The Scoop Online - June 2010

THE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

Insights and Information for Green Industry Professionals

VOLUME 33, NUMBER 6 June 2010

Stop Selling Ourselves Short:

Plants are a Necessity PAGE 8

Designers: Step Out of Your Comfort Zone PAGE 14

Garden Center Tour Offers Inspiration PAGES 26-28

California Spring Trials Report PAGES 43-45

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Rapidly changing demographics require today’s green industry companies to have a basic understanding of the Spanish language. This easy-to-understand guide will get you speaking Spanish immediately.

¿HABLAS

Learn words and phrases in the following categories: 1. Basics 2. Getting Ready/Clean Up 3. Tools/Materials 4. Requests 5. Job Site Safety 6. Hiring/Scheduling 7. Numbers & Dates 8. Directions & Measurements

ESPAÑOL? For more information, contact Mary Dunn at 651-633-4987 or mary@mnla.biz.

This resource was developed cooperatively by Workplaces Languages and MNLA.

FREE.

Point your mouse to www.MNLA.biz for free online references!

• Post a FREE job listing at MN Job Bank • Industry Wage Reports

• Work Efficiency References for Growers • Utility Locate Information

• Get your guide to starting a business in Minnesota

• Landscape Contractor Survey (by Kevin Kehoe)

• Commercial Truck Regulations Fact Sheets • Sales Tax Fact Sheets – Nursery/Greenhouse & Lawn, Garden Care and Landscaping • English and Spanish Training Manuals and Safety Tip Sheets

• Container Labeling Guidelines • Irrigation Best Practices • Commercial Flower Grower Reference Material • And more!

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THE

Safety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 35 Business Management . . . . . . 12, 32 Landscape Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Government Affairs . . . . . . . . . 15, 19 DC update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 18 Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-22 Garden Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28-31 Sustainable environment . . . . . . . 37 MnLA Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . 40-41 Public Relations . . . . . . 42, 46-48, 50 Greenhouse & Herbaceous Growers . . . . . . . . 43-45 Supplier Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Plant of the Month. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Leadership Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

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ADVERTISER INDEX AgStar Financial Services - 26 Albert J. Lauer, Inc. - 30 Bailey Nurseries - 14 Belgard Hardscapes-Northfield-Bend - 4 Berger Peat Moss - 45 BFG Supply - 23 Borgert Products, Inc. - 56 BW Insurance Agency - 54 Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus - 22, 31 Carver-Hennepin Insurance Agency LLC - 16 Casualty Assurance - 19 Central Landscape Supply - 46 Central Wisconsin Evergreens, Inc. - 24 Cherokee Mfg. - 48 Cook Water Farms - 16 Crow River Greenhouse & Nursery - 20 Cushman Motor Co., Inc. - 18 Farber Bag & Supply Co. - 54 Fireside Hearth & Home - 35 Floral Plant Growers-Natural Beauty - 46 Fury Motors - 47 Gardenworld Inc. - 10 Gertens Wholesale - 32 Haag Companies, The - 55

Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies -27 J.R. Johnson Supply, Inc. - 16 JRK Seed and Turf Supply - 10, 15, 42 Kubota Dealers - 5 Laborforce Specialists, Inc. - 8 Midwest Groundcovers - 42 MN Equipment Solutions, Inc. - 24 Natural Industries, Inc. - 21 Northern Christmas Trees & Nursery - 22 Out Back Nursery - 35 Pine Products, Inc. - 39 Plaisted Companies - 49 Rock Hard Landscape Supply division of Brian’s Lawn & Landsaping, Inc. - 11 Scharber & Sons - 13 Stonebrooke Equipment Inc. - 51 TerraDek Lighting, Inc. - 36 The Mulch Store - 17 Timberwall Landscape Products - 7 Wheeler Landscape Supply - 25, 33, 37 Wilson’s Nursery, Inc. - 9 Xylem, Ltd. - 51 Ziegler Cat - 3

Upcoming Events June 23-26 – 13th Annual Snow & Ice Symposium. Rhode Island Convention Center and Westin Providence Hotel, Rhode Island. For more information, see www.sima.org.

July 10-13 – OFA Shortcourse. Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio. For more information, see www.ofa.org.

18-24 – Perennial Plant Symposium. Doubletree Hotel, Portland, Oregon. For more information, see www.perennialplant.org.

22 – Bailey Expo. Bailey Nurseries, Inc., St. Paul. For more information, visit www.baileynurseries.com/events or call 800-829-8898.

27 – MNLA Foundation Widmer Golf Tournament. University of Minnesota Golf Course, Roseville. For more information, see page 40 or www.mnla.biz.

29 – Landscape Design Tour. St. Paul and Minneapolis. For more information, see page 28 or www.mnla.biz.

August 5 – Garden Center Tour. Inver Grove Heights to Red Wing. For more information, see page 28 or www.mnla.biz.

26-27 – JR Johnson 2010 Buyer’s Fair. Roseville, Minn. For more information, call 651-389-3500 or 1-800-328-9221.

26-Sept 6 – MNLA State Fair Display Garden. For more information visit www.mnla.biz upcoming events section.

September 10-11 – Foster's Spring Market 2011 Hardgoods Buying Show. Mayo Civic Center, Rochester. Call 800-747-2756 to register.

15 – Trees and Shrubs for the Landscape. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska. For more information, see page 28 or visit www.mnla.biz.

16 – Green for Life – an MNLA Public Service Event. For more information visit www.mnla.biz.

21 – MNLA Shootout - Sporting Clays Tournament to benefit the MNLA Foundation.

For more information, see page 39 or www.mnla.biz.

28 – Credit Management Tips for the Green Industry. Bailey Nurseries, Inc., St. Paul, MN. For more information see page 29 or visit www.mnla.biz.

28-29 – OFA Disease, Insect & Plant Growth Management Conference. Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, St. Louis, Missouri. For more information, visit www.ofaconferences.org.

October 7 – Portfolio Design & Promotion. For more information, see page 29 or visit www.mnla.biz.

January 4 – Super Tuesday. Minneapolis Convention Center. More information coming soon!

5-7 – Northern Green Expo. Minneapolis Convention Center. Exhibit contracts available online at www.NorthernGreenExpo.org or call 651-633-4987.

If interested in sponsoring or co-sponsoring an MNLA workshop, please call Betsy Pierre, 952-903-0505 ext 1/betsy@pierreproductions.com.

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Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association 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 • GardenMinnesota.com

MNLA Mission The mission of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is to help nursery and landscape related companies in Minnesota and the surrounding region operate their businesses more successfully.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bert Swanson, MNLA-CP, President Swanson’s Nursery Consulting, Inc. 218-732-3579 • btswanson@gmail.com Debbie Lonnee, MNLA-CP, Vice President Bailey Nurseries, Inc. 651-768-3375 debbie.lonnee@baileynursery.com Heidi Heiland, MNLA-CP, Secretary-Treasurer Heidi's Lifestyle Gardens 612-366-7766 • heidi@BloomOnMN.com Van Cooley, Past President Malmborg’s, Inc. 763-535-4695 van@geraniumsbygeorge.com Randy Berg, MNLA-CP Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 rberg@smig.net Scott Frampton Landscape Renovations 651-769-0010 sframpton@landscaperenovations.com Tim Malooly, CID, CLIA, CIC Irrigation By Design Inc. 763-559-7771 • timm@ibdmn.com Bill Mielke Wilson’s Nursery, Inc. 952-445-3630 bill@wilsonsnurseryinc.com Herman Roerick Central Landscape Supply 320-252-1601 hermanr@centrallandscape.com Bob Fitch MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • bob@mnla.biz Staff directory and member services directory near the back cover.

The Scoop is published 12 times per year by the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 1813 Lexington Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113. Address corrections should be sent to the above address. News and advertising deadlines are the 5th of the month preceding publication.

The Scoop | FROM THE PRESIDENT

Plants Are NOT a Luxury or an Ornament: Plants ARE a Necessity

By Bert T. Swanson, Swanson’s Nursery Consulting Inc. indicated last month that I would write about “Providing Leadership in Hard Times.” However, just as we must make last minute changes to improve operations at all times, and prompted by some recent articles I have read, I felt compelled to start this article with a major issue that has been on the top of my voice and frustration list for many years: PLANTS ARE NOT ORNAMENTS!

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Bert Swanson

Many people agree with this fact, but we are so entrenched with the word “ornamental” that we cannot seem to remove it from our vocabulary, titles, catalogs and marketing pieces, and therefore are doing a disservice to ourselves and the public.

“Ornamental” may mean a nice functional tree to use in the industry, but what does “ornamental” mean to the public and

You find the contracts and we provide you TRAINED LANDSCAPING LABORFORCE

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www.MNLA.biz | june 2010

to government agencies and legislators that make the rules under which we must operate our businesses? Is the description “ornamental” going to mean anything when water restrictions are scheduled to shut down the landscape?

Definitely not.

Webster describes “ornamental” as

“anything serving to adorn; decoration; embellishment; a mere external display.” The late Dr. Marc Cathey, former director of the National Arboretum, stated “ornamental” describes an object you hang on a Christmas tree. A plant is not an “ornament.” We all know that plants are not “ornaments,” and that they are much more than “ornamental.”

So why do we keep shooting ourselves in the foot, and in our professional impressions that we present to the public, and subsequently to our potential bottom lines?

What fired me up again about this issue was a Breakthrough Article by Kelli Rodda in the March 2010 issue of Nursery Management and Production 26(3):16-20. Mr. Richard Davis,

owner of The Ivy Farm in Locustville, VA, was quoted for his passion for plants and their well-documented benefits, and the fact that he will preach those benefits to anyone who will listen. According to Mr. Davis, “those benefits include increased property values, improved health, and reduced crime, and these benefits should be on the minds of all consumers.” I would add that we all know that plants also provide many additional very tangible benefits as well, but we are not telling that to our customers!

This substantiates Mr. Davis’ next quote: “We must make consumers aware that plants are not a luxury, they are a necessity.” He further stated that “we have to do a better job to impart that value message to the end consumer.” Let me stress that we will not impart that message to consumers and legislators by calling our valued and functional products “ornamental!”

An additional article titled: “A Strategy for Putting Plants to Work” was published by Dr. B. Polomski and Dr. S.A. White in the April 2010 issue of the American Nurseryman 210(4):26-31, which further totally substantiates the valued and many essential uses of plants.

In addition to absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and providing oxygen for us to breathe, plants also absorb high amounts of nitrogen and

phosphorus from water and soil, thereby demonstrating a high ability for filtering stormwater runoff. The authors use the term: “phytoremediation” which refers to a collection of technologies that use PLANTS to directly or indirectly clean up pollutants. The “phyto” on phytoremediation acknowledges the direct and indirect roles of plants.

And there is more: the authors state: “The phytoremediation ability of certain plants can help to improve soil and water quality, and as a bonus, it may also improve the plants’ marketability.” This is just the tip of the iceberg relative to the real, functional and valuable uses of plants.

“ornamental” in any of the text. Our legislators and customers need and deserve to know the truth about the multifunctional and valuable uses and benefits of this green industry’s products.

“Plants are not a luxury, they are a necessity.” I challenge and invite all of you to take action in this regard and to delineate all the valuable uses and benefits of your products and get a grassroots campaign off the ground.

“Plants are not a luxury, they are a necessity.” Let’s start selling plants for what they really are, and stop selling ourselves short. Let’s click on the delete tab and get the word “ornamental” out of our businesses. Replace it with landscape, environmental, energy saving, soil stabilizing, phytoremediation, and yes, maybe even sustainable or whatever really describes the good functional valuable use of our products.

One other bright spot on the horizon: The U.S. Congress is drafting a Small Business Administration National Tree Planting Program, H.R. 4509, proposing $50 million annually between years 2011 and 2015 which would provide matching grant funds to plant trees around retail storefronts, rental housing units and other public areas. ANLA is working with Senate industry champions to have the H.R. 4509 Bill incorporated into a broader package. You can learn more and support the passage of this legislation by visiting www.ANLA.org Government Relations, or write to your House members and urge them to cosponsor H.R. 4509.

Mr. Davis wants this issue elevated to a national marketing level and this is what it may take, but we can certainly start right here in our own companies.

The revised MNLA Certification Manual does not use the word

I hope and pray that your spring is going well! q ________________________________ Bert Swanson is the president of MNLA and can be reached at btswanson2@gmail.com.

june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | SAFETY

Downfalls to Sharing Employees

By Adam Tripp, TBG Loss Control Representative any Nursery and Landscaping Companies are interconnected on both a social and business level. When work loads fluctuate, companies often find themselves struggling to keep a sufficient number of employees on hand. When this takes place there is a temptation to “share” employees. Despite how convenient it may seem to be to share employees, the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages. Many excuses can be made for why employers participate in this risky practice. Employers often justify it as a way to keep good employees around for future use, picking up the slack when things get busy, not having to go through the process of hiring new employees, or a favor for a fellow friend employer just to name a few.

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An Example: Company A is gearing up for an upcoming project and needs a few employees for a two week project, while Company B is somewhat slow for the next two weeks. Therefore, Company A “borrows” three employees from Company B for the duration of the two week job. On the surface this seems to be a logical arrangement. When looked at in more detail, both companies are taking a substantial risk. In this example the employees remain on Company B’s payroll. When sharing employees, payment to the employee can be made illegally under the table or by conventional methods. If Company A does not report the payroll paid of the temporary employees to the insurance carrier, Company A will not obtain the proper coverage for the exposure.

Furthermore, it is possible that Company A may deny claims from the three temporary employees due to incorrect

insurance coverage or no coverage at all which would leave Company B potentially liable for the injuries. This opens the door for a legal battle between the companies. In brief, if either company does not have workers’ compensation coverage, the other company can be stuck with the bill if an injury occurs.

Despite how comfortable the companies are with each other, there is no way to fully account for the safety of the employees once they are off their jobsites. For example Company B cannot be fully aware of the working conditions that Company A subjects their employees to. When Company B has complete control over their own employees they can ensure proper programs are in place, including but not limited to, fall control, return-to-work, accident investigation, safety meetings, hazard training, claims management and

all other safety programs that help in producing a safe and effective working environment. If an injury does take place while working at a company that has the necessary programs/training in place, injuries can be quickly and effectively addressed. Lessons can be learned and future injuries can be avoided. All of this will lead to safer working environments and ultimately to a more productive and profitable company.

Expanding on the previous example; Company B loans an employee named Mike to Company A which has poor communication, no Workers’ Compensation insurance, and no returnto-work program. While working with Company A, Mike injures his back because they don’t have proper manual material handling equipment. Mike visits his own doctor which is not associated with the network of doctors approved by his original employer (Company B). Also, Company A does not fully inform Company B of the situation and allows Mike to stay at home for five days to recover. If Mike had been injured while working with Company B, which has a great return-towork program in place and a network of

doctors available for handling work related injuries, he could have been back on the job in a part-time role within three days. If Mike returns to Company B and then files a claim because the aggravation of the injury from working at Company A, Company B will in effect have the claim costs transferred to itself.

This includes multiple days worth of wage-loss benefits covered by Company B’s Workers’ Compensation Carrier, increased medical costs, and a greater increase to Company B’s experience mod rate. This will directly affect the premium that Company B will have to pay in the future potentially costing them thousands of dollars for something that was easily preventable. Thorough claims management is of utmost importance when minimizing the severity of an injury. By working with the Claims Handler, the Insurance Carrier, and a designated Medical Care Provider, unnecessary claims costs can be kept to a minimum. Besides jeopardizing the safety of your employees, sharing employees will lead to a decrease in productivity because of wear and tear the employees are experiencing while performing work on other jobs for which the lending

employer is not getting paid for.

This is just one scenario of how a company can be negatively affected by sharing employees. There are many other possibilities that can have even greater consequences.

It is very important to take special care when hiring both short term and/or long term employees. When exercising caution and good judgment an employer can be fully in charge of the hiring and interview process which includes having detailed job descriptions, physical requirements of the job, conditional job offers, and proper training programs. By having both the employer and employee on this same page, expectations and requirements can be fully understood by both parties. Also it will help the employer control the bottom line of their company and reduce the likelihood of unnecessary claims costs. If you are in need of implementing such programs, please contact your Insurance Carrier. q ________________________________ The Builders Group (TBG) is a self-insured workers’ compensation insurance fund that has been protecting Minnesota’s construction industry for more than 10 years. For more information, go to their website: www.tbgmn.com.

june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | NURSERY MANAGEMENT

The Business Waste of Overproduction #4 in a Series by Craig Chilstrom, Prairie Edge Nursery ast month, eight business wastes were cited that cost you money and prevent you from developing a lean business model. The extensive costs of Craig Chilstrom maintaining the business waste of excess inventory were discussed. This article discusses one of the major contributors of excess inventory, and that is over production.

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Overproduction is the most difficult business waste to manage in the green industry. In a perfect lean business model, you create exactly what customers want, and when they want it. Obviously it is impossible to create a 2� Autumn Blaze Maple tree exactly when a customer calls and places an order.

However, there are many areas within the green industry where we can and must apply this philosophy to achieve the goal of reducing overproduction as much as possible.

In a traditional manufacturing environment, overproduction is an area of major focus within the company. It is also the area where the greatest cost reductions can be realized. With the goal of creating products only for which you have orders, you reduce inventory and all the wastes associated with it. In order to economically create, operate, produce or process the small batch, or one piece, it is essential to streamline the process of creating the product.

Creating everything in batches, allows companies to hide all the inefficiencies in the operation or process. By switching to a one piece flow concept, all the elements and problems become very visible. In a one piece flow environment, a product that requires multiple steps to 12

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create, does not allow excess WIP, or work in process inventory, to build up between steps in the creation, operating or production process. When a product or procedure flows directly from Step 1 to Step 2 in a process, and a problem occurs in Step 1, Step 2 must be shut down. If a problem occurs in Step 2, then Step 1 must be shut down to prevent it from overproducing.

Instead of saying this process will not work, you must focus on creative solutions to make all these check points possible. Reduce the time needed to set up the process, or reduce the time needed to switch from one process, or operation to another. This concept is called Single Minute Exchange of Dies (SMED). Make it impossible to set up or accomplish or complete the process improperly; make it a goof proof process.

recognize and admit that any process can benefit from the one piece flow production process. One piece flow will reduce WIP and make any process such as harvesting trees or the installation of a patio, easier to manage and complete in a timely and professional manner. A landscape project that is not complete is WIP and can be considered inventory for which you cannot be paid until it is complete. For container production, being able to quickly switch from one product to another by processing inventory at various stages of growth via staggered planting times, which allows you to meet customer demand.

A garden center may realize a cost benefit from a reduced production and inventory of planters. This may then even allow you to offer custom designed planters, produced on demand to create added value for your customers, and to reduce your production investment, as well as inventory wastes and costs.

“Use all of your people to help recognize these wastes, and to come up with solutions."

To reach this goal, you must remove all waste from the process or operation. This will then clear the path making visible exactly what you need to create, produce, operate, and/or accomplish. Use all of your people to help recognize these wastes, and to come up with solutions. They are closest to the function or process, and may have answers for your operation that you may never have thought of. All inefficiencies in each process, and all problems associated with each process must be addressed or all production will come to a grinding stop.

So how can this concept be applied to the green industry? First of all, you must

Creating your products and services as closely as possible to delivery and payment by the customer, frees up cash that you can use to expand your opportunities, or in tough economic times, survive. q ________________________________ Craig Chilstrom is a member of the MNLA Nursery Committee and can be reached at cchilstr@Wildbluecoop.com.

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Also see our Rogers location for Dingo Loaders and attachments.

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The Scoop | LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Hardy plants with local roots

Designer Challenge?

Now with a fresh new look to drive sales.

By Nichole Koustrup, Linder's Greenhouses Garden Center Flower Marts & Landscaping

Instantly wow your customers and drive more sales with Bailey’s new premium look. Great-looking pots, P.O.P. and outstanding plants all combine into a powerful retail display that will stimulate impulse sales and keep customers coming back for more!

ver feel like you should be in a designers challenge with yourself? Another season has started and I find myself falling into the comfortable place I design in. Whether it be using familiar plants or materials, sometimes I feel I need to challenge myself again. I have also heard this from other designers when a season wraps up. Why do we do this?

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I know I use familiar plants because they have “proven” themselves to me.

When I first started designing, I looked for the new, exciting plant to introduce to the client and wow them. With these beauties, they were now the envy of the neighborhood.

After replacing some of these plants, I sometimes shy away now and use the tried and true plants that are almost always fail-proof.

"I challenge all of us to open our design minds and step out of our comfort zone."

Other materials are similar. I have pushed myself to design using some new product, only to find it isn’t the same quality as what I typically use. I again fall back on the old stand-by.

This year, I am reminding myself to be open to design and materials. I am remembering the basics and listening to what the customer is looking for, but pushing myself to design with some new twists. Where I typically have used one plant or material, I am looking at different options. They might not be new, but different than what I would use normally.

I am also looking to the home and customers for their guidance. Matching architecture style with landscape or personality. Walking into a dinning room that is painted a bold color versus a pastel color can be a clue to their style. I have done this in the past when I design, but am remembering that the landscape will be new to the customer.

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BaileyNurseries.com

While there are some plants or materials that I know I will continue to use because they are the best solution for the area, I challenge all of us to open our design minds and step out of our comfort zone. q ________________________________________________ Nichole Koustrup is a member of the MNLA Landscape Design Committee and can be reached at nicholekoustrup@linders.com. .

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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS | The Scoop

Happy to be Out of the Fray

By Bob Fitch, MNLA Executive Director he Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association was fortunate to be able to take an early exit from the 2010 Minnesota Legislative session. From April 1 up until the legislature adjourned on May 17th, MNLA was generally out of the fray of battles over the budget and other heated issues.

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As e Scoop went to press, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture took only modest additional budget cuts, but that the Department of Natural Resources was hit harder. It is not known yet how these cuts will play out and if there will be an impact on the green industry.

All-in-all, it was a successful session for MNLA. Here’s a brief rundown: • MNLA played a vital role in stopping a budget cut to MDA’s Plant Protection Division. e cuts could have resulted in Minnesota being quarantined for Gypsy moth, because there would not have been state dollars to match federal investments in the Gypsy Moth Slow-e-Spread Program. Such a quarantine would cost nursery growers thousands of dollars.

• MNLA helped to secure $3 million in funding in the state bonding bill for a state-municipal cost-share program for the removal and replacement of diseased or infested trees. e DNR will administer this program.

• MNLA pulled a bill that would have created a new professional level of the state’s tree care registry. Providing information on professional designations would have helped protect the public from unscrupulous operators that are sure to come out of the woodwork as EAB progresses through the state. e proposal got caught in misinformation that it was designed as a “fencing” mechanism.

• e LCCMR allocation included money for research on creating healthy forests and controlling forest pests. q

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The Scoop | DC UPDATE

SBA Tree Planting Bill Introduced in Congress ASHINGTON, DC — e American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA) commended Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) for introducing a Senate version of the Small Business Environmental Stewardship Assistance (SBESA) Act of 2010. is legislation recognizes the role of small businesses in creating jobs, promoting energy efficiency, providing environmental benefits and making retail and commercial areas more appealing by reauthorizing the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) National Small Business Tree Planting Program. Sen. Wyden was joined by original cosponsors Sen. Kay Hagan (NC), Sen. Tom Harkin (IA), Sen. Jeff Merkley (OR), Sen. Arlen Specter (PA) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (MI) on his legislation.

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“Renewal of the Small Business Tree Planting Program will bring jobs to hard hit areas while taking some of the financial heat off of municipalities and small businesses looking for ways to green and beautify their retail and commercial areas,” Wyden said. “I am happy to join Congressman Schrader in working to reinstate this program and offering a helping hand to America’s small businesses.” e SBESA Act reauthorizes the SBA National Tree Planting Program at $50 million annually between fiscal years 2011 and 2015 to plant trees around retail storefronts, rental housing units and other public areas. is program also requires a 25 percent match for any grant under the program, including inkind contributions such as the cost or value of providing care and maintenance for a period of three years after planting. is match ensures that both private and community investments are made for the installation and care of trees funded by this program. Between 1991 and 1994, more than 18,000 green industry firms were employed to plant more than 23 million trees across the country through the SBA program.

A House version of the SBESA Act, H.R. 4509, was introduced by Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR) on January 26th.

H.R. 4509 has bi-partisan support and a growing number of co-sponsors.

“Introduction of the Small Business Environmental Stewardship Assistance Act in the Senate demonstrates Senator Wyden’s understanding of an important message on the eve of Arbor Day: trees mean jobs,” said Bob Lyons, owner of Sunleaf Nursery, LLP in Madison, Ohio. “It is our hope that Senator Wyden’s bill will be considered this year so that our industry can act quickly to support job creation and tree planting initiatives across the country.”

Continued on page 18 16

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Continued from page 16 “e U.S. green industry stands ready to deliver the National Small Business Tree Planting Program, and looks forward to partnering with government and local non-profit organizations to create private-sector job opportunities in local communities across the United States,” said Corey Connors, ANLA’s Director of Legislative Relations. He continued, “is program would allow industry businesses to create and sustain jobs while relieving the stresses on local municipal budgets that currently have no funding for developing their community’s tree canopy. It’s a winwin.” q

The Scoop | DC UPDATE

Debit, Credit Interchange Fees Targeted is article is provided by your MNLA and ANLA as a Lighthouse Program partner benefit. he American Nursery & Landscape Association has joined forces with the Retail Industry Leaders Association and others to seek relief and transparency for interchange fees, the 2-4% that all businesses pay for accepting debit and credit cards. ese fees have continued to increase despite advances in technology which should be bringing them down, and the banks/credit card companies collected an estimated $48 billion in interchange

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fees in 2008. ANLA and partners are seeking that interchange reforms be included in financial regulatory reform.

Priority reforms include two main provisions: first, that debit cards, which are nothing more than electronic checks, be cleared "at par" just as paper checks do today; and second, that a regulator be given the authority to review the rules and terms associated with credit and debit card acceptance in order to provide additional transparency, the ability to set minimum and maximum transaction levels, and most importantly the opportunity to steer customers toward cheaper forms of payment. q

MNLA is on

he Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association has expanded its marketing and web presence to Facebook. Not familiar with Facebook? It’s a free social networking service that allows members to connect. e new MNLA Facebook page provides us with an engaging and participatory platform to update you on MNLA events along with updates from MNLA staff about what’s happening in the office! On our Facebook page, you can contribute photos and comment about planned or past events on "e Wall".

Visit our Facebook page and select the text "Like" from the top right.

Not on Facebook? Join today and connect with other members of MNLA online. q

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GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS | The Scoop

Of Course Talk Politics!

By Nick Tamble, Lawn & Landscape Gardens ccasionally I come across people who say they don’t talk politics.

Ironically, it is this same group who offer negative feedback about government and the political system. Granted, a system that caters to over 5 million people (in our state) cannot possibly please every resident – or can it? Nevertheless, it is our right and duty as contributing citizens to help provide direction for our state and industry.

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It is for reasons like this, that you should talk politics. Maybe you feel that chemicals like these should be banned or restricted under different circumstances.

Maybe what you know needs to be heard. This example of industry politics is just one topic that affects fellow industry professionals, and quite possibly you.

"It is our right and duty as contributing citizens to help provide direction for our state and industry."

The ramifications of not talking politics may sneak up when least expected, and when you weren’t looking, a law was passed and now you’re affected. The New York State Senate approved the Foley bill recently that would ban pesticides, fertilizers and insecticides from public and private schools, playgrounds and athletic fields (Headline News 4/26/10). Although this seems to be a “New York issue,” other states that have similar interests can and will follow suit, when the road has been paved.

Let’s use this Foley bill for example.

Consider your business operation. Do you apply fertilizers to residential and commercial lawn? Maybe you use an insecticide on your bedding plants to prevent disease. If what you do is related to pesticides, fertilizers and insecticides, there is a strong chance that if a bill like this passes, you will be affected…eventually. Now I’m not implying that it is good business practice to douse a driveway with Round-Up to kill stray weeds; but under the right circumstances, can some of these products be used as a benefit?

Have you heard the phrase: “You cannot complain if you didn’t vote?” To me this means: Talk politics. There are systems in place at the MNLA to help keep you abreast of the current topics as well as educational resources to help build your confidence in the political arena. Visit the MNLA Biz website at: http://mnla.biz/legislative-center/ and click on Secrets for Citizen Lobbyists.

No, this doesn’t mean you have to wear a coat and tie and hang out at the Capitol all day; but this is a useful, step by step reference for understanding the legislative process, the state budget, communicating with legislators and more. Government officials are elected citizens. There is no us and them, only us and us.

Let’s help us become the strongest industry and state we know how…whatever the outcome may be! q ________________________________ Nick Tamble is a member of the MNLA Government Affairs Committee and can be reached at nick@llgardens.com.

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june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | CERTIFICATION

Certification Training Magic from the Manual: The Multiple Roles of the Plant Hormone Ethylene

By Dr. Terry Ferriss, UW-River Falls pring brings attention to plant quality issues as greenhouse and nursery products are shipped and enter the retail markets. During production, the plant hormone ethylene, C2H4, is commonly used to enhance the branching and quality of many herbaceous annuals entering the market and yet it can also be the specific cause of deterioration of quality during shipping.

The multiple responses to the exposure of plants to ethylene are indicative of the complexity reflective of the multiple roles that ethylene plays as a major plant hormone.

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Ethylene (C2H4) is a water-soluble gas that is naturally produced by all plants. There are desirable and undesirable plant responses to ethylene.

Ethylene is known as the “Ripening Hormone” as it promotes ripening of fruits as well as senescence of flowers and other plant parts. Ripe fruits and plants under stress release increased levels of ethylene. Injured plants and plants bending and swaying in the wind also release ethylene as a “wound response.”

Ethylene released from moving plant parts causes a stem thickening and dwarfing response. This is noticeable in un-staked trees in the nursery as well as in plants on the edges of greenhouse benches where the leaves are constantly rubbed or touched. Frequently brushing

tomato seedlings with a soft brush attached to a watering boom will release wound ethylene and help to limit seedling height prior to sales.

Avoiding the deleterious effects of ethylene is a major concern during the post harvest handling and shipment of floricultural crops and herbaceous plant material. Ethylene can cause leaf, bud and flower abscission, epinasty, early flower senescence, and leaf yellowing.

Ethylene build-up and exposure during shipping is of great concern. Shipping or storing floriculture products with fruits should always be avoided. The exhaust from vehicles is another major source of ethylene that needs to be avoided.

Diseased bulbs and dead leaf litter can also release significant levels of ethylene.

Plants stored or shipped in boxes and/or plant sleeves can accumulate ethylene in the shipping packaging resulting in severe plant injury. Leaving plants in the packing sleeves for extended periods of time can result in ethylene damage. As the branches are flexed upwards during sleeving, the plants give off ethylene as a wound response to the bending. The ethylene levels can then rise within the sleeve during shipping, resulting in damage. Sleeve as close to shipping as possible and remove the sleeves as soon as possible after delivery to avoid injury.

Poinsettias are especially susceptible to injury in this manner.

Examples of deleterious post-harvest exposure to ethylene include: flower bud abscission in Thanksgiving Cactus, hibiscus and other flowering plants, epinasty of poinsettia petioles, flower closing in kalanchoe, and leaf yellowing and flower shattering in geraniums.

Proper ventilation, avoidance of ripening or senescencing plant material, cooler temperatures in transit, and the use of potassium permanganate filters are possible means to limit ethylene damage during shipping.

Silver thiosulfate (STS) and EthylBloc are compounds that inhibit ethylene synthesis in the plant. STS can be sprayed on geranium blossoms when they show 25% color. STS can also be used in the holding water of cut flowers to extend vase life. Ethyl-Bloc is a gaseous compound that is also used in cut flower post harvest applications by wholesalers and retailers to block ethylene production.

Ironically, ethylene also produces several beneficial effects on plants, of which several are used commercially.

Ethylene in its gaseous form is hard to apply, however, ethephon, a liquid form is sold as Ethrel and Florel. Upon spraying these products on a plant, ethylene is produced inside the plant tissue. Uses of ethephon include the following: 1. Promote flowering in Bromeleaceae.

2. Abort early flowers on New Guinea Impatiens.

3. Defoliate Hydrangeas prior to cooling.

4. Manage height control in bedding plants.

5. Increase the number of lateral branches and uniformity of branching on herbaceous crops.

Many growers pinch poinsettias, mums, geraniums, or other herbaceous flowering plants and then 24 hours later, spray them with an ethephon product to

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improve the branching response of the crop. The result is not only more branches but the branches that form are more uniform in length which makes the plant picture more appealing to the consumer.

Ethylene is an important plant hormone that can be an asset if managed properly. q ________________________________________________ Terry Ferriss is a member of the MNLA Certification Committee and can be reached at terry.l.ferriss@uwrf.edu. *Certification Training Magic from the Manual is a monthly article written by the MNLA Certification Committee as a study tool for the MNLA Certification Exam. Information from these articles is taken directly from the chapter in the MNLA Certification Manual. It is an outline and does not replace studying the entire chapter in the manual.

Sample Exam Questions: True/False 1. T F STS is labeled to be used to block ethylene synthesis and thereby inhibit early senescence in cut owers and potted geraniums.

2. T F Ethephon / Florel / Ethrel products will inhibit leaf drop in plants.

3. T F When plants respond to ethylene and/or herbicides by a curling under of the leaves and petioles it is called epinasty.

Answers (1-T; 2-F; 3-T) Multiple Choice (select the one best answer)

1. Ethylene is commonly used in the horticulture industry for: a. Seed germination b. Promote branching on herbaceous crops c. Inhibit senescence on annual color pots d. Root stimulator at transplanting e. Inhibiting transpiration during shipping ANSWER: B (Ethylene stimulates branching in herbaceous plants and is normally applied 24 hours after a pinch. Ethylene also promotes more uniform development of the lateral branches resulting in improved plant form and a higher quality plant.)

2. Which practice should be avoided when shipping bedding plants in the spring. a. Water within an hour prior to shipping so the plants will not wilt b. Sleeve potted plant materials as close to shipping time as possible even though it may require additional labor allocated to the activity c. Hold boxes of petunia plugs in the headhouse rather than on the tarmac at the airport to avoid ethylene injury d. Groom the plants before shipping to prevent ethylene build-up from dead plant debris e. Verify that the shipment matches the pull order ANSWER: A (watering too close to shipment increases weight; causes excess moisture in closed compartments which can lead to promotion of diseases) june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | CERTIFICATION

It’s Spring!! What a Perfect Time to Begin Studying For the MNLA Certification Exam (Reprinted from June 2008)

By Laurie Robinson, Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

pring in the green industry is a time of great excitement. It is marvelous to watch plants come back to life as you anticipate all you will see this season. It is also a time of busy schedules of selling, planting, designing and installing landscapes. If you are thinking of taking the MNLA Certification Exam in 2011, it’s time to start preparing.

As you go through the tasks of your job, think about what you are doing. Look at the steps you take to complete your task and why each is significant. If you think past what you are doing and ask yourself why, you are gaining insight. Be aware of what is going on and look at plants and the landscape. What is going on?

Plant Growth and Characteristics – As I write, Royal Star Magnolia is in full flower. In the next month, trees, shrubs, perennials and roses will leaf out and flower. This is the time to look at both leaf and flower structures. Are the leaves opposite or alternate on the stem? What color is the new growth? When did the flowers appear and what is the color? When did the leaves emerge? What is the earliest Crabapple to bloom? When do the lilac buds begin to swell? When is new growth evident for perennials and when do flowers appear? Ask yourself what physiological changes happened before the flower or leaf emerges. What caused these changes?

Plant Varieties – Comparing different genus and species is a great method to learn morphology. How are the bud characteristics different for Maples? How are the leaves of a Sugar Maple different from a Red Maple? How are they similar? How are Maples different from Oaks? How are Potentillas different from Spireas? Look at buds, leaves, bark, new growth, mature branches and trunk, color of each part and you will see differences. Learn both the botanical and common names. Which flower before the leaves emerge?

Plant Production – What is the correct method of propagation for a variety? What is the timing of this process?

How do you prepare? What soil type is appropriate for different growing methods (bareroot, B & B)? What is the schedule for growing and what equipment, resources and labor are needed?

What resources are needed for container production? What are the benefits and drawbacks? What is the appropriate container media? What are the fertilizer and irrigation requirements for bareroot and container growing? When and how do you prune different varieties and why is timing important? How does the weather affect these functions of production?

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The Scoop | NORTHERN GREEN EXPO

Act Quickly to Secure Best Exhibit Spaces! he Northern Green Expo will return to the Minneapolis Convention Center on Jan. 5-7, 2011. e first round of booth assignments is complete and exhibit sales have been stronger than expected. Approximately 70 percent of the show floor is already sold.

Excellent booth locations are still available – but the sooner you act, the better location you can grab! To view the trade show map which shows both assigned and available booths, go to www.NorthernGreenExpo.org and click on the “exhibitors only” section. You can also download an exhibit contract from the website or contact Betsy Pierre at betsy@pierreproductions.com or 763-295-5420.

“New” is the cornerstone word for the 2011 Green Expo. e trade show layout is new; the education and trade show schedule will be new, Expo promotion will be new including a new program format; and the lobby layout will be new. Watch for news on other changes coming soon. q

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Continued from page 22 Plant Health, Disease and Insects – What is the diagnostic procedure for solving problems? What is the general health of the plant? Look for disease and insect damage - are you sure it is disease or insect damage? Is it disease caused by an insect?

What is the plant variety? What is the causal agent? Fungus, bacteria, insect damage or environmental? What environmental conditions are happening now or in the past? Do you see the Disease Triangle here? What is the proper treatment for this damage? Remove plant? What is the threshold for insect damage? What are the cultural practices for the site? Are there soil problems? What changes do you make for better plant health?

Plant Selection and Planting – Take the time to appreciate the different elements in the landscape. How do you plant a tree? A shrub? Why is this process important? Does the site meet the cultural requirements of the plant? What is the mature size and shape of the plant? Does it fit the site? What is the soil type and condition? What are the water and light requirements of the plant?

Landscape Management – What is the management plan?

When do you prune a certain variety and why is this important? What is the soil condition? What are fertilizer needs and when to apply? What improvements are required and why?

How is plant health of the site?

Landscape Design – How do the concepts listed above work in the landscape to create and organize the outdoor environment? What materials bring out the beauty of plants and organize the landscape? What structures create a functional

and aesthetic aspect? What are the site requirements of the materials and structures? How do design principles work in the site? How does this meet the needs of the customer?

Garden Center – How are product knowledge, communication, and problem solving working? Why is it important? Does selection of plants and supporting merchandise endorse customer needs and trends? How does the pricing strategy fit the market and provide profits? Does the flow and display entice customer’s curiosity? Are promotions well displayed, priced and catching? Is the staff educated, informed and given the tools needed to provide excellent service?

This may seem overwhelming but this is the tip of the iceberg. Do not despair! This is to set you in the right direction for learning. Look to the nursery professionals you work with for information and direction. Keep working on this as plants and the industry changes into fall. It is imperative that you know plants in both the green and dormant stages of growth.

How do all aspects of the landscape bring it all together and support plants?

You most likely specialize in an area listed above so concentrate in that direction. Even though you specialize, you still need a general core of plant knowledge and how it all works together. All the aspects of the green industry assist to support plant life in a functional and aesthetic way.

Good Luck. Have a great growing season. q ________________________________________________ Laurie Robinson is a member of the MNLA Certification Committee and can be reached at laurie.robinson@baileynursery.com.

june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | GARDEN CENTER

Get Inspired on Summer Garden Center Tour!

By Judy Zierden, Bailey Nurseries, Inc. on't miss this year's MNLA Garden Center Tour on Thursday, August 5th. Sign up today at www.MNLA.biz.

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I get so inspired at all the fabulous garden centers we stop at and educated on the bus ride. I don’t know which part of the tour I enjoy more. Ok, so, for those of you who know me, it would be the networking!

What a great break this is and I love talking to everyone. We find out just how the season has been going. We get different ideas from everything we see.

From display gardens, store fixtures, signage, to how the lots are laid out, there is always something to learn from every garden center we stop at. We learn about things that haven’t worked as well

as we planned, ideas that just plain flopped, or about promotions that worked incredibly well.

It's so much fun to share experiences we’ve had with that favorite customer, the one you would love to never see in your store again, or the couple that came in to buy a few things, and you sold them an entire landscape!

This year is going to be another great line up. We are going back to having the

tour in August, and it's going to include guest speakers!

We’ll start at Gerten’s, then off to Southview Garden Center. For lunch, we will be at Bailey's Display Garden where Alec Charais from Bailey Nursery, will join us and talk about the latest merchandizing trends and the importance of signage. On the bus, Extension Marketing Specialist Karl Foord will be talking about the impact displays and signage have on your customers, how it caused that lady to buy your plants, and if there is a difference between male and female shoppers.

Then we will travel down to Red Wing to visit Hallstrom’s Greenhouses and Garden Center. When we get to Sargent's Nursery, Suzette Nordstrom from Monrovia will show us the impact you can create with fabulous displays.

And just so Garden Center Committee Chair Jeff Pilla from Bachman’s doesn’t feel left out, we’ll let him have the final words and get everybody talking on the way back.

Hope to see you there. It should be a great day! q ________________________________ Judy Zierden is a member of the MNLA Garden Center Committee and can be reached at judy.zierden@baileynursery.com.

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2010 LANDSCAPE DESIGN TOUR July 29, 2010 | 8:00am—3:30pm | Minneapolis & St. Paul

Wondering how to design in those tight urban spaces? Join your colleagues to tour eight design sites in the metro area. The stops are sure to inspire and the event will provide great networking opportunities. Bring back ideas to implement in your own designs and share your ideas with your peers!

Tour stops will include (in no particular order): ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !

Silflow Residence, Roseville—Designed by Energyscapes, Inc. Endres Residence, St. Paul—Designed by Tangletown Gardens, LLC Hoeschler Residence, St. Paul—Maintained by Fleming Design Historic Davern Farmstead, St. Paul—Designed by Tangletown Gardens, LLC Nilles Residence, St. Paul—Designed by Field Outdoor Spaces Bahara Residence, Minneapolis—Designed by biota—a Landscape Design + Build Firm Sheridan Ave. Residence—Designed by Temenos Garden Services with Urban Escapes Baldus Residence—Designed by TerraVista Landscape and Design LLC

More information and site descriptions available online at www.MNLA.biz!

2010 GARDEN CENTER TOUR August 5, 2010 | 9:00am—3:30pm | Inver Grove Heights, West St. Paul and Red Wing

Join your colleagues to tour several garden centers in Inver Grove Heights, West St. Paul and Red Wing including Gertens, Southview Garden Center, Sargent’s Nursery, Inc. and Hallstrom Florist and Greenhouses. The stops are sure to excite horticultural enthusiasts and the event will provide great networking opportunities. Bring back ideas to implement at your own garden center and share your ideas with your peers!

New this year: There will be short sessions and featured speakers at different locations on the tour!

TREES AND SHRUBS FOR THE LANDSCAPE September 15, 2010 | 9:00am—2:30pm | Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska

Come and hear from local experts about new and interesting trees and shrubs for the Minnesota landscape followed by tours of the U of M Horticultural Research Center and MN Landscape Arboretum. Seminar topics will include: ! What’s New with Woodies for 2011—Debbie Lonnee, Bailey Nurseries, Inc. ! Recent Introductions from the Landscape Plant Development Center—Harold Pellett, LPDC ! The Positives and Negatives of Several Ash Replacements—Tim Vogel, Bailey Nurseries, Inc. More details and registration for these and other programs available online at www.MNLA.biz or call 651.633.4987!

Sponsorships are available for these seminars. Call Betsy at 952-903-0505 or e-mail betsy@pierreproductions.com.

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CREDIT MANAGEMENT TIPS FOR THE GREEN INDUSTRY September 28, 2010 | 10:00am—2:00pm | Bailey Nurseries, Inc., Newport

Are you frustrated with not getting paid? Come and learn tips to lending credit and collections! Two local lawyers will be present to discuss your options. Topics will include: ! Using a credit application to help ensure you get paid. ! Determining when to grant customer credit and how to secure your payment and collect when necessary. ! Roundtable discussions: Learn from your peers—what’s working and what’s not!

PORTFOLIO DESIGN AND PRESENTATION October 7, 2010 | 8:00am—5:00pm | Radisson Hotel, Roseville

8:00am – 9:30am: Introductory Lecture The latest examples of visual communications for architecture/design are included in a 1.5-hour slide lecture presentation. The slide lecture and portfolio workshop include sample portfolios gathered from leading design schools and architecture offices around the country, Canada, Europe, and Asia.

9:30am – 5:00pm: Hands-on Portfolio Workshop (includes working lunch) The workshop portion of this seminar is dedicated to developing effective layout designs for the students’ portfolios using examples of design course work and/or office-related projects with standard and custom layout design formats. Students have the opportunity to prepare rehearsal portfolio layout designs using a combination of photocopies of their work, text materials, prints from the computer, and/or digital layout design software (InDesign, Quark, Photoshop) with standard (grids) in the layout process.

Instructor: Professor Harold Linton presently serves as director of the School of Art, College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia. Publications include: Portfolio Design, Graphic Design Portfolio Strategies for Print and Digital Media, and Portfolio Design for INTERIORS.

NORTHERN GREEN EXPO 2011 January 5-7, 2011 | Minneapolis Convention Center

Mark your calendar for the largest gathering of green industry professionals in the region. Three days filled with over 85 seminars on topics from plants to marketing, and a central meeting place for vendors and buyers on the exhibit hall floor.

Plan to attend and put your business on the right track for 2011!

More details and registration for these and other programs available online at www.MNLA.biz or call 651.633.4987!

Sponsorships are available for these seminars. Call Betsy at 952-903-0505 or e-mail betsy@pierreproductions.com. june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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THe SCOOP | MINNESOTA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

June Classes at the Minnesota State Horticultural Society lasses are sponsored by the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, but are held at various locations, as noted. Enrollment is limited, and pre-registration is requested. To register, call 651-643-3601 or 800-676-6747, ext 211.

Create a Cast Bird Bath Tuesday, June 15 or June 22, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. $40 for members, $50 for nonmembers. Location: Muriel Sahlin Arboretum, Roseville Central Park, 2525 North Dale St., Roseville.

Create a beautiful and functional cast bird bath out of cement using a rhubarb, hosta or burdock leaf. All materials included, but be sure to "dress for mess." You will pick up your birdbath after it has dried on Friday June 18th between 1 and 4 p.m. It will be ready for you to paint. You can purchase a rustic stand for your birdbath, and pick it up on Friday. Cost for the stand is $25, and must be paid for at Tuesday’s class.

Instructors: Sally Lehn and Charlie Johnson of "Garden Treasures."

Together they have five years of experience teaching and creating all kinds of treasures for your garden.

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Zucchini & Summer Squash— Ways to Prepare, What to Pick Saturday, June 19, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Free. Minneapolis Farmers Market, 312 East Lyndale Avenue, Minneapolis.

Instructor: Marty Bergland is a lifelong gardener and Master Gardener in Wright County. She is owner of Heirloom House-MN and co-owner of Grow-Harvest-Eat. Invite a Toad to Your Garden Saturday, June 19, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. $15 per child, ages 12 and under. Location: Mickman Brothers, 14630 Highway 65, Ham Lake.

Grow With Kids Club—Wondering what to give dad for Father's Day? A toad house! Bring in the kids to build a toad house out of recycled materials and moss then learn about which insects are good for your garden. A "ladybug release" and a story about a toad will finish up the fun. All materials are provided as well as lemonade and treats. Adult supervision required. Instructor: Diane Lee designs for the wreath division at Mickman Brothers, as well as having her own decorating/special event business Creative EASE. q

The Scoop | MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM

Arboretum Gardening School 2010 magine learning gardening techniques from expert instructors in one of the state’s largest and most spectacular outdoor classrooms — over 1,000 acres of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Through lectures, demonstrations, onsite garden visits and hands-on activities, the Arboretum’s Gardening School provides opportunities for lifelong learning on a full range of topics, indoors and out.

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Classes are seasonal, allowing you to take the knowledge, tips and techniques you learn and immediately apply them in your own garden. Each class series is held on four consecutive Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the arboretum. Single Classes: $30 for Arboretum members; $40 for non-members.

To register, call 952-443-1422 or visit www.arboretum.umn.edu/learn.aspx SESSION 4: PLANTING IN LATE SPRING Vegetable Garden Basics Saturday, June 5; 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Snyder Classroom 2 Grow your own fresh food. Learn the what, where, when and how about vegetable gardening. Larry Cipolla has been gardening for over 40 years. His 30’ x 50’ garden includes a wide variety of vegetables. His gardens have been featured in magazines, newspapers and television.

Gardening with Herbs Saturday, June 12; 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Azalea Classroom – Oswald Visitor Center Herbs have been used for centuries in many cultures for fragrance, medicine, flavoring food, and garden designs. Learn which annual and perennial herbs are suitable for Minnesota,

how to grow them in your garden, sources for purchase, and more. Shirley Mah Kooyman is a botanist, teacher and gardener.

The Moonlight Garden: Creating a Luminous Landscape Saturday, June 19; 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Azalea Classroom – Oswald Visitor Center Gain additional appreciation and enjoyment from your garden long after the sun has set. An evening moonlight garden is more than white flowers. Learn how texture, form, color, and variegation of leaves can add a special shimmer to the evening garden and help brighten a dark corner of the garden. Shirley Mah Kooyman is a botanist, teacher and gardener.

Stonescaping: The Building Blocks of Your landscape Saturday, June 26; 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Azalea Classroom – Visitor Center Stone is often overused, ill placed, or improperly selected for a particular setting in the home landscape. Learn how to build the ‘skeleton’ of your garden in its many forms, including stone walls and fences to complement the home and garden. Daniel Dix is owner of WoodSpirit Gardens located in Backus, Minnesota.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest and a premier northern arboretum, is part of the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and serves as a community and national resource for horticultural and environmental information, research, and public education. It is located nine miles west of I-494 on Highway 5 in Chanhassen. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer and educator. The Arboretum is disability accessible; the buildings and terraces are smoke free. q

june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Raise Your Standards

By Jeffrey Scott hat are the successful companies doing to make their companies profitable?

Recently I worked with some very successful and profitable landscape/lawn/tree companies – and I see a trend in what separates the very profitable (and faster growing) from the less profitable (and more laggard) companies.

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It boils down to standards. The owner or leader has very high standards.

It is said: “Success leaves clues.” As I look for the clues in the companies I consult with and lead in my peer groups, the biggest clue I see is the culture, as driven by the standards of the owner.

Where do high standards come from?

His or her standards are not based on industry benchmarks, nor are they based heavily on what they are seeing the company next door do. These companies are often following their own internal compass for what should be doable and reachable.

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Sometimes these standards evolve, from seeing what doesn’t work in other companies.

Sometimes these standards evolve by rubbing shoulders with other achievement-minded peers.

Examples of high standards.

PROACTIVITY. The handholding and proactivity is unique. Whether commercial or residential, the client isn’t left wondering what is happening, because the contractor is reaching out to them before work is done and not waiting till after the fact. Most companies communicate reactively; the better companies have systems and culture and attitudes in place to communicate proactively, even during the craziness of the season.

LISTENING. The listening is stellar.

The companies seem to have an uncanny ability to listen and hear what the client wants, and takes care of what is being asked for.

PLANNING. The Installation jobs are planned in detail. The jobs are preplanned so that they can be executed correctly, the first time, without mistake or

go-backs. The owner or leader demands a high level of preparedness.

QUALITY. The finished product speaks for itself and exactly meets the customers’ needs. The employees are proud of the work they do, and they are reaching a standard they are not normally asked to reach in the other parts of their lives. They go to work because they love to associate with a company with such high standards and high integrity.

RESPONSIBILITY. The crew chiefs work at a higher level. At other companies they may work at a foreman level, but at these companies they are asked to get the work done at a level of project manager. It takes training, technology, and good planning – but it is this standard that is considered the norm at these companies.

What sets these companies apart?

They don’t follow the leader; they set the lead.

Why do some companies have live phone answering and others use voice mail? Why do some (that are using voice mail) return phone calls in 2 hours, while others take 2 days?

Why do some companies always have their trucks clean, and others are only clean for 1 hour a week, or not at all?

of his comprehensive clients. He kept a running check list and made sure that by the end of the year he had magically touched each and every client. Retention and referrals skyrocket when this is done.)

Why do some companies need 8 minutes to get ready and leave the yard in the morning, and others companies need 28 minutes?

The way these high-standard companies operate reminds me of how I imagine the Marines operate. When you join the marines, you are asked to reach standards you never thought possible. And you do. You reach high standards that you might not normally hit in your everyday life.

Ask yourself the following questions: Are you setting the lead in your community for what is considered acceptable quality? One medium-sized company I work with sets warranty standards five times as high as his competition. He is the leader among his competition, and his prospects discover this when they shop around.

Do you ask your team to reach seemingly impossible goals, and then lead them to do it? One larger company I know made over 10,000 cold calls last winter; no one had ever done this before, but they did it.

Are you staying in touch with your clients on a personal basis, no matter how much you grow? (When running my company, my division manager would reach out and personally wow all 250

How do you raise your standards?

1. Work for or be mentored by someone with high standards.

2. Rub shoulders with others – within or outside your industry – with high standards.

3. Read up on and study those with high standards.

4. Remove from your inner circle those with lower standards.

To raise your standards, surround yourself with others who are striving to raise their standards—and yours will rise too. To learn specific steps you can take to raise your standards, email me at Jeff@JeffreyScott.biz. q _________________________________________________ About the author: Jeffrey Scott is an author, speaker and greenindustry business consultant. He facilitates peer groups for landscape professionals who want to transform and profitably grow their business. To learn how your peers are growing their companies visit www.GetTheLeadersEdge.com. He also wrote two helpful books for the green industry, The Referral Advantage, and The Leader’s Edge. Download the first chapters for FREE at www.jeffreyscott.biz/books.html.

Wholesale Distributors of: • Borgert Products Concrete Pavers & Walls • Hardscape products • Edging • Mulch • Anchors • Geogrid • Geotextile Fabrics • Landscape Fabric • Posts & Poles • Drain Pipe New from Borgert: Cracovia Paving Stones

Three locations to better serve you:

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Southwest Metro Yard

Northeast Metro Yard

Northwest Metro Yard

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651-766-7498 Fax: 651-766-7601 2385 English St. St. Paul, MN 55109

763-493-5150 Fax: 763-493-5016 4105 85th Ave. N. Brooklyn Park, MN 5544

june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | SAFETY

Roadcheck Set for June 8-10: Are Your Vehicles Ready? oadcheck is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial vehicles in the world, with approximately 14 trucks or buses being inspected, on average, every minute from Canada to Mexico during a 72hour period in early June. Each year, approximately 10,000 CVSA-certified local, state, provincial and federal inspectors at 1,500 locations across North America perform the truck and bus inspections. Roadcheck is one of a series of activities that occur year round whereby CVSA-certified inspectors conduct compliance, enforcement and educational initiatives targeted at various elements of motor carrier, vehicle, driver and cargo safety and security. (Source: e Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance -www.cvsa.org/programs/int_roadcheck.aspx) Dates: June 8-10, 2010 Facts: Last year (2009) over 70,000 vehicles were inspected, of those nearly 20% were placed out of service for mechanical problems.

A Deeper Shade of Green Local Genetic Origins

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Native Minnesota Woody & Herbaceous (651) 438-2771 • Fax (651) 438-3816

www.outbacknursery.com

Call us first for all your native planting needs

Make sure you’re in compliance! q

! d e v o M e v ’ e W

Fireside Hearth & Home 7937 Wedgewood Lane N • Maple Grove, MN 55369 Phone 763-425-9656 • Fax 763-425-9654 e-mail olearyj@hearthnhome.com www.fireside.com june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | MDA UPDATE

MDA Offers New Homeowner Guide for EAB Treatment he Minnesota Department of Agriculture has published a new handout entitled “Emerald Ash Borer: Homeowner Guide to Insecticide Selection, Use, and Environmental Protection.” e 4-page handout includes the following information: • Facts to consider before using an insecticide such as the proximity of EAB, whether replacing trees is a better option than treatment, and timing of treatments.

• Recommendations for hiring professionals to determine treatment options, especially for large trees.

• Outline of the common products used by professionals • Outline of the common products available to homeowners.

• Recommendations for protecting water quality.

• Making sense of insecticide labels.

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e handout also offers guidance for measuring trees to help determine if a homeowner should treat a tree on their own or hire a professional. ere are lists of online resources from MDA, the University of Minnesota, USDA, DNR, and others.

MNLA recommends that all green industry professionals review this document and have it available for your customers.

A link to the handout can be found at www.MNLA.biz.

“EAB has cost the green industry millions of dollars because of the devaluation of ash nursery stock. It’s unfortunate that 36

www.MNLA.biz | june 2010

the market for ash trees in our area has been virtually eliminated since this has been an important shade tree option for many years,” said MNLA Executive Director Bob Fitch. e other side of the coin is that treatment for EAB, removal of ash trees, and planting of new trees offers profit opportunities for arborists, tree care services, nurseries, landscape management firms, garden centers, landscape contractors and others.

“In today’s tough economic times, it’s tempting to take advantage of the EAB situation by pushing homeowners into choices that may or may not be the best option,” Fitch said.

“Remember that a truly successful business is one that is ethical and practices high standards of professionalism. Sell quality plants, practice high standards of workmanship, and carry the correct licenses. Fairly evaluate a consumer’s situation and provide the best advice on treating or removing an ash tree – even if it means saying that no immediate action is necessary.” q

SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT | The Scoop

What’s All The Fuss Over Those Shoreline Weeds? he Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) growing emphasis on maintaining and improving fish habitat provides a broad framework to guide policies and practices. But where the rubber really meets the road is where the water meets the land – and most of that is private property. at means much of the responsibility for maintaining healthy fisheries falls to lakeshore owners and the guidance of the DNR’s Aquatic Plant Management program (APM). e APM program sets standards for the management of aquatic vegetation and establishes permit requirements for removing plants growing below the ordinary high water line. It works to strike a balance between preserving aquatic vegetation and allowing lakeshore property owners reasonable access to and use of the water.

“Some folks wonder what’s the fuss over all those weeds along their shoreline,” said Sean Sisler, DNR metro area APM specialist. “But a weed to one person is, to a fish, a home, a nursery and a grocery store. Get rid of all the ‘weeds’ and you’re also eliminating what the fish need to survive and thrive.”

Many of Minnesota’s most sought-after fish species depend heavily on aquatic vegetation throughout their life histories.

Yellow perch, northern pike, muskellunge, panfish, and bass all depend on aquatic vegetation to provide food, spawning

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habitat, and nursery areas. Juvenile fish of most species feed on small crustaceans and insects that are abundant in stands of aquatic vegetation. Waterfowl, frogs, muskrats and numerous other critters also rely on shoreline plants for habitat.

But the value of healthy aquatic vegetation extends beyond fish and wildlife. Aquatic plants help reduce erosion from wind and waves. eir roots stabilize shoreline. ey improve water quality by preventing the re-suspension of lake sediment and by taking up nutrients that can cause algae blooms.

Because of their value to a lake’s ecosystem, aquatic plants growing in public waters are considered state property under Minnesota law, and their removal is regulated.

Lakeshore property owners generally may clear up to 2,500 square feet of submerged vegetation (e.g. coontail and elodea) to allow for boat docking or a swimming area, provided the area cleared extends no more than 50 feet along the shoreline, or one-half the shoreline, whichever is less. A boat channel 15 feet wide may be cleared through floating leaf vegetation (e.g. waterlilies) to allow boaters to reach open water.

Any removal of emergent vegetation, such as cattails or bulrushes, requires a permit, as does the application of any chemical herbicide or the use of an automated mechanical plant control device, such as a weedroller. q

june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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Take Pictures for Your Landscape Awards Entry Now! ow is a great time to get started on your 2011 MNLA Landscape Awards application. Here are some steps to take as you prepare your award-winning entry.

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1. Download the new 2011 Landscape Awards application from www.MNLA.biz.

2. Take your photos NOW when your landscape is in top form.

Consult the application for photo guidelines before clicking away.

3. Consider hiring a professional photographer to get maximum impact from your photos, and then

using those images in your own marketing as well!

4. Write your one page summary while the project is fresh in your mind.

5. Talk to your clients to make sure they are willing to sign the property owner permission form in the application.

6. Finally, review the award application carefully to ensure you have a complete understanding of all the elements required for submission.

Download a Landscape Awards application on MNLA.biz and begin preparing your entry now! q

MNLA members receive the PLANET member discount when ordering from their catalog!

The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) publishes a catalog with a wealth of professional resources on topics including: • Business • Training/Safety • Plants • Turf • Spanish resources • Sales/Marketing • Design/Estimating Contact Mary at MNLA for more information at 651-633-4987 or mary@MNLA.biz.

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SHOOTOUT

!

Largest Pine Bark Supply in MN!

Pine Products, Inc. - Waconia, MN

952-442-5988 - www.pineproductsinc.com june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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GOLF EVENT

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

20th Annual Widmer Golf Tournament U OF M GOLF COURSE • JULY 27, 2010 12:30 P.M. • SHOTGUN START • SCRAMBLE

SPONSORS RECEIVE: • Tee box signage at your sponsored hole or signage at your sponsored event.

• One free lunch ticket and one free dinner ticket.

• Recognition in The Scoop following the golf event.

Contact Name___________________________________ Company Name__________________________________ Address_________________________________________ City, State, Zip___________________________________ Phone:_________________________________________ Fax: ___________________________________________ E-mail:_________________________________________ Authorized Signature: _____________________________________Date:_________ MNLA FOUNDATION CONTACTS:

Betsy Pierre, Advertising Manager Phone: 952-903-0505 ext. 1 Email: betsy@pierreproductions.com

The Hackers for Horticulture &

Widmer Golf Tournament have combined into one super fun fundraising event! Last year, the 2009 MNLA Foundation golf event raised over $8,000 for horticultural research and education. This year’s event is your opportunity to be seen as a leader in the industry, supporting industry growth and advancement.

I’M INTERESTED IN SPONSORING: ☐ Hole ($300) ☐ Prize for Champion Team ($550) ☐ Prize for 2nd Place Team ($450) ☐ Prize for 3rd Place Team ($450) Contest Hole ($450)—Check preferred contest below: ☐ Longest Drive—Men ☐ Longest Drive—Women ☐ Closest to Pin ☐ Longest Putt ☐ Beverage Cart ($550) ☐ Golf Carts ($550) ☐ Goodie Cart* ($550) ☐ Golf Balls* ($150) ☐ Golf Tee Bag* ($150) ☐ Lunch ($300 shared) ☐ Lunch ($1,000 exclusive) ☐ Dinner ($500 shared) ☐ Dinner ($1750 exclusive) ☐ NEW: Create your own sponsorship (call to discuss) ☐ A prize* Item to be donated: ___________________________ Value $_________ *Sponsor supplies the item. If attending the golf event, please bring the prize donation with you. If not attending the golf event, please mail the donation to: MNLA Foundation Golf 1813 Lexington Avenue North Roseville, MN 55113

FAX FORM TO: 763-322-5011

june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | PUBLIC RELATIONS

2nd Annual PLANET Day of Service a Success LANET’s 2nd Annual PLANET Day of Service had another successful year. On April 22nd, there were more than 200 projects completed with over 3,000 participants in a total of 38 states and Canada. e types of projects showed much variety: landscaping elementary schools, city parks, courthouses, libraries, baseball fields, playgrounds, senior citizen homes, cleanup of rivers, lakes and streams, and creating vegetable gardens.

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ree MNLA members participated this year. Nine employees from Quercus Landscapes, Inc. in Shakopee cleaned up gardens at the historical Stans House in Shakopee, Minnesota. Plant shrubs and perennials were provided by the Scott County Historical Society. Brad Tabke, president of Quercus Landscapes, Inc., said, “Volunteerism and service to

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our community is an important part of why Quercus is successful and a huge part of our philosophy.” Five volunteers from Wild Ways To Garden of Annandale cleaned up the shores and access points of Lake John, while ten people from Landscape Renovations, Inc. in Afton completed a PLANET Day of Service volunteers project at from Quercus Landscapes, Inc. Central Park in Woodbury. q

GREENHOUSE & HERBACEOUS GROWERS | The Scoop

2010 California Spring Trials Report - Part I

By Carolyn Jones, BFG Plant Connection elcome to the 2010 California Spring Trials Report! Another year has gone by and it’s time to look at new varieties for 2011.

California Spring Trials (formerly Pack Trials) is the annual open house hosted by breeders and propagators to show off what they do best…create new varieties!

This year did not disappoint, and while there may be fewer new introductions than some years, there are some plants to get very excited about! We’ll run through the stops as I visited them, starting in Gilroy, near San Jose and finishing in Encinitas, near San Diego. Once again, this review will be in two parts, so please check out the July Scoop as well. Here we go……..

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DANZIGER “DAN” FLOWER FARM • Calibrachoa Noa™ Black Purple – this is a new color, very dark purple, and I really liked it.

Definitely adds a new option to the color pallet for calibrachoa.

Oro Farms - Petunia Movela Martha Washington Pink • Littletunia™ Dark Eyed Lady – there are several new colors in this line, but Dark Eyed Lady was a standout. It is white with very dark purple veining, almost black. It will be a nice contrast in a mixed container. Also interesting is Sweet Sherbert, whose flowers will remind you of perennial geraniums.

• Diascia Genta Raspberry – a nice new color in the Genta line. They also have a new Giant Pink, with larger flowers.

• Heuchera Kira™ - this is a new line for Danziger, hardy to zone 4, with 7 nice colors including Autumn Leaves, Sunset Green and Rain Forest.

ORO FARMS • Dahlia Decoretta – a new line of Dahlia that will compete with Dahlinova and Dahlietta, good for 4”

PSI - Verbena Estrella Voodoo Star

production. There are 5 colors in the series.

• Petunia Novela Martha Washington Pink – I picked this one because it is unusual. A pink and white bicolor double petunia with a swirl look. It will definitely catch a customer’s eye!

• Nemesia Nessie Plus – an upgrade to last year’s Nessie, this series of 5 colors has improved heat tolerance and is not as sensitive to bacteria and other disease.

PSI - Scaevola Suntastic® Yellow june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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• Note: Oro Farms line will be available rooted for 2011, through Mast Young Plants and through Oro. PLANT SOURCE INTERNATIONAL • Verbena Estrella Voodoo Star – a lovely new verbena that is a red and white star, but the white is more of a cream color,

Skagit - Sedum Elsie's Gold

AMERICAN TAKII • Canna Tropical™ Bronze Scarlet – this is the first bronze leaved canna from seed, with a scarlet flower and a dwarf habit.

American Takii - Canna Tropical™ Bronze Scarlet

giving the flowers a very soft look. This one is a standout! Bred by Westhoff.

• Scaevola Suntastic® Yellow - the first yellow scaevola! Flowers actually have yellow throats bleeding out to white. It flowers early and trails well for baskets and combos. Also bred by Westhoff.

• Elanos Geraniums – PSI will be carrying the entire line of Elanos from PAC for 2011.

Syngenta - Calibrachoa Callie® Orange Sunrise

Dummen - Petunia Potunia® Papaya

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SYNGENTA FLOWERS (includes Goldsmith Seeds) • Moonsong™ Marigold – this new variety is a 2011 AAS winner. It is an African type with deep orange color, good stem strength and tight heads that shed water easily.

• Picobella™ Petunia – 2 new colors in this line of mini petunia (Picobella™ replaces Fantasy), Rose Morn and Rose Star.

• Gerbera Autumn Colors™ - a beautiful new gerbera mix of reds, yellows, oranges and golds with semi-double flowers.

• Verbena Lanai® Strawberry and Cream – a new color in this popular line, with dark pink flowers

fading to white edges. Same great garden performance and disease resistance.

• Calibrachoa Callie® Orange Sunrise – this color replaces Callie® Sunrise, and has a stronger orange color, and a better habit • Note: Jamboree® Petunia series is gone and the best colors have been incorporated in the Sanguna® series. Tags will have both names for 2011.

GREENHEART FARMS • Balconia Rose Collection – a series of trailing, draping mini-type roses with showy flower clusters that will be great for containers and baskets. Hardy to zone 5, there are 5 colors in the pink family and a white. I really got excited about these!

SKAGIT GARDENS • Sedum ‘Thundercloud’ – this sedum mounds into a ball 810” high and get covered with soft,white flowers. It has interesting “rosette-type” foliage. Hardy to zone 4.

• Coreopsis Coloropsis™ - an annual coreopsis series that will bloom all summer, with threadleaf foliage. Flowers are bicolors. ‘Jive’ is dark red and white, ‘Salsa’ is red and yellow, and ‘Mambo’ is rose and white.

PLANT HAVEN • Sedum ‘Elsie’s Gold’ – a light yellow and green sport from Autumn Joy, this sedum has toothed foliage with yellow margins and is much more stable than other variegated

sedums on the market. Flowers are pink. Hardy to zone 3.

• Dahlia Mystic series – 2 new colors, ‘Mystic Enchantment’, with a bright red flower and the darkest foliage of the series, and ‘Mystic Haze’, with a flower streaked with red, orange and yellow.

GROLINK • Cuphea Mellow Yellow – a yellow Mexican heather!

DUMMEN • Begonia Dragone – beautiful new heimalis begonias with dark foliage and large flowers in lovely pastel colors. They are two weeks faster to flower.

• Petunia Potunia® Papaya – a new shade of orange with the same rounded, compact habit. There are 2 other new Potunia® colors, Pink, and Blackberry Vein. Potunia® Piccola is a new series with smaller flowers and the same round habit. New colors are Pink Vein and Blue Vein.

• Euphorbia StarDust White Sparkle – a new euphorbia with flower power! The display plants were absolutely loaded with flowers!

Obviously, it was a great trip this year! When you are passionate about plants, there is always so much to get excited about! Please remember to check back in your July issue for the second half of the 2010 Spring Trials Report. q ________________________________________________ Carolyn Jones is a member of the MNLA Greenhouse & Herbaceous Growers Committee and can be reached at cjones@bfgsupply.com.

june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | PUBLIC RELATIONS

High-Quality Content for Your Customers, Part 3

By Jon Horsman, MNLA Communications Director The Mission: Help members GardenMinnesota.com, Garden Minnesota Yearbook, and Tips & Clips eNews exist to help MNLA members operate their businesses more successfully by effectively reaching the public with MNLA’s message.

The Strategy: Provide great content Our main tactic is to build the MNLA and GardenMinnesota brands by helping consumers get accurate and helpful plant, landscape, and environmental information and inspirational ideas. e positive feeling generated by receiving the high-quality info and ideas builds brand equity and helps all MNLA members. Oftentimes, consumers implicitly trust information that comes through a non-profit

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organization like MNLA. It always helps when you feel you are getting unbiased information. We are grateful to members of the Publications Committee, who write for all the GardenMinnesota branded publications: website, magazine, and eNews.

Garden Minnesota Yearbook For the first time, the main articles in Garden Minnesota Yearbook were written by members of the Publications Committee. For a sample of their work, check out the link to the online version of Garden Minnesota Yearbook on the home page of

GardenMinnesota.com. “e Integrated Landscape” shows homeowners how design can unify living spaces, and gives great vision of how thinking globally when planning your yard will yield better results than an ad hoc approach.

“Perennials Beyond Floral Color” beckons the reader to appreciate wonderful foliage, while “Good Replacements for Ash Trees” features photos of northern-tested trees and a message of diversity in planting. Your customers will be inspired by reading this beautiful magazine. q ________________________ Jon Horsman is the Communications Director at MNLA and can be reached at jon@MNLA.biz or 651-633-4987.

The Scoop | PUBLIC RELATIONS

Two Magic Words: Free Advertising

By Jon Horsman, MNLA Communications Director

ongratulations to TerraVista Landscape and Design LLC and Malmborg’s Inc. who brought in the most traffic to GardenMinnesota.com during the month of April! Malmborg’s main link to GardenMinnesota.com is on their links page. TerraVista links to GardenMinnesota.com on their awards page. Many of Eric Baldus’ projects have won MNLA Landscape Awards over the years. Both companies will receive a free ad on GardenMinnesota.com during the month of June. During May, we’re tracking who brings the most visitors so we can give out ads to two more companies during July.

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How can you be the next MNLA member to earn free advertising?

Just put a linked GardenMinnesota logo on your site – somewhere people will find it.

You can also link to any page (like a blog entry) wherever you need an outside reference. ere are blogs on a multitude of topics. We invite members to utilize the content available, especially those who may not already have a content-rich

website. Email jon@MNLA.biz or call Jon at 651-633-4987 to obtain the GardenMinnesota.com logo or other graphics to place on your site. e top two members who drive the most traffic to our website each month will receive a free ad a month later (for instance, the June winners will receive an ad during August). q ________________________________ Jon Horsman is the Communications Director at MNLA and can be reached at jon@MNLA.biz or 651-633-4987.

june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | PUBLIC RELATIONS

DCTC and HTC “Green Teams” Spring Into Action Matt Brooks and Jeff Kleinbohl lead the charge of students from DCTC, and Jay lanting a garden is Siedschlaw and Deb Kvamme do one thing. Keeping it the same for HTC. Their growing is what students did spring clean up and makes you a gardener. No soil prep, and will continue their one knows that better than hands on experience through the Heidi Heiland. fall. The students will receive an MNLA student membership and After many years of 2 tickets to the state fair, as well volunteering her time, talent as an opportunity to answer and treasures to the MNLA questions fair patrons may have State Fair Display Garden, about the garden while the fair is Heidi Heiland, of Heidi’s in full swing.

Lifestyle Gardens has turned Matt Brooks, Jeff Kleinbohl and DCTC Students her baby over to volunteers.

Bill Mielke, the Minnesota State Not just any volunteers! They Fair subcommittee chair, said this are students from Dakota County Technical College and provides a hands-on learning internship for students on a Hennepin Technical College horticulture programs. volunteer basis, which is supervised by MNLA members. A good way for students to earn credit, while learning from seasoned professionals.

By DeAnne Bennett, Bachman's Inc.

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Heidi Heiland, Jay Siedschlaw and HTC students The students have brought good energy and enthusiasm to their volunteer project at the MNLA State Fair Display Garden. MNLA provided the pizza and water. Bill Mielke is still looking for the person who put in the garden gnome that looks suspiciously like Bob Fitch. q ________________________________________________ DeAnne Bennett is the vice-chair of the MNLA Public Relations Committee and can be reached at DBennett@bachmans.com.

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COMING SOON! Two new awards for landscape designers.

Winners to be profiled in Midwest Home magazine.

Details will be available soon in The Scoop and on MNLA.biz.

Presented by Midwest Home in partnership with Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association

june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | PUBLIC RELATIONS

Arbor Day Poster Contest Winner Honored with Tree Planting

By Sue Flynn, MNLA Executive Assistant little rain didn't dampen the spirits of the 5th grade class at New York Mills Elementary School.

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Heather Weller, a fifth grade student at New York Mills, was the 2010 winner of the state poster contest sponsored by the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association and the National Arbor Day Foundation. So, in Heather's honor, an Autumn Blaze Maple tree was planted on the grounds of New York Mills Elementary School on Friday, April 30th - Arbor Day. Heather was a local celebrity, with the editor of the East Otter Tail Focus there to get the story and take pictures, and a local radio station on hand for a live interview after the tree planting ceremony.

The tree was generously donated by Tim Swedberg, Swedberg Nurseries, Inc. in Battle Lake. Nick Theroux of Blossoms, Birds & Beyond in Perham, volunteered to plant the tree and gave the 5th graders a short lesson on planting and caring for trees.

Sources tell me the tree has been named "Blaze" and is already being well taken care of by Heather and her classmates.

Stop by the MNLA booth in August at the

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Minnesota State Fair to see the top three winning posters.

Thanks again to MNLA members Swedberg Nurseries and Blossoms, Birds & Beyond - for making this special event possible. q

Tim Swedberg, Swedberg Nurseries

Heather Weller, Arbor Day Poster Contest - 1st Place Winner

Nick î “eroux, Blossoms, Birds & Beyond and Heather

www.MNLA.biz | june 2010

Heather & "Blaze"

The Scoop | SUPPLIER PROFILE

Over 1,000 Acres of Evergreens Company Name: Central Wisconsin Evergreens Inc. Website address: centralwisconsinevergreens.com Year company was founded: 1990 Key people at company: • Sales/Office Manager - Kurt Helmstadter • President - Frederick Latzig Business location and areas served: Merrill, Wisconsin; Midwest Ways your company is involved with MNLA or other industry/community organizations:: We hosted the 2004 Wisconsin Christmas Tree Association Summer Field Day. We are members of MNLA, Wisconsin Nursery Association, Wisconsin Christmas Tree Association, and the National Christmas Tree Association.

Description of company and its products/services: We have over 1,000 acres of evergreens growing. Approximately 750 acres are Christmas trees and 250 acres are nursery trees for the 4’+ B&B market.

What do you think the future holds for the segment(s) of the industry that you serve? We expect the Christmas market to stabilize in the future and hold at its current level.

The B&B evergreen business should increase to the levels we were at a couple years ago, but it may take several years to get there.

In what ways has MNLA helped you and your business? The Northern Green Expo and Scoop are the two ways MNLA helps promote our business. MNLA has also been the industry's link to government and watches our business interest. Seeing we are based in Wisconsin, MNLA is the only industry representative we have that is active in Minnesota politics. q june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | PLANT OF THE MONTH

Black Alder

By Jeff Gillman, University of Minnesota very once in awhile it’s a good idea to suggest looking at a plant that won’t make everyone happy, and this is one of those times. The European black alder is considered by some to be an invasive plant which encroaches on native land. Black Alder escaped cultivation as far back as the 1870s and is now naturalized across much of New England where various states have placed it on their invasives lists. In the landscape, however, it has just about all of the characteristics that a landscape designer looks for when choosing small specimen trees for an urban or suburban front or back yard. It’s a relatively small tree, usually only growing to about 30 feet (though it could get taller, perhaps even 50 feet given sufficient time), and it can be pruned into a variety of shapes, the most common is, of course, the central leader.

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effects. Japanese beetles don’t like it much either. There are leaf miners which may infest it, but once again, serious damage is rare. Deer will eat the foliage, but it is not a preferred food, and diseases aren’t usually much of a problem either.

In short, this tree is about as close as you can get to ironclad without actually strapping armor on it. Unfortunately

Black alder is known to be particularly adaptable to soil conditions. It handles the poor soils of urban environment extremely well and tolerates both wet and dry soils. We have planted this tree in a variety of tough locations and it has never failed to impress. Though it is not a legume, it will pull nitrogen right out of the air to help feed itself, which isn’t to say that you can’t fertilize it, just that it needs less fertilizer than many other small trees such as crabapple.

European black alder does not make the flowery show that many other small trees do. It has separate male and female flowers on the same tree and is wind rather than insect pollinated, but its foliage is second to none. This alder usually has a dense canopy of thick leaves which provide heavy shade to the small area underneath the tree. There aren’t many insects or diseases that attack this tree. I’ve seen sawflies infest a few branches, but with no long term side 52

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Image courtesy of Bailey Nurseries.

Plant of the Month these traits also make it a bit of a threat to native trees, and so do consider that.

But it’s hard to ignore this plant’s qualities. q ________________________________ Jeff Gillman is a member of the MNLA Nursery Committee and can be reached at gillm003@umn.edu.

CLASSIFIED FOR SALE Dansplants.com your one stop source for great container grown nursery stock from Northland Farms, Alta, Kraemer's, Stockdale, Barr Evergreen and Van Meter Nurseries. dflotterud@aol.com, P:612-867-5728 or F:888-396-8733

FOR SALE Baldwin Lake Perennials, Lino Lakes, MN - Turnkey business opportunity including all nursery stock, mechanical equipment, outbuildings, greenhouses + a gorgeous, updated home. $725,000.00 Contact Rick Piper, Coldwell Banker Burnet, 612-309-2366, rick@rickpiper.com

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FOR SALE

651-633-4987 Executive Director Bob Fitch • bob@mnla.biz Membership Director & Trade Show Manager Mary Dunn • mary@mnla.biz Education & Industry Advancement Director Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz Communications Director Jon Horsman • jon@mnla.biz Executive Assistant Susan Flynn • susan@mnla.biz Accountant Norman Liston • norman@mnla.biz Receptionist Jessica Pratt • jessica@mnla.biz

BLACK DIRT/TOPSOIL, RAIN GARDEN MIX, GRAVEL, BOULDERS, INVER GROVE HGTS, FOR DELIVERY CALL Matt 651.398.5890

Advertising & Sponsorship Sales Pierre Productions & Promotions 952-903-0505 Betsy Pierre, Advertising Manager, betsy@pierreproductions.com

BUSINESS PROMOTIONS

Erica Nelson, Advertising Sales, erica@pierreproductions.com

Promote your Products, Services and Business with HGVids.com Call 612.819.7995 for Action

Government Affairs Consultants Boland & Associates John Boland, Legislative Affairs McGrann, Shea, Carnival, Straughn & Lamb Doug Carnival, Regulatory Affairs

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Place your classified ad here for as little as $3 per word ($30 min).

Betsy 952-903-0505 ext 1 or betsy@pierreproductions.com

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In addition to association activities, the MNLA staff provides management for:

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Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association 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.GardenMinnesota.com www.NorthernGreenExpo.org www.TheLandLovers.org

Order forms or links for many of the services listed below can be found at www.mnla.biz Companies endorsed by MNLA:

BBS – Better Business Solutions 651-330-9804 877-272-0741 (Toll Free) Business Legal Services (Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC) 651-331-6500 Business Succession (AgStar) 507-386-4620 Credit Card Processing (Approval Payment Solutions) 763-521-7851 Fuel Discount Card (Speedway/SA/Marathon) 651-454-7776 ext. 203 Fuel Savings (Holiday Stationstores) 952-830-8889 Horticultural Books (MN State Horticultural Society) 651-643-3601 Small Business Resource Group 651-783-5754 Workers Compensation Insurance (The Builders Group) 651-203-6793 Contact the MNLA office at mnla@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987 or toll-free 888-886-6652 for information on the following products or services.

Catalogs/Outdoor Living publication series Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge Fleet Program Educational Programs/MNLA Academy Employee Recruiting/ Greenworks On-Line Job Board Employee Training Manuals (PLANET) Garden Center Plant Posters Garden Center Carryout Trays Irrigation References. (“industry references” at www.mnla.biz.)

Northern Green Expo Trade Show Booths MNLA Certified Professional manuals, exam Sales Tax Rules / Nursery-GreenhouseLandscape (“industry references” at www.mnla.biz.)

Spanish Pocket Reference Guide

june 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | LEADERSHIP PROFILE

Loving Every Minute at MNLA

Brian, Benjamin and Jessica Pratt Name: Jessica Pratt Company Name: Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association Position at Company: Receptionist Duties at MNLA: My main job duties include: new membership, membership renewals and event registration. I also help everyone in the office with duties such as: MNLA Landscape Awards database and Expo booth registration.

Family and background: I have been married for 8 years to my husband Brian, and have a 4 year old son, Benjamin. We currently live in Blaine and love it because of the National Sports Center, my son loves to play soccer.

I grew up in Brooklyn Park, attended Park Center Senior High, then on to North Hennepin Community College. (I once thought Medical Assistant would be nice, until I realized that blood was NOT my thing.)

Years at current company: I have been with MNLA for 2 years, and love every minute of it.

Current volunteer activities: My husband and I volunteer for the March of Dimes. Benjamin wanted to enter this world 4 months early. After 2 months on hospital bed rest for me, he ended up coming 7 weeks early and spent about a month in the NICU at North Memorial. Through this experience, we learned the impact the March of Dimes had on Ben’s health and helping all babies born prematurely.

Interests: My family lives for summer. We have a cabin in Turtle Lake, Wisconsin. Once May hits, we spend pretty much every weekend there, boating (not this summer, not enough water in the lake), campfires, walks, games and of course the occasional casino visit. q 54

www.MNLA.biz | june 2010

magnuson sod 5901 Nicollet Ave. S. • Minneapolis, MN 55419

(612) 869-6992 • Fax 612-866-8398

SOD, BLACK DIRT, MULCHES DECORATIVE ROCK Pick Up or Same Day Delivery Large or Small Orders For Field Pick Up at Elk River Farm, Please Call!

(612) 869-6992

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LANDSCAPE & CONCRETE CENTER 313 West 61st Street • Minneapolis, MN 55419

(612) 866-0430• Fax 612-866-6181 Your one-stop shop for all your concrete and landscaping needs!

• Keystone Retaining Wall Systems • Borgert Pavers • Boulder Creek Stone Product • Real Stone Product • Natural Stone • Stucco Product • Decorative Rock • Cement Block • Concrete Tools • Landscaping Tools • Jackson Wheel Barrows • Ames Tools • Wacker Power Equipment • Stihl Power Equipment

The HAAG Companies Compan ies

KLIER’S NURSERY

5901 Nicollet Ave. S. • Minneapolis, MN 55419 (612) 866-8771 • Fax (612) 866-2156

Wholesale & Retail: Sod • Topsoil • Decorative Rock • Mulches • Landscaping Tools • Firewood & Accessories • Garden Chemicals • Mowers • Trimmers • Other Power Equipment • Concrete Steppers • Boulders • Natural Stone • County Retaining Walls

SCHAFER EQUIPMENT COMPANY

6025 Pillsbury Ave • Minneapolis, MN 55419 (612) 861-2268 • Fax 612-869-8021

EQUIPMENT FOR SALE: Bartell Power Equipment • Gilson Mixers Masonry Tools & Equipment Partner Concrete Saws Target Masonry Saws • Diamond Blades Jackson Wheelbarrows

PICK UP OR SAME DAY DELIVERY

• FORMS • LARGE SELECTION OF CONCRETE STAMPS & CONCRETE TOOLS

SERVICE & REPAIR OF EQUIPMENT

RENTAL EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE

• Toro • Lawn Boy • Echo

SERVICE & REPAIR OF EQUIPMENT

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Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association 1813 Lexington Avenue North Roseville, MN 55113-0003

GardenMinnesota.com www.MNLA.biz