Free State Winter 2017

Free State

Winter 2017 Vol. XLIV No. 3

NURSERY, LANDSCAPE AND GREENHOUSE NEWS

Have you heard about

SANC?

Off Target Herbicide Damage

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President’s Message Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association Officers 2017 President Steve Black Raemelton Farm 240-416-0714 1st Vice President Jessica Todd Clear Ridge Nursery, Inc. 888-226-9226 2nd Vice President Larry Hemming Eastern Shore Nurseries 410-822-1320 Secretary Tiffany Senseman Waverly Farm 301-874-8300 Treasurer Carrie Engel Valley View Farms 410-527-0700 Director-at-Large Brent Rutley Capitol City Contractors, LLC 301-854-5620 Executive Director Vanessa Akehurst Finney Quercus Management MNLGA Contact Info: P.O. Box 726 Brooklandville, Maryland 21022 Phone: 410-823-8684 Fax: 410-296-8288 E-mail: office@mnlga.org Free State E-mail: freestate@mnlga.org Website: mnlga.org

MARYLAND N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENHOUSE A S S O C I A T I O N , I N C.

2 • Winter 2017

Policy A central part of MNLGA’s purpose is the management of relations between industry and regulators. Every year our Association expends considerable resources tracking and trying to improve state and local policies affecting our industry. Thanks to the abilities of our lobbyist, our Executive Director, and Steve Black involved members, we have often been largely successful. We have had some huge wins, but also a few failures.

It’s important not to confuse policy development with politics. While the players may overlap and the conversations blur together, they are not the same thing. In theory, policy development can be shockingly straight forward, if it happens in a vacuum. Identify a problem, figure out what you think will solve the problem, and finally decide out how best to implement the solution. Unfortunately, it almost never goes that smoothly. Most of the time the Association, or one of our members, hears about a policy initiative, and we need to react. We enter the process in midstream and press for changes to soften the impact on our industry. If we’re lucky, we can gain a seat at the policy development table. This happened with the invasive plant law. In other cases, our involvement must be purely reactionary and negative.

Sometimes we’re just stuck saying ‘no, no, no.’ It’s not a very constructive strategy, but you must play the hand you’re dealt.

Occasionally the Association can identify a problem and be the initiator of policy change. No longer at the mercy of the deck, we can pick the game, the players, and be the dealer. And since ‘cheating’ doesn’t really exist in the policy game, we can stack the deck in our favor!

The risk to our industry from drifting chemicals has existed since the advent of systemic herbicides. However, because of new herbicides and new herbicide application timing, the threat to our plants is now exponentially greater. We should (continued on page 4)

If you choose to use a drift-prone or volatile herbicide then you should also take on responsibility for any unintended consequences.

11

Contents

16

25 Features

Departments

5 Growing Forward Have you heard about SANC? – Lesile Hunter Cario

2 From the President

1 It’s Time for Sharing 1 Off Target Herbicide Damage…

Could Change Your Life Forever – Jerry Faulring

4 MNLGA Board of Directors

20 American Hort Updates from Capitol Hill – Craig J.Regelbrugge

30 Industry Calendar

25 Featured Member Dogwood Hill Farm 32 Growing with Education From One Extreme, to Another – Ginny Rosenkranz

2 Association Officers

43

16 Volunteer Service 18 New Members

36 Affinity Programs 38 GWA- The Association for Garden Communictors 40 CPH 48 Industry News 51 MNLGA Mission Statement

43 Total Plant Management 51 Directory of Advertisers Crepe Myrtle Great Plant but 52 MNLGA Chairs and Committees Insects are Adapting – Stanton Gill Executive Director: Vanessa A. Finney Quercus Management Staff: E. Kelly Finney, Chelsea Bailey and Michelle Mount Phone: 410-823-8684, Fax: 410-296-8288 E-mail: office@mnlga.org Web: mnlga.org Free State e-mail: freestate@mnlga.org Design: Gregory J. Cannizzaro Graphic Design (contact information page 38) Cover Photo: Gregory J. Cannizzaro © 2017 Maryland Nursery, Landscape, and Greenhouse Association, Inc.

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Free State • 3

(President's Message continued from page 2) Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association Board of Directors Terms Expiring 2018 Brent Cassell Leyland Landscaping, Inc. 410-526-4449 Peter Driscoll Dogwood Hill Farm 301-428-8175

Ronda Roemmelt Ruppert Nurseries 301-482-2009 Wm. Oliver Hardy Classic Lawn & Landscape Ltd. 410-335-6868 Terms Expiring 2019 Andrew Thompson Foxborough Nursery, Inc. 410-836-7023

Ted Carter Pinehurst Landscape Company 410-592-5030 Ferenc Kiss Cavano’s Perennials 410-592-8077 John Murphy Murphy John’s, Inc. 410-928-3029

The Free State News is published for the membership of the Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association (MNLGA.org).

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

4 • Winter 2017

expect that cases of herbicide drift will increase. Now is the time for developing and implementing policies designed to keep herbicides on target and to protect the economic interests of the ornamental industry.

The time has come to take a proactive stand on herbicide drift. The off-target impact of herbicides, by movement of wet droplets or volatilized gas, is a significant threat to all components of our Association. For field producers the threat should be obvious; at least two Maryland growers were hit by clouds of herbicide vapors this spring. Both farms suffered economic damage. If you run a greenhouse, I’m sure you realize that the insect screening you put up will not block that haze of 2,4-D floating into your cooling fans. I don’t grow annual bedding plants, but I bet they will not like it. Landscapers and garden centers, I promise you no one will buy the Oak in your holding yard with the weird, twisty, thickened leaves. Those customers will, however, appreciate the total absence of weeds in the hay field next to your store.

Full disclosure: Raemelton Farm was one of the field producers hit by a cloud of systemic herbicide this past spring. We are not sure of the active chemical. We don’t know the source. The economic impact on our farm is significant. MDA has been investigating the event for the past six months. We continue to wait patiently for their report. I had hoped to avoid taking on the larger policy issue of herbicide drift until we resolved the event at Raemelton. I wanted to avoid having my company’s situation muddy the policy discussion. However the glacial pace of MDA’s investigation and the fast development of the larger drift issue demand that we take action now.

Our approach to this issue will involve the development of a coalition of other stake-holders. Groups like the Maryland Wineries Association are natural partners in this effort. Together we can wield significant policy clout in Annapolis.

Our focus will be on the issue of drift and off-target damage, not the chemicals involved. This is NOT about banning an herbicide or family of chemicals. Changing the list of legal crop protection products is an entirely different issue. Even those herbicides that are most frequently involved in off-target damage are widely, and usually, used without negative consequence.

Our efforts will be directed at three areas. First, we will try to improve education of applicators and growers to reduce the likelihood and impact of drift. Next, we will work to reform the system of detection and investigation of suspected herbicide damage. The timeliness of the current investigative process is of significant concern.

Finally we will work to improve the process by which a victim of herbicide drift can recover damages.

It is grossly unfair for the ornamental industry to be held at significant financial risk because of the decisions of others about their herbicide use. The basic philosophy here is simple: The fence line is the fence line. If you choose to use a drift-prone or volatile herbicide then you should also take on responsibility for any unintended consequences. There is nothing new in this way of thinking. We just need to craft a policy that serves to remind everyone involved of their obligations. ❦

Steve Black Raemelton Farm 240-416-0714

Growing Forward

Have you heard Leslie Hunter Cario

about

S

ounds familiar, right? It stands for a “Systems Approach to Nursery Certification,” and possibly you first heard about it or visited the SANC booth at MANTS in 2015.

In a nutshell, SANC is a framework for growers to carefully examine their processes and identify ways to mitigate pest and disease risk within the nursery or greenhouse’s existing conditions. Their systems approach, voluntary certification program is based upon the process through which plants are produced, rather than how they look at the time of inspection. SANC is being developed as a partnership between commercial nurseries and greenhouses, associations of our industry including AmericanHort, state departments of agriculture and equivalent agencies of the National Plant Board, APHIS, and the United States Department of Agriculture.

How does SANC work?

The process begins with a grower contacting their state certifying agency (Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) in our case) to apply. A preliminary meeting follows in which SANC and its

SANC? requirements are discussed, roles and timelines are outlined, and questions and concerns are addressed. Following the preliminary meeting is the risk assessment, at which point hazards, critical control points (CCP), and best management practices (BMP) are identified by the grower and the state agency. The “SANC CCP CHECKLIST and BMP Companion” was developed to aid in preparation for the risk assessment.

Next the grower will develop a Facility Manual which includes four main components: a Pest Management Plan, a description of Staff and Facility, a process for Audits, and a list of required documentation. Once complete, the Facility Manual will be reviewed by the state agency and approved.

Audits will be conducted to ensure that the Facility Manual is a workable document and that the Pest Management Plan is effective.

Upon approval of the manual, the grower signs the SANC agreement and becomes an active program participant. The overall timeline for all of this is flexible, and has been different for each nursery or greenhouse participating in the pilot phases.

Dana Rhodes, State Plant Regulatory Official of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Chair of the National Plant Board, explains that the existence of SANC has not changed the regulatory system in place in each state.

It has, however, strengthened the relationships between state agencies and growers through their collaboration in developing the SANC program and in setting up SANC at individual operations.

Where is SANC currently in use?

SANC’s pilot program rolled out the initial phase in 2014 with eight operations participating, and has since added another eight operations for the second phase.

To date, five operations now have SANC agreements in place, while others are close to completing the process or are in various stages implementation, according to Rhodes. Spanning fifteen states spread widely throughout the country, including WI, PA, MO, OR, WA, OK, GA, NJ, NC, TX, NH, OH, KS, NY AND CA, the pilot allows for learning and refinement as the system is tested under a (continued on next page) Free State • 5

“

...the level of boxwood blight is staggeringly high in nearby states, and growers rightfully have concern about someone bringing it in to their operations.

(continued from page 5)

broad range of circumstances.

Specifically, the operations added in the second phase are meant to test adding an operation with a sister facility under SANC agreement, including states that were less involved in the program initially, and looking at how SANC fits in with the U.S.–Canada Greenhouse Certification Program (USGCP) system.

For us, the closest operation participating in SANC is Star Roses and Plants of West Grove, PA. STAR actually served as the “pilot of the pilot program,” according to John Rausch, the company’s COO and SANC project lead, and notes the operation has made some adjustments to mitigate risk as a result of going through the certification process. As Rausch points out, ability to participate in the SANC program is not dependent on the company’s

6 • Winter 2017

”

size, but rather has the nursery operation ever documented their pest management plan? It is not about spending a lot on capital improvements, but rather “looking to find ways to mitigate risk within your existing conditions.” To sum up the program, Rausch says that SANC is really about self-regulation in concert with the regulating authorities; making sure you have identified what the right things to do are, and that you can prove you’re doing the right things all the time. Policy, procedure, documentation, and record keeping are all important pieces to the systems approach.

company that is loosely organized may find it difficult to articulate employee roles or compile an effective pest management plan.

Another possible concern would be managing the flow of people and traffic, depending on an operation’s layout, in order to avoid accidental transmittal of pest or disease between quarantine areas or from visitors to the facility. Lastly, there is a significant time commitment is involved, and should not be taken lightly, although the consensus among participating nurseries seems to be that this is a cost-effective endeavor in the long run.

What are the potential challenges?

What are the advantages of SANC participation to a grower?

As with all important business endeavors, organization is key, and will be necessary to complete the certification process. A

A clear motivation for a nursery or greenhouse to participate in SANC is to help prevent the movement

The SANC Process

Step 1: Apply Interested? Talk to your state certifying agency to learn how to apply.

Step 2: Preliminary Meeting Meet with state certifying agency to understand the process.

clad system to mitigate risk.”

Development of a Facility Manual has improved staff communication at participating operations and increased employee buy-in since they are involved in developing the process. With clearly outlined roles and responsibilities and employee training as key components, there is little chance of responsibilities being overlooked or misinterpreted, even when a new employee steps into a role.

What is the status in Maryland?

Step 4: Facility Manual Growers create a plan to address the identified pest risks and keep records of what is done.

Step 3: Risk Assessment Identify potential pest pathways in your nursery and strategies to address them.

Step 5: Audit To see you are following your plan and to check if the plan is working.

Step 6: SANC Approved!

Congratulation, you are an approved SANC participant!

of pest and disease amongst growers and into the retail trade. From the standpoint of both cost and effort, having pest-free plants by preventing incoming problems or catching problems early on will save a lot in the long run.

Within the industry, participation in such a rigorous, risk-based systems approach ought to help solidify the operation’s position as a trusted partner in the supply chain, and may also be useful for marketing purposes. Both

SANC and non-SANC nurseries may seek out SANC nurseries for doing business together.

According to Rausch, SANC will ultimately make it easier to ship plants around the country, and potentially to Canada and other international destinations.

Going through the SANC process is good for an organization, and as Rausch states, makes all the difference between those who “think they are doing the right thing and are lucky, and those who are sure they have an iron-

Although our state does not have any nursery or greenhouse operations participating in the SANC pilot program, we are well-positioned to jump in when the time is right. As Kim Rice, Program Manager of Plant Protection & Weed Management at the Maryland Department of Agriculture explains, nursery inspectors from Maryland have been participating in trainings and professional meetings where they’ve had the opportunity to learn about the SANC process as it unfolds at other nurseries within the Eastern Region of the National Plant Board. As Rice states, the Maryland Department of Agriculture will work together with any Maryland nurseries interested in getting started with SANC. Jerry Faulring, owner of Waverly Farm Nursery, recently presented his experience with the Boxwood Blight Compliance Agreement (BBCA) to the Horticultural Inspection Society of the Eastern Plant Board. While there, he had the opportunity to hear firsthand discussions among partners (continued on page 8) Free State • 7

involved with SANC, and would be a good resource for other growers considering involvement. As Faulring explains, the level of boxwood blight is staggeringly high in nearby states, and growers rightfully have concern about someone bringing it in to their operations. Through their participation in the BBCA, seven Maryland growers including Faulring have basically already undertaken a portion of the SANC certification steps. Since SANC is meant to prevent the dissemination of pathogens of any kind, it stands to reason that these seven growers may choose to build upon their efforts with the BBCA for even greater benefits within their

operations and be among the first to participate in Maryland.

How can I learn more about SANC? The best place to learn more about SANC is through the website www.sanc. nationalplantboard.org. There you can learn more about the program as a whole, see examples of forms used by some of the pilot participants, and link to AmericanHort’s series of five videos outlining exactly what is involved with participation. As Rhodes points out, tools made available through the SANC website, including identifying critical control points and best management practices, are

valuable resources to all growers whether or not they choose to pursue SANC, and are worth a look. ❦ Leslie Hunter Cario Chesapeake Horticultural Services lesliecario@cheshort.com www.chesapeakehort.com Leslie Hunter Cario is a Certified Professional Horticulturist and IPAC board advisor to the MNLGA, also licensed as a Nutrient Management Consultant and a Pest/Disease Consultant through the Maryland Department of Agriculture. She runs Chesapeake Horticultural Services, consulting with nurseries, landscape operations, and non-profits on planning, production, research, and photography projects.

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This fun-filled evening will be punctuated with some of Allan’s tales from his latest book, Of Naked Ladies and Forget-me-Nots.

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8 • Winter 2017

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It’s Time

Jerry Faulring

A

for

Sharing

Off Target Herbicide Damage…Could Change Your Life Forever

lthough hundreds, maybe thousands, of Maryland agricultural producers and property owners have incurred plant damage from misapplied herbicides, the topic does not get much attention. In 2017 the topic has exploded nationally with hundreds of articles being written across the country due to hundreds of thousands of crop damaged acres being reported.

Why don’t we know much about this very prevalent problem in Maryland? I have some theories but they are just that. As growers of non-traditional agricultural crops (nursery, landscape, vineyards, fruits and vegetables, etc.) we have a significant interest in this matter which apparently has the potential to worsen as new genetically modified crops are brought into production along with new or modified weed control materials.

Over the last few years I came to believe Boxwood Blight was the one thing to keep me awake at night. I now believe blight is a non issue compared to loosing thousands of plants, and possibly my livelihood, to herbicide damage.

Dicamba can now be used on ‘dicamba ready soybeans’.

Implementation has gone very poorly. The manufacturer says it

is the applicator’s fault and the applicators claim the product was not thoroughly vetted for safety and efficacy. The situation has become so serious that Alabama has outlawed dicamba use in most situations. If you Google ‘dicamba herbicide crop damage’ you will get 231,000 responses in .08 seconds.

2,4-D has been implicated in off target herbicide damage probably since it was invented.

My purpose for writing this article relates to the fact that Waverly Farm probably incurred damage last spring, possibly from the misapplication of 2,4-D. I made a formal request of the Maryland Department of Agriculture to investigate the problem. To my surprise when I made the request I learned that Maryland has

several investigators – wow, who thought there would be this level of demand for the service? With hindsight, I now believe MDA is understaffed to handle the complaint load. The original on-site investigation here took place June 1, 2017. The first feedback for my investigation arrived on October 6, 2017. As I write this article, early November, there is still no report available from the June 1 investigation.

It is an illegal violation of the chemical label to allow any applied material to move onto another property. Fence lines and property lines are, by law, intended to provide us with safety and security.

All of us need to heed this tenant of law as we apply materials to our own property including landscapes. (continued on page 10)

Herbicide damage to tomatoes.

Free State • 11

(continued from page 9)

There is good news. The timing of the damage allowed for nearly 100% recovery of the affected plants. There is one block of Cornus Florida dogwood that showed new leaves in the spring but no subsequent new growth.

However, I am truly concerned that subsequent herbicide injury might include a different application date or material, which could result in a different outcome, and might be devastating to my business.

With hindsight, I believe I have seen tell-tale signs of herbicide damage over the years but it never rose to the level of concern. In fact, my discovery of damage this year started with just a few plants of a Viburnum plicatum; initially I thought it might be frost damage or aphids. As I looked further I started to see symptoms on a variety of genus.

How do herbicides go off-target?

1. Actual spray drift. We think of spray drift as the obvious visual movement of chemicals not landing on the target acreage. The photo above shows a rather helter-skelter application with chemicals on the road and significant movement of applied material drifting around the area.

If you don’t know, this is an illegal application by either an ill-informed applicator or one who just doesn’t care. The second photo depicts an even more egregious violation of law and label.

2. Volatilization or vapor movement at the molecular level caused by a temperature inversion. Modern spray equipment from ground applicators has reduced the incidence of actual drift. Often misunderstood by applicators is the high risk for pesticide movement caused by temperature inversions. When volatile chemicals are applied to foliage and soil they have the potential to leave the surfaces though volatilization at the molecular level; think evaporation. The chemical movement may or may not be visible. As the chemicals rise into the still air they become part of an invisible cloud or part of an actual cloud as seen below. When atmospheric conditions are right the cloud can move for miles settling to the ground at some point in enough concentration to in affect, make a second application of the chemical.

Herbicide damage to landscape tree.

12 • Winter 2017

Fog developing in an early morning temperature inversion. Source: Ryan Miller, University of Minnesota

We have all seen temperature inversions but likely did not recognize it as a potential vector of harmful chemicals excepting that most everyone knows smog can be dangerous to our health.

I have studied off target herbicide damage by way of temperature inversion extensively and believe such was the likely transmission mode of herbicides in my situation. Based on inspection of damaged plants by the good people from Maryland Extension, not MDA staff, followed by my own reading, the damage here likely came from 2-4D. Quick review. 2-4D is available in two different formulations; ester and amine. Amine is the most widely used form in landscape care for broadleaf weed control.

It is stable and will show limited volatilization; it costs more but is worth the price. The ester form is inexpensive and is very volatile meaning it can readily vaporize into the atmosphere. Due to cost savings the ester form is generally used by crop producers.

I talked to Black Diamond Crepe

Myrtle and Kousa Dogwoods planted near the horse paddocks one local farmer who told me he sees herbicide damage on his soybeans often. He is pretty sure it comes from the same place every time. When asked why he doesn’t complain, he says he does not want to ruffle any feathers. I wonder if he just does not want a response if he were to damage another’s crops. A code of silence?

Since 1973 I can’t even come close to remembering how many pesticide applicator training sessions I have attended. NOT ONCE have I heard the term “temperature inversion herbicide transmission” mentioned. I was previously aware of the phenomenon from reading general agriculture trade magazines and chemical labels; thought it must just be a problem somewhere else. Having had numerous conversations this year with a variety of industry members in Maryland, I now know, I was ignorant on the topic.

Shockingly, an off target herbicide case has never been

litigated in Maryland. Given the voluminous number of claims over the years – stop and think about this – why has claim never found its way into court? First, no smart attorney, or insurance company, wants to be the first as there is no precedent. Second, and related to the first, insurance companies would rather settle a claim than go to court and possibly have a worse outcome. Third, there must be compelling documentation and proven evidence against the defendant for a plaintiff’s attorney to want to pursue the case.

All of the above is a profound conundrum for plaintiffs. The compelling evidence in this case would have to be provided by MDA. I am not aware of any third party investigators.

Over the last several years, MDA and USDA have been aggressively encouraging increased local food production. Increasingly these crops have been grown organically which brings a whole new dynamic to the concern over off target herbicide application.

These expanding crops as well as significant increases in the wine industry, all of which include many very sensitive crops to herbicide damage, suggest MDA has a vastly increased urgency to improve pesticide applicator training and the process for investigating off target herbicide application such that harmed growers may seek compensation in an expedited manner to stay in business. ❦ Jerry Faulring Waverly Farm 1931 Greenfield Road Adamstown, MD 21710 301-874-8300

Free State • 13

Major colors:

Minor colors:

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14 • Winter 2017

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Volunteer Service

MNLGA Volunteer Service Project Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium Early this summer, several MNLGA members and allied colleagues, under the leadership of Brent Rutley, met with Maryland State Fair officials to plan some visual enhancements to the Fairgrounds, via sprucing up some of the grounds, adding new trees and shrubs, and enriching public gathering spots with ornamental displays.

Kudos and a lot of thanks go out to the following MNLGA member companies (under the leadership of): • Capitol LLC (Brent Rutley) donated labor • Just This Side of Paradise Farm (Jeff Campbell) donated plants • Leyland Landscaping (Brent Cassell) donated labor • Walnut Springs Wholesale (Cort Smith) donated flowers and perennials And allied suppliers: • Fence Masters (Tony Topper) donated fencing and labor • James T Warring & Sons (Martha Haynes) discounted one-half whiskey barrels

Moving in the trees!

The volunteers began work on August 21st with crews from Capitol LLC grubbing out over-grown brush and shrubs at the light rail fairground entry. Old fencing was also removed to prepare for new decorative fencing to be installed.

The following day, Capitol LLC was joined by Leyland Landscaping to lay-out and plant Kousa Dogwoods and Black Diamond crepe myrtles on the slope above the animal paddocks.

Seventeen half-whiskey barrel planters were planted to beautify the pony barns.

Joining the other volunteers, Fence Masters installed brand new entry fencing.

Work was finalized and before the fair opened on August 25th. Kudos, a round of applause, and hats off to our MNLGA volunteers! You are excellent stewards and representatives of Maryland’s ornamental horticulture industry. ❦ Photo credits: Brent Rutley

16 • Winter 2017

Fence Masters installing new fence

Black Diamond Crepe Myrtle and Kousa Dogwoods planted near the horse paddocks

Site prep for the dogwoods and crepe myrtle Free State • 17

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

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18 • Winter 2017

11/30/16 6:04 PM

American Hort

Updates from Craig J. Regelbrugge

T

Capitol Hill

ax reform is dominating the Washington headlines.

Early on December 2, the Senate passed its sweeping tax reform package, moving the process one step closer to an actual law. Senate Republican leaders worked diligently to get the votes necessary for passage, as there were a number of Republican senators on the fence in the beginning of the week. If signed into law, it would be the largest tax overhaul since the Reagan administration.

The bill passed 51-49. The likely next step is appointment of a conference committee of Senators and Representatives that will work out the differences between the bills, producing a final piece of legislation that will be voted on in both chambers. GOP leaders are intent on sending a bill to President Trump for signature by Christmas.

A few things of note in the Senate bill concerning our industry and some of the priorities AmericanHort fought for during and since the Impact Washington legislative summit in September: - Cash accounting for growers remains intact.

20 • Winter 2017

- The bill allows companies to fully and immediately deduct the cost of spending on equipment for five years – after those five years, there would a phase-down.

- The estate tax is not fully repealed but exemption levels are temporarily doubled.

Congress will now turn its attention to passing legislation to fund the government. An agreement must be made by December 8. We expect one more short-term spending extension, called a “continuing resolution,” to avoid a shutdown and allow for more time for negotiations on funding the government through September.

H-2B Visa Relief?

AmericanHort and our state partners continue to urge Congress to pass immediate H-2B cap relief. We are concerned that the first-half fiscal year cap could be reached later this month. As of November 28, the Department of Homeland Security had received petitions for over 22,000 H-2B workers for the first half of fiscal 2018. Each half of the fiscal year is capped at 33,000 H-2B visas.

While we continue to push for permanent H-2B cap relief, the appropriations process continues to provide the best option for a short-term fix. So for now, all eyes are on the process in Congress to produce an agreement funding the government through September 30. As we note above, it looks like we’ll see one more shortterm funding extension into the new year, and then perhaps an “omnibus” bill covering the rest of the year. Needless to say, we’re deeply concerned that the H-2B cap issue may go unaddressed, leaving landscape installation and maintenance companies in the lurch as the peak spring season nears.

If you have not voiced your concern about this issue recently, please do so now. You will find an alert and sample letter here.

It only takes a few moments to make your voice heard.

H-2A Wage Rates for 2018 In some better news, our consulting economist, Dr. Steve Bronars, has analyzed the justreleased USDA Farm Labor Survey results and has provided us with the expected 2018 Adverse Effect

Wage Rates for those using the H-2A visa program. These new rates will become effective when published by DOL in the Federal Register, which is expected before year end.

While we have been bracing for the worst in a time of growing labor shortages, most of the country sees modest increases.

Several states, including Arizona, Maryland, New Jersey, and Ohio, will actually see a reduction in wages. Maryland’s minimum wage for growers using the program is expected to be $12.05, a 1.15% decrease. The West Coast states take a hit; Washington and Oregon see the largest increase in the continental U.S., with the AEWR (typically the minimum that can be paid to H-2A workers and any US workers sharing work tasks in common) increasing over 5.5% to $14.12 per hour.

issues will grind to a halt. One exception could be a Farm Bill.

House Agriculture Committee chairman Mike Conaway has signaled his intention to have the House bill completed by March.

Why do we care? Simply put, the Farm Bill has become a major catalyst for funding research, innovation, and pest prevention efforts affecting our industry and other specialty crops. We’ve successfully guided literally millions of dollars into innovative projects to address threats like boxwood blight and rose rosette disease, and to modernize nursery certification projects.

Because they also include major funding for nutrition assistance, conservation, and other purposes, farm bills tend to be passed by unlikely coalitions of rural and urban legislators. So, bipartisanship is more likely here than on, say, tax reform.

We’ll keep you posted!

Meanwhile, all the best wishes for Christmas and the new year. See you at MANTS! ❦ Craig Regelbrugge and Tal Coley, AmericanHort

A New Farm Bill Cometh?

If you think the political climate is unproductive now, it’s likely to get worse the closer we get to the 2018 mid-term elections.

Legislative progress on most

Free State • 21

MANTS

®

JANUARY 10-12, 2018

BALTIMORE CONVENTION CENTER

THE MASTERPIECE OF TRADE SHOWS™ Technology has certainly changed our lives, but in the nursery industry there still remains a vital need to conduct business face to face. And MANTS has been fulfilling that need artfully for 48 years now. Over 11,000 attendees, representing over 3,600 buying companies and nearly 1,000 exhibiting companies, attended our most recent show.

Buyers and sellers come together at our 300,000 square feet of exhibit space every January to conduct serious business, with no distractions.

But when the work day is over, and it is time to unwind and relax, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers an impressive list of fine restaurants and attractions.

Sure, you can find plenty of important information on the web. But you still need to attend MANTS to get the job done.

Remember, MANTS means business.

www.mants.com

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

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

@mantsbaltimore #mants

IF YOU THINK DEALING WITH THE ELEMENTS WITHOUT A GREENHOUSE IS HARD, IMAGINE BEING A FLOWER. Wind, hail, sleet, or snow may not stop the post office. But if you grow plants, flowers, or greenhouse crops, those elements can be a problem.

Which is why you should turn to the only insurance company dedicated to protecting you, your business, and your future. #NoSubstitute 800-541-5082 hortica.com

Hortica ® property and casualty coverages are underwritten, and loss control services are provided, by Florists’ Mutual Insurance Company and Florists’ Insurance Company, members of the Sentry Insurance Group. For more information, visit hortica.com. Policies, coverages, benefits and discounts are not available in all states. See policy for complete coverage details.

77-62

24 • Winter 2017

34002011

7/24/17

Featured Member

Dogwood Hill Farm

A

s with many landscape companies frustrated with the difficulty of locating plant materials large enough for their projects, Dogwood Hill Farm started out in landscaping and later began growing plants for its own use. “We started in business in 1972 as Potomac Landscape Contractors, working out of Potomac Garden Center in Potomac, Md., where we shared the space,” explained founder Pete Driscoll, who is a member of the board of directors of the Maryland Nursery, Landscape, and Greenhouse Association. “In 1977 we became incorporated

as Potomac Landscape Contractors Inc.” That same year, he found property in Montgomery County, where the office is now at 18755 Darnestown Road in Beallsville. It took three years to get county approval, so the move was made in 1980. Beallsville is an unincorporated community north of Poolesville, about midway between Bethesda and Harpers Ferry, W. Va. “We’re about 15 minutes from Waverly Farms,” Driscoll added.

“We bought 23 acres originally and planted nursery stock,” Driscoll said.

Although the nursery grows lots of dogwoods, the new Yellowood Dogwood in Bloom

(continued on page 36) Free State • 25

“ (continued from page 25)

name came from a comment by an early employee, who noted there were a lot of native dogwoods along the wooded side of the property, which was on a hill.

Hence, the company is “trading as” Dogwood Hill Farm.

Gradually, the company moved heavily into the nursery side of things. “We still do a lot of landscaping, but we’re a pretty good sized nursery now,” Driscoll said.

Another 92 acres was purchased in 1986, just the other side of a horse farm next door. The additional acreage had been a cattle farm, in pasture for years and years. It is now all nursery stock, a lot of it in the second planting.

“We mainly wanted landscapesize material,” he continued. “With the cost to operate in Montgomery County, we couldn’t compete with material being shipped in from the South until ours got to landscape size.” Smaller plants from Tennessee, for example, were 26 • Winter 2017

hard to compete with, but freight costs made the difference on larger material.

Now, Driscoll’s brother, John, works with him at Dogwood Hill Farm and handles most of the landscaping. Driscoll concentrates on the nursery side.

“We’ve got customers in New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Recently he sent five 8- to 9-inch caliper black gums to the Hamptons on Long Island. “We ship as big as 9.5-inch caliper,” he said. “I have a trucker I’ve used for 15 years.”

“A lot of locals come in, not to buy trailer loads, but a few items,” he said. That works out well because the nursery is moving trailer loads in spring or fall, but in July or August there’s not much of that, and local trade is pretty good then.

Dogwood Hill Farm sells both retail and wholesale. “If someone comes to buy, we’ll sell, but we don’t encourage it. We’re not a garden center. Unfortunately,

A lot of locals come in, not to buy trailer loads, but a few items.

That works out well because the nursery is moving trailer loads in spring or fall, but in July or August there’s not much of that, and local trade is pretty good then.

”

people passing by see trees in bloom and come in saying, ‘I’d love to have that one,’ and we have to tell them we can’t move it until the leaves fall.”

The nursery has lots of maples — Japanese, red and sugar; spruces — Norway, Serbian, and Blue Colorado, and, of course, dogwoods, including Chinese Kousa dogwoods. Evergreens include Thuja plicata ‘Green Giant’ and Thuja occidentalis ‘Techny’ and Tsuga canadensis or Canadian hemlock.

There are several varieties of Ilex (holly), including ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ and ‘Dragon Lady’.

One new product is Osmanthus

heterophyllus ‘Gulftide’, or false holly. Driscoll said it is unique in the fact that it is deer resistant, which is a big plus. It has very spiny leaves, in evergreen and hardy.

Its white flowers will bloom in the fall when bigger and is fragrant.

‘Gulftide’ grows to 8 to 10 feet and makes a nice hedge.

“We are lining a lot of those,” Driscoll said. “We’ve sold many to Long Island; in fact, what we have is already committed there, until we get more. We planted 1,000 this year. They take about three years to grow to the size we want, depending on what size we start with.”

Dogwood Hill Farm gets liners from all over, as far away as the West Coast. “We try to start with ones that are a little bigger, 3 gallon size,” Driscoll continued.

“We don’t like to wait 10 years to get plants.

Another plant of interest is a weeping yellowwood for which Driscoll has applied to get a plant patent.

“Twenty years ago we bought about 500 liners of yellowwood from a guy at a North Carolina plant show. We planted them.

Over the years, one looked like there was something wrong with it. We realized it was a weeping yellowwood. (Yellowwood, native to North America, normally has an upright tree form.)

“We contacted a supplier in Tennessee. He grafted it and propagated it, and it grew true to form. We have 50 to 100 now. We called it Cladrastis kentukea ‘White Rain’.

“We took the first ones to a plant show last year; we’re just beginning (continued on page 2

Deer Control Dogs

Dragon Lady Hollies

Osmanthus ‘gulftide” Free State • 27

Landscaping Project

“

Dogwood Hill Farm has a lot of other flowering trees, including redbud, ‘Kwanzan’ Japanese weeping cherry, crape myrtle and Styrax japonicus (Japanese snowball).

John Driscoll and Charlotte; Celestial Dogwoods 28 • Winter 2017

”

(continued from page 29)

to show them.” The parent plant blooms in spring with clusters of white flowers. Driscoll said, “It’s spectacular!”

Dogwood Hill Farm has a lot of other flowering trees, including redbud, ‘Kwanzan’ Japanese weeping cherry, crape myrtle and Styrax japonicus (Japanese snowball).

Driscoll’s wife, Diane, better known as Deedee, helps with the bookkeeping. They have one son, who did help with the nursery at one time, but for the last 12 years has been busy in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he is now a major.

He has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, Germany and Italy.

Driscoll, whose passion is sailing, insists it was not his hobby that led their son to a military career, but Deedee’s visits to Virginia Beach every summer, where the boy would paddle out to swim with Navy Seals.

A list of plants available is online at https://www.plantant. com/nursery-availability/1006099/ dogwood-hill-farm. Listed by scientific name, then common name, plants range from Acer (maple) to Zelkova (Japanese Zelkova), all field grown, sold balled and burlapped, with sizes given in inches of caliper or feet of height. You must be logged in on the Plant ANT website to view prices. Contact Driscoll at 301- 428-8175 for more information. ❦

White Rain Weeping Yellowood

Field Production

Dogwood Hill Farm www.dogwoodhillfarm.com 301-349-5429 Carol Kinsley Shipping Large Stock Free State • 29

2018 Industry EVE JANUARY

January 8-9, 2018 The Southern Nursery Association Conference Location: Baltimore Convention Center Contact: www.sna.org

January 10, 2018 MNLGA Annual Meeting Location: Baltimore Convention Center Contact: MNLGA, office@mnlga.org

January 10-12, 2018 Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS) Location: Baltimore Convention Center Contact: MANTS, 410-296-6959, info@mants.com

January 15-19, 2018 Mid-Atlantic Horticulture Short Course (MAHSC) Location: Founders Inn & Spa, Virginia Beach Contact: 757-366-5700, info@vahort.org

January 23-24, 2018 MD Arborist Association Winter Seminar and Pesticide Recertification Seminar Location: Turf Valley Resort and Conference Center Contact: 443-262-8491, danielle.mdag@gmail.com

FEBRUARY February 1, 2018 Biological Control Conference for Nurseries and Greenhouses Location: Carroll Community College Contact: office@mnlga.org

February 1, 2018 Taste of Maryland Agriculture Celebration Location: Michael’s Eighth Avenue Contact: www.mdagcouncil.com

February 7, 2018 Eastern Shore Pest Management Conference Location: The Fountains Conf. Center Contact: Ginny Rosenkranz rosnkrnz@umd.edu

February 20, 2018 Boxwood Management: Today and Tomorrow Location: National Agricultural Library Contact: amboxwoodsociety@gmail.com

February 20-21, 2018 Chesapeake Green 2018: A Horticulture Symposium Location: Maritime Institute in Linthicum Contact: office@mnlga.org 30 • Winter 2017

ENTS Calendar MARCH

March 20-23, 2018 The 9th International IPM Symposium Location: Baltimore Harborplace Hotel Contact: 217-244-8174 mmarqua2@illinois.edu

APRIL April 10, 2018 Basic CPH Exam Location: MDA in Annapolis Contact: MNLGA, office@mnlga.org

AUGUST August 5-8, 2018 ISA Annual International Conference and Trade Show Location: Greater Columbus Convention Center in Ohio Contact: 1-888-472-8733, isa@isa-arbor.com

JUNE/JULY MNLGA Summer Field Day Date: TBD

JULY July 15 – 17, 2018 Cultivate

OCTOBER October 2, 2018 Basic CPH Exam and Specialist Plant ID Exam Location: MDA in Annapolis Contact: MNLGA, office@mnlga.org

For a full and updated calendar of events, and to find registration information and event links, please visit the MNLGA website at mnlga.org.

Location: Columbus, OH Contact: www.cultivate18.org

Free State • 31

Growing

with

Education

Ginny Rosenkranz

From One to another

Winter for plants is a time of survival from frigid cold, while summer is a survival of sweltering heat. Both extremes limit the plants; those that can, survive the cold winter temperatures and those that can, survive the heat of summer. Winter is also a time when an evergreen plant gives solid color and texture to the landscape, creating a living screen that re-directs the harsh winter winds, providing beauty to a building’s foundation and anchoring the designs of a garden.

Some plants like the Abies or Fir family and Picea or Spruce family are the hardy narrow leaf evergreens that never shiver in the northern artic winds of winter, but neither can survive the heat of a southern summer. They can and do provide beauty and protection in the north and western parts of Maryland, but are just holding on in the more southern counties.

The Cedrus or Cedar family is not winter hardy past -10 degrees but is very adaptable to the high heat and humidity of the southern Maryland summer.

Abies balsamea or Balsam Fir trees are often seen during the holidays as their perfect pyramidal shape with their stiff branches make up many of the cut Christmas

trees. Their fragrant scented, dark green needles stay on the tree for four to five years, and the short-lived cones are held upright on the branches. These native trees need both cold winters and cool moist summers, and thrive only in USDA zones 3-5. A better choice for more of the Maryland landscape would be the Abies concolor or White Fir which grows well in USDA zones 4-7. The specific epithet, concolor, means that the bluish silver green or gray green color is the same on both the upper

and lower sides of the 1 ½ to 2 ½ inch fragrant needles. These blunt tipped needles curve upwards and outwards on the branches, and when crushed, smell citrusy.

The silhouette follows the growth of the straight single trunk, very upright and forming a slender pyramid. Upper branches of the White Fir tend to curve upwards while the mid branches are held in horizontally and the lower branches bend downwards.

The White Fir will grow 30 – 50 feet tall and 15-30 feet wide in the Maryland landscape, while those

Japanese fir, Abies firma 32 • Winter 2017

in the western mountains can reach heights of 80 - 100 feet tall. These beautiful trees are not a fan of heavy clay soils, but will thrive in rich, slightly acidic moist but well drained sandy or gravel loam. They are the most heat and drought tolerant of all the trees in the Fir family and can tolerate some air pollution, but not the excessive heat and humidity of the southern counties in Maryland. Like many narrow- leafed evergreens, the White Fir grows best in full sun, and can be used as a wind or visual screen or as a large specimen. Very little pruning needs to be done to keep the plants looking their best.

There are a number of cultivars that have brighter or different colored needles, are dwarf or grow as a weeping or pendulous form. ‘Blue Cloak’ has powder blue needles that drape downwards, while

‘Candicans’ has large bright silver blue needles and bluepurple cones. ‘Violancea’ also has silver blue needles while ‘Winter Gold’ has yellow gold needles during the winter and spring which darkens to deep green in the summer months.

‘My Blue Heaven’ is a very slow grower with silver blue needles and is about 10 feet tall while ‘Glenmore’ is also compact, growing about 30 feet tall.

Other dwarf varieties include ‘Compacta’ and ‘Dwarf Globe‘.

Gable’s Weeping’ is a slow growing plant with drooping branches.

Picea abies or Norway Spruce is not a native, but it grows well as a young tree and transplants easily due to its shallow, spreading root system.

They are cold hardy from USDA zone 3-7 and grow 40-60 feet tall and 25-30 feet wide. In its native habitat it can grow

100 – 150 feet tall. As a young tree the silhouette is a stiff upright pyramid with drooping branches, when the tree matures it becomes more graceful with wider branches that grow more horizontal, and branchlets that hang pendulously.

The 4-sided needles are a bright green when young, maturing to a deep green and persist on the trees for many years. The short ½ to 1-inch needles overlap each other on the top of the stem and are stiff with a blunt end, ‘soft’ to the grip of a hand around the stem compared to the Colorado Blue Spruce. Long narrow Cones are formed at the ends of the branches and start out green in color, changing to brown, hanging downwards. Once the tree becomes old, the top thins out, reducing a lot of the beauty of the tree.

All Spruce trees need to grow in full sun with slightly acidic, moist but well drained sandy soils. Very little pruning is necessary to keep the plants looking their best.

The Norway Spruce is tolerant of deer, some drought, and some air pollution. They make an excellent specimen and a visual or physical screen against the winter winds.

There are many cultivars including Picea abies ‘Nidiformis’ - Bird’s Nest Spruce, and the many dwarf or mounded forms including ‘Clanbrassiliana’, ‘Gregoryana’, ‘Maxwellii’. There are also the weeping forms.

The Picea Pungens or Colorado Blue Spruce is a native spruce that thrives in USDA zones 3-7, preferring to grow in rich, acidic, moist but well drained soils in full sun. They can tolerate some light shade, some dry soils, a variety of

Free State • 33

to the grip of a hand, but rather very stiff and sharp, so gloves should be worn as personal protection when working with the trees.

Many cultivars with the silvery blue color have been bred including Picea pungens glauca that covers all the subalpine fir, Abies lasiocarpa blue colored cultivars, soil pH and some winter salt Picea spray as well, and are also listed pungens glauca ‘Hoopsii’ as rabbit, deer and air pollution as possibly the favorite tolerant, but as many have of many, ‘Argentea’ with pointed out it depends on the silvery white foliage, ‘Blue number or rabbits and deer in Diamond’ with intense the surrounding area. Trees can blue color, Picea pungens grow 30-60 feet tall and 10-20 glauca ‘Bizon’, for its feet wide and are very dense intensely blue to bluepyramid when young, but grow silver color and its very more open and often lose their dense foliage. The dwarf lower branches when mature. cultivars include ‘Backeri’, Plants, depending on the ‘Globosa’, ‘Moerheim’ and seedlings, can have a very ‘Montgomery’. open habit, a beautiful layered For the more southern habit or a solid or dense habit counties in Maryland the when young. The Colorado large evergreen trees to Blue Spruce is popular due to consider include Cedrus the brilliant silvery blue color atlantica or Atlas Cedar of bristly, 4 sided short needles and the Cedrus deodara that point outwards in all or Deodar Cedar will thrive directions from the branches. in USDA zones 7-9, with These needles are not ‘soft’ the Atlas Cedar a good Deodar cedar, Cedrus deodara 34 • Winter 2017

“

... southern counties in Maryland the large evergreen trees to consider include Cedrus atlantica or Atlas Cedar and the Cedrus deodara or Deodar Cedar will thrive in USDA zones 7-9 ...

”

deal more winter hardy. They both prefer to grow in full sun in deep, acidic, moist but well drained soils and once established they are both fairly drought tolerant. Both are very tolerant to the heat and high humidity of the southern summer. Their root system is not as study as the fir or spruce, and both transplant better when grown in containers.

Although they make great specimen trees, they both need to be protected from winter winds and are not useful for a winter wind barrier. Their thin needles grow in bunches and are blue to blue green in color. They can both grow to 40-60 feet tall and 30-40 feet wide, but their silhouette is very different. The Atlas Cedar has a very open and stiff pyramid form when young, then becoming more flat- topped with longer spreading branches when mature. The Deodar Cedar is broadly pyramidal when young with graceful arching branches, then matures into a wider base with a flat top as well. There are many cultivars of the Atlas Cedar including ‘Argentea’ with the best silver blue color,

‘Glauca’ or the Blue Atlas Cedar and ‘Glauca Pendula’ or the weeping form of the Atlas Cedar.

The Deodora Cedar also has cultivars including ‘Shalimar’ with good blue green color and better winter hardiness, ‘Sanders Blue’ with silver blue tips, Mystic Ice with white tips, and Wyndimere® with its pendulous sweeping branches.

All of these beautiful evergreen trees can grow to be large specimens and need plenty of room to grow and expand but if the landscape has the space, be sure to choose the right tree for the right zone. ❦ Ginny Rosenkranz Extension Educator, Commercial Horticulture, University of Maryland Extension, Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester County 410-749-6141 ext. 106

Free State • 35

Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association (MNLGA) Affinity Programs

Getting the Most of Your Membership Office Depot • High use office items

discounted up to 85% • Everday office essentials catalog items discounted up to 70% • Discounted copy, print and binding services • Full line promotional products catalog selection discounted up to 20%

PartnerShip • Discount shipping

program through AmericanHort partnership • Small Package Discounts using FedEx • FedEx Express Discounts including Overnight, 2Day, International Services, and Saver programs as much as 27% • Save on Truckload and Tradeshow Shipments • FedEx Ground and Home Delivery discounts starting at 5% • PartnerShip LTL freight discounts

36 • Winter 2017

Commercial Friends and Family Program • Invoice pricing on all vehicles in stock. Pricing for

locates are on a case by case basis.

• Brands include Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, Ford and Ram. Expanding to other brands soon.

• All incentives that are being offered will be deducted from invoice pricing • Up-fits offered at employee cost • $500 off any negotiated price for used vehicles • Honor all Fleet accounts and if needed can be established with Ford or Chrysler • Discount delivery vehicle program or if qualified, courtesy delivery to local dealer

Plant and Supply Locator • All MNLGA members

receive 6 months of free unlimited online Plant Booth listings • Free subscription to Plant Locator magazine • After free 6 month period, members will receive: – Ability to keep 5 listings online free for an additional two years – MNLGA members already listing in print will receive equivalent online plant listings – Discounted packages for listings in print and online

TireBuyer.com • 5-10% discount on tire purchase • Free shipping on many products • Over 110 warehouses in the US, over 8,500 nationwide installation partners

• All other purchases qualify for either free shipping or discounted shipping

• Lower shipping rates than industry averages when shipping to a home or business

For full program description, discounts offered, and access to program contact information, log into the MNLGA membership portal on the MNLGA website. Portal access is located on the upper right hand corner of all pages of the website. If you do not recall your access credentials, simply select the link, “Forgot Your Password,” and you will be given instructions on how to proceed.

Shell – Fleet Plus Fuel Program • 15 cents off per gallon on fuel purchases from Shell for 12 months

• After 12 months, tier structure rebate program • No minimum gallons required • Built in security and purchase controls • Online account management • Comprehensive reporting • No transaction fees, no card fees, and no report fees

Free State • 37

Green Garden Club Grow Connections and More at MANTS 2018 GWA: The Association of Garden Communicators will be exhibiting the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS 2018) and hosting several networking events for gardening and horticultural communicators in Baltimore, Maryland on January 10-12.

Stop by booth #2324 to meet the professionals shaping the marketing and media in the green industry. Looking for help with your web presence or social media? GWA can help. Want to get the word out on a new product?

GWA can help. Need a writer for your next catalogue? GWA can help.

“We are pleased to be partnering with MANTS to connect horticultural communicators with garden industry professionals from around the country,” said GWA executive director Maria Ungaro. “MANTS is the place to be to meet industry professionals and to learn about the latest products and trends.”

GWA members will be walking the show floor, looking for new products, story ideas and the latest news. Simply look for the “Ask me about GWA” ribbons to share information about your business or new products. GWA will also be hosting a networking event open to both GWA members and non-members at the Lord Baltimore on Wednesday, January 10 from 5-7 p.m. Visit www.gardenwriters.org to secure your spot, space is limited.

Are you a writer, photographer, speaker or public relations professional? GWA offers member benefits specifically tailored to help you build your career, such as complimentary trade show press passes to MANTS and similar events. Stop by the booth to learn more or join today at www.gardenwriters.org.

Save the Date: GWA 70th Annual Conference & Expo (see save the date on next page) GWA is heading to Chicago for its 70th Annual Conference & Expo, which is taking place August 13-16, which will take place in conjunction with the 2018 Independent Garden Center Show (IGC). The conference will feature an exciting schedule packed with events and experiences for attendees, including beautiful garden tours, engaging education sessions and networking opportunities.

Prepare for sessions covering horticulture, writing, technology, business and publishing, conference attendees will include professional communicators from across the green industry including book authors, bloggers, staff editors, syndicated columnists, freelance writers, photographers, speakers, landscape designers, television and radio personalities, consultants and publishers.

To close out the conference, the GWA Awards & Honors Dinner on Thursday, August 16 will recognize and celebrate GWA Media Awards winners. To learn more and to register, visit www.gardenwriters.org/GWA2018.

Not a GWA member?

Join today to enjoy all of the benefits the association has to offer. If you are looking to share your love of plants and gardening with a larger audience, or are curious about how to monetize your blog, GWA is the place for you.

GWA connects garden communicators from across the globe through networking events and online communities.

To learn more about becoming a GWA member, visit www.gardenwriters.org/join. ❦

38 • Winter 2017

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Free State • 39

BRAUN

Update

CONTINUOUS WIRE BASKETS

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Congratulations to our newly-minted Certified Professional Horticulturists after passing the Basic Exam on October 3, 2017.

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Donna Gozik Sun Nurseries Timothy Hough Good Earth Garden Market Melissa Jones Architectural Gardens Diane Knighton Design With Nature, LLC Kara Kramer North Harford High School –

Student Certification Katherine Miller North Harford High School –

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Interested in a 1 to

- USA - 3.5x4.875.indd Congratulations also for these CPHs who passed theUSA - Braun Better subscription Specialist – Plant ID exam on the same date.

Bonnie Pavlak

Dawn Taft Nancy Woods

Master Gardener in Anne Arundel County City of Hyattsville Brookside Gardens

Free State News?

3/9/15 2:20 PM

Contact us with your request and we’ll add you to the mailing list.

Subscriptions are $35 annually; MNLGA will invoice you upon receipt of your subscription request. (members need not subscribe)

The upcoming dates for the Basic Exam are April 10, 2018 and October 2, 2018.

The next Specialist – Plant ID exam will be held on October 2, 2018.

Name_________________________________________________ Business_______________________________________________

PUBLICATION NOTICE:

Address_______________________________________________

The deadline for submissions for the spring issue of Free State Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse News is March. 1, 2018.

City, State, Zip_________________________________________

We welcome your company news and updates or columns with your professional insight.

E-mail any submissions you have for Free State News to freestate@mnlga.org or mail to: Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association P.O. Box 726, Brooklandville, MD 21022

40 • Winter 2017

Free State NURSERY

E-Mail_________________________________________________ Winter 2017 Vol. XLIV No. 3

, LANDS CAPE AN D GREEN HOUSE N EWS

Have you hear d about

SANC?

Mail/Fax or e-mail: Free State, MNLGA, P.O. Box 726, Brooklandville, MD 21022 or e-mail: freestate@mnlga.org

Off Target Herbicide Damage Crepe Myrtl e-Gre

at Plant but Insects are Adapting From One Extreme to Another MAEF’s New Agriculture Showcase Ready to Roll

We have answers when you have questions … mnlga.org The MNLGA 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, Landscape and Greenhouse 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; – MNLGA events including Field Day, MANTS, Chesapeake Green and much more

Visit mnlga.org today!

MNLGA and UMD Extension present

Biological Control in Commercial Nurseries, Greenhouses, Interiorscapes and Managed Landscapes February 1, 2018 • 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Carroll Community College • Westminster, MD Great lineup of speakers including Stanton Gill, Steve Black (MNLGA President), Dr. Michael Brownbridge (Vineland Research/Innovation Center – Ontario), Dr. Rose Buitenhuis, (Vineland Research/Innovation Center – Ontario), Dr. Jeff Derr, Tim Flowers (Chief Horticulturist for Disney World), Dr. Stephanie Darnell (Bayer Company), Russ Schmeiss (Gardens Alive) and Dr. Joe Roberts!

Registration information can be found at www.mnlga.org MARYLAND

N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENHOUSE A S S O C I AT I O N , I N C .

Free State • 41

D E S I GN IN G for the green industry

Free State

Spring 2017 Vol. XLIV No. 1

Chesapeake Green 2017 AN ANNUAL HORTICULTURE SYMPOSIUM

Industry Educational Winter Symposium for the Chesapeake Region and Surrounding States

NURSERY, LANDSCAPE AND GREENHOUSE NEWS

Late Blooming

you only grow the best.

Magnolias

MARYLAND AGRICULTURAL

February 23 and 24 BWI Hilton Linthicum Heights, MD

EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Why not offer your customers the best in advice, too!

MARYLAND N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENHOUSE A S S O C I AT I O N , I N C .

Featuring: • Keynote Speaker, Lloyd Traven

Inventory Snapshot

Get your Ag Tag today!

• Engaging Breakout Sessions • Pesticide Recertification • Vendor Showcase and Networking • MNLGA Scholarship Fund Annual Silent Auction

Boxwood Blight Compliance Agreement

Highlights from: • Chesapeake Green • MNLGA Annual Meeting • MANTS

MARYLAND

N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENHOUSE A S S O C I AT I O N , I N C .

Its for Us Poster.indd 1

Certified Professional Horticulturists (CPH) provide either “do-it-yourself” or professional landscape installation and maintenance advice.

Maryland Certified Professional horticulturist Program

T hree

ways To regisTer by fax , mail or online aT www . mnlga . org

For more information contact the Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association at 410-823-8684 or visit www.mnlga.org

Cultivate your business with a Certified Professional Horticulturist

Advertising • Brochures • Direct Mail • Catalogs Publications • Logo Design • Package Design Exhibit, Trade Show and Vehicle Graphics

42 • Winter 2017

www.agtagmd.com Educating Youth about Agriculture

OUR VENUE HAS CHANGED - BUT OUR EXCELLENT PROGRAM QUALITY IS STILL THE SAME!

New Finding on Exotic Ambrosia Beetle

Quercus ManageMent, inc.

Gregory J. Cannizzaro Graphic Design 410-444-5649 gjc.graphicdesign@yahoo.com

1/7/16 7:19 AM

Total Plant Management

Stanton Gill

Crepe Myrtle Great Plant but Insects are Adapting

W

hen the National Arboretum released hybrid crepe myrtles, they were planted everywhere.

Then something happened.

We had two extremely cold winters and most of the crepe myrtles were killed to the ground.

People lost interest in this plant for several years afterwards. This was in the last decade - the 20th century. Fast forward to the 21st century - In the last 17 years crepe myrtles have made a comeback in Maryland and Northern Virginia .

We had 7 very mild winters in a row and the crepe myrtles seemed to flourish. In 2014 and 2015 the temperatures dropped into the minus double digit range and many crepe myrtles suffered but managed to struggle through.

Crepe myrtles seem to recoup very quickly during the heat of the summer and you can barely see any damage in 2017.

Why is this plant so popular in Maryland/D.C. and Northern Virginia?

It is being used heavily in cityscapes where it is hot and dry and they seem to perform pretty well. In Maryland nurseries crepe myrtle liners are planted out with (continued on page 40)

Crapemyrtle aphids and heavy sooty mold-SK

In 2014 and 2015 the temperatures dropped into the minus double digit range and many crepe myrtles suffered but managed to struggle through.

Seven Sons Heptacodium miconioides Free State • 43

Crapemyrtle aphids and casts skins, sooty mold, and chlorosis-SK

(continued from page 39)

increasing frequency and nursery managers tell me they cannot keep enough big crepe myrtles in stock to meet the market. Many crepe myrtles are being shipped in from southern nurseries to fill the demand from landscapers. I have said over and over again if you start over planting any species you will find an insect that will adapt to that popular plant. Some people are providing way too many opportunities for pest complexes to develop.

Alternative to Crepe Myrtle?

If your customers are looking for a plant equal to or even better than crepe myrtle, then consider the Seven Son Plant, Heptacodium miconiodes. In Chinese culture, according to my Chinese friends, the 7th son is considered the lucky son. This plant is cold hardy to Zone 5, has great exfoliating bark as it matures, can be trained to a tree form, and flowers in late

44 • Winter 2017

August to early September. In October the bracts turns pink to bright red and looks like it comes back into bloom again. I have grown this plant for the last 15 years and it is a great replacement for crepe myrtles.

So, what pest are problems on Crepe Myrtles?

Before I whale-into the insect problems, let me say we have tested out a couple of good new products for dealing with at least one of these pests. This is the good news. The bad news is these products are not inexpensive.

Let’s focus on a couple of insect pests. Both of these insect pests are unintended gifts from Asia.

With increasing numbers of crepe myrtle samples coming into our CMREC lab over the last couple of years I would say that one of the biggest pest of crepe myrtles in Maryland is the crepe myrtle aphid, Sarucallis kahawaluokalani.

Although native to Southeast

Asia, crepe myrtle aphid was described by Kirkaldy from specimens collected in Hawaii. In the U.S., crepe myrtle aphids are monophagous, meaning they feed exclusively on crepe myrtle and do not attack or damage other plant species. In 2017 we had reports from several landscapers that had heavy infestations of crepe myrtle aphid causing cosmetic damage, mainly from the honeydew and sooty mold that detracts from the visual aesthetics of crepe myrtle.

The good news is that feeding has not been shown to have long term effects on plant health or vigor.

Crepe Myrtle Aphid – Not the typical aphid Most aphid species only produce winged stages (alates) when they want to disseminate the populations or there is environmental stress on the plant on which it is feeding. Not so with the crepe myrtle aphid. All adult crepe myrtle aphids bear wings that are held roof like over the body and mottled with black markings. Adults can take flight whenever they want and spread to a new plant.

Nymphal stages of the crepe myrtle aphid are pale to bright yellow with black spike or hair-like projections on their abdomen.

Adults are also yellow in color but differ from nymphs in having black spots and two large black tubercles on the dorsal surface of the abdomen.

Eggs overwinter on the stems.

Some dormant applications of oil are an option for controlling crepe myrtle aphids. You can make a 3- 4% horticultural oil application in November if the

temperature remains above 55 F for several days in a row. You want the temperature up so the aphid respiration rate is high enough.

If you miss this fall application you still have the spring – maybe.

I say maybe, because the spring of 2017 was rainy and cool and left very few opportunities to apply oil.

2018 could be different but who knows? Since crepe myrtle leaf out late you have plenty of time in the spring to apply dormant rates of oil. Eggs hatch in early spring when leaf buds break and all aphids that emerge from these eggs are female (fundatrix).

After developing into an adult, the fundatrix reproduces through a form of asexual reproduction known as parthenogenesis and gives live birth to female nymphs (virginoparae). For the rest of the summer the multiple generations of aphids are also referred to as virginoparae and produce all female offspring through parthenogenesis during spring and summer.

When photoperiod and temperatures decrease in the October, virginoparae give birth to a generation of aphids that produce both male and female aphids (sexuparae). Female offspring of sexuparae (oviparae) mate with males and produce eggs. Oviparae produce four to six eggs and place the eggs in crevices located on the bark of crepe myrtle stems. Overwintering eggs will hatch the following spring in response to temperature and photoperiod stimuli.

If populations are heavy, sooty mold will be very noticeable. Black sooty molds are fungi that grow on honeydew produced by the aphids.

Most aphid species only produce winged stages (alates) when they want to disseminate the populations...

Not so with the crepe myrtle aphid. All adult crepe myrtle aphids bear wings and can take flight whenever they want and spread to a new plant.

Capnodium is a genus of fungus that has a species associated exclusively with crepe myrtle aphid honeydew. This fungus species is not yet described and therefore is known only as Capnodium sp.

Black sooty mold can turn the entire plant and unsightly black color detracting from the visual aesthetics of crepe myrtle. When aphid infestations are severe, thick carpets of black sooty mold interfere with photosynthesis and may cause early leaf drop or

complete defoliation of affected plants.

So, if branches were killed back this winter and you need to prune back branches, at least you will be getting rid of overwintering eggs of the crepe myrtle aphid. Remember this aphid has adult winged stages so infestations can fly in from other crepe myrtles to re-infest your plants. You might have to make repeated applications of summer rate oils to keep this aphid (continued on page 42) Free State • 45

(continued from page 41)

suppressed. I would try to avoid applying a neonicotinoid as a soil drench since this may accumulate in the pollen and be picked up by pollinators in July and August when the plant blooms.

So, the new materials we have tested out. The first one is Altus from Bayer Company. This came onto the market in May of 2017.

This is a systemic insecticide that blocks the stylet of the aphid. We found foliar applications worked best. We are still seeing if some applications have the desired impact. More on this in 2018.

The other two materials are Mainspring and Acelepyrn. Both are systemic insecticides. Again we found the best control using foliar sprays. Some application gave a level of control but foliar is still best. The rate we used is 8 ounces in 100 gallons of water.

The second pest that should be watched for is being found in the south and not found in Maryland or Virginia at this point. The pest is Eriococcus lagerostroemia, which is common on the timber tree Lagerostroemia indica in Japan and China.

In 2004 a report was received in at the lab of Dr. Mike Merchant of Texas A & M from a local landscape maintenance company concerning an unusual pest insect on crepe myrtle that was proving exceptionally difficult to control. This initial infestation was located on a commercial property in Richardson, Texas.

Initially this insect was identified as an Eriococcid scale (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), most likely the azalea bark scale, Eriococcus 46 • Winter 2017

Crepe Myrtle Aphid

azalea. A sample of the scale was collected by Dr. Mike Merchant at Texas A & M in 2008 and submitted for identification and it was still thought to be azalea bark scale. Because of the fact that azalea bark scale had never before been recorded from crepe myrtle, and they learned of a very similar species of Eriococcid scale that feeds on crepe myrtle from China and Japan, they resubmitted scale samples to Dr. Doug Miller (now retired) in 2010; Dr. Miller was a systematic taxonomist for scale insects with the USDA in Washington, DC. He concluded that it was very likely that this scale insect is a new introduction of Eriococcus lagerostroemia, the scale previously known only from Asia, because he was unable to detect any physical differences between the crepe myrtle scale and the azalea bark scale. DNA analysis is necessary to differentiate the two species.

As of the beginning of 2014, in Texas, the crepe myrtle bark scale has been observed infesting crepe myrtles throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth-Denton-Rockwall area, and in Tyler, TX. In 2012 the scale was confirmed in Ardmore, OK and in 2013/14 it was confirmed in Houma and Shreveport, LA; Germantown, TN, and Little Rock, AR.

In 2017 this pest has spread to most of the southern states.

None have been found, so far, in Virginia or Maryland.

In Texas, Dr. Merchant had a chance to test out several materials to try to control this new invasive scale. In addition to testing some newer neonicotinoid insecticides, they looked at applications of horticultural oil and of malathion.

The latter two treatments provided no significant suppression of scale activity; however they did see significant control with acetamiprid, clothianidan, and dinotefuran.

When applied with a drench treatment to the plant root zone, they concluded that these products provide significant control of this scale, although additional work needs to be done concerning the longevity of control and consumer satisfaction associated with use of these products.

If this pest shows up in Maryland, I will certainly set up trials with Altus, Mainspring and Acelepyrn.

Since so much plant material is shipped up from the south you need to be alert to not bring in this pest. If you detect this scale on crepe myrtle in 2014 please contact me at the University of Maryland Extension, Sgill@umd. edu , or the Maryland Department of Agiculture in Annapolis, Maryland. â?Ś Stanton Gill, Extension Specialist in Nursery and Greenhouse IPM, Central Maryland Research and Education Center, University of Maryland Extension and Professor with the Landscape Technology Program, Montgomery College.

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Free State • 47

Industry News

MAEF’s New Agriculture Showcase Ready to Roll TIMONIUM, Md. (Oct. 31, 2017) — At last count, Maryland agriculture has an $8.25 billion economic impact, supports more than 350,000 jobs and takes up a third of the state’s land.

“How many people understand that?”

Joe Dymek, president of the Maryland Agriculture Education Foundation and a retired teacher, rhetorically asked a small group of MAEF supporters gathered at the Maryland Home and Garden Show on Oct. 21.

Whatever the answer is, the foundation’s new Maryland Agriculture Showcase, which debuted at the show, is designed to increase the number.

Ribbon Cutting: Joining the ribbon cutting are MNGLA members Brent Rutley and William Verbrugge, standing next to George Mayo, MAEF’s Executive The showcase, a large trailer packed Director. Founding board members Richard Price and Martha with agriculture education material Clark cut the ribbon, alongside additional MAEF board members and showcase comes after more than two years of funders. planning and fundraising to update the University’s Exhibit Design Center in West Lafayette, foundation’s on-the-road presence and further its Ind., for final outfitting with interactive games and mission of teaching Marylanders how farms operate exhibits, utilizing the photography and video of and how food is grown.

Maryland farmers by Edwin Remsberg.

“It really represents agriculture proudly and Video can be changed to cater to a specific audience represents what agriculture is in Maryland,” Dymek or age group, Mayo said. “We can change the said. message anytime we want,” he said. “If want it to be George Mayo, MAEF executive director, said the more about careers in agriculture we can go that way.” new trailer doesn’t take the place of MAEF’s older Information used throughout the trailer was showcase, in operation since 2003. Many times they’ll taken from MAEF’s 2015 book “Amazing Maryland need both on the road, along with the two mobile labs Agriculture,” written by a pair of Frederick County visiting schools, to be at events were ag education is school teachers and Jeanne Mueller, MAEF’s desired. “There’re some times we’ll be at four events elementary education director. in one day,” Mayo said. “There’s this tremendous Though it will visit events and locations beyond demand, it’s how to fill it.” schools, having the content vetted by school systems Fundraising for the $300,000 learning center and aligning with several curriculum areas, Mayo said on wheels started at MAEF’s 25th anniversary only adds to its public appeal. celebration in 2015. Support came from individuals, Two slide-outs on the trailer allow for a wider path agribusinesses and state and county farm organizations for visitors to maneuver, taking them on winding path and the trailer was ordered later that year. in the trailer, entering and leaving from one side, much The 42-foot long tri-axle started out at Gold Rush different than the older showcase which has exhibits Trailers in Denver, Pa., where it was customized with along the interior walls and visitors exit through a large an RV generator, self-leveling system and automatic tailgate opening. awnings. From there, it was transported to Purdue Entering the new trailer, it’s design starts with soil 48 • Winter 2017

health and how farmers manage natural resources, then moves to the various crops grown in Maryland and then to career options in agriculture.

Two computer games positioned at the back of the trailer are sure to be eye-catchers as people walk by, said Randie Miller, one of MAEF’s showcase attendants who will accompany the trailer to events and conduct activities inside and outside of the showcase.

One game is the Great Grain Grab, where players

guide a shopping cart through grocery store aisles and get points for picking up foods made from grain.

Another nutrition-focused game has players put foods in their proper category.

“This is my new toy,” Miller said of the new showcase. “This is just really more up-to-date, more hands-on. The two computer games seem like they’re going to be a lot of fun. I’m pretty excited about it.”

With a different layout and new features and content, Mayo said they will take a much different approach in how visitors are guided through the new showcase versus the old one. “This one has so much more valuable educational content,” Mayo said. “We’re talking about what strategies we can employ so when kids go through they can get the most meaningful experience.” ❦ Reprinted with permission of The Delmarva Farmer Sean Clougherty Managing Editor, The Delmarva Farmer Photo credits: Sean Clougherty and William Verbrugge

Get your Ag Tag today!

www.agtagmd.com Educating Youth about Agriculture Free State • 49

You only grow the best.

Why not offer your customers the best in advice, too!

Certified Professional Horticulturists (CPH) provide either “do-it-yourself” or professional landscape installation and maintenance advice.

Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturist Program

For more information contact the Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association at 410-823-8684 or visit www.mnlga.org

Cultivate your business with a Certified Professional Horticulturist 50 • Winter 2017

Directory of Advertisers Firm Name

MARYLAND

N URSERY, L ANDSCAPE AND G REENHOUSE A S S O C I AT I O N , I N C .

Page

American Landscape Institute Angelica Nurseries, Inc.

14 Outside Back Cover

Babikow Greenhouses

Inside Front Cover

Braun Horticulture

40

Mission Statement

Cam Too Camelia Nursery

24

The purpose of the Maryland Nursery, Landscape and Greenhouse Association is to promote the use of ornamental plants, products, and services.

The association supports all constituent groups of the horticulture industry including landscape, garden centers, interiorscape, grounds maintenance, nursery, greenhouse, and arboriculture. The association communicates the role of the horticulture industry in improving people’s quality of life.

Cavano's Perennials

Specific Goals

Hortica 24

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.

9

Chesapeake Benefit Services

39

Chesapeake Green Symposium

42

CPH 50 Foxborough Nursery

Inside Back Cover

Gregory J. Cannizzaro Design

42

Greenstreet Growers

23

Homestead Gardens Horticultural Supply

19

Lowry and Company

18

Manor View Farm

18

MANTS 22 MD Ag Ed Foundation MNLGA Affinity Program MNLGA On-Line

49 36-37 41

OHP

1

Pender Nursery

47

Walnut Springs

10

Waverly Farm

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

Visit the association website at: mnlga.org. E-mail Free State News at freestate@mnlga.org.

Participate in Maryland agricultural organizations.

Free State • 51

Chairs and Committees Education Ted Carter – Co-Chair Ronda Roemmelt – Co-Chair Jessica Ahrweiler Angela Burke Dave Clement Hank Doong Stanton Gill Pete Gilmore Brett Karp Mary Kay Malinoski John Murphy Karen Rane Andrew Ristvey Ginny Rosenkranz Brent Rutley Chuck Schuster Nominating Mark Dougherty – Chair Richard J. Watson

Finance and Planning Carrie Engel – Chair Steve Black Jessica Todd Larry Hemming Link/Shanks Scholarship Mark Dougherty – Chair MANTS Jan S. Carter Bernard E. Kohl, Jr. William A. M. Verbrugge Membership Committee Rich Poulin Greg Stacho Awards - Professional Achievement, Carville M. Akehurst Michael Marshall – Co-Chair Kevin Clark – Co-Chair Historian George Mayo – Chair

Legislative/MaGIC James R. McWilliams – Chair Mark Schlossberg All Officers and Directors Alan Jones Bernie Kohl CPH George Mayo – Chair Steve Black Shelley Hicks Cindy King Andrew Ristvey Martha Simon-Pindale Bob Trumbule Gaye Williams Scholarship Bernie Kohl, Jr. – Chair Hank Doong Leslie Hunter Cario Jessica Todd George Mayo Mary Claire Walker Economic Survey Steve Black Bernie Kohl George Mayo Dr. John Lea-Cox Strategic Planning Steve Black Brent Rutley George Mayo John Murphy John Lea-Cox (UMD rep) Jerry Faulring Carrie Engel MDA Representative

ADVISORS TO OTHERS CCLC – Ches. Bay Professional Landscape Certification (CBPL) Kody Cario Invasive Plant Advisory Committee Brent Cassell Leslie Hunter Cario Kelli McGraw LEAD Maryland Vanessa Finney Maryland Agriculture Commission Marion Mullan Ray Greenstreet Vanessa Finney (at-large) Maryland Farm Bureau Larry Hemming Vanessa Finney MAEF George Mayo Maryland Invasive Species Council (MISC) John Peter Thompson Leslie Hunter Cario MDA Nutrient Management Advisory Committee Signe Hanson Amy Crowl University of Maryland – Dean’s Global Leadership Council Vanessa Finney Young Farmers Advisory Council Jessica Todd

ADVISORS TO THE BOARD Kimberly Rice MD Department of Agriculture Dr. John Lea-Cox University of Maryland

Every member of every committee listed above is an individual who volunteers their time in support for the MNLGA and it is with the utmost gratitude and appreciation that we thank you for your selfless endeavors.

If your name is not listed above, please consider following the example of those who are. Contact Vanessa at 410-823-8684 with your interest.

52 • Winter 2017

3611 MILLER RD • STREET, MD 21154 p. 410.836.7023 f. 410-452-5131

View photos and plant information: www.foxboroughnursery.com

Foxborough Nursery