for the adult beetle. The bush-type roses, such as Knockout and Double Knockout, have made a big hit in commercial planting sites and have been used extensively in landscapes over the last couple of years.

These roses just add to the food sources for Japanese beetles in 2014. Many plants grown by Maryland nurseries including Little leaf linden trees, crabapples, rose of Sharon, hibiscus, and cherry trees are all favored hosts for Japanese beetle adults. If you are growing fruit bearing sweet and sour cherry, blueberry plants, or apple trees expect a visit from Japanese beetles this year.

We Learn From Our Past Experiences The drought periods in the summers of 2007 - 2013 kept the Japanese beetle populations suppressed and we saw only isolated cases of Japanese beetle damage. Back in 2005, we saw a brutal onslaught of Japanese beetles that left a path of devastation in the Washington/Baltimore corridor. The beetle population had been building over the last four years, but in 2005 we received reports of record setting level amounts of damage in the landscape.

One landscape manager reported that within five days after they first saw the Japanese beetle emerge on June 24th they were finding 14 -16 ft tall little leaf lindens completely defoliated. Nurseries visited in Frederick and Carroll Counties on June 30 had so many adult beetles on susceptible trees species that when we shook the branches the sky was clouded by swarms of escaping beetles. We will see this sort of damage likely show up in 2014.

The population levels of Japanese beetles were at epidemic proportions on the East Coast in the 19401960s before settling into generally low levels for many years. This pest activity fell into a persistent but almost “low incidence” pest status in many communities. We are still seeing low populations in the oldest, established communities, but also plague levels in the newly developed neighborhoods. In the south and mid-west of the United States, however, the Japanese beetle is still a relatively recent pest, where expanding populations are wrecking havoc in many landscapes.

This beetle was one of the early invasive species, but we did not call them that at this point in history. Native to Japan, the Japanese beetle was first discovered in the United States in New Jersey in 1916 by two 8 • Summer 2014

Canadian entomologists who described them as a “curious southern species of beetle.” Little did these two Canadian entomologists realize how wide-spread the Japanese beetle would become over the next century.

The Japanese beetle population is deeply entrenched in the U.S., and damages plant material from Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Alabama, and northern Georgia, all the way to South Carolina. The range of the beetles continues to expand with localized infestations in many other states including Colorado which now has thousands of beetles feeding on many of the remaining trees and shrub species growing in that arid land. You thought you had it tough, try growing anything other than rocks in Colorado.

Aggressive programs to eliminate this pest in these isolated outcroppings have been effective but expensive.

Constant vigilance and early interdiction will be a continuing process to keep Japanese beetles from spreading to new areas in the United States.

Nursery and Landscape Plants that Attract Japanese Beetles Japanese beetle adults begin their annual activity by mid June (approximately), with peak activity come midJuly. Adults prefer ornamental plants in full sun, and typically feed in groups. Certain plants in the landscape are magnets for Japanese adults. For example, if a little leaf linden, a horse chestnut, Japanese flowering plum, rose or crepe myrtle are in the landscape, expect Japanese beetle adults will to be frequent visitors and will consume generous amounts of foliage. The following list includes the top 10 favorite plant foods of Japanese beetles (source: APHIS): 1) American linden, 2) Crabapple, 3) Apple, 4) Japanese maple, 5) Norway maple, 6) Rose , 7) Crape myrtle, 8) Pin oak, 9) Birch and 10) Prunus spp (Plum, Apricot, Cherry, Peach).

Secondary preferred host plants include Black Walnut, Willow, Grape, Horsechestnut, Hibiscus, Blueberry, Sassafras, Virginia Creeper and Summersweet (Clethra).

Notice that the list of secondary preferred plants includes some wild plants that might be found in nearby hedgerows.

The top 5 preferred herbaceous plants include 1) Hollyhock (Alcea rosea), 2) Dahlia (Dahlia spp.), 3) Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.), 4) Common Mallow (Malva rotundiflora) and 5) Evening-primrose (Oenothera biennis). Adults also feed on annual flowers, including zinnia (Zinnia elegans), common four-o’clock (Mirabilis jalapa) and French marigold (Tagetes patula).

Controlling Adult Beetles in 2014 The key with controlling adult Japanese beetles is to use a material that either repels the adult beetles from feeding or kills them quickly before they can inflict much damage to the foliage. One additional challenge is how to reduce damage to plants with materials that have the least impact on pollinators and beneficial organisms.

Once Japanese beetle adults start damaging foliage, the wounded plant tissue releases a volatile “scent” that additional beetles will detect, attracting other adults to feed on the plant. If a slow killing pesticide is used, adults can cause a fair amount of damage and increase the feeding aggregation of other adult beetles on the plant.

Read labels on pesticide containers to see if they impact pollinators. Do not spray plants that are in bloom with materials that have on the label “do not spray when a plant is in bloom.” EPA is requiring all of the neonicotinoids to have a bee box with a warning precaution on the label. Presently, there will be no precaution listed for soil drench applications of neonicotinoids since there is not adequate information available on whether soil applications are carried into pollen or if so, at what level.

Registered products that give very good control of adult Japanese beetles include Sevin (=carbaryl), Astro (=permethrin), DeltaGard (=deltamethrin), Talstar (=bifenthrin) and/or Tempo (=cyfluthrin). All of these materials should not be applied when plants are in bloom. If spraying large trees or shrubs make sure there are not flowering plants in the area where drift from an application may carry onto the bloom.

A newer insecticide, Acelepryn (chorantra-niliprole) is a systemic insecticide that is a FRAC group28 insecticide that controls adult Japanese beetles. The present label lists that the insecticide controls the larval stage of the Japanese beetle, although it does not list adult Japanese beetle on the label. Syngenta company submitted a 2ee (emergency exemption) for Acelepryn which allows use as both a foliar and soil application to trees and herbaceous plants in the landscape. The label rate for foliar applications for Japanese beetles ranges from 1 – 8 oz/100 gallons of water.

The soil rate is 0.125 fl oz to 0.25 fl oz per inch of trunk diameter (measure at 4 ft height). If you choose to use Acelepryn in 2014 then visit the website CDMS.net and go to the Acelepryn label.

You must download the Acelepyrn 2ee and have

it on file at your shop if you intend to use Acelepryn for adult Japanese beetle control. The label on the Acelepyrn has no precautions concerning bee or other pollinators.

Syngenta has submitted the paperwork to EPA to have adult Japanese beetles listed on the label but this will not occur until the next EPA review process occurs.

Once the approval transpires, then the new labels will list adult Japanese beetles and you will not need to download the copy of the 2ee from the web.

The impact of neonicotinoid class of insecticides on pollinating insects such as honey bees and native bees may be a concern. None of the neonicotinoid class of chemicals can be applied as sprays when a plant is in flower. To be on the cautious side, soil applications of neonicotinoids should be made after flowering of the plant to which the drench or injection is applied. It is not known presently if soil applications are carried into pollen of all plant material. Imidacloprid (=Merit, Mallet and many other brand names) has a label for Japanese beetle control. If you are applying this as foliar spray after a plant has bloomed it should kill Japanese beetle for two to three weeks. Applying as a foliar spray after bloom time reduces the chance that pollinators will contact the insecticide. Foliar applications of the material do not result in long term persistence in the plant. When imidacloprid is applied as a soil drench it acts differently and remains in a plant for longer periods of time. The problem is if applied as soil drench, imidacloprid has be applied two to three months before an insect that you are trying to control is present. The chemical is very slow on uptake into woody plant material. The chemical could be present in flower blooms, thus impacting pollinators. Additional research is needed to determine the potential uptake into tree flowers and what this means to pollinators. Also, soil applications of imidacloprid that are absorbed through roots result in the plant metabolizing the compounds.

Some of the resulting breakdown products could be equally toxic or even more toxic to pollinators than the (continued on page 10)

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the environment. Some of the reduced risk pesticides that can be used for Japanese beetle adult control are Azadirachtin, Spinosad and Pyrethrin.

original compound but this is presently unknown. Also, the imidacloprid when absorbed through roots of a plant, remains in the plant for two to three years.

So, to control Japanese beetles, if you choose to use imidacloprid, a foliar spray is used after the plant is finished blooming. Make sure the spray does not drift onto other plants that are in bloom. This works for single-season flowering trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. For plants that continue to flower over a longer time, such as roses, hibiscus or zinnias, this would not be an appropriate material to use as a spray since the material would be found in the flower when pollinators would pick up the chemical. Soil applications before the plant bloom are not restricted by EPA labels.

Dinotefuran (=Safari, Transtect), is also a neonicotinoid.

It is more water soluble and is taken up by plants faster.

It can be applied as basal trunk spray and be taken up into foliage in a couple of weeks. When the dinotefuran is taken up into the plant, it also forms metabolites which break down rapidly, compared to imidacloprid, and are non-detectable by the end of the season.

If you wanted to use dinotefuran to control Japanese beetle adults, apply it as soil drench or basal trunk spray just after bloom-time to avoid any chance of impacting pollinators. The soil or bark application should last the rest of the growing season. If you choose to apply dinoterfuran as a foliar spray, do this after bloom time. Residual control over the Japanese beetle is two to three weeks.

Acetamiprid is another neonicotinoid that is highly water soluble. It is labeled for foliar applications only.

This material will supply control of adult Japanese beetles and should only be applied to plants after they have finished blooming.

Reduced Risk Pesticides for Controlling Adult Japanese Beetles The federal EPA classifies certain chemicals as reduced risk, if they have minimal impact on human health and 10 • Summer 2013

Azadirachtin, sold under several names including Azatin XL, Neemazad, Aza-Direct and Ornazin, is a botanical insecticide that is derived from the seed of neem tree.

Applications of Azadirachtin act as a feeding deterrent and we have obtained three to four days of repellency with foliar applications on Japanese beetle-susceptible plants.

Pyrethrin is also sold under the names Pyreth-It and Pyganic. The pyrethrins are a pair of natural organic compounds normally derived from Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium that have potent insecticidal activity.

Pyrethrins are neurotoxins that attack the nervous systems of all insects. When present in amounts not fatal to insects, they still appear to have an insect repellent effect. They are non-persistent, being biodegradable, and break down on exposure to light or oxygen. This material works as direct contact to the Japanese beetle, so spray has to be directed onto the beetle. This is best done in morning hours when beetles are stationary. If pyrthrins hit pollinators directly, they will kill them.

Since it has no-residual effect, once it is dry it has no impact on pollinators.

Pyola, a combination of pyrethrins and canola oil (from Gardens Alive and other suppliers) was effective in research conducted by Dan Potter and Rebecca Baumler Willis at Kentucky University.

Coming in 2014 Mainspring (cyanoantraniliprole) is in the same family (FRAC 28) as Acelpryn and will be labeled by EPA for use in greenhouses, interiorscapes and production nurseries for controlling several insects, including adult Japanese beetles. The proposed label has no precaution concerning bees or other pollinators. This product is presently in the process of being reviewed by EPA and is not on the market.

The ideal spray timing targets adults when they first appear and before damage occurs. Repeat applications are often desirable weekly on high value plants, particularly if this ideal spray window was missed. Since larvae develop in turf, treatment of turf areas is also recommended as a dual control.

Japanese beetle traps containing floral and sex attractant draw adult beetles and are used as a monitoring tool.

Traps have been misused by the public who mistakenly

believe they control beetles, but beetles have been shown to often land and feed on plants close to traps.

How About Japanese-Resistant Plants?

Many littleleaf lindens (Tilia cordata) and American lindens (Tilia americana) were completely defoliated in mid-Atlantic landscapes in 2004. By late July, only brown skeleton-like veins remained from the leaf petioles of numerous street trees, including the linden cultivars ‘Greenspire’, ‘Olympic’, ‘Redmond’ and ‘Prestige’.

However, Silverleaf lindens (Tilia tomentosa) growing in the same landscape had little, if any, Japanese beetle feeding inury. The foliage of silverleaf linden (and cultivars) is just a little thicker with small hairs on the foliage that apparently makes it unattractive to adult beetles.

Silverleaf lindens (Tilia tomentosa)

Another resistant tree to try is the Japanese tree lilac, Syringa recticulata. The tree lilac is well adapted to urban soils and blooms in mid-summer. The late lilac, Syringa villosa, grown as a shrub or trained as a small tree is also a good choice. Both species of Syringa are very resistant to Japanese beetle feeding.

Using species that are seldom attacked by the Japanese beetle can reduce damage to nursery plants. The top 10 least preferred plants are: 1. Magnolia 2. Redbud 3. Dogwood 4. Red maple 5. Northern Red Oak 6. Burning bush 7. Holly 8) Boxwood 9. Hemlock 10. Lilac, (Source: APHIS). Other least preferred landscape plants include false cypress, yew, juniper, forsythia, clematis, red maple, euonymus, tuliptree, ornamental pears and most oaks (white, scarlet, red, and black)(See examples at right). ❦

Red maple

Plan for 2014 Stay tuned and we will keep you up to date on what is happening with Japanese beetles in the weekly IPM Alert reports as the season progresses.

Stanton Gill, Extension Specialist in Nursery and Greenhouse IPM, Central Maryland Research and Education Center, University of Maryland Extension and Professor with the Landscape Technology Program, Montgomery College

Northern Red Oak Free State • 11

Special Thanks

Growing

Ginny Rosenkranz

with

Education

Ginkgo Biloba: Lost and Found

Some plants are popular for a short time, while others stand the test of time and are favored for decades. Then there are the plants that have been around forever – or at least since the dinosaurs roamed the earth. This list is short, but there is one outstanding, very long lived plant, which grew and bloomed before even the largest lizards became extinct, the Ginkgo biloba or Maidenhair tree.

The Ginkgo biloba has been around as a living fossil, unchanged for over 200 million years. In fact, the oldest Ginkgo tree on record lived for 3,500 years. It initially went extinct from North America about seven million years ago and from Europe about two million years ago. Although extinct in the wild, the Ginkgo was rediscovered by European botanist Kaempfer, in a Japanese temple in 1691 and later in China, where it was being cultivated by the Buddhist monks in monasteries, palaces and temple gardens. It is the only member of its genus (Ginkgo), which is also the only genus in its family (Ginkgoaceae), which in turn, is the only family in its order (Ginkgoales), which lastly, is the only order in its class (Equisetopsida).

The leaves of the Ginkgo resemble the leaflets of the Maidenhair fern (Adiantum pedatum), giving the Ginkgo the common name of Maidenhair tree. However, there are many other ‘nicknames’ for the Ginkgo including ‘Yaijao’ or duck foot, ‘Gongsunshu’ or grandfather tree and ‘Yinxing’ or silver apricot. The specific epithet of biloba is a description of the bi lobed leaf which also gives the leaves a ‘duck footed’ look. The veins of the fan-shaped leaves of the Ginkgo are one of a kind as well. The veins are not parallel like the monocots nor are they net-veined like dicots; rather the veins enter the leaf blade and split off in twos, then in twos again repeatedly, which is known as a dichotomous venation. The trees are also dioecious, like hollies with a male tree and a female tree. In today’s world, most landscape designers and architects will plan on using only the male trees as the ripening fruit, for the female tree is very odorous, and the trees need to be at least 20 years old before their 14 • Summer 2014

sex can be determined. Male trees that are consistently planted in landscapes include ‘Autumn Gold’, ‘Princeton Sentry’, ‘Lakeview’, ‘The President’ and ‘Fastigiata,’ a slender tree that is perfect for narrow streets.

The Ginkgo is very resistant to both insect and disease pests, as well as air and ground pollution. The roots are very tolerant of heat, salt and the low oxygen levels found in street planting spaces. Another added benefit, is that the roots don’t raise the sidewalks around them.

The Ginkgo is also listed as fire-resistant, and thus was planted near temples to protect them. Another interesting fact is that because Ginkgo trees are resistant to pollution, the ones in Hiroshima, Japan, survived the atomic blast and are still alive today.

The tree itself is hardy from USDA zones 3 - 8 and can grow 50 – 100 feet tall with a spread of 30 - 40 feet.

It prefers moist, sandy, and well-drained soils; but as stated before, it is very tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, soil acidity and soil compaction. When young, the Ginkgo tree transplants easily in sandy but moist soils. Ginkgo trees grow best in full sun and tolerate partial shade. The leaves are a dark rich green and fan shaped, which transform to a buttery yellow to soft gold in the autumn. The gold foliage stays on the tree for many weeks before it falls. The tree’s form depends on the cultivar, but is usually pyramidal in outline when young and wide-spread when mature. ‘Autumn Gold,’ which is considered by many horticulturists to be the best of the cultivars, has a symmetrical broad spreading habit and excellent golden yellow fall foliage. Varieties such as the ‘Princeton Sentry’ an upright narrow conical habit, and ‘Fastigiata,’ grow 30-50 feet tall but only 10-15 feet wide. Another type of Ginkgo, ‘The President,’ has an upright oval form that is pleasantly aesthetic. ❦ Ginny Rosenkranz Wicomico Extension, UMD, P.O. Box 1836, Salisbury, MD 21802, 410-749-6141

The Ginkgo biloba has been around as a living fossil, unchanged for over 200 million years. In fact, the oldest Ginkgo tree on record lived for 3,500 years.

Free State • 15

16 • Summer 2014

New Members We welcome the following into membership in the MNLA. Full contact information may be found within the member portal of the MNLA website, www.mnlaonline.org. We encourage you to reach out to your peer members – they may have valuable business advice for you.

Milton Buchler

Capitol Risk Solutions, Inc. Phil Galbraith Central Park Maintenance John Vickers Recycled Green Industries David Lundberg The City of Frederick Meagan Fleming Watkins Nurseries Todd Morris

Manor View Farm Delivering the Confidence You Desire and the Value You Deserve for over 35 years * Our Landscape Distribution Center has an Extensive Selection of Quality Plant Material Available for Pickup or Delivery * Field Grown Material Available for Personal Selection * Potted Liners Manor View Distribution Center Availability is now at your fingertips through our Mobile Web App Stay Connected!

15601 Manor Rd, Monkton, MD 21111 410-771-4700 fax 410-771-8246 sales@manorview.com

www.manorview.com Free State • 17

Over 1500 choices delivered to you. perennials, natives, ferns, grasses, vines, herbs, ground covers, pansies, dahlias, cannas, green roof and environmental planning material.

www.cavanos.com Ph 410-592-8077 18 • Summer 2013

Scholarships

Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association Ornamental Horticulture Scholarship Recipients Catherine Hoover and Shantel Wilkerson of Gaithersburg and Clinton, respectively, are the recipients of this year’s Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association Ornamental Horticulture Scholarship.

The Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association supports its mission statement by promoting and providing the future continuance and success of Maryland’s ornamental horticulture industry through the funding of scholarships. These academic scholarships are awarded to students who are pursuing an education in the fields of landscape architecture and/or ornamental horticulture. Presently, the MNLA grants two scholarships, each worth $2500. Students registered as a Junior, Senior or Graduate Student, who are enrolled in a landscape architecture or horticulture program, are eligible.

Catherine is a rising senior at the University of Maryland, College Park and has received a significant number of awards and scholarships throughout her undergraduate career.

In terms of extracurricular activities, Catherine was the Red Jacket Fiction Editor at Montgomery College and has also been a vocal coach for the past four years. At UMD, Catherine is majoring in Horticulture and Crop Production. Initially, her plan was to major in World Literature because she is an impressive writer and has a strong interest in microfinance, as well as in poverty relief, and wanted to combine the two into some sort of career. However, last year Catherine travelled to Uganda on a microfinance internship and was both intrigued and shocked by how the natural richness of the land contrasted so heavily with the poverty of the people.

After returning to the United States, Catherine altered her original plans and focused her attention on Uganda and how she could alleviate some of the poverty there.

Ultimately, she decided that after her undergraduate education was complete, she would use her agriculture training as well as knowledge of microfinance to teach Ugandans to cultivate their crops and use them to earn a profit, and thus become more financially sound.

Shantel recently graduated from the North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University with a double Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering and Landscape Architecture.

Shantel is also a freshly admitted graduate student into the Master of Landscape Architecture program as the University of California at Berkley. During her undergraduate education, Shantel was heavily involved in volunteer organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Greensboro Urban Ministry; she was also a member of several societies, such as the Society of Women Engineers and the American Society of Landscape Architects. Shantel was a Landscape Architect major, and has a special interest in designing spaces and parks for children. While Shantel enjoys creating these spaces, she also tries to keep a special focus on finding and generating a harmony between the designed structure and the structure’s natural surroundings. In the long term, Shantel would like to earn a Professional Engineer and a Registered Landscape Architect degree, both of which would allow her to use her knowledge of engineering as well as landscape architecture to promote and create sustainable designs in poverty-stricken communities.

The MNLA is incredibly pleased and excited to be able to endorse these recipients’ goals and applauds them for all of their hard work. You may find more information on the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association Ornamental Horticulture Scholarship and other educational scholarships at www.mnlaonline.com. ❦

Congratulations!

Free State • 19

Featured Member inehurst Landscape Company and Pinehurst Nursery Rob Carter’s Pinehurst Landscape Company and Pinehurst Nursery are celebrating 50 years in business this year. Rob began his business in 1964 while attending University of Maryland as a full-time student.

This meant driving from Towson to College Park for classes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and working on his landscape projects on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

He joined the MNLA as a student member that year.

During the first five years in business, Carter joined and was active in the Maryland National Guard, 19th Special Forces Unit.

He graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in marketing and in 1968 married Cathy Perkins from Mobile, Ala. At first they lived in Towson and in 1971 they bought property in the Long Green Valley. This farm is where Cathy and Rob have lived for 46 years, raised their children, remodeled a 19th century Mennonite farmhouse and planted the first nursery.

In about 1989, the Carters bought 85 acres in Harford County near Riverside. The plan was to grow trees on a second nursery. It turned out to be too far away to efficiently run a joint operation. After a few years they sold it and bought 72 acres in the Long Green Valley.

The Pinehurst operations now total about 120 acres planted in trees.

In addition to planting, Pinehurst builds stone and brick walls and walks, patios and out-door living spaces. “We also install lighting, 20 • Summer 2013

water features and ponds – a whole range of items to enhance outdoor living,” Carter said.

“Our primary business is landscape contracting, installing the trees we grow here. We grow a wide variety of shade and ornamental trees. We don’t grow perennials or woody shrubs because there are several excellent growers in our area.”

Pinehurst moves and replants trees for its own needs and for others in the industry. “We have six tree spades, two that are truck-mounted.

The largest digs a root ball 84 inches wide, used for establishing large trees for golf courses, schools and commercial properties. Until the economic downturn in 2007-08, half of our work was commercial and half residential. Now the mix is 25 percent commercial and 75 percent residential,” said Carter.

Carter explained that the main reason for Pinehurst’s success is the “great people who have worked

with him over the years.” Wink Rupprecht, Corey Branch, Fred Wiedel, and Don Mosby have been with him for more than 40 years.

Carter also credits Rose Maranto, his office manager for the last 14 years, for keeping everything running smoothly. Altogether, Pinehurst has 25 employees,

seven working in design, sales and supervising projects. Two are Licensed Tree Experts, several are Certified Maryland Horticulturalists and Certified Pesticide Applicators and one is a graduate Landscape Architect.

When Carter announced he was retiring, he said “I’ll still be around for consulting and working with a few of my old customers.” His son, Edward “Ted” Carter has been working at Pinehurst since 2008. A graduate of St. Paul’s in Brooklandville, MD, and Vanderbilt University, he is taking over as president of the corporation. Ted is working on his master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Morgan State University. His wife, Emilie Carroll Carter, has a master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from University of Maryland, College Park and is currently working in Annapolis. Rob and Cathy have two other children who are married and working, one in Washington, D.C., and one in Boston.

From left to right: Rose Maranto, Chris Pluemer, Fred Weidel, Ted Carter, Rob Carter, Cathy Carter, Kim Kulp, Wink Rupprecht, Don Mosby, Michelle Branch, Corey Branch and Denise Rebetsky

(continued on page 22) Free State • 21

(continued from page 21)

Carter says he plans to continue working on a project developing 175 acres in Texas, planning business and residential areas. He and Cathy

want to spend part of the year in Maine where they have a place on the Penobscot Bay. They also plan to travel and see more of their grandchildren.

“Looking back over half a century,” Carter said, “the key for me has been working with the really great people we have hired over the years and who have stayed with us. That is what has made it fun and successful.” He added, “This business, the nursery business, is and has been a friendly business, in terms of competition. When I began this venture, I found friends in the business who mentored and advised me. We helped each other out and I think this is unique.

My next-door-neighbor in Towson was Ed Stafford, owner of Valley

Chesapeake Green 2015 AN ANNUAL HORTICULTURE SYMPOSIUM

February 19 & 20 The Maritime Institute and Conference Center, Linthicum, MD

22 • Summer 2014

Landscape Co. and first president of Associated Landscape Contractors of America. He gave me great advice over the years, such as ‘Don’t worry about your competitor’s price.

Figure-out what your costs are and price your jobs accordingly. When bidding, figure what you need to make a profit. If your numbers are right, you'll get the job.’”

Taking that advice, Carter said, “Rather than working hard on a job and losing money, I prefer to sail with Cathy and friends on my sailboat in Maine or go duck-hunting or play with my grandchildren. How fortunate can a man be!” ❦ Carol Kinsley Mid-Atlantic Grower 302-628-1385

✁

2014 -15 Calendar of Events For a full and updated calendar of events, and to find registration information and event links, please visit the Maryland Nursey and Landscape Association website at www.mnlaonline.org

2014 July 30-31, 2014

August 19-21, 2014

PANTS Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center Contact: www.pantsshow.com 732-449-4004, ext. 116

TRAQ Location: Reston, VA Contact: MAC-ISA, 703-753-0499 www.mac-isa.org

August 2-6, 2014

August 20-21, 2014

International Society of Arboriculture Annual Conference Location: Wisconsin Center Contact: ISA International Society of Arboriculture, 1-217-355-9411 ext. 217 www.isa-arbor.com

Storm Water Management Conference Location: UMD Extension Office/ Robinson Nature Center Contact: Stanton Gill, 410-868-9400 University of Maryland Extension September 10, 2014

August 2, 2014

LCA Certification Hands-On Test Location: Agricultural History Farm Park (Derwood, MD) Contact: LCA, 301-948-0810 www.lcamddcva.org August 6, 2014

Bio-Control Conference Location: Baltimore Maritime Institute Contact: MNLA, UMD Extension, MGGA www.mdgga.org, http://extension.umd.edu/ipm/conferences, www.mnlaonline.org August 7, 2014

MAEF/MGGA Golf Tournament Location: Oakmont Green Golf Course Contact: MAEF, 410-393-9030 www.maefonline.com/golf October 6-7, 2014

MAC-ISA Annual Meeting Location: Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA Contact: MAC-ISA, 703-753-0499 www.mac-isa.org October 7, 2014

CPH Basic Exam Contact: MNLA, 410-823-8684 www.mnlaonline.org

Professional Fertilizer Applicator Recertification Seminar Location: Annapolis, MD Contact: MDA, 410-841-5959 http://mda.maryland.gov/Pages/fertilizer.aspx

December 9-11, 2014

August 13, 2014

December 11, 2014

DNLA Summer Expo Location: East Coast Garden Center Millsboro, DE Contact: 888-448-1203 August 13 - 15, 2014

VNLA Field Day Location: Blacksburg, VA Contact: VNLA, 540-382-2716 http://www.vnla.org/Events/Field-Day-Summer-Tour

MAC-ISA Certification Course Location: Charlottesville, VA Contact: MAC-ISA, 703-753-0499 www.mac-isa.org IPM Conference Location: Carroll Community College Contact: UMD Extension, Suzanne Klick, 301-596-9413 http://extension.umd.edu/ipm/commercial-ornamentalhorticulture-conferences-2014-15 The 2015 calendar of events is on the reverse side.

Remove calendar for easy reference to events.

Free State • 23

2014-15 Calendar of Events

2015 January 5-9, 2015

February 12, 2015

Advanced IPM Short Course Location: College Park, MD Contact: UMD Extension, 410-856-1850 http://extension.umd.edu/ipm/commercialornamental-horticulture-conferences-2014-15

LCA Winter Conference Location: University of Maryland, Shady Grove Branch, Gaithersburg, MD Contact: LCA, 301-948-0810 www.lcamddcva.org

January 8, 2015

2015 Chesapeake Green Location: Maritime Institute, Baltimore, MD Contact: MNLA, 410-823-8684 www.mnlaonline.com

Turfgrass Conference Location: College Park, MD Contact: University of Maryland Extension, Avis Koeiman, 301-405-3913 http://entomology.umd.edu/extension/extensiontrainingforprofessionals January 14-16, 2015

MANTS Location: Baltimore Convention Center Contact: MANTS, 410-296-6959 www.mants.com January 22, 2015

FALCAN Winter Conference for Landscapers Location: Frederick Fairgrounds Contact: FALCAN www.falcanmd.com January 28-29, 2015

Maryland Arborist Winter Conference Location: Turf Valley, Ellicott City, MD Contact: MAA, 410-321-8082 www.mdarborist.com February 4, 2015

Eastern Shore Pest Management Conference Location: Salisbury, MD Contact: University of Maryland Extension, 410-856-1850

24 • Summer 2014

February 19-20, 2015

✁

For a full and updated calendar of events, and to find registration information and event links, please visit the Maryland Nursey and Landscape Association website at www.mnlaonline.org

Maryland Nursery

and

Landscape Association

2O14 Field Day

Roseland Nurseries Sudlersville, MD The MNLA Board would like to extend a huge “thank you” to everyone who made this year’s Summer Field Day a huge success!

Field Day was held on June 26th at Roseland Nurseries in Sudlersville. Located on the Eastern Shore, spanning over seven hundred acres, Roseland provided a beautiful backdrop for our event. A special thank you to Andy, Pam and Paul Schlosser who were wonderful hosts, along with the entire Roseland staff, who went above and beyond to make Field Day an outstanding success.

The first half of the day included industry networking followed by various informative briefings. The morning began with an update from representatives of the Maryland Department of Agriculture, followed by

a few notes on legislative updates and local issues from AmericanHort’s Senior Vice President, Craig Regelbrugge. Following these sessions was a Field Day favorite, Stump the Regulator, an interactive question and answer session with MDA representatives Carol Holko and Mary Ellen Setting (Deputy Director of Agriculture). To end the morning sessions, several speakers representing the University of Maryland, including Dave Clement, Justine Beaulieu, and Paula Shrewsbury spoke on topics including phytophthora research, boxwood blight updates, rose rosette, thousand cankers disease, and neonictonoids. The morning sessions wrapped up with a session on new compost use regulations led by our own MNLA president, Brent Rutley. (continued on page 26)

Free State • 25

The Schlosser family and members of the Roseland Nursery Staff (continued on page 25)

After the morning sessions concluded, everyone gathered for lunch to discuss industry updates, and do a little networking. Lunch, an outstanding spread, was provided

by Magnolia Caterers.

After lunch, the attendees split into groups to travel the Roseland grounds for various educational field tours.

The stations were very intriguing and highlighted what is new and on the cutting edge for 2014 horticultural work.

Three separate field tours were held that highlighted the various aspects of Roseland Nurseries. The first tour was a spade truck and pod trailer demo led by Jon King and Jose Colon. The demo showed how, with the help of a spade truck, large trees can be transported in small pods to allow them to stand during transportation.

The second demo was a tractor tour of the farm and nursery access road. This tour was led by Bryan Schlosser and Jonny King, sons of Andy Schlosser and Jon King.

This tour was not only interesting to see how Roseland does business on a daily basis, but it was important to see a new generation of green enthusiasts following in their fathers’ footsteps.

The third tour station was a walking tour of hollies, including a pruning demo. This tour was led by Ryan Johnson and Rodolfo, who led attendees on an interactive and informative tour of the widely regarded hollies that Roseland grows each year.

One of the noted highlights of Field Day was the private airstrip that runs directly through Roseland Nurseries. Roseland owns three different planes that use the airstrip. The larger plane, the biplane, was on display for attendees to look at and even read a little history and information on, as well. A raffle was held 26 • Summer 2014

Bryan Schlosser leads the nursery tour

UMD Graduate Student Justine Beaulieu on her Phytophthora research

Spade Truck and Pod Trailer Demonstration

Speakers Carol Holko (L) and Mary Ellen Setting (R)

MNLA Board President Brent Rutley

Craig Regelbrugge of American Hort

Paula Shrewsbury, Ph.D. of the UMD Extension

Dave Clement of the UMD Extension

The Field Day Morning Session

The biplane is available for viewing Roseland Owner Andy Schlosser (L) talks equipment for all attendees to win a ride in the private bi-plane.

The winner of this raffle was Larry Hemming, and he was thrilled! Larry was one of the only attendees who was able to answer the raffle question. The question was, “How did Roseland get its name?” Most attendees believe that Roseland at one point must have sold roses, however this was not the case. Roseland was named after Paul Schlosser’s wife, whose name is Rose. Rose Schlosser was the inspiration of what Roseland has become today, and unfortunately could not be at Field Day, but sent her well wishes to all attendees.

Getting ready for the tours

The MNLA would like to thank everyone who not only attended Field Day, but all of those that came together to make the event an overwhelming success again this year.

Next year’s Field Day will be held at Clear Ridge Nursery in Carroll County. Stay tuned for more details on this event. ❦

Roseland Equipment on Display Free State • 27

MANTS Pender ad half page_MANTS pender half page ad 2/6/14 10:53 AM Page 1

Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturist Program

Update CPH Basic Exam

The next CPH Basic Exam will be held on Tuesday, October 7. In late August, the MNLA office will send out registration forms to all persons eligible to take this exam.

Update on Basic Manual Re-write The CPH Board has been working over the past two years to edit and update the CPH Basic Manual. This process had not been done since 1996. Working through chief editor, Martha Simon Pindale, the CPH Basic Manual has been completely reviewed, re-written, updated, and enhanced with modern graphics, etc. New chapters have been added, as well.

It is expected that the new manual will be ready for distribution this coming fall. The October 2014 and spring 2015 CPH Basic Exams will be the last exams offered using the current manual as the testing resource.

It is expected that the spring 2015 exam will offered in two versions, one based on the current manual (to grandfather in persons who have already studied from the old manual), and an exam based on the new manual.

In addition, the Board is investigating options to offer the Basic exam more times during the year by adding testing venues. The board recognizes that electronic testing of the multiple choice component of the test can technologically be accomplished at a variety of testing venues. However, the Board wishes to retain having real plant samples for the Plant ID portion of the test.

The collection of fifty or more samples per test requires greater logistical planning (and volunteer time) than the multiple choice portion of the exam. We will keep you posted as our ideas for advancing opportunities to take the Basic exam progress. â?Ś

28 • Summer 2014

It’s Time

for

Sharing

y t s a N a e v a h s g Soil n i v o M f o t i Hab Jerry Faulring

I am writing this at the end of June, 2014. Soils have been at their field capacity for moisture for the last several weeks, actually oozing water in places. We have not seen these conditions since 2003 when we received 56 inches of rainfall for that year. Every little rain causes run off and ponding in low areas. Soils are on the move. Most growers include grassed perimeters and isles to stem soil loss from the site, but when the soil moves from planting areas to grassed areas, long term growing soil quality is diminished. A serious problem results in exposed root flares in areas of wash, and buried root flares in erosion receiving areas. (continued on page 30 Free State • 29

(continued from page 29)

Soils move, so erosion is common for several reasons: 1. Rate of rainfall exceeds a soil’s ability to absorb the water 2. High water table 3. Slope or topography 4. Lack of vegetation 5. Compacted and or poorly drained soils limit infiltration We cannot control the rate of rainfall, but we can control all other variables. A high water table may be a challenge if a drainage tile cannot be installed.

The slope can be managed by planting perpendicular to the slope with grassed isles installed between rows or blocks; and vegetation in the form of cover crops can provide vegetation. Lastly, compacted soils can be improved through improved tillage systems and by using equipment only during ideal soil moisture periods.

Compacted Soils Compacted or poorly drained soils become apparent during periods of high and persistent rainfall such as the ones we saw this spring. This is a great year to find those areas and work to resolve them.

A soil penetrometer is an inexpensive but very important tool for studying soil compaction. It can help you easily determine where you stand with regard to managing your soils.

Some labs perform bulk density testing, but you can learn how to do the test yourself by searching ‘calculating bulk density of soils’ in Google.

Bulk density is the weight of soil in a given volume. Soils with a bulk density higher than 1.6 g/cm3 tend to restrict root 30 • Summer 2014

growth. Bulk density increases with compaction and with depth.

Symptoms of Compacted Soils in Nursery Production 1. Surface water remains for long periods after rainfall or overhead irrigation. A ‘long period’ is thought of as greater than 24 hours.

2. Equipment tracks holding water.

3. Premature foliage drop in any season, but excessive in the fall.

4. Variable plant productivity in the same row or block. Inconsistent plant development such as bushy growth when not the norm, a range of leader development, the wrong foliage color, and smaller than normal leaves can all be symptoms of compaction, but may also be signs of high or low nutrient values or pH problems.

5. Increased wind and water caused soil erosion.

6. We find ourselves thinking the tractor is loosing horsepower when in fact compacted soils require more horsepower to work.

7. Not seen before weeds start showing up and our old favorites disappear.

8. Irrigation water runs off prematurely instead of infiltrating to the roots where needed.

9. More mosquitoes than you remembered in previous years.

10. Increased sucker production on many different trees.

11. Plants show stress more readily in dry periods.

12. Pests such as Ambrosia Beetle are attracted to plants that are growing in high moisture areas.

13. Increased denitification in the anaerobic environment can lead to the loss of natural and synthetic nutrients. This may be difficult to detect as other symptoms may cause confusing results but lack of plant vigor is occurring due to the lack of available nitrogen and oxygen.

The take away message is that roots grow between the soil particles. If the particles become compressed, water, oxygen and pore spaces are squeezed out. (see graphic top of page 31) Productive silt loam soils will contain 45- 50% soil particles, 20-25% air space and 25-30% water.

The roots consume oxygen. When oxygen is absent because the pore space was crushed out of existence (compaction), plants will not flourish. Many plants will

corn yield from 200 bushels per acre to 85. Is it possible that we could see a 50% decline in the productivity of horticultural crops due to soil compaction? Most definitely.

Improved Tillage Systems

start to decline within 48 hours of having their roots flooded with water but the decline may not become obvious for months or years. Similarly, plants stressed for lack of water and oxygen due to compaction may not die for years or until a significant additional stress factor becomes involved. As a result, we will not be able to maintain the perfect relationship year round due to variation in weather cycles. However, the goal is to do so. Anything we can do or not do that nurtures the ratio will serve our best interest. The most important factor for maintaining the relationship is to avoid soil compaction by implementing every tool and practice available that still fits into an economically viable production system.

I came across a research paper related to soil compaction and its affect on corn production. The research showed that heavy compaction of silty clay loam soil reduced

In 2004 we began modifying our soils though the use of a spading machine and amendment with compost. I have written and spoken about this system extensively and will not revisit it at this time except to say that our initial findings are still true today. We know that for most plants we have seen about 40% increased growth rates with reduced pruning as compared to our previous growing system. The improved growth rates are the result of increasing the level of oxygen and increased deep pore space from the tillage system, which thus leads to improved drainage.

It is known that roots maximize their productivity and efficiency at an optimum soil temperature of 68 degrees F. Not surprisingly, that is the same temperature preferred by soil microorganisms. (continued on page 32)

Free State • 31

(continued from page 31)

That which lives invisibly beneath the soil allows our plants to thrive. Encouraging and protecting this vital resource insures our success.

Cover Crops I believe the next big challenge toward the goal of making soils stay put relates to cover crops. Use of cover crops has been around almost forever but it has not been well received within an existing planting by nursery managers. I have avoided the use of cover crops due to equipment investment requirements. One way to partially solve the problem is to grow only single rows with grass isles on either side and to plant perpendicular to the slope. A common practice for many growers seeking better land utilization, including us, is to plant several rows in a block with the blocks separated by grass isles. This exposes a significant amount of bare soil, assuming no weeds, to erosion. It also causes the soil to heat up which reduces microbial activity down to a depth where microbes migrate to find cooler temperatures and moisture. A solution appears to include the aggressive use of cover crops until the plants reach a size whereby they can successfully dampen the affect of heavy rains and soil heating. (see examples below) Another option is apply mechanically stable mulch. This is cost prohibitive except in small areas where very high value crops are grown over a period of many years.

We did this for three blocks about ten years ago. The soil organic matter increased from 2.5% to 7% over several years, there was no soil erosion at all, there was

32 • Summer 2014

zero requirement for irrigation and the plants thrived; however, it was cost prohibitive….I think. Sometimes what we think is expensive is really a bargain long term.

The wrong cover crop could impact growing conditions by robbing the soil of nutrients and water at the expense of the desirable crop. Some cover crops put nitrogen into the soil and some attract predator insects while one like forage radish will bore deep holes in the soil, die with the first frost and deliver nutrition back the desirable plants.

Much work has been done for nursery cover crops.

Dr. Paula Shrewsbury, et. al. conducted a three year research program with a SARE grant. There is much useful information at: http://mysare.sare.org/mySARE/ ProjectReport.aspx?do=viewProj&pn=LNE08-274.

My dream cover crop would: 1. Control soil erosion, 2. Be 12 inches tall, or less, so as to not take away from visual marketing of the saleable plants, 3. Attract predator insects, 4. Be perennial to avoid annual seeding, 5. Be effective in cooling the soil while not robbing nutrients and water, and 6. Finally, I would like it to have a very pretty flower; I can dream! ❦ Jerry Faulring Waverly Farm 1931 Greenfield Road Adamstown, MD 21710 301-874-8300

We have answers when you have questions …

www.mnlaonline.org

The MNLA web site is designed for our members and is your single source for the answer to almost any question. The site is your: • Membership Directory with member search options • Up-to-date industry calendar • Classified ads which members can post and track resumes/ responses • CPH program information including basic and advanced test applications and registration • Business resources • CEU forms • Free State Nursery and Landscape News (electronic issues) • Root of the Matter issues and MaGIC updates

• Chesapeake Green - speaker resources - year round • Industry calendar includes: – Event postings from organizations and educational institutions around the Mid-Atlantic region; – Resources for finding CEUs for pesticide recertification, nutrient management recertification, and general education in horticulture topics; – MNLA events including Field Day, MANTS, Chesapeake Green and much more

Visit www.mnlaonline.org today!

Free State • 33

Press Releases

For immediate release Contact: Mary Miles mmiles@nevinspr.com Office: 410-568-8821 Maryland Public Television announces second season of Maryland Farm & Harvest Weekly series showcases the industry that feeds Maryland OWINGS MILLS, MD – After a successful initial 13-episode run, Maryland Public Television’s popular original series Maryland Farm & Harvest has been renewed for a second season starting in November 2014.

The series puts a human face on Maryland’s agriculture industry, telling the stories of the people who grow the state’s food and fiber.

The series chronicles the successes and the challenges that local farmers face working in the state’s number one industry. Last season, Maryland Farm & Harvest featured farms across Maryland, from a soy farm in Garrett County to a horse breeding farm in Baltimore to a 10th-generation vegetable and wheat farm in Talbot County. Joanne Clendining, a veteran actress and the owner of a family farm, returns as the host for season 2.

The series airs on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on MPT-HD and is rebroadcast on Thursdays at 11:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6 a.m. Each show will also re-air on MPT’s secondary channel, MPT2, on Fridays at 6 p.m.

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is MPT’s co-production partner for Maryland Farm & Harvest.

Major funding is provided by the Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board.

Additional funding is provided by Maryland’s Best; the Maryland Soybean Board; MidAtlantic Farm Credit; the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation; the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation; and the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts. Other support comes from the Arthur W. Perdue Foundation; the Maryland Nursery & Landscape Association; the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association; the Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.; Willard Agri-Service Company; the Maryland Farm Bureau Service Company, the Maryland Horse Industry Board; Harford County, Maryland, Division of Agriculture; and the Mar-Del Watermelon Association.

For more information visit mpt.org/farm.

About MPT Launched in 1969 and headquartered in Owings Mills, MD, Maryland Public Television is a nonprofit, state-licensed public television network and member of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). MPT’s six transmitters cover Maryland plus portions of contiguous states and the District of Columbia. Frequent winner of regional Emmy® awards, MPT creates local, regional, and national television shows. Beyond broadcast, MPT’s commitment to professional educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through year-round instructional events and the super-website Thinkport, which garners in excess of 19 million page views annually. MPT’s community engagement connects viewers with local resources on significant health, education, and public interest topics through year-round outreach events, viewer forums, program screenings, and phone bank call-in opportunities. ###

34 • Summer 2014

For immediate release Contact: Julie Hill Marketing Director jhill@mgmtsol.com

LCA Releases Landscape Specification Guidelines 6th edition From Rockville, MD – The Landscape Contractors Association MD • DC • VA (LCA) is pleased to announce the release of the 6th edition of the Landscape Specification Guidelines. Written with landscape contractors, landscape architects and designers in mind, these guidelines provide green industry professionals with up-to-date research and techniques used in the landscape industry. Not only do these protocols serve as a guide for specifying, installing and maintaining quality landscape projects, but they also promote horticulturally sound principles.

“LCA’s specifications have been the backbone for the high-quality services that landscape contractors and architects have delivered and relied upon since their inception,” states Matt Owens, president of the

LCA. “I was fortunate to gather such a diverse and knowledgeable group of volunteers that spent countless hours reviewing, further refining, building upon and producing a more relevant and useful resource for the industry, both locally and nationally.”

New to this edition are the Landscape Specification Guidelines which are published as eight independent parts: Exterior Landscape Installation, Exterior Landscape Maintenance, Interior Landscape Installation and Maintenance, Irrigation, Non-Tidal Wetland Planting, Seeding and Sodding, Soils and Tree Preservation— which allows users to purchase the part(s) that are most relevant to their businesses.

Additionally, the guidelines are available for purchase through Amazon for Kindle.

For more information visit www.lcamddcva.org About LCA Founded in 1967, LCA provides local resources to landscape professionals to help them maximize their business potential. It offers a community of landscape contractors, landscape architects and designers, grounds departments, educational institutions and suppliers who have banded together in a supportive ###

Do you have COMMENTARY, OPINION, PRESS RELEASE, or an EDUCATIONAL CONTRIBUTION for FREE STATE NURSERY AND LANDSCAPE NEWS? We love to hear from our members —whether it be news from your company, your ideas on industry happenings, or an educational piece that would be informative to your peers. If you are willing to share your news, please submit your contributions to Free State via freestate@mnlaonline.com.

Contributions are due April 1, July 1, and November 1. Contribute as you like, or year round.

Questions about Free State, please give us a call at 410-823-8684.

Free State • 35

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We know you work hard.

Let us work harder.

Lean on us for some of your business demands - we know we can work harder for you. This is why we’ve implemented the Partners Program and Business Solutions, and the Px3 Maintenance Package.

Px3 helps you with the planning process by providing customized bids for each project. We can accurately estimate the square footage of any property.

Customers who join our Partners Program earn points on every John Deere Landscapes purchase and redeem those points at an online store, for various industry events, or for cash on account. Program members are also eligible for our Business Solutions, which can help reduce your day-to-day business expenses.

Please contact your local branch to learn more about these opportunities. We are eager to help you with as many of your business challenges as possible!

800-347-4272 www.JohnDeereLandscapes.com

Get your Ag Tag today!

www.agtagmd.com Educating Youth about Agriculture 38 • Summer 2014

Obituary

Brian Edward Akehurst (August 1, 1966 - July 6, 2014)

On July 6, 2014, Brian Edward Akehurst, of Street, died unexpectedly at 47 years young. Born on August 1, 1966 to Lois (nee Kidd) and the late Rev. William Akehurst. He was raised in Perry Hall, Maryland and graduated from Eastern Vo. Tech in 1984.

Dedicated, loving husband to Joy Lynn (nee Ducote) for 24 years. Devoted father who adored Christiana Brooke (19) Brian Hunter (16) and Grahme Edward (15.) Beloved middle brother of William Akehurst and his wife Terri (nee Jones) and John Akehurst and his wife Jennifer (nee Hudson.)

Brother-in-law to Ronnie Ducote, Edward Ducote, and Kern Ducote Jr. Cherished son-in-law of Loretta (nee Devan) and the late Kern Ducote, Sr. Mentor and role model to 14 nieces and nephews and: Josiah, Julia, Jillian, Jared, Myatt, Amie, Melissa, Emily, Dallas, Claire, Laura, Grace, Kern III, and Jason. He was a friend to many!

Brian was one of the fifth generation family business owners of Akehurst Landscape Service, Inc. and has served as the Chief Executive Officer since 2005. He was a great leader and entrepreneur, a Certified Professional Horticulturist, a Certified Snow Professional, and a past President of Snow and Ice Management Association.

Brian was a quiet man of God with great faith and a servant’s heart. He was a passionate fisherman and an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Brian’s death was both sudden and untimely.

The family will be setting up a scholarship fund for Brian’s children. Donations may be made to any M&T bank or checks sent to the family for: Brian E. Akehurst Children’s Scholarships.

Isaiah 30:15 - “In quietness and confidence can be your strength.” If three words could sum up Brian’s life, they would be: Dedicated, hardworking and quiet. ❦

Free State • 39

Editorial

Top Five Reasons to Keep Your Records Up to Date As a business owner, you don’t have a lot of extra time. Most days, you probably feel good if you get a chance to sit down and clear your head between projects, right?

Since I know how busy you are, I hate to add another priority to your already long list, but I’m going to because it is critical that you take the time to keep your business records upto-date.

What kind of records am I talking about? Maintaining documents, updating minutes, and properly documenting changes in business entity ownership, are all part of the recordkeeping process. It is important to keep accurate and complete records because these accounts: 1. Help you monitor and manage the progress of your business and help it grow 2. Help your tax agent or accountant do your books more quickly, which saves you money 3. Make filling in your tax returns easier and quicker 4. Help you to avoid pitfalls down the road 5. Make it easier to get a loan in the future

I have seen many excellent businesses get into trouble because they haven’t properly documented

40 • Summer 2014

something significant, such as changes to their ownership or officers. It is important to keep up-to-date records and maintain accurate standings for your entities. For example, as a Limited Liability Company, you should maintain and keep the following in a safe but accessible place: 1. Articles of Organization 2. Operating Agreement 3. Schedule of Ownership 4. Changes to members, managing members and rights to act 5. Filing of Personal Property Tax Return to the state When you make a change to any of the above items, you should update your records immediately. If you have additional documentation, such as correspondence or legal bills related to the changes, keep them all together so that you can find them quickly if necessary.

It is true that it takes time and energy to ensure accurate records, but doing so will help future generations get the right answers (or even a loan) when they need them. This will also help save you money and worry in the long run, for there is nothing worse than trying to find an important document when you’re under timeline pressure! ❦ Bill Schrodel, Loan Officer, MidAtlantic Farm Credit wschrodel@mafc.com

PUBLICATION NOTICE We welcome your company news and updates or columns with your professional insight. E-mail any submissions you have for Free State to freestate@mnlaonline.org or mail to Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association P.O. Box 726 Brooklandville, MD 21022 The deadline for submissions for the winter issue of Free State Nursery and Landscape News is Nov. 1, 2014.

Bright Ideas

Logo Design Packaging Design Exhibit and Trade Show Graphics

Advertising Brochures Direct Mail Catalogs

Fresh Solutions

Gregory J. Cannizzaro Graphic Design 410-444-5649 • gccannizzaro@aol.com

6 1

2 3 4 5 6

Good Reasons Your Company Should Advertise in the MNLA’s Free State Nursery and Landscape News

Free State Nursery and Landscape News is seen by members of Maryland’s Nursery, Landscaping and Garden Center Industries and is the leading publication for members of the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association (circulation to members and CPHers is about 600 unique individuals) Free State Nursery and Landscape News enhances your ad by providing important industry specific articles which are educational and informative, and with the new digital version, readers are sent directly to your website via links Free State Nursery and Landscape News helps promote your company and product while providing direct access to readers in Maryland’s Green Industries Articles appearing in Free State Nursery and Landscape News are contributed by highly regarded members of the industry, many of whom have a lifetime of knowledge and are frequently published Free State Nursery and Landscape News is a cost effective way to help keep your name out in front of and reach your customers Free State Nursery and Landscape News helps support the association in its endeavors on behalf of the green industry in the state of Maryland

For more information on advertising in the Free State Nursery and Landscape News contact Kelly Finney at the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association at 410-823-8684 or e-mail freestate@mnlaonline.org Free State • 41

MANTS 2015 The Masterpiece of Trade Shows ™ ®

JANUARY 14 - 16, 2015 Baltimore Convention Center

We’ve perfected the art of bringing exhibitors and attendees together to buy, sell and share information on the latest plants, products and services. · Conveniently located, modern facility · Over 975 exhibitors, in over 1,500 booths · Ideal timing – after the holidays, before the spring rush · Just business, all business · Our 44th consecutive year · Unlimited Inner Harbor attractions to enjoy after the Show ends

www.mants.com On-line Registration is available 24/7 beginning October 1.

@mantsbaltimore #mants

P.O. Box 818 Brooklandville, MD 21022 410-296-6959 800-431-0066 fax 410-296-8288

Directory of Advertisers Firm Name

Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association, Inc.

Page

A & A Tree Experts, Inc. Angelica Nurseries, Inc.

39 Outside Back Cover

Arbor Jet

Mission Statement

Babikow Greenhouses

The purpose of the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association is to promote the use of ornamental plants, products, and services. The association supports all constituent groups of the horticulture industry including landscape, garden centers, interiorscape, grounds maintenance, nursery, greenhouse, and arboriculture. The association communicates the role of the horticulture industry in improving people’s quality of life.

Braun Horticulture

Specific Goals Promote professionalism through education programs for members and the public and by encouraging enrollment in educational institutions.

Monitor state and local laws relating to horticulture industry.

Participate actively in legislative and regulatory processes.

Promote the use of environmentally sound practices in the horticulture industry.

Monitor and communicate to members developments in allied industries including agritechnology.

Support donations of plant products and services to state and community programs.

Support research relevant to the horticulture industry.

Participate in Maryland agricultural organizations.

1 Inside Front Cover 17

Cam Too Camellia Nursery

5

Cavano's Perennials

18

Chesapeake Green

22

CPH 37 Foxborough Nursery

Inside Back Cover

Gregory J. Cannizzaro Design

41

Hanover Farms

12

John Deere Landscapes

38

Kurt Bluemel Manor View Farm

2 17

MANTS 42 MD Ag Ed Foundation

38

MNLA On-Line

33

OHP 36 Pender Nursery

28

Walnut Springs

16

Waverly Farm

13

To join the growing list of companies who advertise in the Free State Nursery and Landscape News or for more information, please call Vanessa or Kelly in the MNLA office at 410-823-8684.

Visit the redesigned association website at: www.mnlaonline.org.

E-mail Free State News at freestate@mnlaonline.org.

Free State • 43

Chairman & Committees Education

CPH

Dave Clement Stanton Gill Hank Doong Mary Kay Malinoski Tina Paul Ginny Rosenkranz Greg Stacho

George Mayo – Chair Steve Black Shelley Hicks Cindy King Dr. Andrew Ristvey Martha Simon-Pindale Bob Trumbule Gaye Williams

Nominating

Mark Dougherty – Chair Richard J. Watson

Scholarship

John Marshall – Chair Brent Rutley Steve Black Larry Hemming

Bernie Kohl, Jr. – Chair Hank Doong Jessica Todd Leslie Hunter-Cario George Mayo Greg Stacho Mary Claire Walker

Link/Shanks Scholarship

Economic Survey

Finance and Planning

Mark Dougherty – Chair MANTS

Jan S. Carter Bernard E Kohl, Jr. William A. M. Verbrugge Membership Committee

Steve Black Bernie Kohl George Mayo Brent Rutley Dr. John Lea Cox

Advisors to the Board

Rich Poulin Greg Stacho

Richard Bean MD Department of Agriculture

Awards - Professional Achievement,

Dr. John Lea-Cox University of Maryland

Carville M. Akehurst Michael Marshall– Co-Chair Kevin Clark - Co-Chair

Signe Hanson Independent Horticultural Consultant

Advisors to Others LEAD Maryland Vanessa Finney Maryland Agriculture Commission Karl Fischer Marion Mullan Maryland Farm Bureau Larry Hemming MAEF Hank Doong MGGA Tina Paul Maryland Invasive Species Council (MISC) John Peter Thompson MDA Nutrient Management Advisory Committee Signe Hanson Young Farmers Advisory Council Jessica Todd Invasive Plants Advisory Council Mike Hemming Jason Pippen

Historian

George Mayo – Chair Legislative/MaGIC

James R. McWilliams– Chair Signe Hanson Alan Jones Bernard E. Kohl, Jr. Phil Galbraith

44 • Summer 2014

Every member of every committee listed above is an individual who volunteers their time in support for the MNLA and it is with the utmost gratitude and appreciation that we thank you for your selfless endeavors. If your name is not listed above, please consider following the example of those who are. Contact Vanessa at 410-8238684 with your interest.