The Scoop Online – July 2011

MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION . . . SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSES GROW HERE!

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Insights and Information for Green Industry Professionals

VOLUME 34, 32, NUMBER 7 6 June July 2009 2011

Widmer Golf Tourney PAGE 30

Don’t Put Personal Assets at Risk PAGE 10

MNLA Summer Tours!

PAGE 24 AND SEE INSERTS

California Spring Trials Report, Part 2 PAGES 41-42

e ncp a h i Enersh d an b 8 w Memage 4 e p n ReYour See

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From the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Business Management . . . . . . . . . . . 10, 13 Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16, 17 Landscape Contractors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Northern Green Expo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21, 22, 24-25, 49 Sustainable Environment . . . . . . . . 28, 38 MNLA Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30, 31 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32-35 Government Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Garden Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Plant Management. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Greenhouse & Herbaceous Growers . 41 Research. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 State Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Membership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Plant of the Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

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ADVERTISER INDEX Alliance - 26-27 Aspen Equipment - 10 Bailey Nurseries - 29 Belgard Hardscapes-Northfield - 21 BFG Supply - 14-15 Bullis Insurance Agency - 35 Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus - 22 Casualty Assurance - 19 Central Landscape Supply - 32 Central Wisconsin Evergreens, Inc. - 9 Cherokee Mfg. - 38 Crow River Greenhouse & Nursery - 44 Cushman Motor Co., Inc. - 19 Evergreen Nursery Co., Inc. - 20 Farber Bag & Supply Co. - 46 Gardenworld Inc. - 39 Gopher State One-Call - 16 Haag Companies, Inc. - 7

Hal Tiffany Agency - 48 Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies - 11 Jeff Belzer Chevrolet - 5 Laborforce Specialists, Inc. - 18 Maguire Agency - 32 MN Equipment Solutions, Inc. - 18 Out Back Nursery - 35 Plaisted Companies - 50 Rock Hard Landscape Supply - 4 S&S Tree Specialists - 2 TerraDek Lighting, Inc. - 16 Titan Machinery (formerly Carlson Tractor and Equipment Co.) - 23 Titan Machinery (formerly St. Joseph Equipment Inc.) – 52 Vermeer Sales & Service - 33 Wheeler Landscape Supply - 17, 31, 37 Ziegler Cat - 3

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Upcoming Events July 9-12 – Ohio Shortcourse. Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio. For more information, see www.ofa.org.

19-21 – Perennial Plant Symposium. Hyatt Regency Hotel, Atlanta, Georgia. For more information, see www.perennialplant.org.

26 – 21st Annual Widmer Golf Tournament. University of Minnesota Golf Course, Roseville.

For more information, see page 30 or www.MNLA.biz.

28 – Landscape Design Tour. St. Paul and Minneapolis. For more information, see page 24 or www.MNLA.biz. Sponsored by Anchor Block Company.

28 – Horticulture Night. University of Minnesota West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris, Minnesota. For information, call 320-589-1711 or email spohrjm@morris.umn.edu.

August 4 – Garden Center Tour. Minneapolis, Minn. For more information, see page 24 or www.MNLA.biz.

17 – Low Voltage Irrigation: Two Wire Systems (PLT Relicensure). Roseville, MN. For more information, see page 24 or www.MNLA.biz 18 – MNLA Woodland Hill Winery Event. Just for fun! Delano, MN. For more information, see www.MNLA.biz.

25 – Carlin Sales Buyerfest 2011. St. Paul, MN. For more information call 800-657-0745 or visit www.buyerfest.com.

25-Sept. 5 – MNLA Garden at the Minnesota State Fair. For more information, visit www.MNLA.biz 30-31 – BFG Hort Expo. For more information, visit www.mnla.biz.

September 14-15 – Carlin Sales Buyerfest 2011. West Bend, WI. For more information call 800-657-0745 or visit www.buyerfest.com.

15 – MTGF Field Day. University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus. For more information, see page 21 or www.mtgf.org.

21 – MNLA Foundation Sporting Clays Tournament. For more information, see page 30 or www.MNLA.biz 22 – Green for Life – an MNLA Public Service Event. For more information, see page 12 or visit www.MNLA.biz.

October 5 – MNLA Snow Day. Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul. For more information, see page 25 or visit www.MNLA.com.

November 3-5 – TCI Expo Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT. To learn more, or register, please visit www.tcia.org.

18 – MNLA/MTGF Pesticide Recertification. University of Minnesota Continuing Education & Conference Center, St. Paul. For more information, see page 25 or www.mnla.biz.

January 3 – Super Tuesday. Minneapolis Convention Center. More information coming soon!

4-6 – Northern Green Expo. Minneapolis Convention Center. Exhibit contracts available online at www.northerngreenexpo.org or call 651-633-4987.

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If interested in sponsoring, please call Betsy Pierre, 763-295-5420 / betsy@pierreproductions.com

Reserve Booth Space Now!

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NorthernGreenExpo.org January 4-6, 2012 or call 651-633-4987 6

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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.

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The Scoop | FROM THE PRESIDENT

Generational Management & Marketing

By Bert Swanson, Swanson’s Nursery Consulting

n my last article, we reviewed the definitions and thoughts of three industry leaders relative to the wide array of age groups, current employment goals, Bert Swanson thought processes, and experience levels that exist today in professionals within the Green Industry.

This diversity has been categorized by Generations: Baby Boomers, Gen-X, Gen-Y and Gen-Z. There is one more generation just emerging, called by some, the 9-11 Generation, those born since the terrorist attack. They too will become distinct and different as time goes by.

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How owners and managers configure these different generations into a successful business plan presents some challenges, some opportunities, and some required changes. To start with, John Lawyer, Lawyer Nursery Inc., Plains, MT, states that “we all have to live in the present and the future, not the past.” New marketing analyses show that print media is downsizing and according to Lawyer: “Anyone without a strong internet presence will not be a significant player in this industry.” This applies to producers, dealers, retailers and contractors. As a grower, Lawyer realizes that the producer must not only grow the right plant, but must also deliver every plant in near perfect form and condition and at exactly the right time.

What is your level of familiarity and usage of “Social Media,” i.e. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Bulletin Boards, Blogs, On-Line Dating Services, Craig’s List and E-Bay? The following data dictates that your need and utilization of Social Media is critical for a successful business: 8

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1. 96% of Gen-Y have joined a social network on-line.

2. One out of eight couples married in the U.S. last year met via social media.

3. If Facebook were a country, it would be the world’s third largest behind China and India.

4. More than 1.5 million pieces of content such as web links, news stories, blog posts, notes, photos, etc. are shared on Facebook daily.

5. Gen-Y and Gen-Z consider e-mail passé.

6. 78% of consumers trust peer recommendation, all of whom are communicating on the internet.

7. Only 14% of consumers trust advertising.

8. The fastet growing segment of Facebook users are people over 55 years of age.

9. 100,000,000 videos exist on YouTube. What information does this venue provide about your business or about your products?

10. There are over 200,000,000 blogs with 34% posting opinions about products, brands and businesses.

What is being posted about your products and your business?

11. Classified ads are moving on-line to sites such as Craig’s List which is effective and free.

12. Small business selling is moving to E-Bay which is almost free.

13. Consumers and businesses will rely on their friend’s blogs and other social media more than on brands and advertising.

14. A May 2011 garden center survey showed that 66% of the entire U.S. population has some form of lawn or garden. 64% of consumers under the age of 40, grow or take care of plants. Of consumers 25 to 40 years of age, 66% grow or take care of plants. Thus we should no longer

assume that Gen-Y and Gen-Z are bypassing gardening until they reach middle age. Another key factor about these age groups is that instead of “do it yourself,” they prefer “do it for me.”

Social media also plays a role in generational consumptions patterns for the green industry. There is a concern that Gen-X is about 12 million consumers smaller than either the Baby Boomers or Gen-Y. In addition, this lower population of taxpayers in Gen-Y may have to contribute higher portions of their income to sustain the infrastructure of the municipalities in which they live.

Perhaps, of even greater importance, is the more contemplative purchase patterns of today’s consumer. Today’s consumer is looking for additional reasons to justify any spending. Thus, there is a greater desire to save, and now the more introspective consumer will spend more time evaluating competing products to discern greater value. The availability of electronic communication, the internet and social media all allow the consumer easy access to information supporting the contemplative and decision-making process. This is also most likely driven by the fact Gen-X is the first generation in American history to have a lower earning capacity than the previous generation. They make 12% less than the Baby Boomers before them.

So our marketing must change, but what about management? In the Indiana Nursery and Landscape News, 71(1): 1821, K.J. Ahlrichs quoted a nursery owner as follows: “We can’t make everyone happy at the same time. If we change to attract younger workers, our older workers feel taken advantage of. If we stay the same the way older workers want, younger people will not stick around. It’s a serious dilemma.”

Changing the way you do business to include and maximize the talent of all generations will take some effort and may not be easy or painless. However, it can be done with innovation, common sense and a positive attitude; the result of which will give you a major competitive advantage over your competition.

Karl Ahlrichs, with 25 years of human resources management experience, suggests the following processes and techniques that will help in management of, and communication with, a multigenerational workforce:

“instruction book” about your people and guide your leadership.

9. Just get out there and communicate and lead. With diversity showing up in every aspect of the organization, it becomes the leader’s role to act as organizational glue, ensuring communication and quality by setting the tone of inclusion and mutual respect.

"Change the way you do business to include and maximize the talent of all generations."

1. Consider using basic personality tests. Older and younger workers may have different social norms and levels of comfort with technology, but every generation has introverts, extroverts and other personality types, usually in the same proportions. Personality testing can identify these types and their workplace capabilities, and effectively integrate them.

2. Define the individual and know your people. Analyze and define whether individuals perform better working alone or on a team, in a structured or unstructured environment, and whether they focus on details or the big picture.

3. Leadership must be more employee centered. The role of leaders will shift in a flexible workplace where employees have multiple choices regarding work assignments, compensation packages, the use of technology, and the ways to develop and learn new skills.

4. Move from solely function-based work toward project-based work. So what is an employer to do? Offer team opportunities or individual roles? Offer function-based work or project-based work? Unfortunately, the answer is all of the above. One size fits one.

5. Offer multiple compensation options. Money is a part of communication, and “One size fits one” goes for pay too.

6. Leverage technology while offering training on how to use it. Some elder boomers state that they can complete functions manually more efficiently and accurately than a computer while others in this same group resent assumptions that they are incapable of using advanced equipment and resources. Many Generation X and Y employees have complained that they face assumptions that, because of their age, they are automatically proficient with computers, which is not always the case.

7. Offer flexible ways to learn. Training is communication.

Just as everyone does not learn best in a classroom, not everyone learns best through relationship-driven development, such as coaching and mentoring.

8. Use assessments and training as leadership tools. Use structured interviewing and assessment tools to screen new hires better. Also use valid assessment tools to build an

“Today’s managers must realize that they will not be effective as tomorrow’s leaders unless they master employee-centered leadership techniques. Just do it.

Additional detail on each of these points can be found in the above reference and at kahlrichs@gregoryappel.com.

In spite of the cool, wet spring, I hope some positive progress has been accomplished in each of your businesses. The weather and economy must improve so I hope and pray that all you will have a great Summer. q ________________________________________________ Bert Swanson is president of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association. He can be reached at btswanson2@gmail.com.

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The Scoop | BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Don’t Put Personal Assets at Risk

By Patrick McGuiness, Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC am a landscaper. I have been a landscaper since I was 15 years old. Like a lot of people, I started with a pickup truck and a shovel and have learned a lot of lessons the hard way. I Patrick McGuiness landscaped my way through college and law school and now I am an attorney, but I am still a landscaper. I still own a landscaping company and looking back on my early days landscaping, I made a lot of mistakes. One of the biggest mistakes I made was starting out as a sole proprietor.

There is just no good reason to be a sole proprietor anymore. It is simply too dangerous. Don’t get me wrong, there are a ton of great reasons to go into business for yourself or start a new company, but you have to make sure your personal assets are protected. Be smart about your choice of business entity.

Just because having a sole proprietorship is simple doesn’t mean it

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is safe. Lets say you are working on a project and cut the cable line. No big deal, the cable company shouldn’t have put it a half inch below the sod anyway, right? But what if you hit the gas line?

Big trouble. If the property owner takes you to court and wins, you will be personally held accountable for the judgment.

What this means is that not only can your business assets, such as your trucks and skid loaders be taken to pay off the debt, your car and other personal items can be taken too. The courts do not distinguish sole proprietorships separately from the sole proprietors who run them.

So how can you protect yourself and your assets? Change your sole proprietorship to a different legal entity such as a limited liability company (LLC) or a corporation. With these types of companies your personal assets are much safer and business owners generally are not liable for business claims or debts. It can almost be looked upon as an additional layer of insurance but for a much better price.

When you consider the choice of losing your house due to a lawsuit or becoming an LLC for a small up front

cost, the answer is obvious. Additionally, forming a corporation gives a business more legitimacy in the eyes of customers.

Having that competitive edge can be very important in the tough economy we are facing today.

Changing the type of business you operate may require a small investment on the front end, but the rewards far outweigh the costs. Choosing to do business as a sole proprietor needlessly puts your personal assets at risk. q ________________________________ This article provides general information on business matters and should not be relied upon as legal advice. A qualified attorney must analyze all relevant facts and apply the applicable law to any matter before legal advice can be given. If you would like more information regarding contract law or other legal matters, please contact Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC at 651-206-3203 or pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com Patrick McGuiness is one of the founding partners of Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC. His law practice focuses on assisting contractors & other small business owners.

He is also part owner of One Call Property Care, LLC a Minneapolis landscaping & property management company.

Join the movement!

Sign up today at MNLA.biz, or fax back the form included with this month’s Scoop!

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BUSINESS MANAGEMENT | The Scoop

Auctions: A New View

By Tim Gray, Fahey Sales

s a child many of us attended an auction with our dad or grandfather. We might have attended a livestock sale at the county fair. I bet you can still remember the smell in the air and the chorus of the auctioneer. As an adult you may have sold a piece or purchased an item from a local auction. For a lot of you that was a one time experience because of the lack of revenue that it produced versus your perceived value of the item.

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After the sale, the auction company will handle any title transfers that are required. All titled vehicles leaving our lot are in the buyers’ name. The only task for the seller after preparing the item will be cashing the sales check. Commission and fees for any agreed upon services will be deducted from the total prior to mailing.

"The opportunity for sellers has changed dramatically."

Several years ago selling prices at auctions could vary greatly depending on the buyers that showed up, the weather and the local economy. While auction companies cannot create a market that doesn’t exist and some of the previously mentioned factors still come into play, the opportunity for sellers has changed dramatically for a couple of different reasons.

One reason is that many auction companies have become more focused on a particular market. This focus allows them to concentrate their marketing efforts and become more familiar with the buyers in these markets. For example, our company, Fahey Sales, focuses on wheeled equipment with a particular focus on commercial turf and landscape equipment.

This focus allows the seller to benefit from the expertise of the company sales force in targeting the best-suited buyers.

Another reason auctions have become more lucrative for sellers is the addition of on-line auctions. Just a few years ago several hundred people would attend a live auction and a small percentage of those people would bid on each item. With the addition of on-line auctions, a current live auction will have several hundred live attendees and thousands more viewing online. These auction events are now global in scope. The exponential growth of buyers from on-line services has benefited sellers greatly.

Sellers are sometimes hesitant to use auctions because of the perceived work that it takes to prepare equipment for sale. Our goal is to make the event as painless as possible. To obtain the highest possible value, we suggest that equipment operates and tires are filled. Beyond that we do not recommend that the seller put any extra effort into the equipment.

Once the equipment arrives at the auction lot, the seller typically has no further obligations. The auction company staff will handle all inquiries into the equipment; and handle the selling process and honor anonymity. The seller does not have to worry about any contact with seller after the item is consigned.

When selling items, there are many reasons to utilize a quality auction service. It’s a good time to reconsider using auctions. q ________________________________________________ Tim Gray is an equipment consultant for Fahey Sales and can be reached at timgray@faheysales.com.

MNLA Honored With Award of Excellence NLA was honored on Tuesday, June 7 as a recipient of the 2011 Midwest Society of Association Executives (MSAE) Award of Excellence for public service.

MNLA won for our “Green for Life: Planting Trees for Schools” project.

Thanks to everyone who participated in planting trees, educating school kids, recruiting members, and sending press MNLA Communications releases. It was a great Director Jon Horsman receives day, and helped award on MNLA’s behalf from MNLA break through MSAE President Eric Ewald. with major coverage from TV and print media. To participate this year on September 22, email susan@mnla.biz or call Sue at 651-633-4987.

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The Scoop | CERTIFICATION

Strengthen Your Competitive Edge Inform Consumers That You Have Certified Professionals

By Terry Ferriss, PhD, CPH, University of Wisconsin-River Falls

onsumers want the products and services of the green industry but they are also savvy about selecting and buying from companies that will provide quality.

Consumers look for clues to lead them to the companies and individuals that they can trust to provide quality. Checking the performance of products via Consumer Reports may work when buying a car or dishwasher but alternative strategies are necessary when deciding where to go for landscaping services and new plants for their home environment. Consumers are familiar with the concept of certification. They have seen it in many different industries, including accounting, mechanics, medical and engineering. When they identify that a green industry professional is certified that translates into "here is someone who is knowledgeable and I can trust to provide quality services and products.”

Promoting company membership in MNLA and promoting individual certifications can attract customers and provide them with confidence in their purchasing decisions. How do your customers know about your staff's professional qualifications? There are numerous opportunities for signage,

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especially near the registers where there is time for the consumer to read information. Consider including "MNLA Certified" on the name badges for your certified employees to bring visibility of their expertise to the consumer. Adding a line in radio, TV, on-line and print advertising that informs consumers that they have access to MNLA Certified Professionals will send a strong message of quality.

The industry cannot passively assume that others will know about our certification programs. It is critical that we all help to promote and create the value of certification by continually using certification as a tool to distinguish ourselves and our companies.

Certification signals to the consumer that the professional is knowledgeable, current in practice and performs with a sense of ethics. Please consider developing and implementing new opportunities within your company to help MNLA promote certification. Creating the value of a certification program is everyone's responsibility. q ________________________________________________ Terry Ferriss is a member of the MNLA Certification Committee and can be reached at terry.l.ferriss@uwrf.edu.

You’ve heard of “Call Before You Dig”

But have you considered “Clicking Before You Dig?” I-Tic (Internet Ticket) allows you to process your locates using the internet.

Go to www.gopherstateonecall.org for more information on I-Tic or call us at 651-681-7326 / 800-245-5852.

It’s Safe

It’s Smart

It’s the Law

Click Before You Dig! 16

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CERTIFICATION | The Scoop

Reviewing to Get it Right

By Jeff Gillman, University of Minnesota When I was first introduced to the MNLA’s certification test over 13 years ago it consisted of a list of questions kept in a secret question bank.

Every year it was my job to sort through the Jeff Gillman questions, pick out the best ones, and then organize them all into a test.

Oh how things have changed – and all for the better. Today I’m part of a team of reviewers who review questions for upcoming certification tests. This team includes other instructors from across Minnesota as well as people directly involved in the industry. Over the past few years the committee has put a great deal of effort into cleaning up the test

and making it a more streamlined affair. Gone are the multiple correct answers for a single question, gone too are questions that aren’t CERTIFIED relevant. After every test Professional we sort through the questions which people most frequently missed looking for questions that might have been misunderstood, or poorly worded. We get rid of these questions and then try to fit in new ones which will get at the same information the old ones did and add that to our bank of questions. In this way, over time, we have developed better and better questions with improved wording and which get to the heart of the matter quickly. No test is perfect, but year after year the Certification Committee puts together a product that

is better able to assess the knowledge possessed by those taking the test.

Our certification tests are ever changing and will continue to adapt as long as there is a green industry in Minnesota. Questions will always cover a wide variety of topics which are relevant and important to Minnesota’s green industry. One thing that won’t change is that the best way to study for the test is to study the Certification Manual. It contains relevant information that will help you get through the test. Yes, it’s long, but, even if you’re not interested in becoming certified, it is one of the best resources for the green industry out there. q ________________________________ Dr. Jeff Gillman is a member of the MNLA Certification Committee. He can be reached at gillm003@umn.edu.

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The Scoop | LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS

Education! Education! Education!

By Tim Oberg, Southview Design hope this finds everybody so busy they hardly have time to read, but education, like reading, is something we never seem to get enough of. We don’t like to think about education in the summer time, because the summer is time for working. We will get our education in the winter when we have time, more often than not at the Green Expo. That is great and the Expo is an excellent way to get our Tim Oberg education. One question though; Is it enough? Wouldn’t education throughout the year help keep us motivated and excited to get up and go to work? SURE IT WOULD! If you didn’t get the chance to attend, the MNLA tried a new educational format on April 26th. We tried a webinar program that was well received and lasted only an hour. The concept is not new in education, but it is new to the MNLA. We wanted to see how it worked for us logistically, and if people would attend. I am happy to report the answer to both questions was “yes.” We believe it is a way to allow all of us to get more education throughout the year, without having to take off a day and travel to a site for the program. The webinar

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will be short, usually 1 – 1 ½ hours in length and you will be able to attend by going to your office, kitchen, den or bedroom and turning on your computer. This format will also help keep the cost down as we won’t have to rent a facility to hold the class. We are excited about the prospect of being able to bring more education to everyone through the use of webinars.

We need your help to accomplish this. Before we jump into this with both feet, we need to make sure that it is what people want. We need some feedback from you. We need to know if you think it is a good idea and if you would attend. We also need to know what type of subjects you would be interested in seeing. We would like to offer webinars throughout the year, but realize it is harder for everyone to attend in the summer, so tell us when you would like to see the webinars put on. We need to know what time of year, what day and what time of day would be easiest for you to attend. Please take a few minutes and send us an email telling us your thoughts. Our goal is to help everybody be more productive, efficient and profitable. Feel free to contact me at Toberg@southviewdesign.com or MNLA Associate Director Cassie Larson at cassie@mnla.biz. Thank you in advance for your help and remember EDUCATION! EDUCATION! EDUCATION! q ________________________________________________ Tim Oberg is chair of the MNLA Landscape Education Committee. He can be reached at toberg@southviewdesign.com.

You find the contracts and we provide you

TRAINED LANDSCAPING LABORFORCE

Elieth Hoffman l Direct: 612-490-3394 Lorena Frampton l Direct: 612-328-5174 4020 Minnehaha Ave. South Unit 1020 Minneapolis MN, 55406

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MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM | The Scoop

Arboretum's Toast & Taste Celebrates Fresh Cuisine of Top Specialty Restaurants ave the date - Thursday, July 28 for the best outdoor party of summer!

Taste samples of in-season, fresh, local cuisine from 20 top independent restaurants and producers in the Twin Cities and surrounding area at Toast & Taste in the Gardens after-hours on Thursday, July 28, at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Minnesota and regional wineries also will be pouring samples at what is considered the best outdoor party of the summer.

Participating restaurants include Vincent - A Restaurant, The Strip Club, Terra Waconia, Spoonriver, Signature Cafe, Sen Yai-Sen Lek, Prairie Ale House, Oceanaire Seafood Room, Henry's Table, Gardens of Salonica, Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant, Crema Cafe, Crave, Campus Club, Cafe Maude,

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Birchwood Cafe, Bryant Lake Bowl, Arboretum Catering and others.

Featured vineyards include Carlos Creek Winery, Northern Vineyards, St. Croix Vineyards and Parley Lake Winery and others. Live music in the garden will be provided by George Faber and the Icons. Dr. Al and Sue Zelickson and Gordie and Jo Bailey have signed on as honorary co-chairs.

Reservations required: $125 for preparty patron reception at 6 p.m.; or $75 for general admission from 7 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Arboretum, its gardens and programs. For reservation information, call 612-625-9875, check the website at www.arboretum.umn.edu/ toastandtaste.aspx or email celebarb@umn.edu. Toast & Taste is presented by the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Foundation. q

Our goal is to exceed your expectations. or our agency, and Auto-Owners Insurance, 99.9% just isn’t good enough...we want to provide our customers with 100% service!

Contact our agency about our “Super Outstanding Service” today—we’ll work hard to exceed your expectations!

We have coverage for growing stock!

Henry Gallagher, Commercial Specialist 952/448-3800 h.gallagher@casualty-assurance.com

Casualty Assurance of Chaska, LLC 101 West 3rd Street Chaska, MN 55318 JuLy 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | NORTHERN GREEN EXPO

Calling all Plant Lovers! New Plant Forum Returns to 2012 Green Expo

By Debbie Lonnee, Bailey Nurseries, Inc. he Green Expo will once again offer a New Plant Forum session in January 2012. This exciting session is for those who are all about plants! Participants will hear about cutting edge plants introduced within the past several years.

Only plants that are readily available in the trade will be presented.

Why should you participate? is program is extremely popular with attendees and will be an excellent venue to introduce new plant selections. In addition to the exposure that occurs during the session, the new plants will be published in e Scoop, which is sent to all MNLA members.

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Is there a fee? ere is no charge to speakers presenting.

Debbie Lonnee

So, we’re putting out a call to all MNLA members…do you have a new plant that you’d like to feature? Read on to find out how you can participate…

Who can present? MNLA growers, landscape or garden center professionals, and/or breeders at affiliated educational institutions.

When will the session occur? e session will take place on Friday, January 6 from 7:30am – 9:30am at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

What will the session look like? e 2 hour session will highlight new plants including perennials, annuals, trees, shrubs and evergreens. Each participant will be given a specified amount of time to present their cutting edge new plant to the audience.

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How do I apply to participate? Individuals who want to participate in the New Plant Forum should complete the New Plant Forum application which can be found online at www.northerngreenexpo.org and return this to MNLA Associate Director Cassie Larson by e-mail at cassie@mnla.biz or via fax at 651-633-4986. A committee of industry professionals will pick the best of the applications to be presented at the Minnesota Green Expo. Given time constraints, it’s possible that not all applications will be presented.

What is the application deadline? Applications for the New Plant Forum must be submitted no later than September 1, 2011. e committee will then review all applications and notify you of acceptance by September 30, 2011.q ________________________________________________ Debbie Lonnee is a member of the MNLA Greenhouse & Herbaceous Growers Committee. She can be reached at debbie.lonnee@baileynursery.com.

THE SCOOP | MINNESOTA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

July 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.

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The Wonder of Herbs Tuesday, July 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m. $23 members, $33 nonmembers. Location: Muriel Sahlin Arboretum, Roseville Central Park, 2525 N. Dale St., Roseville.

Herbs can have many purposes in the garden. In addition to being functional, they can also be used as ornamentals in your landscape design. Let's explore both of these options while trying some new twists on pesto and refreshing summertime lemonade. Instructor: Patti Sullivan has an A.A.S. Degree in Landscape Design & Construction from Hennepin Technical College.

Fruit Tree Care for Your Home Landscape Tuesday, July 12, 6 to 7:30 p.m. $15 members, $25 nonmembers. Location: MSHS Classroom, 2705 Lincoln Dr., Roseville.

This class will cover caring for fruit trees in your yard. Learn about cultivar and rootstock selection, growth and bearing

behavior, size control strategies, disease and insect management, managing fruit load, multi-year renovation strategy, homeowner’s goals and site analysis. This class is cosponsored by Fruits of the City, an initiative of The Minnesota Project. For more information, go to www.mnproject.org/food-FruitsOfTheCity.html. Instructor: Jeffrey Johnson is a Landscape Gardener with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Growing Roses in Minnesota Tuesday, July 26, 6 to 7:30 p.m. $15 members, $25 nonmembers. Location: Muriel Sahlin Arboretum, Roseville Central Park, 2525 N. Dale St., Roseville.

Roses are our national flower and there are many that are well-adapted, hardy, and easy to grow in Minnesota. The many Northern Earth-Kind Rose Trial plantings are helping identify the best of the roses for our region and the Muriel Sahlin Arboretum is an Earth-Kind Rose Trial Demonstration Garden. In this class, we will highlight different classes of roses and some cultivars that are doing especially well in Minnesota.

We will also highlight the basics of general care for roses throughout the growing season. Instructor: Dr. David Zlesak is an Assistant Professor of Horticulture at the University of Wisconsin in River Falls.

JuLy 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

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THE SCOOP | MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM

Arboretum's July Classes in Gardening, Winemaking & More earn from expert instructors in the Midwest's largest and most spectacular classroom - the 1,137-acre Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Here's a rundown of July classes gardening and more - at the Arboretum. To register, call 952443-1422 or visit www.arboretum.umn.edu/learn.

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The Japanese Garden Saturday, July 16, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Snyder Building. $35 members, $45 non-members.

Learn about the elements considered in the creation and development of the Arboretum's Japanese garden. Get an insider’s perspective on which varieties would work best in your own garden. Instructor Mary Bigelow is an Arboretum landscaper and curator of the Japanese garden.

Growing Roses in Minnesota Saturday, July 30, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Snyder Building. $35 members, $45 non-members.

Discover how easy it is to grow both tender and hardy roses in our cold climate. Learn general rose care, cultivars, insects and diseases, winterizing, safe uses of pesticides and herbicides, and take an educational stroll through the Arboretum’s Wilson Rose Garden. Instructor is Jim Beardsley, past-president of the Minnesota Rose Society and a consulting rosarian in rose judging, who maintains a garden with more than 200 roses.

Watercolor Journaling Summer Workshop: BennettJohnson Prairie Saturdays, July 9, 16, 23, 30. 9:45 a.m.-1:00 p.m. $95 members, $110 non-members.

Explore, observe and record the Arboretum's 25-acre reconstructed prairie as it comes into bloom. Instructor Sandy Muzzy will demonstrate easy-to-manage techniques in

watercolor, ink, colored pencils, markers, mono-printing, and collage, help you develop your style, and discuss book binding options. Each session will start in the Learning Center.

Winemaking Classes Classes include: Understanding Wine Faults. Thursday, July 14, 79 p.m. Fee: $70 member/$75 non-member; and Introduction to Winemaking. Saturday, July 23, 9:30 a.m.-noon. Learning Center. Fee: $90 member/ $95 non-member.

This new winemaking series combines valid and timely research from the University of Minnesota with the latest industry information. Instructor is University Enologist Katie Cook, who has made wine on four different continents and has an advanced enology degree from the University of Burgundy.

Courses are geared to everyone from the home enthusiast to seasoned professional.

Basic Digital Photography Immersion Saturday, July 30, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Learning Center. $10 members, $115 non-members (box lunch included).

For photographers wanting to learn more about their digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. This hands-on class covers all essential operations of your camera and more, with immediate application of the skills during time spent shooting on Arboretum grounds.

Walks for the Curious Walks are offered Saturdays, July 16 & 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Meet in the Ordway Parking Lot. $7.5 members, $15 nonmembers.

Spend a few hours with an Arboretum naturalist on the trail and discover nature's wonders. q

2011 BUYERFEST JOIN US FOR A BUYERFEST FALL PICNIC!

Door Prizes Great Show Specials Complimentary Meal Access to Vendor Reps Compelling Guest Speakers

REGISTER TODAY! 800-657-0745 www.buyerfest.com Outside Sales Representatives: Bryce Anderson Adam Eull 612-597-9261 612-597-9613 banderson@carlinsales.com aeull@carlinsales.com

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Minnesota Show: Thursday, August 25 9 am - 4 pm Carlin Sales - St. Paul, MN Wisconsin Show: Wednesday, September 14 2 pm - 8 pm & Thursday, September 15 9 am - 4 pm Washington County Fair Park West Bend, WI Launch our website with this tag

651-487-8108 F: 651-487-3963

July 28, 2011 | 8:00am—5:00pm | Southeast Twin Cities Metro Area

Looking for design inspiration? Join your colleagues to tour eight design sites in the southeast 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): Olson Residence, Hudson, Wisconsin—Designed by Village Green Landscapes, Inc. Bailey’s Arbor, Woodbury—Designed by Savanna Designs, Inc. Simons Residence, South St. Paul—Designed by Simons Landscaping Bailey Display Gardens, Cottage Grove—Designed by Bailey Nurseries, Inc. Thomas Residence, St. Paul—Designed by Thomas Landscape of Minnesota Limited Berg Residence, Mendota Heights—Designed by Landscape Renovations Swanson Residence, Inver Grove Heights—Designed by Landscape Renovations Bohannon Residence, Inver Grove Heights—Designed by Landscape Design Studios More information and site descriptions available online at www.MNLA.biz!

Session Sponsor:

August 4, 2011 | 9:00am—3:00pm | Minneapolis

Join your colleagues to tour several urban garden centers in Minneapolis including Bachman’s, Inc., Tangletown Gardens, Sunnyside Gardens, Mother Earth Gardens, and Wagner’s Greenhouses, Inc. 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! National speaker, Judy Sharpton, will start the day off with a short seminar on “Inventory Control as it Impacts Store Design” at Bachman’s, Inc.

August 17, 2011 | 8:00am—5:00pm | Roseville Skating Oval, Roseville

This class provides 8 hours of continuing education credits toward the Power Limited Technician (PLT) license, with material specifically oriented toward the irrigation specialist.

The 8 hour class will contain 2 clock hours of specific National Electrical Code (NEC) training; and 6 hours of technical training. The 6 hours of technical training will include: Components of a Two– Wire System; Wire Connections and Grounding; Controllers and Operating Systems; System Troubleshooting; Component and Accessory Troubleshooting; and Locating Equipment.

Visit www.MNLA.biz for registration and details for these and other programs! Questions? 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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October 5, 2011 | 10:00am—3:30pm | Minnesota State Fairgrounds, St. Paul

Equipment, supplies and education to help you gear up for the next snow season! Exhibits will be open from 10am—3:30pm. Education seminars will include: Bidding & Estimating Snow Removal, Mike Anderson, Snow and Ice Pros, Inc. Understanding Chemical Deicers 101, Scott Koefed, Cargill Salt How to Make Your Operation as Efficient as Possible, Mike Anderson, Snow and Ice Pros, Inc. What Are Your Legal Responsibilities When it Comes to Snow/Ice Removal? – Liability and Contracts, Patrick McGuiness, Zlimen & McGuiness Come for an hour or stay all day. Lunch is included with attendee registration and there will be drawings for door prizes. Only $39 for MNLA members when you register before September 23!

November 18, 2011 | 9:00am—3:45pm | Continuing Education Center, University of MN, St. Paul

MNLA and the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation (MTGF) are excited to again present this Pesticide Recertification session. The session will be applicable to those seeking to gain recertification credit for category A (general) and E (turf and ornamentals). This will be your last chance to recertify for 2011 and SPACE IS LIMITED—so register today!

There will be two tracks available at this session, one for those interested in turf related topics and one for those interested in woody plant topics as they pertain to pesticides.

A more complete schedule is available online at www.MNLA.biz.

December 12, 2011 | 12:00pm—2:00pm | MNLA Office, Roseville

Can’t give up a full day? We have the solution for you! Learn while you eat. And it’s FREE! Space is limited so register early. Lunch: Please bring your bagged/boxed lunch and join us for this seminar/ discussion (lunch is not included with the event).

Growers and garden center professionals are invited to attend. This will be a short presentation and informal discussion led by Dr. John Erwin from the University of Minnesota and Tzanko Matov from Bailey Nurseries, Inc. Ideas will be exchanged on the use, application, and results of using plant growth regulators on woody plant material.

Visit www.MNLA.biz for registration and details for these and other programs! Questions? Call 651.633.4987.

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

JuLy 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

Sporobolus, a Great Native Plant for Sustainable Landscapes

By Mary Hockenberry Meyer, Professor, University of Minnesota

rasses are low maintenance plants that provide beauty and seasonal interest along with ecological benefits. The North American native genera Sporobolus, or dropseed, has many species, but only three are native perennials in Minnesota. These warm season clump forming grasses get their common name from the Greek sporos, seed, and bolos, a throw, referring to the seeds, which are sometimes forcibly ejected as they mature and dry.

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Mary HockenberryMeyer

Perennial Dropseed: Sporobolus compositus, rough dropseed, composite dropseed. Found along roadsides, beaches, pine and oak woods in much of the US, including Minnesota, other NC states, Manitoba and Ontario, Canada.

Sporobolus cyptandrus, sand dropseed. Widespread across North America, from Canada to Mexico. Grows on sandy soils and washes, rocky slopes and calcareous ridesa and along roadsides.

species is often found on south facing slopes, with thin organic soils and often a pH of 8.0 or higher. The wetter the climate, the greater preference prairie dropseed has for dry sites.

Prairie dropseed is by far the most common ornamental form of this genus. It is a very fine textured attractive bunchgrass, with no rhizomes or stolons. Plants are easily propagated from seed, and seedlings can show variability in height, flower culm or stem color and flowering time.

Attractive flowers are borne on wire-thin flowering stems and are known for their fragrance of cumin or buttered popcorn.

Fragrance is unusual for grasses, and in prairie dropseed, this odor is especially noticeable when the flowers are past and seeds are developing due to the fragrant oil around and in the seeds and seed covering. The shiny green–gold spherical grains or seeds are distinctive and are expelled as they dry, thus the common name of dropseed. Asa Gray in 1857, noted the fragrance as “unpleasant.”

Prairie dropseed is often beautiful in the Fall with orange, red and yellow flowering stems and foliage. This species responds well when cutback or burned in the spring, resulting in increased flowering stems.

Does not tend to die in the center, but can have a tall high crown, especially in heavy soils.

Mice or rodents tunnel or live in the dense mounds in the winter, but rarely kill the plants.

Sporobolus heterolepis, prairie dropseed, hardy in USDA Zone 3, grows 2050” tall, and is found in lowland and upland prairies, ‘Tara’ is a compact 2’ tall along roadsides, at the edge selection from Northwind of woods and swamps.

Perennial Farm, WI; ‘Morning Predominant in the tall and Mist’ is a 2-3’tall selection from mixed grass prairie in Prairie Nursery, Westfield WI, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, with red flowering stems. but much less common in Prairie dropseed is a low the short grass prairie further This prairie dropseed lawn is well established at Chanticleer Gardens, maintenance plant that requires west. Found on drier sites in outside of Philadelphia. minimal fertilizer or water after the tall grass prairie, but in establishment. It provides food and cover for wildlife and is moist conditions of the mixed grass prairie. Prairie dropseed is attractive in a border with other perennials or in prairies and most frequently found with little bluestem (Schizachyrium naturalized areas. Look for prairie dropseed used in the scoparium), or porcupine grass (Stipa spartea). In Wisconsin, landscape at: Windsong Farm Golf Course entrance; Curtis (Vegetation of Wisconsin, 1959) found prairie dropseed Noerenberg Gardens on Lake Minnetonka; the Minnesota to be one of the top 10 indicators of a dry mesic prairie. This 28

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Hardy plants with local roots Now with a fresh new look to drive sales.

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!

Olbrich Gardens in Madison, WI has several plantings of Tara, a shorter form of prairie dropseed.

Landscape Arboretum, Chaska; and Olbrich Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin.

Two other interesting perennials in this genus that are native to west and southwest US and are being trialed at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum: 1) Sporobolus airoides, alkali sacaton. Grows on dry gravely or sandy flats; usually associated with alkaline soils.

Northern Mexico, north to Washington, Montana, and South Dakota. The USDA Plant Materials Center in Los Lunas, New Mexico has introduced improved forage varieties of alkali sacaton. Zone 4 hardiness is uncertain; sacaton is derived from American Spanish and Aztec word zacate, meaning coarse grass.

2) Sporobolus wrightii, big sacaton, big alkali sacaton. Grows 3-8’ in height, foliage shorter, under 4; native to moist clay flats and rocky slopes near saline habitats. Tolerates alkaline to very alkaline as well as saline soils, as commonly found in the southwest. Native to Northern Mexico, Texas, NM, Arizona. Zone 5 hardiness is uncertain for Minnesota. q ________________________________________________ Mary Hockenberry Meyer is a member of the MNLA Sustainable Environment Committee and can be reached at meyer023@umn.edu.

(651) 459-9744

BaileyNurseries.com

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SHOOTOUT

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MNLA FOUNDATION | The Scoop

Sponsor a Scholarship: The Gift that Keeps Giving!

By Cassie Larson, MNLA Associate Director

determined for each college. Award winners will be chosen based on:

hy Give? Giving to a student will not only provide you the satisfaction of knowing you made a lasting difference in a young person’s life and the future of the green industry, but there are additional tax charitable deduction benefits to you, as well. Consult your tax advisor with regard to your own situation, but in general the following guidelines apply.

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• Interest in the industry, as described in a letter written by the applicant.

• Recommendations from two teachers and/or employers.

• Good citizenship as determined by the committee.

• Average or above average academic achievement.

• Employment experience.

Recognition. MNLA will provide the following to scholarship sponsors:

Establishing a Scholarship Gift. By partnering with interested member companies, over 20 scholarships are awarded each year to deserving students. The MNLA Foundation will match all sponsorships in the amount of $250; for example, if an MNLA member sponsors a $500 scholarship, MNLA will match that contribution and award the student with a $750 scholarship.

Selection Process. A selection committee will be

• Press releases to media • Recognition in college publications • Plaque for the schools that will list the honored student and the sponsoring company • Sponsoring company has the opportunity to present the scholarship at awards ceremonies, where allowed Want to make a tax deductible contribution for a scholarship at the college of your choice? Contact Cassie Larson at 651-633-4987 or cassie@mnla.biz for more information. q

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Three locations to better serve you:

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Southwest Metro Yard

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Northwest Metro Yard

952-496-1043 800-831-4891 Fax: 952-496-3220 11151 Chaparral Ave. Shakopee, MN 55379

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

JuLy 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

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9:18 PM

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The Scoop | SAFETY

The Worker Protection Standard Revisited

By Steve Poncin, Minnesota Department of Agriculture

he Worker Protection Standard (WPS) regulates the protection of employees on farms, forests, nurseries and greenhouses from exposure to agricultural pesticides.

WPS regulations were fully implemented on January 1, 1995.

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The WPS applies when the following guidelines are met:

and Nationwide Agribusiness

1. You own or manage an agricultural facility where pesticides are used in the production of plants.

2. Employees are hired who are not family members.

3. You hire or contract for employees to do tasks related to the production of plants and/or work with pesticides.

4. Pesticides have been applied within thirty (30) days of when workers are employed and the workers will be working within ¼ mile of a pesticide treated area.

5. Two (2) groups of employees are covered by the WPS: Workers and Pesticide handlers.

6. Workers work with plants and conduct tasks such as hoeing, weeding, thinning, watering and harvesting. Pesticide handlers work with pesticides and conduct tasks such as mixing, loading and applying pesticides and cleaning pesticide application equipment. Handlers may complete worker tasks but workers cannot complete handler tasks.

The WPS requires employers take steps to reduce the risk of pesticide related illness and injury. The following information is to be provided to employees: 1. Information about exposure to pesticides including: - Pesticide safety training for agricultural workers and pesticide handlers - display specific information about pesticide safety, emergency procedures and recent pesticide applications at a central location 2. Protection against exposure to pesticides, including: - Compliance with restricted-entry intervals listed on pesticide labels - Notification of workers through oral and/or posted warnings in areas where pesticide applications are made and in areas where restricted-entry intervals are in effect.

(See Figure 1) 3. Ways to mitigate exposure to pesticides including: - Set up a decontamination site for workers and handlers to wash pesticide residues off their hands and bodies - Providing transportation to a medical facility for treatment in case of work-related pesticide emergency The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is responsible for monitoring the compliance of Minnesota operations with the WPS. To date the MDA has conducted

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over 350 WPS inspections and continues to conduct inspections on an annual basis.

Failure to comply with WPS requirements will result in the issuance of Enforcement Actions that may include monetary penalties.

For more details about what information is required to be provided to employees refer to the “How to Comply with the Worker Protection Standard Manual.” The manual can be viewed on the internet at: www.epa.gov/agriculture/ htc.html.

Figure 1: WPS Warning Sign for notification of a pesticide application

For additional WPS information visit MDA’s website: www.mda.state.mn.us and enter Worker Protection Standard in the Search MDA box or contact Steve Poncin, MDA, Steve.Poncin@state.mn.us, 651-201-6136. q

landscapers, contractors, garden centers Need information on environmental topics?

Check out the Sustainable Environment Resources on MNLA.biz! Titles include Rain Barrels, Permaculture, Business Energy Efficiency, Low Input Lawns, Native Plants, and more resources are coming soon!

Content reviewed by MNLA Sustainable Environment Committee

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The Scoop | SAFETY

OSHA’s Ruling on Payment for Personal Protective Equipment

By John Primozich CSP, ARM, TBG Loss Control Manager

ersonal Protective Equipment (PPE) is widely used within the construction industry as a means of keeping workers protected from the numerous dangers they face every day. It John Primozich is a vital part of the overall safety of our employees and is often the last line of defense when it comes to hazards that an employee might otherwise be exposed to. The following is a summary of OSHA’s final ruling on PPE and payment for this equipment.

This is not meant to be all inclusive by

P

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any means and each situation may vary and be unique. For the most part, the employer is responsible for payment for PPE of most kinds but there are some situations where the employee is responsible for payment as well. The end result is that having the employer responsible for payment for most types of PPE will improve protection for employees that have to wear PPE. Payment by Employer is Required For The Following PPE: - (This list is not all inclusive) • • • • • •

Eye Protection Safety glasses Goggles Face shields Laser/Welding shields Prescription eyewear inserts for

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

welding shields or respirators Head Protection Hard hats Bump caps Hand Protection Non-specialty gloves for protection against cuts, lacerations, & abrasions Chemical resistant gloves Rubber insulated gloves Mesh or cut proof gloves Foot Protection Metatarsal foot protection Rubber boots with steel toes Shoe covers and toe caps Hearing Protection Ear plugs & muffs Safety Clothing Reflective vests Encapsulating chemical suits

• • • • • • •

Life jackets Chemical resistant aprons/clothing Mesh or leather aprons Respiratory Protection Respirators Filtering face pieces SCBA – Self Supplied Air Respirators for rescue

An Employer is NOT Required to Pay For The Following Items - (This list is not all inclusive) • Non-specialty safety toe protective footwear • Prescription safety eyewear (except when special use lenses must be used inside a respirator face piece employers must pay for the lenses-inserts) • Lineman boots • Logging boots • Everyday clothing such as long pants and long sleeve shirts • Everyday work boots and work shoes • Dust mask/respirators that are under voluntary use • Back belts • Normal everyday rainwear • Replacement PPE Under OSHA’s final ruling on PPE, replacement PPE due to normal wear and tear is the responsibility of the employer. The only time that this responsibility would fall on the employee would be when the PPE is lost or damaged intentionally by the employee. Accidental damage is the employer’s responsibility.

An employer should have policies and guidelines in place for situations that can fall into a grey area regarding lost or intentionally damaged PPE. It is the employer’s decision how to deal with employees that have lost or caused damage to company owned PPE. OSHA concludes that employers have the right to implement disciplinary procedures into their jobsite in order to endorse compliance with safety and health requirements.

A Deeper Shade of Green Local Genetic Origins

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An employer is not required to provide or pay for upgraded or personalized PPE. The employer is only required to pay for adequate basic PPE for their employees.

If an employer allows an employee to purchase up-graded or personalized PPE paid for by the employee, the employer is only required to make sure that the PPE adequately meets their specifications for PPE at their company.

Employer Purchasing - Advantages: • Ensures that all PPE meets the specifications that the employer requires • Ensures the quality of PPE purchased • Immediate replacement is almost always available for lost or damaged items • Employers can purchase in bulk and therefore receive discounts from suppliers. 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: www.tbgmn.com

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

www.outbacknursery.com

Call us first for all your native planting needs JuLy 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

No Recess Fun on the Legislative Playground

By Bob Fitch, MNLA Executive Director emember when recess was a fun thing? Well, the recess between the end of Minnesota's regular legislative session and the beginning of the expected special session is anything but fun. (As this issue of The Scoop went to press, the legislature had not yet reconvened.) The governor provided the expected vetoes to the Republican budget bills – and the month of June rolled along with virtually no progress made on bridging the gap between the position of Gov. Dayton and the Republican majorities in the legislature. Not only are the two sides not playing nice in the sandbox, but they don't seem to be even on the same playground.

In Minnesota state government, we haven't experienced one party in complete control since the days of Gov. Rudy Perpich.

The counter-balance provided by divided government should lead to a balanced approach between providing necessary government services and fairness in taxation. However, for a good part of the 20 years that Minnesota has had divided government, I don't think the majority of us have been satisfied with the results. The quality of many government services seems to be down: Roads are crumbling, school classrooms are overcrowded, law enforcement is challenged to keep up with crime, and college tuition has

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increased dramatically. On the other hand, few think their tax burden is noticeably less – and everyone agrees that property tax increases have been significant.

Most lawmakers I have met are wellmeaning and responsible public servants.

So where do things go wrong? I think that when lawmakers go behind closed doors into party caucus meetings is when bad political things happen in St. Paul and Washington, D.C. In Minnesota, if we could put political party designations on hiatus, I believe our budget issues could be resolved in a few days, if not a few hours. If political gamesmanship was not an issue, the best nature of our citizen-legislators and our governor would come to the forefront.

Witness municipal government where political labels are rarely applied. While there are certainly many tough battles at that level, the absence of political party monikers allows for city council members to ultimately reach fair conclusions because everyone wants what's best for the community – NOT what is best for a political party.

When I was a high school and college student, my political science and history teachers were unanimous in their praise of America's two-party system. I was indoctrinated to the glories of the vaunted Republican and Democratic parties. But perhaps President George Washington had it right when he warned us against a party system.

According to the Wikipedia entry for “George Washington’s Farewell Address,” the first president accepted the fact that it is natural for people to organize and operate within groups like political parties, but he also argued that every government has recognized political parties as an enemy and has sought to repress them because of their tendency to seek more power than other groups and take revenge on political opponents.

Moreover, Washington made the case that "the alternate domination" of one party over another and coinciding efforts to exact revenge upon their opponents have led to horrible atrocities, and "is itself a frightful despotism.”

Washington went on to acknowledge the fact that parties are sometimes beneficial in promoting liberty in monarchies, but argued that political parties must be restrained in a popularly elected government because of their tendency to distract the government from their duties, create unfounded jealousies amongst groups and regions, raise false alarms amongst the people, promote riots and insurrection, and provide foreign nations and interests access to the government where they can impose their will upon the country.

Wouldn't it be great to give the political party system a recess in Minnesota? Then maybe there'd be some fun back on the playground again. q __________________________________________________ Bob Fitch is the executive director of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association and is the consummate swing voter. As a teenager, he campaigned for Ronald Reagan in 1980, yet voted for Walter Mondale for president in 1984, the first time he voted. He voted for George W. Bush in 2000, yet voted for John Kerry in 2004.

Maybe swing voters are the problem, not political parties. Bob can be reached at bob@mnla.biz.

GARDEN CENTER | The Scoop

Join the Garden Center Adventure!

By Judy Zierden, Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

ooking for an idea to make things a bit easier in your LWell garden center? if you are, please join us, as we tour some of the gems in Minneapolis. It’s all about spending a day with your colleagues for getting inspired and networking. Exchanging ideas about things that worked for you, and of course, those ideas that didn’t, is always one of my favorites. Once again, ladies and gentleman, we have got another fabulous tour lined up for you!

Mother Earth Gardens is a very quaint garden center catering to sustainable plants, unique gifts and beautiful displays. Many of the garden gifts are made by local artists.

Together, we can explore this treasure and find out why City Pages has voted them as the Best Garden Center in the Twin Cities.

Bachman’s is always a wonderful site to see! We’ll tour their first retail location that started it all. The store is filled with gifts for the gardener, garden accessories as well as home decor and a cafe. They even have a separate room where the seminars are given. We’ll go through the floral department where all the retail and delivery bouquets are made. Outside, you’re bound to get ideas for displaying plants and tie in products.

At Sunnyside Gardens, let them wow you with gorgeous displays and container gardens. Novice and garden gurus come here for expert advice and ideas. The neighborhood thinks this is their own hidden gem to shop at for a very fun, outdoor experience!

Let Tangletown Gardens show you what can be done with very little space! They have thousands of perennials, and unusual plant material and garden décor from around the world that will compliment every garden.

Wagner's, a family owned business, continues to update and expand their facilities and expand their product line, as consumer needs and wants have changed. As the seasons change, so will their containers. This is a very community orientated garden center.

As an extra bonus, hear nationally renowned speaker Judy Sharpton speak on "Inventory Control as it Impacts Store Design."

As always, the bus ride is an adventure in itself.

Discussions about any topic you may want to discuss. Bring your ideas, and join in the fun as we tour the Minneapolis area in August! q ________________________________________________ Judy Zierden is a member of the MNLA Garden Center Committee and can be reached at judyzeee1985@msn.com.

JuLy 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

Appreciating the People-Plant Connection Editor’s note: Heidi Heiland, Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens, recently represented MNLA at a Minnesota Landscape Arboretum forum featuring Richard Louv, author of the Nature Principle. Jim Hagstrom, a member of the MNLA Sustainable Environment Committee suggested her remarks be published for MNLA members.

By Heidi Heiland, Heidi's Lifestyle Gardens

s landscape designers, growers and nursery professionals, we are intimately connected at all times to nature. Nature is our livelihood. We are required to respect the weather as our guide to understand when we may install, grow or maintain our product. We cannot make a decision without Mother Nature’s input. We Heidi Heiland actively participate in all seasons, rain or shine (or snow) and receive copious doses of Vitamin N. We work collaboratively, literally cheek to cheek, in our greenhouses, nurseries and landscapes to bring our products and services to our clients.

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I have been witness to the healing benefits of nature that are automatically in place for our clients, staff and vendors. We regularly experience green exercise and of late are asked to participate as experts in nature paramedical opportunities such as community greening and office campus vegetable gardening.

The practice of horticultural therapy as a treatment modality is becoming more accepted and available.

Now having said all of that, and while I personally and professionally embrace these principles, I am not convinced many in the green industry fully appreciate Mr. Louv’s ideology. Yes, we design healing spaces, offer native plants, connect with schools to educate our youth and tout the benefits of an eco-friendly approach, yet these visionaries have been the exception vs. the norm.

Enthusiastically, I feel that tide is turning. Imagine what we could achieve if we set goals to what is occurring naturally?

Our lives are ruled by our Minnesota seasons, the weather, how wet the soil is, sourcing plants, providing spaces for our clients to enjoy, yet we may not take time to stop and smell the roses ourselves or fully respect the healing that is innately occurring

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Certainly verbalizing, publicizing and marketing this new norm is the path to healing, not only for our clients, but for the sustainability of our businesses. If we don’t become the forerunners in this, we will be left behind. Our clients were not asking for herbs and veggies years ago but we encouraged them to plant them anyway. I feel it is up to the professionals in any industry to be the leaders, the go-to sources, the ones that suggest how we embrace new paradigms or re-visit the simplicity of how our forefathers lived.

Many nurseries hold classes under the glass roofs. Maybe, in addition, they could invite customers to simply stroll and smell the beauty for 15 minutes before a workshop, or maybe a meditative space or alter could be offered. When we connect to nature, we also honor our spiritual life. Gardening service companies could provide coaching to clients to empower them to care for their own land versus hiring all of it from an outside source. Landscape designers may ensure that spaces are designed for food source, accessibility, contemplation and play versus simply aesthetic appeal.

Horticultural therapy and nature-based therapies need to become mainstream and available to all populations. Our industry is perfectly positioned to help heal our planet and the people in it. It all begins with sharing our intentions. q ________________________________________________ Heidi Heiland is the Secretary-Treasurer of the MNLA and can be reached at heidi@BloomOnMN.com.

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when we connect people and plants. One would assume we are all tree huggers, and while that may be true at our core, more of us have become tradespeople simply implementing a process, without any regard to the special responsibility we hold to paint with God’s colors. Like any industry, we can become motivated by a competitive market, margins and how to run our businesses.

It has been said to me that what my company offers is a luxury item. I respectfully disagree. I feel that what we offer is a necessity, but that theory is not publicly held. One would assume that the green industry includes leaders in eco-friendly approaches. However, it is just of late that many are adopting, discussing and prioritizing the importance of best management practices such as water wise and organic approaches, plant type solutions or low carbon footprint practices. This has not yet spilled into The Nature Principle’s appreciation of the peopleplant connection. In the Midwest, we tend to adopt trends later than both coasts, but the time has to be now that we recognize our challenge to bring healing through horticulture into action by tapping into our native lakes, prairies and savannahs.

I am thrilled we are holding this dialogue to educate professionals and the laymen alike. In this way we can set intention of how to bring this forward.

I don’t know that I have the answers for our industry, but I feel that moving this principle forward begins simply with research and dialogue. We need to talk about these issues and use this intention to lead our business choices, to drive the bus.

We are the green industry, we need to talk about how essential it is for us to help bring nature back into our work and elevate the importance of that. Our desired outcomes could be stated as “offering health and healing to our clients by bringing them closer to the earth” versus “offering a pretty landscape to our clients by selling them more product.”

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JuLy 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | PLANT MANAGEMENT

Is Brown the Other Color of Blue Spruce?

By Dmitre Mollov, University of Minnesota lue spruce (Picea pungens) is widely used in the landscape because of its attractive needle coloration. With dozens of cultivars that vary in color from blue-green to silvery-gray and shapes from pyramidal to globe the blue spruce is an appealing choice for many horticultural settings. Contrary to white spruce (Picea Dmitre Mollov glauca) and black spruce (Picea mariana) the blue spruce is not native to Minnesota. The native range of the blue spruce is primarily the central and southern Rocky Mountains. The elevation of this range is 6000 to 9000 feet, with cool and humid conditions, and various but well-drained soils with slightly acidic to neutral pH. It is obvious that the Twin Cities landscape conditions in many instances are far from ideal for blue spruce.

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During the last several years blue spruce sample submissions to the Plant Disease Clinic had increased. More than half of the blue spruce samples in 2010 did not have any pathogens despite their browning and needle drop. This highlights the importance of the planting site selection and the cultural practices associated with blue spruce trees in our landscapes.

The samples that tested positive for pathogens or insects in most cases related to trees that were predisposed to stress or other unfavorable conditions. The positive identification of plant diseases in the Clinic on blue spruce narrows down to only Lirula needle blight (diagnosed very seldom in the last five years), Rhizosphaera needle cast and Cytospora canker.

Rhizosphaera and Cytospora are the most common diseases on blue spruce and almost in all cases associated with stress factors.

Some of the unfavorable conditions or stress related factors to blue spruce are: • • • • • • • • • • 40

Drought High soil pH Overwatering (causing root rots) Compacted and/or heavy soil (poor drainage) Spading large trees (transplant shock) Root girdling (improper planting debt; planting with wire baskets) Shaded and/or secluded areas with weeds and other vegetation in neglected landscapes (poor air circulation) High doses of chemical applications or herbicide drifts (causing phytotoxicity) Sprinkler systems set too high and too close to a tree (continuous wetness of the needles) Mechanical damage www.MNLA.biz | JuLy 2011

Rhizosphaera needle cast is perhaps the most common disease on blue spruce in the Midwest and the East but not a significant threat in the West (the blue spruce native range).

Typical symptoms of the disease are browning of the needles, starting at lower branches, needle drop and finally complete branch defoliation.

Disease confirmation can be accomplished in the field by observing the stomata with hand lens. Infected needles will have black fruiting structures of the fungus. Infection occurs in the spring but browning of the needles does not show until fall.

Some needles remain attached until the following year and release spores for new needle infection. If left uncontrolled for few years the disease will severely defoliate and eventually may kill the tree. Moderately affected trees can be restored in twothree years by applying recommended fungicide treatments.

However, the best way to control the disease is not to get it.

When new trees are planted they have to be healthy and away from infected mature trees. Avoiding the stress conditions listed above will help maintain healthy blue spruce trees.

Cytospora canker is another common disease on blue spruce. The causal organism, Leucostoma kunzei, is more of an opportunistic fungus than a pathogen. Cytospora canker is easily diagnosed in the field by its distinct symptoms. The canker area is associated with resin flow and often has whitebluish coloration. The infected branch will be eventually girdled and browning and drop of needles will occur. There are no chemical control measures available to manage Cytospora canker. Pruning infected branches and avoiding stress are the most important cultural practices. David Schoeneweiss, a plant pathologist from Illinois did control research experiments with healthy and drought-stressed blue spruce trees. He inoculated both sets of plants with the pathogen and observed that the fungus colonized all plants but necrotic cankers occurred only on the drought-stressed trees. Keeping trees well watered in hot and dry spells of the summer will help minimize the impact of this disease.

Blue spruce is the state tree of Colorado and Utah. The disease problems mentioned here are rarely a problem in these states simply because the environment there is favorable for the blue spruce. Needless to say, Minnesota’s growing conditions are not the same as those in the central Rocky Mountains.

Therefore, we have to keep in mind that the ever-attractive blue spruce can loose its horticultural appeal due to unfavorable environment when used out of its native range. q ________________________________________________ Dr. Dmitre Mollov is a plant pathologist at the University of Minnesota Plant Disease Clinic. He can be reached at dmollov@umn.edu.

GREENHOUSE & HERBACEOUS GROWERS | The Scoop

2011 California Spring Trials Report - Part 2

By Carolyn Jones, BFG Plant Connection

elcome to Part 2 of the 2011 California Spring Trials Report. We are traveling south down the California coast and reviewing each stop in the order I visited them. We ended Part I at Westhoff, so we will begin Part II at PanAmerican in Santa Paula and continue south until we end in Encinitas at Suntory and Benary.

There’s a lot to get excited about in this second half of the trip, so here we go…

• Angelonia ‘Serena®’ Blue – a new color added to this series of heat and drought tolerant plants that are awesome in the landscape. Take another look at this series!

• Petunia ‘Shock Wave® Coral Crush’ and ‘Shock Wave® Red’ – two new colors in this Wave® series that is the earliest to bloom, and has a smaller flower size.

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Osteospermum ‘3D™’ Purple

PanAmerican Seed • Osteospermum ‘Akila™’ – this is a new Osteo from seed that is compact, uniform and good for high density growing. It doesn’t need a pinch or PGR applications. ere are three colors, Purple, White and Lavender Shades, as well as a mix.

• Gaillardia ‘Mesa™ Bright Bicolor’ – the second in the family of F1 gaillardias from seed. is bicolor is uniform and vigorous, and has a larger flower than Arizona Sun. • Leycesteria ‘Jealousy’ – this is a big, bushy plant that grows 3-5’ tall with chartreuse foliage that will be a great accent plant for the landscape and large containers. It blooms in July and gets purple fruits in autumn.

Dahlia ‘Dahlinova Hypnotica® Cherish Pink’

Calibrachoa ‘Superbells® Cherry Star’

Leycesteria ‘Jealousy’

• Hibiscus ‘Mahogany Splendor’ – another large accent plant that can also be used as a water plant. It’s drought and heat resistant and the dark foliage will lend great contrast in the garden.

Selecta • Osteospermum ‘3D™’ – a new series with a large double center that keeps the flowers open in any light. ree colors, Pink, Silver and Purple. Low maintenance with no deadheading.

• Trixie® 2.0 – the Trixie® multiliners will be produced in a new way, with three individual liners rooted together in a special tray to create improved performance for instant combinations.

Fides • Petunia ‘Fortunia® Purple Heart’ – this is a beautiful new color that made everyone in my group stop and say “wow.”

A vibrant purple petunia with dark throat and veining.

• Dahlia ‘Dahlinova Hypnotica® Cherish Pink’ – a new pink and white bicolor is added to this series of awesome dahlias for 6” pot production.

• Dianthus Kahori® - people were talking about this perennial dianthus. It is fragrant and will bloom all summer in the garden. Zone 4. Interesting single pink flowers.

JuLy 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

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Benary • Gaillardia ‘Arizona Apricot’ – a new addition to the Arizona family, this plant is one of the 2012 AAS winners. It is hardy to zone 2 and will flower first year without vernalization.

• Begonia ‘Nonstop® Deep Rose’ and ‘Nonstop® Yellow with Red Back’ – two new colors are added to this very popular series of tuberous begonia.

And a couple final notes…..John Henry Company offers a new website, www.BloomIQ.com.

It has lots of Gaillardia ‘Arizona Apricot’ gardening information that Proven Winners both you and your • Calibrachoa ‘Superbells® Sweet Tart’ – pink customer can use, with a large yellow eye and a mounding, including an option trailing habit, this is a breakthrough color to print a shopping with good color separation. list of plants needed • Calibrachoa ‘Superbells® Cherry Star’ – to create a garden another new breakthrough, this flower is pictured on the cherry pink with a yellow star that is very website. Check it Argyranthemum ‘Comet Peppermint’ stable in the heat. e habit is more out if you have a few mounding than trailing. You’ll see lots of minutes. You can marketing about this variety. also add a link on • Calibrachoa ‘Superbells® Grape Punch’ – the newest your website for your customer to look at Bloom IQ. addition to the Punch family, this one is grape color with a Syngenta has a new help line. You can email to deep velvet inner ring around a yellow eye. Good branching flowers.tech.help@syngenta.com, send your questions and and vigor, this is an excellent new addition. pictures, and they will respond within 24 hours. You can also • Verbena ‘Superbena® Royale Peachy Keen” – the Royale sign up for weekly tech tips. series has a smaller habit than the other Superbenas® and this one opens a rich salmon Thanks for joining me on this color that ages to a blush review of the Spring Trials trip! I hope peach. Also introduced in you’ve picked up some good ideas this series is ‘Royale Iced along the way, and good luck with Cherry’. planning for spring • Ipomoea ‘Illusion® Garnet 2012! q Lace’ – the third addition _____________________________ to the Illusion series, Carolyn Jones is a member of the MNLA which has deeply cut Greenhouse & Herbaceous Growers foliage, this one is a nice Committee. She can be reached at bronze-red color that is cjones@mndistributing.com. compact with very dense branching.

Ecke Calibrachoa ‘Superbells® Grape Punch’ • Argyranthemum ‘Comet Peppermint’ – this is a new pink and white striped flower that changes as it ages, producing a really interesting “multi-colored” plant.

• Chrysocephalum ‘Outback Silver Sunburst’ – this is an excellent plant for drought and heat tolerance that has larger silver leaves than most on the market. It will be a great accent plant.

Suntory • Lophospermum ‘Lofos® White’ - Lofos® Wine Red is such a popular plant, and now they’ve added a white (it replaces the Cream that was available a couple years ago). Great for baskets and pots with a trellis.

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Petunia ‘Fortunia® Purple Heart’

JuLy 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | RESEARCH

Digested Manure Solids Can Make Gardens Grow

By Liz Morrison, Ag Utilization Research Institute

irst cow beds, now garden beds. A leading Minnesota milk producer is expanding the uses for anaerobically-digested dairy manure solids.

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Riverview LLP, which milks 30,000 cows in Stevens and Swift counties, hopes to market its digested manure solids as a garden soil amendment and peat alternative. The Minnesota Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) is helping Riverview characterize the physical and chemical attributes of the digester solids and set up horticulture research trials.

Riverview was one of the first Midwest dairies to install manure digesters, which generate renewable methane — a natural gas substitute that can be burned for heat or electric power.

Riverview’s three anaerobic digesters produce enough green electricity to supply 3,200 homes.

After leaving the digesters, dairy manure is mechanically separated. The liquid portion is injected into cropland as fertilizer. The solid portion is returned to the barns as comfy cow bedding.

Riverview recycles about half its manure solids to its own barns, and sells some to other dairy barns for bedding, earning about $12 per ton. The remainder is applied to cropland, fetching about half the value of bedding.

The company also sells small amounts of digested manure to local gardeners, who show up at the dairy and shovel the humus-like material into the back of their pickups. As the digested solids won praise — and repeat sales — from gardeners, “we started thinking it might be a good fit for the garden and nursery markets,” says Adam Zeltwanger, Riverview business developer. “This would be a higher-value market.”

Peat hard to beat There is a demand for lower-cost organic materials that could be substituted for peat, a main component in potting mixtures and garden soil amendments, says Bert Swanson of Park Rapids. Swanson, a retired University of Minnesota horticulture professor, is a nursery industry consultant and president of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association.

The U.S. horticulture and landscape industry consumed about 1.5 million metric tons of peat in 2010, more than

half of it imported, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The average value was just under $25 per ton.

As a growing medium, peat is hard to beat, says Kurt Johnson, a research fellow at the U of M Natural Resources Research Institute in Duluth. “Peat has a lot of advantages. It’s very consistent and does what growers want it to do.”

But peat mining is expensive and the permitting process is long and complicated. Harvesting depends on having stretches of dry weather, making supply unpredictable. And peat is part of a complex wetland ecosystem, so draining peat bogs raises a host of environmental issues, he says. In addition, companies are required to restore peatlands after harvest, adding to costs.

Advantages for digested manure?

Digested dairy solids could have several advantages as a horticulture product.

However, digested manure’s pH and soluble salt content could limit its use in potting mixtures, Swanson says. Digested solids may contain more nutrients than desirable for many horticultural applications, too, Johnson says. By contrast, peat furnishes few nutrients — “an advantage because growers can control nutrients better,” he says. Other questions about the material include its storage characteristics, air-holding capacity and nutrient-leeching risk, as well as digestion’s effects on weed seed viability, carbon-nitrogen ratios and product consistency.

That’s where AURI comes in. The Institute is sponsoring horticultural trials and material analysis at the U of M West Central Research and Outreach Center (WCROC) in Morris. q

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Trials will compare seed germination, rooting and plant growth in traditional peat-based potting mixtures and digested manure solids. Both greenhouse and outdoor trials are being planned, says Steve Poppe, WCROC horticulture scientist, who will oversee the research.

“One of the biggest questions is what plants will grow well in the material,” says Swanson, who is helping to design the experiments. The trials will include conifers and deciduous trees and annual and perennial plants in both containers and beds. “There’s potential for all of them,” Swanson says. “We’ll also be testing the percentage of product that can be used in various growing media.”

EDUCATION | The Scoop

HTC Named Tree Campus USA

A 2010 market report from the Freedonia Group, an Ohiobased international business research company, predicts good growth for fertilizers and growing media. “These two segments are benefiting from the expanding consumer trend favoring value-added products such as fast-acting and easy-to-use fertilizers and premium soils.”

Swanson says the nursery industry would welcome a lowercost growing medium — if it performs well. “I see a lot of potential for it as a soil amendment for home gardens. And if horticultural crop producers can get a reduction in costs, that would benefit the whole industry too.”

Local nursery sells Riverview’s digested solids to gardeners Jan Anderson is doing a lively trade in Riverview’s anaerobically-digested dairy manure solids, which she whimsically markets as “reconstituted grains from Riverview Dairy.”

Anderson and her husband, Lloyd, operate Anderson Acres, a nursery business near Alberta, Minn., not far from Riverview’s home dairy. The Andersons have been in the nursery business for 11 years. They operate five greenhouses on their farm, as well as a retail store.

Jan says the digested dairy solids are “a very good soil amender, especially on heavy clay soils. We’ve found it really enriches the soil.” There’s no manure smell, she says, and “it doesn’t burn plants like uncomposted manure can.”

ennepin Technical College has earned Tree Campus USA recognition for 2011 for its dedication to campus forestry management and environmental stewardship, the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation announced. is is the first year Hennepin Technical College has been named a Tree Campus USA.

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Hennepin Technical College is the first college or university located in Minnesota to earn Tree Campus USA status.

To celebrate this recognition, Hennepin Technical College hosted a community tree-planting and celebration event on May 11 at the Brooklyn Park Campus. e celebration culminated with the planting of over 50 trees donated by the Arbor Day Foundation. Students, faculty, staff, industry partners, and community volunteers planted the trees. MNLA President Bert Swanson and Executive Director Bob Fitch took part in the festivities and extended the association’s congratulations to the college. q

The digestion process reduces odors and destroys most of the pathogens in manure, says Adam Zeltwanger of Riverview.

The solids are relatively free of viable weed seeds, too, Jan adds, so it makes “a good top dressing to hold down weeds. I definitely think there could be a good market for it.” In fact, she adds, “We have people coming from as far as 100 miles to buy it.”

Anderson Acres sells the product in three-cubic-foot bags for $6, or in bulk, for $45 a cubic yard. “We also use it in our own display gardens,” she says. “It’s a great product.” q

JuLy 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | LANDSCAPE AWARDS

10 Reasons to Win a Landscape Award

by Jason Rathe, Field Outdoor Spaces 1. Great for company morale – everyone loves to be part of a winning team.

2. An educational opportunity – Use award submissions as a way to reflect more thoroughly on all your strategies.

Judges give good feedback on projects – go over the feedback with your project managers.

3. Get new clients – award winners have used their awards to market themselves in local magazines, e-mails, and on websites.

4. Alert existing clients – let your current clients know that you won an award. ey will feel good that they chose to work with such a great company.

5. Give the award to the client – Clients love hanging plaques in the entry hallway. And they will see you in a new light.

6. Hey, free marketing! – Award winners are displayed at MN Green Expo, on the MNLA website and are highlighted with pictures in Midwest Home Magazine.

7. Free ticket to the prestigious “MNLA Landscape Gala.”

MTGF Turf and Grounds Field Day When: September 15, 2011 Where: University of Minnesota Turfgrass Research, Outreach and Education Center Who Should Attend: All segments of commercial and residential turfgrass management will benefit from the research conducted at the University of Minnesota.

Topics Covered: 1. Multi-species drought evaluation using a rain-out shelter 2. Roadside salt-tolerant turfgrass 3. Consumer attitudes about low-input turfgrasses 4. Advances in breeding for disease resistance in cool-season turfgrasses 5. Winter-hardy perennial ryegrass 6. Fungicide trials 7. NTEP cultivar evaluations (bentgrass, fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, tall fescue, perennial ryegrass) 8. Benefit of bees in the landscape Why: Your membership in the Minnesota Turf and Grounds Foundation and your participation in your allied association are what supports the research being conducted at the TROE Center.

Please join us and interact with your colleagues. We promise you will leave with something new.

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e Gala has evolved into a popular and festive networking event for the industry. You don’t need to win an award to go, but its always nicer walking around with some hardware.

8. Attract great employees – Having your name routinely bandied about the industry and on the MNLA website attracts employees. Again, everyone loves to be part of a winning team.

9. Great team goal – select a project or two early in the year to document as a potential award winner. Employees have fun taking pictures and taking special care on a project when there is a tangible goal.

10. Each project is judged on its own merits – awards are given to all deserving projects. Your project doesn’t have to be the best – it only needs to meet (and surpass!) industry standards. q ________________________________________________ Jason is a member of the Landscape Awards Committee, and can be reached at field@fieldinc.net.

Volunteer at the MNLA Garden During the 2011 Minnesota State Fair!

Three-hour shifts • August 26 - Sept. 6 — Free tickets to the Fair plus a T-shirt - Call 651-633-4987 or 888-886-6652

9 a.m. - 12 noon

Thurs.

Aug. 25 Fri. Aug. 26

12 noon - 3 p.m.

3 p.m. - 6 p.m.

6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Otten Brothers Nursery & Landscaping

Traverse Des Sioux Garden Center

Maddell Companies

St. Croix Tree Service

City of Golden Valley Leslie’s Garden The Lawn Ranger, Inc.

Bailey Nurseries

Minneapolis Parks & Recreation

Larson Lawnscape, Inc. Sat. Aug. 27

Sun. Aug. 28

Rum River Tree Farm

Bourdeaux Enterprises

Mon. Aug. 29 Bachman’s Inc.

Tues.

Aug. 30 Wed. Aug. 31

St. Croix Tree Service

Maddell Companies

Leslie’s Garden, Inc.

Thurs.

Sept. 1

Larson Lawnscape, Inc.

Fri. Sept. 2 Sat. Sept. 3

Larson Lawnscape, Inc.

Sun. Sept. 4 Mon. Sept. 5

The Mulch Store

Wild Ways To Garden

Maddell Companies

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The Scoop | MEMBERSHIP

Renew Membership Online, Get Free Job Posting t is now easier than ever to renew your membership online!

Go to MNLA.biz, login in the upper right corner, then click “Membership Renewal” in the left column. Renew online by July 31 and you’ll receive a free 60-day job posting (must be redeemed during 2011). Plus, when you request a quote on workers’ compensation insurance from TBG, you’ll receive a 10% discount off your membership dues (email mary@mnla.biz for a quote form).

New! Purchase a powerful enhanced directory listing when you renew and drive more traffic to your business from GardenMinnesota.com. The new enhanced listing is available at an introductory offer of $40, and includes these upgrades: • Colored background • Full company description • Listing floats to the top of searches

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• Larger type for company name • Logo or photo upload (maximum size: 180w x 150h pixels) • Graphics for map, contact, and website You can purchase an enhanced listing in the Store on MNLA.biz or when you renew your membership online. Just look for “Enhanced Directory Option” during your renewal process. q

Never signed in to MNLA.biz before?

Simply click “Forgot your password.” and if you have an email address on file with MNLA it will step you through the process. Need help?

Call 651-633-4987.

Example of enhanced listing appearance

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2573B Hamline Ave. N. • Roseville, MN 55113 651-484-4002 • haltiffanyinsurance.com 48

www.MNLA.biz | JuLy 2011

Increase your plant and hardscape sales with MNLA’s Outdoor Living Catalogs. Titles include Trees & Shrubs, Perennials, and Ideas for Outdoor Living.

Visit MNLA.biz or call Sue at 651-633-4987.

PESTICIDES | The Scoop

Webinar for Pesticide Retailers on August 25 eginning on August 17, 2011, pesticides released for shipment in refillable containers will need to comply with new regulations. New labeling requirements and new repackaging requirements will also take effect on the same day. Make sure your retail operation is aware of the requirements and understand what you will need to do in order to comply. A 40 minute presentation followed by questions and answers will provide the basics.

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Thursday, August 25, 2011 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM CDT • Retailers of agricultural chemicals • Distributors of agricultural chemicals • Dealers in pool chemicals • Repackagers of pesticides • Applicators who apply pesticides for hire

Executive Director Bob Fitch • bob@mnla.biz Associate Director Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz Membership Director & Trade Show Manager Mary Dunn, CEM • mary@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 Advertising & Sponsorship Sales Pierre Productions & Promotions 952-903-0505 Betsy Pierre, Advertising Manager, betsy@pierreproductions.com Erica Nelson, Advertising Sales, erica@pierreproductions.com Government Affairs Consultants Doug Carnival, Legislative Affairs Tim Power, Regulatory Affairs In addition to association activities, the MNLA staff provides management for:

Featured Speaker: Nancy Fitz, Environmental Engineer, Office of Pesticide Programs, US EPA. Nancy is the national expert on Standards for Pesticide Containers and Containment.

For additional information on the Pesticide Container and Containment Regulations, please visit www.epa.gov/ pesticides/regulating/containers.htm Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: www1.gotomeeting.com/register/ 612145857. q

THE OR R

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Date: Time: For:

651-633-4987

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GR EN E

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:

Credit Card Processing THE CREDIT CARD DR./Better Business Solutions 651-207-6867 877-272-0741 (Toll Free) dan@the CCDr.com www.TheCCDr.com Business Legal Services (Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC) 651-331-6500 Business Succession (AgStar) 507-386-4620 Fuel Discount Card (Speedway/SA/Marathon) 651-454-7776 ext. 208 Fuel Savings (Holiday Stationstores) 952-830-8889 Horticultural Books (MN State Horticultural Society) 651-643-3601 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/ On-Line Job Board Employee Training Manuals (PLANET) Garden Center Plant Posters Garden Center Carryout Trays Irrigation Specifications (www.MNLA.biz) Northern Green Expo Trade Show Booths MNLA Certified Professional manuals, exam Sales Tax Rules / Nursery-GreenhouseLandscape (www.MNLA.biz.)

Spanish Pocket Reference Guide

JuLy 2011 | www.MNLA.biz

49

PLANT OF THE MONTH | The Scoop

Skyline Honeylocust Gleditsia triacanthos inermis 'Skyline'

By Wendy Tokheim, Law’s Nursery, Inc. re you looking for a specimen shade tree with low maintenance, upright habit and little to no raking necessary in the fall? The Skyline Honeylocust fits the bill. This tree was introduced by Cole Nursery in Ohio and is one of the most cold hardy varieties of the common Honeylocust. It will grow to be about 60 to 100 feet tall and with a spread of about 35-50 feet. It has a compact, pyramidal form as well as a strong central leader so very little corrective pruning is required. It grows at a fast rate especially with full or nearly full sun exposure. It is one of the more adaptable shade trees as it grows in a variety of soil conditions. The Skyline Honeylocust is drought, pH and salt tolerant and transplants well.

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The Honeylocust species is known for its undesirable thorns on the trunk and main stems but this cultivar is a thornless (inermis = thornless) selection as well as a seedless variety. The

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www.MNLA.biz | JuLy 2011

Plant of the Month

leaves are pinnately or bipinnately compound and are a dark green. It provides filtered shade which allows grass to grow under the tree while also dense enough to provide shade. The leaves turn a coppery yellow color in autumn. A wonderful feature of the Honeylocust is the fact that the leaflets are small enough that minimal raking is required. Skyline Honeylocust have inconspicuous, small flowers that are greenish-yellow in color. The polygamous nature of the flowers allows for some fruiting to occur but is often not seen on this variety. The fruit, if present, is a reddish-brown pod which can grow 8 to 16 inches long.

Skyline Honeylocust have very few pest and disease problems which also make this a wonderful variety to grow.

The few pests that may be present include plant bugs and leafhoppers which feed on the leaves causing some leaf drop.

Some disease problems include leaf spot which can be prevented with disposal of infected leaves as well as canker.

Proper pruning of damaged branches and keeping the tree healthy will help prevent most cankers from damaging the tree.

Other cultivars of the ornless Honeylocust include Imperial, Shademaster, Northern Acclaim as well as many others but the Skyline Honeylocust tends to hold its own on cold hardiness and pyramidal form. It has been known to grow as a street tree but might be best planted as an accent feature to show off its light feathery texture and shapely crown. q ___________________________________________ Wendy Tokheim is a MNLA Certified Professional and can be reached at wendy@lawsnursery.com.

MNLA Woodland Hill Winery Event

Thursday, August 18, 2011 Join fellow MNLA members for an evening of networking on Thursday, August 18 at Woodland Hill Winery. You will: ! ! ! !

Hear a brief introduction to the winery/growing operations Get a chance to sample 9 varieties of wine Enjoy the beautiful gardens and outdoor areas Have time for networking with MNLA members

Network, have a few light appetizers and enjoy all this lovely winery and their outdoor space has to offer.

All members are welcome!

Just for fun!!!

Schedule 4:00—Registration 4:00-6:00—Winery introduction, tasting, appetizers and networking!

Presented by: Location Woodland Hill Winery 731 County Road 30 SE Delano, MN 55328 Cost $20 per person—register using the back of this form or online at www.MNLA.biz!

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

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID TWIN CITIES MN PERMIT NO 7911

GardenMinnesota.com www.MNLA.biz

St. Joseph Equipment is now...

eo: Rod am 9:00 0 pm 6 :0

RODEO LOCATION: 6340 COUNTY RD 101 E - SHAKOPEE, MN - 952-445-5400

July 15, 2011

Lu 11:3 nch: 0 1:30 am pm

The Th he Case Triple Threat Rodeo is an operator skills competition that will test your mettle on a Case N Series es loader/backhoe, F Series wheel loader and Alpha Series skid steer. If you’re the best of the best, visit caserodeoseries.com to register.

Join us for the Open House & Rodeo! www.titanmachinery.com