The Scoop Online - January 2023

FOCUS ON

Events

Dark Skies and Landscape Lighting While beautiful at night, is landscape lighting hindering your client’s ability to see the night sky?

Green Industry Day on the Hill 2023

us March 2, 2023, for the Green Industry Day on the Hill to share industry priorities.

january 2023 n v46 n1

MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

Successful Businesses Grow Here! 1813 Lexington Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113 651-633-4987 • Fax: 651-633-4986

Outside the metro area, toll free: 888-886-MNLA, Fax: 888-266-4986 www.MNLA.biz • www.NorthernGreen.org

Mission: The mission of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is to help members grow successful businesses.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Randy Berg, President Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 • randy@bergsnursery.com

Matt Mallas, Vice-President SiteOne Landscape Supply 763-512-2849 • mmallas@siteone.com

Terri McEnaney, Secretary-Treasurer Bailey Nurseries 651-459-9744 • terri.mcenaney@baileynursery.com

Faith Appelquist, MNLA-CP Tree Quality LLC 612-618-5244 • faith@treequality.com

Greg Krogstad Rainbow Treecare 952-922-3810 • gkrogstad@rainbowtreecare.com

Patrick McGuiness Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC 651-331-6500 • pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com

John O’Reilly

Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping 952-473-5425 • j.oreilly@ottenbros.com

Nick Sargent, MNLA-CP Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. 507-289-0022 • njsargent@sargentsgardens.com Jim Shimon

Willow River Company — Landscaping & Tree Farm 715-386-3196 • jimshimon@willowrivertree.com

Cassie Larson, CAE MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • cassie@mnla.biz

STAFF DIRECTORY

Executive Director: Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz

Associate Director: Jon Horsman, CAE • jon@mnla.biz

Dir. of Government Affairs: Felipe Illescas • felipe@mnla.biz

Education & Cert Mgr: Hallie Chasensky • hallie@mnla.biz

Communications Coor: Brianna Burns • brianna@mnla.biz

Regulatory Affairs Mgr: Jim Calkins • jim@mnla.biz

Foundation Program Mgr: Paulette Sorenson • paulette@mnla.biz

Administrative Assistant: Louise Nemmers • louise@mnla.biz

Accountant: Pam Helgeson • accounting@mnla.biz

Advertising Sales: 763-295-5420

Betsy Pierre, Advertising Mgr • betsy@pierreproductions.com

Legislative Affairs Consultant: Doug Carnival

Ancom Communications Inc and Midwest Radio Rentals 37

Anderson Nurseries, Inc. 18 Arborjet/Ecologel 34 Aspen Equipment 54

Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes 3 Bullis Insurance Agency 14

Carlin Sales/ProGreen Plus 53 Central Landscape Supply 37 COWSMO, INC. 27 Cushman Motor Company 30

Davey Twin Cities Wood Products 49 Dayton Bag & Burlap 18 Edney Distributing Co., Inc. 44

Frost Inc 37

Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply 2 Glacial Ridge Growers 11 Gopher State One-Call 40

Green Turf Sod Farms 4

Ivanhoe Nursery 9

Jeff Belzer Chevrolet 28–29

Jeff Martin Auctioneers 49

Lano Equipment, Inc. 27

Maguire Agency 11

Minnesota Propane Association 15 Niebur Tractor & Equipment 42 Out Back Nursery 14

Plaisted Companies 7

Plantpeddler, Inc 53 Rock Hard Landscape Supply 42 SiteOne Landscape Supply 41

SMSC Organics Recycling Facility 18

Specialized Environmental Technologies (SET)/ The Mulch Store 17 Spring Meadow Nursery/Proven Winners Color Choice 46

The Resultants 40

The Tessman Company 42

Touchstone Accent Lighting 27

Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. 38

Unilock Chicago, Inc. 45

Versa-Lok Midwest 51

Ziegler CAT

The Scoop, January 2023, Issue 1 is issued monthly, 12 times per year. All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2023, and may not be used without written permission of MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113. Subscription price is $99 for one year, which is included with member dues. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Scoop, MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113.

Editorial Contributions. You are invited to share your expertise and perspective. Article ideas and manuscripts should, whenever possible, reflect real and specific experiences. When submitting an article, please contact the editor at brianna@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987. MNLA reserves the right to edit all Scoop content.

NORTHERN GREEN 2023

Join us for the premier event for green industry professionals in the northern region. Exhibit booths are available. Registration is open. Northerngreen.org

GREEN INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE APPLICATION DEADLINE

Become a stronger, more confident leader when you participate in the leadership development program designed with a green industry focus. MNLA.biz

MNLA PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAM

Sit for the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2023. Additional February Date: February 24. Registration is limited. MNLA Office, Roseville, MN ➽ mnla.biz/events

GREEN INDUSTRY BOWLING TOURNAMENT

Be part of this striking networking event that includes food, drinks, trophies, raffles and much more. Proceeds will fund green industry scholarships. Flaherty's Bowl, Arden Hills, MN ➽ mnla.biz/events

GREEN INDUSTRY DAY ON THE HILL

The Day on the Hill is a critical opportunity for YOU to build relationships with elected officials and raise awareness about issues impacting your business, workforce, and the industry as a whole. Sign up to join your colleagues in Saint Paul. Saint Paul ➽ MNLA.biz

MNLA PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION EXAM

Sit for the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2023. Additional Dates: March 10 and 24. Registration is limited. MNLA Office, Roseville, MN ➽ mnla.biz/events

MINNESOTA SHADE TREE SHORT COURSE

A two-day course for everyone involved in urban forestry, arboriculture, and the green industry. Minnesota Certified Tree Inspectors will be re-certified by attending the entire short course. ISA Certified Arborist© CEUs are available for most sessions. Arden Hills, MN ➽ mnstsc.org

MNLA.biz/OnlineEducation.

A fifth-generation family business, we grow healthy specimen qua lity trees and have a strong commitment to our customers. Our nursery grows a diver se and superior selection of Shade, Ornamental, and Evergreen trees. We are loc ated in Northern Illinois and are able to ship to the surrounding state s.

We welcome the opportunity to show you our nursery, our quality and our service.

Cassie Larson MNLA Executive Director

Northern Green: Celebrating Past Partnerships and Looking Forward

As we enter 2023, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the success of the past and look to the future. Northern Green, in its many iterations, has been a staple of the green industry community for many years. It has served as a connection point, a place to celebrate and commiserate, as well as a place to do business and learn.

Many have shared that it is the kick-off to the new season for their team and that they look forward to attending every year. In addition to serving attendees and exhibitors it also helps to support many, many activities provided by MNLA and our show partner the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation (MTGF) throughout the year.

You’ve likely heard by now that a new chapter in the Northern Green story is coming — we’re moving across the river to a new location at Saint Paul RiverCentre and surrounding venues in January 2024. We’re excited to have you join us on this new adventure but it’s also important to stop and thank so many partners that have made the Minneapolis experience successful for so many years.

Celebrating Past Partnerships. As you might expect, there are SO many partners who help put on a trade show and conference the size of Northern Green. Let me give you a glimpse behind the curtain of some of our Minneapolis team…

Meet Minneapolis. Sue Murray and the team at Meet Minneapolis have helped us negotiate and secure hotel room blocks, have provided the restaurant booth in the lobby at Northern Green to help make your reservation experience easy, and much more. Sue approaches every challenge with a cheerful can-do attitude!

Minneapolis Convention Center. Ivory Smith is our event coordinator at the Minneapolis Convention Center and

has become an integral part of our staff team over the years. He organizes everything from high level logistics like schedules and rooms sets to the tiny details like making sure each room is unlocked at the appropriate time. Ivory knows Northern Green so well that he anticipates our needs before we even have to ask. He is truly the calm in the storm, and we’ve been grateful for his steady, dependable presence.

Grant Simmons has been our contact for guest safety and security, and is always friendly, professional, and composed. He makes sure we have security guards where needed, provides escort services to parking ramps for those who want that, and generally assists in making sure everything (especially traffic) keeps moving! His team has worked closely with our Trade Show Committee to ensure exhibitors have a great move in and move out experience.

Kelber Catering. Stephanie Case helps to organize all the food and beverage orders for the entire event – from coffee and donuts to the concession stands and food buffets and bars on the trade show floor. She aces all the details and makes sure no one goes hungry or thirsty.

These are only a few of the great people we’ve had the opportunity to work with, but the list is too long to list them all. Our partnership (and friendships) with the people in Minneapolis have been integral to the growth of Northern Green. We will be forever grateful for all they’ve done to help execute Northern Green over the past 20+ years.

The Partnerships in Place. As we move on to Northern Green 2024 in Saint Paul, we look forward to bringing some of our current partners along with us across the river – the teams at FERN, AVVR, and Trade Show Leads will be moving with us. And, because of MNLA staff participation in our local association of association executives (Associations North), we’ve hit the ground running in Saint Paul with close relationships we’ve built over the years with the staff from Visit Saint Paul and RiverCentre. The power of associations works for MNLA staff, as well as MNLA members!

Looking Forward…

We’ve already begun the planning for Northern Green 2024, and we want you to know there are opportunities for you to help craft the experience! Do you have educational content or speaker suggestions? Or are you interested in serving on a team to formulate the educational track for your industry segment? Visit www.northerngreen.org/ NG24 to submit your ideas or to sign up for a planning team!

Long and short - this event would not be possible without partnerships from suppliers, exhibitors, attendees, vendors, and members. It takes a village – and we’re grateful for ours! Join us on the journey to Northern Green 2024 in Saint Paul.

➽

MNLA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CASSIE LARSON can be reached at 651-633-4987 or cassie@mnla.biz.

LEADERSHIP BY DESIGN

HOW TO HELP YOUR MANAGEMENT TEAM DEVELOP THEIR LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Tom Borg© All Rights Reserved

A FEW YEARS BACK, one of my green industry clients recognized that one of their head foremen had an extremely high retention rate with his work crews. His crews regularly showed up for work and on time, were extremely productive with a minimal amount of drama. When necessary, his teams would pitch in and help other crews who had fallen behind.

Compared to most of the other foremen, Bill Moore was heads and shoulders above the rest. When we analyzed his leadership style, we observed, among other factors, a number of specific qualities that stood out. First, he was a man of few words and he genuinely walked the talk. He modeled the hard work he expected out of each one of his crew members.

He made sure, on a regular basis, that the equipment he and his crews used, was always maintained and in top working order.

Bill possessed another indispensable quality; he was firm but fair. His demeanor was one of respect to all he met, of which he received in return. He had a presence about him that people admired. He was the type of person you did not want to disappoint. His assistant crew leaders knew they could count on him for guidance and direction on how to do their job in the best possible way. Many in his team looked to him as a fatherly figure. Plain and simple, Bill possessed the personal skill of leadership.

Research conducted in 2019 by DDI, a leading global consulting firm, reports that 57% of employees quit because of their boss or supervisor. Why does this

happen? Does it happen in your green industry company? If so, how often? When you or one of your management team members are lacking in leadership skills, your employees know it. When they sense their boss or supervisor cannot lead effectively, they start to look for greener pastures. In other words, good employees will leave a poor leader.

Have you ever done an inventory of the skills your leadership team needs in order to excel at their position? That question begs a second question. How can you properly gauge a leader’s performance if you don’t have the right yardstick by which to measure it?

One of the assessment tools I use with my green industry clients helps them identify the top twenty-five competencies or skills their leaders should possess. Depending on the position, some skills are more important than others. After we identify which skills are necessary for a particular leadership position, we assess the competencies of the foreman or leader. Based on the results of that report, we design a learning and coaching strategy to assist that individual to develop those skills. Let’s talk about some of those competencies and the impact they can have on that person’s ability to perform.

One of the skills necessary for any leader is Interpersonal Skills This competency can be defined as effectively communicating, building rapport, and relating well to all kinds of people. Some of the ingredients of this skill are:

• Demonstrates a sincere interest in others.

• Treats all people with respect, courtesy and consideration.

• Respects differences in the attitudes and perspectives of others.

• Handles any situation gracefully by using non-verbal communication, in-depth questioning, and listening skills.

The DDI report states that when it comes to interpersonal skills, we must recognize that they are not “soft skills”, but rather, a critical part of “leadership skills”.

Here is a question. How many of your managers or foremen possess interpersonal skills? Two better questions might be, which ones don’t? How is it affecting their performance?

Another skill necessary for any leader is Conflict Management. This competency can be defined as understanding, addressing, and resolving conflict constructively. Some of the ingredients of this skill are:

• Readily identifies and addresses issues, concerns, or conflicts.

• Recognizes opportunities for positive outcomes in conflict situations.

• Listens to gain an understanding of an issue from different perspectives.

• Settles differences without damaging relationships.

Conflict management is a skill that can be used externally with clients and vendors, and can be used internally with employees and other leaders within your organization. When your managers or foremen possess this competency, it can go a long way to creating the right kind of work culture where people want to work for your company.

Another skill necessary for any leader is Employee Development/ Coaching. This competency can be defined as facilitating, supporting, and contributing to the professional growth of others. Some of the ingredients of this skill are:

• Inspires confidence in others’ ability to grow professionally.

• Encourages initiative and improvement.

• Gives new and challenging work assignments.

• Acknowledges and praises improvements.

As you know, oftentimes in the green industry, the workforce is composed of individuals who have not yet developed their work skills or personal work habits. Without previous positive work experiences, they might bring a negative mindset and some bad habits to their job. Make sure your foremen develop skills to handle conflict in the workplace.

Back to our star performing head foreman Bill. Here was a man who could work with and coach his assistant foremen and his teams, no matter what their background. He knew how to relate to the individuals who worked for him. He had the ability to connect, teach, coach, and bring out the best in his people. His crews served as a model for the rest of the company.

The final skill we will talk about in this article is Problem Solving. This competency can be described as defining, analyzing, and diagnosing key components of a problem to formulate a solution. Some of the ingredients of this skill are:

• Anticipates, identifies, and resolves problems or obstacles.

• Utilizes logical processes to analyze and solve problems.

• Identifies the multiple components of problems and their relationships.

• Understands and defines the problem before jumping to a solution.

What is so critical about this skill of problem-solving is that it is a “must-have” competency. One of the things every business owner or manager knows is to expect problems. The successful oil magnate, J. Paul Getty, once said, “Don’t be surprised by trouble.” This is a great reminder of the reality of running a business or a department. Remember, you pay your leaders to solve problems. If this is an area where they need assistance, make sure they get help and learn how to solve those problems.

As I close this article, here are five questions to ponder:

1. How many leaders do you have working for you that are similar to Bill Moore?

2. What are the key leadership skills you need your foremen and managers to possess?

3. What can you do to raise the leadership skills of your foremen and managers?

4. How could it impact your employee retention rate?

5. How could it impact your bottom line?

➽ TOM BORG is a business consultant who works at the intersection of leadership, communication and culture. As a thought leader, he works with his green industry clients and their leadership teams to help them connect, communicate and work together better. You can reach him at: (734) 404-5909 or email him at: tom@tomborg.com or visit his website at: www.tomborgconsulting.com.

DARK SKIES AND

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Diana Grundeen Trio Landscaping

I HAVE BEEN A

RESIDENTIAL

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER for over 20 years. I love including landscape lighting in my projects.

Recently I have also fallen in love with the dark sky, the opportunity to see the stars, and the occasional view of the northern lights. I wonder how I can help my clients enjoy their landscape and still enjoy a dark sky. Dark skies are making the news more and places can even be Dark Sky Certified, like the Boundary Waters and Joshua Tree National Park. It seems everything else has become so bright. You shouldn’t have to go visit the national parks to enjoy the stars, though. Is there something that we are missing in our industry by not considering enough the effects of our lighting choices? I’m only experiencing us moving to more and different lighting to make spaces brighter.

What can be done to help us design gorgeous lit landscapes that can still help us enjoy seeing the Big Dipper and Orion from our own suburban and urban spaces? Or will we always need to go out into the greater rural portions of the state to be able to have those experiences? Many clients enjoy having lit landscapes for security, and for the ambiance those spaces provide. Convincing our clients that allowing spaces to be dark and just not lighting them isn’t always easy.

I encourage you to consider what this would mean for you. What this would mean for your practice, and what this would mean for your personal enjoyment of outdoor spaces if you could sit back and actually see the stars from your own backyard? We talk so much about creating outdoor living in the yards of our clients. How is this not just one more opportunity to be able to provide an experience for our clients and their families to enjoy? How is this something that we can’t focus on for the betterment of our communities and the neighbors

around us? How can we make sure that we’re not only respecting the Earth, but also the sky within our spaces? I see this as being something similar to how our industry has shifted in making more sustainable, more pollinatorfriendly, more water-wise landscapes. Is this not just another way that we can help better our environment by protecting our dark skies? I know I have made many shifts and am not the same designer that I was 20-some years ago. Perhaps this is too forward-thinking, maybe no one else sees a lack of dark skies as a problem. But much like other changes that have helped our industry improve, we need to start being better because we can, not because we have to, so let’s think about this. How can we get the information on best practices? Who can be an expert to help guide us in a better way to have the best of both worlds, landscaping and dark skies?

➽ DIANA GRUNDEEN is the owner of Trio Landscaping. She can- be reached at diana@ triolandscaping.com.

2022 PERENNIAL FLOWER TRIAL

PERFORMANCE REPORT

Nate Dalman and Esther Jordan West Central Research and Outreach Center

Courtesy of U of MN WCROC.

Want to clean out surplus supplies, materials, plants, or equipment? We have a great no-fuss solution! Donations will be used toward green industry workforce development! Plus, get a charitable donation receipt.

When can I donate? When are the auctions? Donations will be taken the first 3 weeks of every month. An auction will be held the last week of each month. Donations need to be submitted a minimum of two weeks ahead of a given auction to be included. Ongoing auctions year-round make this EASY!

What

• Nursery stock, trees, shrubs, perennials, native plugs, plants of all sorts.

• Landscape/Nursery Supplies; new containers, landscape fabric, edging, tarps, wire baskets and burlap, Sisal twine, bagged mulch, etc.

• Hard Goods: tools, lumber, pavers, irrigation supplies, etc.

• Equipment: new or used trucks, trailers, landscaping, nursery equipment, attachments, tires, mowers, blowers, rollers, sprayers, etc.

• Office Equipment: computers, printers, copy machines, furniture, etc.

• Personal recreation, home goods, boats, docks, hunting and fishing, campers, ATV’s, patio furniture, etc.

• ANYTHING YOU WANT TO LET GO OF!

How do I donate?

Take it to Fahey Auctions for a drop-off and indicate you’d like the proceeds to go to the MNLA Foundation.

Questions?

Contact Paulette at 651-633-4987 or email paulette@mnla.biz

THE OBJECTIVE OF PERENNIAL PLANT

RESEARCH

AT THE WCROC IS TO EVALUATE VARIETIES

HORTICULTURE STAFF at the West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) focuses on researchbased projects in the areas of annual and perennial flowers, chrysanthemums, small fruits, vegetables, and woody plants.

Research is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota. The objective of perennial plant research at the WCROC is to evaluate varieties for plant quality characteristics and winter hardiness. Evaluations are shared with commercial woody plant breeding companies.

West Central Minnesota represents a distinct climate for perennial plant trials. Located in USDA Hardiness Zone 4, the Morris area typically experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters with high wind exposure throughout the year. The goal of evaluating perennial plants is to develop recommendations for our area.

Data Collection Methods

Each year, dozens of perennial plant cultivars are trialed at WCROC. Cultivars are transplanted in the field in early summer and are overwintered for two years. The first growing season, plants are rated on their vigor (1–5, 1=low and 5=high vigor) and their flower abundance (0-5, 0=no flowers and 5=prolific). Plant size measurements are taken in the fall and winter survival data are collected the following spring. The second growing season measurements include the date the plant is in full bloom and their floral display (PR=Poor,

PLANT QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS AND WINTER HARDINESS. All article photos courtesy of U of MN WCROC.

FOR

2020–2022 Perennial Flower Trial Performance Data

YEAR1 (2020) YEAR2 (2021) YEAR3 (2022)

Participating Plant Companies in the 2020–2022 Perennial Trial

CODE COMPANY NAME

DZ Danziger

DW Darwin Perennials

MH Must Have Perennials

PPL Pacific Plug and Liner

SK Sakata

TR Terranova

WG Walters Gardens

GENUS SPECIES CULTIVAR SOURCE

Plant Vigor Ratings (1-5)

Flower Ratings (0-5) Plant Size % Winter Survival Full Bloom

Stalk Strength (1-5)

Floral Display (Pr-Ex) Plantsize

HxW(in) HxW(in)

%Winter Survival of Remaining Plants

Armeria Dreameria Dream Clouds DW 3 1 7×7.5 75 15-Jun 4 Fr 4×7 66

Nepeta faassenii Whispurr Pink DW 5 5 17.5×41 100 25-Jun 3 Exc 24×58 100

Nepeta faassenii Whispurr Blue DW 5 5 14.5×31 25 5-Jul 3 Gd 15×28 100

Achillea Summer Drift DZ 4 4 9×19 25 26-Jun 3 Gd 10×30 100

Salvia nemorosa Apex White DZ 5 4 13×21 50 15-Jun 4 Gd 15×32 100

Heuchera Steel City MH 4 2 5.5×12 100 26-Jun 4 Fr 8×17 100

Delphinium Delvenius Juliette PPL 4 3 14×8 75 25-Jun 1 Gd 12×16 66

Primula Multiflora Yellow SK 3 1 3×5.5 100 N/A N/A Pr 3×6 50

Geum Petticoats Peach TR 5 2 8×17 100 25-May 3 Gd 9×17 100

Geum Tempo Rose TR 2 N/A 3×5.5 75 21-May 3 Fr 4×9 100

Heuchera Grande Amethyst TR 5 N/A 8×12 100 N/A N/A N/A 14×28 100

Heuchera Grande Black TR 5 N/A 8×11 100 N/A N/A N/A 11×20 100

Heuchera

Northern Exposure Sienna TR 2 N/A 4×8.5 75 N/A N/A Pr 5×9 100

Heuchera Peach Tea TR 5 N/A 7.5×15 100 10-Jul 3 Gd 10×19 100

Veronica Vespers Blue TR 3 N/A 3×9.5 100 25-Jun 4 Fr 6×12 100

Heuchera Toffe Tart WG 5 2 6.5×16 100 5-Jul 4 Fr 5×15 100

Nepeta Cat’s Pajamas WG 5 5 7.5×19 100 10-Jun 4 Exc 11×28 100

Perovskia Sage Advice WG 5 4 19.5×20 100 15-Jul 4 Exc 31×37 100

Salvia Back to the Fuschia WG 5 2 10×28 100 1-Jun 4 Exc 20×50 100

Flower Stalk Strength: Measured on a scale of 1–5, with 1–2 meaning weak/lodging, 3–5 denoting increasingly stronger stems Floral Display: An indication of floral coverage over the plant surface area: Exc.=Excellent, 75–100%coverage Gd=Good, 50–75%coverage Fr=Fair, 25–50% coverage Pr=Poor, less then 25% coverage n/a= data not available

FR=Fair, GD=Good, EXC=Excellent). Plant size is again measured in the fall and winter survival data are collected the following spring. On page 22, there is a report on cultivars that completed and survived the multi-year trial.

Cultural Data

Planting of perennial plant materials is done in late May through early June. Fields receive an application of general purpose 20-20-20 fertilizer prior to transplanting and no fertilizer is used for the remainder of the trial. Plants are irrigated by using drip tube on an as needed basis. Snapshot 2.5 pre-emerge herbicide is used along with mechanical weed control methods. Pesticides are used on an as needed basis to control insects and fungal diseases. Each spring, dead plant material is removed to monitor for new growth and to collect winter survival data. Perennial trials are performed in fenced-off areas to prevent deer and rabbit damage.

➽ For more information on flower research at the WCROC, please visit wcroc.cfans.umn.edu.

Weather

YEAR

2020 May 55.0 56.3 0.83 2.17

2020 June 71.0 66.1 4.67 4.02

2020 July 72.9 70.9 3.66 3.66

2020 August 70.0 68.1 3.01 3.10

2020 September 58.1 59.2 0.71 1.67

2020 October 39.1 46.7 0.83 1.86

2020 November 34.1 29.8 0.91 0.97

2020 December 22.1 15.8 0.44 0.68

2021 January 19.4 8.7 0.53 0.68

2021 February 7.1 13.2 0.16 0.67

2021 March 36.3 27.0 0.96 1.15

2021 April 42.4 43.3 4.24 2.26

2021 May 57.2 56.2 0.94 2.98

2021 June 72.2 66.2 0.82 3.20

2021 July 72.3 70.9 2.13 3.66

2021 August 69.8 68.1 5.06 3.12

2021 September 63.2 59.2 4.35 2.38

2021 October 52.4 46.6 5.57 1.86

2021 November 33.6 29.8 0.54 0.96

2021 December 18.6 15.8 1.02 0.69

2022 January 4.0 8.8 0.59 0.68

2022 February 7.8 13.1 0.66 0.67

2022 March 27.9 27.1 0.57 1.14

2022 April 36.4 43.3 2.45 2.25

2022 May 57.0 56.2 6.14 2.97

2022 June 69.6 66.2 2.08 4.0

MNLA FOUNDATION

Thank You to each of you that have supported the MNLA Foundation over this last fiscal year, September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022. Your generous contributions enable us to continue to provide research information, scholarships, and career outreach that support the green industry in this region both now and into the future. Thank you for showing your dedication through your time and donations.

Individual and Company Donors

A Lutz Design

Bumble Bee Landscaping LLC

Dayton Bag & Burlap Company

Dulcet Fountains & Aeration, Inc.

Eager Beaver Tree Service

Ely Flower & Seed & Greenhouses

Garden Tapestry Gertens

Green Space LLC

Holasek Flower Power Garden Center/Fred Holasek and Son, Inc.

Irrigation by Design, Inc.

Keenan & Sveiven, Inc.

L&R Suburban Landscaping, Inc.

Lange’s Nursery and Landscaping, Inc.

Magnolia Landscape Design, Co.

Mierow Landscapes

Monrovia Nursery Company

Northeast Tree Inc.

Sailer’s Greenhouse LLC

Shane’s Landscaping, LLC

Spade Construction, Inc.

SPM LLC

Superior Outdoor Services, LLC

Waldoch Farm, Inc.

Water in Motion, Inc.

Yardcreations LLC

College Progam Scholarship Sponsors

Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes

Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

Baker Lake Nursery, Inc.

Gertens

Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens and Growhaus Nursery and Garden Center

Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape

Holasek Flower Power Garden Center

Home Sown Gardens LLC Landscape Renovations, Inc.

Lynde Greenhouse & Nursery, Inc.

Malmborg’s Garden Center and Greenhouse

Otten Brothers Garden Center & Landscaping

Robin D. Linder Memorial Scholarship Southview Design Tangletown Gardens LLC

Contributors to the Workforce Development Partners Fund

High School Grant Sponsors

biota Landscapes

Gertens

Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape Landscape Renovations, Inc.

We’ve made every effort to ensure the accuracy of all lists. If your information is incorrect, please contact the MNLA office at 651-633-4987 or mnla@mnla.biz.

Many companies show their support by contributing ½ of 1% of their purchases at participating industry suppliers in the Partners Fund program. This investment in our industry’s future is greatly appreciated and directly benefits workforce development for your company. Consider joining the Partners Fund program and help create a movement!

101 MARKET

A TEAM

AALTO LANDSCAPING

ABRAHAMSON NURSERIES

ALOHA LANDSCAPING

ANDREA ROADS LANDSCAPE DESIGN

BABE’S BLOSSOMS

BACHMAN’S INC.

BACHMAN’S WHOLESALE

NURSERY & HARDSCAPE

BAILEY NURSERIES, INC.

BARCK RESIDENTIAL LAWN & LANDSCAPE

BEIER GREENHOUSE AND NURSERY

BELT LINE PROPERTIES INC

BERG’S NURSERY & LANDSCAPING, INC.

BIOTA LANDSCAPES

BLOOMINGTON GARDEN CENTER AND LANDSCAPE COMPANY

BLUE EARTH GARDENING, INC.

BOB’S LAWN & LANDSCAPE

BURDICK BUILDERS, INC.

C JOHNSON LANDSCAPE DESIGN

CHEROKEE MANUFACTURING LLC

CHERRY GREENHOUSE

CITY OF EDINA

CITY OF SHOREVIEW

CMT GROUP, INC.

COOPER’S LANDSCAPING

COUNTRY GARDENS

COUNTRYSIDE GARDENS, INC.

CREATIVE CONCEPTS CONTRACTOR’S

CREATIVE LAWN AND LANDSCAPES, INC.

DAN DEVEREAUX LANDSCAPE GARDENER

DENNIS LAMKIN DESIGN

EARTHSTONE ENVIRONMENTS, INC.

ELMORE NURSERY

ELY FLOWER AND SEED

ESTES AND ASSOCIATES

EUFLORIA LLC

FABER MASONRY & LANDSCAPING

FIEDLER LANDSCAPING

FLAKNE’S EXT DESIGN

FOX LANDSCAPING

G & M TREE MOVING

GARDEN EXPRESSIONS

GARDEN TAPESTRY

GARDENS OF RICE CREEK LLC

GARTEN MARKETPLATZ

GERTENS WHOLESALE AND PROFESSIONAL TURF SUPPLY

GREEN ACRE PONDS

GREEN BARN FARMS GARDEN CENTER, INC.

Improving the Environment

Contributors to the Workforce Development Partners Fund, cont.

GRIFFIN GARDENS

GTO LANDSCAPING

HARICH NURSERIES

HAY CREEK/PESTOP

HELIOTROPE GARDEN DESIGN

HOFFMAN &MCNAMARA

NURSERY AND LANDSCAPE

HOME SOWN GARDENS LLC

IRRIGATION BY DESIGN, INC.

JEFF REISINGER LAWN SVC, INC.

JOHNSON CREEK, INC

JUSTIN MALECHA LANDSCAPE DESIGN

KARLS LANDSCAPE, INC.

KEENAN & SVEIVEN, INC.

KERKER, INC.

KMB DESIGNS, INC.

KNECHT’S NURSERIES & LANDSCAPE

KOKESH LANDSCAPE LLC

LAKES LANDSCAPE SERVICES

LANDCRAFTERS, INC.

LANDSCAPE GAL LLC

LANDSCAPE RENOVATIONS, INC.

LANDSCAPES PLUS LANDSPACE DESIGN, INC.

LAWN RANGER OUTDOOR SERVICES

LCI LANDSCAPES

LILYDALE GARDEN CENTER

LIVING SPACE LANDSCAPES, INC.

LYNDE GREENHOUSE & NURSERY, INC.

MAJESTIC LAWN & LANDSCAPE

MALMBORG’S GARDEN CENTER AND GREEHOUSES

MARVIN GARDENS

MCGUIRE LANDSCAPING

MISSINE GREENHOUSE & LANDSCAPE, INC.

MOUNT OLIVET CHURCH

NATURAL CREATIONS, INC.

NATURAL SURROUNDINGS, INC.

NATURE’S WAY LANDSCAPING, INC.

NORTHEAST TREE, INC.

NORTHERN ARBORISTS

NRD LANDSCAPE DESIGN INC.

NURSERY WHOLESALERS

OTTEN BROS.GARDEN CENTER & LANDSCAPING

OUTDOOR DIMENSIONS LLC

PAL AL HARDWARE

PARK RAPIDS FOREST PARKWAY CONSTRUCTION PLANT-A-SCAPE LLC PROSPECT HILL

R L REYNOLDS CONTRACTING, INC, REDWOOD FALLS NURSERY, IN.C

RICE LAKE GARDENS

RIVER CREEK NURSERY, INC.

RIVER ROAD GREENHOUSE

ROCK SOLID RETAINING WALL RON BEINING ASSOC

RUHLAND LANDSCAPING & DESIGN SAILERS GREENHOUSE LLC

SALINE LANDSCAPE AND DESIGN

SARGENT’S LANDSCAPE NURSERY, INC. SCHRADER ENTERPRISES LAWN/LANDSCAPE

SCHUMACHER’S NURSERY SCHULTE’S GREENHOUSE & NURSERY, INC.

SOUTH CEDAR GREENHOUSES SPECTRUM LANDSCAPING STEVE’S HOME AND GARDEN REPAIR STICKS & STONES DESIGN STOCKMEN’S GREENHOUSE & GARDEN CENTER STONEPOCKET, INC

SUZANNE JANSE-VREELING SWEDBERG NURSERY TANGLETOWN GARDENS LLC TCO LLC

TERRAFORM CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC.

THE LANDSCAPE PRO TREE QUALITY

UNITED BROTHERS LANDSCAPE VAN BUREN LANDSCAPE INC WAGNER GREENHOUSES

WALDOCH FARM, INC. WELLE NURSERY

WILSON’S NURSERY, INC.

WINONA NURSERY, INC.

WINTER GREENHOUSE

WOLF LANDSCAPING WOOD-LUND ENVIRONMENTS YARDCREATIONS LLC

You are also encouraged to participate in the Workforce Development Partners Fund at one of the participating suppliers recognized below! Your voluntary donation of ½ of 1% (0.5%) on your purchases is used by the MNLA Foundation to grow a brighter future for the industry. On an invoice totaling $1,000 at one of these suppliers, your contribution will be only $5.00. Your individual contribution is small, but collectively adds up to make a real difference!

2023 GREEN INDUSTRY DAY ON THE HILL

Thursday, March 2nd

Join green industry professionals from around the state for a day of information-sharing and advocacy!

Our Day on the Hill is a critical opportunity for YOU to build relationships with elected officials and raise awareness about issues impacting your business, workforce, and the industry as a whole.

Members of MNLA’s Government Affairs Team and Day on the Hill “pros” will guide you through the day’s events, helping foster connections between attendees and ensuring you’re prepared for successful legislative visits.

Event Schedule:

Best Western Capitol Ridge, Capitol Hall

• 8:00-8:30 – Check-in & Complimentary Continental Breakfast

• 8:30-9:20 – Issue & Advocacy Orientation

• 9:20-9:45 – Small Group “Sessions”

Capitol Complex, Senate & State Office Buildings

• 9:45-4:00 – Meetings with your elected officials Be sure to register by this year’s deadline – Wednesday, February 15th!

Registrations can be submitted electronically by visiting the MNLA.biz event calendar and downloading the form on our Day on the Hill event page. Submit to Felipe Illescas via email at felipe@mnla.biz or fax to 651-633-4986.

Thanks to our MNLA Day on the Hill Sponsors:

David C. Zlesak and Randy S. Nelson

Courtesy of Spring Meadow Nursery (Proven Winners®)

NOTES

In Memoriam

David Kemp, age 70 of Apple Valley, born December 14, 1951, in Minneapolis to David & Julianne Kemp, passed away November 30, 2022.Dave worked for The Catholic Cemeteries for over 53 years and was involved with District 6 Hockey Association for over

The American Rose Trials for Sustainability® has announced three winning roses for our region for 2023 (Köppen climate region Dfb; Minnesota, the eastern Dakotas, and most of Wisconsin). These roses were trialed in 2020 and 2021, and our regional Dfb sites for this group of roses were McCrory Gardens at South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD) and Boerner Botanical Gardens (Hales Corners, WI). The same roses are planted across trial gardens nationally, but award winners are determined regionally. To win a regional award, trial roses need to score equal to or greater than the average of the two industry standard cultivars planted with them (Double Knock Out® and Sunrise Sunset™) and have the majority of plants surviving at the end of the trial. Roses are scored monthly throughout the growing season and year two scores are weighted twice that of year one.

A.R.T.S.® (www.trustedroses.org) is an independent, nonprofit, two-year scientific, multi-site, regional plant trial, evaluating new or recently introduced roses under low-input conditions. Plants are grown in a “no spray” environment (i.e. without applications of fungicides, insecticides, or miticides) and nutrition is managed through the modest addition of compost to trial beds prior to planting (if organic matter is low) and the decomposition of mulch. The roses are not pruned or deadheaded during the growing season, and they are given moderate irrigation. The A.R.T.S.® trialing program is designed to identify the most regionally-resilient and beautiful newer roses available today. Given basic plant care, landscapers and home gardeners are highly likely to be successful growing their regional A.R.T.S.® winners.

To learn more about the A.R.T.S.® program and the past winning roses for our Dfb region, please visit www.trustedroses.org.

The 2023 A.R.T.S. ® Dfb Local Artist award winners are:

SCORES

40 years. Dave was an integral part of the MNLA/MTGF community and embodied a vision of cooperation that built up the entire green industry. Dave gave countless volunteer hours over the last 20+ years to help form the Minnesota Turf & Grounds Foundation (MTGF) and

forge the strong partnership between MTGF and MNLA in creating the Minnesota Green Expo (now Northern Green). Dave was co-chair of MNLA’s Trade Show Committee, helping to lead the team that provides a fantastic exhibitor experience at the show. He was adept at

 Easy Elegance® Oscar Peterson™ (‘AAC333’)Bailey Nurseries Inc. Abundant clusters of creamy white, semi-double blooms are framed by glossy dark foliage. This shrub rose is compact and produces attractive hips if not deadheaded. It was bred in Morden, Manitoba by Larry Dyck (Agriculture Canada) and is part of the Canadian Artist series of roses. Oscar Peterson was a beloved Canadian jazz musician.

strategic, long-range thinking, prioritizing what would be best for the whole group, not just individuals. He was content, yet forward-thinking; humble, yet proud when we all succeeded. He was patient, kind, friendly, goofy, and a servant leader. We’ve lost a loyal

friend, a joyful joketeller, and a genuinely good man. He will be truly missed. He is survived by his loving wife of 48½ years, Cathy; sons: Andy (Natalie), Jay, and Chris (Hilary); grandchildren: AJ, Max, Eli, Easton, and Lucy; sisters: Stevie (Joe) Cardamone and Midge (Chuck)

ROSES ARE SCORED MONTHLY THROUGHOUT THE GROWING SEASON AND YEAR TWO

ARE WEIGHTED TWICE THAT OF YEAR ONE.

Above photos courtesy of Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

Thompson and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Wisconsin DNR Releases Results Of The 2020 Diverse Urban Species Survey

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently released the Results of the 2020

Diverse Urban Species Survey. This publication reports on a survey of the planting preferences and experiences of Wisconsin municipalities. Communities were asked a series of questions about the types of trees they prefer to plant (such as root stock type and

caliper size), which lesser-used species they had successfully planted, which species they cannot find but would like to plant, and whether they use a gravel bed. Onehundred seventy communities completed surveys. Several findings of this survey may be of interest to

 Oso Easy® Double Red (‘Meipeporia’) PP 26,298-Spring Meadow Nursery (Proven Winners®) Mounded, symmetrical plants produce classic red, double blooms in clusters around the perimeter of the plant. The blooms have a nice globose form and are long lasting. This rose was bred in France by Meilland International.

you. For instance, we have identified lesser-used species that are in demand and in short supply, which may provide an opportunity to tailor your current efforts to meet a demand you may not have known about. While continuing to support the planting of existing

nursery stock, we are hoping to gradually increase the species and genetic diversity of Wisconsin’s urban forests. A digital version of the publication is available online on the DNR’s Urban Tree Planting Resources webpage: https://bit.ly/3VMCcQS

Above photos courtesy of Spring Meadow Nursery (Proven Winners®)

QUANTITIES

Table 1. Maximum points allocated to each of the contributing traits in the A.R.T.S.® standard monthly evaluation rating.

OVERALL CATEGORY CHARACTER TRAIT

MAXIMUM POINT VALUE

Flowers Bloom coverage 2.00

Bloom shape 0.50 Fragrance 1.00

Shedding of spent blooms 0.50 Hip formation 0.25

j Pretty Polly® White ‘Zlepoltwo’ PP31,106Star® Roses and Plants Massive quantities of petite, semi-double white blooms are produced on this near thornless, compact polyantha rose. The foliage is dark green and blooms have a sweet scent. This rose was bred in St. Paul, MN by David Zlesak. It is great for pollinators and a nice addition to mixed borders with herbaceous perennials and other compact shrubs.

Foliage Foliage retention 1.50

Lack of chlorosis 1.00

Lack of disease 1.00

Lack of insect and mite damage 1.00

Plant form Growth habit 1.00

Lack of dead canes 0.25

Maximum point total 10.00

➽ A.R.T.S.® MISSION: To identify, through regional evaluation and testing under low-input conditions, the most disease- and pest-resistant, hardiest, and most garden-worthy rose cultivars, and to provide objective, accurate and reliable information about the cultivars tested for each region to industry professionals and the gardening public. Author photos: Left: David Zleask, University of WisconsinRiver Falls. Right: Randy Nelson, University of Minnesota Extension.

Courtesy of Star® Roses and Plants

Courtesy of Star® Roses and Plants

MASSIVE

OF PETITE, SEMI-DOUBLE WHITE BLOOMS ARE PRODUCED ON THIS NEAR THORNLESS, COMPACT POLYANTHA ROSE.

A COMPANY’S ROI

The Green Industry Leadership Institute includes these tangible takeaways:

1. The students learn tips and tricks and gain advice from Green Industry presenters.

Students are collecting ideas from other green industry veterans each time they meet, improving processes and realizing new strategies. This is a continual improvement opportunity for the company. Sponsors and managers can be key influencers by engaging with the student monthly to hear suggestions and support their leadership development.

2. The projects the students manage and execute are designed to improve their company in a meaningful way. Note that these are projects that affect the entire company, not small individual projects that only help the student get their own tasks done. The process of choosing and developing the project includes rounds of feedback from the sponsor, facilitator and fellow students.

3. Students develop a network of peer advisors as they grow and advance in their career. This network builds Green Industry alliances, provides feedback on continued development, and expands opportunities for the company.

4. Students are prepared to take a stronger and more confident leadership role in your company. Feedback from sponsors indicate that individuals who have graduated truly appreciate their company’s investment in them, become more confident in their roles, and become more aware of how they affect the organization’s success.

5. Connections with MNLA staff mean students are more likely to be called upon to provide industry-wide leadership. Students gain a closer relationship with the MNLA organization and can step into a volunteer-leadership role in an area they feel can make a difference for them personally, as well as represent their company on a regional-state level.

APPLICATION

DEADLINE: JANUARY 20

GILI is a unique leadership program custom-designed with a Green Industry focus. It is open to a select cohort each year. The course meets 10 times during the year, covering topics chosen based on feedback from the MNLA community. It incorporates highly interactive exercises, discussions, lecture-style learning, and project-based activities and sessions. Using these multiple learning methods creates a rich adult-learning environment.

A COMPLETE EXPLANATION OF THE VALUE OF GILI IS AVAILABLE AT WWW.MNLA.BIZ/LEADERSHIP.

For questions contact Jon Horsman, MNLA Associate Director: 651-633-4987 or jon@mnla.biz.

Develop the next leader in your business next year with this proven MNLA program!

↘IN FOCUS

NON-COMPETITION AND NON-SOLICITATION

AGREEMENTS

Patrick McGuiness Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC

Nothing is more frustrating than watching workers you’ve trained walk away from your company to join the competition, taking customers and expertise with them.

More and more businesses are looking to noncompete and non-solicitation agreements to prevent this problem. So what kind of agreement is right for your company? It depends on what you’re looking to protect.

Non-compete agreements are designed to prevent workers who leave your company from going into direct competition, by restricting the jobs that workers can take after they leave.

Non-solicitation agreements generally prevent employees who have left your company from soliciting your customers or recruiting coworkers to join them at their new job.

Often times, companies include non-solicitation clauses in their non-compete agreements, particularly if their main concern is preventing other companies from poaching their clients or workers. But non-solicitation

SO WHAT KIND OF AGREEMENT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR COMPANY?

agreements can also be stand-alone contracts. In fact, after careful consideration of your business interests, you may decide that your company doesn’t need non-compete agreements at all, and instead focus on drafting a strong non-solicitation agreement.

When you’re deciding what to put in an agreement, the first thing to recognize is that putting something in a contract isn’t enough to guarantee that it will be enforceable. Non-compete agreements are particularly vulnerable, and courts routinely refuse to enforce them they are not reasonable. This is because courts are hesitant to uphold contracts that prevent workers from being able to make a living.

In contrast, courts tend to be less suspicious of non-solicitation agreements than they are of non-compete agreements, because they do not typically prevent employees from making a living. However, if a non-solicitation agreement is so broad that it prevents employees from engaging in their trade after leaving your business, courts may consider it equivalent to a non-compete agreement.

The Pitfalls of Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation Agreements

Business Purpose:

Both non-compete and non-solicitation agreements must have a business purpose—they can’t just be designed to impose hardship on workers who leave the company. The most common business reasons companies have for asking workers to sign non-compete agreements are to protect trade secrets or to protect the goodwill the company has with its customers. If your primary reason for having a non-compete agreement is to prevent employees from leaving with your rolodex of clients, you may want to consider a non-solicitation agreement instead.

Be selective about which workers you ask to sign non-compete agreements. If you have a non-compete agreement to protect your company’s relationships with clients, then workers who don’t deal with clients probably shouldn’t be asked to sign it.

Benefit to the Employee

Non-compete agreements must be made in exchange for some benefit to the employee. If you require a new hire to sign a non-compete agreement, then the job itself is usually sufficient benefit. If you want a worker who’s already with your company to sign one, however, it should be combined with some other

benefit, such as a one-time payment of a significant amount of money, coupled with a promotion.

Reasonableness

As a general rule, the narrower the restrictions you place on workers, the more likely your agreement is to be upheld. Any restrictions you do impose in the contract must be “reasonable." Having reasonable restrictions is particularly important for non-compete agreements or client non-solicitation agreements that place heavy restrictions on workers.

Reasonable Duration

Courts are suspicious of long non-compete contracts, so you should consider the duration of each person’s agreement carefully. For example, if you’re trying to protect client relationships, you could have longer non-compete agreements with higher level managers, who have relationships with your whole client base, while opting for shorter agreements with low-level salespeople, who have more limited contacts. Generally, non-competes longer

than two years after the last day of employment are not viewed favorably in Minnesota courts.

ON A BASIC LEVEL, A NONCOMPETE AGREEMENT SHOULD NOT PREVENT A WORKER FROM TAKING A JOB OR STARTING A BUSINESS IN AN AREA WHERE YOUR COMPANY DOES NOT OPERATE.

Reasonable Scope

Another important factor in determining whether a contract is reasonable is the geographic scope and the scope of limitation. The geographic scope of the agreement should be as limited as is appropriate for your business. On a basic level, a non-compete agreement

should not prevent a worker from taking a job or starting a business in an area where your company does not operate. If your company only does business in one city or county, you should not have a non-compete agreement that applies to the entire state or entire country. Scope of limitation focuses on the types of jobs that are restricted by the non-compete agreement. The agreement should narrowly focus on the industry that the company works in rather than preventing the employees from working in a broad range of fields. For example, if your company does landscape installation and snow services, your non-compete agreement should specifically bar competition in the landscaping and snow industries, rather than preventing an employee from working in any construction jobs.

When to Use a Non-Solicitation Agreement

Businesses generally opt for non-solicitation agreements when the purpose of the contract is to protect customer lists or ensure that a group of workers with specialized skills don’t leave the company all at once.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

To register for the exam you must meet the following requirements:

• Have either two years of study in an accredited postsecondary nursery and/or landscape program that includes a structured internship, OR

• A minimum of 2,000 hours in nursery or landscaperelated employment.

A signature of an educational advisor or work supervisor is required on the Eligibility Verification Form to verify completion of the prerequisite.

HOW DOES IT BENEFIT ME IN MY CAREER?

• Identifies you as a professional.

• Gives you credentials and proves your qualifications.

• Provides you instant credibility with your clients, and increases opportunities for advancement with many employers.

• Demonstrates your commitment to your profession.

• Distinguishes you from the competition.

• Qualifies you to do expert work and give expert advice.

ADVANCE YOUR CAREER IN 2023!

WHAT IS THE EXAM FORMAT?

MNLA CERTIFICATION CER T I F IED

The exam is given in an electronic format with photos and videos and immediate results. It is a two-part exam: you must pass a Basic Knowledge Exam and a specialty of your choosing (Landscape, Garden Center or Grower) to become MNLA Certified.

Recertification

ROFE S S IONA L

To maintain certification status, all individuals must compile at least 18 continuing education points every three years and pay a $15 recertification fee. NOTE: The recertification process is now online at www.MNLA.biz.

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE EXAM?

When: Feb. 17, 24 and Mar. 3, 10, 24

Where: MNLA Classroom, 1813 Lexington Ave. N, Roseville, MN 55113

Only seven seats are available for each test date. Please register early!

NOTE: The exam registration process is now online at www.MNLA.biz.

HOW TO PREPARE:

� ONLINE STUDY CHAPTERS � PRACTICE TEST

SILENT AUCTION DONATIONS

Simple Ways You Can Help

• Donate an item (minimum value $25).

• Register to DONATE, BID, WIN items.

• Forward this message to a friend.

• You do NOT NEED TO BE AN MNLA MEMBER.

We are looking for an interesting mix of items . It could be a week at your cabin or timeshare, plants from your nursery next spring or items unrelated to the green industry, such as tickets to sporting events, concerts or a theater event, gift baskets, jewelry, and gift certificates.

Another common use of non-solicitation agreements is intended to prevent workers from soliciting clients of the business. While some of this can be accomplished via non-competition agreements, sometimes a business may want to limit a workers ability to solicit clients for other things that may not fall under the non-competition agreement.

Whatever you are looking to protect must be valuable. For example, if your non-solicitation agreement is designed to prevent workers from using your list, the list needs to contain valuable contacts that your company worked to find or develop. It cannot simply be a list of names culled from the internet or phone book.

What a Non-Solicitation Agreement Can’t Do

No matter how strong your non-solicitation agreement is, it cannot prevent workers and clients from leaving of their own freewill. If an employee leaves the company and other workers are tempted to follow of their own volition, a non-solicitation agreement does not offer you any recourse. All it does is prevent workers who leave from recruiting others to go with them.

The same goes for clients. If one of your clients has a strong relationship with the employee who left your company, hears about the move and decides to follow them, there’s not much you can do. As long as your former worker didn’t explicitly or implicitly solicit the client, it likely will not violate the agreement.

➽ THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES general information on employment law matters and should not be relied upon as legal advice. A qualified attorney must analyze all relevant facts and apply the applicable law to any matter before legal advice can be given.

➽ PATRICK MCGUINESS is one of the founding partners of Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC. His law practice focuses on assisting contractors & other small business owners. He can be reached at pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com If you would like more information regarding employment law or other legal matters, please contact Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC at 651-206-3203 or www. zmattorneys.com

The Legend of Ed Bryant

~ Ed Bryant

As we approach the end of our 50th year, we’d be remiss if we didn’t take this opportunity to highlight the man, the myth, the Legend himself: our founder, Ed Bryant.

Ed was pivotal in establishing the hardscaping industry in North America, bringing the iconic UNI-Stone® from Europe in 1972 and building the first permanent manufacturing plant here. Since then, Unilock has continued to lead the pack, cultivating connections with the very best installers, dealers and project designers. Our company was the first to introduce ground-breaking innovations like face-mix, permeable pavers and coated products, and launched the Unilock Authorized Contractor program more than 30 years ago.

All this was possible because Ed Bryant cultivated a business approach that values genuine, long term relationships over short-term, transactional gain. From highly engaged Unilock staff to powerful decades-long partnerships with others around the globe, our team approach continues to be mutually beneficial for all involved. It’s a mindset that has brought us 50 years of success and will keep us paving it forward for the next 50 years. Ed would be proud.

Nothing great is ever accomplished alone.

Ed Bryant, Unilock Founder November 30, 1935 - January 28, 2021

Felipe Illescas MNLA Government Affairs Director

And We’re Off…

The 2023 legislative session is off to a busy start. The new House and Senate Committee members and Chairs signify that we should expect a very progressive agenda for this biennium.

What does that mean for us? Well, that means that we will have to work a bit harder to get our priorities through the finish line. While our legislative priorities are bipartisan in nature, the new DFL trifecta is due to the help of many groups that newly elected officials will have to prioritize. However, with this in mind, we were extraordinarily proactive during the last couple of months in engaging newly elected legislators and rallying new allies and supporters for what is important to you, our members.

The work that we did between the election and the beginning of session has paid off and resulted in us having great chief authors and co-authors that will fight alongside

us for our legislative proposals. In addition to legislators, MNLA members are also a huge part of our legislative success. We will need high member participation in 2023 in order to have your stories heard throughout session and especially during our Day on the Hill, which you can register for on our website.

We are truly honored to bring your priorities to the state legislature, and we welcome any feedback and comments you may have through this session and beyond.

➽ MNLA GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIRECTOR FELIPE ILLESCAS can be reached at 651-633-4987 or felipe@mnla.biz.

Senator Karin Housley, flanked by Jacob Koomen and Scott Frampton of Landscape Renovations, Inc. during a recent Day on the Hill visit.

2022–2023 Collegiate Scholarship Winners

OLIVIA ANDERSON

Sponsored by: Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes School: University of Minnesota Major: Plant Science Expected Graduation: Fall 2023

Future Plans: After graduation I’d like to work in a greenhouse or nursery and perhaps start a cut-flower business down the line.

CREIGHTON ANNELIN

Sponsored by: Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape School: University of Wisconsin River Falls Major: Horticulture Expected Graduation: Spring 2023 Future Plans: My future plans are to work at a public/botanical garden, for a city horticulturist, or at a golf course.

DYLAN BUTTS

Sponsored by: Bailey Nurseries School: Iowa State University Major: Horticulture Landscape Design

Expected Graduation: Spring 2024

Future Plans: After receiving my BS in Horticulture Landscape Design and my Masters in Landscape Architecture, I have aspirations to travel for work. I am interested in moving to Oregon and working in a landscape architecture firm.

SIERRA CASTLE

Sponsored by: Gertens

School: University of Minnesota-Crookston Major: Horticulture

Expected Graduation: 2025

Future Plans: After graduation, I want to have a steady, stable career in the green industry. At this moment, I haven’t chosen a career path but I am very interested in plant breeding and genetics.

JESSICA DEJUNG

Sponsored by: Lynde Greenhouse & Nursery, Inc. School: Hennepin Technical College

Major: Urban Forestry and Greenhouse Management Expected Graduation: Spring 2023

Future Plans: I would like to work for a city parks and recreation department or forestry department while doing hobbyist gardening on the side. My dream is one day to have a tree and shrub nursery with an old time apothecary on the property.

JACOB DOBSON

Sponsored by: Robin D. Linder Memorial Scholarship School: Central Lakes College

Major: Sustainable Landscape Expected Graduation: 2024

Future Plans: I plan to locate a job as a landscape designer to gain experience. Long term, I plan to start up my own business as a landscape designer.

JACOB DRUMMER

Sponsored by: Bailey Nurseries School: University of Minnesota Major: Plant Science with a Focus in Nursery and Floriculture

Expected Graduation: Winter 2023

Future Plans: I plan on running my own greenhouse in Waseca, Minnesota, I opened it in the spring of 2022. I also plan on starting an a pick yourself apple orchard in Mankato, Minnesota.

HUNTER GALLAGHER

Sponsored by: Southview Design School: North Dakota State University Major: Horticulture

Expected Graduation: 2025

Future Plans: I love the idea of working in and maintaining a garden that the general public can enjoy. I would like to explore many different sections of the green industry. I am especially interested in hands on work with woody plants, flowers, turfgrass, and other parts of nature.

2022–2023 Collegiate Scholarship Winners

KATHERINE HANSEN

Sponsored by: Robin D. Linder Memorial Scholarship School: University of Minnesota Crookston Major: Horticulture and Agronomy Expected Graduation: 2024

Future Plans: My future plans after graduation are to gain experience in the industry and I would like to own my own landscaping business.

TIFFANY-JO HEDICAN

Sponsored by: Home Sown Gardens LLC School: Hennepin Technical College Major: Horticulture/landscaping, Greenhouse management Expected Graduation: Summer 2023

Future Plans: I’m the owner of a microgreen company based out of North Branch Minnesota called Mum and Sprout’s. We have a 22-acre homestead and I plan to grow this company into a farm-to-table and nursery business.

DAPHNE JACAK

Sponsored by: Robin D. Linder Memorial Scholarship School: University of Wisconsin-River Falls Major: Horticulture Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

Future Plans: My goal is to dive into greenhouse production and/or the landscape business. I would love to start my own business in breeding and producing landscape varieties and perennial flowers.

MEGAN KELLER

Sponsored by: Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping School: Hennepin Technical College Major: Greenhouse Management Technician Expected Graduation: Spring 2023

Future Plans: I plan on continuing my career at Green Valley, and I hope to extend my career into more growing or IPM and diseases.

ANNE KNOFCZYNSKI

Sponsored by: Robin D. Linder Memorial Scholarship School: South Dakota State University Major: Horticulture

Expected Graduation: Winter 2023

Future Plans: I have a goal to integrate more native plant species into urban landscapes, and model these landscapes with ecological design. I hope to create more stability in local ecosystems, species populations, and soil health by doing so.

BLAKE LASSAHN

Sponsored by: Tangletown Gardens LLC School: University of Minnesota Major: Plant Science Expected Graduation: Fall 2024

Future Plans: My long-term goal for my career post-graduation is to open a greenhouse/nursery of my own and share my love for plants with others. Until I can make that dream a reality, I hope to work a wide variety of jobs in the green industry to grow my skill set!

DAVID MASCHHOFF

Sponsored by: Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape School: University of Minnesota Crookston Major: Horticultural BS - Production Horticultural Expected Graduation: Spring 2026

Future Plans: I am interested in working in a larger production facility in retail. My long-term goal is to enter either a public works position or a grounds supervisor position in the Twin Cities metro area.

GRAHAM MONTEE

Sponsored by: Bailey Nurseries, Inc. School: University of Wisconsin-River Falls Major: Horticulture

Expected Graduation: Winter 2023

Future Plans: I am focusing on working with extension where I can really utilize my knowledge base within the industry. One day I would love to have my own hobby farm and be able to host small-scale farmers market selling products I grow.

2022–2023 Collegiate Scholarship Winners

QUINN NOWACKI

Sponsored by: Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape School: North Dakota State University

Major: Horticulture — Urban Forestry and Parks Expected Graduation: Spring 2023

Future Plans: I want to work in tree care. Either for a company as an arborist, become a city forester, or work for a parks district. I really like the community impact trees have and I’m excited to get involved with that!

TAYLOR OSWALD

Sponsored by: Malmborg’s Garden Center School: Hennepin Technical College Major: Landscape/Horticulture Associate in Applied Science Expected Graduation: Winter 2023 Future Plans: I would love to have my hands in multiple areas of the green industry over time. Currently my interest lies in owning a cut-flower production business.

CLARISSA SATROM

Sponsored by: Gertens School: North Dakota State University

Major: Horticulture Urban Forestry and Parks Expected Graduation: Spring 2024 Future Plans: After graduation I plan to continue working towards my goal of becoming an arborist. Currently I enjoy climbing and may look to find a position as a climbing arborist.

NICOLE SCHAFFER

Sponsored by: Baker Lake Nursery School: Central Lakes College

Major: Sustainable Landscaping and Horticulture Expected Graduation: Winter 2023

Future Plans: I am interested in designing and installing landscaping in central Minnesota upon graduating.

IAN SCHNEIDER

Sponsored by: Holasek Flower Power Garden Center School: University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Major: Horticulture

Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

Future Plans: I plan on becoming a sustainable landscape designer which would allow me to make peoples' yards and businesses beautiful, but also environmentally friendly.

RACHEL SCHOON

Sponsored by: Robin D. Linder Memorial Scholarship School: Central Lakes College

Major: Horticulture AAS, Sustainable Greenhouse Production Diploma, Sustainable Local Foods Certificate

Expected Graduation: Spring 2023

Future Plans: I aspire to work at a greenhouse to gain experience in the field. I plan on purchasing property and starting my own greenhouse business or buying a greenhouse business.

KATHERINE SMITH FLORES

Sponsored by: Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping School: Hennepin Technical College Major: Landscape Design and Construction Expected Graduation: Winter 2023

Future Plans: I have been working in the industry while attending school. I’ve earned my pesticide applicator license. My goal is to ultimately be a landscape designer that specializes in native plantings.

ELAYNA STIRN

Sponsored by: Holasek Flower Power Garden Center

School: University of Wisconsin-River Falls Major: Horticulture

Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

Future Plans: I really enjoy research, so there’s a possibility I’ll go back to school. Eventually, I plan to start my own business growing cut flowers.

MNLA.biz Career Center Job Board

Browse CAREERS in the menu, or go directly to MNLA.biz/careers. Members save money on job postings!

EMPLOYERS: PROFESSIONALS:

• PLACE your job in front of our highly qualified members

• SEARCH our resume database of qualified candidates

• MANAGE jobs and applicant activity right on our site

• LIMIT applicants only to those who are qualified

• FILL your jobs more quickly with great talent

• POST a resume or anonymous career profile that leads employers to you

• SEARCH and apply to hundreds of new jobs on the spot by using robust filters

• SET UP efficient job alerts to deliver the latest jobs right to your inbox

• ACCESS career resources, job searching tips and tools

WWW.MNLA.BIZ/CAREERS

PLANTPEDDLER

The Company Growing for You

Count on Plantpeddler for leadership in premium rooted liners. Top performing genetics from all major breeders of Begonias, Ger aniums, Spr ing Annuals, Garden Mums, Poinsettias, and more. Our focus is delivering concise, consistent, quality young plants that perform in your greenhouse. Contact your preferred broker to discover the Plantpeddler difference.

BOOK YOUR ORDERS FOR QUALITY ROOTED LINERS NOW

800-827-1654 | plantpeddler.com | info@plantpeddler.com

2022–2023 Collegiate Scholarship Winners

CONNOR TANCK

Sponsored by: Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens and Growhaus Nursery & Garden Center School: University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Major: Horticulture

Expected Graduation: Spring 2025

Future Plans: Currently my family owns a petting zoo and historical museum and my future plan is to expand to include a farmers market. I also will continue to take care of the display gardens and work hard at educating the public on all areas of agriculture and horticulture.

AMY WILLKOMM

Sponsored by: Southview Design School: Hennepin Technical College Major: Landscape Design and Construction Expected Graduation: Winter 2023

Future Plans: My goal is to ultimately be a landscape designer that specializes in native plantings.

THE MNLA FOUNDATION PARTNERED WITH 15 MEMBER COMPANIES TO PRESENT 26 COLLEGIATE SCHOLARSHIPS FOR THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR. THANK YOU MEMBERS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Thank you to the 2022 MNLA Foundation High School Grant Program supporters: biota Landscapes, Gertens, Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape, and Landscape Renovations, Inc.

NORTHERN GREEN

Aspen Equipment is part of the largest network of Western plows, spreaders and parts in the Midwest.

•

MTGF and the MNLA Foundation have partnered to create a fundraiser benefiting scholarships in the green industry. Connect with old friends, create new friends, and have lots of fun!

• Over $1,500 in prizes!

• Registration includes two games, a showdown round for a trophy and bragging rights, two drink tickets, a pizza buffet, and free bowling shoe rental.

• Fun way to get through winter!

• It is not necessary to be a member of MTGF nor MNLA to participate.

•

•

•

•

MNLA FOUNDATION minnesota turf and grounds foundation