The Scoop Online - March 2019

BE THE EXPERT

MDA COLD HARDINESS LIST

VOLUNTEER VOICES

SHOWCASING THE INDUSTRY’S BEST

AWARD-WINNING PROJECTS

ALSO INSIDE:

A PLANT IS NOT AN ANIMAL NORTHERN GREEN FOLLOW-UP

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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 OTA N U R S E RY & L A N DS C A P E A SS OC I AT I ON

START THE SEASON OFF RIGHT!

Green Loon® Mulch, JRK Seed & Professional Turf Supplies

gertenswholesale.com Purchase your professional turf supplies NOW from your PROFESSIONAL TURF EXPERTS. Eagan Location 1980 Seneca Road Eagan, MN 55122

Loretto Location 6265 County Rd 19 Loretto, MN 55357

Elk River Location 906 Hwy 10 Elk River, MN 55330

Inver Grove Heights Location 5500 Blaine Avenue Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

TM

connectivity | experience | relationships From exterior craft masonry stone to natural landscape boulders to plants, trees and shrubs and into backyard patio elements, Hedberg Supply has what your customers need. Visit our fully stocked nursery at our Stillwater location. Trees and plants will be available in April. Get ahead of Mother Nature and place your order today!

Don’t forget to pick up your 2019 Product Catalog from your local Hedberg Supply location!

Hedberg West - Plymouth 1205 Nathan Lane North Plymouth, MN 55441 (763) 545-4400

Hedberg East - Stillwater 8400 60th Street North Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 748-3158

www.hedbergsupply.com

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LEGISLATIVE

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ACTION CENTER

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Events

10 Calling all Members MNLA President Scott Frampton encourages members to get involved and attend Day on the Hill.

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12 Volunteer Voices Why Andy Petersen continues to spend time volunteering at MNLA.

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Be the Expert Staying abreast of industry knowledge is a tall order, but Sarah Blue

34 Northern Green Legislative Action Center

encourages you to continue striving to “Be the Expert.”  

Government Affairs Director Forrest Cyr shares thoughts on the new Northern Green Legislative

18

Action Center.

A Plant is Not an Animal Faith Appelquist observes that when it comes to creative problem solving, nothing can compete with plants.   

36 Northern Green Photo Albums Four pages of photos and follow-up from the

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year’s biggest event.

2019 Landscape Awards These entries garnered the nod from our panel of judges as projects that demonstrate the best of the best in the landscape industry. 

46 2018 MDA Nursery Inspection Summary Nursery Program Coordinator Steve Shimek

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reviews findings from 2018 inspections.

Cold Hardiness List Updated Dr. James Calkins provides an update on the 2019 Cold Hardiness List now available through MDA.  

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Explaining Pesticide Applicator Licensing & Certification This article from MDA is aimed at helping you understand this critical green industry topic.   

 Landscape & Hardscape Install & Design  Garden Services & Landscape Mgmt  Garden Centers  Growers: Nursery & Greenhouse  Irrigation & Water Mgmt  Arborists & Tree Services  All

Cover photo: Courtesy of Mom's Design Build. Project designed by Becca Bastyr. Table of Contents Images: Top: Courtesy of Faith Appelquist. Middle: Courtesy of Mangold Horticulture. Bottom: iStock.com/SVproduction.

march 19 MNLA.BIZ

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DIRECTORY

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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.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Scott Frampton, President Landscape Renovations 651-769-0010 • sframpton@landscaperenovations.com Tim Malooly, CID, CLIA, CIC, Vice-President 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, MNLA-CP Tree Quality LLC 612-618-5244 • faith@treequality.com Matt Mallas Hedberg Supply 763-512-2849 • mmallas@hedbergaggregates.com Mike McNamara Hoffman & McNamara Nursery & Landscaping 651-437-9463 • mike.mcnamara@hoffmanandmcnamara.com John O’Reilly Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping 952-473-5425 • j.oreilly@ottenbros.com Jeff Pilla, MNLA-CP Bachman’s, Inc. 612-861-7600 • jpilla@bachmans.com Nick Sargent, MNLA-CP Sargent’s Landscape Nursery, Inc. 507-289-0022 • njsargent@sargentsgardens.com Cassie Larson, CAE MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • cassie@mnla.biz STAFF DIRECTORY Executive Director: Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz Membership Director & Trade Show Manager: Mary Dunn, CEM • mary@mnla.biz Communications Dir.: Jon Horsman, CAE • jon@mnla.biz Education/Cert. Manager: Susan Flynn • susan@mnla.biz Government Affairs Dir: Forrest Cyr • forrest@mnla.biz Regulatory Affairs Manager: Jim Calkins • jim@mnla.biz Administrative Asst.: Gayle Anderson • gayle@mnla.biz Accountant: Kris Peterson • kris@mnla.biz Foundation Program Coordinator: Paulette Sorenson • paulette@mnla.biz Advertising Sales: 952-934-2891 / 763-295-5420 Faith Jensen, Advertising Rep • faith@pierreproductions.com Betsy Pierre, Advertising Mgr • betsy@pierreproductions.com Legislative Affairs Consultant: Doug Carnival

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MNLA.BIZ march 19

All Stone Solutions ............................................................................... 11 Anderson Nurseries, Inc. ................................................................... 33 Arborjet .................................................................................................. 40 Bachman's Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes ............................... 3 Bullis Insurance Agency ..................................................................... 48 Central Landscape Supply ................................................................ 37 Cherokee Manufacturing ................................................................... 45 CST Distributors ................................................................................... 13 Cushman Motor Co. Inc ...................................................................... 17 Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ............................................................... 13 Fahey Sales Agency, Inc. ..................................................................... 37 Frost Inc ................................................................................................. 30 Fury Motors ........................................................................................... 51 Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply ............................. 2 Glacial Ridge Growers ......................................................................... 11 Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies ....................................... 4 Jeff Belzer Chevrolet .................................................................... 28–29 Klaus Nurseries ................................................................................ 9, 37 Lano Equipment, Inc. .......................................................................... 48 Out Back Nursery ................................................................................. 48 Plaisted Companies .............................................................................. 7 Prairie Restorations, Inc. ................................................................... 37 Resultants for Business, Inc. (RFB) ................................................. 17 Rock Hard Landscape Supply ........................................................... 33 SMSC Organics Recycling Facility ..................................................... 11 The Tessman Company ....................................................................... 30 Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. .......................................................................... 27 Truck Utilities, Inc. ............................................................................... 30 Unilock .................................................................................................. 35 University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum .......................... 16 Versa-Lok Midwest .............................................................................. 22 Ziegler CAT ............................................................................. Back Cover

UPCOMING

MAR

08



MAR

12 –13

MNLA CERTIFICATION EXAM — THREE THIS MONTH! Sit for the exam to become an MNLA certified professional in 2019: March 8, 15, 22.

Roseville, MN ➽ MNLA.biz

SPRING TRAINING: BASIC GREEN INDUSTRY SKILLS WORKSHOP This workshop taught by industry professionals is for field staff foreman, grounds



MAR

15

managers and garden centers, providing basic industry skills to prepare for the season!

Hennepin Technical College, Brooklyn Center ➽ MNLA.biz

ROCK HARD LANDSCAPE SUPPLY OPEN HOUSE Rock Hard Landscape Supply, Burnsville ➽ Rockhardlandscapesupply.com

MAR

19



MASTERING FOREMANSHIP TRAINING In this dynamic seminar, foremen learn how to more effectively handle tight deadlines, tight margins and increase customer satisfaction.

Heritage Room, Bachman’s, Minneapolis ➽ MNLA.biz

MAR

21



LET’S TALK PERENNIALS! Our local (and nationally-recognized) perennial experts will provide information on everything from Perennials for Pollinators to Perennials for Difficult Sites, and more!

Cedarholm Community Building, Roseville, MN ➽ MNLA.biz

MAR

26 –27

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MAR

27

PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP Prepare for the Category A & E Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam by attending this 1½ day study program. Day 2 includes testing, if desired. Also offered on April 4–5.

MDA, St. Paul ➽ MNLA.biz

BACHMAN’S 16TH ANNUAL SPRING OPEN HOUSE Free food, seminars, savings, and prizes! Pick up your 2019 Hardscapes catalog!

Bachman’s Cedar Acres, Farmington, MN ➽ BachmansWholesale.com

MAR

28 iStock.com/Nickbeer

FILM: FIVE SEASONS: THE GARDENS OF PIET OUDOLF This gorgeous, meditative documentary immerses viewers in Oudolf's work, taking them inside his creative process.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska ➽ NorthernGardener.org

TURFGRASS MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP

APR

3



The Scoop, March 2019, Issue 3, is issued monthly,

Landscape Association, 2019, and may not be used without written permission of MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113. Subscription price is $99 for one

Pollution Control Agency Level 1 Certification.

MNLA Classroom, Roseville, MN ➽ MNLA.biz

12 times per year. All original works, articles or formats published in The Scoop are © Minnesota Nursery &

Learn best management practices for lawn/turf maintenance, and earn Minnesota

PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP

APR

4 –5

Prepare for the Category A & E Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam by attending this



year, which is included with member dues. POSTMASTER:

1½ day study program. Day 2 includes testing, if desired.

MDA, St. Paul ➽ MNLA.biz

Send address changes to The Scoop, MNLA, 1813 Lexington Ave N., Roseville, MN 55113.

2019 MNLA seminars

Editorial Contributions. You are invited to share your

generously supported by:

expertise and perspective. Article ideas and manuscripts should, whenever possible, reflect real and specific experiences. When submitting an article, please contact

Business

 Skills Training

 Networking

Leadership Development

the publisher at jon@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987. MNLA



reserves the right to edit all Scoop content.

➽ Information on these and other industry events are online at MNLA.biz/events.

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MNLA.BIZ march 19



General

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Calling All Members!

Scott Frampton

Executive director Cassie Larson shared survey results and trends in government

MNLA President

Affairs in her January article. Please take a minute to read it if you haven’t already.

Government affairs and education regularly top the list of our most valued member services. Then PLEASE register for our Day on the Hill on March 6th at the state capitol. Spend a rewarding day networking with me, your peers, and meeting our elected officials.

During my time as a volunteer member at MNLA this has be-

come a can’t-miss event. Attending Day on the Hill is how I got to know and was trained by this year’s MNLA Hall of Fame award recipients Paul Morlock and Tim Power.

These two savvy veterans coolly showed me and other rookies how to present our issues to our elected officials in the most professional and respectful way.

Showing up consistently and building relationships with your representatives is also very rewarding. They are working on our behalf at the capitol and with relationships strengthened we have individuals we can go to with legislative concerns, ideas, and support as needed. It’s also important for them to know that we can be a valuable resource for them as well.

I strongly encourage those of you who have an interest in the political process at the local level to join us. The staff and veteran volunteers are experienced with the meeting process and will help you feel welcome and comfortable as you journey through the tunnels and stairways of the capitol complex. You won’t be alone! For

the veterans that may have missed a year or more please consider joining us again!

This is generally a well-attended event where all are welcome and strength in numbers is beneficial to all.

Once you have signed up for the Day on the Hill or even if you can’t attend please also take a moment to look at the many volunteer opportunities available to you. Nearly every MNLA committee is seeking new members right now. With a short application you could be working with your peers or new friends on next year’s awards program, Northern Green, education, government affairs and a variety of other fun and rewarding activities.

Volunteering on the Landscape Contractors committee is where I first recognized this year’s Volunteer of the Year award winner Dave Kleinhuizen’ s openness and willingness to share with peers. I have learned many valuable lessons I’ve applied in daily life from the many volunteers and staff I have had the pleasure to work alongside and made lifelong industry friends. Please consider participating now before the rush — you will not regret it!

➽FOR QUESTIONS about volunteering or Day on the Hill contact Scott at 651-248-4021 or sframpton@landscaperenovations.com.

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MNLA.BIZ march 19

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The GO-TO source for all of your residential & commercial landscaping needs!

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MNLA & YOU

Q. How did you get into the green industry?

A. I’ve been in the green industry since I was 16 and I just sort of never left it.

I’ve been in horticultural sales for almost my entire career, nearly 30 years. I spent a long time working for greenhouses, nurseries and garden centers. Early on, I also worked with turf products, but primarily my career has focused on ornamental horticulture. I founded my own company 21 years ago. I move product through the chain of distribution. I sell to a distributor who then wholesales it.

Q. How long have you been a member of your Committees and Task Teams?

By Katie Mills Giorgio

MEMBER COMPANY NAME: Spectrum Sales LOCATION: Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota YEARS IN THE GREEN INDUSTRY: nearly 30 PRIMARY EXPERTISE: Horticultural sales COMMITTEES AND TASK TEAM: Trade Show and Networking Committee, Shootout Task Team Andy Petersen has worked in the green industry for his entire career. Nearly twenty years ago, a colleague asked if he’d serve on a committee of the MNLA. He said yes, and what followed was the opportunity to engage with the organization in a variety of ways. With a broad spectrum of involvement, Petersen shared with us what it has meant to be involved in MNLA over all these years.

A. I have been a member of MNLA since July of 2000. I was a volunteer from the first day. I started out on the Commercial Flower Growers Committee, which no longer exists. I have worked on the Trade Show Committee for over ten years. I also work on the volunteer team that puts together the Shootout fundraiser. At one time, I was the Chairman of the Membership Committee, which I no longer serve on, but I am also currently on the Networking Committee.

Q. How did you learn about the Commercial Flower Growers Committee, and why did you decide to get involved?

A. There came a certain point where one of the Past Presidents asked me if I’d be a part of the Commercial Flower Growers Committee and I said sure. In order to be on a committee you have to be a member so that’s when I joined MNLA. I think it’s important to remember that sometimes it comes down to somebody from inside the organization reaching out and asking. For me, getting involved was partially a business decision. It was a great way to network, and it has been a good networking tool over the years. I’ve met a lot of really great people in this industry in the upper Midwest and I’ve been fortunate to work with them. The second aspect of it was that I felt it was a way to support my industry other than selling something. It was a service-type calling.

Q. What has been your most meaningful experience as an MNLA volunteer thus far?

A. I was on the ground floor of the 12

MNLA.BIZ march 19

MNLA Foundation’s Shootout committee and we have grown that event pretty significantly over the past nine years. I am passionate about shooting sports and this event was a great way to combine that with my passion for this industry. Plus, it is a way to bring up the next generation of people in the green industry because there’s not a real strong pipeline feeding people into this industry. The Shootout event is a fundraiser for scholarships, and I think that is really important. Interestingly enough, several years ago I had a research intern working with me and she was the recipient of one of those scholarships. So, it was neat to see that.

Editor’s note: In fact, Petersen was honored as MNLA’s Volunteer of the Year for his work in making the MNLA Shootout a great success. Then-President Van Cooley said, “Andy enthusiastically made it his cause to grow this event. Largely through his efforts, we doubled the number of sponsors and shooters. Furthermore, the net income from the event rose from $981 in its first year to $5,892 in year number two. Perhaps just as importantly, the Shootout grew as a major new event bringing members together for networking and friendship during a difficult season.”

Q. From your perspective, how has the Committee’s work benefited you, your company, MNLA’s members, and/or the greater green industry?

A. I have just enjoyed the entire experience of volunteering with MNLA. It has gone from initially a sense of duty and opportunity seeking, to now being just plain fun. For instance, there are a number of us who have served on the Trade Show Committee for years. It’s a really fun group of people and our function is pretty narrow in scope, but we have a really good time with it. I look forward to those times we spend working together.

Q. Why do you think it’s important for green industry professionals to play an active role in MNLA?

A. Not everyone has the time and flexibility to volunteer for an organization. But it does all start with being

“

I’VE MET A LOT OF REALLY GREAT PEOPLE IN THIS INDUSTRY IN THE UPPER MIDWEST AND I’VE BEEN FORTUNATE TO WORK WITH THEM.

”

a member. I want other members to understand the value that comes with that. It’s not just the services and perks the MNLA offers their members but seeing how the MNLA is a voice for our industry and is working to help curtail nuisance regulations. If you take the next step beyond being a member and volunteer to get involved at whatever level, there’s a great opportunity for networking, personally and professionally. I’ve met some incredible people over the years and still serve today with a number of folks that are just fun people.

Speaking of fun…

Q. What’s the last song you listened to?

A. Dominic the Italian Christmas Donkey.

Look it up. I was helping my wife and my daughter bake last night and my daughter was playing Christmas songs. That’s one we play every year.

Q. What’s one item on your bucket list?

A. I want to go hunt feral hogs in Texas out of a helicopter. It’s a big thing!

Q. Where is your favorite place in Minnesota?

A. We have a place in Togo, Minnesota. My grandfather bought property in that area in 1939, literally when it was the end of the road. It’s a great place to get away. It’s not on a lake but there a lot of lakes in close proximity. It’s a place I’ve been going since birth.

Q. What is your favorite plant, tool, or product?

A. My favorite plant is the whole family of calibrachoa. My favorite tool is a skid steer.

Looking for an opportunity to participate in making MNLA and the green industry better?

When you become part of an MNLA Committee or Task Team, you’ll find personal connections, knowledge, and wisdom you won’t gain anywhere else. Personally and professionally, you will grow with MNLA! To get involved in shaping a brighter future for the green industry, call 651-633-4987 or go online to ➽MNLA.biz/getinvolved. march 19 MNLA.BIZ

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BUSINESS

BE THE

EXPERT From time to time, a customer will make this comment: “You’re the expert.” Who, me?

Sarah Blue, MNLA-CP Sargent’s Nursery

I’M SURE YOU HAVE ALL HAVE HEARD other comments like this as well: “What would YOU do if it was your landscape?” or, “Do what you think is best.”

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MNLA.BIZ march 19

It’s great when customers trust our judgment and knowledge, but it comes with responsibility.

Whenever I hear “You’re the expert.” I think, “Am I?” In the fields of landscape design, installation, or retail nursery sales — we should actively strive to be the expert.

Likely, you are in this industry because you are passionate about plants and love to work outside. It follows that you care about the health of your environment. Working in the landscape industry is a meaningful way to connect customers with nature in a time when many people don’t interact with the

natural world on a daily basis. People have come to view the inside as their world and the outside as a place to go. We seem to put an incredible amount of resources into our interior lives, but often balk at putting similar amounts into our outside lives.

When people do decide to invest in their landscapes, it’s understandable that they look for experts, and that’s one reason why MNLA certification is important. At Sargent’s Nursery, it’s prominently displayed at our garden center and on our business cards. To that end, I seek out information that helps

iStock.com/marchmeena29

me stay up-to-date with evolving landscape techniques, maintenance styles, plant options, and environmental changes.

That last one is key; nature is evolving, responding, and adapting to changes in our climate and to the ways we have altered the environment. What our customers see and hear are the extremes reported on the nightly news. In the landscaping business, we have found that we need to design in ways to handle the extremes in weather — heavy rainfall, longer and more frequent heatwaves, and later spring warmups. Adaptation is how we keep

our designs successful. We learn from field experience and from continuing education.

At a recent MNLA seminar, I had the opportunity to learn from Thomas Rainer and Larry Weaner. “Revolution in Planting Design” was a day-long Master Class. Although it’s not possible to distill the course into one sentence — there was one idea that keeps coming to my mind. It is that sometimes the best improvement to a landscape is management of what already exists rather than removal and new inputs of plants and materials. Making that determination requires a thorough examina-

tion and understanding of the biology of the landscape; its history, natural evolution, and the surrounding environment. This concept is typically applied to larger landscapes rather than ‘foundation plantings,’ but the challenge remains the same: how do you make a profit on a plan of action as opposed to selling products? You have to know what you are worth and become an expert, so you can say, “This invoice reflects the knowledge that I have put into your plan,” even for a design that may be 90% simple management over several years and 10% materials and installation. march 19 MNLA.BIZ

15

BUSINESS

Gardening with Gardening with Native Grasses in Native Grasses in Cold Climates Cold Climates and a Guide to the Butterflies They Support and a Guide to the Butterflies They Support

Learn about native grasses, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into your garden with an interactive e-book from the University of Minnesota.

Learn about native grasses, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into your garden with an interactive e-book from the University of Minnesota.

https://z.umn.edu/

https://z.umn.edu/

What are some ways to keep up with increasing your knowledge in the landscape field?

Gardening Gardening Free E-Bookwith Free E-Book with Native Grasses in Native Grasses in Cold Climates Cold Climates and a Guide to the Butterflies They Support and a Guide to the Butterflies They Support Free E-Book Free E-Book

Northern Green MNLA provides a variety of avenues — the January conference has evolved to meet the needs of landscape professionals with all-day in-depth seminars and relicensing course work, traditional short seminars, and more informal chats mixed in on the trade show floor.

Download theyour e-book Whatever timefor orfree interest allows — there is an abundance of byreliable following the link https:// information available. z.umn.edu/nativegrasses.

Download the e-book for free by following the link https:// z.umn.edu/nativegrasses.

Online Resources TM Available all Applethat Online on resources I have found useful are: devices.

• Subscribing to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s list of

Available on all AppleTM devices.

Learn about native grasses, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into your garden with an interactive e-book from the University of Minnesota.

email a variety of topics (see above).

Download theupdates e-book for for free • University of https:// MN Extension. by following the link • Horticultural information in general from university sites. z.umn.edu/nativegrasses.

• Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Someoncommercial Available all AppleTMsites also offer useful information. The National Tree Benefit Calculator from Davey Tree Expert Co. and Rainbow devices.

Tree Care’s site offer fact-based information. Inspirational landscaping blogs can be useful for problem-solving.

LearnImportantly, about native their benefits, and how you grasses, should avoid online information fromto a source that incorporate them into is unfamiliar to you or is not affiliated with a government agency or your garden with an university.e-book Always look for a reference to real data in any publication. interactive Opinions are rampant, from the University of actual knowledge is rare, and fake news is the Minnesota. new normal!

https://z.umn.edu/

https://z.umn.edu/ Sales Representatives

Download the e-book for free by following the link https:// z.umn.edu/nativegrasses.

Available on all AppleTM devices.

Sales representatives can be invaluable for specific cultural information and insight into industry-wide trends and issues. For hardscaping resources, utilize your sales representatives; they can often provide a minicourse in best practices for their products. When you have a little downtime in the season (really??) arrange for employee education.

Free E-Book Download the e-book for free MNLA.BIZ march 19 by following the link https:// Half-page-vertical-ad.indd 1 z.umn.edu/nativegrasses.

Free E-Book

16

1/25/2019 1:56:48 PM

Download the e-book for free by following the link https:// z.umn.edu/nativegrasses.

“

IF A CUSTOMER SEES THAT YOU ARE PUTTING THEIR NEEDS FIRST OVER PROFITS FOR YOURSELF, THEY WILL PROMOTE YOU TO OTHERS AS AN HONEST BUSINESS AND THAT IS A COUP.

”

A good sales rep may even be available on site when you are using a new product to troubleshoot installation questions. After all, that one-time minicourse translates to better sales when you can be honestly confident selling a new product.

Experts from Other Trades Avoid problems later and utilize engineers when needed. When you don’t know how to do something well, research trades that can, and share those resources with your customers. If a customer sees that you are putting their needs first over profits for yourself, they will promote you to others as an honest business and that is a coup. Now you are the expert AND honest.

National Climate Assessment Lastly, I recommend putting the 4th National Climate Assessment Report Volume II: Impacts, Risks and Adaptation in the United States on your reading list (➽ https:/nca2018. globalchange.gov). It is a large document and in excess of 1,600 pages, so it would be a commitment to read the entire thing.

However, on the website you can chose overviews, summary findings, or just focus on information related to your geographical area. The authors have done an admirable job of making the document accessible to a lay person.

There is an abundance of reliable, expert information freely available for the landscape industry. Finding the time to take it all in is the real challenge. Even if I never get used to being called ‘The Expert,’ I owe it to my customers to keep learning. ➽ SARAH BLUE is a landscape designer at Sargent’s Nursery in Red Wing and is an MNLA Certified Landscape Professional. Email Sarah at sarahb@

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iStock.com/SergeyNivens

PLANTS

Faith Appelquist Tree Quality LLC

“ Plants are more generous than animals; they give endlessly but never ask for anything in return. I can take something from a plant without killing it, like a bouquet of flowers of a basket of fruit. No animal could ever allow such dissection.”

— Yildiz Aumeeeruddy

PLANTS

sk any school kid about the difference between plants and animals and they’ll likely say, “Plants can’t move” or “Plants don’t do anything.” Since plants do not move or make sounds, many do not even consider them to be alive. They do not have a face, limbs or any recognizable structure that is similar to those of animals, and this makes them virtually invisible to us.

Plants have nothing in common with us; they are different organisms, a life form whose last common ancestor with animals dates back to six hundred million years ago, a time when emerging from the water, life conquered land-when plant and animals went their separate ways.

While animals developed the ability to move about on land, plants adapted to the new environment by remaining rooted to the ground and using the inexhaustible light

“

avoid those changes, plants respond to the constantly changing environment by adapting to meet it. If the environment becomes cold, or hot, or there is a need to escape from predators, the plant has to find an effective solution to the problem. To succeed in this difficult task, a decentralized, diffused structure is far more preferable.

Plants distribute over their entire body the functions that animals concentrate in specific organs. Decentralization is the key. Plants breathe with their whole body, see with their whole body, and evaluate with their whole body. Spreading each function over the entire organism as much as possible is the only way to survive predation, and plants can do it so well that they can even withstand removal of much of their body without losing functionality.

IT IS ESTIMATED AT LEAST 80 PERCENT OF THE WEIGHT OF No so with animals that ALL THAT LIVES ON THE EARTH CONSISTS OF PLANTS. lose a vital organ.

Thanks to their choice produced by the sun as an energy source. to be rooted, plants have developed an Judging from their success, never has there exceptional sensitivity. Unable to escape from been a happier choice. It is estimated at least their environment, they manage to survive by 80 percent of the weight of all that lives on perceiving a multiplicity of chemical and the earth consists of plants. physical parameters such as light, gravity, For plants, the question of speed is comminerals, moisture, temperature, touch, soil pletely irrelevant. Whereas animals react to structure, etc. They even receive signals such changes in their surroundings by moving to as the location of other plants, and their

”

13 NEWS & NOTES

20

MNLA.BIZ march 19

Congratulations to the winners of the 2019 Northern Green Treasure Hunt!

Codey Steen: $100

Supplies

Card; Plaisted

Best Buy Gift Card;

Matthew Kiefer: $100

Companies

New MNLA Members!

Gertens Wholesale &

Lowe’s Gift Card

Jason Schaedler: $100

A warm welcome to

Professional Turf Supply

John Deere Company

Lowe’s Gift Card

our latest members!

(Name, prize, sponsor)

Matt Babcock: $100

Andrea Hamilton: $100

SCP Distributors

4mations Landscape

DeAnn Caddy: $100

Amazon Gift Card;

Best Buy Gift Card

Margaret Berscheit:

and Design; Court

Home Depot Gift Card;

Habitatitude/Univ. of

Legislative Action Center

$100 Best Buy Gift Card

Surfaces & Repair, Inc;

Bachman’s Wholesale

MN Sea Grant Program

Sue Larson: $100

Ziegler CAT

DGS; FRED Outdoor

Nursery & Hardscapes

Simone Schneegans:

Amazon Gift Card

Fardos Abbas: $100

Services; Kochmann

Ann Hortsch: $100

$100 Home Depot

Ostvig Tree, Inc.

Amazon Gift Card

Snow Plowing;

Lowe’s Gift Card;

Gift Card; Hedberg

Daniel Tuchtenhagen:

Zlimen & McGuiness

Olson’s Irrigation

Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

Landscape & Masonry

$100 Home Depot Gift

Attorney at Law

& Landscaping,

Faith Appelquist

© Can Stock Photo Inc. / paop

© Can Stock Photo Inc. / AnjoKanFotografie

Faith Appelquist

Plants perceive many of the same environmental cues as animals do, sometimes with greater acuity. Plants have been exposed to millions of years of natural selection to solve some of the same problems that modern humans are facing for the first time.

A single tree can be considered a colony of repeated modular units (leaves, branches and roots). Important plant organs are found in multiple redundant copies, making any single organ more expendable than similar organs in most animals.

Ants produce colonies that are able to carry out extremely complex behaviors.

Flocks of birds seem to act as a single organism.

identity. Plants are able to count, to remember, and to learn.

How do plants respond without a brain?

Plants have a cooperative shared system in their stem, and leaves and roots that act somewhat like a swarm of bees or a flock of birds. Bees illustrate the dynamics of behavior of a body of animals. It is clear to anyone who studies bees that their colonies are much more complex than the simple sum of each member. In fact bees show an organization that is reminiscent of the workings of a brain.

When it comes to creative problem-solving,

nothing can compete with plants. Animals do not solve problems, they simply avoid them.

Plants have long been a source of inspiration, from the development of agriculture to space travel. Unless we have a deep understanding of how plants work, we will never uncover the secrets they have to share. ➽ FAITH APPELQUIST 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.

EAB Proposal Needs Your Input

the time of publication,

is proposing a path

Follow MNLA!

Improvements

no final decision nor

forward for Minnesota.

Looking for more quick

LLC; Schlauderaff

The United States

timeline had been

The proposed plan is

timely news updates

Implement Co; The

Department of

announced. In the

online, and a comment

and industry notes?

Aspire Software

Agriculture (USDA) has

event that USDA

period is open through

Follow us on Facebook,

Company; Two Rivers

formally announced

proceeds with federal

March 22! We encourage

Twitter and Instagram.

Plumbing, Inc.; Village

that they are

deregulation of EAB,

all MNLA members

Visit MNLA.biz and

Lawn Service LLC;

considering a rule

the Minnesota

who care about this

scroll to the footer to

Wagner Building &

change to deregulate

Department of

topic to submit

find links to each site.

Supply Co; Worden

emerald ash borer

Agriculture (MDA) has

comments by the

Farms, Inc.

(EAB) at the federal

hosted conversations

deadline.

level. However, as of

with stakeholders and

➽bit.ly/2LDvyJj

Inc.; Outdoor

“

march 19 MNLA.BIZ

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LANDSCAPE AWARDS

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a 2019 MNLA Award for Excellence in Landscape.

Green 2019. All winners receive the posters shown

Ten projects received awards, and you can view

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Project: Colonial Makeover Firm: Yardscapes, Inc. Entrant: Clayton Johnson Judges’ Choice Award Winner — At the end of reviewing all projects, judges choose their favorite project from all the entries. Look for a feature article in an upcoming Scoop!

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LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Project: Fish Lake Backyard Firm: Mangold Horticulture Entrant: Justin Mangold Team: Anne Griffen, Designer; Jason Youngquist, Project Manager; Chris Jung, Project Manager Subcontractors: BNR Irrigation Services, Inc.

Project: Gem Lake Jewel Firm: Southview Design Entrant: Josh Koller

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MNLA.BIZ march 19

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To qualify, vehicles must be used in day-to-day operations of your business and not solely for transportation purposes. Must provide proof of business. ©2012 General Motors Visit gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details. Take delivery by 9/30/12. ©2012 General Motors ©2012 General Motors

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302 302 302

www.jeffbelzerchevy.com Version # 4 Version # 4 Version # 4

Document Name GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.indd Document Name GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.inddLinked Graphics Art Director Control Document Name GMC1-12-FCO-03178-302_v4.indd 12KTFLCHEV032.tif Linked GraphicsRGB

Retail Planning Flyer Control Art George Miller •Mechgmiller@jeffbelzer.com Scale 100 8.75” 952-469-6820 x 11.25” Bleed Chevy CopyDirector Writer TBD

RGB

12KTFLCHEV032.tif RGB HD CC with Dump_psd.psd Linked GraphicsRGB Control Art Director 11CHSL00054.jpg RGB Mech TBD Copy Print Scale Scale 100 12KTFLCHEV032.tif RGB None BusinessCentral_KO.ai ProjWriter Mgr csenn HD CC with Dump_psd.psd RGB 11CHSL00054.jpg RGB Scale Please 100 GM_business_choice.ai TBD Copy Writer Jeff Belzer Lakeville,Mech MN. call the Commercial Department at 952-469-4444.

Print Scale None BusinessCentral_KO.ai csenn Proj Stock None HD CC with Dump_psd.psd RGB Acct Mgr Svc kdenmark cube_0758.jpg RGB GM_business_choice.ai Print Scale Trim None 8.5” x 11” BusinessCentral_KO.ai csenn Proj Mgr Family_shot cube_exprss_slvrdo_a6.tif RGB All Rebates & incentives to dealer, must qualify for same, prices subject to change.

Stock None Live None 8.25” x 10.75” kdenmark Acct Mgr Svc afinnan cube_0758.jpg RGB Folded Size Prod GM_business_choice.ai RoundStep_3in_Chevy_Silverado.jpg RGB Family_shot cube_exprss_slvrdo_a6.tif RGB Stock Live None 8.25” x 10.75” kdenmark Acct Svc cube_0758.jpg RGB Tonneau_Chevy.jpg RGB Folded Size None afinnan Mgr TBD 1 RoundStep_3in_Chevy_Silverado.jpg RGB Finishing Buyer To qualify, vehicles must be None used in day-to-day operations of your business and notArtProd solely for transportation purposes.

Must provide Family_shot cube_exprss_slvrdo_a6.tif RGB Family_Option_a3.tif RGB Tonneau_Chevy.jpg RGB None Folded Size None afinnan ProdBuyer Mgr TBD RoundStep_3in_Chevy_Silverado.jpg RGB 4320G_cs.tif CMYK Finishing Art Family_Option_a3.tif RGB Colors Spec’d 4C TBD Copy Edit Visit gmbusinesschoice.com or your Chevrolet or GMC dealer for details.

Tonneau_Chevy.jpg RGB 4320Gss.tif CMYK 4320G_cs.tif CMYK Finishing None TBD Art Buyer Colors Spec’d Family_Option_a3.tif RGB 4C TBD 1PROCS.tif CMYK Copy Edit nminieri/pm Mac with Business Central Special Instr.

4320Gss.tif CMYK 4320G_cs.tif CMYK 1PROSS.tif CMYK Colors Spec’d 1PROCS.tif CMYK 4C Business Central TBD CopyMac Edit nminieri/pm Special Instr. with 4320Gss.tif CMYK BasePkg_ss.tif CMYK Publications None 1PROSS.tif CMYK 1PROCS.tif CMYK 12KTFLCHEV021.tif RGB Mac nminieri/pm with Business Central Special Instr. None BasePkg_ss.tif CMYK Publications

CONTENT CONTENT CONTENT

Job Description 8.75” Chevy Retail Planning Flyer 11.25” Bleed Trim 8.5” x x11” 8.75” x 11.25” Chevrolet, 50Bleed & Cedar, Box 965, Trim Live 8.5” 8.25”x x11” 10.75”

Publications None

Colors In-Use Cyan Colors In-Use

Last Modified 4-17-2012 3:37 PM 4-17-2012 3:37 PMDate Last Modified Printer Output 4-17-2012 3:37 PMDate Last Modified TITAN 4-20-2012 1:48 PM Printer Output

User ma-klane User

John Zadurski 952-469-6818 • User jzadurski@jeffbelzer.com 4-20-2012 1:48Date PM Colors In-Use Printer Output

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840 ppi 270 ppi 840 ppi 1089ppippi 270 840 ppi 1089 ppi 270 ppi 1089ppi, ppi461 ppi 464 1112 ppi461 ppi 464 ppi, 421 1112ppippi 464 ppi, 419 ppi ppi 461 ppi 421 1112ppi, ppi 844 419 ppi 1708 ppi 421 ppi 1006 ppi,1708 1004ppippi 844 ppi, 419 ppi 1418 ppi, 1004 1482 ppi ppi 1006 ppi, 844ppi, ppi,858 1708ppippi 860 1418 ppi, 1482 ppi 1006ppi, ppi,605 1004 ppi 606 860 ppi, 858 ppi ppi 1418ppi, ppi,820 1482 ppi 821 ppi 606 ppi, 605 ppi 860 ppi, 858 ppi 3169 ppi820 821 ppi, ppi 606 ppi, 2431 ppi 605 ppi 3169 ppi 821 ppi, 820 ppi 2431 ppi 3169 ppi 2431 ppi

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CMYK RGB RGB CMYK RGB RGB RGB

Magenta Cyan Yellow Magenta Cyan Black Yellow Magenta Black Yellow Black

proof of business.

ma-klane Mechd By: nminieri ma-klane Mechd By: nminieri

TITANRTVd By: None TITANRTVd By: None

Mechd By: nminieri

RTVd By: None CD/ACD

COPYWRITER

CD/ACD

COPYWRITER

CD/ACD

COPYWRITER

ACCT SERVICE

PROD

4-20-2012 1:48 PM

AD AD

©2018AD General Motors COPY EDIT

BY SIGNING YOUR INITIALS ABOVE, YOU ARE STATING THAT YOU HAVE READ AND APPRO ACCT SERVICE PROD COPY EDIT VED THIS WORK.

BY SIGNING YOUR INITIALS ABOVE, YOU ARE STATING THAT YOU HAVE READ AND APPRO ACCT SERVICE PROD COPY EDIT VED THIS WORK.

BY SIGNING YOUR INITIALS ABOVE, YOU ARE STATING THAT YOU HAVE READ AND APPRO VED THIS WORK.

4-20-2012 1:48 PM4-20-2012 1:48 PM 4-20-2012 1:48 PM

Job # GMC1-12-03178 Job # GMC1-12-03178 Job Description Chevy Retail Planning Flyer JobJob #Description GMC1-12-03178

LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Project: Outdoor Living on Every Level Firm: Southview Design Entrant: Matt Burton

Project: Peaceful Easy Feelin’ Firm: Mom’s Design Build Entrant: Heather Sweeney Excellence in Planting Design Award Winner — Look for a feature article in an upcoming Scoop! What is the Excellence in Planting Design Award?

Created by the Landscape Awards Task Team to promote projects showcasing outstanding planting design, the goal is to encourage landscape designers to feature plants in their plan while incorporating artistry, proper horticultural practices, and appropriate installation. After reviewing all projects, judges select the winner. The winning project is announced at the Green Industry Awards Celebration. march 19 MNLA.BIZ

31

LANDSCAPE AWARDS

Project: Pearson Residence Firm: Ground One Enterprises Entrant: The Team at Ground One

Project: Small Yard Heaven Firm: Southview Design Entrant: Justin Dorschied 32

MNLA.BIZ march 19

Project: Woodbury Residence Firm: Green Oasis Entrant: Ben Graf Team: Darwin Novek, Project Manager; Kris DeMarce, Project Coordinator; Clayton Everson, Project Foreman

Boulders Outcroppings Natural Stone

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33

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

The Northern Green Legislative Action Center Was a Hit! Forrest Cyr

MNLA Government Affairs Director

From January 15–17, the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) had the honor of hosting Northern Green, our industry trade show. With over 5000 industry professionals attending the show, the Minneapolis Convention Center was buzzing with energy and excitement.

On the trade show floor, MNLA hosted the Legislative Action

Center, the one-stop-shop dedicated to educating and engaging members on public policy, industry advocacy, Minnesota politics, and ongoing government affairs and grassroots efforts by MNLA. During the show, hundreds of attendees stopped by the Legislative Action Center to engage with MNLA Government Affairs staff, volunteers, as well as Brad Tabke, the newly elected member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and former industry member! Thank you to everyone who made the 2019 Legislative Action Center a success.

With the 2019 Minnesota legislative session underway, MNLA’s government affairs efforts and legislative agenda were central to the discussion at the Legislative Action Center. Industry and association members learned more about the ongoing issues impacting Minnesota’s green industry, including efforts to reduce salt pollution in water, establish fairness in construction contracts, require uniform state labor standards, encourage planting for pollinators, and to secure funding to combat the Emerald Ash Borer.

Based on voting at the booth, legislative action center visitors were particularly interested in salt reduction and pollinator habitat protection and cultivation. The knowledge of our membership continues to be second to none.

“Grassroots Grows Results.” This MNLA motto rings true time and time again. Member engagement is essential to any government affairs success at the Capitol, both in Saint Paul and in Washington. MNLA staff and government affairs volunteers are continually inspired by the interest and involvement of members and industry professionals.

With the opportunity to engage with a member of the

34

MNLA.BIZ march 19

Representative Brad Tabke (DFL–Shakopee), on the right, joins MNLA members Cole Larson and Gail Nozal at the Legislative Action Center!

Minnesota House of Representatives on issues important to the green industry, MNLA members stepped up and made their voices heard. As the session progresses, we encourage members to stay involved in the legislative process — your voice, your knowledge, and your expertise make all the difference.

The fun doesn’t stop with Northern Green! To effectively do their jobs, legislators rely on the expertise of constituents just like you every day. MNLA’s “Day on the Hill” is March 6 and is the perfect opportunity for members to help educate the legislature on the importance of the green industry, and the legislative priorities of the association and industry in Minnesota. Also, if you’re unable to come to Day on the Hill or you would prefer to set up an individual meeting with your House or Senate member, MNLA staff would be happy to assist you and join you in the meeting! ➽ CONTACT MNLA’s Government Affairs Director Forrest Cyr at 612-248-4463, or at forrest@mnla.biz.

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PHOTO ALBUM

Thanks to Sam Bauer for again serving as Master of Ceremonies for the Green Industry Awards Celebration, and to MTGF President Manuel Jordan, for their continued partnership in this event.

Charleen Kehoe of Central Lakes College and scholarship sponsor Heidi Heiland of Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens and GrowHaus Garden Centre.

Tess Vossen of Hennepin Technical College with scholarship sponsor John O’Reilly of Otten Bros.

Nursery and Landscape.

Steve and Terri Wilcox of Resultants for Business congratulate Adam Eull of Carlin Horticultural Supplies (center) upon graduating from the Green Industry Leadership Institute.

AWARDS NIGHT On January 15, 2019 MNLA and MTGF again came together to celebrate the past year’s achievements and awards, including scholarships, research, landscaping, service to the industry, and completion of professional training.

President Scott Frampton of Landscape Renovations (right) congratulates Dave Kleinhuizen on winning MNLA’s Volunteer of the Year Award.

Tim Power and Paul Morlock of Law’s Nursery each took home a Hall of Fame Award at the 2019 event.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 GREEN INDUSTRY AWARDS CELEBRATION SPONSORS WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

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MNLA.BIZ march 19

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PHOTO ALBUM

The MNLA Foundation hosted a pilot event with 3 Minnesota High School Ag Programs at Northern Green to encourage them to think about careers in the green industry. Over 50 students attended!

Attendees begin to arrive at registration for Northern Green 2019.

Opening Keynote speaker Steve Uzzell helped start Northern Green with lots of inspiration and stories.

Site One toasts to a new year and a successful Northern Green.

The big winner of the 2019 Preview Party Poker Run was Nathan Blenker from Supreme Lawn and Landscaping, Inc. in St. Cloud.

Rep. Brad Tabke of Shakopee was a guest in the MNLA Legislative Action Center at Northern Green.

CONNECT + GROW

Exhibitors and attendees connect to build their businesses.

Northern Green 2019 certainly proved to be the event where green industry professionals could find everything green industry all at one time and all in one place. Be sure to mark your calendars for January 14-16 and plan to join us for Northern Green 2020 at the Minneapolis Convention Center!

38

MNLA.BIZ march 19

Experts in every green industry field presented to attendees at this year’s event.

Climber’s Corner featured safety talks, climbing demos, and pruning instruction as seen here.

Campfire spaces were again a popular destination for those seeking to learn about industry topics.

The Minnesota State Patrol was on hand to do commercial vehicle inspection demonstrations and to answer questions for attendees.

New this year, attendees had the chance to enhance their teamwork by trying their hand at a mobile escape room.

Attendees describe Northern Green as a top networking destination each year.

Northern Green is a great place to come and shop for equipment. Here attendees talk with an equipment exhibitor to learn more.

Thanks to Sam Geer from Urban Ecosystems for putting together another great green industry technology area in the drone demonstration/obstacle course.

Hallway conversations continue to be where attendees have top takeaways. There’s big value in learning from each other.

Free beer and food could be found on the trade show floor during Tuesday’s Preview Party.

THANKS TO THESE COMPANIES FOR GENEROUSLY SUPPORTING NORTHERN GREEN 2019!

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39

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NORTHERN GREEN

NEWS & NOTES

THANKS TO THE 2019 MNLA FOUNDATION SILENT AUCTION + BOTTLE PULL DONORS Hilton Hotel Minneapolis

Gwen Daniels

Rock Hard Landscape Supply

Aelius Energy

Halquist Stone

Sargents Nursery

Ambergate Horticultural Consulting

Healthy Ponds

Science Museum of Minnesota

Anderson Nurseries Inc.

Irrigation by Design, Inc.

St. Paul Saints Baseball

Arrowwood Lodge at Brainerd Lakes

Keller Golf Course

Steve Kelley and Arla Charmichiel

B&B Hoffman Sod Farms, Inc.

Landscape Renovations, Inc.

Surley

Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery &

Living Space Landscapes, Inc.

Sustane Natural Fertilizer, Inc.

Malmborg’s Greenhouse & Garden

Tangletown Gardens LLC

Hardscapes Belgard

Centers

Techo-Bloc

Berg’s Nursery & Landscapes LLC

Margolis Companies

BFG Supply Company

Mary Lockenberry Meyer

Biota Landscape Design + Build

McAlpine Landscapes

The Resultants

Bluebird Nursery, Inc.

Minnesota Twins

Titan Machinery, Inc.

Borgert Products Inc.

Mississippi Top Soils, Inc.

Topgolf Minnesota- Brooklyn Park

Brookside Property Services

MN State Horticulture Society

Trio Landscaping LLC

Can Can Wonderland

Monrovia

Truck Utilities Inc.

Central Landscape Supply

Mosquito Squad

Unique Lighting Systems and Outdoor

Commonwealth Properties, Inc.

National Refund and Marketing Services

Conserva Irrigation

Natural Creations, Inc.

Versa-lok - Midwest

Copeland Buhl

Niebur Tractor & Equipment, Inc.

Waconia Tree Farm

County Materials

North Shore Scenic Railroad

Wagner Greenhouse

Cowsmo

Nutrien Ag Solutions

Wallace Gardens

Crysteel Truck Equipment, Inc.

Oak Marsh Golf Course

Wheeler Landscape Supply

Dangerous Man Brewing Co.

Otten Brothers Garden Center and

Wheeler Lumber

Dayton Bag and Burlap Co.

Landscaping

The Mustard Seed Landscaping and Garden Center

Perspectives

Wild Mountain

Debbie Lonnee

Pavetech

Wolcyn Tree Farms & Nursery

Dundee Nursery & Landscapes, LLC

Plaisted Companies, Inc.

Xylem LTD

Eden-Valders Stone

Plants Beautiful Nursery, Inc.

Zeigler CAT

Farber Bag & Supply Company

RCP

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Fly Over America

RDO Equipment Co.

Gardens of Rice Creek, LLC

Reinders, Inc. march 19 MNLA.BIZ

41

HARDINESS

➄

➃UPDATED COLD HARDINESS LIST

James Calkins

MNLA Regulatory Affairs Manager

➁

➂

❢ THE UPDATED MDA NURSERY STOCK Cold Hardiness List for 2019 is now available and in effect.

iStock.com/yuriz

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Nursery Stock Cold

Hardiness List has been updated for 2019 is now available on the MDA website at https://www.mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/cold-hardiness-list. More broadly, visitors should also be aware that the entire MDA website has recently been completely revamped so old links will no longer work. Updated and published annually, the MDA Nursery Stock Cold Hardiness List serves as the legal authority for the labeling of nursery stock regarding cold hardiness in Minnesota. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Cold Hardiness Zones are used for the cold hardiness ratings (USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map; http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/) and the list functions as the primary guidance for identifying false or misleading cold hardiness labeling for woody plants and herbaceous perennials offered for sale in the State of Minnesota. False or misleading labeling of nursery stock relative to cold hardiness is a violation of the Minnesota Nursery Law (Minnesota Statute 18H; https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/statutes/?id=18H) and specifically Minnesota Statute 18H.14 (Labeling and Advertising of Nursery Stock; https://www.revisor.leg.state.mn.us/ statutes/?id=18H.14).

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.

The MDA Nursery Stock Cold Hardiness List divides nursery stock into eight primary categories with some overlap: Deciduous Trees & Evergreens (deciduous and evergreen trees), Fruit (herbaceous and woody species), Fruit/Produce (asparagus and rhubarb), Grasses (landscape grasses), Perennials (herbaceous perennials), Roses, Shrubs (deciduous and evergreen, needle leaf and broadleaf), and Vines.

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 USDA plant cold hardiness rating is included on the label, nothing further is needed. In the absence of a specific USDA cold hardiness rating on the label, nursery stock that isn’t cold hardy in the area in which it is being sold must be labeled “nonhardy” to be in compliance with the Minnesota Nursery Law.

Figure 1. Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris — Minnetonka, MN Figure 1. Although individual plants that have proven to be more cold hardy than the norm, including the 26 year old specimen pictured above which has reached a height of about 30 feet growing on a silver maple tree (Acer saccharinum) and has survived a temperature of -32°F without injury, can be found growing in the Twin Cities metropolitan area (USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 4; -20 to -30°F), climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris) is correctly listed as only being reliably cold hardy to USDA Cold Hardiness Zone 5 (-10 to -20°F) on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Nursery Stock Cold Hardiness List; as a result, climbing hydrangea plants offered for sale in Minnesota must be labeled as Zone 5 or “nonhardy” when sold in zones colder than Zone 5 in order to be in compliance with the Minnesota Nursery Law.

Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris — Main Stem & Bark — Minnetonka, MN march 19 MNLA.BIZ

43

HARDINESS

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 based on credible evidence supporting the difference.

For cultivars that are not specifically listed, nursery professionals and the public should refer to the species for the appropriate cold hardiness zone rating.

The MDA Nursery Stock Cold Hardiness List is reviewed and updated on an annual basis and multiple sources of information are considered during the review process. The Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) has historically submitted comments as part of the annual review process and was pleased to have the opportunity to provide input once again this year. As in past years, the MNLA convened a review panel to review the draft MDA list in September and the group’s comments were submitted to the MDA for review and consideration by MDA staff. We thank the members of the MNLA review panel for sharing their time and expertise and note that many of the MNLA recommendations are reflected in the updated list for 2019. The current cold hardiness list will remain unchanged and effective until the list is reviewed and updated once again in September 2019.

The MDA Nursery Stock Cold Hardiness List impacts the MNLA membership from a

regulatory perspective and MNLA members have a vested interest in assuring that the public has the best and most up-to-date cold hardiness information when purchasing landscape plants. For these reasons, the MNLA will remain engaged in the MDA’s cold hardiness assessment process. To this end, consensus among our members is important and we are interested in any comments

“

WE ALSO ENCOURAGE AND WOULD WELCOME ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION FROM INTERESTED MNLA MEMBERS DURING NEXT YEAR’S REVIEW OF THE MDA COLD HARDINESS LIST…

”

you might have about the cold hardiness list and its implementation, and the annual review process in general, from a nursery and landscape perspective in preparation for next year’s review. We also encourage and would welcome additional participation from interested MNLA members during next year’s review of the MDA cold hardiness list; please let us know if you would be interested in serving on the MNLA review panel so we can add you to the list of reviewers for next year.

For additional information about cold hardiness labeling requirements for nursery

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stock, and questions about other nursery stock labeling requirements under the Minnesota Nursery Law, contact Steven Shimek (Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Division) at steven.shimek@state. mn.us or (651) 201-6619. Additional information about the MDA Nursery Inspection & Certification Program, which is responsible for the administration of the Minnesota Nursery Law, including compliance with the law’s cold hardiness labeling requirements, is also available on the MDA website at https://www. mda.state.mn.us/plants-insects/nursery-certification-and-plant-regulation.

Note: In past years, a number of MNLA members have wondered whether the MDA Nursery Stock Cold Hardiness List is available in Excel spreadsheet form. While the MDA cannot post Excel documents on its website, the Excel spreadsheet can be obtained from the MNLA by contacting Jim Calkins at jim@mnla.biz.

To comment on the MDA cold hardiness list, its application, and/or the annual plant cold hardiness review process with the goal of assisting the MNLA as it participates in future reviews of the MDA cold hardiness rankings, or to volunteer to serve on the MNLA plant cold hardiness review panel next year, contact Jim Calkins (MNLA Regulatory Affairs Manager) at jim@mnla.biz or (952) 935-0682.

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MDA

MDA NURSERY INSPECTION SUMMARY

Steven Shimek Nursery Program Coordinator

Steven Shimek

2018

Emerald Green Arborvitae that arrived too early with cold injury.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture

is responsible for preventing harmful plant pests from coming into and moving throughout the state. To accomplish this, nursery stock produced for sale must be inspected annually and certified free of harmful plant pests. Stock originating outside Minnesota must be officially certified under all applicable quarantines at origin.

Annual inspections help detect harmful pests before they can cause more serious damage. The inspections also assure the industry and consumers that the product they are purchasing are viable and in a healthy condition.

Certificate Numbers Nursery Stock Dealer certificates issued decreased from 1,989 in 2017 to 1,951 in 2018. Nursery Stock Grower certificates issued in 2018 decreased by one from 249 growers in 2017 to 248 in 2018. The number of acres presented for certification decreased from 5,381 acres in 2017 to 5,312 acres in 2018.

Crazy Weather An extreme, late-season winter storm struck Minnesota in mid-April dumping 12 to 26 inches of snow. The event was described as “thunder snow”. This was followed by unseasonable warm temps in May. There were six 90-plus degree days in May culminating with a 100 degree Memorial Day. These weather conditions combined to be very damaging to plants. Dealer sites that received stock in early April saw significant damage.

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MNLA.BIZ march 19

Wholesalers that normally have a couple of weeks to assess the viability of potted stock before it is shipped were rushed into shipping. As a result, many dealer locations received stock with significant injury that was not marketable and needed to be replaced.

Japanese Beetle Populations on the Rise Minnesota has seen an increase in population and spread of Japanese beetle Popillia japonica to more locations around the state over the past several years. This year, heavy defoliation was seen in some areas and was spotty in other areas.

Noxious Weed Survey The nursery inspection staff has integrated data collection for the Weed Survey Program into the Compliance Information System (CIS). This year, a checklist of the following potentially invasive plant species was tallied when found at an inspection site: Amur honeysuckle, Amur maple, Bells honeysuckle, black locust, burnet saxifrage, giant knotweed, Japanese hedge parsley, Japanese knotweed, Morrow’s honeysuckle, porcelain berry, Tartarian honeysuckle, tree of heaven, and wild carrot/Queen Ann’s Lace.

Some Japanese Barberry Cultivars Prohibited Noxious Weeds After a three year phase out period, 26 of the seediest cultivars of barberry are now designated as Restricted Noxious Weeds in Minnesota and are illegal to

sell or propagate. ‘Crimson Pygmy’ barberry Berberis thunbergi is one common cultivar that will not be restricted. The list and more information is available at: www.mda.state. mn.us/barberry Cold Hardiness Labeling It gets cold in Minnesota, and cold hardiness limits what can reliably planted. If plants are correctly labeled in agreement with the hardiness list posted on the MDA website, nothing further is needed. However, if nursery stock (trees, shrubs, perennials) lack a hardiness label and are not hardy for the zone in which it’s being sold, it must include the words “non-hardy.” A review of the list is conducted annually in September and updated in October for the upcoming year. As this project has gone forward, only minor changes have been needed.

Japanese Flower Thrips Survey Japanese flower thrips was confirmed at one location in Minnesota in 2017. A follow-up survey was conducted in 2018 using blue sticky traps. As of this report, no positives were collected; however, samples were forwarded for determination.

Steven Shimek

Pollinator Labeling and Sampling Samples were collected from plants found advertised as beneficial to pollinators. Advertising includes any reference to bees, butterflies, or other pollinators. This includes symbols on signs, labels, or in other print. Inspectors collected 56 samples of floral tissue which were submitted for analysis to detect systemic insecticides. Fifty of the samples were below the threshold established by the EPA. Six samples resulted in levels of insecticides above the threshold. Notices of Violations (NOV’s) were issued to the three firms selling the plants. These firms all used out-of-state suppliers as well as their own stock and willingly removed the advertising. So far, positive results have come nearly exclusively from firms using out-of-state perennial suppliers.

Compliance agreements, which are used to document nurseries with production practices approved by the commissioner, were maintained with four nurseries. The agreements allow for the use of pollinator labeling under permit. ➽ STEVEN SHIMEK, Nursery Inspection Program Coordinator at MDA since 1988, can be reached at steven.shimek@state.mn.us.

Prohibited Barberry found at a retail site.

march 19 MNLA.BIZ

47

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LICENSING + CERTIFICATION

PESTICIDE APPLICATOR

LICENSE & CERTIFICATION

iStock.com/SVproduction

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture

© Can Stock Photo Inc. / wellphoto

LICENSING + CERTIFICATION

THE MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (MDA) regulates the use, handling, distribution and storage of agricultural chemicals in the state. The MDA also licenses qualified persons to apply pesticides for private and commercial purposes. The agency ensures qualifications and competency through testing, certification, licensing, and training.

Pesticide Regulation Federal and state laws governing pesticide distribution and use are designed to protect human health and the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) delegates authority to the MDA to regulate pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The MDA also has authority under the Minnesota Pesticide Control Law and related statutes and rules.

Applicators who apply pesticides on farms, in the field and forest, in orchards and nurseries, at co-ops, in commercial facilities, or for pest control companies need to demonstrate qualifications to obtain a pesticide license. Also, golf course workers who apply pesticides on the property must be licensed by the MDA. The MDA issues Commercial, Non- Commercial or Structural Pest Control license types. The MDA also issues a Private Pesticide Applicator certification to farmers.

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MNLA.BIZ march 19

MNLA is offering two 2-day workshops this spring to help you prepare for the Category A & E Pesticide Certification Exam: March 26–27, April 4–5. ➽ For details and to register, visit MNLA.biz.

This article explains basic steps to obtain a license. Detailed information is available on the MDA website www.mda.state.mn.us (under pesticide applicator licensing).

Commercial, Structural and Non-Commercial A Commercial Pesticide Applicator applies pesticide for hire or on a contract basis. This license is required to apply any pesticide for hire.

A Non-Commercial Pesticide Applicator applies pesticide as a condition of employment to property owned or controlled by an employer.

This license is required to apply Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP).

A Structural Pest Control Applicator (SPCA) controls pests in or around structures on a for hire or contract basis. An SPCA may be licensed as a Journeyman, or with enough experience, as a Master.

Category of Pesticide Use You must demonstrate competency by passing exams before a license is issued. First, you must pass the Core category and at least one other category exam for license eligibility.

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3 3

4 4

5 5

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Categories describe specific patterns of pesticide use. You can find a list of categories on the MDA website. The University of Minnesota-Extension has exam study manuals to help you prepare.

Commercial and Non-Commercial applicators may certify in categories such as Turf and Ornamental, Field Crops, Rights-of-Way and others. Structural Pest Control applicators can certify in three different categories.

Basic Steps to Licensing • Determine the categories you need.

• Purchase the study manuals from the U of M-Extension Bookstore.

• Study the manuals and prepare for your exam.

• Complete license application form.

• Pay license application fees.

• Schedule the exam: Contact the MDA St. Paul office, 651/201-6633 or check the website for an exam site near you.

• Comply with license requirements.

iStock.com/welcomia

License Requirements Licenses expire annually at the end of December. Application fees are nonrefundable and not transferable. Some applications require financial responsibility. Application fees must be paid before taking certification exams.

Once fees are paid and you pass the exam, an official license ID card will be mailed to you.

Carry the ID card with you when applying pesticides.

About Exams • Exams are only administered during business hours and are not timed.

• A person gets three attempts to pass the exam. If you do not pass, you must wait until the following year to apply again.

• Exam questions are written as multiple choice and are closed book. Answers must be at least 70 percent correct in order to pass.

• Calculators and scratch paper are provided.

• Exam must be completed without assistance. No reference materials or cell phones are allowed in the exam room.

• Talking or sharing answers is prohibited.

• Tests are proctored and anyone can be dismissed due to disruption or lack of cooperation.

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march 19 MNLA.BIZ

53

INDEX OF PRODUCTS & SERVICES IN THE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

Memb rsh ip Directoery 2019 2020

MINNESOTA

NURSERY 1813 Lexingto & LANDSCAPE Phone 651-633n Ave. N, Roseville, MN ASSOCIATION 55113 www.MNLA.biz-4987 • Toll Free 888-886 -6652 • www.No Successful rthernGreen.org • Fax 651-633-4986 Businesses Grow Here!

The MNLA Membership Directory Index of Products & Services puts vendors at your fingertips. Check out the preview below of the various categories and vendors listed there to find the perfect fit for your needs! The full 2019/2020 Membership Directory is headed your way with the April Scoop.

Equipment & Vehicles

Hardscapes, cont.

Services

Ancom Communications & Technical Center CPD Ditch Witch Edney Distributing Co., Inc. Lano Equipment, Inc. Nuss Truck Equipment RDO Equipment Co. Ziegler CAT

Plaisted Companies Rock Hard Landscape Supply The Outdoor Greatroom Company Xylem, Ltd

Ancom Communications & Technical Center GreenTurf Sod Farms, Inc. SMSC Organics Recycling Facility University of Minnesota, Crookston University of Wisconsin - River Falls Ziegler CAT

Growing Supplies for Nurseries & Greenhouses Albert J. Lauer, Inc. Farber Bag & Supply Co. Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply Plaisted Companies The Tessman Company Xylem, Ltd

Hardscapes Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply Haag Companies, Inc. Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies Hoffman Brothers Sod, Inc

Herbaceous Plants Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply Glacial Ridge Growers, Inc. Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies Landscape Alternatives

Retail & Landscape Products Albert J. Lauer, Inc. CPD Ditch Witch Farber Bag & Supply Co. Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply Lano Equipment, Inc. Plaisted Companies RDO Equipment Co. Rock Hard Landscape Supply SMSC Organics Recycling Facility The Outdoor Greatroom Company University of Wisconsin - River Falls Xylem, Ltd

Turf Products, Sod, Irrigation Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply GreenTurf Sod Farms, Inc. Haag Companies, Inc. Hoffman Brothers Sod, Inc The Tessman Company

Woody Plants Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes Gertens Wholesale & Professional Turf Supply Glacial Ridge Growers, Inc. Landscape Alternatives

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