The Scoop Online - April 2016

Maintaining Permeable Pavements

Also Inside

Effective Grass Seed Establishment

Bee Labeling Laws Two-Wire Systems Legislative Predictions

EXCITING PLANTS Over 60 sensational cultivars for landscapes in the Upper Midwest

Vol: 39 No: 4 Apr 2016 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E M I N N E S O TA N U R S E R Y & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

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Volume 39 No. 4 Apr 2016

CONTENTS 15

51 30

IN THIS ISSUE 8

Events

10 From the Executive Director The results are in for the 2016 MNLA membership survey.

45

15 Research Report: Bee Labeling Laws Dr. Vera Krischik shares research on the residue in flowers and leaves from use of systemic insecticides in greenhouse pots.   

20 Tips for Effective Grass Seed Establishment Shay Lunseth offers key questions to ask and issues to consider when choosing grass seed.   

30 Maintaining the Benefits of Permeable Pavements Routine inspections and proper maintenance preserves the stormwater management benefits of permeable pavements.   

42 Pollination and Fruit Set Faith Appelquist answers the question, “Why didn’t my tree get any fruit?”   

45 Installing and Troubleshooting Two-Wire Systems Andrew Lindquist writes about the two-wire system and its many advantages over traditional control systems. 

55 New Plant Forum Here are all the plants from the popular Debbie Lonnee-moderated session at the 2016 Northern Green Expo.      Landscape & Hardscape Install & Design  Garden Services & Landscape Management  Garden Centers  Growers: Nursery & Greenhouse  Irrigation & Water Management  Arborists & Tree Services  All

12 Building Bridges and Facilitating Success Steven Shimek reminds us of the goal of MDA’s nursery inspection and certification program.

27 2016 Legislative Predictions Tim Power highlights several government affairs issues that will affect our industry this year.

38 Networking News 51 Assessing Wages & Benefits Jim Calkins reviews a national survey on staff compensation in this month’s Research for the Real World.

74 MNLA Career Outreach Did you know YOU play a creative role in connecting schools, businesses, and community partners to the future of the green industry?

78 Together We Stand Jeff Pilla reminds us that together our voice can make a difference for important green industry issues.

Cover photo courtesy of Proven Winners — provenwinners.com The Scoop, April 2016, Issue 4, is issued monthly, 12 times per year.

All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2016, and may not be used without written permission of MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113. Subscription price is $99 for one year, which is included with member dues. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Scoop, MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113.

Editorial Contributions. You are invited to share your expertise and perspective. Article ideas and manuscripts should, whenever possible, reflect real and specific experiences. When submitting an article, please contact the publisher at jon@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987.

MNLA reserves the right to edit all Scoop content.

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AD LIST MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION Successful Businesses Grow Here!

1813 Lexington Ave. N. Roseville, MN 55113 651-633-4987 • Fax: 651-633-4986 Outside the metro area, toll free: 888-886-MNLA, Fax: 888-266-4986 www.MNLA.biz • www.NorthernGreenExpo.org

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

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

herman roerick, president

Central Landscape Supply 320-252-1601 • hermanr@centrallandscape.com

scott frampton, vice-president

Landscape Renovations 651-769-0010 • sframpton@landscaperenovations.com

tim malooly, cid, clia, cic, secretary-treasurer Water in Motion 763-559-7771 • timm@watermotion.com

randy berg, mnla-cp

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

matt mallas

Hedberg Supply 763-512-2849 • mmallas@hedbergaggregates.com

mike mcnamara

Hoffman & McNamara Nursery & Landscaping 651-437-9463 • mike.mcnamara@hoffmanandmcnamara.com

john o'reilly

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

jeff pilla, mnla-cp

Bachman’s Inc. 612-861-7600 • jpilla@bachmans.com

nick sargent

Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. 507-289-0022 • njsargent@sargentsgardens.com

cassie larson, cae

MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • cassie@mnla.biz

executive director:

Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz

membership director & trade show manager:

Mary Dunn, CEM • mary@mnla.biz communications dir.: Jon Horsman, CAE • jon@mnla.biz education/cert manager: Susan Flynn • susan@mnla.biz

legislative affairs manager: Tim Power • tim@mnla.biz regulatory affairs manager: Jim Calkins • jim@mnla.biz administrative asst: Gayle Anderson • gayle@mnla.biz accountant: Kris Peterson • kris@mnla.biz foundation program coordinator: Paulette Sorenson • paulette@mnla.biz

advertising sales: 952-934-2891 / 763-295-5420

Faith Jensen, Advertising Rep • faith@pierreproductions.com Betsy Pierre, Advertising Mgr • betsy@pierreproductions.com legislative affairs consultant: Doug Carnival

MNLA .biz

A Top Notch Equipment ................................................................................... 54 Alliance Designer Products .............................................................................. 44 Ancom Communication & Technical Center .................................................... 24 Borgert ............................................................................................................... 4 Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus ..................................................... 76 Central Landscape Supply ................................................................................ 49 Central Wood Products .................................................................................... 25 County Materials Corporation .......................................................................... 11 COWSMO, INC. ............................................................................................... 26 Cushman Motor Co. Inc ................................................................................... 24 D. Hill Nursery Co. ............................................................................................ 37 Dayton Bag & Burlap ........................................................................................ 53 Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ............................................................................. 13 Erosion Products LLC ....................................................................................... 26 Frontier Ag & Turf ............................................................................................. 39 Fury Motors ...................................................................................................... 60 Gardenworld Inc. .............................................................................................. 53 Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply .................................................. 2 GM Fleet and Commercial ................................................................................. 3 Gopher State One-Call ..................................................................................... 48 Haag Companies, Inc. ...................................................................................... 29 Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies ........................................................ 14 Jeff Belzer Chevrolet .................................................................................. 40–41 Kahnke Brother Tree Farms .............................................................................. 26 Klaus Nurseries ................................................................................................. 76 Kubota Dealers ................................................................................................. 33 Lano Equipment, Inc. ....................................................................................... 37 Midwest Groundcovers, LLC. ........................................................................... 34 Out Back Nursery ............................................................................................. 39

STAFF DIRECTORY

6

Volume 39 No. 4 Apr 2016

➾ G OS C

April 16

Plaisted Companies ............................................................................................ 7 Prairie Restorations, Inc. ................................................................................... 49 RDO Equipment Co. ........................................................................................ 11 Resultants for Business, Inc. (RFB) .................................................................... 13 Rock Hard Landscape Supply division of Brian’s Lawn & Landscaping, Inc. .... 39 The Tessman Company .................................................................................... 66 Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. ............................................................................ 19, 58, 77 Truck Utilities, Inc. ............................................................................................. 26 Unilock .............................................................................................................. 36 Versa-Lok Midwest ............................................................................... 22, 50, 75 Wheeler Landscape Supply .............................................................................. 28 Ziegler CAT ......................................................................................... Back Cover

➾ C ALE N DAR

MNLA Event

➾

JUL9–12 CULTIVATE 16 Columbus, OH 614-487-1117 Cultivate16.org

GARDEN CENTER TOUR: In Partnership with the Perennial Plant Association

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April 16

2ND ANNUAL MNLA NIGHT AT THE SAINTS GAME MNLA.biz Take a break and enjoy a ball game at CHS Field.

We have reserved the craft beer corner for our group. Ticket price includes a meal and reserved seat.

AUG10 ➾ Mem ber

614-771-8431 perennialplant.org This year we are partnering with the PPA for the summer retail tour. Join us as we visit several local garden center locations. Take away great ideas to implement at your own garden center!

JUL14 CHS Field, St. Paul

Cultivate is the largest horticulture industry event in North America, serving every industry segment from production and retail to installation and suppliers.

AUG5

➾

h Mont

MEMBER APPRECIATION SOCIAL

AUG11 ➾

UM/MTGF FIELD DAY TROE Center, University of Minnesota, St. Paul

MNLA Office, Roseville

MTGF.org

651-633-4987 MNLA.biz

The face-to-face field day is back! See research projects conducted by University faculty and staff first hand. Focus areas will include both turfgrass research and landscape research.

Let’s celebrate your awesomeness! All members are invited to a Member Appreciation Social. The event will take place from 5-8. Food and adult beverages will be provided! Please RSVP at MNLA.biz.

2016 MNLA seminars generously supported by:

SALES • SERVICE • RENTALS • PARTS

MNLA Event

JUL26

AUG1–5

AUG5

WIDMER GOLF TOURNAMENT

34TH PERENNIAL PLANT SYMPOSIUM

Keller Golf Course, Maplewood

DoubleTree by Hilton, Minneapolis

LANDSCAPE DESIGN TOUR: In Partnership with the Perennial Plant Association

MNLA.biz

614–771-8431 perennialplant.org

614-771-8431 perennialplant.org

➾

Join your fellow Hackers for Horticulture at the 26th Annual Widmer Golf Tournament.

An awards reception immediately follows the tournament with a chance to win great prizes. Proceeds benefit the MNLA Foundation Research Fund.

➾

The Perennial Plant Symposium is in the Twin Cities this summer!

Take part in some or all of the events planned, including landscape, retail and grower tours; lectures, a tradeshow; and an evening farm to table dinner.

MNLA Event

➾

Mem ber

h Mont

KEY:

This year we are partnering with the PPA. Join us for a tour of several Capitol City landscapes, including historic St. Paul landmarks and some amazing private gardens.

MNLA Event

AUG24

➾

MEMBER APPRECIATION SOCIAL

SEPT21 MNLA SHOOTOUT

Location: TBD

Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club Prior Lake

651-633-4987 MNLA.biz

651-633–4987 MNLA.biz

Let’s celebrate your awesomeness! All members are invited to a Member Appreciation Social. The event will take place from 5-8. Food and adult beverages will be provided! Please RSVP at MNLA.biz.

Don’t miss this annual sporting clays charity event that raises money for scholarships!

The course runs at a beginner’s level — the focus is on fun. Proceeds benefit the MNLA Foundation Scholarship Fund.

Event Education

➾

All information on these and other industry events are online at MNLA.biz. april 16

MNLA .biz

9

➾ F R OM THE EXECUTIVE DI R EC TO R

The Results Are In: 2016 MNLA Membership Survey Our deep appreciation goes to all MNLA members who completed the 2016 MNLA Membership Survey in February.

This information will help guide the association’s strategic discussion in the coming months and years as we chart our course through this critical time. These Cassie Larson results shed light on what services, projects, and overall MNLA Executive Director goals members desire from MNLA, while the demographic information highlighted who it serves.

The survey was spearheaded by the Communications & Technology Committee and distributed via e-mail to all MNLA members. It was also advertised at the 2016 Northern Green event. A total of 208 members responded to the survey. Here are a few high level insights that caught my attention: Member Satisfaction, Benefits and Services

• 14% of respondents have been members for 15 years or more; and 10% have been members for 2 years or fewer.

• Approximately 40% of respondents have served in some sort of volunteer capacity with the organization over the years.

• Topping the list of member benefits used were discounts on education, events, seminars and Northern Green (75%).

• The discounts our members use most frequently are advertising discounts (20%), Holiday Stationstores gas discounts (16%), and Zlimen & McGuiness legal services (12%).

Industry Trends

• The top 3 industry trends that respondents identified for the industry over the next 3–5 years are: 1) plant diseases and pest issues; 2) invasive species; and 3) finding labor.

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April 16

Communications

• The Scoop, both online and the printed version, was ranked by 88% of respondents as a top member benefit.

• E-mail is the preferred method by which members like to receive information with 85% of respondents indicating this is their top choice for information dissemination with The Scoop coming in second at 77%.

• If MNLA were to create an app for members, the most popular features to include would be: event listings/registration; a member and vendor directory; and job postings.

• Far and away, Facebook is the preferred social media that MNLA members use to promote their businesses to consumers as 64% percent of respondents indicated they use Facebook. Coming in second was LinkedIn (40%) followed by YouTube coming in at about 40%.

Government Relations

• In an open ended question about what government affairs issue MNLA could assist with, taxes and healthcare appeared the most frequently. In addition, invasive plants and pesticide regulation were often listed.

Education

Members indicated their top 10 needs in the educational arena were: 1. landscape and garden design ideas/inspiration 2. landscape design-install sales, bidding, estimating

0053_0416_MNLA The Scoop 4.75” x 4.75” Due Date: 2/20/16 • Contractor

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5. managing plant insects and diseases

ER AT

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4. operations — new technologies for the field and office

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3. operations — budgets, cash flow, planning

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This data will be analyzed by the MNLA Board of Directors as well as MNLA committees and task teams to help make decisions about how to continue to move the organization forward.

Years 19

46 - 2016

6. retail garden center marketing, merchandising, sales

Pavers and Slabs Retaining Walls Outdoor Living Products Concrete & Clay Brick Stone Thin Veneers

7. hardscapes — paver/SRW 8. sustainable landscapes Proud to be American based & American made

9. garden maintenance topics 10. construction project coordination The highest ranked preferred learning method was an in-person half day session with a total of 71% of respondents; and 59% attend between 1–5 MNLA educational offerings per year.

This data will be analyzed by the MNLA Board of Directors as well as MNLA committees and task teams to help make decisions about how to continue to move the organization forward.

Congratulations to the following 3 individuals who each won $125 in the drawings of survey participants:

(800) 207-9962

Request our 2016 Inspirations Catalog online today.

www.countymaterials.com

• Nona Cummings DIY Landscape Designs LLC • Matt Kramer Stone Horizons Landscape • John Wickens Olympic Trail Greenhouse Thanks again to all those who took the time to participate; best wishes for a prosperous spring season!

welcomes your feedback at cassie@mnla.biz.

CASSIE LARSON

april 16

MNLA .biz

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➾ MDA

MDA UPDATE BUILDIN G BR I DG ES AN D FAC I L I TATI N G YO U R S U CCE S S Steven Shimek

MDA Nursery Certification Program Coordinator

NURSERY INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION of your nursery stock is often the first line of defense against the introduction of injurious or new plant pests (insects and diseases). Plant pest quarantines are designed to limit the spread and minimize damage caused by these pests.

When receiving stock, be sure to retain shipping documents from your vendors so nursery inspectors can confirm that all stock being offered for sale has been inspected and certified. This is particularly important for out-of-state vendors. Depending on the origin of plants and/or the particular plant being purchased, certain quarantine certificates may be required. This is where the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) can help build bridges between growers and dealers, suppliers, and retailers.

Nursery inspection and certification programs across the country serve to assure that stock being shipped is free of harmful plant pests and will grow with normal vigor if given reasonable care. Plants cannot be sold in a dying condition, desiccated, frozen or damaged by freezing, or materially damaged in any way. This also pertains to packaged dormant plants that must be kept dormant until they are ready to plant. Ideally, they should be refrigerated. These plants often show up early in the season before the ground thaws. Stored inside on store shelves, they quickly become nonviable.

MDA also builds bridges between retailers and their customers. Through inspections at dealer sites, inspectors

12

MNLA .biz

april 16

facilitate the success of retailers by detecting injurious plant pests or stock that doesn’t meet the minimum requirements of certification as described above. Though the MDA’s main mission is to intercept plant pests and limit the movement of these pests that may hitch a ride on nursery stock, consumer protection is often served through the MDA’s inspection activity. This serves to keep your customers happy and coming back for more.

One example of this is the cold hardiness labeling requirements. For many years, inspectors have found plants labeled incorrectly for cold hardiness. To effectively address this issue, a statutory change was made which requires accurate labeling for cold hardiness. A list that was originally compiled with species generated from past violations has been expanded and now includes 1,221 plants in zones 3, 4 and 5. The list is posted on the MDA website: mda.state.mn.us. To avoid confusion with shipping, the list will remain unchanged until September 2016, when it will be open for review and revision. Plant hardiness labels must be consistent with the list. Cold hardiness is not required to be on a label. However, if a plant has no cold hardiness labeling and is not hardy in the area in which it is being offered for sale, it must be labeled “nonhardy.”

The main bridge-building focus of the nursery inspection staff is through inspection and certification of nursery stock grown in Minnesota. By assisting growers to maintain the highest quality stock free from pests, the MDA facilitates growers to market locally within the state,

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By assisting growers to maintain the highest quality stock free from pests, the MDA facilitates growers to market locally within the state, around the country, and in some cases export around the world.

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around the country, and in some cases export around the world.

There are a number of special survey and treatment requirements depending upon to which state or country stock will be shipped. An excellent example is the Japanese beetle (JB) certification program. In some cases, stock being shipped from Minnesota must originate in an area that has been officially surveyed by the MDA through trapping or soil survey to be JB free.

Building bridges and facilitating success through responsible but reasonable regulations to limit injurious plant pests and nursery stock certification is the goal of the nursery inspection program. Regional staff is available and ready to assist you.

Have a great 2016 season.

STEVEN SHIMEK is the MDA Nursery Inspection & Certification Program Coordinator and can be reached at Steven.Shimek@state.mn.us.

april 16

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2015 MNLA FOUNDATION GRANT REPORT

NEW MN BEE LABELING LAWS Determination of residue in flowers and leaves from use of systemic insecticides imidacloprid, dinotefuran, and pymetrozine in greenhouse pots.

Dr. Vera Krischik | Department of Entomology, University of Minnesota

âžž LAB E L IN G LAWS

Figure1. Flowers: Calibrachoa purchased in 4in sg pots were treated on June 28 2015 with pymetrozine and July1 2015 with imidacloprid and dinotefuran and sampled on August 3 2015 (5wk) and Sept 8 2015 (10wk). Leaves and flowers were analyzed at the USDA AMS Gastonia lab in Jan 2016.

Figure 2. Leaves: Calibrachoa purchased in 4in sg pots. Pots were treated on June 28 2015 with pymetrozine and July1 2015 with imidacloprid and dinotefuran and sampled on August 3 2015 (5wk) and Sept 8 2015 (10wk). Leaves and flowers were analyzed at the USDA AMS Gastonia lab in Jan 2016.

Abstract

There are critical concerns about the impacts of systemic insecticides on beneficial insects, honey bees, and native pollinators.

Systemic insecticides accumulate in pollen and nectar, but there is not enough data to understand if the amount that accumulates will harm bees and beneficial insects. If significant residues are found, then nursery and greenhouses can charge more for bee friendly plants grown without systemic insecticides that are instead grown using IPM practices and other insecticides.

One of the major deficits in knowledge is how much neonicotinyl insecticide is found in pollen and nectar of neonicotinyl–treated plants, besides seed-treated crops. Residue amount of neonicotinoids in pollen and nectar differ depending on the application method that is used in crops and landscapes. A sunflower seed is covered with 0.25 mg active imidacloprid (neonicotinyl chemical) that results in 7.6 ppb imidacloprid pollen. In agriculture, an imidacloprid soil drench resulted in 122 ppb in pollen and 18 ppb in nectar of pumpkin (Dively and Kamal 2012) and 15 ppb in pollen and 10 ppb in nectar of squash (Stoner and Eitzer and 2012). A 300 mg soil surface application of imidacloprid can be applied to a 3 gal pot in the greenhouse which results in residues of 6000 ppb in flowers (Rogers et al. 2007, Krischik et al. 2015).

Landscape applications of imidacloprid result in much higher amounts of residue in nectar and pollen. Doering et al. (2005) found 1,038–2,816 ppb in Cornus spp., dogwood flowers, at 17 months after application. A soil injection around Eucalyptus trees resulted in 550 ppb imidacloprid in nectar (Paine et al. 2011). Turf and white clover treated with clothianidin resulted in residues of 172 ppb in nectar. Colonies of B. impatiens did not avoid foraging on treated clover and showed reduced foraging activity and increased worker mortality in the hives within five days. Colonies

For all neonicotinoid insecticides, imidacloprid (30 to 55 times) and dinotefuran (28 to 147 times) leaves contained more insecticide than flowers and residue in leaves and flowers decreased from 5 to 10 wk. Imidacloprid was detected in flowers treated with dinotefuran (5 wk, 85 ppb; 10 wk, 11 ppb) as well as in flowers of controls (5 wk, 10ppb), probably due to the small pots being treated with imidacloprid prior to purchase (residue from 10 wk controls has not been received yet). Imidacloprid residues in flowers was around 4.5 times lower by 10 wk (5 wk, 1X=1,971, 2X=2,736 ppb;10 wk, 1X=383, 2X=615 ppb). Dinotefuran residue in flowers was around 8 times lower by 10 wk (386 ppb).

At 5 wk only 1/9 samples (126 ppb) and by 10 wk only 2/9 samples (21.5,21.7 ppb) contained pymetrozine (Endeavor) insecticide at low amounts. Pymetrozine kills insects with sucking mouthparts, such as aphids, but conserves beneficial insects such as lacewings and lady beetles.

Introduction

Integrated pest management programs (IPM) promote the use of cultural, biological and chemical tactics to manage pest insects, while conserving pollinators and beneficial insects. Bee and beneficial insect conservation is important. Honey bees and bumblebees pollinate thousands of native plants and crops that produce the seeds, fruits, and nuts that we consume; and bees contribute approximately $15 billion worth of crop yields. Bee loss is due to a combination of factors, such as insecticides, habitat loss, and disease. In addition, using beneficial insects to kill pest insects is a major part of an IPM program which can reduce insecticide use and decrease the potential that pests will develop resistance to insecticides.

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One of the major deficits in knowledge is how much neonicotinyl insecticide is found in pollen and nectar of neonicotinyl–treated plants, besides seed-treated crops. showed a trend for fewer workers and males, no queen production, reduced number of wax pots, and reduced colony weight compared to controls (Larson et al. 2013).

Fischer and Chalmers (employees of Bayer) (2007) reported that the oral LC50 (lethal death to 50% of a population, a standard used for measuring toxicity) for honey bees is 192 ppb imidacloprid. Thus, the potential for neonicotinyl insecticides to impact bee health through may be underestimated as residue amounts in agricultural and landscape plants are higher than reported for seed treatments.

This proposed research will help the greenhouse/nursery industry by providing data on systemic insecticide residues during plant production. The proposed research is performed to understand the residue of systemic neonicotinoids (imidacloprid and dinotefuran) and systemic pymetrozine in leaves and flowers of plants grown in small 4 in and 1.5 gallon pots (hanging baskets).

Methods

Calibrachoa were purchased in 4 in square pots and were treated on June 28, 2015 with pymetrozine and treated on July1 2015 with imidacloprid and dinotefuran and sampled on August 3 2015 (5 wk) and Sept 8 2015 (10 wk). Leaves and flowers were sampled at 5 and 10 weeks after applications (soil: Marathon 1% G, imidacloprid, 1X, 14mg, 2X, 22 mg; Safari, dinotefuran 22mg, and foliar: Endeavor, pymetrozine). In the 4 in pots, small Calibrachoa plants were grown. In the 1.5 gallon hanging baskets, Ruellia humillis a native petunia, were grown (http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=m220).

Samples were frozen in an ultralow freezer at -80F and shipped in October 2015 on dry ice to the USDA lab in Gastonia North Carolina for residue analysis.

Table 1. Calibrachoa purchased in 4 in sg pots were treated on June 28, 2015 with pymetrozine and July 1, 2015 with imidacloprid/dinotefuran and flowers and leaves were sampled on August 3, 2015 (5wk) and Sept 8 2015 (10wk) and analyzed at the USDA AMS Gastonia lab in Jan. 2016.

Treatment

in pot

no

Mean

flowers imidacloprid

imidacloprid ppb

5 wk control

0

3

10.05±0.95

5 wk imid 2x

22mg (0.5 tsp)

3

2,736.67±446.63

5 wk imid 1x

14mg (0.33 tsp)

3

1,971.67±554.23

5 wk dino(imid) 1x

0

3

87.60±40.64

10 wk control

0

3

na

10 wk imid 2x

22mg (0.5 tsp)

3

615.33±51.36

10 wk imid 1x

14mg (0.33 tsp)

3

383.67±53.64

10 wk dino(imid) 1x

0

3

11.60±3.09

dinotefuran

dinotefuran ppb

5 wk dino 1x control

0

3

0

5 wk dino 1x

22mg

3

2,993.3±364

10 wk dino control

0

3

na

10 wk dino 1x

22mg

3

386.3±167

pymetrozine

pymetrozine ppb

5 wk pym 1x control

3

0

5 wk pym 1x

9

1/9;126

10 wk pym control

3

na

10 wk pym 1x

9

0

leaves imidacloprid

imidacloprid ppb

5 wk control

0

3

319.0±67

5 wk imid 2x

22mg (0.5 tsp)

3

67,266.7±4672

5 wk imid 1x

14mg (0.33 tsp)

3

58,833.3±10841

5 wk dino(imid) 1x

0

3

791.7±161

10 wk control

0

3

na

10 wk imid 2x

22mg (0.5 tsp)

3

34,166.7±2801

10 wk imid 1x

14mg (0.33 tsp)

3

25,933.3±1364

10 wk dino(imid) 1x

0

3

346.3±53

dinotefuran

Dinotefuran ppb

5 wk dino control

0

3

0

5 wk dino1x

22mg

3

83,866.7±19629

10 wk dino control

0

3

na

10 wk dino1x

22mg

3

56,566.7±4420

pymetrozine

pymetrozine ppb

5 wk pym control

3

0

5 wk pym1x

9

2/9; 21.5, 21.7

10 wk pym control

3

na

10 wk pym1x

9

1/9; 45.2

april 16

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âžž LAB E L IN G LAWS

Results reported here are from 4 in pots of Calibrachoa, without the 10 wk controls. USDA Gastonia is still analyzing residue from the 10 wk controls and a similar experiment on hanging baskets with Ruella, a native petunia.

Results

At 5 wk only 1/9 samples (126 ppb) and by 10 wk only 2/9 samples (21.5,21.7 ppb) contained pymetrozine (Endeavor) insecticide at low amounts. Pymetrozine kills insects with sucking mouthparts, such as aphids, but conserves beneficial insects such as lacewings and lady beetles.

For all neonicotinoid insecticides, imidacloprid and dinotefuran leaves contained 24 to 147 times more insecticide compared to flowers and residue in leaves and flowers decreased from 5 to 10 wk.

Imidacloprid was detected in flowers treated with dinotefuran (5 wk, 85 ppb; 10 wk, 11 ppb) as well as in flowers of controls (5 wk, 10 ppb), probably due to the small pots being treated with imidacloprid prior to purchase (residue from 10 wk controls has not been received yet). Imidacloprid residues in flowers was around 4.5 times lower by 10 wk (5 wk, 1X=1,971, 2X=2,736 ppb; 10 wk, 1X=383, 2X=615 ppb). Dinotefuran residue in flowers was around 8 times lower by 10 wk (5 wk, 2,993 ppb; 10 wk, 386 ppb).

Discussion

Pymetrozine was not shown to be highly systemic at either 5 or 10 wk and the data supports its use on plants that may be visited by beneficial insects. After aphides were removed with the pymetrozine application, none returned for the 10 wk study. Pymetrzine is a good alternative to the neoicotinoid insecticides for sucking insects.

For all neonicotinoid insecticides residue in leaves and flowers decreased from 5 to 10 wk. Flowers had around 5 times more imidacloprid at 5 wk compared to 10 wk. Flowers had 8 times more dinotefuran at 5 wk compared to 10 wk. By 10 wk, flowers in 1X treatments of imidacloprid (383 ppb) and dinotefuran (386 ppb) contained similar amounts of residue.

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References Dively GP, Kamel A (2012) Insecticide residues in pollen and nectar of a cucurbit crop and their potential exposure to pollinators. J Agric Food Chem 60: 4449-4456.

Doering J, Maus C, Schoening R (2005b) Residues of imidacloprid WG 5 in blossom and samples of Cornus mas after soil treatment in the field. Application: 2003, Sampling: 2005. Bayer CropScience AG. Report No. G201801.

Fischer DL, Chalmers A (2007) Neonicotinoid insecticides and honey bees : Technical answers to FAQs. Bayer Cropscience. Available: http:/ www.bee-quick. com/reprints/imd/BayerFAQ.pdf.

Krischik, V, Rogers M, Gupta G, Varshney A (2015) Soil-applied imidacloprid translocates to ornamental flowers and reduces survival of adult Coleomegilla maculata, Harmonia axyridis, and Hippodamia convergens lady beetles, and larval Danaus plexippus and Vanessa cardui butterflies, Plosone DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119133, March 232015 Larson JL, Redmond CT, Potter DA (2013) Assessing insecticide hazard to bumble bees foraging on flowering weeds in treated lawns. PLoS ONE 8(6): e66375. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0066375 Paine TD, Hanlon CC, Byrne FJ (2011) Potential risks of systemic imidacloprid to parasitoid natural enemies of a cerambycid attacking Eucalyptus. Biol Control 56: 175-178.

Rogers MA, Krischik VA, Martin, LA (2007) Effects of soil application of imidacloprid on survival of adult green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) used for biological control in greenhouses.

Biol Control 42:172-177.

Stoner KA, Eitzer BD (2012) Movement of soil-applied imidacloprid and thiamethoxam into nectar and pollen of squash (Cucurbita pepo). PLoS ONE 7(6): e39114. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0039114. Accessed 24 February 2014.

VERA KRISCHIK is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Minnesota. She was awarded a research grant by the MNLA Foundation in 2015 to complete this study. She can be reached at krisc001@umn.edu.

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GRASS SEED ESTABLISHMENT Whether filling in bare spots or creating a new lawn, choosing the right seed for your environment is important.

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ollowing distributor recommendations or using the same mix year after year is not your only option. Establishing a lawn can be an easy process once you’re able to narrow down your choices.

Learning what to look for on the manufacturer label, as well as following the steps below, is a great way to make an educated seed decision. There are five important things to remember when choosing your seed.

1. In what type of environment will the new seed be planted?

You will need to note if it is full sun, full shade or a combination of both. Think of this as the percent of sun the area gets each day. Seed suppliers create and label a seed mixture based on the amount of sun the mix should have in order to successfully germinate. For example, a shady seed mix might be designed for areas with 30% or less of sun. Determine the sunlight in the area you are seeding and limit your choices to seed that would be best suited. If you are establishing seed throughout the whole yard, you might want to consider a general sun/shade mix. The sun-loving varieties will grow toward the sun, while the shade-tolerant species will fill in the shade. Additionally, considerations should be made in your mixture of seed species and blending of seed cultivars. This helps the success of your lawn by offering multiple grasses with different performing advantages in terms of climate, disease-resistance and sun/drought tolerance.

When combining seeds, seed size is important to note. For example, Kentucky bluegrass seeds are 2–3mm, while tall fescue seeds are 5–7mm (Christians, 2011). The seed size affects the application rates. For example, there are about 230,000 tall fescue seeds in a pound versus 2,200,000 of Kentucky bluegrass per pound (Samples,

2007). A common mistake is applying too much seed, which can result in competition and postponing establishment.

2. How is the lawn being used and cared for? Knowing what inputs (water, nitrogen) are required for a grass species, as well as the care level (traffic tolerance, mowing requirements) are important to consider. If your client does not want high demands on upkeep, a low-input grass seed would be a good choice. Some low-maintenance grasses include Chewings fescue, perennial ryegrass, and red fescue. A lawn that will have a high level of use will need to have a high traffic tolerance. Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass are good choices in this instance (Aamlid, 2012).

Research on different grass species that will match your client’s lawn is a great way to succeed. Also, diversifying your stand will give you a variety of good grass characteristics that will work for multiple uses (Samples, 2007). If you find a seed mix that you would like to use, it is necessary to look at the species and cultivars to make sure they will work for the project. Adversely, you can search out mixes that contain seed varieties that you want. For instance, finding a mixture that includes low-input grasses will help keep maintenance to a minimum, while also establishing diversity. Keep in mind that the low-maintenance seeds will need to have the right aesthetics in your mix, as well as have the shade tolerance that is desired.

For Minnesota, a good mixture might include several fine fescues, low-input cultivars of Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass.

Once you have defined what grass species will work well, the next step is to investigate cultivars. Breeding grass to create different cultivars creates desired characteristics. Many mixes include ‘junk’ april 16

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➾ G RA S S SEED ESTABL I SH M EN T

The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (www.ntep.org) is a great tool for all turfgrass managers. seed to help keep costs low, while oftentimes a superior alternative is available. The National Turfgrass Evaluation Program (www. ntep.org) is a great tool for all turfgrass managers. This is a resource to find out which cultivars do well in a particular region. NTEP studies many things including seedling vigor, turf quality, drought tolerance, and disease resistance. The best managers are those that look at this research and take it into consideration when purchasing seed.

3. How much pure live seed (PLS) do you have among your choices? How much pure live seed (PLS) is in your grass seed mix?

PLS is determined by multiplying the amount of pure seed in the bag with the germination rate of that seed. PLS helps you understand the percent of seed you’re buying versus ‘other’ things that can be contained in the bag. The ‘other’ things include chaff, dirt, weed seeds, and other crops. Minimizing the percentage of the ‘other’ will create a higher germination rate of the seeds you do have. You want to buy the highest pure seed with the highest germination rate, which creates a high PLS percentage. Understanding this will help you determine seed options that you can quickly eliminate, while also putting your money toward what you want — certified seed!

4. Look at the percentages on the seed package and go by the recommended standards for turfgrass seed. Below are the recom-

mended standards for turfgrass seed (Christians, 2011). Look at your package and determine the quality before purchasing.

Purity > 90% Germination > 85% Other crop < 0.5% Weed seed < 0.3% Noxious weeds = 0% Inert matter < 8% Date tested = within the last 9 months 5. Timing is critical when creating new turf. Sometimes you do not have a choice, but when possible cool season grasses perform best when seeding is done in the fall. This is mostly due to weed encroachment. Springtime seeding can be difficult because weed seeds establish more quickly and more aggressively than grass.

Spring is a time where many summer annuals are emerging and competition is high. Managing the weeds during this time will prove difficult and may require multiple sows (Elford, 2008).

Another reason to seed in the fall is to allow the seed to mature well before the stressful summer months. New grass is weak and requires more inputs when going into a hot and stressful time of year (Christians, 2011). To avoid this, allowing the seed to mature in the fall and the following spring will give it the strength to flourish throughout the summer months. If you must seed in the spring, adding a grass variety that establishes quickly is important. A great choice would be perennial ryegrass, which germinates in 3–10 days and fine fescue, which germinates in 5–12 days (Christians, 2011).

Other varieties have longer germination periods such as Kentucky april 16

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➾ G RA S S SEED ESTABL I SH M EN T

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bluegrass with 6–28 days. An important note is to stay clear of annual ryegrass. This is often included in ‘quick establishing’ blends, but the grass will not come back the following year and longevity of the stand is important in building a healthy lawn.

Searching the seed aisle can be a daunting chore, but not if you keep a few key things in mind. Knowing your environment and your desired level of care are top priorities.

Next, match what you want to cultivars that are proven to grow well in your region based on NTEP reports. Then, look at the seed package to determine the pure live seed percentage and compare the label to the recommended standards. Lastly, seed the lawn at the appropriate time. Doing the research upfront will prove to be the best tool you have and the reward will be a lush and healthy stand of turf.

References Aamlid, Trygve S, Lars Nesheim, Trond Pettersen, Frank Enger and Per Vesterbukt.

2012. Poa pratensis or Lolium perenne for establishment and overseeding of Scandinavian football (soccer) pitches. Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica, Section B — Soil & Plant Science, 62:sup1, 32–43 Christians, Nick E. 2011. Fundamentals of Turfgrass Management. New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Elford, Evan M, Francois J. Tardif, Darren E. Robinson and Eric M. Lyons. 2008. Effect of Perennial Ryegrass Overseeding on Weed Suppression and Sward Composition. Weed Technology, Vol 22. No. 2 (Apr–Jun):231–239 Mugaas, R., & Pedersen, B. 2013. Seeding and sodding home lawns. University of MN Extension website. http://www.extension.umn. edu/garden/yard-garden/lawns/seeding-andsodding-home-lawns/ Accessed February 2, 2015 Samples, Tom & john Sorochan. 2007.

Turfgrass Establishment — Turfgrass Seed.

University of Tennessee Extension website. https://extension.tennessee.edu/publications/ Documents/W160-E.pdf Accessed February 2, 2015

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➾GOV E RN MEN T AFFAIR S

2016 Legislative Predictions Successfully predicting the outcome of legislative initiatives in Minnesota is more often associated with good luck than with good management. However, there are several issues that will affect our industry at the Legislature this year. Check back after May 23rd, this year’s adjournment date, to see how I did with my predictions.

Senate Finance: Environment Budget Division Leadership — The 2015 legislative session was marked Tim Power

MNLA Legislative Affairs Manager

by a greater than usual rural/urban split in both houses, having greater effect on MNLA issues in the Senate than in the House. Though the Senate Environment and Energy Committee is chaired by Sen. Marty, a liberal Twin Cities Democrat, the critical funding issues involving our industry will likely be heard in the Environment, Economic Development and Agriculture Budget Division of the Senate Finance Committee, led last year by Sen. Tomassoni, an Iron Range Democrat far more in tune with the rural and agricultural sectors of our state. I predict that Sen. Tomassoni will retain his chairmanship and that MNLA's finance issues will continue to be heard in his committee.

Community Forestry Initiatives — Last year MNLA participated as a member of the MnSTAC-led Minnesota Community Forestry Partnership (MCFP), which advocated for community forestry funding initiatives in light of the impending EAB crisis. With the list of EABinfested Minnesota counties growing to 13 in February, I predict that 2016 will be the year that EAB takes off in our state and becomes a major funding and logistical nightmare for our cities and towns. The MCFP began its efforts much earlier this year and have contacted a large number of legislators and regulators in preparation for the 2016 session. An MCFP-led bill has been introduced by Rep. Hansen in the House. MNLA will lobby for this bill at our March 16th Green Industry Day on the Hill. I predict that the MCFP will at least raise EAB awareness dramatically in the legislature, and that those efforts may result in meaningful funding for

a DNR- or MDA-led treatment-focused EAB matching grant program for our communities. This may end up being one-time funding for a problem that promises to continue for many years, but it is a good start. A Senator Hawj-led CF bill introduced in 2015 is also still in the hopper, but that bill focuses on grants to larger cities for EAB removal and replacement. Passage of the MCFP/Rep. Hansen bill would be preferable for MNLA, but we are likely to support both bills.

Nursery Pollinator Labeling Law — The Nursery Pollinator Labeling Law was passed in 2014 and successfully amended in 2015.

The 2015 changes raised the allowable systemic pesticide concentration threshold for pollinatorrelated labeling/advertising from “detectable level” to “no observed adverse effect level” or NOAEL. There was considerable backlash against the 2015 changes after they were passed, but recent research and federal announcements lend credence to the 2015 changes.

I predict that any 2016 efforts to further change the nursery pollinator labeling law will be unsuccessful, for the following reasons: In January 2016, US-EPA released preliminary findings of its registration review for imidacloprid with respect to several field crops. Among other findings, EPA stated that 25 parts per billion (ppb) was a significant threshold of safety for imidacloprid within those crops and that plants with concentration levels below that level should be considered safe for pollinators. At the same time, MDA is establishing flower-testing protocols for five systemic insecticides regulated by Minnesota's nursery pollinator labeling law. The NOAEL testing threshold that MDA will use for imidacloprid is 15 april 16

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➾ G O V E RN M E N T A F FA I RS

ppb. In other words, MDA will be conducting flower testing to a significantly more stringent level than that considered safe by EPA. Also, EPA’s preliminary findings addressed both acute and chronic toxicity in its assessment.

AmericanHort reported in January that a recent Washington State University study testing neonicotinoid residues in wax and beebread in 149 apiaries showed a low potential for negative effects caused by clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid or thiamethoxam on bee behavior or colony health. These four active ingredients are all among the five that MDA will be testing for this year.

The University of Minnesota’s Dr. Vera Krischik recently received preliminary results of a study of neonics in greenhouse plantings.

The take-home message I received from her preliminary results is that, though care and correct timing are required, there are effective systemic insecticide treatments available for the greenhouse crops she studied that result in pollinator-safe plants at the end of typical greenhouse production cycles.

Retainage and Indemnification Reform — Prediction of legislative outcomes on these issues has been impossible in the past.

MNLA had significant success on indemnification reform in 2014, but nothing on retainage, and no success on either issue in 2015.

The Minnesota Subcontractors’ Association (MSA) is again lining up legislative authors on both issues for 2016, and MNLA will lobby for any bills that are allowed a committee hearing. I predict that MNLA will make progress on one or the other of these MSA issues. At the moment, it appears that retainage will be the issue that MSA pushes first in its attempts for legislative action.

Other Issues — That’s it for my predictions, but there are other issues that may or may not receive hearings in this year’s abbreviated legislative session: Uniform State Labor Standards — The Minnesota Grocers Association is leading a coalition including the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and many others that will push for uniform labor standards set by the state, which would preempt cities from establishing separate standards. MNLA will discuss joining that coalition and lobbying for a bill already in place at its March 3rd Government Affairs Committee meeting.

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Funding for MDA’s Noxious and Invasive Plant Species Assistance Account — The 2009 revision to Minnesota’s Noxious Weed

Law included the creation of the named account that can be used to assist with county weed management problems and respond to new infestations. Unfortunately, that account has never been funded.

MNLA is participating with other non-agency members of the Noxious Weed Advisory Committee in a bill designed to fund that account. A similar bill was passed by the Senate last year, but did not survive the cuts in the House-Senate Conference Committee at the end of session.

The pollinators and pesticides issue can be a uniting issue as well as one that divides us on the pollinator labeling law. If legislation is introduced that furthers the development and enhancement of pollinator habitat in a reasonable way, MNLA’s Government Affairs Committee may consider supporting such bills.

TIM POWER welcomes

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your input at tim@mnla.biz.

➾ P E RMEABLE PAVEMEN TS

MAINTAINING THE BENEFITS OF

PERMEABLE PAVEM

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Dr. James Calkins | Research Information Director, MNLA Foundation

MENTS

Routine inspections and proper maintenance extends the life and preserves the stormwater management benefits of permeable pavements.

Photo courtesy of Southview Design.

april 16

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➾ P E RMEABLE PAVEMEN TS

Figure 1. Research and experience shows that when properly designed, installed and maintained, permeable pavements, including permeable interlocking concrete paver systems, can be effective for decades (Photo Credit: Jim Calkins).

P

ermeable interlocking concrete pavements (PICPs) have been increasingly used as a hardscape surface in designed landscapes since they first appeared on the market nearly 30 years ago. Not surprisingly, the availability, aesthetics, and quality of the various paver system components have improved over the years, as have their design and installation specifications, resulting in hardscapes that are ever more beautiful, dependable, and environmentally sound from a stormwater runoff perspective. More recently, pervious concrete and porous asphalt have also been introduced and are increasingly being used as alternatives for their impervious counterparts in what might be considered more mundane applications that involve large footprints like parking lots. These advances in permeable pavement technology have increased the options for managing stormwater runoff on residential and commercial properties resulting in more sustainable landscapes from a stormwater management perspective. And while each of these pervious pavements have specific advantages and disadvantages that can determine their suitability for a given project, they all have the capacity to significantly reduce runoff rates and volumes and thereby reduce the potential for erosion, downstream flooding, and the delivery of pollutants to surface waters (pollutant loading). As a result, the likelihood of flooding can be reduced and the water quality and functions and values of surface waters (wetlands, lakes, and stream) can be protected and improved to the benefit of people and the environment.

As a result of the growing interest in permeable pavements as a stormwater management practice and improvements in permeable pavement technology, permeable pavement authorities have updated their permeable pavement specifications and supporting materials and new resources have become available. For example, the America Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has developed a comprehensive resource for the proper design, construction, and maintenance of permeable pavement systems (Permeable Pavements, 2015). This information should be of interest to landscape designers, hardscape installers, and anyone interested in pervious pavements as a stormwater best management practice.

In general, the idea behind pervious pavements is to create an attractive, durable, load-bearing surface that is more environmentally friendly from a stormwater runoff perspective compared to their impervious counterparts by promoting infiltration in an attempt to mimic predevelopment hydrology. Impermeable hardscapes tend to increase runoff rates and volumes with negative consequences for downstream infrastructure and surface waters as a result of increased 32

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flooding and degraded water quality. And it doesn’t take much of an increase in imperviousness to have a negative effect on surface water resources. Negative effects can be detected when imperviousness reaches as little as 10% of the contributing watershed and surface waters can be severely degraded when imperviousness increases to 25% or more. Permeable pavements are just one of the tools that can be used to protect surface waters from the detrimental effects of increased runoff that can be caused by development as a result of increased impervious cover. The use of permeable pavements in redevelopment projects is equally, if not more, beneficial because it has the potential to reduce existing flooding problems and to improve the health of wetlands, lakes, and streams that have been degraded as a result of historical development where impervious surfaces were the norm. Permeable pavements can, therefore, play a central role in protecting surface waters from the threats associated with stormwater runoff and improving the quality of surface waters that have already been degraded, many to the point of being impaired, as a result of the adverse impacts of unmitigated stormwater runoff.

Furthermore, permeable pavements, and other stormwater management practices, can reduce the threat of flooding and the need for expensive stormwater infrastructure. Its use can also decrease stormwater utility fees for homeowners and businesses where such fees have been implemented. These savings can be significant.

Finally, the ability of PIPCs and other permeable pavements to capture and infiltrate stormwater also provides another very important benefit that is too often overlooked or completely ignored. By infiltrating stormwater into the soil, valuable water that would have otherwise been lost as runoff becomes available for groundwater recharge and landscape plantings. Accordingly, the droughtiness of landscapes can be reduced, the need for supplemental irrigation can be decreased, the demands on municipal water supplies can be lowered, and the performance of landscape plants can be improved.

In short, stormwater runoff is a valuable commodity that shouldn’t be wasted and permeable pavements have a role to play in achieving this goal and creating landscapes that are more sustainable on many levels. This is all good news and benefits the nursery and landscape industry and its customers.

For those who aren’t familiar with permeable pavements, permeable interlocking concrete pavement (PICP) systems use prefabricated concrete units (pavers) that are variously designed to create openings between the pavers where water from rain and snowmelt can infiltrate. The pavers themselves are impermeable. Of course, the paver units are also designed to provide a stable, attractive, maintainable, durable, load-bearing surface when properly installed. Depending on the design, the openings typically account for 5–15% of the paved surface. Instead of sand and a compacted base that are used for impermeable paver installations, the gaps between the pavers are filled with highly permeable, small-sized, angular stone aggregates (typically 3/8" chips) which helps stabilize the paver surface and allows water to quickly infiltrate into the base layers below, and ultimately into the underlying soil or an underdrain depending on the infiltration capacity of the soil and other factors. The water flows through the permeable joints and openings into a stone aggregate bedding layer (also called a bedding course; typically 1.5"

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➾ P E RMEABLE PAVEMEN TS

Permeable pavement technology has come a long way in the past 30 years and the popularity of permeable pavements is almost guaranteed to increase in the years to come. to 2" thick) composed of the same material used to fill the joints, an open-graded base reservoir layer composed of larger aggregates (typically 3/4" aggregates and about 4" thick), and finally an opengraded subbase reservoir layer composed of even larger aggregates (typically 2.5" aggregates). These layers support the pavers while providing storage and runoff treatment. The edges of the paver surface are stabilized by anchored edge restraints. The choice of paver design and the depth of the reservoir subbase layer are determined by the desired aesthetic and functional characteristics of the hardscape surface and the stormwater management goals of the permeable pavement system. A thickness of 18"–36" is not uncommon.

It is the void space in the subbase reservoir layer (about 40%) that holds the majority of the stored runoff until it infiltrates into the surrounding soil. Pervious concrete and porous asphalt pavements are constructed similarly. Permeable pavement systems can effectively infiltrate hundreds of inches of stormwater per hour, much more than the one inch per hour that is typically needed to accommodate most storm events. Depending on the site-specific design specifications and the stormwater management goals, all three pavements can be designed to infiltrate and variously abstract or treat 100% of the potential stormwater runoff. In addition to their demonstrated ability to reduce runoff rates and volumes, research shows permeable pavement installations can also facilitate substantial pollutant removals including total suspended solids (85–95%), total phosphorus (35–85%; the nutrient that is primarily responsible for algae blooms in surface waters), total nitrogen (80–85%), nitrate nitrogen (30%), and metals (98%). Oils and other pollutants can also be variously mitigated by pervious pavements.

Cost is certainly a consideration when choosing a permeable pavement. While porous asphalt tends to be cheaper to install than pervious concrete and permeable interlocking concrete pavement systems, it also tends to have a shorter life span than concrete pavements. And although pervious pavements typically cost between 10 to 20% more to install than conventional, impervious hardscapes, the added cost is typically offset by the environmental benefits, a reduced need for other stormwater infrastructure, reduced stormwater utility fees, and other cost savings. Research indicates the life expectancy of permeable paver hardscapes can be expected to be in excess of 30 years, even in cold climates, and these surfaces can be

designed to withstand heavy vehicle loads, can be plowed, and can be easily repaired should damage occur. Research and experience have also shown that, when designed and installed properly, permeable pavements can be just as effective in cold climates where they also have the potential to reduce the need for deicers and to be safer for pedestrians and vehicular traffic since the water from melted snow and ice infiltrates rather than collecting and freezing on the surface of the pavement. Whether permeable pavements would hold up in areas that experience severe winters has often been cited as a potential concern relative to permeable pavements, but those concerns have been alleviated by real world experience.

Once a permeable interlocking concrete pavement has been installed, regular inspections and proper maintenance are needed to maintain the stormwater infiltration capacity and the functional integrity and appearance of the pavement. A recent article by David Hein, published in the January/February 2016 issue of Stormwater, provides guidance for evaluating the condition and maintaining the structural integrity and stormwater management benefits of permeable pavements. Not surprisingly, from a stormwater management perspective, surface clogging is the primary concern as the infiltration capacity of permeable pavements tends to decrease with time as the surface of the pavements becomes clogged with sand, organic matter, and other debris. At the same time, although clogging does occur, research shows the real world effects are typically not as serious as might be expected. Remember that the initial infiltration rates are typically very high and with the exception of extreme cases, clogging rarely reduces infiltration rates below the level needed to accommodate most precipitation events. Proper grades, avoiding runoff from adjacent areas that might contribute excessive amounts of sediment and/or other debris, and avoiding the use of sand on permeable pavements during the winter can reduce the potential for clogging. An American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard has been developed as a means to measure the infiltration capacity of permeable pavements using an infiltration ring (ASTM C1781-13) and proper maintenance in the form of regular vacuum sweeping (annually) can generally maintain higher levels of infiltration for the life of the pavement.

Other problems include depressions and ruts caused by settling of the permeable pavement base, paver drift, heaving, loss of joint filler (often associated with excessive vacuum suction and power washing), edge restraint damage and failures, damaged paver units, and other difficulties. Unfortunately, many of these problems can be traced back to poor design specifications and substandard installation techniques. Pavement loading in excess of the design specifications can also be the cause of some of these problems. Fortunately, interlocking paver installations are easily repaired and most of these problems can be fixed should they occur. It is also good practice to order extra paver units as paver styles can be discontinued and become unavailable should replacement pavers be needed.

Permeable pavement technology has come a long way in the past 30 years and the popularity of permeable pavements is almost guaranteed to increase in the years to come. Together with pervious concrete and porous asphalt, permeable interlocking concrete pavements are becoming increasingly beautiful and reliable and april 16

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may be on their way to becoming the standard for sidewalks, patios, driveways, streets, and even airport runways. Research continues to document its stormwater management benefits and provide the information needed to improve its quality, function, and acceptance.

If designed, installed, and maintained properly, permeable pavements can enhance designed landscapes on many levels and provide decades of reliable service. Keeping current with the latest products, design standards, and maintenance recommendations is important for today’s landscape designers and installers and the clients they serve.

Citations: Eisenberg, B., K.C. Lindow, and D.R. Smith (editors). 2015. Permeable Pavements. America Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Permeable Pavements Task Committee. 262 pages. A comprehensive resource for the proper design, construction, and maintenance of permeable pavement systems. http://www.asce.org/templates/publications-book-detail. aspx?id=15418 (available for purchase) Hein, D.K. 2016. Maintenance Guidelines for Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement Systems. Stormwater 17(1):28-39. http://foresternetwork.com/archive/#stormwater)

For additional information and detail about permeable interlocking concrete pavements and other types of pervious pavements, and the role of pervious pavements as a stormwater management practice, consult the following selected references: Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements (PICP) website; https:// www.ncsu.edu/picp/index.html Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI); http://www.icpi.org/ Low Impact Development Center; http://www.lowimpactdevelopment.org/ Smith, D.R. 2012. Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavements — Design, Specification, Construction, Maintenance (4th Edition).

Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), Herndon. PA. 90 pages.

Ferguson, B.K. 2005. Porous Pavements. CRC Press, Inc., Boca Raton, FL. Wisconsin Department of Transportation. 2012. Comparison of Permeable Pavement Types: Hydrology, Design, Installation, Maintenance and Cost. Note that this resource references a number of other publications related to the design, installation, maintenance, cost, and performance of pervious pavements. http://ntl.bts.gov/lib/43000/43500/43570/TSR2011-permeable-pavements.pdf Low Impact Development Center. 2002. Permeable Paver Costs. Low Impact Development Center, Inc., Beltsville, MD. http://lowimpactdevelopment.org/qapp/lid_design/permeable_pavers/permpaver_costs.htm Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. 2013 (and subsequent updates).

Minnesota Stormwater Manual. http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Main_Page Stormwater Infiltration Best Management Practices. http://stormwater. pca.state.mn.us/index.php/Stormwater_infiltration_Best_Management_Practices Permeable Pavement. http://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/ Permeable_pavement_combined

TO COMMENT ON THIS RESEARCH UPDATE,

suggest research topics of interest, or pass along a piece of research-based information that might be of interest to your industry colleagues, please email us at research@ MNLA.biz.

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➾ NE T WORKIN G N EWS

NETWORKING NEWS NURSERY NETWORKING/TOUR AT BAILEY NURSERIES Date: 2.17.16 Attendance: 25

The group had another great turn out — a nice mix of growers — for the meeting and tour. Rock Kelly and Kevin Johnston lead discussion on topics including the shortage of 2-inch B&B in the local market, new varieties, growing trees in gravel beds, and cities’ tree needs because of EAB. The group also had an opportunity to tour the bare root crop and review liner sizes.

Save the date for the next meeting/tour: August 24th at 2pm at Midwest Landscapes!

ASLA-MN AND MNLA JOINT NETWORKING EVENT Date: 2.18.16 Attendance: 40

ARBORIST/TREECARE NETWORKING GROUP Date: 2.18.16

The arborist/treecare group met for their 3rd Thursday of the month gathering at Insight Brewing in Minneapolis.

PROFESSIONAL GARDENING NETWORKING/ TOUR OF WAGNER’S GREENHOUSE

The group was taken on a behind-the-scenes tour of Wagner’s Greenhouses in Minneapolis.

They were led through the entire process from ordering, to seeding, to shipping. A big thank you to Gail Havlicek for her time and patience answering questions!

Date: 02.19.16 Attendance: 9

38

The first joint networking event between ASLA-MN and MNLA took place at the Lakes and Legends Brewing Company in Minneapolis. Approximately 40 people were in attendance. Those who attended had a great time and found it was an excellent opportunity to create some new business relationships.

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April 16

A few of the group then met after and discussed spring containers — when, what, where to order — and some of our hiring practices.

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POLLINATION AND FRUIT SET Faith Appelquist | Tree Quality LLC

Asian pears â&#x20AC;&#x201C; some cultivars are listed as being hardy to USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 4, however these have not exhibited long term success in University of Minnesota trials.

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Parker pear. Fruit similar in size, flavor and texture to ‘Bartlett.’ May set some fruit without a second variety.

‘Mount Royal’, like most European plums, is partially self-fruitful, but will benefit from cross-pollination from another European variety.

Dimpling caused by apple maggot, the most destructive of all the insects that attack apples.

Brown rot on apple.

O

ne of the most common questions you may hear from your customers who are home fruit growers is, “Why didn’t my tree get any fruit?” There are many possible reasons for poor fruit set, including: • Age of the tree. Dwarf apple trees will bear fruit 2–3 years after planting. Pear trees could take up to 10 years.

• Shade, because full sun is a must.

• Biennial or alternate fruit-bearing years.

• Late spring frost or freezing flowers.

• Cold or rainy weather during bloom.

• Insects and disease.

• Lack of a compatible cultivar for cross-pollination in species that are not “self-fruitful.”

With most fruits, flowers that appear in early spring begin as buds that form during the previous year. Flowers of many fruits bloom during early spring and can be damaged by frost. If temperatures

fall below 30 degrees F when the flowers are forming, some or all may be killed, reducing fruit set. This is especially true with peaches, which are not quite hardy here in Minnesota.

Excessive fruit set reduces flower bud formation for the next season and results in biennial or alternate bearing — a heavy crop of small-sized fruit one year and little or no crop the next. Thinning within the month after bloom helps prevent alternate bearing.

Pollination is essential for fruit set. Insects carry the pollen from flower to flower. Bees are the most frequent pollinators, but like most people, do not like to work in rain, wind, and cool temperatures. Therefore, pollination may fail even though all other factors are okay.

Apples, pears, apricots, and most plums are not self-fruitful. They require cross-pollination from another cultivar for fruit to set. Plant all fruit trees used as “pollinizers” within 100 feet from each other to ensure successful pollination. You may need fewer plants if you rely on neighbors’ trees as pollinizers, but you could have a major problem if those trees are destroyed. is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, an ISA Municipal Specialist MN, and an ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist®. Faith can be reached at faith@treequality.com.

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PART I OF II: INSTALLING AND TROUBLE SHOOTING

TWO-WIRE SYSTEMS

Two-wire systems, also referred to as “Decoder Systems,” have been in the United States irrigation market place for over 35 years and in Europe even longer. The two-wire system technology is a time proven, successful irrigation control system and has many advantages over traditional control systems.

Andrew Lindquist | Links Systems, Inc.

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➾ T WO-WIRE SYSTEMS

Photo courtesy of Hunter Industries — Steve Pallas

O

verall, a two-wire system affords the opportunity to greatly increase the communication/sensor technology capabilities of the control system, thereby providing the user and service technician much greater performance and diagnostics information.

These two articles will review details of a two-wire system, it’s plus and minus when compared to a conventional control system, and techniques used to install and troubleshoot these systems.

Two-wire decoder system components are unique and their field-located control and protection components are entwined to a specific manufacturer. That is, manufacturer’s “X” two-wire controller will only operate with manufacturer “X’s” system control and protection components, not manufacturer “Y’s” or manufacturer “Z’s” components. Basically, once you decide upon a manufacturer that you will use for your two-wire system controller, you are confined to using that manufacturer’s control field located components.

To clarify this a bit further; as with a conventional system, you can use other manufacturer’s valves and most solenoids. However, the two-wire system’s field components are confined to that specific manufacturer’s product, and no others.

In order to be on the same page when discussing installation and troubleshooting a two-wire system, a mutual understanding of a two-wire system’s basic components, along with what variations may exist amongst the manufacturers, needs to be established. To that end, let’s start with controllers.

Controllers: Two-wire controllers, operational wise, are quite similar to traditional controllers with irrigation times, lengths of run, rain shutoff, pump start, and basic weather reacting sensor capability being comparable. The most noticeable controller differences at the controller is the process of ‘mating’ the station number to the actual valve(s) in the field along with the control wire connections to the controller. Conventional systems rely upon multi-strand wire, with each colored field wire being attached to a specific valve (or valves) and, likewise, connected to a specific location on the terminal strip that represents a particular station. In contrast to the conventional controller’s need for multiple wires, with each wire directly attached to a specific valve (or valves), a two-wire system can use only two wires throughout its entire field wiring system to provide both valve operating voltage and coded “activation signals” — activation signals that are generated by the controller.

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In order to accomplish this, the two-wires path(s) are always carrying power, even when no valves are operating. Since there is always power in the wires, it is important to remember that when installing and servicing a two-wire system, you need to turn off the power to the field wires. Damage will occur if you neglect to do this.

Solenoid valves cannot understand the coded activation signals.

Therefore, with two-wire systems, each valve (or group of valves), have an associated electronic decoding device (called a decoder) that interfaces between the two wire path(s) and the solenoid valve. The decoder is an electronic device that has a uniquely coded (often referred to as an address) assigned to it. The decoder’s function is to act as a gatekeeper, only allowing existing line voltage through the valve(s) when it receives a matching coded signal (a code that matches that decoder’s address) from the controller. When a decoder receives a matching activation code, the decoder will continue to allow line voltage through to the solenoid valve until the controller sends out another matching signal, telling the decoder to stop allowing electricity flow to the valve(s) solenoid. Since these “gatekeepers” are always monitoring the various signal codes being sent out by the controller, they are always consuming a small amount of current. This intrinsic characteristic of current (amp) usage is beneficial when troubleshooting a two-wire system allowing us to use a clamp-style multimeter to measure amp consumption. Application of this troubleshooting technique will be covered later in part two of this two-part series.

In order for the two-wire communication process to be effective, two-wire systems require the user to “mate” (identify) each controller station with its specific decoder. The mating process is done in several ways: either done manually at the controller or hand-held device in the field; by a somewhat automated system completed by the controller, using a computer to input the station/mating codes into the controller; or through several variations of a mating process that are required by a particular manufacture (too many variations to cover them all in this article). None the less, it is worthy to note that each manufacturer has a different format of mating decoders to station numbers. However, in the end, they all communicate in a similar manner: Power and signal through the two wires and a decoder interface to interpret and react to the appropriate signal.

Trouble shooting two-wire controllers follows the same regiments used for conventional controllers, with several exceptions. As with all controllers, check programming (a common troubleshooting issue) power into the controller to ensure that it falls within the manufacturer’s specifications. Sensors (such as rain sensors, moisture sensors, etc.) that can interrupt signals or power out of the controller are functioning properly. For decoder controllers, check to make sure that the decoder code (address) is correct for the decoder associated with the station(s) being investigated. This may involve some field investigation as to the decoder address, that is, walking to the decoder and checking its address (either written on the decoder, determined by the manufacturer’s “addressing” tool, or actual reprogramming of the decoder may be required). Note that the actual determination of the decoder’s address is unique to each manufacturer. Some controllers allow you to determine the address of the system’s decoders right from the controller and may not require any field investigation. Additionally, the decoder controller may have

built-in diagnostic features that display decoder and wire condition issues, thereby reducing field investigation time.

The power going out of the two-wire controller will be covered in Part 2 of this series. The reason being is that this reading varies amongst the manufacturers and also within the manufacturer. Overall, typically you will need a multimeter clamp style that is capable of reading power that is not at your typical 60 hertz frequency, but rather at much lower frequencies. Your ‘run of the mill’ clamp meter may not be adequate.

Wires: As described earlier, the two-wire systems (as name indicates) use two wires only. Notably, large systems may have multiple two-wire paths due to design/maintenance purposes, phased installation situations, length of wire runs, etc., very similar in having a conventional system having multiple common wires being used due to the same previously mentioned reasons. None the less, most two-wire systems can operate with only two wires. The two wires have the capability of communicating data from a growing array of irrigation sensing devices which include: moisture sensors, weather station data, temperature, pressures, flow meters, etc. (the opportunities are endless).

Wire Connects & Wire Sizing: The communication data being sent through the wire is very minute and prone to interference from wire installation imperfections; particularly poor/non-waterproof wire connects. Unlike a conventional system, a slight short circuit or poorly made/corroded connection that would not affect a conventional system will cause a two-wire system to malfunction. The use of manufacturer required waterproof wire connects is absolutely required, along with the proper wire connecting technique (that is, twist the wire strands together first, then install the wire-nut and waterproofing material/unit. Do not rely upon the wire nut to twist the wire, you need to manually do this first.

Additionally, two-wire cable is to be used, not two individual wires without a unified protective housing (or jacket). Appropriate two-wire cable has a protective jacket and is available in multiple colors in order to help identify various two-wire circuits when multiple two-wire cable runs are required. Very helpful when trouble shooting a two-wire system.

Wire sizing is important to be done correctly. Proper calculation of wire sizing functions the same way as with conventional wires, with distances and loads being accounted for. As a note, a two-wire system using 12 AWG wiring can have wire paths up to 15,000 feet (2.8 miles) … all using just two-wire 12AWG cable. This is much less copper wire than would be used with a conventional system of comparable size.

Many (not all) manufacturers require that the two-wire being used is twisted. That is, the two wires are wound around each other consistently about every four inches or so. This twisting tends to reduce the induction of stray electrical current from adjacent wires, thereby reducing any interference with the internal decoder signals being sent. Also note, no matter what style of two-wire cable you use, National Electrical Code requires that any power wires on the work site must be at least 12' away from the two-wire low voltage wire.

Wire expands and contracts due to temperature changes. This, along with the need to remove the decoder wire connections out of

the ground (box) when trouble shooting, demands that adequate excess wire (slack) is provided. The recommendation is to provide three-foot loop of excess wire at all connection points. This practice does add to the volume within a valve box. However, if neatly done, it will not be a deterrent but a blessing.

Use the proper cable jacket stripping tool (available at your local irrigation supply store) to remove the two wire jacket. Some two-wire cable allows you to “score” the outer jacket, and then bend the hosing to break/snap and slide the jacket off. In regards to how much cable jacket to remove, remove enough (about 12 inches in length) to allow a clamp-type multi-meter to be used during trouble shooting times. Once the jacket is removed, use a properly sized wire stripping tool to only remove enough (approximately an inch) insulation from the wire for your wire connect. Never use more than one splice/wire nut per waterproof device — no wire nut stuffing allowed.

Don’t install large sections or the entire system and then check for wiring issues. Rather, install “short” sections of the system, testing what you installed as you go. When doing this short install and test process, just adequately wire-nut the connections and then test. If it tests out OK, then complete the wire connection by putting on the waterproofing housing. Doing this will save you time and the money of wasting a waterproof wire connect on an imperfect connection.

Trouble shooting/repair of two-wire systems is typically simpler than conventional systems. For example, a 30 wire conventional system, having its main wire path cut may require several hours to repair, while a two-wire path repair requires two manufacturer-approved waterproof wire connects correctly installed and a small valve box to house the repair. For nicked wires, that same ground fault locating equipment can be used as would be used with conventional systems; remembering to turn-off the ever present field power prior to servicing/ testing the wire and disconnecting the two-wire path at the controller.

Couple of last notes on wire connections. Be sure to place all field splices into valve boxes… I repeat, all field wire splices. This includes, any T-splices in the field, decoder wire splices, solenoids… everything!

Even a small round box is sufficient. Also, provide an as-built of the system… or, at least a sketched map of were wire connections are. The Achilles heel of almost all decoder systems is the failure of poor wire connects… along with the headache of locating those failed connects.

Decoders: Decoders are the field located “on/off” switch for the controller — the gatekeeper for the solenoid(s) it is attached to. The switching mechanism inside the decoder is immersed in a waterproof epoxy, with no moving parts and are intended (always should be) located within a valve box.

Decoders come in various configurations — with single, double, four and six stations (addresses). For example, using a six-station decoder rather than using six single station decoders, will save valve box space and reduce material costs. Decoders with multiple addresses act as a manifold for dispensing the electricity to the solenoids — that is, when using a ‘four station’ (four address) decoder, the use of one of the stations (addresses) does not affect the operation of other three stations (addresses). Typically, the decoder must be located within 150 feet of the solenoid (valve) it is operating- but this varies with manufacturer and size of the wire used between decoder and solenoid. april 16

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➾ T W O - W I RE S YS T E M S

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Sensor Decoders: There are specialized decoders specifically designed for monitoring the status of various types of sensors, such as flow sensors, moisture sensors, and the like.

They too have unique addresses and have to be mated with the controller. Additionally, you may need to tell the controller that that particular decoder is a sensor decoder and not a ‘standard’ decoder during the controllerdecoder mating process. One of the more frequent uses of sensor decoders is for flow sensing, providing a way for the controller to monitor flow throughout the systems and possibly closing valves, notifying the site manager, etc. in reaction to unexpected flows.

Lightning (surge) Protection: All two-wire systems need lightning protection. Even homeowner systems. Yes, there are companies that say small home owner systems don’t need lighting protection. However, when lightning strikes, the home owner will be glad that they spent the money on lightning protection. Each manufacturer has a set recommendation as to how close the surge protection needs to be located. The best way to look at lightning protection is to ask yourself (or the owner) how much they want to spend if they do have a lightning strike. The more protection (isolation) of the system you provide, the less damage will occur from a lightning strike.

Lightning protecting devices draw no power, they only react (send electricity to ground) when they detect excess voltage.

Manufacturers generally sell two styles of surge protectors: inline and end-of-line surge protectors. As the name suggests, the two styles are designed to be used at specific locations throughout the two-wire system and cannot be interchanged. Either style requires installation of a grounding rod or plate, and to be properly attached to the surge protector. Although some manufacturers may disagree with this, it is recommended to locate the grounding rod six to eight feet away from the surge proctor. Locating the associated grounding rod at such a distance, will minimize the re-introduction of an electrical surge back into the system, as often occurs when grounding rods are located closer.

In sandier soils, you may need to enhance the grounding quality by adding “grounding enhancement materials” or making sure to install the grounding rod in moist soil.

Variations in Two-wire Systems: As mentioned before, each manufacturer has their own unique (exclusive) process of how decoders are assigned their codes. Decoders, surge protection, sensor decoders, and controllers cannot be interchanged between various manufactures.

One other variation amongst manufacturers is the solenoid type used.

The two choices are the use of the “typical” 24-volt AC solenoids or the use of DC latching solenoids. Most manufacturers only produce two-wire systems as 24-volt AC or as DC latching solenoid systems.

Generally, you can’t mix AC solenoids and DC latching solenoids on the same two-wire system — but there are some exceptions.

Advantages of Two-wire Systems vs. Conventional Systems:

On large systems, up to 75% reduction in wire use (cost) can be obtained. Depending upon the manufacturer, a single controller can control over 400+ stations, greatly reducing the number of controllers needed on a large site. Once installed, you can splice into the two-wire system and add additional valve(s) and their associated decoder(s) — easily mating the new decoder to the controller. All in all, making retro-fitting a breeze. Flow sensors and the like, can also be easily added along with additional surge protection. Some manufacturers have residential controllers that allow you to retro-fit their two-wire controller into the existing conventional wiring system.

A two-wire controller can be ultimately located anywhere within the two-wire system. For example, during a phased construction project, the two-wire controller can be located in a temporary building. As the project becomes complete, the controller can be relocated and reat-

tached to the two wire system almost anywhere you would like (notice the word “almost”). With proper forethought, this can be easily done.

Disadvantages of Two-wire Systems vs. Conventional Systems:

Definitely more grounding (material and time/labor) is required for the two-wire system, and is an additional cost factor that may take away from any cost savings due to less control wire. The need for perfectly installed and waterproof wire connections is critical. More diligence in carefully installing wire, thus eliminating any nicking of the two wires is required. Programming (paring) of the station to the decoder requires additional time and accuracy. Sometimes the sophistication/complexity of the controller’s programming can be daunting to the installer, owner or troubleshooting technician.

The greatest disadvantage is for the user and troubleshooting technician. If, unfortunately, the original installation contractors installed low quality/inadequate wire connects in order to save money, the end user always pays for this. It can’t be over emphasized how important it is to do the waterproofed wire connects using the manufacturer’s suggested product and proper attaching techniques.

Part 2 of the two-part series will cover troubleshooting of the twowire system, covering power output and power draw of the two wire components, and some additional installation pointers.

ANDREW LINDQUIST, owner of Links Systems, Inc. can be reached at alindquist@linkssystemsinc.com.

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➾R E S E ARCH FOR THE R EAL WO R L D

Assessing Wages & Benefits Although businesses are reminded of the various taxes they are required to pay on a more frequent basis during the year, April, is the month when federal and state income taxes are due. As a result, April 15 is often a time for self-assessment from an income perspective.

Dr. James Calkins

Research Information Director MNLA Foundation

Late winter and early spring is also a time of reflection for members of the green industry as another growing season approaches. Hopefully it will be smooth sailing with only good surprises and increased sales and profits. While the green industry has seen improvements since the economic downturn of 2008 and the recovery that began in 2010, challenges and uncertainty still remain. Although it isn’t new, one of these challenges is finding and retaining quality employees and it doesn’t appear this challenge will be rectified anytime in the near future. Combined with concerns about the attractiveness of the green industry to people entering the work force, the ability of green industry employers to offer the competitive wages and benefits needed to attract and retain qualified personnel, whether real or perceived, is also of consequence. The results of a wage and benefit survey reported in the December 2015 issue of GrowerTalks sheds some light on the status of the industry relative to these important metrics and concerns about stagnant prices, the increasing cost of doing business, and shrinking profit margins. This is the 20th year of the GrowerTalks survey and learning about the varying perspectives of their readership on minimum wage requirements and the current debate about a $15 minimum wage was a focus of the 2015 survey. Not surprisingly, and for a variety of reasons, some think raising the minimum wage is a good idea and some think it’s a bad idea. Clearly the minimum wage is an issue that is on people’s minds and fosters strong opinions.

Although the advantages and disadvantages of government-mandated minimum wages have been debated by politicians and economists for many years, and although the research findings related to the effects

of raising the minimum wage are quite mixed, public support based on survey data gathered over the years has been fairly stable and supportive at 60–75%. Recent surveys have reported levels of support for a minimum wage increase in the neighborhood of 71–75% (Gallop /2013/$9.00/71%; Hart Research Associates/2015/ $12.50/75%) and 25–27% opposed (Gallop/2013/ $9.00/27%; Hart Research Associates/$12.50/25%).

Under the United States Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA; originally passed in 1938), the federal minimum wage for nonexempt employees is $7.25 per hour (effective July 24, 2009). Based on the most recent data available (2014), 3.9% of workers paid on an hourly basis received the federal minimum wage or less, down from 4.3% in 2013 and 4.7% in 2012. On February 12, 2014, President Obama signed an executive order (Executive Order 13658) that raised the minimum wage to $10.10 for federal construction and service contracts beginning on January 1, 2015. The minimum wage for federal contracts has also been indexed with inflation and was increased to $10.15 on January 1 of this year (2016). Forty-five of the 50 states also have minimum wage laws; some are the same as the federal minimum wage (including Iowa, North Dakota, and Wisconsin) and some are lower and some higher (including Minnesota and South Dakota). In cases where an employee is subject to both the state and federal minimum wage laws, the employee is entitled to the higher of the two minimum wages.

In Minnesota, the minimum wage for small employers (employers with annual gross receipts less than $500,000 and who do not engage in interstate commerce) is currently $7.25 per hour, but will increase to $7.75 per april 16

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➾ RE S E ARCH FOR THE R EAL WO R L D

Figure 1. The ability to offer competitive wages and benefits can be a challenge, but is important when it comes to attracting and retaining the best employees (Photo Credit: Jim Calkins).

Based on data collected by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for farm workers nationally (2014), which includes nursery and greenhouse workers, was $10.01 ($20,820/year). In Minnesota, the average wage for this group was higher than the national average at $12.57/hour ($26,150/ year). The corresponding numbers for landscaping and groundskeeping employees was $12.85/hour ($26,720/year) nationally and $11.32/hour ($23,550/year) in Minnesota. hour on August 1, 2016. The Minnesota minimum wage for large-employers (annual receipts of $500,000 or more) is currently $9.00 per hour and will increase to $9.50 on Aug 1, 2016. Beginning on January 1, 2018, Minnesota’s minimum wage will increase automatically on an annual basis by a percentage determined by the national gross domestic product (GDP) implicit price deflator (IPD; a measure of inflation) or 2.5% using the lower of these two values.

Based on data collected by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage for farm workers nationally (2014), which includes nursery and greenhouse workers, was $10.01 ($20,820/year). In Minnesota, the average wage for this group was higher than the national average at $12.57/hour ($26,150/year).

The corresponding numbers for landscaping and groundskeeping employees was $12.85/hour ($26,720/year) nationally and $11.32/ hour ($23,550/year) in Minnesota.

Additional national and regional information about staffing, wages, and benefits is provided by the GrowerTalks survey. Fiftyeight percent of the respondents were wholesale growers and 40% were retail growers and 30%, 24%, 21%, and, regionally, 18% 52

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were located in the Midwest, East, South, and West, respectively. In general, temporary/seasonal and part-time employees tend to earn less than full-time employees. For temporary/seasonal employees, 24% earn $7.01–$8.50/hour, 52% earn $8.51–$10.00/hour, and 19% earn $10.01–$12.50/hour while 16%, 51%, and 25% of parttime employees are paid at the same levels, respectively. For fulltime employees, only 3% earn $7.01–$8.50/hour while 18% earn $8.51–$10.00/hour, 39% earn $10.01–$12.50/hour, and 26% earn $12.51–$15.00/hour. For salaried employees, annual salaries vary by classification; some earn less than $20,000/year and a few over $100,000/year, but most earn between 20,000 and 70,000/year.

More detailed information is presented in the report. Regional data for hourly and salaried employees based on business size (under and over 100,000 square feet) and type are also reported.

Regarding the employee benefits offered by green industry employers, 70% of full-time employees received paid vacation, 62% paid holidays, 49% health insurance, 44% an annual bonus, 37% sick leave, 31% a 401(k), 24% dental insurance, 23% life insurance, 21% disability, and 5% a pension. A few part-time employees received some of these benefits (typically 1–7%) with larger numbers receiving a bonus (16%), paid vacation (13%), and paid holidays (13%). In all cases except for sick leave, fewer full-time employees received benefits in 2015 compared to what was offered nine years ago (2006); the biggest drop was in the percentage of employees receiving health insurance (49% in 2015 compared to 66% in 2006). The benefits considered most valuable by employees were paid vacation (43%), health insurance (40%), paid holidays (28%), an annual bonus (24%), sick leave (15%), and a 401(k) (12%).

Twenty-eight percent of the survey respondents employed fewer than 10 employees during peak season, 27% 10–25 employees, 18% 25–50 employees, 14% 50–100 employees, 8% 100–250 employees, 3% 250–500 employees, and 2% more than 500 employees. Regarding staffing plans for 2015, 59% expect to keep their staffing levels the same, 29% plan to add staff, and 7% expect to reduce staff numbers.

I’m always fascinated by these types of data and a variety of analyses and trends can often be derived from them. Being aware of what other firms are doing, as well as national and local trends, can be helpful in making annual wage and benefit decisions and in setting future goals. Of course, economic conditions can change rapidly and a variety of other factors, including weather, can also be involved. The ongoing debate about minimum wages, including the idea of a $15 minimum wage that has been in the news nationally and in Minnesota and other states in recent months is a good example as are the mandatory sick and safe time ordinances that are currently being discussed in Minneapolis and, more recently, in St. Paul. These kinds of initiatives clearly have the potential to impact nursery and landscape firms and their employees and it is important for our industry to be involved in these discussions.

Citation: Zurko, J. 2015. Wage Rage. GrowerTalks 79(8):60–65. http:// www.ballpublishing.com/GrowerTalks/ViewArticle.aspx?articleid=21932 For additional information on wages and on minimum wages and their effects, consult the following selected references and resources:

The ongoing debate about minimum wages, including the idea of a $15 minimum wage that has been in the news nationally and in Minnesota and other states in recent months is a good example as are the mandatory sick and safe time ordinances that are currently being discussed in Minneapolis and, more recently, in St. Paul. These kinds of initiatives clearly have the potential to impact nursery and landscape firms and their employees and it is important for our industry to be involved in these discussions.

Federal Register. October 7, 2014. Establishing a Minimum Wage for Contractors. United States Department of Labor. https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2014/10/07/2014–23533/establishing-a-minimumwage-for-contractors Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Labor Standards – Minnesota’s Minimum-Wage Law. http://www.dli.mn.gov/LS/MinWage.asp Saad, L. 2013. In U.S., 71% Back Raising Minimum Wage. March 6, 2013. http://www.gallup.com/poll/160913/back-raising-minimum-wage.aspx Stieglitz, E. 2015. New Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Major Minimum Wage Increase. National Employment Law Project (based on a national survey conducted by Hart Research Associates, January 5–7, 2015). http://nelp.org/content/uploads/2015/03/PR-FederalMinimum-Wage-Poll-Jan-2015.pdf; http://www.nelp.org/content/uploads/2015/03/Minimum-Wage-Poll-Memo-Jan-2015.pdf United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2015. Characteristics of Minimum Wage Workers: 2014. http://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/cps/ characteristics-of-minimum-wage-workers-2014.pdf United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2014. Occupational Employment Statistics – Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2014: 45-2092 Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse. http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes452092.htm

SEDUM LIME TWISTER PPAF

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ADENOPHORA GAUDI VIOLET

United States Bureau of Labor Statistics. 2014. Occupational Employment Statistics – Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2014: 37-3011 Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers. http://www.bls. gov/oes/current/oes373011.htm

TO COMMENT ON THIS RESEARCH UPDATE,

suggest research topics of interest, or pass along a piece of research-based information that might be of interest to your industry colleagues, please email us at research@ MNLA.biz.

HOW DOES YOUR COMPENSATION STACK UP AGAINST YOUR LOCAL COMPETITION? Underpay, and employees will eventually look for a better offer.

Overpay, and your budgets and profitability will suffer. That's why the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association partnered with Readex Research to complete a 2015 Wage Survey. Purchase your copy at www.mnla.biz.

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NEW PLANT FORUM FROM THE NORTHERN GREEN EXPO: JANUARY 13, 2016 The New Plant Forum is an educational session that was developed for the Northern Green Expo to highlight and bring attention to new plant cultivars for landscapes and gardens in the Upper Midwest. *Please note: plants protected by a plant patent or trademark may not be propagated without a license from the originator/introducer.

DEBBIE LONNEE // BAILEY NURSERIES, INC. Hydrangea paniculata ‘Rendia’ PP24,667 First Editions® Diamond Rouge™ Hydrangea Origin: SAPHO USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–8 Height and Spread: 4–5' × 3–4' Availability: Bailey Nurseries and any First Editions® network grower Propagation method: softwood cutting Without a doubt, Diamond Rouge™ is the reddest H. paniculata on the market. This new variety has abundant, long lasting flowers on strong stems that start white and progress to pink, raspberry red and finally wine red. Flowers start blooming in July and take on red coloration earlier in the season than other pink paniculatas. Compared to Strawberry Sundae®, Diamond Rouge™ is slightly bigger and has distinct raspberry-red flowers that color earlier in the season. Bred by Jean Renault in France.

MARY BETH ECKHART // MIDWEST GROUNDCOVERS, INC. Spiraea japonica ‘SMNSJMFR’ PPAF Double Play® Red Spirea Origin: Proven Winners USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3a–9b Height and Spread: 24" × 36" Availability: Decker Nurseries, Fisher Farms, Four Star Greenhouse, Greenleaf Nursery, Home Nursery, Lincoln Nurseries, Loma Vista Nursery, Midwest Groundcovers, Sheridan Nurseries, Studebaker Nurseries, Van Belle Nursery, Van Essen Nursery, Willoway Nurseries, Wolke Nursery Propagation method: softwood cutting A smaller more compact mounding habit spirea with dark crimson-pink blooms. The foliage starts out a dark burgundy in spring and by fall it is green to red. Plant in well-drained soil located in part to full sun. Plants are late to leaf out in spring coming out of winter dormancy.

It is best used in mixed borders, mass and foundation plantings.

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Sedum Quick Cover™ Collection Quick Cover™ Stonecrop – Mix, Blue, Red, Shade, Yellow USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3–8 Height and Spread: 3–6" × 12–18" Availability: Midwest Groundcovers Propagation method: vegetative This collection of groundcover sedum enjoys sun with the exception of the Quick Cover™ Shade mix. They are grown in trays to form a mat of roots for ease of installation. The sedum need to be well watered until established then they will grow in dry soils and tolerate drought. This collection of sedum can be used for slopes, living walls, borders, stone pathways, fairy gardens, and green roof applications.

Sambucus racemosa ‘SMNSRD4’ PPAF Lemony Lace Elderberry Origin: Proven Winners USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3a–7b Height and Spread: 36–60" × 36–60" Availability: Byland Nurseries, Fisher Farms, Four Star Greenhouse, Home Nursery, Lincoln Nurseries, Mariani Nursery, Midwest Groundcovers, Monrovia Growers, Northland Farms, Oregon Pride Nursery, Sheridan Nurseries, Van Belle Nursery, Willoway Nurseries, Willowbend Nurseries Propagation method: vegetative This showy cutleaf elderberry with bright golden foliage makes a high impact specimen. Its shaggy mound of fine textured leaves with red shaded new growth also works well as an edible herb, border plant or focal point. This low maintenance plant will tolerate full sun in northern climates but light shade in southern areas. The plant will benefit from a hard prune as a young plant to develop a nice full habit. The white blooms develop on old wood and will do best with a light trim after flowering.

MIKE HEGER // AMBERGATE HORTICULTURAL CONSULTING Molinia arundinacea ‘Cordoba’ Cordoba Tall Purple Moor Grass Origin: Selected by the late German plantsman Ernst Pagels. Brent Horvath of Intrinsic obtained the plant from Robert Herman and introduced it to the US market.

USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–9 Height and Spread: 7' × 4' Availability: Intrinsic Propagation method: division This grass forms a 1'–2' tall mound of foliage topped by tall, somewhat arching airy flowering stems that reach 7’ in height. With its strong architectural qualities and the see-through nature of its inflorescences, Tall Purple Moor Grass can be effectively used in the front of the garden despite its height. It is, however, best viewed against a contrasting background. ‘Cordoba’ stands out from other Tall Purple Moor Grass selections due to its more upright habit, excellent vigor and denser floral inflorescences.

ALEC CHARAIS // BAILEY NURSERIES, INC. Spiraea betulifolia ‘COURISPI01’ PPAF First Editions® Pink Sparkler™ Birchleaf Spirea Origin: SAPHO USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3–8 Height and Spread: 5' × 5' Availability: Bailey Nurseries and any First Editions® network grower Propagation method: softwood cutting If you are a fan of Spiraea ‘Tor’, you will love this new twist on Spiraea betulifolia. Bred in France, Pink Sparkler™ blooms in early summer with large pink flowers at the terminals of this rounded shrub. An added bonus is in the autumn, when new flowers are formed and bloom along the leaf axils in each stem. These flowers are smaller, but there are more of them and add a pop of pink color to the fall landscape. Then, the leaves turn a lovely burgundy red in autumn. The shape is a lovely rounded mound and this plant needs very little pruning to keep its perfect shape.

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Cornus amomum ‘Cayenne’ First Editions® Cayenne Dogwood Origin: Plant Introductions, Inc USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–9 Height and Spread: 6–8' × 8–10' Availability: Bailey Nurseries and any First Editions® network grower Propagation method: softwood cutting This selection stands out because the bright red stems shine all winter, even in the south. Fresh green foliage looks good all summer and porcelain blue berries form in late summer. Plants spread by suckers and have good orange-red fall color. Appears to be Japanese beetle resistant in Georgia. Disease resistant. Like its cousins, Cayenne™ is well-suited to moist areas and is good in shrub borders, massed in moist areas and for wetland mitigation.

Ligustrum vulgare ‘Swift’ First Editions® Straight Talk™ Privet Origin: Found by Mike Jeronimus of Green Acres Nursery in Golden, CO USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–8 Height and Spread: 12' × 2' Availability: Bailey Nurseries and any First Editions® network grower Propagation method: softwood cutting Perfect as a vertical accent in tight spaces, Straight Talk™ is only 2' wide and tightly upright. This is the perfect substitute for ‘Sky Pencil’ holly in colder climates. In addition to being cold hardy and drought tolerant, it’s easy to grow in a wide range of soils and tolerates urban conditions.

Flowers are white and followed by black fruit. Minimal seed production after three years in Minnesota trials. If self-seeding is a consideration, prune right after flowering.

BOB CASHMAN // BALL HORTICULTURAL CO. Dianthus barbatus (interspecific) Jolt Dianthus Origin: Santa Paula, CA USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: Annual Height and Spread: 16–20" × 12–14" Availability: Seed from PanAmerican, Ball Seed. Plugs from national plug producers. Finished by several local growers.

Propagation method: seed A great flowering dianthus all summer long. There are 2 colors Pink and Cherry. Jolt withstands hot summer conditions with few disease issues and continues to flower without setting seed. If familiar with dianthus Amazon, this is a shorter version that has fantastic summer performance.

Foliage stays a nice dark green and always in flower, even in the heat of summer. Great for the garden or in containers.

Solenostemon scutellarioides ‘Campfire’ Campfire Coleus Origin: Arroyo Grande, CA USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: Annual Height and Spread: 18–24" × 16–28" Availability: Unrooted from Ball Seed. Rooted liners from many national rooting locations. Finished from several local growers.

Propagation method: vegetative An eye-catching orange coleus that grows in full sun and shade. A coleus that you can see from a distance. Flowers later than many coleus on the market. Great for landscape beds and large containers.

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➾ NE W PLAN T FORUM

Salvia nemorosa ‘Blue Marvel’ Blue Marvel Meadow Sage Origin: Kieft USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–9 Height and Spread: 10–12" × 10–12" Availability: Many national perennial suppliers — Darwin, Green Leaf, Raker, Walters, Gardenworld, and a number of MN bedding plant growers A great salvia that is one of the easiest to produce for gallons. Has a great habit for gallons, flowers longer than others much better shelf life at retail. Largest flowers of all nemorosa varieties upon a freely branched plant. In the garden, it is an excellent re-bloomer or can be cut back for a full flush of flowers 4–5 weeks later.

JIM LUBY // DEPT. OF HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES // UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Vaccinium corymbosum ‘MNPINK’ PPAF Pink Popcorn® Blueberry Origin: University of Minnesota, Selected in 1987 at Becker, MN USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3–5 Height and Spread: 5' × 5' Availability: Briggs Nursery, Bailey Nurseries, Fisher Farms, Kraemer Nursery, Alpha Nursery, Linnea Nursery, Sidhu Nursery, Acorn Farms Propagation method: tissue culture Novel blush pink fruit color. Fruit is crisp and "tastes like a blueberry" with desirable aroma and sugar-acid balance. Fruit is smaller than Northblue; similar to Chippewa or St Cloud. Autumn foliage is typical maroon-orange. Prefers acidic soils and needs a pollenizer variety.

BRENDA WICKENHAUSER // BAILEY NURSERIES, INC. Malus ‘KinderKrisp’ PPAF KinderKrisp Apple Origin: Fairhaven Farm in South Haven, MN USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–7 Height and Spread: varies Availability: Bailey Nurseries Propagation method: budded Exceptional flavor and crisp texture, much like its parent Honeycrisp, this early ripening variety features much smaller fruit. Perfect size for snacking or kid’s lunches, with a good balance of sweet flavors and a crisp, juicy bite. Outstanding variety for homeowners, flowering early in the season and ripening in late August, the fruit is best fresh from the tree, hanging on for an extended period.

Clematis ‘EVIpo038’ Crystal Fountain™ Clematis Origin: Raymond Evison Clematis USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–9 Height and Spread: 5–7' × varies Availability: Bailey Nurseries Propagation method: softwood cuttings Early, large flowered cultivar with lilac-blue petals and fountain-like center. Crystal Fountain is compact enough for containers or a garden with limited space.

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➾ NE W PLAN T FORUM

Quercus x ‘Nadler’ PP17,604 Kindred Spirit Oak Origin: Earl Cully, Heritage Trees USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–8 Height and Spread: 35' × 6' Availability: Bailey Nurseries, Carlton Plants, JF Schmidt, Robinson Nursery and other wholesale tree growers Propagation method: budded From Heritage Trees, Inc., hybrid of Quercus robur ‘Fastigiata’ (upright English oak) and Quercus bicolor (swamp white oak) and a sister seedling to Regal Prince oak. Tight columnar growth habit on this compact selection make it ideal for small urban yards and narrow streets. Foliage is dark green and resistant to powdery mildew.

JESSE ANDERSON // GARDENWORLD, INC. Heuchera ‘Mega Caramel’ Mega Caramel Coral Bells Origin: Northern France, Thierry Delabroye (breeder) USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–9 Height and Spread: 18–20" x 18–20" Availability: Gardenworld, Inc/Growing Colors Propagation method: tissue culture Like Caramel heuchera but much bigger! Over-sized caramel leaves with pink-purple undersides.

Mega Caramel does well in summer heat and humidity. Blooms large cream flowers mid-summer to early fall.

Phlox ‘Forever Pink’ PPAF Forever Pink Phlox Origin: Hybridized, Chicago Botanic Garden, Dr Jim Ault USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–9 Height and Spread: 12–16" × 12–16" Availability: Gardenworld, Inc/Growing Colors Propagation method: softwood cuttings Forever Pink is a compact clump-forming early-blooming phlox. Blooms 3 weeks in June with repeat blooms well into October. 1" vibrant purple-pink blooms.

Dahlia ‘GoGo Red’ GoGo Red Dahlia Origin: Netherlands USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: Annual Height and Spread: 14–20" × 14–20" Availability: Gardenworld, Inc/Growing Colors Propagation method: tuber division Mini Dinnerplates!!! Selected for its large flowers yet compact growth. This bold red dahlia has extremely strong stems and no staking required or pinching. The abundance of large 4–6" flowers are ideal for 8–10" patio containers.

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DR. DAVID ZLESAK // UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-RIVER FALLS Rosa ‘ZLEEltonStrack’ PP24,463 First Editions® Above and Beyond™ Rose Origin: This plant was hybridized in St Paul by David Zlesak. The cross was made in 2000.

USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3–7 Height and Spread: 10–14' × variable width Availability: Bailey Nurseries and any First Editions® network grower Propagation method: softwood cutting This new large-flowered climber is a very different rose for colder climates combining extreme cane hardiness, prolific and reliable spring flowering, warm flower color, and vigorous growth.

Clusters of typically five or more orange flower buds per stem open into apricot colored semi-double to double flowers. Plants bloom heavily in mid to late spring with sporadic repeat flowering in summer. With extreme cane hardiness, Above and Beyond™ can serve as a dependable climber or a nice large free standing shrub in colder regions. Very resistant to fungal diseases. Own root.

TIMOTHY STAUDAHAR // BFG SUPPLY Celosia argentea plumosa Dragon’s Breath Celosia Origin: Sakata USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: Annual Height and Spread: 24" × 16" Availability: Many young plant suppliers and greenhouses including Wagner’s.

Propagation method: Seed Dragon’s Breath is a brilliant deep red foliage celosia that is ideal for gardens and containers. This late blooming variety produces extra-large vibrant red plumes that thrive in heat and humidity.

Ocimum ‘Balsamic Blooms’ Balsamic Blooms™ Basil Origin: Euro American Propagators USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: Annual Height and Spread: 18–24" × 20–26" Availability: Euro American Propagators and many finished bedding plant growers Propagation method: vegetative First basil to simultaneously grow edible flowers and leaves. Blooms have lovely mint flavor and the leaves have a sweet basil taste. Unique long lasting blooms also makes this plant a pollinator magnet. Produces large attractive purple blooms that do not affect the taste or texture of the leaves. A basil as tasty as it is pretty! Great for containers as well as in the landscape.

MARK VAN HOEF // OREGON PRIDE NURSERY Juniperus x ‘J.N. Select Blue’ Star Power™ Juniper Origin: Johnson’s Nursery, Inc. USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3–6 Height and Spread: 17' × 7–9' Availability: Johnson Nursery, Oregon Pride Nursery, Bailey Nurseries Propagation method: grafted Star Power™ Juniper shines in the landscape with bluish-green, star-like juvenile foliage, lending a delicate yet dense texture and an almost sparkling appearance on an upright juniper. Suspected hybrid of Juniperus chinensis × Juniperus communis. Fast growing and durable, excellent used as a privacy screen. Plant in full sun and well-drained soils.

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Juniperus virginiana ‘J.N. Select Green’ Emerald Feather Juniper Origin: Menomonee Falls, WI — Michael Yanny USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3 Height and Spread: 12–15' × 5–6' Availability: Johnson Nursery & Oregon Pride Nursery Propagation method: grafted Excellent bright green upright juniper with tiny silver-blue berries. Emerald Feather is resistant to many of the juniper blight issues. Native to Midwest and with resistance to deer makes this bright green juniper great selection for any landscape.

Juniperus scopulorum ‘Snow Flurries’ Snow Flurries Rocky Mountain Juniper Origin: Mitsch Nursery — Aurora, OR Robert Fincham USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3 Height and Spread: 15–18' × 6–7' Availability: Oregon Pride — limited qty Propagation method: grafted Creamy yellow variegated tips on bluish gray-green branched juniper. It was found in a row of Moonglow junipers at Mitsch Nursery. Ideal for a corner planting or entrance.

NEIL ANDERSON // DEPT. OF HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES // UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Digiplexis™ Illumination™ Flame Illumination™ Flame Digiplexis Origin: Cross made by breeders at Thompson & Morgan Co. Introduced by University of Minnesota USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: Annual Height and Spread: 3' × 2' Availability: Burpee Seed Company, Jackson and Perkins Propagation method: Asexual Tall, glorious stalks of sterile flowers that resemble an open foxglove flower. This plant flowers all season long with a great branching habit, sporting yellow-throated, red-orange tubular flowers.

A great cut flower. An excellent, fast-growing vertical specimen to delight any large container or border planting. While not a perennial in Minnesota, its superior color combination is so unusual and delightful it is a “must have”!

SUSAN RUPERT // GARDENWORLD, INC. Sedum x ‘Blue Elf’ PPAF Sunsparkler® xSedoro Blue Elf Origin: Chris Hansen USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–9 Height and Spread: 4" × 15" Availability: Gardenworld/Growing Colors Propagation method: cuttings The steel-blue tufted foliage rosettes make this hardy succulent look tropical. Compact growth with tight clusters of dark pink flowers in late summer are a delight. Best used as a groundcover or border perennial. Very fragrant flowers that smell like grape soda.

Hosta ‘Raspberry Sundae’ PP22685 Raspberry Sundae Hosta Origin: Terra Nova USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–9 Height and Spread: 9" x 21" Availability: Gardenworld/Growing Colors Propagation method: tissue culture Lovely compact Hosta with beautifully variegated leaves and striking deep burgundy petioles, leaf bases and flower stalks. This red stemmed Hosta is different than the others because the red coloring melts into the base of the leaf. Best in full shade gardens and can be planted in mass plantings and containers.

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Geranium cinereum ‘Jolly Jewel™ Night’ (Trademark # 1288194) Jolly Jewel™ Night Cranesbill Origin: Marco van Noort - Netherlands USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3–8 Height and Spread: 10" × 12" Availability: Gardenworld/Growing Colors Propagation method: tissue culture This Geranium is part of a series call the Jolly Jewel™ series and it is known for its jewel-toned flowers colors. The low growing, clump forming habit makes it great for containers or a border perennial. The series has hot pinks, purples, and peaches. Bloom time on all the varieties in this series is exceptionally long, they seem to bloom all summer!

STAN HOKANSON // DEPT. OF HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES // UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Rhododendron ‘UMNAZ 502’ PPAF First Editions® Electric Lights™ Red Azalea Origin: University of Minnesota USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–7 Height and Spread: 4–5' × 3–4' Availability: Bailey Nurseries and any First Editions® network grower Propagation method: tissue culture Electric Lights™ Red is a fiery red in early spring, blooming just after the fresh new foliage emerges. Forms an upright mound in the landscape and will tolerate both full sun and part shade. Flower buds are hardy to -30°F. Rhododendron ‘UMNAZ 493’ PPAF First Editions® Electric Lights™ Double Pink Azalea Origin: University of Minnesota USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–7 Height and Spread: 6–7' × 4–5' Availability: Bailey Nurseries and any First Editions® network grower Propagation method: tissue culture Stunning double pink flowers smother the plant in early spring. It forms an upright mound in the landscape and will tolerate full sun to part shade. Flower buds are hardy to -30*F. Developed at the University of MN.

JAN PEDERSEN // BYLANDS NURSERIES Cornus alba ‘ByBoughen’ First Editions® Neon Burst™ Dogwood Origin: Ron Boughen, Valley River, Manitoba Canada USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3–7Height and Spread: 4–5' × 4–5' Availability: Bylands Nurseries, Bailey Nurseries (maybe 2017) & any First Editions® network grower Propagation method: softwood cuttings Neon Burst™ is a more compact and smaller than other golden colored dogwoods. The foliage is an explosion of neon yellow and green colors. It has impressive heat tolerance and retains rich foliage throughout the growing season. In fall, the leaves turn a variety of soft tones of purple, red, yellow and orange plus the glossy, scarlet-red branches.

Quercus macrocarpa ‘Bydur’ Top Gun Bur Oak Origin: Rick Durand, British Columbia, Canada USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 2-8 Height and Spread: 50–60' × 15' Availability: Bylands Nurseries Propagation method: budded An upright, narrow Q. macrocarpa with light colored bark. This tree was selected from a native stand in Manitoba. The branches are wide angled yet maintain a narrow form. The narrow form makes it ideal for smaller spaces.

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Picea pungens ‘ByJohn’ Bylands Dwarf Blue Spruce Origin: Rick Durand southern Manitoba, Canada USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 2–7 Height and Spread: 2.5–3' × 3' Availability: Bylands Nurseries Propagation method: grafting Discovered in a Colorado spruce shelterbelt in southern Manitoba. This intense blue needled tree was evaluated over 20 years before it was commercialized. The dwarf compact growth habit is retained over those years since it is a much more delicate looking plant with smaller shorter needles than globe spruce and it retains its multi-stemmed habit preventing it from bolting into a regular shaped blue spruce.

LAURA WAGNER // WAGNER GREENHOUSES, INC. Begonia boliviensis ‘Bossa Nova’ Bossa Nova Begonia Origin: Floranova, UK USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: Annual Height and Spread: 12–16" × 16–20" Availability: Many young plant suppliers and greenhouses including Wagner’s.

Propagation method: Seed Bossa Nova features a well-branched, trailing habit and are covered with flowers from spring to frost. Many colors to choose from including Orange, Red, Pink Glow, Pure White and Yellow. The trailing habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets, large containers, and mixed containers. It is the first boliviensis series to be grown from seed.

Canna x generalis Cannova Canna Origin: Bred by Takii, Introduced by Ball Ingenuity.

USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: Annual Height and Spread: 30–48" × 14–20" Availability: Seed available exclusively through Ball Seed Company. Many young plant suppliers and greenhouses including Wagner’s.

Propagation method: Seed Cannova features a compact habit and excellent branching which can be used in a variety of container sizes from 4 ½" to 8". Available in a nice assortment of bright colors: Bronze Scarlet, Red Shades, Rose, and Yellow. Great for height in gardens and mixed containers. They prefer warm temperatures for growing. Cannova is unique in that it will grow in cooler and lower light conditions as compared with OP canna varieties.

STEVE MCNAMARA // DEPT. OF HORTICULTURAL SCIENCES // UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA Gymnocladus dioicus ‘UMNSynergy’ True North™ Kentucky Coffeetree Origin: University of Minnesota USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4a Height and Spread: 45' × 20' after 40 years, 50–70' × 25–35' at maturity Availability: Carlton Plants Propagation method: grafting/budding Discovered as a seedling by Al Johnson at the U of MN Landscape Arboretum in 1972, with large, dark green, bipinnately compound leaves. Interesting bark with recurved, scale-like ridges. Compact branching habit produces an attractive upright-oval crown. A male selection so it produces no messy seed pods.

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MEGHAN BICEK // BAILEY NURSERIES, INC. Sedum ‘Cherry Truffle’ PP24,602 Cherry Truffle Sedum Origin: Terra Nova USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–9 Height and Spread: 18–20" × 20–22" Availability: Terra Nova, Bailey Nurseries, Gardenworld Propagation method: softwood cutting Two-toned plum and gray-green leaves emerge in the spring, then mature to purple-black in summer. Late summer brings large clusters of warm pink flowers on short upright stalks that last into fall. This compact grower will quickly form a dense mound. Prefers well-drained, lean soil and is drought tolerant when established.

Clematis ‘Evipo074’ Boulevard® Edda™ Clematis Origin: Raymond Evison Clematis USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–9 Height and Spread: 3–4' × varies Availability: Bailey Nurseries Propagation method: softwood cuttings Compact and free flowering, ideal for the small garden balcony, deck garden or patio. Semi double blooms of shorter central sepals and outer purple sepals with a darker reddish purple central bar.

Hosta ‘Rainbow’s End’ PP17,251 Rainbow’s End Hosta Origin: Hans Hansen USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3–9 Height and Spread: 18–20" × 20–22" Availability: Bailey Nurseries, Gardenworld, Walters Gardens Propagation method: Division Exceptionally glossy foliage has attractive yet irregular variegation that covers the bright yellow leaves with dark green margins that jet into the center. Forms a compact medium sized mound.

Striking red scapes with lavender flowers are produced late summer. Best in moist, rich, welldrained soils. Sport of ‘Obsession’.

DR. TODD WEST // DEPT. OF PLANT SCIENCES // NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY Ulmus davidiana var japonica ‘Burgundy Glow’ Northern Empress® Japanese Elm Origin: Seedling selection from trial accessions located at NDSU Research Arboretum.

Selected by Todd West, Greg Morgenson, Dale Herman and Larry Chaput.

USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3–6 Height and Spread: 28' × 24' Availability: Carlton Plants Propagation method: Grafting, tissue culture or softwood cuttings.

A unique, small statured elm selection hardy into zone 3 with excellent dependable burgundy red fall coloration, unusual among hardy elm cultivars. Recommended for use as a small to medium sized ornamental tree in urban landscape planting areas. This is especially relevant where available space or overhead power lines are a concern and where hardiness of other elm cultivars may be an issue. It has shown moderate to good drought tolerance with minimal affect by black leaf spot, elm leaf beetle, and Dutch Elm Disease.

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Acer saccharum ‘SeptDak’ September Flare™ Sugar Maple Origin: Selection originated from a NW Minnesota native population seed lot. Seedling lot grown in North Dakota. Discovered by Greg Morgenson and Todd West.

USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3b–6 Height and Spread: 40–50' × 30–40' Availability: Carlton Plants Propagation method: Summer budding onto northern sugar maple rootstock.

A very winter hardy sugar maple selection with good crown density exhibiting excellent summer foliage quality and outstanding fall coloration of orange-red to red color. This selection is notable for its early annual fall display, which is photoperiod initiated and not frost dependent in this northern climate. It prefers a deep well drained, non-droughty soil, will tolerate higher pH levels than the species.

ARLA CARMICHIEL // THREE RIVERS PARK DISTRICT Panicum virgatum Prairie Winds® ‘Apache Rose’ PPAF Apache Rose Switch Grass Origin: Walters Gardens USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4 Height and Spread: 4' × 2.5' Availability: Walters Gardens Propagation method: division Apache Rose has a dense upright columnar habit with grey-green leaves. In the fall, the tips of the leaves are flushed with a hint of rosy-red. The flowers panicles are a rose color instead of a cream or tan like other switch grasses. The grass is very sturdy unless the snows are heavy and is deer resistant. It is best used as a specimen, in masses, screening, along water or in containers.

Vernonia lettermannii ‘Iron Butterfly’ Iron Butterfly Ironweed Origin: Dr, Allan Armitage’s trials at the University of Georgia USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4 Height and Spread: 30–36" × 30–36" Availability: North Creek Nursery Propagation method: vegetative A compact, well-branched and vigorous plant. The foliage is fine textured. In late summer it is covered with true purple flowers that attract plenty of butterflies. Commonly found in rocky flood plants and is very tolerant to poor dry soils.

Vernonia ‘Southern Cross’ Southern Cross Ironweed Origin: Intrinsic Perennial Gardens USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4 Height and Spread: 36" × 36" Availability: Intrinsic Perennial Gardens Propagation method: vegetative Southern Cross is a hybrid of Vernonia lettermannii and Amsonia. It has deep green fine textured foliage. In August purple flowers emerge. The seed pods hold on for winter interest.

RYAN MCENANEY // BAILEY NURSERIES, INC. Ulmus americana ‘St Croix’ PP20,097 First Editions® St Croix™ American Elm Origin: discovered in a yard in St Croix County, MN USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3–6 Height and Spread: 60–75' × 70–90' Availability: Bailey Nurseries and any First Editions® network grower Propagation method: softwood cutting A new and distinct American elm with exceptional tolerance to Dutch elm disease. With a grand, vase-shaped habit and an open, spreading canopy, St. Croix promises to revitalize plantings of this well-loved shade tree. Summer foliage is dark green; fall foliage is yellow.

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Rosa ‘BAIneon’ Easy Elegance® Screaming Neon Red™ Rose Origin: Morden Research Centre USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–9 Height and Spread: 3–4' × 2–3' Availability: Bailey Nurseries and any Easy Elegance® network grower Propagation method: softwood cutting Intense color, superior performance. Screaming Neon Red™ is sure to be a standout for any garden. With vibrant flower power and repeat blooms throughout the season, this compact rose is the perfect choice as an accent or mass planting. Remarkably rich, disease resistant, dark green foliage provides the perfect backdrop to neon-red blooms. Foliage turns a lovely burgundy-red in fall. Own root.

Cephalanthus occidentalis ‘Bailoptics’ PPAF First Editions® Fiber Optics™ Buttonbush Origin: Bailey Nurseries USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–9 Height and Spread: 5–6' × 5–6' Availability: Bailey Nurseries and any First Editions® network grower Propagation method: softwood cutting Buttonbush likes moist conditions, tolerating flooding and wet spring soil, often used in wetland restoration. It’s also a great plant for low areas in the landscape that don’t dry out until late in the season. Seeds and flowers are enjoyed by wildlife.

JAYNE ROBERTS // JAYNE ROBERTS HORTICULTURAL SALES & SERVICES, INC. Schizachyrium scoparium ‘Standing Ovation’ Standing Ovation Little Bluestem Origin: North Creek Nurseries USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3–9 Height and Spread: 3–4' × 12–18" Availability: North Creek Nurseries, Bachman’s Propagation method: division A warm season grass that does well in poor, dry soils. It has a tight upright shape with sturdy spikey bluish-green blades. The blades are thicker than other Schizachyrium. Its fall coloring shows a range of oranges, reds, and purplish-browns. It can self seed but not prolifically. It is best used in perennial borders or as a screen.

Heliopsis helianthoides ‘Tuscan Sun’ PP18763 Tuscan Sun Heliopsis Origin: Proven Winners USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3–8 Height and Spread: 24–36" × 20–24" Availability: Walters Gardens Propagation method: vegetative A sturdy compact heliopsis with golden yellow flowers. It has good manners in the garden and can be used as a cut flower. It is ideal for middle of the border and containers. Bred by Dr David Zlesak, University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Hibiscus x ‘Berry Awesome’ Summerific® Berry Awesome Hibiscus Origin: Proven Winners USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4–9 Height and Spread: 40–48" x 54–60" Availability: liners through Walters Gardens Propagation method: vegetative A densely compact dark green leafed hibiscus. The flowers are 7–8" ruffled lavender-pink flowers with a cherry red eye. It prefers acidic soils.

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TROY LEE // GREENLEAF NURSERY Physocarpus opulifolius ‘Podaras 3’ Lemon Candy Ninebark PP22362 Origin: Ball Ornamentals USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3 Height and Spread: 2–3' × 2–3' Availability: Bachman’s Propagation method: softwood cutting Yellow-green colored leaves last from spring to fall with white flowers in the spring. This compact habit is best used for foundation plantings, mixed borders and small hedges.

Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Grefuglo’ Fuchsia Glow™ Hydrangea Origin: Selected by Greenleaf Nursery USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4 Height and Spread: 2–4' × 2–4' Availability: Bachman’s Propagation method: softwood cutting A repeat blooming hydrangea with vibrant fuchsia-pink flowers in spring through fall. A cold hardy plant with a compact growth habit. Perfect as an accent plant or in mass plantings.

Sambucus racemosa ‘Morden Golden Glow’ Morden Golden Glow Elderberry Origin: Morden Research Station USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3 Height and Spread: 4–5' × 4–5' Availability: Bachman’s Propagation method: softwood cutting Fine-textured golden foliage emerges with a reddish tint and ages to a rich green. Creamy-white flowers arrive in spring followed by red berries in fall. A compact mounded form grows 4–5' tall and wide. Best used in beds and mass plantings.

STEVE KELLEY // KELLEY & KELLEY NURSERY Astilbe ‘Chocolate Shogun’ PPAF Chocolate Shogun Astilbe Origin: bred by Nagasaki Teruhisa of Aomori, Japan USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3 Height and Spread: 20–24" × 20–24" Availability: Creek Hill, Garden World Propagation method: division Chocolate Shogun is a mid-late blooming astilbe with bright pink flowers. The leaves are glossy chocolate brown and maintain good summer color. It prefers semi-shade and moist soils.

Excellent for woodland gardens and mass plantings.

Veronica ‘Very Van Gogh’ PPAF Very Van Gogh Veronica Origin: bred at Walters Gardens, Inc USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4 Height and Spread: 18–20" × 20–24" Availability: Walters Gardens Propagation method: vegetative This Veronica has an abundance of rosy-purple blooms on heavily branched scapes from midsummer into late summer. It attracts honeybees, hummingbirds and butterflies. Each main flower spike is surrounded by up to a dozen secondary flower spikes, resulting in a prolonged season of bloom. The foliage is bright green and can have red tones in fall.

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Sanguisorba hakusanensis Lilac Squirrel Burnet Origin: Haku mountain in Japan USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 5 Height and Spread: 20–30" Availability: Far Reaches Farms Propagation method: vegetative Arching and bushy lilac-pink flower tail that stands about 18" tall and emerges in mid-summer.

Lilac Squirrel has bold grayish-green pinnate leaves. It is deer resistant and prefers moist soils.

ALAN CRAIG // ISELI NURSERY Acer x pseudosieboldianum North Wind® Maple Origin: Hybridized by Paul Halladin of Iseli Nursery USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 4 Height and Spread: 20' × 20' Availability: Iseli Nursery Propagation method: Grafting Acer North Wind® is the flagship member of Iseli Nursery’s new Jack Frost® series of hybrid maples. North Wind® combines the hardiness of Korean Maple with ornamental attributes of the Japanese Maple. Develops into a graceful small tree, with foliage emerging red in the spring, then turning a ‘terra-cotta’ color, and finally green by mid-summer. Spectacular orange and scarlet fall color.

Picea obovata ‘Arctos’ Arctos Siberian Spruce Origin: Selected from plants sent by Dan Fritsche of the Czech Republic in the 1990’s USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 2 Height and Spread: 60' × 30' Availability: Iseli Nursery Propagation method: Grafting ‘Arctos’ is a unique spruce cultivar, with needles that are distinctive bluish color and are very short, similar to Picea orientalis. Picea obovata is one of the hardiest tree species in the world.

‘Arctos’ should perform very well in the upper Midwest and can be used as a substitute for Colorado Blue Spruce.

CARRIE LARSON // MCHUTCHISON Tillandsia Air plants Origin: Rain Forests USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: Annual Height and Spread: varies Availability: McHutchison Propagation method: division The trend is back! Air plants are very low care plants, fun for decorating the interior space in homes and businesses. They need humidity and temperatures above 60 degrees.

Oxalis vulcanicola ‘Plum Crazy’ Plum Crazy Wood Sorrel Origin: Brought to the market by Hort Couture USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: Annual Height and Spread: 8" × 12" Availability: Mulberry Miniatures, Hort Couture Propagation method: division Very showy Oxalis with maroon foliage splashed with rose. Leaves are smaller than standard shamrocks. Flowers are bright yellow. Best used in mixed containers, fairy gardens or individual containers. Easy to trim in fairy gardens.

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DOUG DANIELSON // BACHMAN’S, INC. Hydrangea paniculata ‘SMNHPRZEP’ Zinfin Doll™ Hydrangea Origin: Proven Winners USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3 Height and Spread: 6–8' × 6–8' Availability: Bachman’s, Four Star Greenhouse, Lincoln Nurseries, Loma Vista Nursery, Mariani Nursery, Midwest Groundcovers, Sheridan Nurseries, Willoway Nurseries, Spring Meadow Nursery Propagation method: softwood cuttings A hardy paniculata hydrangea with loads of dense blooms that emerge pure white and turn bright pink from the bottom up, then age to a dark red-pink. The stems are stronger. Its best uses are as a specimen or in groupings. It will also work for screening.

Syringa x ‘Pink Perfume’ Bloomerang® Pink Perfume Lilac Origin: Proven Winners USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 3 Height and Spread: 4–5' × 4–5' Availability: Bachman’s, Fisher Farms, Lincoln Nurseries, Monrovia Growers, Sheridan Nurseries, Willoway Nurseries, Willowbend Nurseries Propagation method: softwood cuttings The newest rebloomer in the Bloomerang series, Pink Perfume has the same bloom pattern, flowering in spring and then again mid-summer and continuing until frost. This mildew resistant variety has compact growth habit and small leaves, perfect for landscaping and small gardens.

LLOYD TRAVEN // PEACE TREE FARM Lavandula angustifolia ‘Niko’ PP24,193 Phenomenal Lavender Origin: Peace Tree Farm USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 5–9 Height and Spread: 2–3' × 2' Availability: liners through Peace Tree Farm, finished plants at Bailey Nurseries and many growers across the country Propagation method: vegetative One of the hardiest and easiest lavenders to grow, showing remarkable resistance to heat and humidity. An upright mound of silvery green foliage with elegant purple blooms. Flowers are fragrant and can be used for fresh and dried arrangements. Can be used in mass plantings, rock gardens or in container gardens.

Farfugium japanicum ‘Wavy Gravy’ Wavy Gravy Farfugium Origin: Peace Tree Farm USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: Annual Height and Spread: 2–3' × 2' Availability: Peace Tree Farm Propagation method: vegetative This shade loving annual adds structure to a design. It has distinctively wavy edged leaves that are tightly packed. It makes excellent cut flower foliage that lasts in vases for up to 10 days. Best used in borders, mass plantings, cut flowers, and containers.

CHRIS SELIN // BAILEY NURSERIES, INC. Potentilla fruticosa ‘Bailmeringue’ First Editions® Lemon Meringue™ Potentilla Origin: Morden Research Centre USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 2–6 Height and Spread: 2–3' × 2–3' Availability: Bailey Nurseries and any First Editions® network grower Propagation method: softwood cutting This new Potentilla has light yellow double flowers that might remind you of a rose. Blooms all summer on a tidy little plant that forms a round, compact ball with little pruning required. Bred on the cold Canadian plains, it is tough.

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Potentilla fruticosa ‘Bailbrule’ First Editions® Crème Brulee™ Potentilla Origin: Morden Research Centre USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 2–6 Height and Spread: 3–3.5' × 2–3' Availability: Bailey Nurseries and any First Editions® network grower Propagation method: softwood cutting Add a pop of white to the landscape with this new double flowering Potentilla bred at the Morden Research Centre in Manitoba, Canada. Bright white flowers adorn this rounded shrub throughout the entire summer. Dark green foliage contrasts beautifully with the flowers. Tough and hardy.

Potentilla fruticosa ‘Bailcitrus’ First Editions® Citrus Tart™ Potentilla Origin: Morden Research Centre USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 2–6 Height and Spread: 2–3' × 2–3' Availability: Bailey Nurseries and any First Editions® network grower Propagation method: softwood cutting Citrus Tart™ is the third potentilla to come out of the Morden Research Centre in Manitoba.

It has double gold flowers and an upright mounded habit. Tough and hardy.

WELCOME NEW MNLA MEMBERS! Apostrophe Gardens Rick O’Hara Minneapolis, MN, 612-590-5338

Grapids Irrigation Aaron Katerberg Grand Rapids, MI, 616-235-6666

Pauly’s Repair Paul Beaurline South St. Paul, MN, 651-306-1238

Cozy Homes LLC Jeff Johnson Barnes, WI, 715-795-2346

Greenleaf Landscaping Brooks Lockwood Hudson, WI, 715-977-2890

Ron’s Lawn Care Ron Prudhomme Crookston, MN, 218-289-1367

Cutting Edge Property Maintenance Aimee Roehl Plymouth, MN, 763-235-1761

Halla Construction & Landscaping LLC Aaron Halla Owatonna, MN, 507-213-0904

Rosti Construction Company of MN, Inc. Jesse Demmers Jordan, MN, 612-750-2755

Dougs Power Equipment Sue Zilmer Blaine, MN, 763-786-6239

HD Landscape, Inc. Heidi Dalbec Hamel, MN, 763-242-4006

Dykema Holding LLC Kip Monson Wyoming, MN, 651-271-8981

Kraftman Gardens Lynn Holman Greenfield, MN, 763-442-4640

Semler Homes Patty Erickson Andover, MN, 763-754-5578

Environmental Landscape Management Chris Matson Hudson, WI, 715-386-7100

Landon Kohlrusch Plowing Landon Kohlrusch Bemidji, MN, 952-412-7136

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➾ MNLA FOUN DATION

MNLA Career Outreach Did you know YOU play a creative role in connecting schools, businesses, and community partners to the future of the green industry?

Paulette Sorenson

MNLA Foundation Coordinator

The MNLA Foundation has developed an outreach program to promote the green industry and provide members with the tools and opportunities to improve their businesses by interacting with schools and attending career fairs. Your partnership provides valuable resources, knowledge, and energy to support academic and work-based learning. We’ll keep you posted on the opportunities in your area.

Outreach Benefits

• Promote Your Company — Your presence indicates a growing company, invested in the industry.

• Mentor Students — Share your expertise and what to expect to build career skills.

• Promote Green Industry Careers — They are a successful, viable career option.

• Recruit Qualified Employees • Connect with Potential Employees • Networking — Meet with high school and college counselors as they are a critical hiring resource.

• Gather Résumés — A great idea even if you’re not currently hiring.

Here’s What You Can Do

• Start talking! Help build the awareness to promote education, raise awareness, and advance the conversation to introduce a whole new generation to careers that make a positive impact 74

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MNLA Foundation Coordinator Paulette Sorenson (r) hosts an exhibit with Tami Gallagher (l) of Home Sown Gardens at the Hastings Career Fair.

on the environment and the communities around us.

• Promote TheLandLovers.org within your company and conversations. On the website you can find information about what it takes to be a LandLover, including career information, lists of colleges, and even links to job postings and scholarships.

• Call us if you know of a school career fair or event where we can supply cool stuff, and promote TheLandLovers.org resources or other opportunities to share real life experiences in the green industry.

Paulette Sorenson at paulette@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987 for more information.

CONTACT MNLA FOUNDATION COORDINATOR,

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Porcelain Tiles

Your locally owned headquarters for landscaping supplies and materials!

LASTRA 20mm porcelain tiles from Atlas Concorde are designed to balance performance with aesthetics in outdoor spaces. These Italian-made slabs deliver the appeal of natural stone to create landscapes of lasting beauty. Stone and wood finishes make LASTRA 20mm slabs the perfect solution for both residential and commercial venues.

BROOKLYN PARK (763) 488-1310

OAKDALE (651) 773-7444

BURNSVILLE (952) 894-4401

KIMBALL (320) 398-5415

FARIBAULT (507) 331-3198

VERSA-LOK-MIDWEST.COM/ATLAS-CONCORDE

➾ D O N O R T H A N K YO U

THANK YOU! THANK YOU TO 2016 NORTHERN GREEN MNLA SILENT AUCTION DONORS It’s our pleasure to recognize the generous companies who donated silent auction items that support the MNLA Scholarship Fund with record-breaking event proceeds!

Alta Falls & Pond Supplies Ambergate Horticultural Consulting Anderson Nursery, Inc. Arborjet Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes BFG Supply Co. Biological Patent Services LLC Bluebird Nursery, Inc. Borgert Products, Inc. Carlin Sales/ProGreen Plus Central Landscape Supply Cherokee Manufacturing LLC Countryside Gardens, Inc. Crop Production Services Eden Stone-Volders Gardens of Rice Creek LLC Gertens Haag Companies Harrell’s Healthy Ponds by Bioverse Hedberg Supply Hoffman and McNamara Nursery & Landscape Instant Green Tree Planting, Inc. Klaus Nurseries Debbie Lonnee Malmborg’s, Inc. Midwest Landscapes, Inc. — Wholesale Division Midwest Stihl, Inc. Monrovia National Refund & Marketing Services, Inc. Nesbit Agencies NorSari Northway Irrigation Ostvig Tree Care Reinders, Inc. Resultants for Business, Inc. S & S Tree and Horticultural Specialists St. Croix SaveATree Swanson’s Nursery Consulting, Inc. Sylvester Custom Grinding, Inc. Tangletown Gardens LLC Terra Products, Inc. Toro Touchstone Accent Lighting UFC Farm Supply Wagner Greenhouses Wheeler Landscape Supply Wilson’s Nursery Xylem LTD Cut N Stone Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC

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MNLA .biz

April 16

Lawn Mower

Grapple Bucket

Excavator

Forks

Why buy, lease or rent an Avant?

• Versatile - Compact and lightweight • Unique - Over 100 attachments to handle any job • Powerful - Excellent lift to weight ratio • Economical - Low operating and maintenance costs • Practical - Easy to operate with telescopic boom • Maneuverable - Articulated steering

Call or stop in to speak to an Avant Sales Specialist who can schedule a FREE DEMO and recommend the best equipment for your needs!

www. tristatebobcat.com

1200 Highway 13 East, Burnsville, MN 55337 952-894-0894 3101 Spruce Street, Little Canada, MN 55117 651-407-3727 588 Outpost Circle, Hudson, WI 54016 715-531-0801

➾ LA S T WORD

TOGETHER WE STAND

Jeff Pilla

Bachman’s Inc.

HAPPY SPRING TO EVERYONE. While we are working long days and nights to serve our customers’ needs, there are many important issues at the legislative level that will impact how we operate our businesses in the future. The outcome of important issues to our industry such as invasive plant species, pesticide regulations, irrigation standards, and paid sick leave regulations will likely be deliberated during this year’s legislative session. Together our voice can make a difference with these issues.

I continue to be amazed how we, as an association, have influenced decisions at the state, county and city level. This past fall, several individuals rallied against the proposed city of Minneapolis’ Working Families Agenda. Their efforts influenced the Mayor to remove the regulations requiring predictable work schedules and to develop a task force to examine paid sick leave; the city of St Paul recently formed a task force for the same purpose.

Paid sick leave will likely be adopted in both cities; however, some states have overturned such ordinances. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania had passed a sick leave ordinance in August 2015 and the PA Restaurant and Hospitality Association filed a lawsuit.

In December, the court overturned the Pittsburgh ordinance finding the ordinance attempted to regulate employers. Milwaukee’s paid sick leave statute was also repealed in 2011. Both rulings are proof that associations can be successful in influencing regulations imposed on businesses.

During this important time with the legislative session, you can play an active role supporting MNLA Government Affairs Committee (GAC) initiatives. Our industry relies on each of you to ensure our business interests are represented. You can support the association and remain connected to the issues by responding quickly to the action steps outlined in the MNLA Grassroots eNews, sharing your thoughts on any legislative issue that may influence our industry, and connecting with your representative. We welcome your support and any feedback you may have. is a member of the MNLA Government Affairs Committee and can be reached at jpilla@bachmans.com.

JEFF PILLA

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MNLA .biz

april 16

SOMETHING NEW IS COMING...

REGISTRATION PACKAGES

3-Day Pass

PRE-REGISTER ON OR BEFORE JAN. 6, 2017

$299

$378

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$149

$228

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$35

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REGISTER ONSITE

$399

$478

$478

$249

$328

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$45

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Choice of 1 Tuesday Master Class (formerly Super Tuesday)

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Access to 2 Days of Free Lunch NEW! on the Trade Show floor**

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Campfire mini sessions on the trade show floor

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All exhibits/trade show pass

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Access to sandbox competition NEW! and show floor demos

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Access to sessions in Innovation NEW! & Inspiration Theater

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Morning Coffee

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Career Central

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Networking

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(Fast Pass check-in* available only until Dec. 9, 2016.)

Access to Tuesday’s trade show Preview Party

NEW!

Access to 2 keynote speakers

CEO Corner Office

NEW!

CEO Track Premium Content Interactive Track Exclusive Content

NEW!

3-Day Pass 3-Day Pass + Interactive + CEO Track Track

NEW!

2-Day Pass

2-Day Pass 2-Day Pass + Interactive + CEO Track Track

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*Fast Pass check-in: Your badges will be mailed to you – no waiting at the Registration Desk! Just bring your badge with you to Northern Green and skip the lines! **Available to the first 2,000 attendees each day.

More information coming throughout the year and at WWW.NORTHERNGREEN.ORG

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Trade Show Student Only

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JANUARY 10-12,

2017

MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER

E OS WN E O CHUR OTUR YO VEN AD

ZIEGLER RENTAL

DELIVERS A Rental Experience You Can Count On We strive to make your Ziegler Rental experience easy every step of the way â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from the moment you place your request to the time you return your rental equipment.

We promise to provide exceptional customer service, deliver quality equipment ready to get the job done right, and tackle any repair or replacement issues quickly to keep you up and running.

Call 888.468.0177 or visit us online for instant price quotes:

www.zieglerrental.com