The Scoop Online - February 2018

Coming to Their Senses

Also Inside

The Leadership Gap

MNLA Awards Legislative Agenda Landscape Awards

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES Enhance business acumen, leadership, and technical skills

Vol: 41 No: 02 Feb 2018 T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E M I N N E S O TA N U R S E R Y & L A N D S C A P E A S S O C I AT I O N

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Volume 41 No. 02 Feb 2018

➾ S E CT I O N TITLE

CONTENTS 18

24 31 IN THIS ISSUE 8

Events

10 Enhancing Business Acumen and Career Training Opportunities Executive Director Cassie Larson highlights one of the core pieces of MNLA’s strategic plan.

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12 Out & About Otten Bros. hosted a visit from Congressman Erik Paulsen.

16 MNLA Legislative Agenda Finalized

14 Coming to Their Senses Faith Appelquist reminds us of some of the incredible things plants can do. 

Larry Johnson details the association’s top legislative and regulatory priorities for the coming year.

24 Day on the Hill Is Coming — Don’t Be Afraid!

18

The Leadership Gap in the Green Industry

26 MNLA Awards

Terri Wilcox encourages us to consider the growing need for future leaders in

Dave Warhol and Randy Berg were honored

our companies. 

last month during the Green Industry Awards Celebration.

31 Research for the Real World Updated boxwood blight BMPs were released, even as the search for improved resistance continues.    

46 Board of Directors Election Results MNLA welcomes Scott Frampton as our new President.

51 Committee Openings Have you considered gaining more value

42 MNLA Landscape Awards, Part 1 Congratulations to the companies and personnel who created these beautiful projects.  

50 2018 Nursery Stock Hardiness List The annual list of the plants considered hardy and nonhardy in each zone is available now.   Landscape & Hardscape Install & Design  Garden Services & Landscape Management  Garden Centers  Growers: Nursery & Greenhouse  Irrigation & Water Management  Arborists & Tree Services  All

from your MNLA membership by serving on a committee?

The Scoop, February 2018, Issue 2, is issued monthly, 12 times per year. All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 2018, 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.

february 18

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.NorthernGreen.org

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

AD LIST A Top Notch Equipment ................................................................................... 34 Albert J. Lauer, Inc. ........................................................................................... 23 All Stone Solutions ........................................................................................... 11 Anderson Nurseries, Inc. .................................................................................. 34 Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes .................................................... 3 Carlin Horticultural Supplies/ProGreen Plus ..................................................... 30 Central Landscape Supply ................................................................................ 13

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

scott frampton, president

COWSMO, INC. ............................................................................................... 34

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

CST Distributors ............................................................................................... 47

tim malooly, cid, clia, cic, VICE-PRESIDENT

Cushman Motor Co. Inc ................................................................................... 47

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

randy berg, mnla-cp, SECRETARY-TREASURER Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 • randy@bergsnursery.com

FAITH APPELQUIST

Tree Quality LLC 612-618-5244 • faith@treequality.com

matt mallas

Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ............................................................................. 20 Evergreen Nursery Co., Inc. ............................................................................. 52 Fahey Sales Auctioneers & Appraisers ............................................................. 11 Ferguson Waterworks ....................................................................................... 13 Fury Motors ...................................................................................................... 17

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

Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply .................................................. 2

mike mcnamara

Glacial Ridge Growers ...................................................................................... 40

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

john o'reilly

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

jeff pilla, mnla-cp

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

nick sargent

Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies .......................................................... 4 Jeff Belzer Chevrolet .................................................................................. 28–29 Klaus Nurseries ................................................................................................. 13 Maguire Agency ............................................................................................... 30 Midwest Transmission Center / DBA Clutch & U-joint Proven Force ............... 34

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

Out Back Nursery ............................................................................................. 11

cassie larson, cae

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

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

RDO Equipment Co. ........................................................................................ 32

STAFF DIRECTORY

Resultants for Business, Inc. (RFB) .................................................................... 20

Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz

Rock Hard Landscape Supply ........................................................................... 30

membership director & trade show manager:

SMSC Organics Recycling Facility..................................................................... 32

executive director:

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

Sylva Corporation Inc. ...................................................................................... 27 The Builders Group .......................................................................................... 45

regulatory affairs manager: Jim Calkins • jim@mnla.biz administrative asst.: Gayle Anderson • gayle@mnla.biz accountant: Kris Peterson • kris@mnla.biz foundation program coordinator:

Tri-State Bobcat, Inc ......................................................................................... 22

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

Versa-Lok Midwest ........................................................................................... 36

Paulette Sorenson • paulette@mnla.biz

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

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february 18

Truck Utilities, Inc. ............................................................................................. 45 United Label & Sales ........................................................................................ 11

Wolf Motors ...................................................................................................... 30 Ziegler CAT ......................................................................................... Back Cover

Volume 41 No. 02 Feb 2018

➾ S E CT I O N TITLE

➾ C ALE N DAR

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O PR

Roseville, MN MNLA.biz

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Prove what you know and take the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2018!

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E

RTIFIE

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MNLA CERTIFICATION EXAM

SSIO

MAR14 MAR13



TURFGRASS MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP Roseville, MN MNLA.biz Learn best management practices for lawn/turf maintenance, and earn Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Level 1 Certification for turfgrass maintenance best management practices.

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MNLA .biz

february 18

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WEBINAR: BETTER WAYS TO MANAGE JAPANESE BEETLE with Vera Krischik, University of Minnesota

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FEB 2, 9, 16

FEB20

Participate from your computer MNLA.biz Learn new and old ways to control this invasive pest. Learn why Japanese Beetle populations have increased since 2015.

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WEBINAR: THE BENEFITS OF NATIVE GRASSES TO BUTTERFLIES, with Diane Narem, University of Minnesota Participate from your computer MNLA.biz Native grasses provide numerous benefits to their surrounding environment. Learn about the characteristics and site preferences of individual grasses and the butterflies that use them.

MAR19



MASTERING FOREMANSHIP TRAINING (ILCA CERTIFIED WORKSHOP) Bachman’s Heritage Room, Minneapolis MNLA.biz In this dynamic seminar, foremen learn how to more effectively handle tight deadlines, tight margins and increase customer satisfaction.

FEB22



WEBINAR: PROFIT

BY ENHANCING BIOLOGICAL CONTROL IN GREENHOUSE, LANDSCAPE, AND TURF with Vera Krischik, University of Minnesota Participate from your computer

FEB23 GERTENS SPRING EXPO Mystic Lake, Shakopee Gertens.com Join us for a day filled with education, demos & discounts!

MNLA.biz In forests, native beneficial insects control pest insects. Learn what you can do to restore the balance of nature.

MAR20

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WEBINAR: JUMPING WORM UPDATE with Jim Calkins, MNLA Research Information Director and Regulatory Affairs Manager Participate from your computer MNLA.biz Learn about the status of jumping worms in Minnesota and their potential impact on the Minnesota nursery and landscape industry and its customers.

MAR 26–27



PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP & EXAM MDA, St. Paul MNLA.biz Prepare for the Category A & E Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam by attending this 1 ½ day study program.

Day 2 includes testing, if desired.

2018 MNLA seminars generously supported by:



HOT LEGAL TOPICS Roseville, MN MNLA.biz Attorneys Bryan Zlimen & Jared Nusbaum from the law firm of Zlimen & McGuiness will be discussing changes that have occurred in laws that will impact green industry businesses in 2018 and beyond.

MAR28 BACHMAN’S ANNUAL SPRING OPEN HOUSE

WEBINAR: ANNUALS THAT ATTRACT POLLINATORS with Julie Weisenhorn, University of Minnesota Participate from your computer MNLA.biz Annual flowers are favorite garden plants that add instant color and beauty, but do they attract insect pollinators?

Hear the results of a 3-year study on which of the 55 annuals attracted the most pollinators.

 MAR5 MAR IN THE 2, 16, 23 SILICA LANDSCAPE MNLA CERTIFICATION EXAM Roseville, MN Prove what you know and take the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional in 2018!

Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes, Farmington,

MDA, St. Paul

Bachman’sWholesale.com

Prepare for the Category A & E Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam by attending this 1½ day study program.

Day 2 includes testing, if desired.

MNLA.biz



GREEN INDUSTRY DAY ON THE HILL St. Paul

INDUSTRY: “COMPETENT PERSON” TRAINING

MNLA.biz This annual government affairs event is an opportunity to make personal connections with legislators that will provide greater political strength to MNLA as an organization and, thus, ultimately to your business.



PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP & EXAM

The annual open house incudes: a vendor fair, seminars, and tours.

MAR7



Do you cut block or brick? Remove or install concrete? This course will assist green industry employers on compliance with the new OSHA silica safety standard.

MNLA.biz

APR 4–5

➾

FEB27



➾

FEB28

➾

APR 9–10



PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP & EXAM MDA, St. Paul MNLA.biz Prepare for the Category A & E Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam by attending this 1½ day study program.

Day 2 includes testing, if desired.

KEY:

 Business  Leadership Development

 Skills Training General

➾

All information on these and other industry events are online at MNLA.biz. february 18

MNLA .biz

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➾ F R OM THE PRESIDEN T

Enhancing Business Acumen and Career Training Opportunities This month, I’d like to focus in on one of the six core areas of the latest Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Strategic Plan: Education.

Cassie Larson MNLA Executive Director

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MNLA .biz

But, that term is widely used. What does that mean specific to MNLA? It means, MNLA will offer educational opportunities for members to enhance their business acumen and career training opportunities.

There are several ways MNLA will work to accomplish this goal in the coming months and years ahead.

First, developing and offering specialized educational programs on topics including human resource management, succession planning, and other critical business issues. Coming up on February 27, MNLA will offer a half day “Hot Legal Topics” seminar to help business owners assess where there may be updates or new regulation they may need to address. The CEO Track at Northern Green also plays a critical role in helping address business ownership issues. If you’ve never attended, check it out at Northern Green 2019.

Second, exploring opportunities to collaborate with other organizations to offer education, training, and resources focusing on critical issues impacting small businesses. Many good resources exist already, so let’s take advantage of them instead of re-creating the wheel.

MNLA has been in recent discussion with both the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum and Minnesota State Horticultural Society about how we can work together on educational programming that is pertinent to all horticultural and landscape audiences. We also partner with organizations like Landscape Management Network and others to present top notch programming for members.

Third, re-evaluate the certification program to focus on developing individual skills to improve member

february 18

businesses, not just individual knowledge of horticultural topics. Certification could be re-focused to better reflect the necessary skills to move along career pathways and build business-related skills. The certification program has undergone a facelift in recent years and is now available in an online format, which has enabled MNLA to offer the test multiple times throughout the year rather than just one date. Many companies are using this as a platform to assess knowledge and promote employees.

A task team has also been commissioned and is close to securing a consultant to work with MNLA on creating and promoting career paths within the green industry.

Part of this initiative will be to identify skills and educational knowledge needed to move from one level to the next. This is a topic that will be expounded upon in detail in 2018. Is this something you’re passionate about? Get in touch and we’ll get you involved!

As you know, having the knowledge and tools to both run a business or get the job done is crucial. MNLA has several events coming up that will help you build your business acumen and/or obtain skills training to take you to the next level including: Turf Maintenance, Pesticide Certification Workshop and Exam, and PLT Relicense. Plus, new this year, there will be a Foremanship Training class in March. See the events listing on page 8 of this issue for further details. We look forward to seeing you at these and other upcoming events.

CASSIE LARSON can

be reached at: cassie@mnla.biz.

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➾ OUT & ABOUT

&

IN NOVEMBER, Congressman Erik Paulsen (R-Eden Prairie) visited Otten Bros. Garden Center & Landscaping to meet with constituents and members of the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA). They discussed issues ranging from workforce and immigration reform to the recently enacted tax reform bill passed just prior to Christmas.

MNLA members brief Congressman Paulsen on workforce concerns affecting our industry.

John O’Reilly leads Congressman Paulsen on a tour of the Otten Bros. facility.

MNLA members and staff with Congressman Erik Paulsen at Otten Bros. Garden Center & Landscaping.

TELL US YOUR STORY ON SALES TAX If you’re not receiving our weekly Grassroots, update, you may not know that MNLA has created an advisory committee to discuss possible changes or reinterpretations of the state’s sales tax related to green industry business operations. As you likely know, the current sales tax code at the state level is confusing and contradictory in many cases so we would like your personal and business input on where the pressure points are and what changes you would like to see happen if we were to make this a top priority. If you have been recently audited or have seen uneven or unexplained applications of the current sales tax on our industry, we need to hear from you. If you are interested in providing information or recommendations for this association effort, we welcome you. Please contact Larry Johnson at the MNLA office (larry@mnla.biz, 651-633-4987) for more information and to sign up to receive free weekly grassroots updates via email.

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COMING TO THEIR SENSES It appears to me that certain attributes of mind, as it occurs in Man are common to Plants. — Dr. William Lauder Lindsay, physician and a botanist 1876

Faith Appelquist | Tree Quality LLC

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Top left: Responding to gravity, the aerial roots of a banyan tree know up from down.

Top right: Trees warn each other of imminent leaf-eating-insect attack.

Left: Mimosa is native to South and Central America but is now grown world-wide as an ornamental because of its fascinating moving leaves.

Left page: A sunflower can sense a change in their environments (gravity, light or smell) and bend in response.

arden flowers have a sense of smell? I don’t think so. The vegetables growing in my backyard have an aversion to being touched? Surely not. Trees remember the weather?

You’re kidding. So how does a cherry tree “know” when to flower?

Or is it programmed by evolution to switch on flowers in spring?

Do not underestimate plants. On a genetic level plants are more complex than many of the animals that share our planet. Plants have the ability to sense what is going on in the outside world and to share that information among flower, stem, leaf and root. The flower may sense the sun’s direction, but it’s the stem that must twist in response.

Plants can feel. A burr cucumber vine can detect and respond to a weight of .25 grams. If humans, who can barely detect two grams, possessed the same level of sensitivity a lover’s kiss would resemble a slap in the face. The Venus flytrap feels its prey; one touch and snap!

The cause is a chemical reaction that is triggered by two hairs on the inside surface when touched. The hairs can differentiate between the touch of a raindrop and that of an edible fly. There is also the Mimosa plant whose frilly leaves momentarily wilt when touched.

The Mimosa uses the same chemicals for neural communication as humans.

Plants can smell. A hard avocado placed in a brown bag with a ripe banana will ripen because the avocado “smells” the ripe fruit’s

chemicals. This has the ecological advantage of ensuring all the fruits on the tree ripen together. A full display of ripe fruits guarantees a ‘ready–to–eat” market for foraging animals, which then disperse the seeds as they go about their daily business.

Plants also sense gravity. Scatter corn kernels over the soil and shoots grow up and roots down. Aerial roots of a banyan tree always grow down, even though they start several feet up in the air. Trees can detect not only insect damage to their neighbors but even the presence of torn leaves. They respond by releasing self-protective chemicals to make their own leaves less palatable.

We pay too little attention to the sophisticated sensory machinery in flowers and trees. On a broad scale, we share biology not only with chimps and dogs but also with begonias and sequoias. So next time you are out in the garden ask yourself: Can that tree see me?

Will that vine know where the nearest support is? Does the flower feel the bumble bee? Maybe it’s time, as Joni Mitchell sang at Woodstock, “to get ourselves back to the garden” and take a closer look at the plants.

FAITH APPLEQUIST

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.

february 18

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➾ G OV E RN MEN T AFFAI R S

MNLA Legislative Agenda Finalized Over the past several months, the MNLA Government Affairs Committee held monthly meetings to discuss issues pending in and around the State Capitol and took member concerns on legislative issues to help inform the creation of our 2018 Legislative Agenda.

To help members who plow snow over the winter and apply salt to help melt ice in parking lots, the committee voted this fall to take a lead role in passing liability protections for these members, helping build a coalition Larry Johnson of environmental groups and business associations to Government Affairs Director come together to prevent oversalting, often done to avoid possible litigation. This group has worked to bring lawmakers from all sides together to pass this commonsense reform in 2018.

The association is also leading efforts to change laws related to irrigation contractors’ right to test and rebuild back flow prevention assemblies. Recent changes to the Minnesota Plumbing Code made it impossible for our industry’s certified backflow testers to also have the right to train and certify to rebuild backflow prevention assemblies, which is now limited to qualified licensed plumbers.

As we did last year, we’re also working as part of coalition groups to pass uniform state labor standards to make a consistent market across the state for services as well as supporting efforts to end the state “duty to defend” laws for subcontractors. For a full list of all the issues the staff at MNLA is monitoring and taking an active part in currently, please see the inset box on this article.

You can also find more information on public policy issues and view our full legislative agenda by going to the MNLA website. We hope you will also register and attend our Annual MNLA Day on the Hill coming soon on March 7th. This event will give you a full briefing on issues pending at the Capitol as well as a chance for you to answer questions on policies of interest to you and your business personally.

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LEGISLATIVE/ POLICY ISSUES WE’RE MONITORING AND WORKING ON — FEBRUARY 2018 • Salt Applicator Liability • Backflow Preventers/ MN State Plumbing Codes • Storm Water Reuse • Uniform State Labor Standards • Local Municipal Minimum Wage • Pollinator Habitat • Duty to Defend Legislation for Subcontractors • Minnesota Invasive Species • 2018 Farm Bill Grant Programs • H-2A and H-2B Immigrant Visa reforms • Federal Tax Reform Outcomes and State implementations • Application of Minnesota Sales Tax for the Green Industry

If you, your employees, or your clients have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

LARRY JOHNSON can

be reached at: larry@mnla.biz.

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february 18

Terri Wilcox | Resultants for Business, Inc.

USTRY

When it comes to leadership, everyone and every business has their own definition of that term. They also have their own requirements and expectations. As a leadership coach and business advisor, I hear various requirements, expectations and demands placed on individuals every day. I also hear concerns from owners and CEO’s about the need for more leaders, better leaders.

february 18

MNLA .biz

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➾ LE A DERSHIP GAP

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february 18

If you’re ready to improve your culture, meet with an RFB Business Advisor to receive a FREE copy of Gino Wickman’s “TRACTION”, a complete look into simple, yet powerful ways to run your company with more focus, growth and enjoyment.

ost agree there is a leadership gap today. According to Workplace Trends, in the next year alone more than 3.6 million baby boomers are set to retire and more than one-fourth of millennial workers (born: early 1980’s to around 1996) are poised to become managers. Oh, and by the way, 91% of millennials aspire to leadership positions. Now include generation X (born: mid-1960’s to early 1980’s), many of whom have been patiently waiting in the wings for their chance to move into stronger leadership roles and we definitely have a lot of interest. So why are we feeling like there is a leadership gap if we have all this interest? It is the speed at which this gap must be filled. That’s an unknown and the challenge we face.

We are feeling a gap today because it’s hard to wrap our arms around just exactly what leadership means to an organization at any given time. Next generation leadership development has moved to the top of the priority list for many of our clients. Leadership becomes a strategic initiative based on philosophy around culture, leading people, and building out bench strength (succession). It cannot be completed in a single activity or event. Nothing happens in an organization without leadership. Leadership acts as the catalyst that makes all other business strategies and resources work together.

A 2016 Forbes article identified five Leadership Challenges. See if any of these resonate with you and your organization: 1. Creating a shared purpose: “The challenge for leaders, then, is in translating what they know and how they’ve been raised in an organization into a language that Millennials speak and that resonates with them.”

I would submit to you that your organization may need to include the Gen X work group as well. Gen X may have reached management levels, but have they developed into strong leaders? Do you have any Gen Xers or Millennials in line for succession?

Translating into a language that resonates with both generations is a multi-pronged strategy.

2. Measuring ROI [return on investment] of soft skill development: “…the ROI Institute notes that “soft skills” create agile organizations, develop innovative companies, make the best places to work, and build the most admired companies.

Soft skills bring out the best in people as their behaviors and competencies are shaped to fit the strategy of the organization, the desired work climate, and the ever-changing, unpredictable landscape.”

This is why MNLA’s Green Industry Leadership programs are is focused on leadership soft skills. We zero in on selfawareness of skills that employees haven’t had the opportunity to learn much about in school, technical training, and even on the job experiences. Many executive managers steer away from the soft skills because they view them as just that…too soft, hard to quantify feelings sort of stuff. And yet research has beyond a doubt proven that it’s the soft skills that make or break a successful leader (Google “soft skills stats and ROI”). Soft skills are difficult to learn and even more difficult to turn into consistent, meaningful leaderlike actions. Your return on investment may take months to prove because you are dealing with a people development strategy, not a tactical one-time fix. To get a pulse on this type of development consider surveys, feedback sessions, identification of additional projects or responsibilities, the results of change initiatives, pre and post tests after a course, or measurements of improved/effective communication methods.

Take for example, Chris Wacker from Bailey’s. He graduated from the Green Industry Leadership Institute (GILI) in December 2015. He is now not only the propagation foreman at Nord Farm but has added seedling propagation to his responsibilities. This includes supervising anywhere from 8-40 employees based on the season. “There’s never a dull moment…it keeps me on my toes watching out for all my crews.” When asked about soft skills he learned from class that helped him the most in his job he answered, “The ability to adapt and plan ahead.” Simple to say, hard to implement when leading multiple crews through multiple growing programs. Chris has designed communication methods, like white boards to stay on top of the ever changing cycles. “The class has helped me realize how much responsibility I can take on because I know how much detail I can handle based on my organizational skills.”

Keep in mind that before you can prove ROI, you must first clearly understand what it is that you want improved. What does successful leadership behavior look like?

3. Identifying and communicating what success looks like: Are you clear on what it is you are looking for in a leader?

Are you clear on your long term strategies and how leadership fits in with those strategies? What are the results that you are looking for? If you identify those results, then work backward from there to identify the attributes and strengths

you need in leaders to get you to that end game. Chris Wacker would look for an individual who is motivated and can adapt to change. He now has a pretty good picture as to what that looks like in his work world. Production-wise, this translates into managing 12.5 million plants in one year…successfully.

Can your leaders communicate the strategies to get your company to your end game? As the article explains, “…keep in mind that while the leader’s vision of success won’t change, the means by which the company arrives there surely will, which means leaders also need to communicate the value of adapting to change.”

4. Building trust: “A lack of trust in business (55%) has etched itself into one of the top four concerns based on a study by PwC. Can trust be built without personal (i.e. face-to-face) interaction?

Certainly. But at a much slower rate…”

So what does this have to do with your business? Do you know if you have a trust issue within your organization?

You may have a trust issue if your organization fails to get projects completely done because your people didn’t get on board. You may have a trust issue if you’ve noticed lately that your best manager has become defensive and won’t look you in the eye at meetings. You may have a trust issue if you proclaim that your leadership team never disagrees (but have never asked why). Do you know how to uncover the trust level of your team? Consider reading Patrick Lencioni’s book, “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team”. We use this at Resultants For Business with all of our clients, who happen to be leadership/management teams. If you look at Lencioni’s pyramid, trust is at the base. It is the foundational piece and the basis for everything else that is built within an organization. If there is little trust, any attempts to lead or develop leaders has a much higher rate of failing. Can an organization meet their goals without trust? Sometimes. However; it takes its toll on your people. Put simply, with low trust in an organization, it becomes a constant, uphill battle creating huge tension within the work environment.

5. Perspective management: “Perception is everything, especially when our perceptions drive our attitudes and our attitudes impact others. How leaders show up is contagious. The difference between leaders who show up at work and those who show up to work is intentionality. The former reacts to fires whereas the latter proacts to the ingredients that cause fires by using selfmanagement tools.”

One of our industry guest presenters was Dennis Ullom of St. Croix Tree Service (purchased by Sav-A-Tree). He explained to our GILI class, “My perspective on ownership completely shifted when I recognized that I wasn’t in the Tree Business or the Green Industry; I was in the people business!”

At the Green Industry Leadership Institute, the curriculum focuses on self-awareness. This includes: understanding who I am and how I react in front of others, how my personality style affects others, my intrinsic motivations, my auto-response february 18

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➾ LE A DERSHIP GAP

to conflict and change. This awareness influences how we plan and prioritize, how we communicate out to others (appropriately or inappropriately), how we manage time, how we view the bottom line and the ROI we bring, and how we influence (or not) our customers. This boils down to behavior. Behavior won’t change until there is self-awareness which can trigger a feeling (yup there’s that word again) for a need to change. At the Institute, we provide a safe environment for students to learn not only the latest leadership concepts, but to experiment and try on new perceptions, openly dialogue with others and self-analyze where they are at today and where they want to go in the future. Management does not necessarily mean leadership. This is what the students uncover about themselves through the 10 month course.

Do you have a leadership gap? You may not have one today, but look out 3–5 years…will you have a leadership gap? How many baby boomer leaders are leaving your organization in the next five years? How many Gen X and Millennials are ready to take on those leadership roles? How will they gain experience before the box on your org chart empties? This is a long term strategic move. Remember, it is the speed at which you can fill those gaps that is the challenge.

What’s your plan?

TERRI WILCOX

is co-founder of Resultants For Business and an

experienced Business Advisor, organizational strategist, and certified Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

Connect with her and other RFB® Business Advisors at www.theresultants.com.

HAPPY RETIREMENT! DENNIS MEDO RETIRES FROM TBG

The Director of Insurance at The Builders Group, Dennis Medo, retired at the end of 2017. MNLA has partnered with The Builders Group on Worker’s Compensation the past several years. Medo plans to continue his active role with the associations The Builders Group supports, including MNLA, along with his role as President of The Builders Group Education Foundation.

In January 2018, he will begin a new journey as the Executive Director of Project Build Minnesota.

february 18

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➾ DAY S E CTO I ONNTHE TITLE HILL

DAY ON THE HILL IS COMING —

DON’T BE AFRAID! As you know—or we really hope you do by now—the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association is constantly working with elected officials and regulatory specialists on your behalf.

Larry Johnson | Government Affairs Director

Staff and members meet with regulators, legislators and staff each week on a number of issues that affect you, your business and your customers daily. If you will allow us a moment of pride, we are pretty good at what we do. But with your help, we can be even better!

As we hope you know, the Association hosts an annual event called our Day on the Hill every March. This one-day event gives you, as members, a crash course on legislative issues facing the green industry and brings you face-to-face with state legislators for a discussion on specific issues pending during the legislative session.

(Please see the Scoop article on page 16 highlighting our legislative agenda for 2018 for more information on specific issues we’re working on this year.)

I have worked at and with the Minnesota Legislature since I was in college, so I really don’t count as “normal” but I do understand that it’s normal to be intimidated by the thought of interacting with legislators who are often in the news and on television and carry a level of influence and power. Some of you as volunteers can attest that legislators (as I often tell my Boy Scouts about animals in the woods) are sometimes as nervous about meeting with you as you are of them. They become experts on very narrow specific issues pending at the legislature and are not omniscient and often research issues to be better informed before meeting you. These “Days on the Hill” events are our opportunity as experts 24

MNLA .biz

february 18

to help educate them on how their votes and the laws they pass would impact the industry.

We will spend part of the morning educating you on specific issues and practicing for your meetings with your State Representative and State Senator. We will also be traveling in groups whenever possible, so you don’t have to remember every last detail and can divide up the duties.

Being personally involved in our grassroots advocacy will help you know that at the end of the day, you did everything possible to help the industry and your business thrive. As we’ve said before, it may be unnerving, but the rewards for both you and the industry cannot be matched. Our continued success as an industry depends on the hard work of volunteers like you. Still don’t feel that this one-day event is within your comfort zone? Or do you have other commitments on March 7th? I encourage you to send an email or make a call to your legislators to tell them about the industry and your company and to invite them to meet with you at your business—home field advantage sometimes helps!

If you have any questions or further concerns about visiting the Capitol that day, please don’t hesitate to call or email me any time.

LARRY JOHNSON can

be reached at: larry@mnla.biz.

2018 GREEN INDUSTRY DAY ON THE HILL Wednesday, March 7th

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

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

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

Event Schedule:

Cedar Street Armory • 8:00-8:30 – Check-in & Complimentary Continental Breakfast • 8:30-9:20 – Issue & Advocacy Orientation • 9:20-9:45 – Small Group “Sessions” Capitol Complex, Senate & State Office Buildings • 9:45-4:00 – Meetings with your elected officials

Be sure to register by this year’s deadline – Friday, February 16th!

Registrations can be submitted electronically by visiting the MNLA.biz event calendar and downloading the form on our Day on the Hill event page.

We look forward to advocating alongside you to grow results in government affairs!

➾ MNLA N EWS

MNLA

CONGRATULATIONS! Congratulations to the following individuals who were honored with MNLA Awards at the 2018 Green Industry Awards Celebration on January 2nd at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

WARHOL RECEIVES MNLA SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD

BERG NAMED MNLA VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Dave Warhol was honored with a Special

Randy Berg was named Volunteer of the

Service Award by the Minnesota Nursery &

Year during the Green Industry Awards Cel-

Landscape Association during the Green

ebration held Jan. 2. He is the owner of Berg’s

Industry Awards Celebration, held at the Min-

Nursery and Landscape in Austin, Minn. which

neapolis Convention Center on Jan. 2, 2018.

is comprised of both a garden center and a

Warhol is the co-owner of Hubbell/Tyner

landscape design/build division.

located in New Brighton, Minn.

MNLA’s Special Service Award honors MNLA members or industry

The MNLA Volunteer of the Year Award honors an individual who has, within the previous 18 months, risen up

friends who have, over a long period of time, given of themselves

to make special achievements happen for the association. Working

personally and/or professionally to make the nursery and landscape

within the MNLA, this individual’s leadership and commitment will have

business a better industry.

helped significantly improve the activities, stature, or services of the

Warhol began his career at the Radisson South hotel in Blooming-

association.

ton in 1970 where he worked on the MNLA trade show until 1979,

Berg was honored this year because of his wide variety of partici-

arranging meeting rooms, room blocks, and move in / move out of

pation in association activities. But specifically, his leadership of the

the trade show. In 1979, he took a position with Brede, a local trade

exterior project for the MNLA office building. While not yet complete,

show contractor, where he continued to work on the MNLA trade show

this project has been years in the making and has not come without

account until 1989.

contention. Berg has risen to the challenge and lead a task team

In 1989, Warhol partnered with Dwayne Hendricks to start his own

that has compiled a wish list, managed the design process, solicited

convention contracting company called North American Trade Shows.

donations, created an RFP for installation, and will take the project to

They borrowed equipment from friend and mentor, Carl Hubbell, from

completion in 2018.

Kansas City, and they were in business. MNLA continued to trust Warhol with its annual trade show business.

For the last 28 years, Hubbell/Tyner has been MNLA’s trade show

According to MNLA Past President Herman Roerick, “As you can imagine, creating a landscape to feature the landscape industry is no small charge, but Berg was up for the challenge and continues to shep-

contractor and one of its longest standing partners. Warhol’s tenure

herd the process. We’re pleased to recognize him for his hard work,

has spanned three executive directors at MNLA, including Gen & Jim

dedication, leadership and passion on behalf of MNLA.”

McCarthy, Bob Fitch, and now Cassie Larson. He has worked with all

Berg is currently the chair and an active member of the Communica-

the MNLA staff, exhibitors, and countless volunteers during his tenure.

tions and Technology Committee and an at-large member of the MNLA

Through it all, he and his team continue to provide top-notch service

Board of Directors. He has been serving as an MNLA volunteer for

for this event; constantly behind the scenes making sure everything

over 25 years in a variety of roles and exemplifies the professionalism,

runs smoothly.

work ethic, and dedication of the excellent volunteers that fuel MNLA’s

According to outgoing MNLA President Herman Roerick, “Warhol has gone above and beyond to ensure the success of MNLA’s annual convention and the Northern Green trade show for over 47 years.

Warhol will certainly be missed upon his retirement in 2018. We appreciate all he’s done on behalf of Minnesota’s green industry.”

programs and services.

In addition to his volunteerism with MNLA, he has also been an active volunteer at his church and with other local community efforts.

Berg earned a B.A. degree in horticulture and landscape design from Duluth Area Technical College. Additionally, he is an MNLA Certified Professional and an APLD Certified Landscape Designer.

26 26

MNLA .biz MNLA .biz

february december18 17

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Opening Image: Figure 1. Leaf spot symptoms on a boxwood plant (Buxus spp.) infected with the boxwood blight fungus (Calonectria pseudonaviculata); the brown, circular lesions, typically with darker margins, will eventually coalesce and kill the affected foliage (Photo Credit: David L. Clement, University of Maryland, Bugwood.org).

Figure 2. Elongated, black Stem lesions (cankers; often described as streaking) and necrotic foliage on a boxwood plant (Buxus spp.) infected with the boxwood blight fungus (Calonectria pseudonaviculata); the dead foliage will eventually abscise and plants typically defoliate from the bottom up (Photo Credit: Mary Ann Hanson, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org).

s previously reported in Research for the Real World updates in February, 2012, and June, 2017, boxwood blight is a new and very serious threat to boxwood (Buxus spp.) plants in nurseries and designed landscapes. Boxwoods are highvalue plants and are one of the most popular shrubs planted in European and North American landscapes. The disease is caused by two closely related, but different species of fungi — Calonectria pseudonaviculata (synonyms — Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum, Cylindrocladium buxicola) and Calonectria henricotiae. It was initially believed that Calonectria pseudonaviculata was the only pathogen involved, but Calonectria henricotiae was subsequently isolated from plants growing in Europe and named as a separate species. There is no known cure and while fungicides can help prevent initial infections and reduce the spread of the disease, they are not a solution.

The hosts and symptoms of both species are essentially the same, but C. henricotiae appears to tolerate warmer temperatures. From a disease and prevention standpoint, it is important to note that C. henricitiae has not yet been found in North America and is not believed to be present in North America at this time. As spring and a new production and landscaping season approaches, now is a good time to learn more about this devastating disease and its prevention.

Boxwood blight (also called box blight and boxwood leaf drop) is a devastating disease that was officially confirmed in the United States just over six years ago and has been spreading rapidly ever since. First confirmed in Connecticut and North Carolina in October, 2011, the boxwood blight fungus attacks leaves and stems causing defoliation, severe dieback, and death of infected plants and can easily overwhelm and destroy susceptible boxwood plants in a single growing season. Although some variation exists among species and cultivars, all species of boxwood (Buxus spp.) appear to be susceptible including those grown in Minnesota. Most recently (2016) boxwood blight was confirmed in California, Illinois, New Hampshire,

South Carolina, Washington, and West Virginia; of these, the finds in two counties in northeastern Illinois in December, 2016, are the most recent and the closest to Minnesota. The disease has subsequently spread quickly and has thus far been confirmed in nursery, garden center, and landscape settings in 24 states — Alabama, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. Not surprisingly, given the presence of boxwood blight in Maryland and Virginia, the disease has also been documented in the District of Columbia and has also been confirmed in three Canadian provinces — British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.

Boxwood is an important nursery crop and a popular landscape plant and various species and cultivars have been planted in landscapes and gardens for millennia including by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. In Europe, and to a lesser extent in eastern North America, boxwoods are often the foundation of estate plantings, most notably in formal gardens, and can be found in some of the most famous gardens of the world. An increasing number of boxwood cultivars are sold today and some are hybrids between common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens; also called American or English boxwood; not reliably cold hardy in Minnesota, but can sometimes be grown in protected locations) and Korean littleleaf boxwood (Buxus sinca var. insularis; formerly Buxus microphylla var. koreana; cold hardy to USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 4 in Minnesota). In addition to the Korean littleleaf boxwood parent, several of these hybrid cultivars are also cold hardy in Minnesota if planted in the right location. As a consequence of their popularity, boxwood is the top selling evergreen nationwide based on the most recent data available from the USDA Census of Horticultural Specialties (2014), and is also the most popular broadleaf evergreen based on february 18

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➾ RE S E ARCH FOR THE R EAL WO R L D

sales value (over $126 million; wholesale and retail combined) and the number of plants grown. Although not as common in Minnesota’s colder landscapes, the popularity of boxwood is on the rise in the state. The historical and contemporary popularity of boxwood can be attributed to the many positive characteristics of the genus including shade tolerance, evergreen foliage, compact habit and symmetrical form, fragrant flowers, fine texture, landscape use versatility, soil adaptability, pest resistance (insects, diseases, rabbits, and deer), landscape longevity, and shearing tolerance and popularity as a formal hedge plant. Requiring well drained soils, boxwood will grow just about anywhere so long as the soils are not poorly drained and excessively wet and the cold hardy selections of boxwood are one of only a few broadleaf evergreens that can be reliably grown in the warmer parts of Minnesota so long as they receive winter shade.

Although it is not believed that the disease originated there, boxwood blight was first detected in the United Kingdom in 1994 and subsequently spread quickly, becoming widely distributed across the country within six years (2000). Since then the disease has spread to other European countries (1998–present), New Zealand (1998), and North America (2011). Boxwood blight has also been found in the wild in native boxwood populations in Europe and the Republic of Georgia in western Asia and native populations in Europe have been significantly impacted. Although much has been learned about the life cycle of the boxwood blight fungus since being recognized as a serious threat to the nursery and landscape industry and native boxwood populations, the origin of the disease remains a mystery.

It is clear, however, that human-mediated transport is the primary long-distance vector and the introduction of the disease to new areas is most likely associated with the importation and movement of infected plants or other infected materials. In areas where boxwood is a popular landscape plant and widely planted, boxwood blight is a serious and growing concern that poses a very serious threat to the boxwood industry and existing plants in designed landscapes in the United States and Canada. Fortunately, boxwood blight has not yet been documented in Minnesota and hopefully we can keep it that way.

The symptoms of boxwood blight can sometimes be confused with the damage caused by other boxwood pests and abiotic disorders and can sometimes be difficult to identify. This is especially true for those who are not familiar with the disease, but resources that can be helpful in identifying boxwood blight are quickly becoming available. The primary symptoms of boxwood blight include circular, brown leaf spots with darker margins which may eventually coalesce to cover entire leaves and stem cankers that appear as blackish-brown streaks on affected stems resulting in significant defoliation and dieback within the crowns of infected plants resulting in a blighted appearance. Infected leaves typically turn light brown before defoliation occurs. Under favorable conditions (warm and moist), downy, white fungal growth and spore masses may be produced on the undersides of the leaves and along the stems and are visible to the naked eye. The elongated (sometimes diamondshaped), dark brown to black stem cankers on the green stems are perhaps the most distinctive symptom for the identification of boxwood blight. Considered a shoot blight, it has generally been accepted

that roots are not affected, but more recent research suggests this is not the case. Although new shoots may sometimes arise from the crown, plants are typically severely weakened and eventually killed.

Although fungal growth can occur when temperatures are above 5º (41º F), warm (18-25º C (64.4-77º F) moist conditions are preferred with optimum growth occurring at 25º C (77º F). Growth has been observed to slow down at warmer temperatures and reportedly ceases at 30º (86º F). Extended exposure to 33º (91.4º F) appears to be lethal. Treating cuttings with hot water (47.5º C; 117.5º F) has been suggested as a therapy for killing the pathogen during commercial propagation. Asexual reproduction occurs in the form specialized branches of the fungal mycelium (conidiophores) that produce clusters of sticky conidia (asexual spores) which function in dispersal and reproduction when they germinate to produce new fungal colonies. The clusters of white conidia visible to the naked eye and are produced on the undersides of infected leaves and from the stem lesions. Sexual reproduction has not been observed.

Boxwood blight infections can result from both spores and mycelia. Boxwood blight spores (conidia) are easily moved about by splashed water droplets from rain events and overhead irrigation which are the primary methods of localized dispersal in landscapes and production facilities. Wind may also move the spores short distances. Longer distance transport is easily accomplished when the sticky conidia adhere to just about any surface (e.g., contaminated clothing and footwear, pruning tools and other equipment, shipping containers) and these contaminated articles are moved to new locations by people. Runoff from irrigation and rainfall, and the movement of contaminated soil and plant debris are also a potential methods of long-distance dispersal. Given their stickiness, it may also be possible for the spores to be moved on animals and perhaps even insects. Of course, infested plants and plant parts (cuttings, Christmas/holiday greenery, etc.), and plant debris and contaminated soil, are also means of introducing the disease to new areas and can be primary vectors for long-distance spread. The boxwood blight pathogens are able to survive in infected plants and plant debris and can survive for five to six years or more in infected plant debris and contaminated soil. The disease does not require a wound for infection to occur, but high humidity or a film of water is required. When the conditions are suitable, the conidia can germinate within three hours and are able to penetrate the leaves through the stomata or directly through the plant cuticle and epidermis within five hours. Under ideal conditions the pathogen can complete its life cycle within one week and plants can become symptomatic and be defoliated very quickly. It is important to understand, however, that under less than ideal conditions, or when plants are treated with fungicides during production, the disease can remain dormant and infected plants may, as a result, be symptomless. Plants with partial resistance can also harbor the pathogens. As a result of these complicating factors, shipping or otherwise moving such asymptomatic plants can be a significant vector for spreading the disease to new areas and has been referred to as the “Trojan Horse” or “Typhoid Mary” syndrome.

Interestingly, the 2017 holiday season was somewhat of a “poster boy” for the potential spread of boxwood blight on greenery february 18

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collected from infected boxwood plants. In one case, Christmas wreaths sold by a Boy Scout troop in Evansville, Indiana, and purchased from a nursery in North Carolina, were found to be infected with the boxwood blight fungus. Boxwood blight had not previously been found in Indiana and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has asked purchasers to bag and return the wreaths. The DNR will then follow up with those who purchased wreaths next summer to check boxwoods in the landscape for symptoms of boxwood blight. The same wreaths were also sold across South Carolina and buyers have been directed to treat the wreaths as if they were infected and dispose of them by burning or double-bagging and placing in the trash for disposal in a landfill.

Unlike Indiana, boxwood blight has been documented in South Carolina, but only in isolated locations. These incidents highlight the need to be exceedingly careful when sourcing holiday greens and other plant products that may harbor diseases like boxwood blight as well as other harmful pests.

Also regarding the spread of boxwood blight to new areas, although the most recent finds in Illinois (December 2016), the known infestations that are closest to Minnesota, are certainly a concern, when it comes to long-distance spread, proximity doesn’t really matter because long distance transport by human activities is the biggest threat. For example, the original infestation in Oregon (December 2011), the first detection in the western United States, was ultimately traced to a far-away source, a nursery in Connecticut, and a state where the disease had only been discovered just two months earlier (October 2011) and one of the first two states where boxwood blight had been confirmed almost simultaneously and the first documented occurrences of the disease in North America. Most new infestations have been traced back to the shipment of infested nursery stock and newly planted boxwood plants in landscapes. The recent finds in California (west central CA, south of San Francisco; Kathleen Kosta, Primary State Plant Pathologist, California Department of Food and Agriculture; personal communication) and Washington (Seattle area; Gary Chastagner, Plant Pathologist & Extension Specialist, Department of Plant Pathology, Washington State University; personal communication) are, however, interesting and perhaps a little different as the plants involved were older plants in existing landscapes. Thus far forensic investigation of these infestations has not definitively identified the source of these infestations. It is possible that new plants had recently been added to these landscapes and these areas have recently been experiencing unusually wet weather. Introductions by landscape maintenance personnel could also be a possibility.

Some additional research findings related to boxwood blight include: • Thus far, boxwood blight has only been associated with three species within the genus Buxus including Buxus sempervirens, Buxus microphylla (littleleaf boxwood), and Buxus sinica var. insularis, but other species of boxwood (Buxus spp.) are susceptible and none of the species that have been tested appear to be completely immune; in general, Buxus sempervirens and its cultivars appear to be the most susceptible to boxwood blight and resistance in other species is highly variable and often cultivar dependent.

• In addition to boxwood (Buxus spp.), the fungi that cause boxwood blight can infect and cause disease in other members of the boxwood family (Buxaceae) including Japanese spurge (Pachysandra terminalis), a herbaceous, evergreen groundcover used in shady locations in Minnesota landscapes; Allegheny spurge (Pachysandra procumbens), a similar, but lesser known species native to the southeastern United States and sometimes planted in Minnesota landscapes, Emeishan spurge (Pachysandra axillaris), an unusual, evergreen groundcover native to China and Japan with toothed, leathery leaves and fragrant, axillary flowers that is not cold hardy in Minnesota; and sweet box (Sarcococca spp.), a woody shrub with very fragrant flowers that is also not cold hardy in Minnesota; other species may also be susceptible, but have not been tested.

• The boxwood blight pathogen has been isolated from asymptomatic plants (plants showing no symptoms) and infected plants can remain symptomless for 3-4 weeks or more; this is a serious problem relative to detecting the presence of infected plants and complicates the ability to detect and prevent the spread when shipping and purchasing plants as these asymptomatic plants and plant material (cuttings and boxwood holiday greenery) can serve as vectors for spreading the disease to new locations.

• DNA-based assays involving the artificial replication of DNA to increase DNA levels to detectable levels – PCR or qPCR assays (polymerase chain reaction or quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays) and LAMP assays (loop-mediated isothermal amplification assays) — have been developed and show promise as quick and dirty method for detecting the presence of the boxwood blight pathogens using crude extracts collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic plants; these protocols also have the potential to successfully detect the presence of the pathogens in air and water samples.

• The boxwood blight pathogens can survive in the soil and in plant debris and may have the capacity to survive in the soil for up to 10 years or more through the formation of microsclerotia (hardened mycelial masses); research indicates the asexual spores (conidia) can remain viable for up to three weeks; ethyl or isopropyl alcohol, sodium hypochlorite (bleach), phenolic compounds, and quaternary ammonium products can be effective for disinfecting pruners and other tools.

• Research to determine the effectiveness of fungicides in controlling boxwood blight continues and has shown that several fungicides may be effective in controlling mycelial growth, sporulation, and spore germination in greenhouse and field studies; chlorothalonil is just one example; remember that fungicides are not cures, most are primarily preventative, but can help reduce spore production and spread; remember that the use of fungicides can mask the disease resulting in symptomless plants that may still harbor the disease and serve as vectors for introducing boxwood blight to new areas; in addition, the use of various sanitation and february 18

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➾ RE S E ARCH FOR THE R EAL WO R L D

cultural practices, biocontrol agents, soil sterilants, and soil surface flaming have been and continue to be investigated as potential control measures with some success.

• Whether regulatory actions designed to control the spread of boxwood blight will be implemented by the United States Department of Agriculture — Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) or by individual states remains unclear; Pennsylvania has, however, become the first state to enact a boxwood blight quarantine (June 25, 2016; http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol46/46-26/1071. html) and Tennessee is scheduled to become the second state to implement a quarantine on February 4, 2018 (http:// publications.tnsosfiles.com/rules_filings/11-05-17.pdf); these regulations allow the quarantine of any property where boxwood blight is confirmed, restrict the inter- and intrastate movement of any material that my carry or spread the fungus, requires inspection of regulated articles entering Pennsylvania or Tennessee from another state, and requires compliance agreements with growers for production and handling; several other states have implemented voluntary boxwood blight cleanliness programs based on industry-sponsored best management practices and compliance agreements (see below).

• Good sanitation and avoiding inadvertent introductions remain best defense; sanitation practices and other actions that can be used to reduce the spread of boxwood blight in nurseries, garden centers, and display gardens and other landscapes include: • Only sourcing boxwood plants, liners, cuttings, and holiday greenery from growers you know and trust and especially growers that are enrolled in state-sponsored boxwood cleanliness/compliance programs.

• Inspecting plants for boxwood blight symptoms prior to purchase remembering that asymptomatic plants and plantderived materials can harbor the disease and be a source of infection.

• Growing the most resistant boxwood varieties and growing them in full sunlight, with good air circulation, and without overhead irrigation.

• Isolating new plant material for at least four weeks away from other plants and shipping areas to allow time for disease symptoms to develop and inspecting these plants weekly.

• Avoiding large blocks of boxwood to reduce the potential for significant losses to boxwood blight if it is introduced.

• Inspecting boxwood plants and other susceptible species on a weekly basis (scouting), and especially during warm, wet weather.

• Wearing clean, disposable shoe/boot coverings (bag and destroy) or carefully removing all debris and soil from footwear between boxwood fields or landscapes and especially locations where boxwood blight is suspected or known to be present.

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• Wearing clean, disposable Tyveks coveralls (bag and destroy) or laundering clothes between different field and landscape locations and especially those where boxwood blight is suspected or known to be present.

• Disinfecting pruning tools and other equipment frequently and between groups of plants or individual plants in landscape plantings.

• Regularly removing and destroying fallen leaves and other plant debris; flaming can be useful in eliminating infected plant debris and in sterilizing surface soils.

• Not reusing contaminated growing media or containers or sterilizing used containers; ideally, contaminated media should also be sterilized.

• Reporting plants suspected of being infected with boxwood blight and having them tested for confirmation.

• After testing, destroying diseased plants by burial or burning (if allowed) on site, double-bagging and sending to landfill, and not composting to avoid spread of the pathogen locally and to new areas.

• Following the latest developments in boxwood blight prevention and management and incorporating them into production and landscape maintenance programs.

• The boxwood blight pathogen is not going away and will likely continue to spread; breeding for resistance is needed and being pursued; the National Arboretum has a significant boxwood collection and continues to obtain new germplasm from native boxwood populations with the hope that this extensive collection (and others) may be an important resource for breeding and selection activities focused on boxwood blight resistance.

Shortly after the disease was confirmed in North America in 2011, AmericanHort (formerly ANLA) created a Boxwood Blight Working Group (BBWG) and, together with the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI; the research affiliate of AmericanHort) and the National Plant Board (NPB), developed research-based guidelines for a Boxwood Cleanliness Program based on a set of voluntary best management practices (BMPs) and a compliance agreement that relies on a systematic approach to clean plant sourcing, early detection, and managing and preventing the spread of boxwood blight. These resources were released in 2012. Since the release of this BMP document, ongoing research focused on species and cultivar resistance, fungicide efficacy, biological control, disease mapping and forecasting, vectors for short- and long-distance spread, pathogen survival, mulch impacts, temperature impacts, and heat treatment (cuttings) and an updated set of BMPs (Version 2.0) was developed and released in September, 2017. The updated version is available through the AmericanHort – Knowledge Center website at https://hortknowledgecenter.org/getattachment/ 7068c31f-fee0-4541-bf4a-ac89350be97b/BoxwoodBlightBMPs2017. pdf?lang=en-US and the “Boxwood Blight Compliance Agreement Template” is available at http://sanc.nationalplantboard.org/state-tools/.

Boxwood cleanliness programs designed to prevent the introduction and minimize the risk of spreading boxwood blight have also been developed by several states that have been impacted by boxwood blight including Connecticut (http://www.ct.gov/caes/lib/caes/ documents/special_features/boxwood_blight/guidelines_for_reporting_and_managing_boxwood_blight_in_connecticut_landscapes_version_3_01-27-14.pdf, http://www.ct.gov/caes/lib/caes/ documents/special_features/boxwood_blight/connecticut_best_management_practices_for_boxwood_blight-nurseries_garden_centers_or_dealers_version_2.0_01-27-14.pdf, http://www.ct.gov/caes/ lib/caes/documents/special_features/boxwood_blight/connecticut_ best_management_practices_for_boxwood_blight-for_landscapers_ and_residential_and_commercial_plantings_version_2.0_01-27-14. pdf, http://www.ct.gov/caes/lib/caes/documents/special_features/ boxwood_blight/connecticut_best_management_practices_for_boxwood_blight-positive_production_nurseries_version_2.0_01-27-14. pdf ); Maryland (http://mda.maryland.gov/plants-pests/Documents/ BoxwoodBlight_BMP_2016.pdf ); New Jersey (http://www.state. nj.us/agriculture/divisions/pi/pdf/BoxwoodBMP.pdf ); Virginia (http://pubs.ext.vt.edu/PPWS/PPWS-29/PPWS-29.html, http:// www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-boxwood-blight. shtml), and others.

AmericanHort, a professional entity representing the American horticultural industry resulting from the union of the American Nursery and Landscape Association (ANLA) and the OFA – The Association of Horticultural Professionals in 2014, and the Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) have been leaders in the response to the advent of boxwood blight in the United States. Various boxwood blight research updates and webinars intended to provide nursery and landscape professionals with the most up-to-date scientific information on boxwood blight are available through the AmericanHort and HRI websites (www.americanhort.org and http://hriresearch.org, respectively). Recognizing boxwood blight as an important research priority, the Horticultural Research Institute has also created the Box Blight Fund (BBF) and is working to leverage industry and other sources of research funding to address the boxwood blight threat and promote funding and research in a way that maximizes the value of research funding by avoiding fragmented and duplicative research efforts. Several projects have been funded through these efforts including through the U.S. Farm Bill since 2012.

Boxwood blight remains a significant growing threat to boxwood production and use as a landscape plant and should be of concern to all segments of the nursery and landscape industry including nursery, garden center, landscape design, and landscape maintenance professionals and the landscaping public. Keeping this devastating disease out of Minnesota should be a high priority for all concerned.

The movement of infected plant material is the number one vector for the spread of boxwood blight and avoiding the importation of infected boxwood plants will be the key to keeping this disease out of Minnesota. Given their nation-wide, and in some cases even larger distribution systems, big box stores may be a special concern in this regard. Be on the lookout for this disease (preventing new introductions is the first line of defense, but early detection and eradi-

cation are also critical if inadvertent introductions occur), propagate existing selections of boxwood only from healthy in-house or in-state source plants and carefully consider the consequences and insure stock is disease free when sourcing new selections of boxwood from out-of-state suppliers.

Once again, it would be a shame if boxwood blight finds its way to Minnesota. The reality is that the primary vector of boxwood blight is nursery commerce and the human-mediated movement of infected plant material and other contaminated materials. As a result, this devastating disease will continue to spread unless growers, retailers, landscape service providers, and consumers are aware of the threat and vigilant and proactive in preventing its spread. The development of resistant varieties is the ultimate goal and will hopefully be the answer, but until that happens it is our professional responsibility to be mindful and do all we can to prevent the introduction of spread of this devastating disease.

For additional information about boxwood blight, including descriptions and pictures of the symptoms and best management practices for preventing the introduction and managing the spread of boxwood blight and the boxwood tree moth, consult the following selected resources: United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Pest Alert: http://www.dem.ri.gov/ programs/bnatres/agricult/pdf/boxwoodblightpa.pdf Milius, S. 2012. Boxwood Blight Invades North America. Science News January 20, 2012. http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/ id/337795/title/Boxwood_blight_invades_North_America Gillman, D. 2012. Boxwood Blight Found in Massachusetts. University of Massachusetts Extension Nursery & Urban Forestry Program. http:// extension.umass.edu/landscape/news/boxwood-blight-found-connecticut Douglas, S.M. 2011. Boxwood Blight – A New Disease for Connecticut and the U.S. Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Fact Sheet. http://extension.umass.edu/landscape/sites/landscape/files/fact-sheets/ pdf/boxwood_blight_CAES.pdf Henricot, B., C. Gorton, G. Denton, and J. Denton. 2008. Studies on the Control of Cylindrocladium buxicola Using Fungicides and Host Resistance. Plant Disease 92(9):1273-1279. http://apsjournals.apsnet. org/doi/pdf/10.1094/PDIS-92-9-1273 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service). 2015. 2012 Census of Agriculture: Census of Horticultural Specialties (2014). Volume 3, Special Studies, Part 3; December 2015. https://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/2012/Online_Resources/Census_of_Horticulture_Specialties/ Ganci, M., D.M. Benson, and K.L. Ivors. 2012. Susceptibility of Commercial Boxwood Varieties to Cylindrocladium buxicola. Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University. http://americanhort. theknowledgecenter.com/library/Americanhort/docs/government%20 relations/boxwood%20blight/NCSU_boxblight_tolerance.pdf Kelly Ivors, K. and M. Ganci. 2013. The Most Effective Products for Preventing Boxwood Blight, Caused by Cylindrocladium buxicola (= Calonectria pseudonaviculata).

Department of Plant Pathology, North Carolina State University. http:// americanhort.theknowledgecenter.com/Library/Americanhort/docs/ government%20relations/boxwood%20blight/7.22.13-BB.pdf

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Emerging Issues & Technology Projects: Boxwood Blight; Horticultural Research Institute http://hriresearch.org/index.cfm?page=Content&categoryID=163 or www.boxwoodblight.org Boxwood Blight Webinar (47 minute recording with slides; hosted by the ANLA and the HRI) http://www.anla.org/knowledgecenter/premium/index.cfm?view=playe r&colid=112&cid=324&mfid=5311&StartNum=1; the webinar can also be accessed at http://www.hriresearch.org.

Odom, J. 2016. Pennsylvania Issues Quarantine Order to Stop Boxwood Blight. Total Landscape Care, June 30, 2016. http://www.totallandscapecare.com/landscaping/pennsylvania-quarantine-boxwood-blight/ Horticultural Research Institute (HRI). 2017. Boxwood Blight: Researchers Looking Outside the Box for Solutions. http://hriresearch.org/HRI/ Research_Results/Outside_The_Boxwood.aspx Yonghao Li, Y. 2015. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

Boxwood Blight Identification Guide. http://www.ct.gov/caes/lib/caes/ documents/special_features/boxwood_blight/boxwood_blight_identification_guide_11_x_17__final_300_dpi.jpg The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), The Plant Disease Information Office. Boxwood Blight: Information and News. http://www.ct.gov/caes/cwp/view.asp?a=3756&q=500388 Larson, D.L. 2017. Boxwood Blight Confirmed in Illinois. University of Illinois, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, College News; January 23, 2017. http://news.aces.illinois.edu/news/ boxwood-blight-confirmed-illinois Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Boxwood Blight Cleanliness Program. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/plant-industry-services-boxwood-blight.shtml

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Niemiera, A.X. Selecting Landscape Plants: Boxwoods. Virginia Cooperative Extension. http://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/content/dam/pubs_ext_ vt_edu/426/426-603/426-603_pdf.pdf Gehesquière, B., D’Haeyer, S., Pham, K. T. K., Van Kuik, A. J., Maes, M., Höfte, M., and Heungens, K. 2013. qPCR Assays for the Detection of Cylindrocladium buxicola in Plant, Water, and Air Samples. Plant Disease 97(8):1082-1090. http://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/pdfplus/10.1094/PDIS-10-12-0964-RE Wilson, B. and M. Taylor. 2015. The Wild Side: How Expeditions to Collect Wild Boxwood Inform the Future of Our Collection. Longwood Chimes 290:6-7. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA; January 18, 2015. https://issuu.com/longwoodgardens/docs/chimes_290_issuu/8 Chitambar, J. 2016. California Pest Rating for Calonectria pseudonaviculata (Crous, J. Z. Groenew. & C. F. Hill) L. Lombard, M. J. Wingf. & Crous, 2010. California Department of Food and Agriculture, Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division; December 16, 2016. http://blogs.cdfa.ca.gov/Section3162/?p=3091 Gehesquière, B., J.A. Crouch, R.E. Marra, K. Van Poucke, F. Rys, M. Maes, B. Gobin, M. Höfte and K. Heungens. 2016. Characterization and Taxonomic Re-Assessment of the Box Blight Pathogen Calonectria pseudonaviculata, Introducing Calonectria henricotiae sp. nov. Plant Pathology 65(1):37-52. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ ppa.12401/full (abstract only) Shishkoff, N. 2016. Survival of Microsclerotia of Calonectria pseudonaviculata and C. henricotiae Exposed to Sanitizers. Plant Health Progress 17(January):13-17. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292336549_Survival_of_Microsclerotia_of_Calonectria_pseudonaviculata_and_C_henricotiae_Exposed_to_Sanitizers (abstract only)

Kong, P. and C. Hong. 2017. Biocontrol of Boxwood Blight by Trichoderma koningiopsis Mb2. Crop Protection 98 (August 2017):124-127. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261219417300777 (abstract only) Kong, P, T.M. Likins, and C Hong. 2017. First Report of Pachysandra terminalis Leaf Spots by Calonectria pseudonaviculata in Virginia. Plant Disease 101(3):509. http://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PDIS10-16-1513-PDN

http://www.tnstate.edu/extension/documents/Boxwood%20Blight%20 Factsheet.pdf Eskandari, F. and N. Shishkoff. 2017. Both Boxwood Blight Pathogens (Calonectria pseudonaviculata and C. henricotiae) Can Infect Boxwood Roots. Abstracts of Presentations at the 2017 Potomac Division Meeting (Morgantown, West Virginia; March 22-24, 2017); July 2017.

Phytopathology 107(7S):S4.1-S4.6. https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/ pdf/10.1094/PHYTO-107-7-S4.1 (abstract only)

Ivors, K. L., L.W. Lacey, D.C. Milks, S.M. Douglas, M.K. Inman, R.E. Marra, and J.A. LaMondia. 2012. First report of boxwood blight caused

by Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum in the United States. Plant Dis. 96(7):1070. http://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PDIS-03-120247-PDN (abstract only)

LaMondia, J.A. 2017. Pachysandra Species and Cultivar Susceptibility to the Boxwood Blight Pathogen, Calonectria pseudonaviculata. Plant Health Progress – April 2017. http://www.plantmanagementnetwork.

Palmer, C.L. 2014. Boxwood Blight: A New Scourge, a New Paradigm for Collaborative Research. Outlooks on Pest Management 25(3):230-236. http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/resinf/ opm/2014/00000025/00000003/art00010 (abstract only)

TO COMMENT ON THIS RESEARCH UPDATE,

org/php/elements/sum2.aspx?id=10953 (abstract only) suggest research topics of interest,

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

Munster, M. 2014 (updated 2016). Pest Alert: Boxwood Blight on Holiday Greenery. North Carolina State University Plant Disease and Insect Clinic (blog post); December 17, 2014 (updated November, 2016). http://ncsupdicblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/pest-alert-boxwood-blighton-holiday.html Hallman, T. 2017. Media Release: Beware Boxwood Blight-Infected Holiday Wreaths. Clemson University; December 15, 2017. http://newsstand.clemson.edu/mediarelations/beware-boxwood-blight-infectedholiday-wreaths/ Doyle, A. 2017. Infected wreaths sold at local Boy Scout tree lot. Courier & Press; December 12, 2017. http://www.courierpress.com/story/ news/local/2017/12/12/infected-wreaths-sold-local-boy-scout-treelot/944910001/ Horticultural Research Institute. 2017. Boxwood Blight: Researchers Looking Outside the Box for Solutions. http://www.hriresearch.org/HRI/ Research_Results/Outside_The_Boxwood.aspx AmericanHort. 2013 (Version 1.1). Nursery Industry Voluntary Best Management Practices for Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum (Boxwood Blight) (Version 1.1). http://americanhort.theknowledgecenter.com/ Library/Americanhort/docs/government%20relations/Boxwood%20 blight/BBWG-BMPs-Version1.pdf

DOWNLOAD SALES TAX SHEETS MINNESOTA REVENUE PUBLISHED UPDATES TO TWO KEY SALES TAX FACT SHEETS IN 2012.

Nursery and Greenhouse Production: Sales Tax Fact Sheet 174: Nursery and greenhouse production farms that grow trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, potted plants and other plants for sale ultimately at retail qualify for the agricultural production and farm machinery exemptions.

(The definitions of farm machinery and agricultural production are located on page two.) Nursery and greenhouse

Royal Horticulture Society. Box Tree Caterpillar. https://www.rhs.org.uk/ advice/profile?pid=760

operations that store plant stock waiting to be sold at retail

Nacambo, S., F.L.G.Leuthardt, H. Wan, H. Li, T. Haye, B. Baur, R.M. Weiss, and M. Kenis. 2014. Development Characteristics of the BoxTree Moth Cydalima perspectalis and its Potential Distribution in Europe. Journal of Applied Entomology 138(1-2):14-26. https://www. researchgate.net/publication/258327407_Development_characteristics_of_the_box-tree_moth_Cydalima_perspectalis_and_its_potential_ distribution_in_Europe

agricultural production and farm machinery exemptions.

Kong, P. and C. Hong. 2017. Biocontrol of Boxwood Blight by Trichoderma koningiopsis Mb2. Crop Protection 98(August):124-127. http:// www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261219417300777 (abstract only) LaMondia1, J.A. and N. Shishkoff. 2017. Susceptibility of Boxwood Accessions from the National Boxwood Collection to Boxwood Blight and Potential for Differences between Calonectria pseudonaviculata and C. henricotiae. HortScience 52(6):873-879. http://hortsci.ashspublications. org/content/52/6/873.short (abstract only)

or house inventory for landscapers do not qualify for the Please download the latest version of Sales Tax Fact Sheet 174 (last updated in May 2012) from http://www.revenue. state.mn.us/businesses/sut/factsheets/FS174.pdf.

Farm Machinery: Sales Tax Fact Sheet 106: New and used farm machinery is exempt from sales tax. To qualify for the exemption, the machinery must meet the definition of “farm machinery” and must be used directly and principally in “agricultural production.” The definitions of farm machinery and agricultural production are in the fact sheet. Please download the latest version of Sales Tax Fact Sheet 106 (last updated in December 2012) from http:// www.revenue.state.mn.us/businesses/sut/factsheets/ FS106.pdf.

Baysal, G. and P. Liyanapathiranage. 2017. Boxwood Blight. Tennessee State University, College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences.

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➾ LANDSCAPE S E CT I O N TITLE AWARD S

2018 MNLA LANDSCAPE AWARD WINNERS PART I

SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

were recently honored with the

2018 MNLA Award for Excellence in Landscape. Seventeen projects received awards, and you can view all submitted photos and read the project descriptions by visiting the project gallery at www.mnla.biz.

Congratulations to the companies and personnel behind these projects!

All winning projects were displayed in the Innovation and Inspiration Theater during Northern Green 2018, recognized at the Green Industry Awards Celebration, and were presented in special session on our giant screen on the trade show floor. All winners receive the posters shown at Northern Green and many other marketing assets as well. MNLA creates a video and a plaque for each award given, plus delivers a linkable project page in our gallery, a sample press release, a winner’s crest, guidelines for pitching projects to local home magazines, and tips for marketing to other media.

DID YOU KNOW? Entries are NOT judged against each other. In any given year, ALL entries could win awards, or NO

Look for more projects in upcoming issues!

entries could win an award. Each entry is judged against he standards of excellence. Judges must decide whether an entry, in their opinion, meets or even exceeds those standards.

Firm: Bachman’s, Inc.

Firm: biota Landscapes

Project: Pool Project

Project: Contemporary Farmhouse

Entrant: Daryl Melquist

Entrant: The biota team

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âž¾ S E CT I O N TITLE

Firm: DreamScapes Landscaping & Design Project: Alizadeh Residence Entrant: Clarissa Cooper

Firm: Ground One Enterprises Project: Overman Residence Entrant: The Ground One Enterprises team

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âž¾ LANDSCAPE S E CT I O N TITLE AWARD S

Firm: Magnolia Landscape & Design Co. Project: Rasmussen Residence Entrant: Thomas Hoese

Firm: Keenan & Sveiven Project: Brehm Residence Entrant: Bob Wallace

THANK YOU TO OUR 2018 AWARDS SPONSORS:

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER

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➾ MNLA PA S EGCT E ITITLE O BOARD N TITLE OF DIREC TO R S

MNLA BOARD OF DIRECTORS EL EC TI O N R E S U LT S

Scott Frampton, co-owner of Landscape Renovations, was elected president of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association. He completed his course work in Landscape Horticulture at Anoka Hennepin Technical College. He chaired the former Landscape Contractors Committee and continues to serve on the Government Affairs Committee. He is known regionally as a source for natural stone construction knowledge and has given many lectures on the subject. Scott was first elected to the MNLA Board of Directors in 2008 and has served as secretary-treasurer and vice president.

Tim Malooly, owner of Irrigation by Design and Water in Motion, was elected vice president of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association. In 2008, Malooly was named the EPA Water Sense Program Irrigation Partner of the Year and, in 2003 he was awarded the MNLA Committee Member of the Year. He is currently the chair of the MNLA Government Affairs Committee and is a past chair of the MNLA Irrigation Industry Committee. He has also served on the Irrigation Association Board of Directors and as treasurer on the MNLA Board of Directors.

Mike McNamara was re-elected to the MNLA Board of Directors. He is the owner and president of Hoffman and McNamara, a landscape contracting and wholesale nursery operation based out of Hastings. Mike has a degree in entrepreneurship from the University of St. Thomas. He is a former member of the MNLA Foundation Board of Trustees, the Green Industry Leadership Institute Task Team, and Landscape Contractors Committee.

Jeff Pilla was re-elected to the MNLA Board of Directors. Pilla serves as the Director of Retail Stores for Bachman’s, Inc. He holds an AA degree from Rochester Community College and is an MNLA Certified Professional. Jeff is a member of the Networking and Government Affairs Committees as well as the MGI Green Industry PAC. He is a past chair of the Garden Center Committee as well as a past member of the Certification Committee.

Nick Sargent was re-elected to the MNLA Board of Directors. He is the owner of Sargent’s Landscape Nursery in Rochester, Minn. Nick holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management and is an MNLA Certified Professional. Nick is a past chair and current a member of the MNLA Networking Committee and has served as a chair of the Sustainable Environment Committee as well as the Certification Committee.

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John O’Reilly was re-elected to the MNLA Board of Directors. He is the Vice President of Operations at Otten Bros.

Garden Center and Landscaping in Long Lake. John has a degree in Sociology from Western Illinois University and is an MNLA Certified Professional. He has served on a number of committees with MNLA, including the Garden Center Committee, Education & Certification Committee, and the Communications & Technology Committee. He also serves nationally on the Executive Committee of LANCO, a cooperative buying and networking group for landscape companies.

Faith Appelquist was newly elected to the MNLA Board of Directors. She is the owner of Tree Quality in St. Paul. She earned a Food Science degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Landscape Design degree from Dakota County Technical College. She is an MNLA Certified Professional, an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist, ASCA Registered Consulting Arborist and a Qualified Tree Risk Assessor. She is also a

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member of the Communications and Technology Committee.

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Also continuing to serve on the MNLA Board of Directors are: • Randy Berg, Berg’s Nursery, Landscapers/ Garden Center • Matt Mallas, Hedberg Supply

Aeration & Overseed

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february 18

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➾ ➾ SSC EH CT OLARSHIP I O N TITLE

NEW SCHOLARSHIP FUND ESTABL I SH I N G TH E FER R I SS H O RT I CU LT U RE S CH O L A RS H I P F U N D

Chad Miller Associate Professor of Landscape Horticulture at Kansas State University

Assist in establishing a NEW

her students and the industry, I believe a great way to

Scholarship Fund in honor of Dr. Terry

honor her is through establishing a horticulture scholar-

Ferriss to be nationally administered

ship in her name. Late this fall, I initiated the Terry and

through the American Floral

Ron Ferriss Horticulture Scholarship. The scholarship

Endowment (AFE). Fundraising Goal:

will be set up and administered through the American

$50,000 that will provide a $2,000

Floral Endowment (AFE). The AFE has, for many years,

annual scholarship!

maintained and administered industry scholarship and in-

Dr. Terry Ferriss retired from University of Wisconsin—

ternship programs, and Dr. Ferriss was very involved and

River Falls (UWRF) in the summer of 2015 after 36 years.

supportive of the AFE for many years through her tenure.

A distinguished teacher, leader, and scientist in the hor-

awarded to a junior or senior student with a demon-

during her tenure at UWRF. She was the first tenured

strated career interest in floriculture who is majoring in

female faculty member in the College of Agriculture and

Horticulture, Plant Science, or another closely-related

Environmental Sciences (CAFES), and the first woman to

field. Preference will be given to students interested in

serve as the Plant and Earth Sciences Department chair

commercial greenhouse production of non-edible crops,

and as an associate dean for CAFES.

research related to the production, physiology or breed-

Terry was dedicated to ensuring student success through her teaching and advising. She engaged students in their education not only in the classroom, but also through

of floriculture crops.

To provide an annual scholarship of $2,000, an endowment fund of $50,000 needs to be established. Thus, I

tional trips to experience the industry first hand. Terry

am asking you to kindly consider a contribution. There is

was always very keen on assisting students in finding and

already a great start to the fundraising campaign for the

applying for scholarships, along with providing letters of

scholarship, including a leadership gift from Ball Horticul-

recommendation. She was a strong advocate for student

tural Company. We have already raised over $16,000!

There are two ways to contribute to establishing this

internship program, and as a faculty advisor on the

scholarship; through a one-time donation or a continuing

American Floral Endowment Vic & Margaret Ball Intern

monthly contribution. Contributions can be made online

Scholarship committee for 14 years.

at http://endowment.org/donate-to-afe/, or sent via post

Terry was committed to developing future industry lead-

to The American Floral Endowment (1001 North Fairfax

ers and served in many capacities in the industry, regionally

St., Suite 201, Alexandria, VA 22314). It is important

and nationally. She was active with the Minnesota Nursery

that you clearly indicate in the “Pledge Designation”

and Landscape Association, and the American Society for

that you would like your contribution to be applied

Horticultural Science (ASHS), in which she was instrumental

to the Terry and Ron Ferriss Horticulture Scholarship.

in developing and implementing a national horticulture

All contributions are tax-deductible, and you will receive

professional certification. Her contributions have been

formal documentation of your charitable donation.

recognized by ASHS, where she received the Outstand-

I appreciate your consideration in contributing to this

ing Undergraduate Horticulture Educator Award (1989)

important endeavor. If you have any questions, please do

and the Fellows Award (2012). She also received the USDA

not hesitate to get in touch with me (ctmiller@ksu.edu;

National Excellence in Teaching Award (1998), the Soci-

785.532.1416) or with Debi Chedester, Executive Direc-

ety of American Florist’s Alex Laurie Award (2015) and the

tor at the American Floral Endowment (dchedester@

American Horticulture Society’s Teaching Award (2016).

afeendowment.org; 703.838.5211).

Considering the lasting impact that Terry has had on

MNLA .biz

ing of floriculture crops, and/or the sales and marketing

undergraduate research opportunities and with educa-

internships and she served as the director of the CAFES

48

The annual Terry and Ron Ferriss Scholarship will be

ticulture industry, Terry accomplished many milestones

february 18

Photo credit information: Kathy M Helgeson, UW—River Falls

HARDSCAPE CHALLENGE

Congratulations to the winners of the 2018 Hardscape Challenge!

Winning Team: Rocks in the Screed J. Kendall Hardscape LLC Justin Kendall Sam Mahmood Stone Craft LLC Rob Cramer

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS:

Generously supported by:

Congratulations to the winners of the 2018 Northern Green Treasure Hunt!

NAME

PRIZE

SPONSOR

Sheila Wewers

$100 Home Depot Gift Card

Bachman's Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes

Jeff Melawhey

$100 Lowe’s Gift Card

Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

Kelsey Scareshawk

$100 Best Buy Gift Card

Central Landscape Supply

Megan Hanson

$100 Amazon Gift Card

Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply

Colleen Quiram

$100 Home Depot Gift Card

Greg Flakne

$100 Lowe’s Gift Card

Jane Ann Calhoun

$100 Best Buy Gift Card

The Builders Group

Russell Kaus

$100 Amazon Gift Card

Ziegler Cat

Paul Buck

$100 Home Depot Gift Card

Habitattitude / University of MN Sea Grant Program Ostvig Tree, Inc.

Zlimen & McGuiness Attorney at Law

Don’t miss your chance to dig up treasure at Northern Green 2019, January 15-17.

➾ C OLD HARDIN ESS

Cold Hardiness List Now Available The 2018 iteration of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Nursery Stock Cold Hardiness List is now available on the MDA website (https://www.mda.state.mn.us/ licensing/licensetypes/nurseryprogram/hardinesslist.aspx).

James Calkins MNLA Regulatory Affairs Manager

The list serves as the legal authority for cold hardiness labeling of Minnesota nursery stock. USDA Cold Hardiness Zones are used for the ratings and the list functions as the primary guidance for identifying false or misleading cold hardiness labeling, which is a violation of the Minnesota Nursery Law, specifically Minnesota Statute 18H.14 (Labeling and Advertising of Nursery Stock). As stated in the Minnesota Nursery Law: (a) Plants, plant materials, or nursery stock must not be labeled or advertised with false or misleading information including, but not limited to, scientific name, variety, place of origin, and hardiness zone as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture, and growth habit. (b) All nonhardy nursery stock as designated by the commissioner must be labeled correctly for hardiness or be labeled “nonhardy” in Minnesota.

According to the MDA, whenever nursery stock is labeled for cold hardiness, the hardiness rating on the label must be consistent with the cold hardiness rating published in the MDA Nursery Stock Cold Hardiness List. So long as the correct hardiness rating is included on the label, nothing further is needed. Conversely, nursery stock that isn’t specifically labeled for cold hardiness and isn’t cold hardy in the area in which it is being sold must be labeled “nonhardy.”

Note that cultivars are sometimes listed separately from the parent species when their cold hardiness has been documented as being different from the generally accepted cold hardiness level for the species. For cultivars that are not specifically listed, nursery professionals and the public should refer to the species for the appropriate cold hardiness zone rating.

MNLA has historically submitted comments as part

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february 18

Figure 1. Although Minnesota gardeners might wish differently, Aster x frikartii is correctly listed as only being cold hardy to USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 5 on the MDA Nursery Stock Cold Hardiness List; as a result, this aster would need to be labeled as Zone 5 or “nonhardy” when sold in zones colder than Zone 5.

of the annual review process and was pleased to have the opportunity to provide input once again this year. As in past years, MNLA convened a review panel to review the draft list in September and the group’s comments were submitted to the MDA for consideration. We are pleased to note that many of the MNLA recommendations are reflected in the 2018 updated list. The current cold hardiness list will remain unchanged and effective until the list is reviewed and updated once again in September 2018. Please let us know if you would be interested in serving on the MNLA review panel.

In past years, a number of MNLA members have wondered whether the MDA Nursery Stock Cold Hardiness List is available in Excel spreadsheet form. This can be obtained from the MNLA by contacting Jim Calkins at jim@mnla.biz. For additional information about cold hardiness labeling requirements for nursery stock, contact Steven Shimek (Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Division) at steven. shimek@state.mn.us or (651) 201-6619.

➾ ME MBER N EWS

COMMITTEE OPENINGS The MNLA Board of Directors forms committees to carry out the strategic direction of the organization. Below is a summary of the committees with current openings, and a summary of their mission. Are you interested in learning more about the committee’s task or time commitment involved? For more information, contact a board member, a committee chair, an MNLA staff member, or to submit a volunteer application online, visit www.MNLA.biz.

Communication & Technology Committee … 2 Openings Staff Liaison: Jon Horsman Chair: Randy Berg Faith Appelquist, Tree Quality LLC Bob Balgie, WJM Partners dba Barrett Lawn Care, Inc. Randy Berg, Berg’s Nursery & Landscape LLC Diana Grundeen, Trio Landscaping Kent Harris, Minnesota Sodding Company Theo Lenneman, Southview Design Shay Lunseth, Lunseth Lawn Care Professionals/ Organic Lawns by Lunseth Justin Mangold, Mangold Horticulture Anne Matzek, Sargent’s Nursery, Inc. John O’Reilly, Otten Bros. Garden Center & Landscaping Betsy Pierre, Pierre Productions Kristen Teresi, Irrigation by Design Nik Wagner, Wagner’s Greenhouses Andy Wilson, Wilson’s Nursery, Inc. Education & Certification Committee … 1 Openings Staff Liaisons: Sue Flynn, Cassie Larson Chair: Debbie Lonnee Neil Anderson, University of Minnesota Susan Bachman, West Bachman’s, Inc. — Minneapolis Sam Bauer, University of Minnesota Extension Anoka County James Calkins, Sustainable Horticultural Solutions Ryan Castle, Rock Hard Landscape Todd Dilley, Dulcet Fountains & Aeration, Inc. Dean Engelmann, Tangletown Gardens Jim Hagstrom, FASLA Savanna Designs, Inc. Chris Haugen, Rainbow Treecare Scientific Advancements Mike Heger, Ambergate Horticultural Consulting Alyson Landmark, Southview Design Debbie Lonnee, Bailey Nurseries, Inc. Jeff Pilla, Bachman’s, Inc. — Minneapolis Julie Weisenhorn, University of Minnesota, Dept. of Horticulture Government Affairs Committee … 6 Openings Staff Liaisons: Larry Johnson, Cassie Larson Chair: Tim Malooly Douglas Carnival, McGrann, Shea, Carnival, Straughn & Lamb Scott Frampton, Landscape Renovations, Inc. Russ Jundt, Conserva Irrigation Timothy Malooly, Water in Motion, Inc. Ryan McEnaney, Bailey Nurseries, Inc. Mick McGuire, McGuire Landscaping Gail Nozal, S & S Tree & Horticultural Specialists Jeff Pilla, Bachman’s, Inc. — Minneapolis Derek Tweten, WJM Partners dba Barrett Lawn Care, Inc. Cory Whitmer, The Mustard Seed Landscaping and Garden Center

Membership Committee … 9 Openings Staff Liaison: Mary Dunn Chair: Van Cooley Van Cooley, Malmborg’s, Inc. - Rogers Katie Feckers, Nelson Nursery, Inc. Andy Petersen, Spectrum Sales Herman Roerick, Central Landscape Supply Kelsey Sparks, Green Barn Garden Center, Inc. Greg Stone, BFG Supply Company Bert Swanson, Swanson’s Nursery Consulting, Inc. Networking Committee … 5 Openings Staff Liaison: Sue Flynn Chair: Matt Mallas Adam Bachman, Bachman’s Floral, Gift & Garden Center — Minneapolis Elise Eide, Southview Design Duggan Kelly, Kelly Green Irrigation, Inc. Julie King, Sage Landscape Design, Inc. Matt Mallas, Hedberg Supply — Plymouth Patrick McGuiness, Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC Andy Petersen, Spectrum Sales Jeff Pilla, Bachman’s, Inc. — Minneapolis Nick Sargent, Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. Jim Saybolt, biota Landscape Design + Build Amy Voight, A Team Landscaping Inc. a division of Voight Home Improvements Inc. Trade Show Committee … 1 Opening Staff Liaison: Mary Dunn Chair: Dave Kemp Vice Chair: Paul Griffin Teresa Craig, Grove Nursery, Inc. Elise Eide, Southview Design Kim Gaida-Wagener, Arteka Companies Paul Griffin, City of Woodbury Chris Halverson, Bailey Nurseries, Inc. Kent Harris, Minnesota Sodding Company LLC Dave Kemp, The Catholic Cemeteries Ken Liddell, Adwear Specialties Mike McDonald, CSFM TCF Bank Stadium Mike McNamara, Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape Charlie Miller, Truck Utilities, Inc. Steve Pallas, Hunter Industries Brad Pederson, Bloomington Garden Center & Landscape Co. Andy Petersen, Spectrum Sales Chris Reifsteck, WJM Partners dba Barrett Lawn Care, Inc. Kent Williamson, Dulcet Fountains & Aeration, Inc.

february 18

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➾ ME MBER N EWS

WELCOME NEW MNLA MEMBERS! All American Arborists Ian Stocco Foley, MN, 952-288-4803

Jeffrey Winter Construction LLC Jeff Winter Faribault, MN, 507-330-5225

PR Wall Systems Brad Palmer Scandia, MN, 651-491-0187

All Pro Lawn Care and Snow Removal LLC Ronald Kosman Inver Grove Heights, MN, 651-278-1207

Lindberg Lawn Care Brian Lindberg Mentor, MN, 218-637-6391

R&B Development LLC Rich Gersdorf Ham Lake, MN, 612-868-6419

American Drilling, Inc. Sean Ryan Pensacola, FL, 850-450-6011

Merkel Electric, Inc. Ben Merkel Yankton, SD, 605-665-5686

Rocket Turf JoAnn Lawrence Coon Rapids, MN, 763-755-4930

Barc Industries Craig Piette Blaine, MN, 651-490-1190

Mowlow Steve Wibe Hitterdal, MN, 218-850-8643

Rothstein Underground Mark Rothstein St. Cloud, MN, 320-980-7345

Berscheid Builders LLC Rick Dingmann Rice, MN, 320-255-1412

North Tech Irrigation Jennifer Skaar Oakdale, MN, 651-779-7168

SEK/Surebond Greg Crouse St. Charles, WI, 630-940-8336

Big Marine Lake Store LLC Pat Reicherts Marine, MN, 651-433-5043

Novak Snow Removal Randy Novak Hillman, MN, 320-355-2347

Sorenson Electric Perry Sorenson Ada, MN, 218-784-2497

Cross Town Plumbing Jesse Tonn Monticello, MN, 612-581-6744

NRD Landscape Design Build Eric Robertson Minnetonka, MN, 952-212-2665

The Garden Lady LLC Judi Martin Merrifield, MN, 612-414-7611

DeMars Signs, Inc. Candille DeMars Coon Rapids, MN, 763-786-5545

Olson Electric Mark Olson Walker, MN, 218-547-1320

The Pipe Pros James Flaherty Balsam Lake, WI, 715-485-3368

Downs & Nowacki, Inc. Brian Downs Fertile, MN, 218-945-6190

Peterson Excavating Jason Peterson Duluth, MN, 218-729-6943

Walker Pipe & Supply Greg Ravenhorst Walker, MN, 218-547-1333

EFM Construction Steve Paris Strawberry Point, IA. 563-933-6244

Platinum Property Maintenance Mike Hellum Woodbury, MN, 651-334-9164

Wes’s Landscaping, Design and Sales Wesley Cameron Mentor, MN, 218-289-1527

Eldon’s Lawn Care Eldon Walberg Blaine, MN, 612-940-9236 Homedressers, Inc. Douglas Borgeson Brooklyn Park, MN, 612-385-7366 J&B Excavating, Inc. dba Town and Country Excavating Jason Christen Avon, MN, 320-253-5530 J&S Excavating, Inc. Jim Senkyr St. Augusta, MN, 320-558-2588

SCOOP CLASSIFIEDS Searching for your next great employee? Looking for a buyer?

Place a Scoop classified ad. Contact Faith Jensen, 952-934-2891 faith@pierreproductions.com.

RED BOSS Tree Spades 16" to 105", Planters, Tree Tiers (up to 110"), Stump Diggers. Tree Boss. Nursery and Landscaping Equipment is our specialty. All made in USA. info@redbosstreespades.com www.redbosstreespades.com

february 18

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âž¾ TSOP E CTBILOOGS N TITLE

LOOKING BACK ON 2017 B L O G PO STS O N M N L A. B I Z

TOP 10 MNLA ENEWS POSTS

TOP 5 RESEARCH FOR THE REAL WORLD POSTS

1. 7 Landscape Trends for 2017

1. Deer Repellents Plus

2. 5 Trends Landscapers Can Expect to See in 2017

2. Invasive Garden Ants; A Spreading Concern in Europe

3. 5 Top Landscaping Trends for Fall 4. MN Accreditation to Test/Inspect Backflow Prevention 5. 9 Trends That Could Influence Gardening in 2017 6. Get Ready for the Labor Shortage Coming 7. 10 Design tips from the Father of American Landscape Architecture 8. Incentivize Employees 9. Half of Your Workers Have One Foot Out the Door 10. 7 Gardening Trends to Ease the Stress of Modern Life

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february 18 18 february

Asia and Beyond 3. Good News: Green Industry Research Reported in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture is Now Open Access 4. Designing Landscapes to Mitigate the Negative Effects of Stormwater Runoff 5. Turf Research: Establishing Better Lawns for People and the Environment

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