The Scoop Online - June 2015

Measuring Customer Satisfaction

Also Inside

LED Lighting for Greenhouses

Networking News Lyme Disease Stourhead

EUROPEAN INSPIRATION Thoughtful creativity on display

Vol: 38 No: 6 June 2015 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

THINK BASE THINK GATOR THINK

FOR DRAINAGE & NON-DRAINAGE BASE

NO MORE

• 5” OF EXTRA EXCAVATION • EXPENSIVE DUMPING FEES • LONG HOURS OF INSTALLATION • TRANSPORTING TONS OF AGGREGATE

PAVER APPLICATIONS

SLABS

GATOR BASE WAY

TRADITIONAL WAY

REPLACES 5 INCHES OF CRUSHED STONE

COSTLY EXCAVATION, FILL & DUMPING FEES

PAVER

PAVER

GATOR BASE

BEDDING SAND 1/2”

COMPACTED BEDDING SAND 1/2” GEO-FABRIC

NO CRUSHED STONE

=

5 INCHES OF CRUSHED STONE

GATOR BASE COMPACTED BEDDING SAND GEO-FABRIC COMPACTED NATIVE SOIL UNDER LICENSE FROM BROCK INTERNATIONAL U.S. PATENTS NOS. 8,662,787; 8,827,590; AND PATENTS PENDING

COMPACTED NATIVE SOIL

GEO-FABRIC COMPACTED NATIVE SOIL

Visit us at AllianceGator.com for our complete line of How-to videos

DO IT ONCE DO IT RIGHT! To l l f r e e : 1 . 8 5 5 . 8 4 7 . 7 7 6 7

Volume 38 No. 6 June 2015

CONTENTS 15

60 38

IN THIS ISSUE 8

Events

10 From the Executive Director The Future of the Green Industry Workforce: Yes, It’s Your Problem!

49

15 The Hidden Meanings and Metaphors of Stourhead An in-depth examination of the design of England’s premier informal garden.  

31 What Everyone Should Know About Lyme Disease Faith Appelquist makes us aware of this seasonal threat spread by Lyme-infected blacklegged ticks. 

38 LED Lighting for Greenhouses Dr. Calkins reports on a technology that has potential to produce plants more efficiently and economically. 

45 Solving Green Industry Challenges MNLA Foundation trustee Seth Midura reminds us of the opportunity to step up with our own solutions. 

49 European Design Trends An inspiring pictorial from the exhibits of a leading European horticultural trade show.    

57 Overcoming Training Ego Are you ready to share everything you know so you can grow your company?   Landscape & Hardscape Install & Design  Garden Services & Landscape Management  Garden Centers  Growers: Nursery & Greenhouse  Irrigation & Water Management  Arborists & Tree Services  All

24 MDA Report Does the new license category for vertebrate pest control apply to you?

26 Creating Vibrant Places An urban beautification initiative in St. Paul brings color, life, and movement to its streetscape.

34 Make Sure Your Business Documentation is in Order Patrick McGuiness urges LLCs in Minnesota to maintain proper records.

47 “Thank You” Socials Join in the free fun during Member Appreciation Month.

48 A Season of Learning A look back at a busy winter of MNLA education.

60 How to Measure Customer Satisfaction Customer acquisition costs more than retention, so it must be measured.

70 Meet Megan We welcome the new MNLA Foundation Program Coordinator to the team.

The Scoop, June 2015, Issue 6, is issued monthly, 12 times per year.

All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2015, 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.

june 15

MNLA .biz

5

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

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

Alliance Designer Products ................................................................................ 4 Ancom Communication & Technical Center .................................................... 40 Arborjet ............................................................................................................ 65 Astleford Equipment Co. .................................................................................. 14 BFG Supply ................................................................................................ 12–13 Borgert Products, Inc. ....................................................................................... 18 Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus ..................................................... 30

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Central Landscape Supply ................................................................................ 11

Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens 612-366-7766 • heidi@BloomOnMN.com

Central Wood Products .................................................................................... 23

heidi heiland, mnla-cp, president herman roerick, vice-president

Cushman Motor Co. Inc ................................................................................... 52

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

Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ............................................................................. 67

scott frampton, secretary-treasurer

Frontier Ag & Turf ............................................................................................. 30

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

debbie lonnee, mnla-cp, past president

Bailey Nurseries, Inc. 651-768-3375 • debbie.lonnee@baileynursery.com

randy berg, mnla-cp

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

tim malooly, cid, clia, cic

Fury Motors ...................................................................................................... 29 Gardenworld Inc. .............................................................................................. 43 Gertens Wholesale / JRK Seed .......................................................................... 2 GM Fleet and Commercial ................................................................................. 3 Gopher State One-Call ..................................................................................... 52

Water in Motion 763-559-7771 • timm@watermotion.com

Haag Companies, Inc. ...................................................................................... 35

mike mcnamara

Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies ........................................................ 25

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

Jeff Belzer Chevrolet .................................................................................. 36–37

jeff pilla, mnla-cp

Kubota Dealers ................................................................................................. 58

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

Landscape Alternatives Inc. .............................................................................. 62 Lano Equipment, Inc. ....................................................................................... 43 Minnesota Propane Association ....................................................................... 55 MTI Distributing, Inc. ........................................................................................ 30 Out Back Nursery ............................................................................................. 46

STAFF DIRECTORY

executive director:

Plaisted Companies ............................................................................................ 7

membership director & trade show manager:

Prairie Restorations, Inc. ................................................................................... 43

Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz Mary Dunn, CEM • mary@mnla.biz

communications director: Jon Horsman • jon@mnla.biz education/cert manager: Susan Flynn • susan@mnla.biz government affairs director: Tim Power • tim@mnla.biz administrative asst: Gayle Anderson • gayle@mnla.biz accountant: Norman Liston • norman@mnla.biz foundation program coordinator: Megan Buchanan • megan@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 6

AD LIST

Volume 38 No. 6 June 2015

➾ S E CT I O N TITLE

MNLA .biz

june 15

RDO Equipment Co. ........................................................................................ 40 Resultants for Business, Inc. (RFB) .................................................................... 67 Rock Hard Landscape Supply division of Brian’s Lawn & Landscaping, Inc. .... 43 Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. ............................................................................ 18, 44, 62 Truck Utilities & Mfg. Co. .................................................................................. 11 Versa-Lok Midwest ........................................................................................... 32 Xylem, Ltd. ....................................................................................................... 46 Ziegler CAT ..........................................................................................Back Cover

➾ C ALE N DAR

MNLA Event

JUL 11–14

JUN18 2015 MNLA RESIDENTIAL LAWN CARE FORUM

➾

➾

U of M Turf Research, Outreach and Education Center, St. Paul

CULTIVATE 15 Columbus, OH Cultivate15.org Cultivate is the largest horticultural industry event in North America, serving every industry segment from production and retail to installation and suppliers.

MNLA.biz 651-633-4987 Stay current, connected and informed about residential lawn care.

Revolving stations with topics presented by U of M faculty. The session will appeal to both lawn and retail/garden center professionals.

MNLA Event

MNLA Event

➾

JUL30

MNLA Event

HORTICULTURE NIGHT

➾

at the West Central Research and Outreach Center, Morris wrcroc.cfans.umn.edu 320-589-1711 Located at the Horticulture Display Garden. Children’s activities will be available along with demonstrations, garden tours, ag tours, live music, food and vendor booths. Admission is free and open to the public.

8

MNLA .biz

june 15

AUG4 ➾

AUG6 GARDEN PARTY

GARDEN CENTER TOUR

Arla Carmichiel & Steve Kelley residence

MNLA.biz 651-633-4987

Kelley & Kelley Nursery & Landscaping, Long Lake, MN

We will tour several MNLA garden centers in the Twin Cities. Network with other professionals and take away great ideas to implement at your own garden center.

MNLA.biz 651-633-4987 Visit the private gardens of Arla & Steve, owners of Kelley & Kelley Nursery and Landscaping, for an afternoon tour or join us for an evening reception.

2015 MNLA seminars generously supported by John Deere Landscapes

MNLA Event

JUL21

MNLA Event

JUL20 MNLA NIGHT AT THE SAINTS GAME

➾

CHS Field, St. Paul MNLA.biz 651-633-4987

MEMBER APPRECIATION SOCIAL

➾

Central Landscape Supply, St. Cloud

➾ ➾

➾

Education

This year’s tour will include some recent MNLA award winning landscape designs and will focus on outdoor rooms and gathering spaces.

MNLA Event

AUG13

AUG19

MEMBER APPRECIATION SOCIAL

MEMBER APPRECIATION SOCIAL

Waconia Tree Farm, Waconia

MNLA.biz 651-633-4987

LANDSCAPE DESIGN TOUR MNLA.biz 651-633-4987

MNLA Event

AUG11

Event

➾

Join us as we celebrate the 25th Annual Widmer Golf Tournament and raise money for research!

An awards reception will immediately follow the tournament with a chance to win great prizes.

MNLA Event

KEY:

Oak Marsh Golf Course, Oakdale, MN

JUL30

MNLA.biz 651-633-4987

Take a break from your busy season and enjoy a game at the New Saints Ball Park: CHS Field in downtown St. Paul. Your ticket includes a buffet picnic prior to the game on The Lawn and a reserved outfield ticket.

It’s time to celebrate our 90th year and your awesomeness. Join in the fun during MNLA’s Member Appreciation month.

MNLA Event

25TH ANNUAL WIDMER GOLF TOURNAMENT

MNLA.biz 651-633-4987 It’s time to celebrate our 90th year and your awesomeness. Join in the fun during MNLA’s Member Appreciation month.

All events will take place from 5–8pm. Food and adult beverages will be provided!

➾

MNLA Office, Roseville MNLA.biz 651-633-4987 It’s time to celebrate our 90th year and your awesomeness. Join in the fun during MNLA’s Member Appreciation month.

All events will take place from 5–8pm. Food and adult beverages will be provided!

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

Did you miss a webinar? ALL of our webinars are recorded and available for viewing afterwards. Login to MNLA.biz to learn more! june 15

MNLA .biz

9

➾ F R OM THE EXECUTIVE DI R EC TO R

The Future of the Green Industry Workforce: Yes, It’s Your Problem!

When I talk with members, one of the first questions I ask is what their current business successes and struggles include. Members continue to tell me that finding a qualified and quality workforce remains at the top of their list of concerns. while mnla has done a great deal of work in this arena, there is unfortunately not a quick, easy solution Cassie Larson to this continuing struggle. As I talk to students and MNLA Executive Director industry professionals, the following issues continue to be at the forefront: • Landscape contractors report “We get the kids who ‘fall through the cracks’ and don’t know what else to do after high school. We’re not considered a viable career choice.”

• Lack of federal immigration reform is resulting in loss of labor so we need to find alternate means of recruitment.

• Ag/Hort programs at the high school and college level are declining.

• Lack of exposure to the industry, especially for college bound students.

• Not “sexy” (horticulture = boring).

• Broad scope of the industry (retail/construction/ service/agriculture/sales etc.) makes promotion difficult.

• Small business benefits packages can be lacking.

• Seasonality, layoffs.

From scholarships to curriculum, there are a number of initiatives and resources available through the MNLA Foundation but, for this article, I thought it might be helpful to focus on one resource and provide a brief review of where this initiative started back in 2008.

In 2008, thirty-two green industry associations from across the country united to develop and launch a national green industry careers website designed to spark interest in the variety of positions that the green 10

MNLA .biz

june 15

industry offers — from landscape design to horticultural production. Research led the group to name this website www.theLandLovers.com.

If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit the website, I encourage you to do so. The site provides students with a comprehensive overview of the many career options available in the green industry including: arboriculture, garden center, gardening services, irrigation, landscape design, landscape installation, landscape management & lawn care, as well as nursery & greenhouse production.

Each section includes a career path highlighting duties, educational requirements, and pay scale. Visitors will also find video testimonials from current industry professionals who are passionate about their “land lover” careers.

Parents and guidance counselors can also find information debunking some of the current myths surrounding green industry careers. Parents, along with their student, can also learn where to pursue higher education for a career in the green industry and browse current job openings by state.

I think the more important part of the story is the research that led the group to the development of this site and the reason it exists. Why www.theLandLovers.com?

A national survey of guidance counselors/instructors and two focus groups with high school students — one in Minneapolis and one in Orlando — were conducted

by Risdall Marketing Group (a nationally recognized marketing/public relations firm). Helpful information gleaned from this research includes the following: • Parents play a key role in influencing a student’s career path.

• Many myths exist about the green industry, especially in the minds of parents.

This initiative is much bigger than a singular effort and the entire industry will need to participate in order for progress to occur.

• The word “green” is a disconnect for these students. We may consider ourselves the “green industry” but this is not how they see us. Changing this perception would be a giant mountain to climb.

• They want their future career to be FUN! • Guidance counselors/instructors are sending kids to the web to get career information.

• Websites they currently use are colorful, interactive, and community building (such as Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat, Twitter and Instagram).

• The following are current student perceptions of careers in this industry: • Just the guys that mow the lawn.

• I don’t need an education to go into this field — uneducated jobs/workers.

• Low paying.

• It’s all physical labor.

• Dirty.

• Low-tech.

• It’s a job not a career.

• Lack of security with the movement of big box stores and seasonality.

The website was launched and continues to be promoted to students across the country. The goal was to help eliminate the myths associated with green industry careers and to promote and increase awareness of viable green industry career paths, especially those available with for-profit companies. The research indicated that this name, www.theLandlovers.com, would: Create a sense of community among users; introduce them to a profession they can be passionate about; and be inclusive of the various industry segments to be contained within.

The MNLA Foundation continues to use this website and its platform to promote green industry careers to youth. They also have a variety of other initiatives to help encourage early introduction of industry careers. Want to get involved by participating in a career fair or connecting with a classroom? This initiative is much bigger than a singular effort and the entire industry will need to participate in order for progress to occur. No one will solve this problem for us — now is the time to take the reins and make a difference for future generations.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED or

have an employee who is passionate about this topic? Get in touch with myself, or MNLA Foundation Program Coordinator Megan Buchanan at megan@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987 or Green Industry Careers Task Team leader Seth Midura of Natural Creations at seth@naturalcreationsmn.com to see where you might be able to plug in to this worthwhile initiative. It won’t get solved without you!

june 15

MNLA .biz

11

Take advantage of unbeatable deals, discounts, clearance items and educational seminars!

AUGUST 25 & 26

8:00 AM - 4:00 PM Early Bird Specials

Deeply discounted items offered from 7:30 - 8:00 am each morning!

Special Pricing Vendor programs offering great pricing.

New Products for 2016 Learn about up and coming new products!

Lunch Provided

Relax and enjoy a complementary catered lunch!

Products available exclusively at BFG Supply Featuring Grower Select, Friends of Flight, Michael Carr Designs速 and more!

Inventory Clearance

Bring your trailer, truck or van & load up on product at RoCk BottoM PRiCeS!

Garden Graphics Design

Affordable signs designed to meet your store signage, greenhouse & marketing needs.

DON’T MISS THE BFG BUYING SHOW OF THE YEAR!

SPeCiAL PRiCiNG • GReAt DeALS • CASH SPiFFS • SPeAkeRS • CAteReD LUNCH

Earle Brown Heritage Center 6155 earle Brown Drive Brooklyn Center, MN 55430

Join us for several educational seminars on industry related topics to keep you informed and educated.

Watch for a schedule of speakers and times coming soon!

Contact your BFG Sales Representative to Register or Call (800) 883-0234 BFG SUPPLY CO. • 14500 KINSMAN RD., BURTON OH 44021 • 800.883.0234 • www.bfgsupply.com

DRAMM

... and more!

THE HIDDEN MEANINGS AND METAPHORS OF STOURHEAD: ENGLAND’S PREMIER INFORMAL GARDEN

Jeremy Monsma, Theresa Miller, and Dr. Jon Byran Burley | School of Planning, Design, and Construction Michigan State University Originally published in The Michigan Landscape magazine, a bimonthly publication of the Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association (mnla.org)

Figure 1. The classic Stourhead view looking east over the Palladian Bridge to the Pantheon.

(Used by permission of © 2008 Jeremy Monsma, all rights reserved).

june 15

MNLA .biz

15

➾ S T OURHEAD

Introduction

In England, there are many gardens that merit visitation such as Stowe, Sissinghurst, Rousham, Blenheim, and the Royal Botanical Gardens at Wisely. However, Stourhead is said to be one of the finest landscape gardens in the world, and has been acclaimed as one of Britain’s most picturesque landscapes (Figure 1).

Stourhead is an example of the “English Landscape School” of garden design. The guiding principle of informality governs the layout of the design. In Europe before the English Landscape School, garden design was dominated by the formalism of the Italian and French design philosophies. The English attempted formalism, too, at such places as Greenwich, Hampton Court, and Stowe. Andre le Notre, the designer of both Vaux le Vicomte and Versailles in France was reputed to have given advice concerning the design at Greenwich (Bold 2000). But, the English “gave up” as the construction process required massive earth movement, which was slow to accomplish and expensive. In addition, the obsessive formalism of the Italians and French was costly to maintain and not sustainable for the English gentry. A different approach evolved. This different approach was similar in character to the informal gardens of the Chinese.

The English informal landscape approach evolved primarily independently from the Chinese informal garden. The informal Chinese garden was relatively small and the English informal approach involved larger estate landscapes. The Chinese garden contains symbolism concerning moral character and design features to have good fortune. In contrast, the English landscape estate often commemorated events, people, and political ideas in a painterly manner.

Authoritative understanding of Chinese gardens and design in Western culture, something that could have been useful for the English landscape designers, was not truly known until the 20th Century (Valder 2002, Keswick 1978, Siren 1949, and Graham 1938). In addition, much of Chinese design is quite formal and bilaterally symmetrical such as at temples, palaces, tombs, and some plazas.

Like the Chinese and many cultures around the world, the English gentry had a strong affiliation with the countryside and appreciated the broad naturalistic views and pastoral environments across the landscape. Through writing and painting, intellectuals considered various philosophies and styles in the arts. Over time, this appreciation of the informal landscape coalesced into the “English Landscape School”. Estates such as Stowe were transformed from formal gardens into meandering informal landscapes with an intellectual message (Loures and Burley 2009). Designers such as William Kent, Capability Brown, Humphry Repton, Joseph Paxton, and the American Frederick Law Olmsted were masters of this style (Siciliano 2005 and Newton 1971). The new English landscape design celebrated the beauty of nature with the use of winding curves and irregular shapes (Woodbridge 1970). However, it is interesting to note that England’s greatest “Landscape School Garden”, Stourhead, was designed by an amateur enthusiast practicing his hobby on his estate.

Landscape and Historical Setting

The estate of Stourhead has a unique setting. It is on the edge of the vast rolling plains in Wiltshire County, 200 meters above sea level, heading into the flat coastal plains of Devonshire (Figure 2). The 16

MNLA .biz

june 15

Figure 2. A view courtesy of Google Earth of Stourhead looking primarily south over the main water body and south to Devonshire and the coastal plain.

Figure 3. A painting by Claude Gellée (Lorrain), Landscape with Aeneas at Delos, 1672, oil on canvas, 99.6 cm × 134.3 cm, National Gallery, London, Great Britain. (Used by permission of National Gallery, London / Art Resource, NY, all rights reserved).

area had been owned by the Stourton family. The river Stour starts from this location as a series of springs and overland flow during rainstorms in a small valley. This area of the Stour River is now known as Stourhead. The Stourton coat of arms is a shield with six wells/springs depicted on the shield (Woodbridge 2001). The top of the valley is called “Six Wells Bottom,” and was once a deer park.

This little meandering valley below Six Wells Bottom affords the opportunity to create small but deep lakes and reservoirs with steep hillside bluffs. A landscape effect is not possible in the rolling hills or the coastal plain.

The site is about 2,650 acres and was purchased by the Hoare family. Much of the estate was developed by Henry Hoare II, starting in the 1740s, after he had completed the construction of a Palladianstyled house started by his father.

This was a time when “empiricism” was considered important, where experience was essential to develop ideas as opposed to just having pure rational thoughts and notions (arm-chair intellectual-

ism) or being dictated to by the social dogma of the period. Many of the English gentry believed in observing, seeing, understanding, and exploring to guide intellectual theories. This is how the contemporary age of the earth was estimated. The gentry spent their leisure studying rocks and geological processes. Contrary to the teachings of the time that the earth was between 6,000 and 12,000 years old, they came to the conclusion, based upon their experience and observations that the earth was hundreds of millions of years older (Lydell 1830). Thus, to the educated English gentry of the 18th Century, empiricism was extremely important and a valuable approach.

Henry Hoare II was educated and had traveled throughout Europe.

This experiential and empiricist approach and belief would guide him in the development of his garden.

Emergence of a Design Thread

Design ideas may take some time to evolve. In addition, many gardens can be enjoyed at various levels of awareness and enlightenment. The same is true at Stourhead. The landscape is simply a beautiful and pleasurable stroll garden. One does not need to know the plants, or about landscape painting, or poetry, or empiricism to enjoy the Stourhead garden. But, for others who enjoy learning about plants, it is an interesting botanical collection. For both amateur and professional designers, who wish to seek understanding and meaning in design, the landscape at Stourhead may contain a series of conceptual messages embedded in poetry, landscape painting, and empiricism.

The first message is the message of experience. Through experience one evolves and develops ideas concerning the nature of the environment. Thus, the landscape at Stourhead may actually be stating the importance of “empiricism”. It is important for the visitor to casually stroll through the garden, contemplate, synthesize ideas, and mentally grow. The garden is meant for the visitor to gain something intellectually.

The second message embedded in the garden is the metaphor of life. As one walks around the main impoundment of the site, the hills and water naturally guide the traveler to meander along the level shoreline. This natural walkway can be symbolic for the walk of life or the journey of life. Henry Hoare II may have wished to build a garden to instruct others and guide others in life. In 1725, Henry Hoare II inherited Stourhead at the young age of nineteen or twenty, with plans to finish the mansion that his father started building. It was not until 1743 after his wife died and left him with a 13-year-old son and daughters of 11 and 6 that he seriously decided to build upon the landscape. At this time, his wisdom and life experiences may have inspired him to leave this legacy.

And, finally, a message in the garden may be found through the emphatic statement about the beauty of naturalism and informalism in landscape design; that such an approach is decidedly “English”. It was in the mid-18th century that estate owners, like Henry Hoare II, set about to create the ideal garden in real life and not just as a piece of art hanging from the wall. Hoare travelled to Italy where he spent three years collecting ideas and inspiration from the many places he visited. Much like other English gardens at this time, Hoare took his ideas and integrated them into his design of Stour-

head. He sought to bring the beauty found in the art of painting to the experience of landscape.

The Design Concept

A concept can be very helpful to guide the actual forms in design (Burley 2006). At Stourhead, the garden design concept may be found and derived from poetry and painting. The great 20th Century Landscape Architect, historian, and Englishman Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe (1996) could readily see the tie between the garden at Stourhead and a poem written by the poet Virgil about Aeneas in the poem Aeneid. During the time of the Roman Emperor Augustus, Virgil was commissioned to write an epic poem about the origins of Rome in the same manner that Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey gave legitimacy and history to the Greeks. Virgil wrote a poem about Aeneas, a man who leaves Troy during the Greek sack of Troy. Aeneas is told by Venus that he will found a new great empire. The poem is an attempt by Virgil to link the Trojans and the Romans together and give Rome a more legitimate history. During the poem Aeneas encounters a series of adventures, eventually founding Rome. Jellicoe believes that Henry Hoare II may have constructed an allegory at Stourhead to inspire each person to journey as Aeneas did and for each person to build upon a series of experiences to derive a successful life. Many Americans may not have heard of the poem the Aeneid, but this poem is one of the cannon (great essential works) in poetry. Educated 18th century gentry would have been familiar with this poem.

Besides poetry, the garden seems to be inspired by paintings as well. In the garden, selected views and stations are presented, reminiscent of the paintings of Claude Lorrain (Claude Gellée dit le Lorrain), and Gasphard Dughet. Gasphard painted many utopian views of Italian natural landscapes, and Claude Lorrain was a Frenchman whose studio was in Italy. He primarily painted landscapes and themes from mythology. At the time, painting landscapes was considered a lower art than painting the higher art images from religion or mythology. However, painting landscapes may have appealed to the English. Lorrain painted an image of Aeneas’ adventure in Delos (Figure 3). Delos is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea of holy sanctuary because it was the birthplace of the twin gods Apollo and Artemis. Their mother was not allowed by Hera (Zeus’ wife) to give birth on land and Delos was believed to be a floating island, enabling their mother to give birth and not defy Hera. Jellicoe (1996) believes that such paintings by Claude Lorrain possibly inspired Henry Hoare II. The painting by Claude Lorrain titled, “Landscape of Aeneas at Delos”, depicts Aeneas, his son Ascanius, and his father Anchises (in blue). A priest of Apollo points to an olive tree Latona (Apollo’s and Artemis’ mother) held while giving birth to Apollo and Artemis. The pantheon is painted in the picture, too. The pantheon is an impressive building in Rome, Italy, still standing today. The painting is sprinkled with light containing open spaces and vegetation. Henry Hoare II may have been attempting to achieve the same visual effect as the paintings, but with landscape.

Hoare was brilliant at achieving grand visual effects with plantings.

“The greens should be ranged together in large masses as the shades are in painting: to contrast the dark masses with light ones, and to june 15

MNLA .biz

17

M A N U FAC T U R E R OF P R E M I U M C ONC R E T E PAV I NG S TON E S , SL A B S & WA L L S

Create your own personal touch with the wide variety of high quality Borgert pavers, slabs and walls. Your patio creates the perfect mood to relax, entertain and just enjoy life itself.

Visit our showroom at: IMS, Suite 12C

For a dealer near you or for a free Borgert catalog call 800.622.4952 W W W. B O R G E R T P R O D U C T S . C O M

➾ S T OURHEAD

Figure 4. Stourhead, looking towards the Palladian Bridge (center) the Temple of Flora (left) (originally the Temple of Ceres), and the Bristol High Cross (right in distance).

(Used by permission of Jon Bryan Burley ©1997, all rights reserved).

relieve each dark mass itself with little sprinklings of lighter greens here and there” (Woodbridge 1970:31).

In many respects, the extensive evidence tying the ideas of Jellicoe and the design intent of Henry Hoare II are a bit circumstantial and speculative. However, strolling through the garden is a pleasurable experience. And, envisioning the allegory that Jellicoe imagined for the design facilitates a description of the garden. It is up to each visitor as to how much of the allegory they wish to believe. The garden does contain quotes from the Aeneid and a small replica of the pantheon is in the garden. Therefore, there is a tie of some sort between Stourhead, the Aeneid, and landscape painting. The movement of the visitor around the lake repeats a symbolic version of the journey Aeneas made around the Mediterranean (Kelsall 1983).

Garden Features

To experience the garden, one must stroll along a pathway around the lake. Over the years, the pathway system has been simplified, but the essential walk around the lake remains intact. To begin, either from the Palladian house or now from the National Trust visitor center, one descends and arrives at essentially the same starting place to experience the garden. Many of the features in the design are presented/revealed one at a time. The landscape at Stourhead as a result came to have many picturesque views and was simply meant to be ‘like a picture’ (Woodbridge 1970). A brisk walk around the lake can be accomplished in about half an hour; however, it is usually best to take a leisurely walk. When Michigan State University students majoring in landscape architecture or horticulture design visit the site, they often spend three or four hours, sketching various views, examining the vegetation, and taking numerous photographs.

They may eat lunch at the visitor center or a snack from their daypack and then walk the garden again, in reverse order. It can easily be an all day experience for the enthusiast. After descending into the valley, passing a gothic monument and entrance booth, one should choose the anti-clockwise direction around the lake. This is the direction intended by the designers of Stourhead. The landscape features were built one by one in an anti-clockwise order. Choosing

this direction, one arrives at the Temple of Flora (Figure 4). Along the way one will see the Palladian bridge and far off in the distance a view of the Pantheon.

The temples and structures are sometimes termed “follies”. This is because the structures are not true antiquities. Often the follies are built to a smaller scale, but from a distance one cannot tell the true size and the impression is that the building is much greater in size than in reality. The structures at Stourhead, such as the Pantheon use this shortened scale.

The Temple of Flora (Temple of Ceres) was designed by Henry Flitcroft (an architect) and built by William Privet with a finegrained limestone. The temple is next to a spring, marking the beginning of life. Ceres is the Roman goddess of growing plants (especially cereals) and motherly love. An inscription, written on the door of the temple reads, Procul, O procul este profane (‘Begone, you who are initiated! Begone), a phrase taken from the Aeneid (Woodbridge 1982). Within the Temple of Flora is an arrangement of antiquities, several of them representing monumental figures in history, including Marcus Aurelius and possibly Alexander the Great. The Vegetation Collection was heavily developed after Henry Hoare II’s death, but still the collection fits nicely into the design concept as a place of enlightenment, instruction, and learning, something similar to a schoolboy’s or schoolgirl’s education. Plants from around the world exist in this collection including many Rhododendrons and large trees. A fair number of the plants are coded and keyed to a published plant list that makes identifying the trees an educational experience. The collection of trees is from around the world (see Wang and Burley 2009 about collector trees), and many are substantial in size.

Eventually, the pathway crosses the young river, (a stream) and through a series of ponds. This point can symbolize a person entering another stage of life, possibly adulthood. Upstream is the Six Wells Bottom Valley. The flowage of water can be intermittent.

The Grotto is a circular domed chamber with two symmetrical arm entrances that are built with rustic stonework. Over the entrance is another inscription that reads, Intus aquae dulces, vivoque june 15

MNLA .biz

19

➾ S T OURHEAD

Figure 5. Sculpture in the grotto of the river nymph.

(Used by permission of © 2008 Jeremy Monsma, all rights reserved).

Figure 6. Sculpture in the grotto of the river god.

(Used by permission of © 2008 Jeremy Monsma, all rights reserved).

Figure 7. A view of the Pantheon at Stourhead.

(Used by permission of © 2008 Jeremy Monsma, all rights reserved).

20

MNLA .biz

june 15

sedilia saxo, Nympharum domus, (Within, fresh water and seats in the living rock, the home of the nymphs), (Woodbridge 1982).

This quote also is taken from the Aeneid. The Grotto consists of a constructed brick roof with a floor of pebbles laid in a pattern.

Within the Grotto are irregular rockwork openings and a statue of a sleeping nymph over a cascade (Figure 5). Facing the exit of the Grotto is the River God’s Cave, which features a sculpture of the River God (Figure 6) pointing in the direction of the Pantheon. The grotto is symbolic of entering the underworld, such as Aeneas had to face. Emerging triumphant as Aeneas did, the visitor travels to the next stage of life.

The Gothic Cottage was built around 1785 and was originally known as the “Watch Cottage”. It is a secluded structure and may not be a clear participant in the Aeneid theme. The cottage was renovated and added to by Colt Hoare in 1806 and became known at the Gothic Cottage. The structure seems to be more of a function summer house in the landscape for private use, than some structure meant for intellectual instruction.

The Pantheon (Figure 7) was originally referred to as the Temple of Hercules due to its most important sculpture within the temple, sculpted by Michael Rysbrack. The Pantheon, designed by Herny Flitcroft and built between 1753 and 1754, could be considered the most important temple at Stourhead having visual, symbolic, and practical functions (Woodbridge 1982). The Pantheon itself invites movement, and also serves as a fundamental resting point along the journey through the gardens. It is symbolic of high achievement and accomplishment. The symbolism of the Aeneid narrative seems to discontinue after one passes the Pantheon (Conan 2003).

Turner’s Paddock Lake is situated downstream below the main lake between the Pantheon and Apollo’s Temple. As one passes along a dam for the central lake, one can look to the south over Turner’s Paddock Lake, created in 1754. In 1766 a cascade was installed to convey water between the two lakes and then down the Stour River. Symbolically, crossing the water along the dam of the upper lake could signal another life change — this time leading to the afterlife at the Temple of Apollo.

Considering the careful attention to many major views around the central lake, the Turner’s Paddock Lake area seems unfinished and an afterthought, weakly tied to the central lake. The spectacular view potential towards the coastal plain seems unrealized and unfulfilled. This area seems to possess so much potential and anticipation, but seems quite awkward and unrewarding.

The Temple of Apollo was designed by Henry Flitcroft and built in 1765 (Figure 8). In contrast to Turner’s Paddock Lake, the area around the Temple of Apollo is an extremely rewarding experience.

It is a round temple with detached Corinthian columns on a raised platform, and a scalloped entablature (Woodbridge 1982). The Temple features a large cast of the Belvedere Apollo, which is lighted from above by a circular hole. This temple can symbolize the afterlife residing with the gods. The temple is placed higher than the other features in the immediate garden, symbolizing rising to the heavens.

Palladian Bridge was built in 1762. The claim is that it is based on a five-arched bridge in Vicenza, Italy designed by Palladio (Woodbridge 2001:25). The bridge’s form was taken from plate xii,

Figure 8. A view of the Temple of Apollo in the distance. (Used by permission of © 2008 Jeremy Monsma, all rights reserved).

in Book III by Leoni (1721) (Woodbridge 2001:55). In England, Palladian bridges at Stowe, Wilton House, and in Bath are covered bridges, but the bridge at Stourhead is an uncovered, grassed surface bridge. It is more like one of the open bridges discussed in Palladio’s books. As with the Temple of Apollo, the bridge does not neatly conform to the Aeneid metaphor. It is not clear why the bridge is there, but like the paintings of Claude Lorrain where architectural structure is often in the foreground, the bridge assists in the composition of many of the great views of the garden. The bridge transforms the lake into a riverine visual setting. Symbolically, the Palladian style is based upon the Roman architectural writings of Vitruvius, and so the Palladian connection continues the story of Rome beyond the time of the Pantheon. The bridge can be taken as an invitation for the viewer to take the next intellectual step from Troy, to Rome, to Palladian Vicenza, to the painterly Stourhead, and then to what ever may be ahead in life. This makes the garden at Stourhead meaningful today and not just a great relic from history.

The viewer is challenged to build from the past and engage the future. From the area by the Palladian bridge, the Bristol High Cross at the entrance can be seen again.

The Bristol High Cross is a gothic monument erected in 1765 at Stourhead. It is a rejected monument from the City of Bristol, where the citizens considered the Bristol High Cross to be a traffic hazard and a superstitious relic (Woodbridge 2001:25). The monument dates back to the earliest part of the fifteenth-century and was a welcomed addition to the Stourhead landscape. Numerous sculptures are integrated into the Bristol High Cross, representing historic figures such as Henry VI, Queen Elizabeth, James I, Charles I, and more. The monument acts as a transition and a piece of

architectural whimsy between the contemporary working farmland landscape and the mysterious adventure around the lake, then back to the working farmland landscape. There are other features in the garden and greater landscape. Above the stroll garden, near the Palladian house is the Obelisk.

The Obelisk was reconstructed in approximately 1839 to 1840

by Sir Henry Hugh Hoare. It replaced the original monument constructed of Chilmark stone in 1746. The Obelisk is built of Bath stone and surmounted by a solar disc. Obelisks are ancient Egyptian symbols for representing the sun’s rays (Woodbridge 1982).

Obelisks were used as architectural features by the Romans, and were often used in England as park ornaments at focal points and at cross-roads. In 1853, the Obelisk was struck by lightening and had to be restored.

The grounds of the estate are much larger than just the garden.

One can walk to an area overlooking both the distant coastal plains and the Wiltshire rolling hills, at Alfred’s Tower.

Alfred’s Tower stands on King-settle Hill two miles northwest of Stourhead house. The Tower commemorates peace with France.

Alfred’s Tower is a triangular brick structure 160 feet high, with round projections at the corners. Woodbridge (2001:27) makes a case for a mythical connection between King Alfred of England and Aeneas.

The Convent is located in the woods below Alfred’s Tower. It is an irregular rustic building in gothic style with thatched roof, turrets and spires (Woodridge 1982).

Concluding Remarks

In general, concepts at times can be a difficult matter to distinguish.

This is very true of Stourhead, with the concept being quite obscure june 15

MNLA .biz

21

➾ S T OURHEAD

beautiful colorful backdrops they create (Figure 10). American visitors who travel west of London to the town of Bath and to Salisbury to see Stonehenge also travel to nearby Stourhead. Stourhead is accessible by a local bus from Salisbury and Shaftesbury, or by automobile from Bath, and by train from either Gillingham 6.5 miles away or from Bruton 7 miles away.

Interestingly, the Temple of Apollo and the Palladian Bridge were backdrops for the film “Pride and Prejudice”. While the story written

by Jane Austen had no real connection to Stourhead, the location was a beautiful spot to tell portions of the tale between Miss Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. It is always a pleasure to revisit Stourhead, even in film.

Bibliography Figure 9. A student drawing landscape at Stourhead.

(Used by permission of Jon Bryan Burley © 2002, all rights reserved).

Bold, J. 2000. Greenwich: an Architectural History of the Royal Hospital for Seamen and the Queen’s House. Yale University Press.

Burley, J.B. 2006. The design concept: intellectual landscapes in Michigan. The Michigan Landscape, 49(12):33-40.

Conan, M. 2003. Landscape Design and the Experience of Motion.

Dumbarton Oaks Trustees for Harvard University.

Graham, D. 1938. Chinese Gardens. Dodd, Mead & Company.

Kelsall M. 1983. The iconography of Stourhead. Journal of the Warburg and Courtauld Institutes, 46:133-143.

Keswick, M. 1978. The Chinese Garden. Academy Editions.

Jellicoe, G., 1996. Geoffrey Jellicoe: the Studies of a Landscape Designer over 80 Years: Vol. III: Collected Works of Geoffrey Jellicoe, Woodbridge, Suffolk, United Kingdom: Antique Collectors Club.

Leoni, G. 1721. The Architecture of Palladio.

Loures, L. and J.B. Burley. 2009. Conceptual Precedent: Seven Historic Sites Revisited.

WSEAS Transactions on Environment and Development, 5(1):55-64.

Lydell, C. 1830. Principles of Geology, Being an Attempt to Explain the Former Changes of the Earth’s Surface, by Reference to Causes Now in Operation. London: John Murray. Volume 1.

Figure 10. A view courtesy of Google Earth locating many of the features at Stourhead mentioned in this article.

allowing the users to discern for themselves what the design was based upon. Throughout the years there have been many suggestions as to the concept of Stourhead, but none can be fully substantiated.

Prior to the mid-18th century the idea of creating an ideal landscape image had only been captured in paintings. Stourhead attempted to present real living landscape as an ideal. Stourhead can be appreciated on many conceptual levels (Woodbridge 2001:43).

Two notable painters have recorded images at Stourhead (Woodbridge 2001). John Constable sketched at Stourhead in 1811. Francis Nicholson made a comprehensive record of the landscape from 1811 until 1813 with many sketches and paintings. Students from Michigan State University visited Stourhead with the same intention of sketching and learning about landscape (Figure 9).

In 1946, Stourhead was given to the National Trust for historic preservation, which cares for 2,650 acres of the estate, the rest still being owned by the Hoare family (Woodbridge 1970). Today, Stourhead Garden is visited by over 350,000 tourists annually who come to enjoy the lakeside paths, the rare and exotic trees, and the 22

MNLA .biz

june 15

Newton, N.T. 1971. Design on the Land: The Development of Landscape Architecture.

Belknap Press.

Siciliano, P.C. 2005. Landscape Interpretations: History, Techniques & Design Inspiration. Thomson Delmar Learning.

Siren, O. 1949. Gardens of China. Ronald Press.

Valder, P. 2002. Gardens in China. Timber Press.

Wang, Y. and J.B. Burley. 2009. Collector’s (trophy trees) desired plants for across the globe: a Michigan and Chinese perspective. The Michigan Landscape 52(10):26-33.

Woodbridge K. 1970. Landscape and Antiquity: Aspects of English Culture at Stourhead 1718 to 1838. Oxford University Press.

Woodbridge K. 1982. The Stourhead Landscape. The Stellar Press Ltd. Woodbridge, K. 2001. The Stourhead Landscape: Wiltshire. Reprinted with corrections (1996), The National Trust.

are 2009 Landscape Architecture graduates in the School of Planning, Design, and Construction at Michigan State University and are continuing their studies at MSU with an Environment Design Masters Degree addressing green-roof design.

They visited Stourhead in 2008. DR. JON BRYAN BURLEY is an Associate Professor in the School of Planning, Design, and Construction at Michigan State University. He has visited Stourhead in 1997, 2002, and 2005.

JEREMY MONSMA AND TERESA MILLER

➾ MDA

MDA REPORT N EW LICEN SE C ATEG O RY FO R VERTE BRAT E P E S T CO N T RO L Alison Rossow

Recertification Coordinator, Licensing & Certification Unit, Minnesota Department of Agriculture

MDA Licensing has changed vertebrate pest control activities from Category E — Turf and Ornamental into the modified Category P — Vertebrate Pest Control.

By streamlining and organizing categories, training messages can be more focused to better meet applicator needs. Category P — Vertebrate Pest Control will now be required for any commercial applicator using pesticides to repel or control rabbits, gophers, pocket gophers, deer, geese, or other vertebrate pests.

If you already have Category P since 2014, check the “recertify by date” on your license ID card issued by MDA to determine when you need to recertify in order to renew your license. As always, you can recertify by attending a workshop or retesting. Adding a new category can be done any time of the year by testing.

To prepare for the MDA exam the Category P —

24

MNLA .biz

june 15

Vertebrate Pest Manual is available at the University of Minnesota Bookstore.

The MDA is working with industry to develop a new study manual and exam to be ready for the 2016 season.

Until a new manual is available, no changes will be made to the current exam topics.

If you have questions or need additional information about Category P, certification exams, recertification or license contact the MDA at email pesticide.licensing@ state.mn.us or by calling 651-201-6615.

ALISON ROSSOW, Recertification Coordinator, Licensing & Certification Unit, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, can be reached at alison.rossow@state.mn.us

Turn your dark and dreary backyard into an outdoor oasis with KICHLER Lighting and Hedberg Supply!

MORE THAN JUST

ROCK

For the ver y best in landscape supplies, come home to Hedberg! Here, you’ll find more than just great products and unmatched inventory. You’ll also find experts who are committed to getting it right. Ask us about our remarkable pricing on KICHLER outdoor lighting! July through August, get 10% OFF of your entire KICHLER lighting purchase. For pricing and product information, contact us today!

W W W . H E D B E R G S U P P LY. C O M

TM

PLYMOUTH 1205 Nathan Lane North Plymouth, MN 55441

STILLWATER 8400 60th Street North Stillwater, MN 55082

FARMINGTON 4375 170th Street West Farmington, MN 55024

763.545.4400

651.748.3158

651.423.5048

➾ V IB RAN T PLACES

CREATING VIBRAN

26

MNLA .biz

june 15

Angie Koebler Saint Paul Parks and Recreation

NT PLACES Brilliantly-colored flower baskets hang from hundreds of light poles on the streets and sidewalks of Saint Paul, Minnesota each summer. Supported by Saint Paul’s Blooming Saint Paul program, an urban beautification initiative, the city’s hanging baskets are installed and maintained by the City of Saint Paul Parks and Recreation Department’s Operations Division Downtown Garden Crew. An excellent way to create color, life and movement in an urban environment, hanging baskets complement trees and buildings, helping to create a vibrant streetscape.

june 15

MNLA .biz

27

➾ V IB RAN T PLACES

HANGING FLOWER BASKETS FAST FACTS A full-grown, watered hanging basket can weigh between 50 and 75 pounds.

Hanging baskets are ordered in the fall, then grown and assembled by a local grower.

It takes ten weeks for a hanging basket to grow in a greenhouse before it is ready for installation.

Flowers often used are Supertunias®, callibrachoa and Dragon Wing™ begonias.

Metal brackets are custom-made in Saint Paul and hold two baskets each.

The bottom of the baskets are placed at least seven feet above the sidewalk for pedestrian clearance.

Custom-made, lightweight, six-foot PVC watering wands attach to the sides of the watering carts.

The watering team replaced gas powered engines and water pumps with award-winning, customized electric units (inset).

T

he first hanging baskets were placed in one of Saint Paul’s oldest parks in 1999 by a former general manager of the Saint Paul Hotel, the Rice Park Association (RPA) and a local businessman. The RPA partnered with a downtown economic and tourism development group, purchasing 108 baskets to hang on lamp posts in Rice Park and key streets downtown. The hanging flowers immediately created an impact that prompted other businesses, partners and sponsors to contribute to the program. Today, there are 600 hanging baskets in downtown parks and sidewalks, and along commercial corridors.

It is no small task to install and maintain the baskets throughout Minnesota’s unpredictable summer weather (recently, some of the windiest and driest in state history). The importance of a well selected, trained, and organized watering staff is crucial. Each season, hundreds of maintenance hours are put in by seven to ten dedicated, seasonal employees, some returning several summers in a row. Plants don’t take vacations, weekends, or holidays off; they are watered every day except in cool temperatures, heavy rain or high humidity.

Weather tracking, horticultural expertise, scheduling logistics, and equipment maintenance are all part of supervised daily operations.

Parks and Recreation’s Operations equipment services crew, whose abilities enable them to quickly repair watering equipment especially

28

MNLA .biz

june 15

in periods of drought or high wind, provide crucial expertise. In recent years, the equipment team has replaced gas powered engines and water pumps with award-winning, customized electric units.

Quiet, user-friendly and environmentally sound, the watering carts have reduced carbon emissions by replacing four high emissions gas motors that were running for six to seven hours a day. Each custom-made stainless steel cargo bed accommodates a 100-gallon water tank, a five horse power electric motor, and a large hose reel.

Colorful Blooming Saint Paul signage on the vehicles serves as a constant reminder of innovative and alternative fuel sources and inspires others to replicate these efforts.

Saint Paul’s hanging baskets exemplify the mission of the Blooming Saint Paul program, which is to beautify Saint Paul’s urban environment through lush and colorful landscape elements in order to create a more attractive, safe and healthy city where people choose to live, work and play.

FOR MORE INFORMATION,

contact angela.koebler@ci.stpaul.mn.us, (651) 248-2017, or mark.granlund@ci.stpaul.mn.us

D W EL IV E ER !

RAM H.D. HEADQUARTERS

2014 RAM 2500 PASSENGER PROMASTER

“NEW” 2013 RAM 3500 TRADESMAN

RAM 3500

Cab & Chassis Crew

PROMASTER MSRP $34,965

SPECIAL $27,848*

12 Passenger Capacity, Rear Heat and AC. MSRP $54,745

Dually, HO Cummins and Aisian Transmission, 23,600 # towing!

MSRP $51,300

SPECIAL $48,095*

SPECIAL $42,525*

SPECIAL $42,999*

MSRP $53,930

Choose from 32

2015 RAM 2500

PROMASTER 1500

Std. Cab PW/PL/T/C, Auto, HD Package, 6.4 V8, 8’ Blizzard Plow, Back Up Camera

FWD V/6 Auto, P/W, P/L, T/C, A/C

SPECIAL $38,599*

SPECIAL $25,848*

MSRP $31,025

MSRP $47,576

“Dick Reineck at Fury Motors and Charlie Miller with Truck Utilities are the most knowledgeable truck equipment specialists that I have ever dealt with. They set me up in exactly what I was looking for and the applications this truck would be used in. I have recommended them to all of my fellow contractor friends.”

Owner Charlie Johnson, Lawngevity

#1

Chrysler Corp.

Commercial Dealer in Minnesota

FURY MOTORS South St. Paul, Minnesota 32 Promasters Ready-To-Go • 18 Cabs and Chassis in Stock. More Coming!

* Pricing represents all Denver business center rebates deducted!

Call Dick Reineck for Estimates:

651.251.8214

or email: rreineck@furymotors.com

Compact Excavators

Reliable worksite ability and strength.

• Final Tier 4-emission certified engine • Efficient, cool-running engines • Enhanced hydraulics systems

That's our territory.

AS LOW AS

$790 PER MONTH

Skid Steers • Final Tier 4-emission certified engine • Enhanced lift height to hinge pin • Improved reach at truck beds

Compact Track Loaders • Best-in-class visibility • Larger, quieter operator stations • Hydraulically driven variablespeed cooling system

AS LOW AS

$795 PER MONTH

AS LOW AS

$625 PER MONTH

0% FOR 48 MONTHS* EXPLORE YOUR FRONTIER

frontieragturf.com Cannon Falls, MN (507) 263-4238

Rosemount, MN (651) 423-2274

Hastings, MN (651) 437-7747

New Richmond, WI (715) 246-6565

Osceola, WI (715) 294-2191

Turtle Lake, WI (715) 986-4403

*Offer ends 6/30/15. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. 10% down payment required. Taxes, freight, setup and delivery charges could increase monthly payment. Other special rates and terms may be available. Prices include 0% for 48 months financing offer. See dealer for complete details.

FAT7X50601MNL-4C-CWP

WHAT EVERY PERSON SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

LYME DISEASE Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that may develop after a bite from a Lyme-infected blacklegged tick.

Faith Appelquist | Tree Quality LLC

VERSA-LOK

®

Contractor Sales Yards

Slatestone Sales Promotionnow through June 30.

See your nearest sales yard for details.

NEW! ARTLINE from Unilock

Your locally owned headquarters for landscaping supplies and materials!

Slatestone Mocha

• VERSA-LOK retaining walls

Willow Creek Paving Stones

• Willow Creek pavers and kits • Unilock pavers • Natural stone, flagstone, steppers, wall stone and more • Accessories, including lights, sealers, polymeric sand, edging and geogrid • Easy-in-and-out yards with knowledgeable staff and convenient hours

BROOKLYN PARK (763) 488-1310

OAKDALE (651) 773-7444

BURNSVILLE (952) 894-4401

KIMBALL (320) 398-5415

VERSA-LOK-MIDWEST.COM

FARIBAULT (507) 331-3198

ONALASKA, WI (800) 770-4525

➾ LY ME DISEASE

Above: People recreating in camp sites, parks, golf courses, and their own back yards may be exposed in Lyme-endemic areas.

Credit: Ixodes scapularis range map. By xZise (Originally Haylli made valid by carol) derivative work Ninjatacoshell (talk) - America-blank-map-01.svg. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons Left: Blackegged tick on leaf.

Photo Credit: Photo by Scott Bauer. This image was released by the Agricultural Research Service, the research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, with the ID k8002-3.jpg. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.

Left Inset: In 70% of CDC reported cases, patients developed a rash at the site of the bite.

T

he disease can cause arthritis, nervous system abnormalities, fatigue, headaches, generalized pain, recurrent fevers, difficulty thinking, and changes in mood. Lyme is a complex illness.

Symptoms vary person-to-person and may develop months or years after a bite, making it difficult to diagnosis. Sometimes treatment is ineffective.

• The disease is named after Lyme Connecticut, where it was first identified in 1975.

What you can do:

• Ticks need moisture, so relocate birdbaths, water features, and birdfeeders away from the house.

• The risk is increasing. It is estimated more than 300,000 new cases occur every year in the U.S.

• Avoid tick habitat. Tall grasses, leaf litter, fallen logs and wood piles.

• The risk is seasonal. June through October is active tick season.

• Wear hats, put hair in ponytails, wear long sleeved shirts, and pants.

• Risk is not uniform. Midwest and Northeast areas of the U.S. are at highest risk.

• Before entering the house from the outdoors, strip off clothes and put them in a hot dryer. Washing won’t do it.

• Look for a red bullet-like rash on skin that increases in size.

Thirty percent of people do not develop a rash.

• Use DEET or Permethrin-containing products like Cutter, Off, Repel, Muskol, Ben’s, Sawyer, and others.

• A negative test result does not mean you are uninfected.

• Remove ticks immediately. Pull out with a tweezer (liquid soap on a cotton ball will only make the tick harder to pull out), and save any tick in a baggy for the doctor to inspect.

• Seemingly unrelated problems such a “summertime flu” can be a common symptom of infection.

• Ticks feed on other animals besides deer and horses.

Mice, chipmunks, squirrels, shrews, birds, and reptiles also harbor ticks.

• Pets increase risk, especially indoor/outdoor cats.

• Oak forests are associated with increased risk. Oaks generate acorns which are a key food for mice.

For more information, download the Tick Management Handbook: http://www.ct.gov/caes/lib/caes/documents/special_features/ tickhandbook.pdf 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.

FAITH APPELQUIST

june 15

MNLA .biz

33

➾ LE G AL ISSUES

Make Sure Your Business Documentation is in Order One major reason for having a Limited Liability Company (LLC) as your business entity, instead of just sticking with a sole proprietorship, is the protection from liability that an LLC can offer.

Patrick McGuiness

Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC

take this situation for example. A business loses a lawsuit and has a judgment entered against it for hundreds of thousands of dollars. Most of the time when the creditor attempts to collect on that judgment, only the assets of the LLC are fair game. However, sometimes the personal assets of the owners of an LLC can be taken. When this happens, it can be because the LLC’s paperwork is not in order, or LLC money has been commingled with the personal money of the owners.

The Minnesota Limited Liability Company Act (MLLCA) governs LLCs in Minnesota. Under this act, an LLC must maintain certain records at its principal office. Are your company’s documents in order? Do you even know what documents you should have on hand?

If your business is an LLC, here is a short description and list of what you should have on hand at your office.

The following records are required to be maintained under the MLLCA: 1. A current list (name & address) of members, governors and chief managers.

2. A copy of the articles of organization and any yearly filings with the secretary of state’s office.

8. Financial Statements required by Minnesota Statute 322B.376 - A limited liability company shall prepare annual financial statements within 180 days after the close of the limited liability company’s fiscal year. Please consult Minnesota Statute 322B.376 or your attorney for additional requirements.

9. Records of all reports to members and proceedings of members and the board for the last three years.

Or all proceedings if the business has existed for three years or less.

10. Records pertaining to contributions and contribution agreements of members.

It is very important to keep your business documentation organized. When in doubt, always save documents and seek the advice of your attorney as to whether you should keep them.

Spring will be here before you know it and all of the things which you thought you would have plenty of time for will start to pile up. So, put this on the top of your list and make sure your LLC’s documents are in order.

3. A current list (name & address) of each assignee of financial rights, and a 4. Description of the rights assigned except as related to secured parties.

5. Copies of all articles (with amendments).

6. Copies of any currently effective bylaws.

7. Copies of all tax returns for the past three years or all tax returns if the business has existed for three years or less.

34

MNLA .biz

june 15

THIS ARTICLE PROVIDES GENERAL INFORMATION on

business matters and should not be relied upon as legal advice.

A qualified attorney must analyze all relevant facts and apply the applicable law to any matter before legal advice can be given. If you would like more information regarding business law or other legal matters, please contact Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC at 651-206-3203 or pmcguiness@ zmattorneys.com.

2012 CHEVY EXPRESS CARGO VAN

A WORK-READY INCENTIVE THAT WORKS HARD FOR YOU.

2012 CHEV Y SILVERADO

for CHASSIS CABS

$

1,000 UPFIT CASH

1

plus RETAIL OFFER

for CUTAWAYS

$

1,000 UPFIT CASH

1

plus RETAIL OFFER

for PICKUPS SELECT FROM ONE OF FOUR ACCESSORY PACKAGES UP TO $1,095 or

$

500 UPFIT CASH

1

plus RETAIL OFFER

Business Choice is designed for business owners who rely on their vehicles for their day-to-day operations. It’s available with eligible Chevrolet vehicles and offers great incentives such as valuable upfit equipment.

Visit gmbusinesschoice.com today to see if you qualify.

1

To qualify, vehicles must be used in day-to-day operations of your business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business.

Visit gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details. Take delivery by 9/30/12. ©2012 General Motors

Job # GMC1-12-03178

302

Version # 4

Job Description Chevy Retail Planning Flyer Bleed 8.75” x 11.25” Trim 8.5” x 11” Live 8.25” x 10.75”

Document Name Art Director Control

Mech Scale 100 Print Scale None Stock None

Copy Writer TBD Proj Mgr csenn Acct Svc kdenmark

GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.indd

Last Modified

Linked Graphics 12KTFLCHEV032.tif 11CHSL00054.jpg HD CC with Dump_psd.psd BusinessCentral_KO.ai GM_business_choice.ai

Colors In-Use RGB RGB RGB

840 ppi 270 ppi 1089 ppi

Cyan Magenta Yellow Black

User ma-klane Mechd By: nminieri

4-17-2012 3:37 PM

Printer

Output Date

TITAN

4-20-2012 1:48 PM

RTVd By: None

INTEREST IN

LED LIGHTING FOR GREENHOUSES IS ON THE RISE

From flashlights, to Christmas lighting to landscape lighting, LEDs (light-emitting diodes) seem to be showing up everywhere as a result of improved technologies and reduced costs.

Dr. James Calkins | Research Information Director, MNLA Foundation

(Left): Commercial greenhouse in Chilliwack, British Columbia. Photo credit: Mathieu van de Sande, LumiGrow, Inc. (Above): Figure 1. Although making the transition to light-emitting diode (LED) lighting is expensive, interest in LED lighting as a source of supplemental lighting for the production of horticultural crops in greenhouses is increasing; although additional crop-specific research is needed, combinations of red and green light generated by LEDs appear to have potential for the production of quality plants at higher energy use efficiencies compared to standard greenhouse lighting (Photo Credit: Jim Calkins).

T

he primary benefits of LED lighting include energy efficiency, long operating life, durability, efficient light distribution and illumination, low infrared (heat) and ultra violet emissions, cost effectiveness, instant on, temperature insensitivity, design flexibility, low-voltage requirements, dimmability, broad color range, superior light quality and uniformity, and ecological friendliness. Regarding horticultural applications, LED lighting can be installed closer to plants than conventional lights, provide specific light spectra relative to plant needs and grower desires, and support plant growth and quality comparable or better than conventional production lighting. Initial cost is the primary limitation relative to the widespread acceptance and use of LED lighting in horticultural production environments, but the cost can be increasingly justified for high-value crops as the cost of LED installations continues to decrease.

Plant quality is key in the production of horticultural crops. Bedding plants, seedlings, rooted cuttings, and other horticultural plant commodities must be of the highest quality in order to compete within the horticultural marketplace and examples of factors that are often associated with high quality include compactness/density, enhanced stem caliper, good color, and high-quality root systems.

Greenhouses in northern latitudes often rely on supplemental lighting (SL) from broad-spectrum, high-pressure sodium lamps (HPS) or other types of lighting during winter months to reliably produce high-quality plants, but these lighting technologies have drawbacks and are often considered less than ideal. A growing body of research indicates LED lighting can produce quality plants that are comparable to or superior to plants produced under conventional lighting systems at reduced cost over the long-term. Therefore, as the technology continues to improve and costs come down, LED lighting is garnering increased interest as a supplemental lighting option for use in greenhouse production systems. Herein, four studies related to the use of LED lighting as a source of supplemental lighting for

the production of horticultural crops in greenhouse are highlighted to introduce this relatively new technology to growers.

In a recent study performed at Michigan State University (Wollaeger and Runkle, 2014), four plant species – ‘Early Girl’ tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), ‘Vista Red’ salvia (Salvia splendens), ‘Wave Pink’ petunia (Petunia × hybrida), and ‘SuperElfin XP Red’ impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) – were grown for four weeks following germination under seven light regimes (six LED-generated light treatments and a control treatment) provided by custom-designed, blue (B), green (G), and red (R) LED modules or fluorescent lights under controlled conditions in growth chambers. The temperature was maintained at 20°C (68°F) and a photosynthetic light intensity of 160 μmol∙m-2∙s-1 (micromoles/meter2/second) for 18 hours each day. The LED light treatments included different combinations (based on percentages) of blue, green, and red light. The LED treatment percentages investigated were B25+G25+R50 (i.e., 25% percent of the light from blue and green LEDs and 50% percent from red LEDs), B50+G50, B50+R50, G50+R50, R100 and B100.

Cool-white fluorescent lamps were used as the control. The primary objective of the study was to quantify the growth characteristics of seedlings grown under different ratios of blue, green, and red light while all other environmental characteristics were constant.

In a related, but separate experiment, the same four species of bedding plants were grown for four weeks under the same light intensity (160 μmol∙m-2∙s-1) under six LED-generated light treatments (again based on percentages) comprised of blue and red light alone (R100 and B100, respectively) and four combinations of red and blue light including B6+R94, B13+R87, B25+R75, and B50+R50. In this case the focus was on the effects of blue compared to red light.

Data collected included shoot fresh weight, seedling height, and total leaf area. Based on the data collected, leaf number was similar june 15

MNLA .biz

39

âžž LED LIGHTING

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

When you need to give your crew direction.

When project coordination helps you meet a deadline.

Two-Way Communications

SALES: 952-808-0033 RENTALS: 952-890-7570 SERVICE: 952-808-7699

sales @ ancom.org

WWW.ANCOM.ORG When you need reliable two-way communication.

MOTOROLA, MOTO, MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS and the Stylized M Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC and are used under license. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. 2015 Motorola Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.

40

MNLA .biz

june 15

for all seven treatments, but plants were 41% to 57% shorter when grown under at least 25% blue light as compared to plants grown under only red light. Interestingly, plants grown under 50% green light were shorter than those grown under exclusively red light, but were also about 50% taller than plants grown with at least some blue light. Therefore, blue light suppressed extension growth more effectively than green light. And, although 25% green light could substitute for the same percentage of blue light, the efficiency of green LEDs is lower than the efficiency of blue LEDs. Leaf area was typically greater for the control (fluorescent light) and R100 treatments with the leaf area of plants grown under red light only being 47% to 130% greater compared to plants grown under 25% or more blue light. Similarly, plants from the-red-lightonly treatment had shoot fresh weights that were 48% to 112% greater than plants from the 25% or higher blue light treatments.

With the exception of tomato, plants grown under fluorescent lamps typically had fresh weights and leaf areas that were similar to those of plants grown under only red light, while their heights were similar to plants from the G50+R50 treatment.

The results of the second experiment were similar. Plants that received at least 6% blue light were 25% to 50% shorter than plants that did not receive any blue light and the leaves of impatiens, salvia, and petunia were approximately twice as large when grown under red light alone compared to the leaves of plants that received at least 50% blue light.

Based on these findings, the authors concluded adding blue light to the spectrum inhibits stem elongation and leaf expansion, while growing plants under red light alone tends to increase stem length and leaf size which resulted in plants with the greatest biomass. They also suggest that the ratio of blue and red light can be adjusted to produce seedlings with desired leaf sizes and stem lengths. Plants under at least some blue light were generally more compact and of better quality, but leaf size was also reduced, which subsequently suppressed shoot growth. Based on their findings, the authors suggest this information can be extrapolated to other crops and has the

potential to help growers produce plants with desired growth attributes which is more difficult to achieve with conventional lighting technologies. This includes the production of higher-quality plants by including blue light to promote shorter, more compact plants which is generally a desirable outcome from a horticultural perspective.

Light spectra could even be fine-tuned during crop production; for example, the proportion of blue light could be increased if seedlings are getting too tall.

In another study conducted by Randal and Lopez (2014), seedlings of nine bedding plant species were tested including snapdragon (Antirrhinum majus ‘Rocket Pink’), Madagascar periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus ‘Titan Punch’), celosia (Celosia argentea var. plumosa ‘Fresh Look Gold’), garden impatiens (Impatiens walleriana ‘Dazzler Blue Pearl’), garden geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum ‘Bullseye Scarlet’, petunia (Petunia × hybrida ‘Plush Blue’), salvia (Salvia splendens ‘Vista Red’), marigold (Tagetes patula ‘Bonanza Flame’), and pansy (Viola × wittrockiana ‘Mammoth Big Red’). They were grown in a glass-glazed greenhouse at 21°C (70°F) under a 16-hour photoperiod composed of ambient solar light and supplemental lighting of 100 μmol∙m-2∙s-1 (micromoles/meter2/second) from either 150-Watt, high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps or LED arrays with varying proportions (%) of red (R) and blue (B) light resulting in five light treatments (four LED-generated light treatments and a control). The LED treatment percentages compared were 100R:0B, 85R:15B, and 70R:30B. The HPS lamps represented standard greenhouse lighting and served as the control.

Data collected included seedling pullability (the number of seedlings that could be pulled from the tray with roots and media intact), root dry mass (RDM), shoot dry mass (SDM), stem length (base of the hypocotyl to the shoot apical meristem), stem caliper, relative chlorophyll content, flowering characteristics (date, node number beneath the first open flower, and time to flowering), and plant height (from the surface of the medium to the top of the plant). A plant sturdiness quotient (SQ) was also calculated (stem caliper divided by stem length) and used to calculate a quality index (QI; [total dry mass × (shoot:root ratio + sturdiness quotient)].

While differences among species were somewhat variable depending on the specific metric being compared, the LED treatments tended to outperform or were not significantly different from the HPS control treatment. Examples of some of the results include the following: 1. Except for Pelargonium (no significant difference), plant heights were significantly shorter (ranging from 9% to 55% shorter) for the LED treatments compared to the HPS control treatment. Seven of the nine species (Catharanthus, Celosia, Impatiens, Petunia, Salvia, Tagetes, and Viola) were shorter for the 85R:15B LED light treatment compared with plants grown under HPS lamps. Antirrhinum plants were shortest for the 70R:30B LED treatment and were 9% shorter than snapdragons grown under HPS lamps.

2. Stem caliper of Antirrhinum, Pelargonium, and Tagetes was 16%, 8%, and 13% larger, respectively, for seedlings grown under the 85R:15B LED treatment compared to seedlings grown under HPS lamps.

3. Based on the sturdiness quotient data, Antirrhinum, Catharanthus, Impatiens, Pelargonium, Petunia, Tagetes, and Viola performed the best under the LED treatments while there was no difference between LED and HPS supplemental lighting for Celosia and Salvia.

4. The quality index (QI) was comparable for Antirrhinum, Catharanthus, Impatiens, Pelargonium, and Tagetes for the LED treatments and HPS control. Conversely, the QI for Petunia, Salvia, and Viola was higher by 30% to 68% for the LED treatments compared to HPS lighting while the QI for Celosia was highest for the HPS treatment.

These results indicate that seedling quality for the majority of the species tested under SL from LEDs providing both red and blue light was similar or higher than those grown under HPS lamps.

In general, based on the plant quality index (QI), the majority of the species studied were similar or of higher quality when grown with supplemental lighting provided by LEDs containing both red and blue light compared with seedlings grown under HPS lamps.

Although the authors suggest additional research is needed to support more refined recommendations for supplemental lighting provided

by LEDs, a light ratio (%) of 85R:15B light is suggested as being a good combination for the production of greenhouse crops. The data also supports the conclusion that supplemental lighting from LEDs and HPS lamps has a positive influence on seedling RDM, height, and stem caliper resulting in higher-quality bedding plants when solar light is limited.

In a study involving tomatoes, Deram, Lefsrud, and Orsat (2014) investigated the effects of HPS light, LED light, and HPS light mixed with LED light on hydroponically-grown tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum). They were interested in LED lighting because LED lights have the potential to reduce lighting costs, have lower operating temperatures, and enable wavelength specificity relative to plant needs. The study compared three light intensities (high, medium, and low; 135, 115, and 100 μmol·m−2·s−1, respectively) using three red:blue light ratios (5R:1B, 10R:1B, and 19R:1B).

For comparison, 100% HPS light, 100% red LED light supplied from above the plants, 100% red LED light supplied from below the plants, a 50%:50% LED:HPS light mixture, and a control (no supplemental lighting) were also included. The highest biomass production (excluding fruit) was associated with the 19R:1B treatment and increasing light intensity produced more growth. Overall fruit production was highest for the 5R:1B light treatment ratio while the highest marketable fruit production (fruit over 90 grams) was associated with the 50%:50% LED:HPS treatment followed by the 5R:1B and 19R:1B treatments. Based on the study’s findings, 1. the 5R:1B treatment performed well in every category, 2. all of the LED light treatments were superior to HPS light alone, 3. and a combination of LED and HPS lighting was even better for tomato fruit production.

4. The best results were obtained by a 50:50 mix of LEDgenerated, narrow-spectrum, red and blue light combined with HPS lighting. june 15

MNLA .biz

41

➾ LE D LIGHTIN G

Based on their findings the authors concluded that LEDs provide a promising mechanism to enhance artificial lighting systems under greenhouse conditions.

Finally, an interesting study performed by Kopsell, Sams, Barickman, and Morrow (2014) assessed the impact of different ratios of narrowband, blue/red/green LED light compared to full-spectrum incandescent/fluorescent lighting on nutritionally important phytochemical compounds in sprouting broccoli (Brassica oleacea var. italica) microgreens grown in a controlled environment. Clearly this is a very different but potentially important area of research that highlights the many factors that might be affected by the type of light used in horticultural production systems. Five light treatments were compared: 1. fluorescent/incandescent light, 2. 5% blue/95% red LED light, 3. 5% blue/85% red/10% green LED light, 4. 20% blue/80% red LED light, 5. and 20% blue/70% red/10% green LED light.

The microgreens were grown under the various treatments at an air temperature of 24°C (75.2° F) and a 16-hour photoperiod for 20 days using a light intensity of 250 μmol·m−2·s−1 for a period of 20 days. After 20 days the microgreens were harvested and analyzed for nutritionally important shoot pigments, glucosinolates, and mineral nutrients. Based on the data collected, the microgreens produced under fluorescent/incandescent lights had a significantly lower shoot fresh mass compared to the microgreens grown under the 5% blue/95% red, 5% blue/85% red/10% green, and 20% blue/80% red LED light treatments. The highest concentrations of chlorophyll, β-carotene, lutein, total carotenoids, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), zinc (Zn), glucoiberin, glucoraphanin, 4-methoxyglucobrassicin, and neoglucobrassicin were present in the microgreens grown under the 20% blue/80% red light treatment. In general, the microgreens from the fluorescent/incandescent light treatment had the lowest concentrations of most of the metabolites measured in the sprouting broccoli tissue and the authors suggest exposure to LED-generated blue light stimulates the biosynthesis of important primary and secondary plant metabolites that influence nutritional quality.

In summary, LED lighting is in its infancy relative to horticultural production systems, but shows promise for reducing the costs associated with producing quality plants. Using LED lighting to produce shorter, well-branched, high-quality plants also has the potential to enhance plant production in other ways like reducing the need for plant growth regulators or other strategies for managing plant height and quality. Additional research is needed to better understand the potential benefits, specifications, and suitability of LED lighting for specific crops and production environments. Such research should be of special interest to growers of a wide variety of horticultural commodities. It is also important to note that not all brands of LED lighting are equal based on energy efficiency, quality (spectrum), and other characteristics so care should be taken when selecting and designing LED-based supplemental lighting systems.

42

MNLA .biz

june 15

For more detail about the methodologies used in these studies and additional information about the use of LED lighting in horticultural production systems, consult the following selected references: Wollaeger, H.M. and E.S. Runkle. 2014. Growth of Impatiens, Petunia, Salvia, and Tomato Seedlings under Blue, Green, and Red Light-Emitting Diodes. HortScience 49(6):734-740. http://hortsci.ashspublications. org/content/49/6/734.abstract (abstract only) Randall, W.C. and R.G. Lopez. 2014. Comparison of Supplemental Lighting from High-Pressure Sodium Lamps and Light-Emitting Diodes during Bedding Plant Seedling Production. HortScience 49(5):589-595. http://hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/49/5/589.abstract (abstract only) Wollaeger, H.M. 2013. Growth and Morphological Acclimation of Seedlings to Blue, Green, and Red Light from Light-Emitting Diodes.

Master of Science Thesis, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan. http://etd.lib.msu.edu/islandora/object/etd%3A395/ datastream/OBJ/view Wright, M. 2014. LED Lighting Advances in Horticultural Applications, Boosts Productivity.

LED’s Magazine; July 22, 2014. http://www.ledsmagazine.com/articles/2014/07/led-lighting-advances-in-horticultural-applications-boostsproductivity.html Paul Deram, P., M.G. Lefsrud, and V. Orsat. 2014. Supplemental Lighting Orientation and Red-to-blue Ratio of Light-emitting Diodes for Greenhouse Tomato Production. HortScience 49(4):448-452. http:// hortsci.ashspublications.org/content/49/4/448.abstract (abstract only) Kopsell, D.A., C.E. Sams, T.C. Barickman, and R.C. Morrow. 2014.

Sprouting Broccoli Accumulate Higher Concentrations of Nutritionally Important Metabolites under Narrow-band Light-emitting Diode Lighting. Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science 139(4):469-477. http://journal.ashspublications.org/content/139/4/469. abstract (abstract only) Mitchell, C.A., A.-J. Both, C.M. Bourget, J.F. Burr, C. Kubota, R.G. Lopez, R.C. Morrow, and E.S. Runkle. 2012. LEDs: The Future of Greenhouse Lighting! Chronica Horticulturae 52(1):6-12. https://ag.purdue. edu/hla/Publication%20Library/Lopez/LEDs.pdf (abstract only)

JIM CALKINS is

the Research Information Director for the MNLA foundation. To comment on this research update, suggest research topics of interest, or pass along a piece of researchbased information that might be of interest to your industry colleagues, please email us at Research@MNLA.biz.

CORRECTION Scoop we ran an incorrect photo with the obituary of Jerry L. Bailey.

We regret this error and are grateful to the Bailey family for their assistance in obtaining the correct photo.

ON PAGE 62 OF THE MAY 2015

SOLVING GREEN INDUSTRY CHALLENGES IS

WITHIN YOUR CONTROL I was recently reminded of the sensory overload that comes as we eagerly begin a new spring season. For some, it is the smell of soil, others the sounds of the birds.

Seth Midura | Natural Creations

T

here is a comfort in seeing the earliest buds and the excitement of viewing the change of color marking the arrival of a new season. For some green industry members, these senses kick into overdrive. Winter is in the rearview mirror. A refreshingly early spring has allowed us more time and excitement to be outside having the opportunity to work and play. For many individuals, the chaos of spring and overloaded schedule prevents them from recognizing these simple pleasures, because they are focused on providing opportunities for their staff and clients in the busiest window of their work year. These are the dedicated souls working in a trance, operating on minimal sleep, fueled by coffee and energy drinks, full voicemail boxes, focused on one goal. No, it is not just surviving the chaos. The goal is to make money and provide opportunities for themselves and others.

We all deal with an array of challenges within this seasonal industry. There are solutions to our problems, but do not expect these problems to simply work themselves out all on their own.

Similar to the daily projects and responsibilities we are all up against, these challenges need problem solvers. There are resources available to members through the MNLA website and many small task teams throughout MNLA and the MNLA Foundation. There are countless resources which allow businesses to explore solutions to some of these major problems we deal with, such as staffing challenges, training, further education, and curriculum for current and future team members.

The mission statement of the MNLA Foundation reads: “The mission of the MNLA Foundation is to improve the outdoor living environment in the north central region by investing in research and

education.� This worthwhile mission represents a responsibility of our industry and its members to invest thoughtful time and money toward solutions to our problems. In order to achieve success, solutions to ongoing problems (many are not new issues) must continue to be considered and prioritized through strategic plans that have been developed over years but often left incomplete. Consider now as the time to re-energize those efforts and ideas in order to achieve realistic goals that will lead to much bigger benefits.

Businesses and individuals, which have supported the MNLA Foundation and its mission to invest money and time towards research, education, and career development, have experienced many of the small victories these investments have produced. The small victories have been overshadowed by recent studies forecasting a decline in green industry student enrollment and interest, shortage of industry work force, and general perception. These are very real fears and challenges our industry faces, but I would like to deliver everyone a dose of encouragement and remind you we need problem solvers and innovative thinkers in order to move past these challenges.

Again, hoping for somebody else to solve these problems is not likely the most effective plan. You can produce change within your control.

The Green Industry Career Team has recently strategized its protocol and plan of action to allow the team of industry leaders and volunteers to gain more traction on impacting all ages of future green industry members through education and training, and how to share the research that is funded and available. Many valuable volunteers have graciously stepped forward to use their strengths and passion to help solve these problems that impact the entire industry. june 15

MNLA .biz

45

A Deeper Shade of Green Local Genetic Origins

➾ G RE E N I N D U S T RY CH A L L E N G E TM

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

www.outbacknursery.com

Call us first for all your native planting needs

Shop Xylem, Ltd for your Garden Center Stock!

Xylem, Ltd. offers a huge variety of bagged mulch, decorative rock, boulders, and cement products. You can order a full semi load of cedar or cypress, or mix and match a variety of pallets.

Contact Carrie today for more information!

Carrie Tresemer * Territory Sales Manager 515-231-8090 * Carrie@GolVal.com Xylem, Ltd / 309-654-2261 / 800-736-1356 Sales@XylemLtd.com

Opportunities like this show a willingness to adapt and sacrifice, which allows people to see how important our industry is to the individuals that make a life out of their work.

The Foundation Board is currently planning member activities such as the Widmer Golf Tournament, MNLA Garden Party, MNLA Shootout, and other upcoming events this summer that allow for additional support and a chance to meet with these industry leaders.

We have heard from scholarship sponsors that are supporting students and future leaders of our industry. These companies and individuals are choosing to invest their time and money to attract trained, educated, and experienced people into our industry to find a home and begin a career within companies like yours. Other leaders are using MNLA-sponsored workshops, seminars, and career development opportunities to invest in the future of their company by creating new training and procedural processes that allow people to build a career and support their passions through this industry.

Sharing ideas and solutions to challenges allows us to maximize our resources in a time when businesses seem to be growing at a fast pace and are having difficulty finding quality support staff.

Industry leaders and business owners have opened up their operations to students, industry partners (sometimes even competitors), and clients to introduce their processes and culture in order to encourage improvement and growth. Opportunities like this show a willingness to adapt and sacrifice, which allows people to see how important our industry is to the individuals that make a life out of their work. Some of these companies and relationships date back over a hundred years with connections to our industry.

Most of our problems are created by the lack of time and money.

Solutions for many of these problems are available when you put in the time to develop a solid plan and utilize the resources available to you. This is the life many of us have chosen — being involved in the Midwest green industry. So, unless you have a solution to the challenges that come with our seasonal businesses and industry (trust me, there are plenty of open ears eager to listen to innovative solutions), now is the time to invest in your company and our industry by supporting quality support staff and processes to help with the chaos of running a business efficiently.

Take the lead with your company this month to generate positive solutions to some of these existing problems. Whether it is formulating a new procedure to solve an existing issue or making a process more efficient, find time to develop and improve. It is worth the investment.

is the most recent addition to the MNLA Foundation Board of Trustees and the leader for the MNLA Foundation GICT — Green Industry Career Team. He is an owner of Natural Creations Landscape Design, Installation and Maintenance company based out of Plymouth, Minnesota. You can reach Seth at Seth@naturalcreationsmn.com with questions or ideas to contribute towards the ongoing challenges of improving the green industry through the MNLA Foundation Board.

SETH

46

MNLA .biz

june 15

Join in the free fun!

Mem ber

h Mont See you at the...

“Thank You” Socials It’s time to celebrate our 90th year and your awesomeness by joining in the fun during the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association’s Member Appreciation Month.

Look for more information in the coming months for “Thank You” Socials at the following locations: • August 11th in St. Cloud at Central Landscape Supply • August 13th in Waconia at Waconia Tree Farm • August 19th in Roseville at the MNLA office All events will take place from 5 – 8 p.m., and food and adult beverages will be provided!

MemberAppreciationMonth-full-page.indd 1

4/8/2015 3:14:44 PM

➾ E DUCATION

A SEASON OF LEARNING Susan Flynn

MNLA Education & Certification Manager

It’s exciting to see green industry professionals placing such value on education and licensure!

MNLA HAD A BUSY WINTER/SPRING EDUCATION SEASON.

Congratulations to the new MNLA certified professionals who passed the exam in either January or March of 2015!

They were the first to take the exam in the new digital format. Landscape Management Network brought their Build a Better Landscape Business to Minneapolis — and the classroom was packed. Seminars ranging from Improving your Hardscape Business to Popular Perennials for local Landscapes were very well attended. March and April Pesticide Workshops were held to prepare those taking the Category A & E Pesticide Certification exam, and eight hours of PLT relicensure was made available to professionals holding the Power Limited Technician

48

MNLA .biz

june 15

License in March at the Low Voltage Lighting Design, Installation & Advanced Controlling seminar. A Turfgrass Maintenance Workshop provided by Fortin Consulting provided MPCA Level 1 certification for summer turf care best management practices to the attendees. Whew!

Mark your calendars (and register at www.MNLA.biz) for the following great summer education events: June 18: MNLA Lawn Care Forum (New! Outside at the UofM Turfgrass Research & Outreach Center.)

July 30: Landscape Design Tour August 4: Garden Center Tour

EUROPEAN DESIGN TRENDS: A PICTORIAL OF INSPIRING EXHIBITS This year, several members of MNLA traveled to Europe in search of the latest trends in plants, retail, technology, and trade show displays. Europe is a continent awash in horticultural tradition and innovation, and a visit to one of the many world-class gardens or trade shows can really get the creative juices flowing.

Photos by Debbie Lonnee, Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

➾ DE S IGN TREN DS

Not every design trend from Europe lands on our shores, but they can nonetheless stimulate our own imaginative design solutions for our customers. In this pictorial, we have gathered the most interesting and inspirational ideas we found during the 2015 IPM ESSEN Horticultural Fair. If you are a designer of landscapes, retail displays, or trade show booths, you’re sure to see something inspiring!

LIGHTING FOR EFFECT A common theme that emerged as we explored the trade show was the use of dramatic lighting. Floodlights adorned many booths and provided exciting glimpses of the plants and products in them. There were also several displays that showed the artistic appeal of plants using light boxes in a creative way.

 The signage and lighting create a defined sense of space.  Directional spot lighting provides a sense of drama. If used well, you feel you are stepping into a place of heightened importance.

 Spotlights on the plants make them the star of the show.  This uniquely designed and colored booth features orange columns lit from above, but what holds the attention are the plants in the light boxes. The contrast in color makes them really pop!

50

MNLA .biz

june 15

DISTINCTIVE TOUCHES

 This company capitalized on its earthy product line with a natural wood theme focused on welcoming foot traffic with open paths leading to an inviting place to sit for a chat.

 I’m not sure this booth succeeded in presenting a cohesive look, but it sure does entice you to walk in and explore that wall!  A tropical-themed booth provided a visual break (something different amidst the cleaner lines of other booths) and was evocative of a slower pace of life.

 How about lining the walls of your booth furnishings with plants?

 Looking closely, you can see plants placed inside the wall and framed with circular openings. Don’t you want to discover what’s inside each one?  This tall example of balanced rock stacking drew attention to this otherwise overstuffed booth, and also demonstrated a mastery of stone. We did appreciate the blending of the manufactured stone used in the base with the wide variety of other hardscape features shown.

june 15

MNLA .biz

51

➾ D E S I G N T RE N D S

VERTICALITY While it’s difficult to directly compare our Northern Green Expo with international shows and the budgets that go with them, consider using these vertical design ideas when planning your booth. You can provide more interest for your booth by using height, vertical and raised displays, and wall space in creative ways.

Your One Tractor Solution

30

HEIGHT

o

 This two-story booth provides an exclusive place to meet and greet customers.

58% Grade

One Tractor, Over 30 Commercial Grade Attachments:

Schedule a Ventrac Demo with:

Cushman Motor Company, Inc. 2909 E Franklin Ave • Minneapolis, MN (612) 333-3487 • 1-800-759-5343 www.cushmanmotorco.com

GOPHER STATE ONE CALL This time and every time.

Protect What Matters

www.gopherstateonecall.org

52

14010591_4.75x4.75.indd 1

MNLA .biz

june 15

2/25/14 8:16 AM

 Window panes and flower boxes bring the eye up and give a sense of being at a friendly European street market.

HEIGHT (CONT’D)

 When standing below low-hanging banners like these, it seems like you’re in a private space — even in the middle of a busy trade show.

RAISED DISPLAYS

 This tidy booth utilizes an assortment of raised displays in colors that harmonize with its plant offerings and company logo.  The raising up of this huge planter box by only a few feet greatly enhances the impact of the planting design in it. The most dramatic aspect of this booth, though, is in the painted mural on the wall and desk!  An arresting display of root strength and flower splendor!  Chunky chic tables used in tandem add weight and perceived value to the items presented.

june 15

MNLA .biz

53

➾ DE S IGN TREN DS

WALL SPACE

 Stick your planters on the wall? Why not!

 The wild arrangement hanging from the lamp is attention-grabbing, while the stone wall gives the display added dimension and texture.

 Walls come alive when adorned with plants! Living walls are becoming all the rage.  Black inset light boxes in the walls show off the colors of the plant blooms and allow ample space for sit-down meetings on the floor.

 Plants in picture frames dress up this otherwise boring wall.

WE HOPE THIS PICTORIAL WILL CREATE A SPARK OF CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION IN ALL MEMBERS, WHETHER YOU ARE PREPARING DISPLAY BOOTHS FOR TRADE SHOWS, DESIGNING LANDSCAPES, OR MARKETING PRODUCTS FOR RETAIL SALE. 54

MNLA .biz

june 15

MNLA FOUNDATION GROWING MINDS FOR A GREENER TOMORROW

To register or for more information, go to www.MNLA.biz.

JULY

AUGUST

21

6

Save the dates for these fun Foundation fundraisers!

SEPTEMBER

23

!

T U O SHOOT

Foundation-events-half-horiz-Scoop-2015.indd 1

5/6/2015 4:19:14 PM

Go Propane and SAVE!!

Up to a $1500 Incentive

• On the purchase of a new propane powered commercial mower. $750 incentive available for conversion of existing gasoline powered mower.

Up to a $2000 Incentive

• On the purchase of a new propane or dual-fueled pickup or conversion of a 2005 or newer model.

Call the MPA for details.

Talk to your dealer about going propane today!!

For more information call the Minnesota Propane Association at 763-633-4271

➾ S TAT E FAIR

MNLA DAY AT TH E M I N N ESO TA G R O W N BO O T H Paul Hugunin

MN Grown Program Coordinator

MNLA MEMBERS ARE INVITED to “take over” the Minnesota Grown State Fair Display for a day. The Minnesota Grown booth has a simple, straightforward message for fairgoers: buy locally grown and raised products! With approximately 1,250 members, the Minnesota Grown program promotes a wide variety of Minnesota products and businesses — including nurseries and garden centers, Christmas tree farms, meat and dairy producers, farm wineries, farmers market vendors, and pick-your-own farms. Fairgoers who visit the booth can pick up a free copy of the Minnesota Grown Directory as they interact with our member-volunteers that staff the booth from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.

Instead of scattering their members throughout the 12 days of the fair, several organizations group their volunteers together on a single day to “take over” the booth for a day. The MN Buffalo Association, MN Association of Meat Processors, MN Maple Syrup Producers Association and the St. Paul Farmers Market each take a full day at the fair. Organizations that take a full day are invited to bring display items that highlight their industry and attract fairgoers interested in their particular products and services. The MNLA Board of Directors has agreed that MNLA will be one of the organizations to “take over” the booth for a day in 2015.

56

MNLA .biz

june 15

There are limited spaces available, but all MNLA companies that wish to be involved should contact MNLA staff member Jon Horsman (jon@mnla.biz) as soon as possible. The three shifts will be 9 a.m.–1 p.m., 1 p.m.–5 p.m., and 5 p.m.–9 p.m. Shifts will be assigned on a first-come first-served basis. The main task for booth volunteers is to hand out Minnesota Grown Directories, but they are also allowed to have business cards and/ or flyers at the booth during their shift (they can’t leave them behind when they’re done, though) as long as they focus on the general message of “buy local plants.”

Minnesota Grown provides volunteers with admission tickets (we give up to four tickets for a 4-hour shift). We also provide each volunteer with a Minnesota Grown hat OR t-shirt. We provide name tags for each volunteer, a daily sign for the booth indicating who is staffing the booth during each shift, and an additional sign declaring it to be “MNLA Day at the Minnesota Grown Booth” for days staffed by a single organization like MNLA. The Minnesota Grown booth is located in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) wing of the Ag/Hort Building. The MDA takes up the entire North Hall of the building. All MNLA companies that wish to be a part of the “booth take over” should contact MNLA staff member Jon Horsman (jon@mnla.biz) as soon as possible.

OVERCOMING TRAINING EGO Everyone talks about training and what a great thing it is. But do you really do it and has your organization adapted to today’s market place?

Monroe Porter | PROOF Management Consultants

june 15

MNLA .biz

57

We are resourceful.

We are Kubota.

Standard L3901 Compact Tractor

M9960 Deluxe Utility Tractor

• 37.5 HP Quality Kubota Diesel Engine • Synchro-Shuttle or HST Transmission • Front Loader Quick Mount Attach/Detach Plus a Variety of Performance-Matched Implements Available

• 100 HP Kubota Diesel Engine • 2WD or 4WD and 3 Transmission Options for Made-to-Order Tractor Performance • Spacious Design with Optional High-Visibility Cab

RTV-X900 Utility Vehicle

Z724X Commercial Zero-Turn Mower

• 21.6 HP Kubota Diesel Engine • Exclusive Variable Hydro Transmission • Front and Rear Independent Suspension

• Powerful, Proven Kawasaki Gasoline Engine • 6"-Deep, Heavy-Duty Welded 48" to 54" Mower Decks • Ergonomically Designed for Optimal Comfort with Superior Handling and Drivability

See one of these authorized Kubota dealers near you!

ALEXANDRIA Alex Power Equipment 111 50th Avenue West (320) 763-4994 GLENCOE Arnold’s of Glencoe 655 Lindbergh Trail (320) 864-5531 www.arnoldsinc.com

HASTINGS Niebur Tractor & Equipment 14380 East 240th Street (651) 437-3531 (888) 559-9492

NORTH MANKATO Arnold’s of Mankato 1715 Howard Drive (507) 387-5515 www.arnoldsinc.com

ST. CLOUD Arnold’s of St. Cloud 2995 Quail Road NE (320) 251-2585 www.arnoldsinc.com

KIMBALL Arnold’s of Kimball 701 State Highway 55 East (320) 398-3800 www.arnoldsinc.com

SHAKOPEE Lano Equipment, Inc. 3021 133rd Street West (952) 445-6310

ST. MARTIN Arnold’s of St. Martin 374 Industrial Boulevard (320) 548-3285 www.arnoldsinc.com

www.kubota.com

Kubota Tractor Corporation Markets a Full Line of Tractors and Construction Equipment Through a Nationwide Network of Over 1,000 Authorized Dealers. Optional equipment may be shown. © Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2015

➾ T R A I NIN G

A

s frustrating as employees may be, you can’t run a contracting company without them. Yes, there have been lots of changes in the contracting world, like the internet, cell phones, better accounting programs, etc. But good work is done by good people.

Apprenticeship has declined over the years, but many of the mindsets still exist. A “young people have to pay their dues” attitude still exists. While it may be fun to send helpers after left-handed monkey wrenches and it may seem like a rite of passage to make them perform menial tasks day after day, we need more craftspeople. We can’t run the risk of boring or running off good people just because of unrealistic practices and trade egos.

What do I mean by trade egos? It takes years to learn a craft. If I am a craftsperson and you ask me to train some rookie, my first inclination is to think about the years it took to learn my craft. In my mind, there is no way I can teach someone in a few weeks or months to do what I do. What experienced craftspeople forget is that day in day out, contracting can be very repetitive. How long does it take a helper to learn how to set a toilet if we are doing a hotel with 200 rooms? Or how long does it take to learn how to roll a wall with paint or nail a shingle? Not very long. Does setting a toilet make you a plumber or nailing a shingle make you are roofer?

Of course not. But these trade skills do make helpers much more productive. Let’s be honest, if I can’t show a helper how to do one of these tasks in a few days, he or she is never going to be able to learn the trade.

It is important to remember that you pay craftspeople for what they know, not necessarily what they do every day. You have to make this clear to foremen when you ask them to teach someone a trade. A knowledgeable foreman or craftsperson still does many tasks in a given day that can be easily taught, but that does not mean the foreman is not valuable. A nurse or intern can perform numerous medical procedures, but if something goes wrong I want an experienced doctor as part of the team.

Start your training process by identifying tasks that are repetitive.

This allows you to get the most bang out of your training and your new recruit. For a painter this might be rolling a wall or basic brush strokes on how to cut in a corner. For a roofer, it might be nailing shingles or rolling out underlayment. Focus on production items that are the norm, not the exception.

Next, schedule some training that focuses on a single task. Consider staying after work for an hour or two and just have the person

learn this task over and over. You would be surprised how practice makes perfect. Or as Vince Lombardi, the famous football coach said, “Perfect practice makes perfect.”

Use technology to help you. Using a smart phone, show your trainee a video of someone doing the task correctly and fast. Then as the new recruit is learning, take a video of them and show that person what he or she looks like and coach them throughout the process.

Tie pay into skill. Try to tier your pay scale so there are different grades of skill and activity. Have a set of skills a person must learn before they will receive a raise. Keep it simple and realistic.

Try reviewing the helper’s progress with the person who is doing the coaching and training. With just a little bit of accountability you can speed up the process. Try to instill into the trainer the importance of carrying on his or her legacy.

Work within your company to identify people who make good trainers. Sometimes people who are extremely gifted with natural talent do not make good trainers. My Dad was a very gifted carpenter but I am not particularly mechanically inclined whereas my brother was. So you can guess which one of us ended up a carpenter versus who the consultant is?

When it comes to recruits, try to find people who will work and teach them the trade. Work ethic is an inherited value your parents, coaches and early life experiences taught you. Trying to teach people work ethic can be very frustrating. Stop trading drunks and drug addicts from company to company. Also, understand that you may have to pay a higher starting wage to attract people with driver’s licenses and a proven work history. Look for people stuck in noncraft jobs where there is a ceiling on their pay.

In closing, I am not saying that finding good people is easy, but you have to start somewhere. If what you are doing now is not working, stop doing it over and over again. Take a more calculated and long term approach. Just think, if you had started three years ago, things would be better.

MONROE PORTER Is president of PROOF Management Consultants (www.proofman.com) and runs networking consulting groups for contractors. He can be reached at 804-267-1688 or monroe@proofman.com.

june 15

MNLA .biz

59

➾ S E CT I O N TITLE

HOW TO MEASURE

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION If your business is anything like ours, it costs you significantly more money to acquire a new customer than it does to retain a customer that you’ve serviced in the past.

David Crary | HindSite Software

60

MNLA .biz

june 15

K

eeping your current customers happy means you’ll either be able to keep customer acquisition costs low, or grow your revenue faster.

But knowing who your most satisfied and dissatisfied customers are can also have a significant impact on your bottom line. By knowing who your happiest customers are, you can more effectively solicit reviews and referrals. And by knowing who your unhappiest customers are, you can determine if the customer legitimately has a reason for being unhappy — and work to improve your relationship — or, if you don’t think the relationship can be salvaged, you can get rid of the customer.

In fact, research shows that dissatisfied customers can have a much more negative impact on your bottom line than satisfied customers.

Dissatisfied customers typically will eventually tell nine other people about their problem with your business, while satisfied customers only share their positive experience with five to six other people. So you need to accurately monitor customer satisfaction in order to grow and improve your business.

This is especially important for green industry businesses, whose work can often be viewed as a commodity. All things being equal, many buyers of services will consider price above all else if they have no other information to consider. So it’s essential that you control your customer satisfaction in order to grow your business.

The Post-Service Satisfaction Survey If you’ve ever been to a large national service chain, after your purchase you’ve probably noticed on the receipt or been told by a service associate about their customer satisfaction survey. I recently encountered it at Caribou Coffee. I logged on to their website to take the survey with my previous purchase fresh in my mind. For the purposes of this article, we’re referring to that survey as a postservice survey.

Post-service surveys help you measure the immediate pulse of your customer for a single purchase. If you perform lawn maintenance services and visit a customer’s property 24 times throughout the year, you may find that, though a customer is pleased overall, you’ll find 1 or 2 times throughout the year that they were dissatisfied with your work. Sending a post-service survey will help you understand

why those individual service events rated poorly so you can work to correct them. If you’re just sending an annual survey (more on that later), the customer may rate you highly overall and you would have no idea that you’d underperformed during some visits.

Aim to keep your post-service survey simple and to the point. I’m not going to lie; Caribou’s is way too long — so long that I don’t even bother taking it anymore. It’s not worth the discount. So limit your post-service survey to four or five questions. Think along the lines of the following questions: • How would you rate the service you received?

• How would you rate our work crew(s)?

• How would you rate the value of our service relative to price?

• How likely are you to recommend us to your friends, family, colleagues, etc.?

Add a final question for random comments. If someone rates you poorly, you want to know specifically why.

How do you get your post-service survey to your customers?

Email is a great way to do it. Customers who use our email add-on, HindSite Connect, will soon be able to automatically send an email after their service with a link to a post-service survey. That data is then imported into their customer history in HindSite so that they can quickly and easily see current and past results from the survey.

By automating the process, you can get important customer data by doing very little work.

Annual Customer Satisfaction Surveys

Post-service surveys are great, but they don’t give you a full picture.

At HindSite, we conduct an annual customer satisfaction survey that helps us delve deeper into how our customers feel about us and our software. This survey typically takes 10–15 minutes to complete and gives us a more complete picture of our customers. We ask the following types of questions: Demographic ­— We start our survey with 5–7 demographic questions. This helps us better understand the role, gender, age and educational background of the customers completing the survey.

These questions ultimately help you pinpoint the key demographic june 15

MNLA .biz

61

NEW

SCOOP COMING In January, MNLA will be introducing a redesigned Scoop. Our goal is to provide even greater value to you, the member, through this vital communication service. To do that, we need to know what your current needs are! We would like to gather your feedback on how you read The Scoop, which your most, customers Catalogs. contentInspire you value andwith whatMNLA’s you wish we would is afive full-color 32-page include.Perennials Please take minutes and publication, give us your plusvia we’re continuing huge discounts on Ideashere: for 5-question survey found opinions a quick Outdoor Living. Trees & Shrubs is sold out. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ScoopFeedback.

If MNLA.biz call 651-633-4987. you’d ratherVisit forward yourorcomments via email, send those to jon@mnla.biz.

WRITERS WANTED We’re also looking for members who love to write – members who want to share useful information, ideas, and innovations with their fellow members in Catalogs 3.5x5_4c.indd 1 5/6/2015 the association’s monthly magazine. Write from the perspective of your industry segment (landscape install, garden center, grower, etc.); share knowledge on business management or human resources; or offer insights via our soon-to-premiere features “Ideas That Work” and “My Favorite Tool.” To offer your services and/or receive information on deadlines and other parameters, email susan@mnla.biz or call Sue Flynn or Jon Horsman at 651-633-4987.

38

www.MNLA.biz | ocTober 2012

2:49:09 PM

➾ C US T OMER SATISFACTI O N

characteristics of your customers and can help you determine who to target in future marketing campaigns.

Usage and Satisfaction — Next, we ask a combination of questions to help us understand how survey respondents have interacted with our software. We ask them to rate specific features of our software so we can see what they like and dislike about it. But we also design the questions so we can see what parts of our software they are using, giving us an opportunity to reach out to them in the offseason for additional training.

Though your service business doesn’t operate exactly like our software business, you still should ask usage and satisfaction questions.

For instance, if you sell multiple services, ask them to rate each of your services individually. That not only gives you an idea about how you’re performing, but also helps you identify upsell opportunities.

Typically, the usage and satisfaction section is the longest section of our survey, consisting of between 10 and 15 targeted, specific questions. When crafting your questions, be sure you start by asking “what do I want to know?” and then work backward to create questions.

Benefits — You probably think you know what makes you different than the competition. But do you really? One of the best ways to find out is to ask your customers. We usually ask, “What is the core benefit of using HindSite?” and then use those answers to refine our marketing messages.

Do the same for your business. Ask why the customer initially chose your organization and why you’re better than other service businesses. Multiple choice questions make it easier to analyze the results, but since you’re seeding answers, you may not see some of the unexpected answers. So I’d ask a combination of a multiple choice and a free text question.

Loyalty — One of the questions we added this year is a series of questions based on the book, The Human Brand. Basically, we ask how we’re perceived (Are we warm? Are we trustworthy? Are we competent? Are we capable?), and then ask how strong and loyal a preference the customer has with our business. What we’ve learned from this exercise has helped us understand how we’re perceived by our customers, which in turn can help us implement policies and procedures that improve how we’re perceived, which ultimately helps us improve customer satisfaction.

Obviously, you could add any number of additional questions to your survey. But remember — the more questions you add, the less likely your customer is going to complete the survey. So carefully consider every question you include, what you hope to accomplish with each question, and whether the question will provide information you can act upon.

Now that you’ve got a basic understanding of what types of surveys to create, why not download our eBook, Measuring Customer Satisfaction, to learn how to benchmark your results and what steps to take to act on them. You can download the eBook free at http://www. hindsitesoftware.com/measuring-customer-satisfaction-ebook.cfm

DAVID CRARY is the founder and president of HindSite Software and can be reached at info@hindsitesoftware.com.

DEMONSTRATE COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE: SPONSOR AN MNLA SCHOLARSHIP The MNLA Foundation is happy to announce the 2015-2016 Academic Awards program to benefit college and high school students. The MNLA Foundation is pleased to partner with members to provide the industry’s future leaders with monetary support for their education. Since the program began in 1996, over $300,000 has been awarded to deserving students.

The goal of the MNLA Foundation Academic Awards program is to honor the academic achievements of students who have chosen the nursery and landscape industry as their profession. Furthermore, the program aims to encourage students to stay in this career path and to help them make connections with nursery and landscape employers who are MNLA members. By partnering with interested member companies, over 20 scholarships are awarded every year to deserving students.

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

Sponsoring companies are asked to make a $500 commitment for a college scholarship or $250 for a high school scholarship, and the MNLA Foundation will match up to $500 or $250 of these funds.

Companies can sponsor more than one award per year if they choose.

MNLA will provide the following to sponsors: Press releases to various media, including the company’s local paper, and the student’s hometown and college publications Company recognition in the Scoop and on the MNLA website Recognition at the Northern Green Expo Opportunities to be introduced to your sponsored student Act now! Demonstrate your commitment to the future of the region’s green industry by co-sponsoring a student scholarship.

The deadline for 2015–2016 participation is September 10, 2015.

Complete the application at http://www.mnla. biz/?page=scholarships and return it to MNLA today. Your generosity will be cherished by the student winners — the future of the green industry. Contact MNLA Foundation Program Coordinator Megan Buchanan at megan@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987 with questions or for additional details.

june 15

MNLA .biz

63

➾ NE WS YOU CAN USE

NEWS YOU CAN USE PROTEC TI N G B EES & PO L L I N ATO R S V I D E O D E M YS T I F I E S W H AT H O RT I CU LT U RE N E E D S T O KNO W

VIDEO SPOTLIGHTS CONSERVATION, POLLINATOR RESEARCH, AND IPM EXPERTS The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), in collaboration with AmericanHort, Society of American Florists, and the American Floral Endowment, released an educational video that provides information on the horticultural industry’s essential role in bee and pollinator stewardship.

Titled, “Protecting Bees & Pollinators: What Horticulture Needs to Know,” the video narrates the current state of bee and pollinator health, provides information on factors that impact pollinators and the environment including the use of pesticides, and underscores the beneficial role horticulture plays in providing healthy and nurturing pollinator ecosystems. To watch the “Protecting Bees & Pollinators: What Horticulture Needs to Know” video, go to: http://americanhort.org/AmericanHort/Membership/ Private/protect_bees.aspx.

The video serves as a valuable resource to industry professionals and horticulture enthusiasts by providing an overview of all the factors affecting bee and pollinator health today. The video was produced as part of the Horticultural Industry’s Bee & Pollinator Stewardship Initiative.

“Very few businesses can be more beneficial to bees and pollinators in this country than horticulture,” states John Coulter, President of HRI. “Our passion is to grow healthy plants and flowers. Our products offer the very thing pollinators need to thrive: diverse and ample sources of forage.”

“We know that horticulture provides essential food sources for pollinator populations. And we also know that some consumers are concerned about pesticide use,” adds Michael V. Geary, President & CEO of Ameri-

64

MNLA .biz

june 15

canHort, the horticultural industry’s association. “To help us answer the tough questions posed by gardeners and consumers, we’ve gathered top minds in conservation, research, and pest management to educate and inform us on this issue. We are also funding and leveraging research on best practices for our members.”

Featured on the video are experts in the fields of conservation, pollinator research, and integrated pest management, including: Vicki Wojcik, Ph.D. Research Director, Pollinator Partnership Dr. Wojcik oversees pollinator research for the Pollinator Partnership, an independent organization committed to the protection of native pollinators vital to ecosystems and agriculture.

Richard Cowles, Ph.D. Entomologist, Connecticut Valley Laboratory Dr. Cowles is a leading entomologist and researcher with more than 25 years of expertise in the areas of biology, integrated pest management, and pest research.

Andrew Bishop, Ph.D. Managing Director, Green Leaf Plants Andrew L. Bishop is an international recognized expert in all facets of greenhouse plant production and pest management.

Zac Browning Owner, Browning’s Honey Co., Inc. Zac Browning is a 4th generation commercial beekeeper and honey producer operating over 20,000 hives for honey production and pollination in multiple states.

IntroducIng

QUIK-

SWITCH IT ON

our new lightweight air-powered device increases productivity.

Precise dose and measurement you can see

one-thumb operation for fast injections durable aluminum body weighing less than 2 pounds Quick-connect adapter hooks up to air tank

downLoad arbor-mobILe on the IPhone or androId. Identify trees, pests, find solutions, access labels, and stay connected.

Learn more: call 781-935-9070 or visit

arborjet.com/air

june 15

MNLA .biz

65

➾ DON’T S E CT I OFORGET N TITLE

UTILITY LOCATES IM PO RTAN T ADVI SO RY TO M E M BE RS RE G A RD I N G U T I L I T Y L O CAT E S

MNLA ADVISES ITS MEMBERS TO REMEMBER THE FOLLOWING: Anytime OR CALLYOU BEFORE Process ticket Anytime you you are are going going to to dig dig anywhere anywhere in in aa landscape, landscape,CLICK CALL BEFORE DIG.YOU In theDIG. metro area, your call the with Gopher Call (GSOC) online gsocsubmit.org the 800-252-1166 metro area, callat651-454-0002 Gopher StateState One One Call at 651-454-0002 or, at outside the metro,or, callinside toll-free least 48 hoursor, in outside metro, call toll-free 800-252-1166.

You must wait an hours after contacting GSOC advancethe of anticipated excavation.

In the busy spring season, be additional aware that48 experience has shown that it can before beginning excavation In the busy spring season, be aware that digging experience that are it take even longer for markingswork. to occur.

You have 96 hours (4 days) to begin afterhas theshown markings can take(Both even the longer for markings occur. rule Remember: The 48 hour wait time not include Saturdays, placed.

48-hour rule and to 96-hour exclude Saturdays, Sundays anddoes holidays.)

Sundays, or national holidays.

After markings have been made, excavators are required to maintain a minimum horizontal (side to side) clearance of two feet (24 inches) between an exposed or unexposed facility and the cutting edge or point of any power operated excavating or earth-moving equipment. For example, if the markings indicate a 6" pipe is buried, the hand dig zone is 54" wide (6" + 24" on each side of the mark). If excavation is required within the hand dig zone, the excavation must be performed very carefully, with vacuum excavation or hand tools, and without damage to the facility or undermining lateral support. Remember that facility depths may vary due to installation practices, changes in the grade, erosion and other variables.

In the course of digging, if you expose a utility line, it is your responsibility to inspect and support the facilities before backfilling. If you damage the utility line, it is your responsibility to immediately notify the utility owner directly.

For a Professional Excavators Handbook, view online at www.gopherstateonecall.org/gsoc-handbook or on the free GSOC App available in your App or GooglePlay store. You can also order hard copies at www. gopherstateonecall.org/about-gsoc/order-promotional-items

MNLA ALSO REMINDS MEMBERS OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: Gopher State One Call has a free mobile app, which offers quick access to many of Gopher State One Call’s resources from a smartphone or tablet, whether you’re at the office or working at a job site. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices. To download the free GSOC app, visit the Apple App Store or Google Play and search for “GSOC” or “Gopher State One Call”.

Minnesota Statutes section 326B.35 clearly identifies that communication utility work is covered by the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC). “Communication utility work” includes burial of telephone and cable TV lines. (Source: Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry Construction Codes and Licensing Division) National Electrical Safety Code table 352-1 requires communication cables to be installed at a 24" burial depth. A lesser depth is allowed if the cable is provided with supplemental protection.

If you cut a communications line during routine lawn work such as aeration, or if you have followed ALL of the utility marking procedures required, yet inadvertently cut a communications line that has not been properly buried, it may be a reasonable business practice to bill the offending utility for any inconvenience caused to you or your customer.

REMEMBER, FOLLOW THE RULES AND CALL BEFORE YOU DIG! 66

MNLA .biz

june 15

TIME TO RENEW!

RENEW TODAY! It’s that time of year — keep an eye out for your 2015–2016 membership dues renewals. In order to save the association printing and mailing costs, please return your renewal promptly.

With summer approaching, we encourage you to take a minute to reassess your business needs. Don’t pay more than you have to! Please take a moment to review the MNLA Member-Only Exclusive Benefits at www.mnla.biz. Sign in, and take a look under the “MEMBERS ONLY” menu.

Let us help you save on your bottom line! Feel free to contact the MNLA office if we can be of any assistance to you during the renewal process or for any of our products and services offered. We are available at 651-6334987 or mnla@mnla.biz.

Your continued support and involvement as a member of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is greatly appreciated.

Providing you with education, legislative representation, networking, and other member services is why MNLA exists.

june 15

MNLA .biz

67

➾ NE T WORKIN G N EWS

NETWORKING NEWS Steve Thompson of Rainbow Scientific Advancements and Maureen Walsh of Vineland Tree Care

ARBORIST/TREECARE NETWORKING GROUP

The Arborist networking group finished up their “Third Thursday” monthly gatherings for the season on March 19th at the Dubliner Pub in St. Paul. Look for the group to begin meeting again in September. Thanks to Jim, Connor and Seamus Walsh, Vineland Tree Care, for planning the monthly meetings/brewery/pub visits!

The professional gardening networking group led by Tami Gallagher, Home Sown Gardens, LLC met on April 2nd at the Dunn Bros. in Eden Prairie. Their discussion topic was “Sustainability & Permaculture: Composting, Irrigation, Planting Techniques, Use of Annuals.”

PROFESSIONAL GARDENING NETWORKING GROUP

Meeting Takeaways: • We discussed ways sustainability is affecting how we approach a job site.

• We are using various water management and composting techniques.

• We are conscious of plant selection.

• We are conscious of locality and our fossil fuel footprint.

We also discussed the use of annuals and sustainability, and we are more aware of and changing our approach to annuals by using other plants in containers that can be re-used in the garden, and not doing total change-outs when possible.

The group is planning to go on a Learning Garden Tour put on by Hennepin County Master Gardeners on Saturday, July 11th.

THE LANDSCAPE DESIGN NETWORKING GROUP

The landscape design group met on March 18th and discussion focused on the benefits, drawbacks, how to’s and obstacles to overcome when trying to implement your design in a timely and cost effective way with work crews outside of your business.

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME! Join MNLA on July 20th when the Saint Paul Saints take on the Winnipeg Goldeyes at the CHS Field in downtown St. Paul! Our group will gather at The Lawn for a pre-game picnic buffet and then watch the game from outfield reserved seats. Tickets must be purchased from MNLA in advance. Only $17.00 per person for the pregame picnic and the game! Take a break from your busy season, have some fun, and see the new ball park in St. Paul.

FOR DETAILS ABOUT UPCOMING NETWORKING MEETINGS AND EVENTS,

education/events page at www.MNLA.biz.

68

MNLA .biz

june 15

visit the

➾ ME MBER N EWS

WELCOME NEW MNLA MEMBERS! Greta June Gardens Gretchen Hatch St. Paul, MN, 612-267-3729

Lienemann Agency, Inc. Lori Lienemann Osseo, MN, 763-425-4151

Outdoor Concepts LLC Randy Brogren Fargo, ND, 701-639-2306

Jeffs Professional Tree Service Jeff Stacey Nevis, MN, 218-255-2427

Maplewood Toyota Glenn Andersen Maplewood, MN, 651-482-1322

South Metro Lawn Care Michael Freeman Eagan, MN, 612-384-2517

Kenlawn Lawn Care and Landscape Ken Lambert New Hope, MN, 763-557-1986

NHS Ethan Casady Two Harbors, MN, 218-340-4857

Sun Shower Gary Pestel Ham Lake, MN, 763-434-7004

Kyle Lienemann Kyle Lienemann Moorhead, MN, 612-940-6038

Northstar Irrigation Systems, Inc. Dan Hamernick Columbia Heights, MN, 763-443-7073

Thate’s Tree Service John Thate Fairmont, MN, 507-235-3467

Lawn/Tree and Maintenance Service Craig Cook Bismark, ND, 651-442-8755

Northstar Landscape LLC Jeff Jankowiak Hanover, MN, 952-220-8066

LANDSCAPE AWARDS PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS

Landscape photograph with correct light balance.

Photo has too much fill light.

Photo has been overly contrasted.

Quality photographs are a crucial component of a winning MNLA Landscape Awards entry. You want to be entering well composed, eye-catching photographs. Here are five tips to help you if you’re taking them yourself: 1. Tidy up. Take care of neglected pruning, snip off bad leaves, edge the lawn, sweep paved areas, straighten blinds and curtains, pull weeds, etc.

2. Show the details of construction, both in the structures and rest of the landscape.

3. Make your picture suggest that there is much more “just around the corner,” such as a wall that disappears around a corner, foliage from an invisible tree, light from an unseen opening, etc.

4. Accessorize completely to give the view a “lived-in” feeling.

5. Include people discreetly to show scale of otherwise important points.

Be sure to take your photos now while the landscape looks its best!

The MNLA Landscape Awards is a program of recognition for installed landscapes. Submitting companies must be MNLA members who offer design, installation, design/build, bid/build, or other landscape specialty to their clients.

DID YOU KNOW? In any given year, ALL entries could win awards, or NO entries could win award. Entries are not judged against each other; rather each entry is judged against the standards of excellence. Judges must decide whether an entry, in their opinion, meets or exceeds those standards.

june 15

MNLA .biz

69

➾ LA S T WORD

MEET MEGAN

WE’RE PLEASED TO INTRODUCE YOU to Megan Buchanan, MNLA Foundation Program Coordinator, and the newest addition to the MNLA office! Megan joined the MNLA team in April and brings with her over 15 years working in the nonprofit sector.

Beginning as a social worker in Minneapolis, Megan’s interest in program and operational management was piqued while working for a 30-year-old nonprofit crisis shelter. From there, she launched her own business providing program, project, volunteer, and event management to multiple small nonprofits. Her clients included the state’s leading science organization, the MN Academy of Science; a nonprofit dance company in St. Paul, TU Dance; and ArtSage, an organization providing arts opportunities to older adults. In these and other roles, Megan has sat on boards of directors,

70

MNLA .biz

june 15

executive committees, and strategic planning teams while implementing organizational systems and processes. Megan currently serves on the board for NF Upper Midwest (which raises awareness, education, and support for those affected by neurofibromatosis) and is the president of her children’s school’s parent teacher organization.

Megan lives in Stillwater with her husband, Aron, and their two children, Stone and Jonah. Together, they enjoy camping in their Palomino pop up camper and have made it their mission to camp in as many Minnesota State Parks as possible.

They have visited over 15 in the past couple of years! Megan is also an avid cook and likes to read and garden.

Megan is thrilled to work with the MNLA Foundation and be part of their dynamic team.

GOT QUESTIONS? WE HAVE ANSWERS. ➾ ASK

ERT THE EXP

ASK THE

EXPERT

exam. licator icide app se contact plea the pest of aring for e information, l notify you in prep in mor and we’l sistance ested 633-4987 stry re inter ing. at 651n indu If you’ A office s for train eryour gree A is in a the MNL opportunitie about nd a “rec MNL can atte rtunately, a question to ask? rs in the upcoming loyee ever have you knew who ect with othe ing an emp se. Unfo testing if build licen Do you ask e a and wish help you conn , and we’r often le obtain ugh the to help business go thro Members workshop to are a coup position know how to . need to n” . Below bers catio They bers unique tifi mem that may er is no. our mem MNLA license. me industry ice for you, the answ obtain the ly from will beco D to serv frequent online ILE others ess y get live a new proc man we will COMP s and stions which of que I FIND question rt” feature . as well kind of WAGE E CAN the Expe These to time LATED WHER our “Ask t from time TRY RE part of prin ear in N? CIDE INDUS and app MATIO A PESTI

TAIN DO I OB ONE OF MY HOW R SE FO LICEN YEES? EMPLO

INFOR

icides ly pest stics (last e stati se to app The Mina a licen piles wag the Minnesot d by obtain A com se is issue issues ing to through s, MNL Develop a, a licen (MDA). MDA icide ons wish two year ) available Economic re For pers Minnesot Every Pest from 2014 loyment and s ors. state of ent of Agricultu commercial to one in the Applicat available Emp related and Non ent of Departm Control d mercial nesota s closely can be foun al Pest Departm to Com s rt position Structur c repo icides those licenses ifi well as estatistic or fung as spec ors des, industry age=wag informarepel MNLA Applicat insectici green nla.biz/?p destroy, as a stry. The ss the icides, dig our indu https://www.m login to acce use de herb ded to prevent, in or for inclu stics s ded here: member ls/oes/.

Pesticide products inten tances inten plete stati online r data-too need your review com subs and othe a pest and ed/data/ t to (you will wan v/de ate se you ://mn.go or mitig tion). If in a licen bers with to http ugh A mem s to obta per, go e thro ness.

MNL need dee ly busi onlin supp e who ngapply to your us your aims to e can employe e-licensi apply service s that well. Send have an , that employe us/licensing/ seryland If you question this started This new .mn. ion. ers to first time get s://mnnur da.state mnla. applicat for the at http real answ your help to il jon@ ://www.m a paper e form pert, ema an answer license.

MDA (http ) or fill out We need Use the onlin in the k-the-ex and aspx s! to obta /forms/as options. very help question question t pay a an exam . Your foo.com e mus become by must pass the employe scape.wu 651-633-4987 in print, and exam loyee , for the call g@ e and ity.

The emp the exam a time to sit biz, or .Licensin ear onlin A commun taking dule d app Pesticide sche Prior to MNL coul le who fee and license ful to the rs A offe , MNL us. asstate.mn. this exam obtain aring for e wishing to prep thos need help spring for If you shop each a work

62

MNLA

.biz

 



Did you see the answers to two important questions on page 62 of the April Scoop?

Do you ever have a question about your green industry business and wish you knew who to ask?

MNLA is in a unique position to help you connect with others in the industry who may know how to help, and we’re building a new service for you, our members.

These kind of questions and many others will become part of our “Ask the Expert” feature which will live online and appear in print from time to time as well.

This new service aims to supply MNLA members with real answers to questions that apply to your business. We need your help to get this off to a great start.

Your question and an answer could appear online and in print, and become very helpful to the whole MNLA community.

Send us your questions!

Online: https://mnnurserylandscape.wufoo.com/forms/ask-the-expert Email: jon@mnla.biz Call: 651-633-4987

RENT

Rent the best. Rent Ziegler.

Ziegler CAT has the largest rental fleet in the Upper Midwest.

From the biggest machines to the smallest tools, we have it all. Plus, we have something no other rental store has — a full line of Cat® equipment. Our rental equipment is ready to go and comes with Ziegler customer service and product support. Why not rent the best?

View our rental rates online at:

www.zieglercat.com/rental

HERE.

We have the equipment you need to get the job done right: Construction

Landscaping

Compaction

Material Handling

Concrete

Power Generation

Earthmoving

Roadwork