The Scoop Online - June 2018

Nip It, Nip It in the Bud!

Also Inside

How Growers View Hydroponics

Member Profile Out & About DC Update

THE VALUE OF OUR PROFESSION A landscape designer asks some challenging questions

Vol: 41 No: 06 June 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. 06 June 2018

➾ S E CT I O N TITLE

CONTENTS 17

22 30 IN THIS ISSUE 8

Events

10 2018 MNLA Membership Survey Thanks to all our members who completed the survey and help to guide our future.

12 Out & About

47

Photos from a supplier show and a community education opportunity.

22 DC Update

14 Nip It, Nip It in the Bud! Faith Appelquist has some advice for plants that want to revert to their non-variegated foliage.     

17

How Growers View Hydroponics

Larry Johnson takes us inside the beltway for updates from the federal government.

24 Member Profile All Stone Solutions 41 Sponsor an MNLA Scholarship The MNLA Foundation provides you an easy

Chengyan Yue looks at Minnesota’s growers’ preferences for hydroponic

way to demonstrate your commitment to our

production systems. 

industry’s future.

43 MNLA Saved Members Over $1 Million with

30 The Value of Our Profession Diana Grundeen reminds us to not under-sell the worth of our ideas, creativity, and expertise.  

One Program!

The Chrysler Fleet program has made a huge difference in members’ bottom lines.

43 Northern Green 2019

37 Make a Difference!

Save the date for a chance to grow the connections you need to build your business.

Julie Weisenhorn invites you to join the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture. 

47 Encouraging Young Adults to Choose Green Paulette Sorenson reports on the ways the MNLA Foundation is working to guide career choices for Minnesota youth. 

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

The Scoop, June 2018, Issue 6, 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.

june 18

MNLA .biz

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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.

AD LIST Bachman's Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes .................................................... 3 Borgert Products, Inc. ....................................................................................... 46 Central Landscape Supply ................................................................................ 50 CST Distributors ............................................................................................... 23 Cushman Motor Co. Inc ................................................................................... 18 Edney Distributing Co., Inc. ............................................................................. 23

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Fury Motors ...................................................................................................... 21

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

Frontier Ag & Turf ............................................................................................. 40

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

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

scott frampton, president

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

randy berg, mnla-cp, SECRETARY-TREASURER

Gopher State One-Call ..................................................................................... 18

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

Haag Companies, Inc. ...................................................................................... 45

FAITH APPELQUIST

Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies .......................................................... 4

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

matt mallas

Hiway Federal Credit Union ............................................................................. 32

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

Jeff Belzer Chevrolet .................................................................................. 28–29

mike mcnamara

Landscape Alternatives Inc. .............................................................................. 11

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

john o'reilly

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

jeff pilla, mnla-cp

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

nick sargent

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

cassie larson, cae

Midwest Transmission Center / DBA Clutch & U-joint Proven Force ............... 11 Minnesota Landscape Arboretum .................................................................... 42 Monroe Truck Equipment ................................................................................. 16 Out Back Nursery ............................................................................................. 38 Plaisted Companies ............................................................................................ 7 Prairie Restorations, Inc. ................................................................................... 50

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

Resultants for Business, Inc. (RFB) .................................................................... 42

STAFF DIRECTORY

Rock Hard Landscape Supply ........................................................................... 11

Cassie Larson, CAE • cassie@mnla.biz

S & S Tree and Horticultural Specialists ............................................................ 50

executive director:

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: Larry Johnson • larry@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

6

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SMSC Organics Recycling Facility .................................................................... 40 The Tessman Company .................................................................................... 49 Tri-State Bobcat, Inc. ........................................................................................ 36 Truck Utilities, Inc. ............................................................................................. 38 Versa-Lok Midwest ........................................................................................... 34 Wheeler Landscape Supply .............................................................................. 38 Xcel Energy ...................................................................................................... 26 Ziegler CAT ......................................................................................... Back Cover

Volume 41 No. 06 June 2018

➾ S E CT I O N TITLE

Bringing Green to the Urban Landscape with Load-bearing Soil.

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THE SOIL EXPERTS.

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Comprehensive 57-page Guide online You’ll find this Guide on our website. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website also lists regional tree species suitable for CU-Soil®.

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Grow trees surrounded by pavement with CU-Structural Soil®. Designed by Cornell University, this patented blend of crushed stone, clay loam and Gelscape® Hydrogel Tackifier creates a soil porosity matrix that increases rooting volume under pavement and thus tree longevity—plus prevents sidewalk heaving!

➾ C ALE N DAR

➾

JULY24

JULY 14–17

➾

CULTIVATE 2018

MNLA.biz

Cultivate18.org

Join your fellow Hackers for Horticulture at the 28th Annual Widmer Golf Tournament.

Proceeds benefit the MNLA Foundation Research Fund.

Cultivate is the premier national event for horticulture professionals.

AUG14

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

MNLA NIGHT AT THE SAINTS GAME

AUG9 Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center Carlinsales.com BuyerFest is the annual trade show that brings everyone together under one roof: valued customers, vendor representatives and the Carlin/ProGreen staff.

MNLA FOUNDATION WIDMER GOLF TOURNAMENT Majestic Oaks Golf Club Ham Lake

Columbus, OH

CARLIN BUYERFEST



➾

CHS Field, St. Paul MNLA.biz You are invited to the 4th Annual MNLA Night at the Saints Game. We have reserved the Star Tribune Skybox for our group. Includes a ticket to the game and dinner.

AUG14



MEMBER APPRECIATION DAY MNLA Office, Roseville MNLA.biz We will be celebrating our awesome members with a full day of fun.

Stop by the MNLA office for donuts in the morning and ice cream in the afternoon. Then join us for an evening at CHS Field in St. Paul to watch the Saint Paul Saints take on the Sioux Falls Canaries.

JULY26 HORTICULTURE NIGHT AT THE WEST CENTRAL RESEARCH AND OUTREACH CENTER WCROC, Morris wcroc.cfans.umn.edu Featuring horticulture demonstrations, presentations, walking tours, and much more. Admission is free.

AUG 14–16 IGC SHOW Navy Pier, Chicago IGCshow.com Tradeshow and education sessions focused 100% on the special interests of independent garden centers.

2018 MNLA seminars generously supported by:

Bailey Nord Farm, Cottage Grove

This annual summer event is open to all Bailey Nurseries customers, and features displays, seminars, demonstrations and tours.

MNLA.biz Join us for a halfday outdoor plant identification skills training event. Whether you are a seasoned professional looking to improve your plant I.D. skills or are new to the green industry, this event is for you.

SEPT18 

SEPT19

LEADERSHIP PEER GROUP BEGINS

➾

MNLA Office, Roseville

Mystic Lake, Prior Lake Tessmanseed.com New show location for 2018! Ready to help with all your greenhouse, nursery, garden center and landscaping needs.

MNLA FOUNDATION SHOOTOUT

Don’t miss this annual sport clays charity event!

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

D

MNLA.biz

➾

TIFIE ER

O PR

This effective and affordable soft skills development tool is facilitated by Rod Johnson. The group meets for six Tuesday sessions, and the autumn session has a sales, marketing, and customer service focus.

TESSMAN COMPANY BUYING SHOW & HORT ACADEMY



Minnesota Horse & Hunt Club, Prior Lake

MNLA.biz

AUG8

AUG7

FE

AL

➾

BAILEY SUMMER EXPO

NAME THAT PLANT: Plant I.D. Skills Training

C

JULY26



N

AUG2

SSIO



LANDSCAPE DESIGN TOUR MNLA.biz Join us for the annual design tour. This year we are partnering with ASLA-MN. Spend the day visiting inspiring landscapes and networking with your landscape design and landscape architect peers.

OCT26 & NOV2

 

MNLA CERTIFICATION EXAM MNLA Office, Roseville MNLA.biz Sit for the exam to become an MNLA Certified Professional.

KEY:

 Business

 Skills Training

 Leadership Development

 Networking

General ➾

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

MNLA .biz

9

➾ F R OM THE EXECUTIVE DI R EC TO R

The Results Are In: 2018 MNLA Membership Survey Our deep appreciation goes to all our members who completed the 2018 MNLA Membership Survey in February.

Cassie Larson MNLA Executive Director

This information will help guide the association’s strategic discussion in the coming months and years as we chart our course through this critical time. These results shed light on what services, projects, and overall goals members desire from the association.

The survey was spearheaded by the Communications & Technology Committee and distributed via e-mail to all MNLA members. It was also advertised at Northern Green 2018. A total of 225 members responded to the survey. This is the third time we have conducted a similar membership survey and it’s interesting to evaluate the changes over time. Here are a few high-level insights that caught my attention: Member Satisfaction, Benefits, and Services

• 87% of respondents are highly likely to recommend MNLA membership to their peers in the industry.

• While many of the member services and resources MNLA offers ranked between 7–9 on a tenpoint scale, topping the list were discounts on education and events, The Scoop magazine, and legislative and regulatory representation.

• When asked what benefits or resources members would like to see added at MNLA, the following trends emerged: a mentoring/mentorship program, features for outstate members, and career awareness.

Industry Issues

• The top three issues that respondents identified for the industry over the next 3 years were: 1) finding/keeping employees; 2) invasive species; and 3) pest issues.

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Communications

• Far and away, Facebook is the preferred social media that MNLA members use to promote their businesses to consumers as 72% percent of respondents indicated they use Facebook. Coming in second was LinkedIn (40%) followed by Instagram and YouTube each coming in at about 25%.

Education

Members indicated their top 10 needs in the educational arena were: 1. Sustainable landscapes 2. Landscape design/install sales, bidding, and estimating 3. Landscape and garden design ideas and inspiration 4. Family business issues and succession 5. Garden maintenance 6. Hardscapes, pavers, segmental retaining walls 7. Managing plant insects and diseases 8. Personnel 9. Greenhouse production 10. Budgets, cash flow, and planning This data will be analyzed by the MNLA Board of Directors as well as committees and task teams to help make decisions about how to continue to move the organization forward.

Congratulations to the following individuals who each won $50 in the drawings of survey participants: Jamie Theis, JL Theis, Inc., Todd Engelbert, Todd’s Lawn and Landscape, Inc., and Brad Hanson, Heins Nursery Thanks again to all those who took the time to participate!

NEW

SCOOP COMING In January, MNLA will be introducing a redesigned Scoop. Our goal is to provide even greater value to you, the member, through this vital communication service. To do that, we need to know what your current needs are! We would like to gather your feedback on how you read The Scoop, which content you value most, and what you wish we would include. Please take five minutes and give us your opinions via a quick 5-question survey found here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ScoopFeedback. If you’d rather forward your comments via email, send those to jon@mnla.biz.

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

FR E E !

Proper plant selection is critical to long-lived, healthy and sustainable landscapes, and understanding the planting site itself — its soil, light, moisture, exposure, and size — is crucial to choosing plants that will thrive.

The Plant Elements of Design selection program will help you find plants that match the conditions of your landscaping site.

This extensive database of plants includes photos and care information you can use with your clients. Go to www.landscapeplants.extension.umn.edu to try it today!

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www.MNLA.biz | ocTober 2012

➾ OUT & ABOUT

MNLA STAFF LIKES TO GET OUT AND VISIT WITH MEMBERS to hear how plans for the season are shaping up and to touch base to see what our members need. Being

&

at a supplier’s show provides us with a chance to meet and greet several members of the MNLA community at one time and place, and Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes hosted a sunny spring gathering that allowed us to do just that.

Sunny and Jason from Landscape Renovations, Inc.

Barbara Dunsmore, Bailey Breeggemann, and Nathanial Holmes from Countryside Gardens, Inc.

Some of the Bachman’s crew: Hillary Fabry, Renee Peterson, Danielle Massa, Nate Atkins, John Moe, and Patrick Warden.

Karl and Jason Pokorny, Karl’s Landscaping, Inc.

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Scott Solomonson and Megan Trisko, Living Space Landscapes, Inc.; Nancy and Jim Hanson, Natural Landscape Minnesota, Inc.

MALMBORG’S GARDEN CENTER got an opportunity to give a presentation about horticulture to a local school — and had some fun in the process! They said, “We had a great time today bringing spring to the students at Albertville Primary School!”

Albertville Primary School’s teachers offered their gratitude to Malmborg’s Garden Center: We would like to thank Malmborg’s Garden Center for visiting Albertville Primary today to teach our students about plants. As an added bonus, students were taught how to plant a plant of their own, which they are able to bring home. Thank you Malmborg’s for your generous donation of time, as well as the wonderful plants, pots, and soil!

june 18

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NIP IT, NIP IT

IN THE BUD! Faith Appelquist | Tree Quality

(Left): ‘Variegata’ Pachysandra.

(Above): Variegated Norway maple.

any species have variegated cultivars, with splashes of white, yellow or pink on the leaves. A cultivar is a plant variety that has been produced by selective breeding and variegation is the appearance of differently colored leaves. And just as the green leaves turned variegated, they can easily turn or revert back to the original solid green foliage. This is frustrating to many gardeners, as the variegated forms of plants provide interest, brighten dim areas, and are purchased specifically to highlight this unique trait.

Turns out variegated plants can be less vigorous than their allgreen equivalents. The greener the leaves, the more chlorophyll and the healthier the plant is. The tendency to revert from variegated leaves is a protective adaptation that allows the plant to return to a more successful form.

What do you do if you spot a reversion? It’s time to follow the advice of the wise TV sage, Barney Fife, and “Nip it, nip it in the bud!” Examine the plant and determine where the green shoots originated. They should be removed well back into variegated leaves.

If left un-pruned, reversions will eventually dominate the plant, and the homeowner, who paid a premium for a variegated maple is eventually left with a plain old Norway maple.

FAITH APPELQUIST

‘Jack Frost’ Brunnera.

‘Ivory Halo’ Dogwood.

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.

‘Cool Splash’ Bush Honeysuckle.

june 18

MNLA .biz

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- Available in 9’ & 12’ Lengths - Smooth Steel or V-Groove Wood Floor - Powder Coated Platform and Bulkhead - 37” High Black High Density Polyethylene Stake Panels with Black Hardware - Steel Rear Swing Doors

HOW GROWERS VIEW

HYDROPONICS An Analysis of Minnesota Growers’ Preferences for Hydroponic Production Systems

Chengyan Yue | Professor, Department of Horticultural Science and Department of Applied Economics,

Bachman Endowed Chair in Horticultural Marketing, University of Minnesota

Shuoli Zhao, Ph.D. candidate | Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota

june 18

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➾ H YD RO P O N I CS

Your One Tractor Solution

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ydroponics is a production system that grows plants in mineral nutrient solutions with or without an inert growing media to provide mechanical support.

Under a hydroponic system, the plant can be provided with the optimal amount of nutrients at the right time, so it can grow as healthy as genetically achievable. At the same time, hydroponics is usually regarded as a sustainable alternative to traditional soil production because it allows the plant to have higher yields and grow faster with less water and nutrient consumption. While almost any crop can be grown hydroponically, the most common crops are lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries, and peppers, as those are well-supported in the nutrient solution.

On the demand side, hydroponic produce is already being sold in supermarkets and offered in restaurants. According to the market report released by Research and Market, the world hydroponics market value is anticipated to grow from $19.95 billion in 2015 to $27.33 billion in 2020. In the United States, IBIS World reported the revenue for the hydroponic crop farming industry has maintained positive growth over the past five years up through 2017 and is projected to have a revenue of ~$874.5 million in 2022. Consumers’ increasing demand for local produce will continue to support the growth of this industry.

The Method and Findings

To understand growers’ preference for hydroponic production using reclaimed water, we collected data both using on-site surveys at Northern Green 2017 and mailin surveys in spring of 2017. In total, 117 valid responses from growers were collected, including 93 on-site surveys and 24 mail-in survey responses.

Hydroponics. Among all grower respondents, 22% of them had experiences using the hydroponic agricultural system in their previous production, 39% did not adopt hydroponics but considered using the system, and 39% had never thought about hydroponics. Regarding growers’ acknowledgment of the benefits when comparing the hydroponic system to conventional soil production (Figure 1), most of the 18

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respondents agree with all benefit options.

Especially, respondents strongly agree that hydroponics allows year-round production, eliminates tasks of soil-based systems such as weeding or cultivation, produces even under harsh weather conditions, and saves production spaces.

Figure 1. Growers’ degree of agreement about the benefits of hydroponic agricultural system

Adopting a new production system inevitably leads to growers’ concerns for financial stability and managerial uncertainty.

According to figure 2, some of the major concerns growers have toward hydroponics including the investment of initial set-up, fast spread of diseases upon occurrence, and the cost of operation and maintenance. Meanwhile, they are relatively less concerned about consumers’ acceptance of hydroponic products and feasibility of organic production.

Figure 1. Growers’ degree of agreement about the benefits of hydroponic agricultural system.

Figure 2. Growers’ average levels of concerns related to hydroponic production system Reclaimed Water. Given the high reliance

on water, a hydroponic production system can further contribute to environmental sustainability by using reclaimed water.

Reclaimed water is the effluent produced by food-based industries (dairies, breweries, food processing) that typically goes to a centralized wastewater treatment plant, and it does not contain any human waste.

Regarding growers’ attitudes, most respondents (73%) stated that they prefer to use reclaimed water in their agricultural production, and the rest of them prefer to keep their current water source. Additionally, growers agree that using reclaimed water saves potable water resources, creates a positive community image for their farm, and supports regional sustainability (Figure 3).

Figure 2. Growers’ average levels of concerns related to hydroponic production system.

Figure 3. Growers’ attitudes toward the usage of claimed water in hydroponic production

Growers are also concerned about the potential use of reclaimed water, especially considering the additional equipment needed for using reclaimed water. They are also concerned about the possible chemical

Figure 3. Growers’ attitudes toward the usage of claimed water in hydroponic production.

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➾ H Y DR OPON ICS

residuals and bacteria, along with the maintenance and cleaning cost (Figure 4) Figure 4. Growers’ concerns about using reclaimed water in hydroponic production system

Figure 4. Growers’ concerns about using reclaimed water in hydroponic production system.

To address those concerns, we ask grower respondents what information they would like to have before considering adopting reclaimed water in hydroponic production system. Sixty-nine percent of respondents stated they would like to know the treatment of the water, while 62% need the cost information. Besides this information, all other types of relevant information are also preferred by at least half of the respondents (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Information needed before consider using reclaimed water in hydroponic production system Takeaways

In Minnesota, in response to the cold and long winter, hydroponics can potentially become a profitable production alternative to traditional soil production methods. Tt relaxes the restrictions of weather conditions and provides stable yields to generate year-round revenue. Survey responses from 117 Minnesota growers indicate favorable attitudes towards hydroponic production system and its possible usage of reclaimed water. Particularly, growers are interested in specific characteristics of hydroponics such as year-round yields, reducing risk from the fluctuation of outside factors, efficient usage of nutrients, and its environmental friendliness. Meanwhile, they also believe that integrating hydroponics with reclaimed water could further create a positive community image for their farms and support regional sustainability. Nevertheless, our survey results also show that the development of hydroponics and the potential usage of reclaimed water could be affected by growers’ concerns about the initial investment cost, technical requirement, production stability, product safety, and information transparency. To develop the hydroponic production using reclaimed water these concerns need to be further studied and addressed.

Acknowledgement: This research was funded by On the Horizon funding, University of Minnesota.

CHENGYAN YUE

holds the Todd and Barbara Bachman Endowed

Chair in Horticultural Marketing, Professor at the Department of Horticultural Science and Department of Applied Economics at the University of Minnesota. By better understanding consumers’ and other stakeholders’ preferences, Dr. Yue’s research provides guidance and implications for marketing horticultural products in strategic ways, which help increase the products’ success in the marketplace.

Author photo credit: David Hansen

Figure 5. Information needed before consider using reclaimed water in hydroponic production system.

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D W EL IV E ER !

THINK AHEAD

AND SAVE

MNLA Fleet Program can save you over

$14,000

#1

Commercial Dealer in Minnesota

FURY RAM COMMERCIAL TRUCK CENTER Lake Elmo, Minnesota

Call Craig Larson for Estimates:

651.777.1316

or email: clarson@furymotors.com

june 18

MNLA .biz

21

➾ D.C. UPDATE

INSIDE THE BELTWAY DC UPD ATE

Larry Johnson Government Affairs Director

From time to time, The MNLA Government Affairs Team takes a few column inches to share information from our nation’s capital that is of interest to you as members and to your customers in the state.

The legislative language passed by Congress is similar to last year in that it gives the Department of Homeland Security the discretion to approve visa petitions

On April 19 , House Agriculture Committee Chairman

above the 66,000 cap by up to an additional 69,000

K. Michael Conaway (R-Texas) introduced the Agriculture

visas. While relief is possible, we are disappointed that

and Nutrition Act of 2018 (H.R. 2) — critical legislation

Congress sidestepped, rather than solved, the seasonal

to address the economic challenges facing the nation’s

worker crisis. AmericanHort had been pushing a broader,

farmers and ranchers, while making historic investments

more immediate, and more permanent cap solution.

in opportunities for SNAP recipients.

Minnesota is among many states seeking Specialty

When given the same authority last fiscal year, DHS waited two months and then released an additional

Crop Block Grants — an issue we specifically lobbied

15,000 visas on July 19. AmericanHort is working with

Members of Congress on back in September during

our Congressional champions to press DHS to immedi-

the AmericanHort Impact Washington Fly-in — to allow

ately release all of the additional visas Congress has au-

growers to promote and market specialty crops. The

thorized. We will also continue to encourage Congress to

language Chairman Conaway included in his first draft of

provide relief for fiscal year 2019 and to pass permanent

the bill appears to address the industry’s requests regard-

H-2B cap relief.

ing performance measures and additional funds.

The bill also continues provisions from fiscal 2017 that

This is only the first step in a LONG process, and we

limit the ability of the Administration to enforce the cor-

will continue to monitor this legislation and keep you up

responding employment and 3/4 guarantee provisions

to date on its progress and contents.

of the 2015 regulations, allow for the use of private wage

Senators Smith and Klobuchar Send Letter Asking for More H-2B Petitions As you know, the “omnibus” spending bill that Congress passed and the President signed on March 23

MNLA .biz MNLA .biz

hoping for more H-2B visas.

Farm Bill Introduced th

22 22

contained language to help employers who have been

june 18 18 17 december

surveys, and provide for a 10-month season.

BIG THANKS to Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith for signing on to a bipartisan letter to the DHS and the Department of Labor asking them to take immediate

action granted to them in the bill. BIG THANKS also go out to our dedicated members who reached out to these two Senate offices in the middle of a busy work day to ask them to sign on to this letter. While we had hoped for a more permanent and immediate solution, it is an achievement to realize any H-2B relief language against a backdrop of inaction on a wide array of other immigration measures facing lawmakers.

THERE ARE ALWAYS

at least one

hundred and seven other issues pending on Capitol Hill at the same time so if you’re interested in more timely updates, please sign up for our weekly Friday Grassroots E-newsletter by emailing Larry Johnson at the MNLA office (larry@mnla.biz) to add your name to our distribution list.

THE GREENWORKS FAMILY OF BATTERY-OPERATED COMMERCIAL TOOLS Greenworks Commercial provides all the power of gas without the hassle, making it the clear choice to replace your current gas operated tools. 82-volt battery technology, partnered with superior brushless motors and commercial grade construction, makes Greenworks Commercial equipment perfect for landscape professionals. www.greenworkscommercial.com www.edneyco.com • 888.443.3639

june 18

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➾ ME MBER PROFILE

MEMBER PROFILE ALL STO N E SO L UTI O N S

Katie Mills Giorgio Photo courtesy of All Stone Solutions

All Stone Solutions employees (left to right): Jim Panke, Chance Petroski, Mary Petroski — office manager, Brad Gerlach — President and founder, Jim Bucheger — Production manager and partner, Karl Hansen — partner and owner of Karl Hansen Trucking. Not pictured: Marc Heisenfelt — salesman.

COMPAN Y SN APSH O T

Company Name: All Stone Solutions Owners: Brad Gerlach (Founder), Jim Bucheger and Karl Hansen Date Company started: 2011 Location: Park Falls, Wisconsin Number of employees in peak season: 6 Areas Served: Wisconsin and the seven state area Member Category: Hardscape Supply Center; Landscape, Greenhouse, Nursery Supply Center; Landscape Contractor Website: http://www.allstonesolutions.rocks/

A few years ago, Brad Gerlach stumbled upon a unique geological site in the hardwood forests surrounding one of the oldest mountain ranges in North America, the Penokee Range. After gathering some rock samples and taking photos, he reached out to business partners and set into motion a plan to open a new quarry to source rock veneers.

THE VERTICAL ROCK FORMATIONS OF THE STUNNING BASALT QUARRY

he found make

for a distinctive product now offered through All Stone Solutions. Gerlach credits the company’s participation in MNLA’s 2015 Northern Green with launching the business to success in the upper Midwest region. All Stone Solutions now serves wholesale and retail customers throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

A long-time geology enthusiast and MNLA member, Gerlach shared his thoughts on his business with us and why he’s excited about what’s on the horizon for his business.

Q. Brad, thank you for making time to talk with The Scoop. So tell us what makes All Stone Solutions unique?

A. I’ve been in this business since 2001, but moved to Wisconsin because of this quarry. It’s a vertical basalt quarry. There is only one other quarry like

24 24

MNLA .biz MNLA .biz

june 18 17 december

If you want certain sizes we'll bend to make it work. We'll do anything we can to make the customer happy. We strive for 100 percent customer satisfaction.

this in the country and it’s a national

with plastic sledgehammers to landscape

uct. We also have a wider saw that cuts

monument. Our quarry is unbelievable,

throughout the parking lot area. It’s an

blocks ten feet by four feet by five feet

definitely made by God. Everything is

appealing landscaping treatment that is

across and we then cut those into steps

vertical instead of horizontal, like most

low maintenance. They also put 24 tons of

or mantels. And we have a stone splitting

geological structures. So if you look at

stone on the roof of the facility and 2,000

machine which is used to make edging.

your toes there’s a cliff in front of you that

square feet of Adobe thin veneer on the

We invest in top quality equipment so that

is two inches thick that actually goes up

main visitor entrance to the facility. That

everything is fully automated and efficient.

75 feet in front of you. And so what hap-

project has really made a mark for us. It

We just put the stone on a conveyor belt

pens because it is vertical is that almost all

says a lot about the future and fast paced

and our machines take care of the rest of it.

the stone is dimensional. It is flat on the

growth of All Stone Solutions in the seven-

top or bottom which is great for veneer.

state region.

You don’t need much mortar when you install it. We call it dry stacking.

Another thing that sets us apart is that we have all the colors of the rainbow,

Q. What is a business value that you uphold as important at All Stone Solutions?

A. Consistency of our product is so

Q. You mentioned the importance of customer service. What is your approach to working with customers?

A. I get involved directly with the customer. That’s my personal philosophy.

I call them and I always ask if they want

which is very key. Right now in our indus-

important. We have several different types

to visit the quarry. After I tell them about

try, the dark colors like gray and black are

of veneers and lengths that we offer. We

the quarry they usually decide to come

really taking over. Plus, people are really

have to maintain integrity in what we spec

up and see it. And once they do see it,

wanting to buy stone from their own or

because some of the products are only

they just can’t believe it. A husband and

a nearby state so it’s indigenous. Most

one to three inches high and they are a

wife might come here and look at all the

people didn’t even know this quarry ex-

difficult product to make. We do it well.

stone in our yard and spend time looking

isted, so before we opened these stones

Then we also focus on timely delivery.

at colors and textures. They should take

just weren’t available here.

Q. What kind of projects do you work

The other key thing is that we really do

the time to do it right because they are

service our customers. One of the things

making selections for their dream home.

we do really well is custom cut. If some-

So I’m hands-on through that. And that’s

one were to call up and say ‘Brad, I want

probably my number one draw, to have

and masonry stones. We are known for

all black’ I would say ‘OK fine I can take

customers come up to the quarry to take

our thin veneer. We also cut our steps and

care of it.’ If you want certain sizes we’ll

pictures and take samples back home.

other materials like mantels, window sills

bend to make it work. We’ll do anything

They can bring their kids, too, because

and capping. Because of that, we’ve been

we can to make the customer happy. We

this is just a beautiful spot. It’s gorgeous.

able to connect with architects in Madison,

strive for 100 percent customer satisfaction.

on at All Stone Solutions?

A. We mainly offer landscape stones

Duluth, and the Twin Cities.

We’ve been very fortunate to have some major projects come through. The Vikings practice facility project is one of them.

Q. Can you share an example of creativity or innovation at All Stone Solutions?

A. Well we make sure to invest in the

For that facility they took our stone and

best equipment. We have a thin veneer

INTERESTED IN BEING PROFILED IN THE SCOOP?

instead of using woodchips that you have

machine that is state-of-the-art and cuts

Our writer is always looking for a good

to replace very year, they put slabs of our

everything automatically for us which is

story. Email jon@mnla.biz and we’ll discuss

stone and pounded them into the ground

important when veneer is our main prod-

the next steps.

june 18

MNLA .biz

25

KEEP THE SAVINGS GOING THIS SUMMER. Adding Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) to water well pumping systems can increase efficiency and lower operating costs. Plus, we offer rebates from $400–$8,000 per VFD for various applications—from agricultural, golf course, and landscape irrigation, to municipal water supply. Other systems may also qualify. For more information contact an energy efficiency specialist at 855.839.8862 or visit xcelenergy.com/MotorEfficiency.

© 2018 Xcel Energy Inc.

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INTRODUCING THE NEXT PROGRAM IN MNLA’S GREEN INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP SERIES, PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF THE TWIN CITIES:

If you’re looking for a highly effective and affordable soft skills development tool for your emerging leaders, MNLA’s Leadership Peer Groups is your solution.

Utilizing Rod Johnson’s Peer Insight method, this course helps to connect the content in a formal training program with the context of how to use it in your career.

What will participants walk away with?

• Progression in career • Personal development • Expanded personal and professional connections • Growth in the soft skills vital to your company’s success

CONNECTING CONTENT TO CONTEXT

Details • Each course includes six Tuesday sessions on Sep. 18, Oct. 2, Oct. 16, Oct. 30, Nov. 13, and Nov. 27.

• Sessions will be from 3:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., with snacks and beverages provided. This timing allows opportunities for networking informally over supper after the meetings.

• Deadline for applying for the autumn course is Wednesday, August 29.

• $595 per participant Our Facilitator Rod Johnson of Growing Your Leaders has successfully facilitated numerous peer learning groups for over 10 years by always innovating and pondering how to improve the impact of each meeting, and the performance of each participant.

Criteria Each applicant must fulfill ONE of the following criteria: • Graduate of MNLA’s Green Industry Leadership Institute (or similar program) • Industry experience of five years • Hold a management position in an industry company Application Each applicant will need to complete the application form at www.MNLA.biz/leadership.

Limited seats are available for each course!

2018 AUTUMN COURSE (SEP.-NOV.):

Sales & Marketing

This course will include discussions around Sales, Customers, Customer Service, Marketing, and Sales Management.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES FOR PARTICIPANTS • Having greater self-awareness of how they operate on a team.

• Increasing their confidence in fulfilling their business role.

• Improving their ability to execute on a daily basis.

• Performing work at a new level.

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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.

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

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302

Version # 4

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

Document Name Art Director Control

Mech Scale 100 Print Scale None Stock None

Copy Writer TBD Proj Mgr csenn Acct Svc kdenmark

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june 18

Diana Grundeen, CNLP | Trio Landscaping

As a landscape designer we visit properties, explore opportunities in design and creativity, and help sell clients on these ideas. These are ideas that are artistic and inspired. Ideas that bring a new light to the space. Ideas that create new perspectives of the space. Ideas that enhance the enjoyment of a space.

Photo courtesy of: Southview Design

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31

➾ VA L U E

L to R: Scott Burger, Business Loan Officer; Patrick Farrington, Vice President of Business Services; Khue Yang, Business Loan Officer

Local businesses thrive with local banking.

Hiway Federal Credit Union® (Hiway) is focused on being a true partner in growth for local small businesses. We offer a wide variety of business banking services and loans to help you with day-to-day spending, manage cash flow, expand your business, purchase equipment and much more. To learn more about us and how we can help your business thrive, call us or visit us online!

hiway.org 651.259.2999 • 800.899.5626

Facebook “f ” Logo

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june 18

CMYK / .ai

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .ai

ur profession is vast in opportunity and ingenuity. People seek us out for our creativity and ability to bring spaces together in functional ways.

Our profession is in demand, and yet so many of us give ourselves away. All this knowledge and creativity are often given for free. And when enough landscape designers give their expertise away for free then the expectation is that everybody should be giving it away free. A standard seems to be set — that there is little value in the design process. But, why? Are we just order takers making lists for the laborers? Are we volunteers in the industry, just looking to do this for fun? Do we just love to meet with people, share artistic ideas and then leave, maybe with hopes they will spend money with us in the future? You know, buying something of “real” value, something tangible?

Are we afraid that if we let people know that we place a value on our intellect, our expertise, our creativity, and our time that

Photo courtesy of: Belgard

they will no longer choose us? Or do we not see the value in the process that creates the work for professional install teams? Don’t we realize that design is not a sales tool, but the core of what the sale is made from, and therefore has much higher value than perhaps the product we are building with itself?

So, think about how you are utilizing your designers. Are they sales tools — just the free giveaway for installation work? Or do you actually have installers to support the possibilities created by the designers? After all, it’s designers that dream and think of ways to create and bring new ways of making spaces happen.

Furthermore, how do we want people to think of our profession? Is it just labor and product? That seems to be where we focus our transactions. Why would we not want them to see the opportunity and value of the design, the art, the creativity, and the expertise that we can bring to them and their needs? By charging for our ideas (consultations, designs, etc.) we let them know there june 18

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➾ VALU E

RESEARCH PROVES PROFESSIONAL, SOPHISTICATED LANDSCAPE DESIGN ADDS VALUE TO HOMES MNLA has compiled a resource for members that will demonstrate to your clients the value of a professional landscape design. According to university-documented research, investing in landscape design, trees, and other landscaping features will increase the value of a home and increase quality of life. The following information is summarized from three peer-reviewed research studies (sources listed at the bottom). These findings are available to MNLA members as a printable PDF flyer on MNLA.biz.

RESEARCH FINDINGS • Improved landscaping is associated with higher property values. (1) • An improvement from average to good quality landscaping is associated with an increase in sale price of 5.7% while an improvement from average to excellent quality landscaping increases sale price by 10.8%. (1) • The landscape attributes that contributed most to the increase in perceived home value were, in order, design sophistication, plant size, and plant material type. Clearly, the Photo courtesy of: Belgard

investment in a good landscape can be recovered and increase the perceived value of a home. (2) • Design sophistication was the most important landscape factor, accounting for 40 to 45% of the value added to the home. (2) • The most preferred landscape: a sophisticated design incorporating large deciduous, evergreen, and annual color plants and colored hardscape. (2) • The perceived value of a home may increase by 5-11% with landscape that is sophisticated in design, incorporating large plant size, evergreen and deciduous plants, annual color plants, and colored hardscapes. (1) • Nine out of 10 households recognized the value of a well-maintained lawn and landscape and observed the enriching and relaxing qualities landscaping provides the neighborhood. (1) • Landscape attributes such as hedges or walls, dense vegetation, and landscaped curbs, each add 2–4% to the property value, and homes with landscapes containing more trees than nearby properties are valued at up to 7% higher. (1)

Photo courtesy of: Hedberg Supply

is value here too, that it is not just a tool.

We have the power to bring our industry to be seen as a profession — not just laborers, but the artistic creative forces of outdoor living that we truly are.

Are you a professional designer, sharing ideas, creativity, and expertise with people; or are you an order taker, a “free gift with purchase” tool, just trying to get a sale?

• The largest affordable plant size should be used as it consistently provided a higher perceived value in all markets. (2) • Landscaping yields, on average, a 109% return on every dollar spent, much more so than other home improvements. Home buyers respond positively to homes with professionally landscaped and manicured lawns, and consequently perceive a higher property value. (3)

SOURCES (1) “Impact of Improved Landscape Quality and Tree Cover on the Price of Single-Family Homes.” Andrea Stigarll and Emmett Elam, Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Texas Tech University.

(2) “Landscape Plant Material, Size, and Design Sophistication Increase Perceived Home Value.” B. Behe, J. Hardy, S. Barton, J. Brooker, T. Fernandez, C. Hall, J. Hicks, R. Hinson, P. Knight, R. McNiel, T. Page, B. Rowe, C. Safley, R. Schutzki, Department of Horticulture, Michigan State University.

DIANA GRUNDEEN

is a member of

(3) “Economic, Environmental and Health/Well-Being Benefits Associated with Green Industry Products and

the Communications + Technology

Services: A Review.” Charles R. Hall and Madeline W. Dickson, Department of Horticultural Sciences,

Committee and can be reached at

Texas A&M University.

diana@triolandscaping.com.

june 18

MNLA .biz

35

and Loaders and over 100 Attachments

Remote-controlled Slope Mower and Attachments

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We rent by the day, week or month!

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MAKE A

DIFFERENCE! Join the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture

Julie Weisenhorn | Extension Educator, Horticulture University of Minnesota Extension

june 18

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37

A Deeper Shade of Green Local Genetic Origins

TM

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

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Call us first for all your native planting needs

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#PlantsDoThat

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Horticulture: The Art, Science, & Business of Plants

National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture

Horticulture contributes $196 billion to the US economy across a diverse array of businesses. But the story doesn’t end there. Horticulture benefits the wealth and health of every citizen and every community in the US.

ConsumerHort.org

Where We

WORK Where We

Green roofs provide beauty and moderate rooftop temperatures, reducing heat loads and lowering energy costs.

Our homes represent 25% of our personal wealth.

Well-landscaped homes are more valuable.

LIVE

A 25-foot tree reduces annual heating and cooling costs for typical homes by 8-12%.

Office plants reduce employee sick time by 14% and improve work productivity and speed.

Improvements to your landscape pays off! The return on investment for landscape upgrades is 109%.

1/4 of American homes grow berries, veggies, or fruit trees.

Upkeep and preservation of urban green habitats creates new jobs, boosts local economies, and adds to community prosperity.

Horticulture Company

Horticulture creates 2 million jobs across a diverse array of businesses.

Where We Sporting Goods

There are 4 million miles of US roadways.

Street trees preserve paved surfaces.

Shaded roads save up to 60% of repaving costs. Trees also improve driver safety and result in fewer traffic accidents.

SHOP

Where We

Stores with landscaped areas have expanded sales resulting from longer shopping occassions and can charge more due to higher perceived quality.

Trails and greenways increase property values and make adjacent homes sell faster.

onsumer horticulture influences our economy, our communities, and our environment and wildlife. As a University of Minnesota Extension educator and MNLA member, I want to do everything I can to make a difference in the horticulture industry, and to cultivate a gardening culture for everyone. So I joined the National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture (NICH). Its mission is to grow a healthy world through plants, gardens, and landscapes (count me in!). Its vision: To use stakeholder partnerships to increase the percentage of U.S. households participating in Consumer Horticulture to 90% by 2025. Wow — I think we could all get behind this vision!

I am excited to report Heidi Heiland, past MNLA president and owner of Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens and GrowHaus, and Peter Moe, director of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, will be joining me at the Third Annual National Initiative for Consumer Horticulture (NICH) Conference in Atlanta, GA, June 27–29. We’ll be working with everyone from university researchers and extension agents to growers and garden center retailers to professionals in landscape design, maintenance, tree care and interiorscapes — anyone with a desire to cultivate consumer horticulture. At the conference, we’ll collaborate to craft a new value proposition for horticulture, do strategic planning around industry-wide priorities to promote the value of horticulture, and shape the national agenda to ensure federal and state funding for consumer horticulture research and education,

America’s public gardens are key tourist destinations and contribute $2.3 billion in community tourism spending.

PLAY

Parks provide cities and citizens significant value. In Philadelphia, parks generate $23 million in city revenue, $16 million in municipal cost savings, and $1.1 billion in cost savings for citizens.

Sold

including aligning with Specialty Crop Research Initiative priorities in the USDA Farm Bill.

Everyone can be a part of the NICH movement. Start by simply signing up to receive NICH email announcements. If you want to do more, join one of our committees. I currently chair the Environmental committee. We’re developing an interactive infographic as an engagement tool for consumers interested in doing more to make their landscape environmentally-friendly. Other NICH committees focus on aspects like economics, the commercial industry, communities, marketing, non-profits, and academia. There’s something for everyone at NICH. Stay tuned for an update on outcomes of the conference in a later edition of The Scoop!

In the meantime, I hope you will join NICH and do your part to help grow a healthy world through plants, gardens, and landscapes and get people gardening!

FOR MORE INFORMATION,

visit https://www.consumerhort.org/ or

email jweisenhorn@umn.edu.

june 18

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39

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➾ MNLA S E CT I OFOUN N TITLE DATION

SPONSOR AN MNLA SCHOLARSHIP DEMONSTR ATE C O M M I TM EN T TO T H E F U T U RE

THE MNLA FOUNDATION

is happy to announce the 2018–2019 Academic Awards program to

benefit college and high school students. The MNLA Foundation is pleased to partner with members to provide the industry’s future leaders with monetary support for their education.

Since the program began in 1996, over $320,000 has been awarded to deserving students.

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

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

Sponsoring companies are asked to make a $500 commitment for a college scholarship or $250 for a high school scholarship, and the MNLA Foundation will match up to $500 or $250, respectively. Companies can sponsor more than one scholarship per year if they choose.

MNLA will provide the following to sponsors: • Press releases to various media, including the company’s local paper, and the student’s hometown and college publications • Company recognition in the Scoop and on the MNLA website • Recognition at Northern Green • Opportunities to be introduced to your sponsored student

ACT NOW! Demonstrate your commitment to the future of the region’s green industry by co-sponsoring a student scholarship. The deadline for 2018–2019 participation is September 1, 2018.

COMPLETE THE APPLICATION AT WWW.MNLA.BIZ/SCHOLARSHIPS AND RETURN IT TO MNLA TODAY.

june 18

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GARDEN CENTER APP

2018

COME CELEBRATE Thursday, June 21, 2018 arboretum.umn.edu/gala.aspx

Thanks to Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association for your support!

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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.

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Break into the mobile world with your very own phone/tablet app!

MNLA’s affordable and highly customizable app puts your brand in a highly visible place in your customer’s life. Accelerate repeat visits by offering rewards for your most loyal customers - all they need is their phone or tablet! Let them know about upcoming events and sales plus give them an easy way to upload a photo and ask a question via the Ask Us feature. It’s time to go mobile, and this tool is priced to get you there!

Sign up today to set up an online demo with MNLA staff, and see how effective and affordable this app can be for you! Contact Jon Horsman at jon@mnla.biz or 651633-4987 to get started.

Introductory Offer for MNLA Members: $75/month + $525 one-time setup fee

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➾ MNLA N EWS

MEMBER SAVINGS MNLA SAVES MEMBERS OVER $1 MILLION WITH CHRYSLER FLEET PURCHASE PROGRAM

Since 2007, the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) has saved its members over one million dollars on the purchase of Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles for their businesses. This is a huge milestone for this member discount program! President Scott Frampton of Landscape Renovations in Afton said “The Landscape Renovations crew members ready to plow in their RAM Trucks purchased through the MNLA fleet program.

mission of the MNLA is to help members operate their businesses more successfully.

This member fleet program certainly hits the mark. It shows that belonging to a trade association can be extremely beneficial to your bottom line.”

The fleet program was introduced in 2007 and has continued to grow in popularity. The growth led to the introduction of a fleet program with GM and reintroduction of a Ford fleet program as well. Vehicles are a vital piece of a green industry business, and MNLA serves its members with strategic discounts through these programs.

Dick Reineck, Fleet and Commercial Manager at Brandl Motors in Little Falls, Minn. was integral in helping get the Chrysler discount program up and running. Reineck stated, “Without MNLA’s participation, these programs would not be available to individual businesses. I have appreciated working with MNLA to promote this program to its membership and in turn save my business customers money on their vehicle purchase.”

EVERYTHING GREEN INDUSTRY. ALL AT

ONE TIME. ALL IN

ONE PLACE.

JANUARY 15–17, 2019 MINNEAPOLIS CONVENTION CENTER

•

WWW.NORTHERNGREEN.ORG | INFO@ NORTHERNGREEN.ORG

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➾ LANDSCAPE AWARD S

Grab Your Camera and Capture the Big Changes Begin preparing your Landscape Awards entry now!

Quality photographs are a crucial component of a winning MNLA Landscape Awards entry.

Effective images show a project at several stages, and to properly capture the transformation of your project site, take some shots before and during your work. If you want to put your project’s best foot forward, you’ll need to enter well-composed, eye-catching photographs.

Submission You may want to consider investing in a professional photographer, as these images will be Deadline: useful in any marketing you’ll do in the future. However, if you’re taking the photos yourself, here Nov. 14 are five tips to follow: 1. Tidy up. Take care of neglected pruning, snip off bad leaves, edge the lawn, sweep paved areas, straighten blinds and curtains, and make sure to pull visible weeds. Show off your attention to detail!

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

3. Include people discreetly to show scale of important elements.

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

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

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

DID YOU KNOW? In any given year, ALL entries could win an award, or NO entries could win an award. Entries are not judged against each other; rather each entry is judged against the standards of excellence.

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

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Develop the Next Leader in Your Business in 2019 This learning experience designed by MNLA and Resultants for Business cultivates leadership skills in your key staff, helping to create the next generation of leaders within your company. The program incorporates highly interactive exercises, discussions, and project-based activities. Using these multiple learning methods increases takeaways for each person and creates a rich adult learning environment.

Plus, irreplaceable “from the trenches” experience will come from green industry personnel and other subject matter experts. More information and an application form is at www.MNLA.biz/leadership.

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APPLY NOW!

QUESTIONS? Contact Jon Horsman 651-633-4987 jon@MNLA.biz

5/14/2018 3:42:14 PM

Fax 612-866-8642

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➾ F OUND ATION CORNER

Encouraging Young Adults to Choose Green Many organizations associate an annual report with something that is done at the beginning of the year, but in our case, it seems more appropriate to share after we have the results from the MNLA member survey.

Paulette Sorenson

What we heard through the survey was a common concern that we need to work together to encourage young adults to consider choosing a green industry career. It is part of the mission of the MNLA Foundation to do just that. We thought it would be interesting for our members to hear about some of the recent projects and how we are promoting the green industry.

We’re on it!

We ARE working to change the way young adults, parents, and community look at horticulture as a career choice and build a connection with schools, higher education institutions, and with young adults and parents.

MNLA Foundation Accomplishments for 2017–2018:

• Our biggest accomplishment is the High School Curriculum. This comprehensive project is a collective effort from some of the best researchers, scholars and industry experts in Minnesota.

This FREE curriculum addresses the importance and significant value of horticulture and gives detailed lessons for botany and plant growth, plant material, floriculture, landscape design and maintenance. It is a guide for teachers to use in developing a 1–2-year course. The program prepares students with skills that allow them to continue their education at a two or four-year college or start working in the field directly.

• One of the most viewed web pages on www.MNLA.biz is the High School Curriculum with an average of 500 views a week. People are looking at it!

• Partnership with University of Minnesota Extension and CFANS College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences who hosts collaborative events, provides research, and hosts the MNLA High School Curriculum on their CFANS resource webpage.

• Partnership with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture Education who has shared the MNLA High School Curriculum resource to over 600 Ag educators.

• The MNLA Foundation Scholarship Program provided 24 college scholarships and 5 high school scholarships. Members can sponsor a

student and the MNLA Foundation matches their donation through fundraising events such as the MNLA Shootout and Northern Green Silent Auction. Learn more at our website www. mnla.biz.

• Attended the FFA State Competition in April to promote careers.

• Career Exploration — Each year we participate in several large-scale regional career fairs. Perkins Consortium in southern Minnesota, Central Lakes Bridging Career Exploration Day, and just about every college hosts a career day for high school students throughout the year.

• Community Outreach — We attend many events and meetings to network with community programs that connect with the green industry.

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➾ F OU NDATION CORN ER

sharing collaborative opportunities. We encourage our members to participate or share their expertise.

• Partnership with MAAE (Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators) who are an organization of teachers of agriculture at the high school, post-secondary, and adult levels who seek to advance agricultural education in Minnesota. During the MAAE summer and fall conferences in 2017, MNLA provided workshops. This summer the event will be hosted at Hennepin Technical College and offer tours of MNLA member facilities.

• The MNLA Foundation was awarded an MAELC Grant (Minnesota Agriculture Education Leadership Council) and provided a hands-on workshop for Ag teachers throughout Minnesota where they installed a patio, retaining wall, and sidewalk, including plantings at the Minnesota State Fair (2017).

• Attended the Landscape Competition hosted by University of River Falls, along with more than 1,000 students.

• Toured the greenhouses at AFSA High School and saw the aquaponics tanks filled with Tilapia which produce salad greens and vegetables supplying 75% of the vegetables for their school lunch program. In addition, we talked with students and parents about careers at their annual career day.

We invite you to explore our work further and engage in the conversation with us on Facebook @MNLA1 or @MinnesotaLandlovers, or by participating at our fundraising events.

Thank you to our volunteers for their direction and help to make the activities and efforts of the MNLA Foundation meaningful for our members and the community! We are grateful to all our members who have donated their time and money to support the MNLA Foundation.

MNLA Foundation Trustees

Ivan Izzo, BFG Supply Company Dave Kleinhuizen, Margolis Co. Seth Midura, Natural Creations, Inc. John O’Reilly, Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping 48

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Jim Saybolt, Biota Landscaping Design + Build Jay Siedschlaw, Hennepin Technical College David Zlesak, University of Wisconsin River Falls Adam Zopfi, Midwest Landscapes, Inc. GICT – Green Industry Careers Team

Bob Marzolf, MNLA Education Outreach Seth Midura, Natural Creations, Inc. Kurt Schrader, Twin Lakes Landscapes, Inc. Jay Siedschlaw, Hennepin Technical College Shootout Fundraiser Committee

Jesse Anderson, Gardenworld, Inc. Rod Bailey, Bailey Nurseries, Inc. Trevor Bear, Anchor Block Bill Mielke, Waconia Tree Farms LLC Andy Petersen, Spectrum Sales Herman Roerick, Central Landscape Supply Jay Siedschlaw, Hennepin Technical College Bert Swanson, Swanson Nursery Consulting Golf Tournament Fundraiser Committee

Van Cooley, Malmborgs, Inc. Ivan Izzo, BFG Supply Company Mark Peterson, Belgard Hardscapes Brad Schmidt, CBiz, Inc. Auction Fundraisers Committee

Ivan Izzo, BFG Supply Company Dave Kleinhuizen, Margolis Co. John O’Reilly, Otten Bros. Garden Center and Landscaping Jim Saybolt, Biota Landscaping Design and Build Bert Swanson, Swanson Nursery Consulting David Zlesak, University of Wisconsin River Falls Adam Zopfi, Midwest Landscapes, Inc. Scholarship Team Committee

Seth Midura, Natural Creations, Inc. David Zlesak, University of Wisconsin River Falls

Buying Show & Hort Academy

Tessman Company

ing c i r P l a Speci rms! & Te Garden Centers

Greenhouses

Visit the Tessman Buying Show & Hort Academy to take advantage of our Show Specials and Dating. Your Hometown Team is ready to help you with all of your Greenhouse, Nursery, Garden Center and Landscaping needs!

August 7, 2018

Mystic Lake Center Minnetonka Ballroom

2400 Mystic Lake Blvd Prior Lake, MN 55372 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

• Best terms in the industry • New product lines • Educational seminars • Best prices of the season • More than 50 vendors • Travel allowance • Expert speakers • Detailed product information • Breakfast – Lunch Buffet – Adult Beverages • Monday evening Social with vendors

RSVP by Monday, July 30 to Bev Reiten or Gail Krull Phone: (651) 487-3850 Fax: (651) 487-3115 Email Bev: breiten@tessmanseed.com Email Gail: gkrull@tessmanseed.com

Landscapes St. Paul, MN

Fargo, ND

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610 39th St. N Fargo, ND 58102

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GET ALL YOUR CONTRACTOR SUPPLY NEEDS! CALL US FOR THE BEST SELECTION IN THE INDUSTRY GROWERS: Nursery Containers, Wire Baskets/ Burlap , Horticulture Tools, Corrugated Tree, Protectors, Digging Spades, Osmocote Fertilizers and Grower’s Mixes.

NURSERY STOCK: Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, B&B Trees, Perennials, Specialty Conifers, Specialty Deciduous and *Field Direct Trees.

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EROSION CONTROL: Wood Blankets, Straw Blankets, Geojute, Sod Staples, Silt Fence, Grass Seed & Sediment Logs.

CONTRACTORS: Edging, Fabrics, Low Voltage, Lighting, Retaining Wall Systems, Pavers, Bulk Materials, Safety Supplies and Wheelbarrows.

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- Playground Mulch (impact compliant) - Single Grind (meets MNDOT Type 6 specifications)

Learn more & contact us at:

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➾ ME MBER N EWS

TIME TO RENEW!

WELCOME NEW MNLA MEMBERS! Aho Electric Evan Aho Tamarack, MN, 218-393-1883 Evans Landscape LLC Evan Koehler Austin, MN, 507-440-9910

Summer is the time for renewing your membership in the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association. To continue your membership without interruption, please take a moment to renew by logging on at MNLA.biz. Click “Sign in” in the upper right hand corner of page, and enter your username and password. While signed in, you will be asked to review and update your company’s information, which will be published in the MNLA Membership Directory and online directory.

Golden West Telecommunications Andrea VanVooren Wall, SD, 605-426-1111

Northern MN Natural Stone, Inc. Cheri Johnson Aurora, MN, 218-229-0582 Schneider’s Lawn N’ Landscape Jake Schneider Eden Prairie, MN, 952-452-4828

Lupient Buick GMC Rich Junghans Golden Valley, MN 763-513-4674 Monroe Truck Equipment Sarah Monson Monroe, WI, 800-356-8134

GREAT INCENTIVE FOR ONLINE RENEWAL! If you renew your membership online by June 30, 2018, you will be entered in a drawing for $150 CASH! (This does not apply to the delayed payment option.)

DID YOU KNOW? You now have the option of delaying your dues payment until August 15, 2018. Just complete the online form (see link in renewal notice emailed to you) and include your credit card information.

Feel free to contact the MNLA office if we can be of any assistance to you during the renewal process or for more information on any of our products and services. We are available at 651.633.4987 or mnla@mnla.biz.

VALUE & BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP Take advantage of one of the Fleet Deal Programs: • Rebates up to $9,000 on your choice of a Dodge, Jeep, or Chrysler vehicle • Rebates up to $5,000 on the Ford vehicle you use for your business • Rebates up to $7,150 on GM fleet and commercial vehicles • Fuel savings of 5¢ on every gallon purchased at Holiday Stationstores or 8¢ off per gallon at Super America (when using in combination with MySA Rewards Card) Your continued support and involvement as a member of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is greatly appreciated. Providing you with education, legislative support, networking, and other member services is why MNLA exists.

Volume Discounts on Garden Center Trays Visit MNLA.biz or contact Mary at 651-633-4987.

To learn more about what MNLA has to offer to our members, visit www.mnla.biz.

june 18    

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  

âž¾ C E RT IFIED PROFESS I O N AL S

Spring of 2018. They earned their certification by passing a comprehensive exam

TIFIE ER

D

C

THE FOLLOWING MNLA CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS passed the exam in the which included a basic horticulture exam and a specialty exam of their choosing:

N

O PR

FE

AL

Garden Center, Grower, or Landscape.

SSIO

2018 MNLA CERTIFIED PROFESSIONALS

Robert Bade, Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

Nicholas Erwin, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Katie Gerten, Gerten's Farm Market

Ashley Hansen, Bachman's Landscape

Neil Imsdahl, Sargent's Landscape Nursery

Betsy Kitslaar, Bachman's Inc.

Jacob Adrianus Koomen, Landscape Renovations, Inc.

Kayla Mack, Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

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CONGRATULATIONS for taking that extra step to set yourself apart as professionals and leaders in the green industry!

Danielle Massa, Bachman's Landscape

Casey McCollum, Bergen's Greenhouses, Inc.

Kara Nygaard, Village Green Landscapes, Inc.

Cayla Olson, Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

Stephanie Salman

Velva Strand, Bergen's Greenhouses, Inc.

Lisa Swast, Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

Anne Wigdahl, Hamline University

Also passing the exam in Spring 2018, but not pictured: Tracy Bahr, Knecht's Nurseries & Landscaping

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âž¾ S E CT I O N TITLE

Tuesday, August 14

Member Appreciation Day Mem ber

Donuts in the morning! (FREE) Ice cream in the afternoon! (FREE) A summer buffet and baseball in the evening! ($28)

Day At MNLA Headquarters 1813 Lexington Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113

7:00-10:00 am

12:30-3:00 pm

(FREE, NO RSVP REQUIRED!)

(FREE, NO RSVP REQUIRED!)

Drive-in for donuts & coffee!

Stop by for soft-serve!

At CHS Field

360 N Broadway St, St Paul, MN 55101

5:30 pm

Kick back with a cold brew and a baseball game! $28 gets you a summer buffet and a great spot to watch the Saints game with MNLA friends! Bring your co-workers, friends, and family for this fun outing! Seats are limited and registration is required.

Visit www.MNLA.biz or call Sue Flynn at 651-633-4987 to secure your spots now!

Thank you to our sponsors:

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MNLA FOUNDATION Improving the Environment by Investing in Research and Education

1813 LEXINGTON AVE. N | ROSEVILLE, MN 55113 | 651-633-4987 | FAX 651-633-4986 | MNLA@MNLA.BIZ | WWW.MNLAFOUNDATION.COM

PARTNERS FUND You are encouraged to participate in the Research & Education Partners Fund at one of the participating suppliers recognized below. Your voluntary donation of ¼ of 1% (0.25%) on purchases of plants and other nursery, greenhouse and landscape products at these suppliers is used by the MNLA Foundation to grow a brighter future for the industry.

On an invoice totaling $1,000 at one of these suppliers, your contribution will be only $2.50. Your individual contribution is small, but collectively these small contributions will add up to make a real difference!

WHOLESALE NURSERY & HARDSCAPES

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER

Research for the Real World

Career Development & Promotion

TM

L A N D S C A P E + M A S O N RY

Scholarships

ZIEGLER RENTAL

DELIVERS A Rental Experience You Can Count On We strive to make your Ziegler Rental experience easy every step of the way — from the moment you place your request to the time you return your rental equipment. We promise to provide exceptional customer service, deliver quality equipment ready to get the job done right, and tackle any repair or replacement issues quickly to keep you up and running.

Call 888.468.0177 or visit us online for instant price quotes.

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