The Scoop Online – February 2010

THE

OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION

Insights and Information for Green Industry Professionals

Also in this issue:

Re-evaluate and Recharge this Winter PAGES 20

Winter Educational Programs PAGE 28-44

2010 MNLA Award Winners PAGE 65-71

VOLUME 33, NUMBER 2 February 2010

THE

Hardy plants with local roots Now with a fresh new look to drive sales.

Instantly wow your customers and drive more sales with Bailey’s new premium look. Great-looking pots, P.O.P. and outstanding plants all combine into a powerful retail display that will stimulate impulse sales and keep customers coming back for more!

Public relations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, 20-23 Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Hardscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Irrigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Landscape Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 business Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24-26 education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29-44, 54 Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 arborist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 Government affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 Landscape Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65-71 Supplier Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 Plant of the Month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73

ADVERTISER INDEX

(651) 459-9744

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BaileyNurseries.com

www.MNLA.biz | february 2010

A Top Notch Equipment - 12 AgStar Financial Services - 24 Albert J. Lauer, Inc. - 16 Anchor Block Company - 2 Bailey Nurseries - 4 Belgard Hardscapes - 23 BFG Supply - 11 Bourdeaux Enterprises, Inc. - 35 Bridgewater Tree Farms - 59 BW Insurance Agency - 14 Carlin Horticultural Supplies /ProGreen Plus - 55 Carver-Hennepin Insurance Agency LLC - 48 Casualty Assurance - 29 Central Wisconsin Evergreens, Inc. - 25 Cherokee Mfg. - 38 Chrysler - 21 Cook Water Farms - 48 Crow River Greenhouse & Nursery - 5 Crysteel Truck Equipment - 36 Cushman Motor Co., Inc. - 50 D. Hill Nursery Co. - 56 Dayton Bag & Burlap - 31 Eagle Bay Farms - 56 Fahey Sales Auctioneers & Appraisers - 58 Farber Bag & Supply Co. - 65 Fireside Hearth & Home - 59 Fury Motors - 20 G & B Woodchips, Inc. - 31 Gardenworld Inc. - 43 Gertens Wholesale - 30 Glacial Ridge Growers - 59

Haag Companies, The - 75 Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies - 27, 72 Hoffman & McNamara Nursery and Landscape - 42 J.R. Johnson Supply, Inc. - 58 Johnson’s Nursery, Inc. - 53 JRK Seed and Turf Supply - 13 Kage Innovation - 52 Klaus Nurseries - 54 Kubota Dealers - 9 L & M Products, Inc. - 17 Law’s Nursery, Inc. - 18 Lee F. Murphy, Inc. - 50 Maguire Agency. - 42 Midwest Groundcovers - 54 Mulch ReNEW, Inc. - 72 Out Back Nursery - 40 RDO Equipment Co. - 12 Rochester Concrete Products - 76 Speedway Super America - 35 St. Croix Tree Service, Inc. - 18 TerraDek Lighting, Inc. - 38 The Builders Group - 49 The Mulch Store - 10 The Tessman Company - 40 Timberwall Landscape Products - 15 Trenchers Plus, Inc. - 19 Truck Utilities & Mfg. Co. - 58 United Label & Sales - 36 Wilson’s Nursery, Inc. - 57 Wolf Motors - 71 Ziegler Cat - 3

CATEGORY | The Scoop

Officers, Board of Directors Elected Swanson Elected MNLA President ert Swanson, owner of Swanson’s Nursery Consulting in Park Rapids, was recently elected as president of the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA).

Swanson was first elected to the MNLA board in 1998. Swanson was a key player in the development of the MNLA Certification Program and serves on the MNLA Nursery Committee, the Certification Committee, the Commercial Seedling Committee, and the Commercial Arborists Committee.

Outside of MNLA activities, Swanson has been active in the American Nursery and Landscape Association and the International Plant Propagators Society along with other regional and national activities.

Swanson holds a PhD in plant physiology from the University of Minnesota and was a professor and nursery management specialist at the University of Minnesota for 18 years and Colorado State University for 7 years.

Swanson has also served as operations manager of Nandor of the North Nursery; and designed and developed Swanson’s Great Northern Nursery. He now operates Swanson’s Nursery Consulting, Inc. to serve industry professionals with his over 30 years of experience and expertise.

Elected as vice president was Debbie Lonnee, planning and administration manager at Bailey Nurseries in Newport.

Elected as secretary-treasurer was Heidi Heiland, owner of Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens in Plymouth. Newly elected to the Board of Directors was Bill Mielke, Wilson’s Nursery Inc. of Chanhassen.

Re-elected to the Board was Herman Roerick, Central Landscape Supply of St. Cloud, and Scott Frampton, Landscape Renovations located in Afton.

Continuing to serve on the Board of Directors, but not up for re-election this year are Randy Berg, Berg’s Nursery in Austin, and Tim Malooly, Irrigation by

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e 2010 MNLA Board of Directors is Bill Mielke, Wilson’s Nursery; Heidi Heiland, Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens; Past President Van Cooley, Malmborg’s; President Bert Swanson, Swanson’s Nursery Consulting; Tim Malooly, Irrigation By Design; Scott Frampton, Landscape Renovations; Herman Roerick, Central Landscape Supply; Vice President Debbie Lonnee, Bailey Nurseries; and Randy Berg, Berg’s Nursery & Landscapers.

Design, Inc. in Plymouth. Van Cooley, Malmborg’s Inc. of Brooklyn Center, continues on the Board as past president. e Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is the state’s largest green

industry trade association with more than 1,500 member businesses including garden centers; landscape contractors and designers; tree and flower growers; irrigation contractors; and lawn, tree, and garden services.

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Upcoming Events February 17 – MNLA Landscape Design Charette. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. For more information, see page 32 or www.mnla.biz. Sponsored by Anchor Block Company and Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies.

18– Contract Indemnity & Insurance Requirements from the Subcontractor Point of View.

University of Minnesota Continuing Education Center, St. Paul. For more information call 763-413-0669 or visit www.asamn.org.

18-21 – St. Paul Home & Patio Show. St. Paul River Center. For more information visit http://www.cenaiko.com/home_patio/homeshowstpaul.html.

22 – Turn Payroll Into Profit. Wilder Center, St. Paul. For more information, see page 33 or www.mnla.biz.

23 – How to Make Yourself Competitive in a Low Bid Market. Wilder Center, St. Paul. For more information, see page 34 or www.mnla.biz. Sponsored by Borgert Products, Inc. 24 – JRK Seed & Turf Expo. Mystic Lake Casino, Prior Lake. For more information contact JRK Seed at info@jrkseed.com.

24-28 – Minneapolis Home & Garden Show. Minneapolis Convention Center. For more information visit http://www.homeandgardenshow.com/ME2/Sites/.

27 – Wild Ones: Design with Nature. Radisson Hotel, Roseville. For more information, see http://for-wild.org/chapters/twincities/conference.html.

March 2 – AWAIR. Presented for MNLA members at e Builders Group in Eagan. For more information, see page 35 or www.mnla.biz.

3 – MNLA Day on the Hill. Kelly Inn and State Capitol, St. Paul. For more information, see page 51 or www.mnla.biz.

5 – Certification Exam. Dakota County Technical College. For more information visit www.mnla.biz.

6 – Landscape Awards Banquet. University Club, St. Paul. For more information, see page 13 or www.mnla.biz.

8-11 – School of Turfgrass Management. St. Paul/Minneapolis. For more information call 651-226-7826 or 612-624-0782.

9 – Gertens Expo. For more information visit www.gertenswholesale.com.

9-10 – Irrigation Association Certified Irrigation Contractor (CIC) Preparation Course. Water in Motion, Plymouth. For more information contact Craig Otto at 763-559-1010 or craigo@waterinmotion.com.

10 – Spring Greenhouse Tour. Locations: Green Valley Greenhouse in Ramsey and Malmborg’s in Rogers. For more information, see page 36 or www.mnla.biz.

11 – Hedberg’s Sustainable Landscape Day. For more information, visit www.hedbergrocks.com.

11-12 – Irrigation Association Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor (CLIA) Preparation Course. Water in Motion, Plymouth. For more information contact Craig Otto at 763-5591010 or craigo@waterinmotion.com.

12 – Hedberg Education Day. For more information visit www.hedbergrocks.com.

12 – Irrigation Association Certification Exam Testing Date. Water in Motion, Plymouth. For more information contact Craig Otto at 763-559-1010 or craigo@waterinmotion.com.

16-17 – Shade Tree Short Course. University of Minnesota, St. Paul. For more information visit http://www.cce.umn.edu/Annual-Minnesota-Shade-Tree-Short-Course/index.html.

17 – Perennial Picks for 2010. Dorsey-Ewald Conference Center, St. Paul. For more information, see page 37 or www.mnla.biz. Sponsored by Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies.

18 – Low Voltage Irrigation: Troubleshooting Tools & Techniques. Dorsey-Ewald Conference Center, St. Paul. For more information, see page 38 or www.mnla.biz.

22-23 – ICPI Certification. Dorsey-Ewald Conference Center, St. Paul. For more information, see page 39 or www.mnla.biz. Sponsored by Anchor Block Company, Borgert Products, Inc. & Hedberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies.

24 – NCMA Certification. Dorsey-Ewald Conference Center, St. Paul. For more information, see page 40 or www.mnla.biz. Sponsored by Anchor Block Company & Borgert Products, Inc. 25-26 – Pesticide Certification Workshop and Exam. Dorsey-Ewald Conference Center, St. Paul.

For more information, see page 41 or www.mnla.biz.

30 – Basic Irrigation & Installation. Dorsey-Ewald Conference Center, St. Paul. For more information, see page 42 or www.mnla.biz.

31 – Bachman's Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes Spring Open House. For more information, see www.bachmanswholesale.com or call 651-463-3288.

If interested in sponsoring or co-sponsoring an MNLA workshop, please call Betsy Pierre, 952-903-0505 ext 1 / betsy@pierreproductions.com.

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Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association 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 • GardenMinnesota.com

MNLA Mission The mission of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is to help nursery and landscape related companies in Minnesota and the surrounding region operate their businesses more successfully.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Bert Swanson, MNLA-CP, President Swanson’s Nursery Consulting, Inc. 218-732-3579 • btswanson@gmail.com Debbie Lonnee, MNLA-CP, Vice President Bailey Nurseries, Inc. 651-768-3375 debbie.lonnee@baileynursery.com Heidi Heiland, MNLA-CP, Secretary-Treasurer Heidi’s Lakeshore Gardens, Inc. 612-366-7766 • heidi@BloomOnMN.com Van Cooley, Past President Malmborg’s, Inc. 763-535-4695 van@geraniumsbygeorge.com Randy Berg, MNLA-CP Berg’s Nursery, Landscape/Garden Center 507-433-2823 rberg@smig.net Scott Frampton Landscape Renovations 651-769-0010 sframpton@landscaperenovations.com Tim Malooly, CID, CLIA, CIC Irrigation By Design Inc. 763-559-7771 • timm@ibdmn.com Bill Mielke Wilson’s Nursery, Inc. 952-445-3630 bill@wilsonsnurseryinc.com Herman Roerick Central Landscape Supply 320-252-1601 hermanr@centrallandscape.com Bob Fitch MNLA Executive Director 651-633-4987 • bob@mnla.biz Staff directory and member services directory near the back cover.

The Scoop is published 12 times per year by the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, 1813 Lexington Ave. N., Roseville, MN 55113. Address corrections should be sent to the above address. News and advertising deadlines are the 5th of the month preceding publication.

PUBLIC RELATIONS | The Scoop

New Stormwater Team Will Advance Members’ Interests From the MNLA Executive Committee he Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association has replaced its Permeable Pavement Task Force with a new Stormwater Management Task Team. e new team is larger to include a broad array of industry concerns and professionals to reflect the fact that the stormwater management issue has the potential to impact many members. At the same time, the commitment to establishing Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement Systems as an officiallyrecognized Minnesota Stormwater Best Management Practice has in no way been diminished as that will continue to be the new team’s first priority.

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e mission of the MNLA Stormwater Management Task Team is to help MNLA members operate their businesses more successfully by identifying, promoting and providing education on environmentally-

responsible stormwater management solutions offered by green industry companies. e team will be carefully monitoring the potential areas in which it can specifically help association members. In the near-term at least, the team’s goals are: 1. To establish the use of Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavement (PICP) Systems as a Minnesota Stormwater Best Management Practice (BMP) that qualifies for various “green” credits. e team will provide to members, the public and government bodies a clear definition of PICP Systems and differentiate their performance and applicability from other types of pervious surfaces. is goal is the team’s highest priority in the near-term.

2. To ensure that properly designed and installed rain gardens, sediment ponds, trees and other landscape

features are recognized by government entities for the stormwater management benefits they provide.

3. To develop a working understanding of the Minnesota regulatory process and cultivate the relationships necessary to positively represent the interests of MNLA members. Team members will take part in the state’s Stormwater Steering Committee meetings and other important meetings that will impact accepted stormwater management practices.

4. To encourage and support the efforts of MNLA committees to provide education to green industry professionals about stormwater best management practices including training on PICP systems, rain gardens and related strategies that can be implemented by MNLA members.

5. To coordinate efforts to inform the public, especially units of government, about the stormwater management solutions offered by MNLA members.

CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT TASK TEAM

Name

Company Name

Chuck Klinefelter, Chair

Lan-De-Con

Nick Tamble, Vice Chair Scott Frampton Craig Otto Sarah Hartung Mike Kelly Dave Kleinhuizen Patrick Warden Patrick McGuiness John Moe Tim Oberg Tim Power Herman Roerick Doug Carnival Bob Fitch

Lawn & Landscape Gardens Ltd. Landscape Renovations Inc. Water-In-Motion Inc. Landscape Renovations Inc. Barton Sand & Gravel Margolis Co. Bachman’s Inc. One Call Property Care Pangaea Design Southview Design Inc. Law’s Nursery Inc. Central Landscape Supply Inc. McGrann Shea Carnival Straughn & Lamb MN Nursery & Landscape Association

Industry Segment Landscape-Hardscape Design-Installation, Nursery Grower Landscape-Hardscape Maintenance, Design, Installation Landscape-Hardscape Design-Installation Irrigation, Water Management Landscape-Hardscape Design-Installation Water and Stormwater Management Landscape Installation, Nursery Grower Landscape Installation Landscape Management, Installation Landscape Design Hardscape Design, Installation Nursery Grower Landscape-Hardscape Supplies MNLA Regulatory Consultant MNLA Executive Director

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The Scoop | FROM THE PRESIDENT

MNLA and Its Members = A Two-Way Partnership

By Bert T. Swanson, Swanson’s Nursery Consulting Inc. arm mid-winter Greetings to all MNLA Members!

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This is my first communiqué to you as president of your Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association. Bert T. Swanson I am hoping this is the beginning of a continuous dialogue throughout my tenure.

As I reported in my acceptance comments at the 2010 Awards Luncheon at the Northern Green Expo in January, I have had the good fortune to participate in many very good and wonderful events and experiences all during my life. But to be elected president of the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association is truly an honor exceeded by no other event. This is an honor I humbly and proudly accept on behalf of my many great friends and professional colleagues throughout the association and the entire industry. It is also truly an honor to serve with two very capable women: Debbie Lonnie as vice president and Heidi Heiland as secretary-treasurer.

This is also very special to me because Debbie was one of my very first students upon my return to the University of Minnesota.

Serving the MNLA in any capacity is significant just because MNLA is what it is! Our past presidents, our dedicated Board of Directors; our outstanding Executive Director Bob Fitch; our nevertiring staff; all the committee chairs and committee members, and all of you MNLA members, have put this association at the head of the pack. The value of MNLA is very apparent to many local and state agencies. But it does not stop there. At the Great Lakes Nursery & Landscape Association Leadership 8

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Conference and at other national meetings I’ve attended, it’s obvious that MNLA’s excellence rings through nationwide.

You can reach me by land phone, cell phone (only when I’m away from home), e-mail, or snail mail, or you can come to visit us in Park Rapids, Minn. I do want to hear from you because only you can MNLA is blessed with many push us over great talented and gifted the raised bar. professionals. Do not hide your

But we cannot rest on our laurels!

Even in these tough times, we need to set the bar higher.

Thanks to talent and expertise! Please step I believe we can all of you up to the plate and share your do this in our who personal lives, attended the thoughts and actions for the in our 2010 betterment of you, your businesses, and Northern within the Green Expo. colleagues, and your Association. association. To There were do this, I many personally want excellent to know what you expect and need from educational sessions which provided the MNLA. I want each and every one of opportunity for you to become even you to communicate with me personally, more professional. Thanks also to all the with Board members, with Bob Fitch, or great exhibitors, as you really do add so with any leader that you feel comfortable much to the show and actually make this with, that will transmit your message to show possible. We hope that it was me as your president. We need your successful for you and that we will see continuous input at all times to stay you again next year, so get your booth ahead of the pack and to meet your reservations in early. needs, professionally and profitably.

Thank you for your confidence in However, I want not only to know Debbie, Heidi, the Board, the executive what the association can do for you, but director, the staff and myself. also, what you can do for your God bless all of you and have a great association! MNLA is blessed with many year! q great talented and gifted professionals. ________________________________ Do not hide your talent and expertise!

Please step up to the plate and share your Bert Swanson is the president of the thoughts and actions for the betterment Minnesota Nursery & Landscape of you, your colleagues, and your Association. He can be reached at Association. When you share, you also btswanson2@gmail.com. teach, and you also learn.

We need to use these tough times to continue to improve ourselves and our businesses, to become more efficient, and to become more profitable. We can all work together to make this happen, but each of you is a key player! Please step forward!

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NURSERY | The Scoop

Will Prosperity Return Sooner Than A Blue Moon?

By Dave Kleinhuizen, Margolis Company s I began to collect my thoughts before writing this article I realized that December 31st (New Years Eve) this year was a Blue Moon. To be more Dave Kleinhuizen specific, it simply means a second full moon in a given month. It's not so much a phenomenon but more an event of timing.

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In fact, a Blue Moon occurs on New Years Eve about every 20 years. I believe you would agree that the event is not rare but it is special. As a parallel, this is how the MNLA Nursery Committee appreciates Dr. Bert Swanson, not as a phenomenon, but as a fortunate event of timing, something special.

Bert is stepping down as chair of the Nursery Committee this month. I have only served on the Nursery Committee since 2005 but have a great appreciation for the hard work, the great organizational skills and dedication Bert

has brought to the committee as its chair.

It has been a fortunate event of timing for the committee that Bert has been its chairman. Thank you for your leadership Bert. Although Bert is stepping down as chair, he will continue to serve on the committee as we welcome Cory Whitmer as our new chair. Also congratulations Bert for being elected MNLA president. We as an organization can consider ourselves privileged to have you at the helm.

As we begin this New Year, many grower members of the Nursery Committee have some battle scars from 2009. The market receded below many producers’ expectations and the return on investment for many nurseries was not a return at all but rather a blood letting.

One of the recent topics of conversation for the Nursery Committee has been: “How can we encourage customers to be greener by purchasing nursery stock close to home?” As a committee, we will hold several educational opportunities this year to encourage this principle as we continue to discuss subjects such as Industry Trends, Technology, Branding, What Works and What Doesn’t. Please join us at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum September 15 for a session on plants that could be good replacements for ash, natives for Minnesota, and new plant research at the U of M Horticulture Research Center. Following the morning educational sessions will be tours of the Arboretum and the Horticultural Research Center plots.

How can we recover from this misfortune we ask? How can we plan ahead and avoid some of the risk involved? It may be possible by continuing to manage businesses in the most efficient ways possible, or find other business activities to provide cash flow and hope we can hold on till there is some recovery in the economy.

Also we have asked “What new technologies are out there that could be fostered to increase our efficiencies and at the same time conserve energy and time? Maybe we don’t need to reinvent the wheel but from time to time be reminded of some basic principles of business that we are doing a poor job of.

Maybe some of the answers are obvious,

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while others will require more conversation, thought and debate. It is through networking, thought and debate that we continue to improve efficiencies as an industry.

One area of improvement could be to do a better job of informing and educating our customers. The Nursery Committee has begun the process of formulating a Best Management Practices Guide to Growing, Planting, and Maintaining Healthy Trees. We are proposing to distribute this document to the consumers of our green products as a guide to aid them in making better decisions about the green products and services they purchase. We believe that an educated consumer is a better consumer, and a better more educated consumer will put a higher perceived value on our goods and services.

Also look for more “Lunch n Learn” sessions being sponsored by the Nursery Committee in 2010. The concept for this programming is to provide educational opportunity for members at a slightly more technical level than a

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large group session. This will be an opportunity to gather with other industry professionals to discuss specific topics, or hear a speaker present a topic of interest in a smaller more casual atmosphere. In this way the cost can be kept more affordable and the subject matter can be more in depth. The first session was held November 17 and had about 30 people in attendance for the afternoon at a cost of $25 each. These sessions will typically be two to three hour sessions, held about noon, and will include lunch on your own while the discussion and or presentation takes place. With increased economic pressures on all businesses, this may prove to be an effective way to network and gain a more in depth understanding of topics important to your business.

The Nursery Committee wishes you a happy and prosperous New Year. And I hope the prosperity part doesn’t come around just “Once in a Blue Moon.” q ________________________________ Dave Kleinhuizen is a member of the MNLA Nursery Committee and can be

The Scoop | HARDSCAPES

2010 a Prosperous Year for Hardscapes?

By Tim Oberg, Southview Design s I am writing this we are cleaning up after a pretty nasty Christmas snowstorm. The freezing rain and then the snow on top of it made things a little hairy. All the contractors that plow snow looked at it as money falling from heaven.

They hope it continues to snow regularly throughout the winter. They really want that Tim Oberg money from heaven.

As you read this, the Expo is over and it is time to start thinking about 2010 and how we are going to make it a profitable year. As contractors, we are all concerned about making it through another year and hoping that it is profitable and we can keep the doors open. We saw a lot of new products at the Expo this year and can’t wait to be able to use them in a landscape. Hopefully, we all had a chance to take in some seminars and learn a little something to help make our year a little easier. There are even more chances to get more education as the spring progresses. Be sure and take advantage of all that you can.

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What else can we do to help make 2010 profitable? Maybe we need to look at expanding what we do and how we do it.

Once we have our business running lean and mean, and we are as efficient as we can get, doing what we do, what is next? We need to look at adding to our repertoire. We do all types of walls and interlocking concrete pavers, what can we add? We know the latest trend has been moving toward outdoor living spaces, so we do outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, pergolas, gazebos, pools and patios. What else is there?

It is time to start thinking about water management, especially stormwater management. Since this is a hardscapes article I want to talk about Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers or PICPs. PICPs play a vital role in helping to manage stormwater. Why is managing stormwater important? If we don’t manage our stormwater we are endangering one our most valuable natural resources, our lakes and streams. Minnesota has more trout streams than the state of Montana. Trout need clean, cool water. The stormwater that runs into our lakes and streams from our stormwater system is anything but clean and cool. PICPs can help solve that problem. PICPs will filter the water, removing a lot of the impurities. They will also cool the water before it is discharged into the stormwater system. PICPs are a solution to a growing problem and we have the opportunity to get in on the ground floor. I don’t have the time or space to go into all the ways that PICPs can help our environment, but they are going to be a big part of the “green” movement.

GREAT!!!! We now have a way to make more money….

SLOW DOWN…. As with anything good there is always a “but”. It is absolutely critical that the PICP system is properly installed. If it is not and the system fails we will be setting our industry back years. We can’t afford to go backwards, we are just getting ourselves out of one economic mess; let’s not bring another one on ourselves.

We need to make sure that we have the proper education to install PICPs. We need to understand the different ways the system can be installed and we need to know that each site needs specific engineering to choose the right installation and to ensure the system’s success. In short we need to make sure we are properly educated to install PICPs. Proper education is what will set us apart from everyone else and help us to be a better, more conscientious, more ethical and more professional contractor. Look for opportunities for more education here in The Scoop.

I hope everyone has a prosperous 2010. Now is the time to get any education you need to make your year better, because before you know it spring will be here and the fun starts all over. q ________________________________________________ Tim Oberg is the chair of the MNLA Hardscapes Committee and can be reached at Toberg@southviewdesign.com.

The Scoop | IRRIGATION

Do We Need Licensure?

By Rick Walter, Northway Irrigation ome of you contractors out there might not want to hear this but I think this needs to be addressed again. I know we have talked about this before but this is a different approach.

Rick Walter Most of these thoughts are my own and are not of your Irrigation committee or the Irrigation Association, although some might agree with me.

There are several States that already have an Irrigation contractor license, and several that have started the process to set one up. The trouble that the States have is who is responsible for the enforcement.

North Carolina is now on hold until they can affectingly find out how and who will enforce it. You can’t have a contractor

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licensing without some type of enforcement.

Minnesota has an ordinance that says that you have to have a licensed plumber install a backflow device. This is enforced by several cities but there are still installers that do their own, including the plumbing inside the house. They get by with this by having the home owner pull the permit, or doing it at night or weekends when the inspectors are not working. I have a hard time understanding why the home owner would do this. What about liability? The home owner is looking at the price and is only cheating himself.

There is also a rain sensor law that states an irrigation system has to have a device to stop the system when it rains.

There are several systems being installed that do not have these. Again there is no enforcement.

There is law that says we contractors have to have an electrical license to install low voltage wiring. This was put into

place, not because we wanted it, but because we had to do this so we didn’t have to have a licensed electrician on site.

When it was first enacted we thought it was ok but now it is not. We spend a lot to keep the license up with CEU’s and bonding, and we get no enforcement. It is almost to the point that it is cheaper to pay the fine than get the permit. What good are these rules when nobody is held responsible?

I want to list some pros and cons about licensure: Pros: 1. Using proper designs will save water.

2. Establishes industry best management practices.

3. Provides greater consumer protection.

4. Promotes safety and expertise through professional education.

5. Creates better public perception of the industry.

6. Might protect our livelihoods from future restrictions of regulatory authorities.

Cons: 1. Increases government involvement.

2. Increases professional costs, including fees and renewals.

3. Exposes contractors to disciplinary action.

4. May require more documentation on each job.

5. Exposes contractors to new compliance requirements.

6. Increased cost to the consumer.

When someone wants to build a commercial building in most cities in the state they have to have a landscaping plan.

They have to have so many trees and shrubs per square feet of the building and property area, and get it approved by the city. Why not have the same for the irrigation system? The same cities have an ordinance stating there has to be an irrigation system installed, but with little specifications. There should be an irrigation design approved by the city just like the landscape plan would be. It would be a design that would not waste water and give the customer a good system that will not only save him money over the years but put the water where it belongs. It would not allow spraying over sidewalks, hit buildings and parking lots. There would not be spray heads with rotors on

the same zones. There would be uniform coverage and proper pressure loss per calculations for each zone. When a building contractor wants us to bid on a new commercial building or a town home complex all they want is the cheapest price.

They are almost all design build, some without any specifications, other than to irrigate this area. We all have seen some of these, a 10’ square area turf area in between the town homes and a 12’ full circle spray in the middle, spray heads on the same zones with rotors. I have seen a detached town home complex where the houses are 15� apart and have sprays on the side in the shade, and rotors in the sun and the whole home on the same zone. I could go on and on about this but you all have seen this. The end user in this case is the loser. The system would cost more to install but over the years but the customer would get his return on investment in just a few years. This is terrible waste of water and money, and could be avoided with the proper installation.

This could be carried over to the residential customer also. If they want to put their own system in they would be required to pull a permit and supply the city with a plan to be approved. This would make sure the homeowner is

installing an efficient system and not wasting water. The city would be enforcing the system thru permits, drawings and inspections. This would be a way to make sure the homeowner and the contractor is installing an efficient system.

The irrigation contractor would then be licensed by the state as a contractor and be bonded and insured for the protection of the customer. The cities would enforce the installation just as they would a deck or a fence. There could be inspections performed to make sure it was installed the same way as the approved plan. There are so many irrigation systems now being installed by homeowners and contractors that have no concern for conserving water.

I believe that some type of licensing would help give the consumer an efficient system and save not only our precious water but last a long time.

What do you think? You have a very active Irrigation Committee and we are looking for direction from you. Please contact us with your thoughts. q ________________________________ Rick Walter is a member of the MNLA Irrigation Committee and can be reached at rick@northwayirrigation.com.

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The Scoop | LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT

Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer

By Sandy Proshek, Legends Golf Club realize sun protection isn’t in the forefront of your mind at this time of year, especially when we don’t see the sun for days at a time. But it is the time of the year in which you may have some time to sit down and gather information for the upcoming season.

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When we all think of safety, things that come to mind are safety goggles, ear protection, gloves etc. What a lot of us don’t consider is sun protection. By the nature of our industry, we are at a high risk to sun cancer due to our exposure to ultraviolet rays in our day to day lives. Damage is cumulative, so that damage done years ago may not become evident until years later. I grew up in an era that didn’t have the knowledge we have today and that actually used oils to “magnify” the sun.

I actually sold those oils to tourists while going to school in Florida. I came from a family of swimming instructors and lifeguards who every summer lived outdoors on a daily basis.

My habits changed drastically in my early twenties when my parents starting having skin issues and warned me about the damage from sun exposure. I know a lot of damage has already been done to me and I have the moles and freckles to prove it.

Skin cancer is the most common of all types of cancer.

More than 1 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States. That’s more than the combined total of cancers of the prostrate, breast, lung, colon, uterus and pancreas.

Along with skin cancer, over exposure to ultraviolet rays can also lead to premature aging and wrinkling of skin, lip cancer and damage to eyes.

So how can we protect ourselves?

• Liberally apply sunscreen to exposed areas on the skin including ears with an SPF of 15 or higher. About 1 ounce is recommended which is equal to the size of a shot glass or palm full. Sunscreen should be labeled “broad-spectrum” so that it protects against UVA and UVB rays. SPF ratings only cover UVB rays at this time. New labeling guidelines are expected from the Food and Drug Administration within the next year or so to address product labeling for UVA rays. Until then look for products that contain avobenzone (Parsol 1789), ecamsule, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to protect you against UVA rays. Don’t forget the lips. There are many lip products on the market that provide SPF protection.

• Reapply during the day. Especially since the nature of our industry doesn’t allow us to stay out of the sun during the midday hours as recommended.

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• Wear sunglasses that filter out 99%100% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Look for a label that reads “Meets ANSI UV Requirements.”

• Wear proper clothing. Lightweight tightly woven By the nature of shirts and long pants our industry, we block most are at a high of the sun’s rays. Keep risk to sun in mind a cancer due to typical light t-shirt our exposure to protects ultraviolet rays you less than in our day to sunscreen day lives. with an SPF of 15 or higher.

Don’t forget a hat. A hat that protects the ears, face, temples and back of neck is ideal.

• Recognize skin problems. Check your skin regularly head to toe for problems during the year. I also schedule a yearly body check with a dermatologist during the off-season.

Remember your skin is your largest body organ and accounts for 16% of your body weight. You need to take good care of it.

References American Cancer Society. Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection 2009. q ________________________________ Sandy Proshek is a member of the MNLA Landscape Management Committee and can be reached at sproshek@charter.net.

february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | PUBLIC RELATIONS

Take Time to Re-evaluate and Recharge this Winter

By Heidi Heiland, Heidi's Lifestyle Gardens ur winter season is the time we focus on other priorities different from the ones that guide us in our growing season. The implementation and Heidi Heiland maintenance we provide right now is internal versus external. Following are just some examples of what we, at Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens, polish in our dormant season; create annual designs and focus on the

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landscape projects that are slated for spring, adjust our vendor orders and preorders, fine tune our employee handbook and set up their reviews for 2010, reevaluate our schedules/contracts/budgets, have another look at what worked and what did not, network with vendors/strategic partners/potential clients, continue marketing, innovate to ensure we make new clients but keep the old, some are silver and the other gold!

The list is LONG of what greens industry companies address in our off season. Don’t you love it when people ask “What do you do in the winter?” I confess I do take time to travel, ski,

snowshoe, clean closets, catch up on reading and connect with family and friends (that list is LONG too J). I love this time to recharge; in fact I would suggest that after 30 years in the industry my body and soul needs this time to gather energy again. This may be especially true after a trying 2009.

Though painful experiences (loosing clients or having them significantly cut back their budget) can be challenging, they also provide amazing opportunities to help us become stronger, more faithfocused, and more appreciative of small accomplishments. What we, at HLG, Continued on page 23

THE BUILDERS GROUP SELF-INSURED WORKERS COMPENSATION Program Highlights: • Aggressive Claims Management to protect your money • Pay exactly what you owe with monthly self-audited billing

• TBG staff and claims adjusters working on behalf of the member • Monthly claims reports on request • Member controlled through experienced Board of Trustees • Ownership - it’s your insurance company (you no longer rent your workers’ compensation insurance)

• Personalized loss control services • Competitive up-front rates • All profits and investment income are returned to the members • TBG has paid 22 dividends from 10 fund years

Contact: Tina Morales TBG Marketing Association Rep. Phone: 651-203-6793 Toll Free: 888-824-3923 Email: tmorales@tbgmn.com

Post your job opening on

GREENWORKS! MNLA has developed GREENWORKS, an online job board to publicize green industry jobs to the public.

List both your full time and seasonal positions – only $35 for 60 days! It’s easy, and paying online makes it a snap. MNLA advertises the online job board in the Star Tribune during February/March encouraging consumers to visit GardenMinnesota.com for green industry job opportunities.

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Continued from page 20 deemed important was to partner with our crew and clients in any new endeavor we undertook. This meant spending additional time brainstorming, requesting feedback and prioritizing clear communication.

New initiatives that worked for us in 2009 included adjusting/improving upon our crew’s time management. I believe in a 40 hour work week as much as possible to avoid not only burn out but overtime. While it is common for us to work 10+ hour days in the spring, we try to ease that load later on in the season. We decided to work a four10 hour day work week, instead of five 8 hour days. While this took awhile to get used to from Aug-Oct, our teams loved the 3 day weekends and adapted.

(Through the book Strengths Finders, we discovered years ago that a common thread amongst employees that perform well and have longevity with our

company is that they are adaptable; as they need to adjust to different weather, truck, product, tool, client, etc).

Adapting this new schedule eased our non-billable time every week by 20%.

Pretty significant.

Another bullet we bit this spring was in letting our bookkeeper of 10 years go, and spending the time and money to locate, interview and train someone who could bring us new vision and skills. A real commitment in the spring! Change can be difficult, but I frequently find that we are rewarded for working through fearful decisions. Our P&L was way off kilter in May and June, but we rebounded nicely by year end. In fact, while revenues were down 10% for our fiscal year, net income was up 13%. We were able to make lemonade out of lemons by making tough decisions and our teams received their holiday bonus after all!

We prioritized our marketing and PR efforts in 2009 and saw the benefits in

new client contacts as well as the Google analytics of our website. I do regret not entering the MNLA Awards this year as we have seen positive results from winning that recognition.

One last significant exploration was in forming our own Advisory Council that I report to quarterly. This group consists of a leader in our industry, local CEO, financial guru, legal counsel, a former client, a colleague plus our consultant and business coach. This group helps me see life at HLG from a new perspective.

Being able to open up to advice and ask for help has possibly been THE most valuable opportunity I have embraced.

I trust with this time of winter white, your company also regroups to be able to successfully forge ahead come snow melt.

Forget off season or dormant season!

Simply a different season! q ________________________________ Heidi Heiland is a member of the MNLA Public Relations Committee and can be

february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

How to Win Contracts Without Being the Lowest Bidder

By Tony Bass, Vanderkooi & Associates uring my seminars, I tell contractors there is a financial benchmark that the IRS, your accountant or your banker will never ask you for. But Tony Bass if I work for you, we will figure this out. The ultimate measurement for sales success is your close ratio. Are you spending a tremendous amount of time bidding, but not winning? Think about it. Could your close ratio be higher? Are your proposals and presentations setting you apart from the competition?

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Note: Calculate your close ratio by dividing the number of jobs sold by the total number or estimates written. I have

worked with contractors who have a close ratio as low as 10% and as high as 83%.

By standardizing your proposal process you will look more professional, separate yourself from the crowd, and win contracts even when you are not the lowest priced contractor. When your prospect sees you have it together on paper, they can assume they’ll get quality service out in the field.

First is the cover sheet, which begins a booklet-like appearance. Binding your presentations with a clear cover and including the customer’s name and address personalizes the proposal. The next seven to ten pages are your sales script. With a sales script, you can train others to be an effective sales person for your firm!

The second page should be a brief introduction letter with a headline. The headline should be a restatement of what the client has asked you to provide.

When you meet with Ms. Prospect, and she says, “I’m looking for a low maintenance, backyard paver patio,” write “Proposal for a Low Maintenance Backyard Paver Patio.” When Ms. Prospect sees the headline she will say, “Wow, that’s just what I’m looking for!”

Incorporating THE headline is a key strategy to building a proposal that will be sold.

The next page is a company profile and how you begin to differentiate your company. List what professional organizations your company is a member of and then tell them your history. This should tell the reader what you are all about – your company story, and what services you can provide.

After that include licensing, insurance and reference information. If you are licensed or certified but you don’t tell people about it, your efforts are pointless.

Explain your insurance in detail providing limits of coverage. Always, include references and how much they spent. That way your prospect can get some comfort knowing you have experience with projects similar to the amount of money in their budget.

Page five is a company photograph.

This picture will serve as brand identity for your company. It will show prospects the size of your company, the number of employees, the professionalism of your look and maybe even some of your productivity-enhancing equipment.

Next, include a document entitled the “Compilation of Services.” The Compilation of Services explains technically exactly what your company will and will not do (think plans and specs). Setting expectations from the beginning can solve a lot of problems down the road. By explaining your

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process in complete detail, you build a competitive advantage and perception of value in the customer’s mind.

You’ve built a strong perception of value about your company and services, now it’s time to talk price. What’s important is to help a customer look for options – so don’t give just one price. Consider giving at least two prices, because what the customer really wants are solutions. If you only give them one price, they have to look elsewhere for a second bid.

However, if you give two prices or perhaps three, then they have options to choose from. Who would you rather bid against: other companies, or yourself?

Right after you give a price, it’s time to go through the guarantee or the warranty on your services. Your guarantee is an important part of the value proposition and can make a huge impression on the prospect’s perception of you. If your supplier provides a 5-year product warranty, explain it in detail.

After the warranty, include a copy of your company newsletter or other marketing collateral. This is another way to differentiate your company in the sales process. Photos of completed projects, similar in scope, can be powerful sales tools.

The final part of the presentation is the credibility piece. For example, use an article published about your company.

Publicity builds credibility. Perhaps you have been interviewed on TV or radio. A CD could be provided with a copy of the

interview. I encourage you to include credibility pieces in every presentation you give. This provides a lasting impression to potential clients to go forward and trust your firm.

If you give your potential clients all this information in an organized and clear format, you really build a compelling case for your company. Remember, the more information you provide, the better off you are. When you leave gray areas, you create opportunities for misunderstandings and misunderstandings can lead to problems. Implementing these simple ideas can help your team sale more efficiently, more effectively and most important – more consistently. q ________________________________________________ Tony Bass, a Vander Kooi Associate since 1999 is author of “Growing your Landscape, Irrigation, Tree Service, or Snow Removal Company.” Tony bases his counsel on 20 years of landscape industry experience, including founding, growing and ultimately selling his initially small landscaping business for a seven-figure profit. He is also founder and president of Super Lawn Trucks, which manufactures vehicles designed specifically for lawn and landscape contractors. Contact: TonyB@vanderkooi.com.

Tony will be a speaker at an education day on Feb. 23 that is part of the MNLA's Prosperity Partners Initiative.

february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

You Did the Work, Now Get Paid

By Patrick McGuiness, Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC hy is it so hard for people in our industry to get paid for the work they do? Time and time again when speaking with a client about Patrick McGuiness how business has been going, I find out that they are behind on payments to suppliers because they haven’t gotten paid by their customers.

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Send out Invoices Regularly The reason they have not been paid by their customers varies, but often I find out that it is because they haven’t even asked for payment! I know it is busy during the season, and there are many pressing issues to be resolved, and that paperwork is not a fun aspect of running a business, but enough already. Send out regular invoices so that you can get paid and then pay your bills. Like it or not, paperwork is part of running a successful business. Failing to invoice customers in a timely and efficient manner will create cash flow problems that may ultimately result in going out of business.

Resolve Disputes as Soon as they Arise Another reason some of my clients do not get paid is because there is a dispute about the quality or scope of work which was performed. One of the best ways to avoid this situation to begin with is to have a written contract which explains exactly what work will take place and how it will be performed. When a contract is inadequate, or the work has already taken place but the property owner is still unsatisfied, make sure that lines of communication are kept open.

Customers are often very willing to pay for the work, but because it isn’t what they thought they were getting, they 26

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would like to pay a different amount.

While you may feel that nothing short of full payment is acceptable, it may be in your best financial interest to agree to a different payment amount in order to settle the dispute in a quick and affordable manner. Taking a customer to court can be expensive and does not guarantee you will be paid in full, especially if there are genuine issues about what work was to be performed. If you and a customer agree to a different price for the work, make sure to put this new agreement in writing so that there are not further miscommunications and disputes in the future.

Try to Accommodate the Customer’s Needs A third reason clients of mine do not get paid is because the customer does not have the money to pay them. Whether it is due to the economy, or any number of reasons, they do not have the money and are therefore unwilling to pay. When this happens, it is important to try and keep communicating with the customer.

Perhaps they are willing to pay but need to do it in installments. If you can come to an agreement on a payment plan, that will save you from the hassle of going to court. Make sure the payment plan is in writing so that it can be enforced if the customer later decides to back out or stop paying. If the customer does not return phone calls and ignores emails and invoices, it may be necessary to undertake collections through the legal system by way of a mechanic’s lien or by taking them to court and getting a judgment against them.

Don’t Worry About Hurting Anyone’s Feelings I have a client that is owed a significant amount of money for work they completed, but has not been paid. I asked if they were interested in taking legal action against the client so that they could be paid. My client’s response

astounded me. They said that they didn’t want to take their customer to court because they didn’t want to hurt their relationship with the customer.

WHAT?!? When a customer is unapologetically failing to pay for your services they clearly do not value your services and do not care about a business relationship. This situation is not a business relationship; the customer is simply taking advantage of your patience and services. Don’t worry about hurt feelings or preserving a relationship if the customer isn’t paying you for your hard work.

Take the appropriate steps to make sure you get paid and can stay in business. In the current economic climate, it is more important than ever to be vigilant. Invoice customers regularly, try to resolve disputes as soon as they arise, and seek legal counsel if an informal settlement is not reachable. q ________________________________ This article provides general information on business matters and should not be relied upon as legal advice. A qualified attorney must analyze all relevant facts and apply the applicable law to any matter before legal advice can be given. If you would like more information regarding contracts, collections, or other legal issues, please contact Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC at 651-331-6500 or info@zmattorneys.com.

Patrick McGuiness is one of the founding partners of Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC. His law practice focuses on assisting contractors & other business owners. He is also part owner of One Call Property Care, LLC a Minneapolis landscaping & property management company. He can be reached at pmcguiness@zmattorneys.com.

Special Thanks

MNLA ACADEMY SPONSORS FOR 2010

TO THE

2 010 SPONSORS

Power up your digital marketing with MNLA! Target green industry professionals via MNLA websites & eNews MNLA.biz The Online hub of MNLA, www.MNLA.biz has averaged over 3,800 visits per month. A great option to reach MNLA members and industry professionals. Ads start as low as $150.

MNLA eNews The monthly MNLA eNews goes to over 1,700 industry professionals each month. Advertisers are limited to two and receive both an ad and a coupon in the eNews.

NorthernGreenExpo.org This site highlights the vital details of this premier industry event and averages 3,000 visits per month in the months leading up to the Expo.

Contact Betsy Pierre, Industry Advertising Representative today! • 952-903-0505 ext 1 • betsy@pierreproductions.com 28

www.MNLA.biz | february 2010

EDUCATION | The Scoop

Our goal is to exceed your expectations. or our agency, and Auto-Owners Insurance, 99.9% just isn’t good enough...we want to provide our customers with 100% service!

Contact our agency about our “Super

Contract Indemnity & Insurance Requirements from the Sub’s Point of View When: ursday, February 18, 2010 Time: 7:30am – 11:00am Where: University of Minnesota Continuing Education Conference Center, Room 83.

Location: 2890 Buford Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108 onstruction contracts introduce a broad range of risk management issues. is program will enable you to better understand insurance terminology, different types of insurance programs used in construction such as OCIPs and CCIPs, what to look for in contracts and will provide guidance in identifying and dealing with problems.

Materials will include a guide to commonly used insurance terms and lists of problem insurance requirements.

Instructors are Patrick Kennedy, VP Kraus Anderson Insurance and Aaron Dean of Fabyanske, Westra, Hart & omson, PA. eir years of hands on experience enable them to discuss theory and practical application.

Registration fees are $35 for members and $75 for guests. You must register by February 12. For more information, call 763-413-0699 or see www.asamn.org.

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Outstanding

Hedberg's Sustainable Landscape Day

Service” today—we’ll work hard to exceed your expectations!

Tom Stuewe, CIC 952/556-4864 t.stuewe@casualty-assurance.com

edberg Landscape & Masonry Supplies is offering a Sustainable Landscape Day on ursday, March 11 at the Earle Brown Heritage Center in Brooklyn Center.

Installing raingardens, permeable pavers, rain barrels and rainwater harvesting systems can dramatically reduce and improve stormwater runoff. Use of phosphorusfree fertilizers and organic pest control will help. Native shoreline plantings help filter out contaminants before they reach our waters. Trees help draw water down in the subsoil.

Speakers will include: • Ken Grieshaber, SRF Consulting Group - Speaking on ree Rivers Park District's "green gem" - Silverwood Park which features raingardens, buried cisterns, a permeable paver parking lot and much more.

• Jill Robertson, Aquascape - Speaking on Aquascape's new RainXchange™ water harvesting system and use of rain barrels.

• Al Pfannenstein, Belgard Hardscapes - Speaking on permeable interlocking concrete pavers.

• Metro Blooms - Speaking on selecting and installing raingardens.

• Blue umb - Speaking on shoreline stabilization, restoration and trees.

• Tina Plant, Hedberg Landscape & Masonary Supplies - Speaking on Blue Community Makover™ Day. For more information, contact Gail at 763-392-5920 or gails@hedbergaggregates.com

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february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | EDUCATION

Environmentally Sustainable Landscape Maintenance Short Course Feb. 19 and 26 onsumer concerns with environmental issues continues to grow, creating a market demand for more eco-friendly products and services. Consumer research indicates that some 55 percent of consumers are more concerned about the environment they were than a year ago. is concern has translated into 37 percent of consumers actively trying to reduce their exposure to chemicals and pollutants.

Green products and services are one of the few bright spots in the home improvement market. How is your landscape or lawn or plant service company or public park service meeting the demands of environmentally conscious consumers?

To help landscapers, lawn and plant maintenance services, and public park managers meet the growing demand for eco-friendly services, a Landscape and Grounds Maintenance Short Course will be offered by the University of Wisconsin Extension and the St. Croix County Land and Water Conservation Department. e short course will offer a unique small group setting at the Ag Service and Education Center in Baldwin, Wisc., just off of I-94, 30 minutes east of the Twin Cities. Participants can sign up for one or

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both of the short course classes which will have the theme of integrating environmentally sustainable practices into your business or public park.

On Feb. 19 from 12:30-4:30 p.m., the course will cover environmentally sustainable turf grass soil fertility and weed management. Dr. Doug Soldat, UW-Extension State Turfgrass and Urban Soil Specialist, will discuss organic lawn care research, customizing soil fertility management to reduce environmental impacts, and new recommendations for scheduling lawn fertilizer applications.

Ben Pease, Turf Grass Research Specialist at the UW-Madison, will highlight when and how to manage weeds using integrated management techniques, analyzing weed problems and customizing management to your customers environmental desires. Pease will also reveal some recent research on a non 2,4D herbicide that can be used in very low amounts for broadleaf control. Ruth Hilfiker, the UW-Extension Commercial Horticulture Educator for St. Croix and Pierce Counties will review consumer environmental market trends.

On Feb. 26 from 12:30-4:30 p.m., the course will have the theme of rain garden

design concepts and maintenance by professionals. Tammy Wittmer, Urban Land Specialist with the St. Croix County Land & Water Department will review zoning and river way ordinances requiring rain gardens. Wittmer will also discuss the new Blue umb Program that started in the Twin Cities and is growing in popularity nationally. Aleisha Miller of Miller Escape, LLC will teach a seminar on rain garden design including site evaluation, sizing gardens, basic layout and preventing problems.

Diana Alfuth, UW-Extension Horticulture Educator in Pierce County and adjunct professor for Landscape Design at the UW-River Falls, will teach participants how to design rain gardens that fit into the landscape for aesthetic appeal and choosing plants to match the site. Ruth Hilfiker, UW-Extension Horticulture Educator will outline long term maintenance of rain gardens.

Pre-registration is required by Feb. 12.

Space will be limited to 35 to allow for individual questions. e registration fee for each session is $15. A registration brochure is online at www.uwex.edu/ces/ cty/stcroix or call Mary Hecker or Ruth Hilfiker at 715-684-3301 x5.

EDUCATION | The Scoop

MECA Conference on March 11-12 egistration is open for the Minnesota Erosion Control Association's 22nd Annual Erosion Control and Stormwater Management Conference & Trade Show, March 11-12, 2010 at the Holiday Inn & Suites in St. Cloud.

Pre-conference workshops March 10. Network with stormwater and erosion control professionals from around the Midwest and learn about cutting edge projects, innovative designs and products. We’ve got a tremendous lineup of presentations: Keynote Speaker: Dr. William Hunt, PhD, PE, North Carolina State University Dr. Hunt has been conducting research on stormwater runoff and bioretention and will share some of the latest information on Optimizing BMP design for nutrient removal through Field Monitoring in North Carolina and Thermal BMP monitoring: Can we beat the heat?

Many more presentations: • City of St. Cloud: Meeting MS4 Permits • Enviroguard System: Concrete Waste Management • Design-build: An Efficient and Effective Restoration Approach • A Contractor’s Perspective on Stormwater Management

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• Rural Watershed Management---Why Not Use What We Already Have?

• Self-sustaining Ditches - Mimicking Natural Systems • Using the New MS4 Toolkit to Meet Stormwater Education Requirements • Maplewood Mall Stormwater Infiltration Retrofit • BMP Performance and Cost-Benefit Analysis • North St. Paul Green Streets Plan • The Real Cost of Maintenance • Partnering with the Conservation Corps for High Quality, Cost-effective Project Labor Optional sessions: Industrial Stormwater Permitting & Managing Risk During Construction Two Pre-conference Workshops: • Summer Turf Maintenance with Reduced Environmental Impacts • Small Site Stormwater Management Plus, the largest trade show of its kind in the Midwest!

Register online at www.mnerosion.org or call 763-478-3267.

For more information on the upcoming events and latest MECA news, please visit www.mnerosion.org. q

february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

31

LANDSCAPE

e MNLA Landscape Design Committee Presents…

A LANDSCAPE DESIGN CHARETTE Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Chaska

8:00-8:30am – Registration 8:30-9:00am – Introduction of Project 9:00 – 10:00am – Team Project Design Work 10:00-10:30am – Short Seminar: Basic Design Aspects/Inspiration 10:30-11:30am – Team Project Design Work

|

FEBRUARY 17, 2010

8:00 AM — 2:00 PM

that naturally occur during a charette only lead to stronger design solutions and an inspired design team. r a n At the conclusion of the work semi tperiod, each team will present s s i r h i T f o t their design solution to the entire ed ! s limit e group. e nd

te 50 at

e following is a list of supplies you will need to bring to class with you:

11:30-12:15pm – Working Lunch 12:15–2:00pm – Presentation of Team Designs Looking for some inspiration? New ideas? New techniques? Come and learn from other new and seasoned landscape designers at this landscape charette!

A charette is a collaborative brainstorming session, involving multiple people, used to generate solutions to design problems. Charettes not only produce many design options to evaluate, but they also draw on the strengths and experiences of each contributor.

A single residential project will be presented for the group. en charette participants, new and seasoned designers, will be paired together to tackle a design plan. e ideas created and the system of checks and balances

• • • • •

Colored markers and/or pencils Black pens Pencils and erasers Tracing paper (18-24" wide) Drafting tape • T-square and scales

MODERATOR: Adam Arvidson is a registered landscape architect with more than 10 years of experience in the design and planning of parks, trails, urban plazas, streetscapes, and commercial landscapes. Adam believes that design and communication are inextricable. It is only by discussing land and design that we are able to truly share it with others. He is the founder of Treeline Services which provides design and writing services to assist clients in telling the story of their land and helps designers better understand and tell the story of their projects. He is also a freelance writer focused on sustainable design and a deep understanding of land. His written work appears in Landscape Architecture Magazine, Architecture Minnesota, Metropolis, Garden Design, and Planning. He is editor of _SCAPE Magazine: land and design in the upper Midwest and recently served as interim editor in chief of Landscape Architecture Magazine.

Sponsored by:

Register online at www.mnla.biz or call 651.633.4987

MNLA-CP: 3 pts.

Level: Fundamental to Advanced

Sponsorships are available for this seminar. Call Betsy at 952-903-0505 / betsy@pierreproductions.com.

32

www.MNLA.biz | february 2010

GROWER/GARDEN CENTER

e MNLA Garden Center Committee Presents…

TURN YOUR PAYROLL INTO PROFIT PART OF MNLA PROSPERITY PARTNERS PROGRAM Wilder Center, St. Paul

| FEBRUARY 22, 2010 | 7:30AM — 3:00PM

Registration: 7:30am — 8:00am Program: 8:00am - 3:00pm In one activity-packed day, you will receive a truckload of essential tools to take your business to new levels of professionalism, productivity and profit!

Take away practical information on recruiting and hiring so you can attract and select the right people for your business.

• How can you "screen out" unwilling, uncooperative, incompetent or disruptive people?

• Transform dysfunctional work groups into aligned, prosperous teams.

• 5 critical ways to build trust on your team.

• e power of nonverbal communication and how to read body language.

• How to masterfully shift unwillingness into cooperation.

• Introduce ways to prompt desired behaviors with positivity!

$$$ SAVE ter Regis . 8! b e F by

• How to manage behavior; not “attitudes.”

• e principles of communication; showing respect and cooperation.

• Communication activities and listening improvement tools.

• How to delegate and have it done “right.”

• Create highly energized work environments where individuals feel purposeful and valued.

• Learn how your front line staff – sales associates, cashiers and customer support can sell more plants and other merchandise.

• Learn fresh and effective ways to connect with customers, make them comfortable and build credibility right from the start.

• How to develop service skills - from greeting to thanking the customer, inviting them to come back and loading their vehicle with care.

• Innovative follow-up strategies that customers love. is training will be 100% interactive with a great combination of discussion, group activities, collaboration and simulation where participants learn from each other. Everyone will receive their own workbook so they can easily implement the tools where it counts – in their own business! BOTTOM LINE; YOU WILL TURN YOUR PAYROLL INTO PROFIT! INSTRUCTOR

Kathryn Dager, MA, President of Profitivity Inc., is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant and trainer for small and large organizations. She has authored two books, “More an A row-Away Job” and “Are You Ready For Work & Life?” published several articles and is considered a dynamic, enlightening and entertaining business development expert. In her years of management, Kathryn consistently turned dysfunctional work groups into aligned, productive, profitable teams. She founded Profitivity in 1985 and for over 20 years has successfully created highly productive work environments where individuals feel inspired, focused and valued. Kathryn presents information with insight and humor while she enthusiastically shares tools to maximize human potential and leverage payroll dollars into profit. is program partially funded by: Lunch is included and parking is free. www.rma.usda.gov Register online at www.mnla.biz or call 651.633.4987

MNLA-CP: 3 pts.

Level: Fundamental to Advanced

Sponsorships are available for this seminar. Call Betsy at 952-903-0505 / betsy@pierreproductions.com.

february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

33

BUSINESS/MARKETING

e MNLA Commercial Flower Growers Committee Presents…

HOW TO MAKE YOURSELF COMPETITIVE IN A LOW BID MARKET PART OF MNLA PROSPERITY PARTNERS PROGRAM Wilder Center, St. Paul

Registration: 7:30am — 8:00am Program: 8:00am - 3:00pm

| FEBRUARY 23, 2010 | 7:30 AM — 3:00PM

Instructor

$$ Save er by t Regis 9!

Feb.

is past year has been a challenge!

Clients have reduced services, asked for lower prices and it is harder than ever to grow sales. Welcome to the new economy!

Managing your time, meeting worthwhile business goals, and building your team is a never ending challenge. What worked a short time ago no longer seems effective. Business owners like you are searching for low cost ways to keep one step ahead of the competition. Good news has arrived!

You can become a more effective business leader, sales professional and team builder. Your success starts with a well prepared plan.

You need a simple plan to teach your team, a plan detailed enough to be truly effective and a plan proven to focus efforts on high payoff activities.

Discover the overlooked, low-cost, proven methods for adding clients, increasing sales, and gaining repeat buyers even in a down economy. Tony Bass of Vander Kooi & Associates shares Super Successful marketing and sales strategies that turn new start-up, struggling, stuck or plateaued businesses into multi-million dollar companies. No theory; here’s how you get it done!

Tony Bass is a successful entrepreneur, inventor, author, consultant and speaker whose purpose and passion is helping green-industry small businesses achieve their fullest potential.

A 1987 graduate in Agricultural Mechanization at the University of Georgia, Tony founded Bass Custom Landscapes. Innovating business practices he shares with others today, he built a multimillion dollar enterprise and ultimately sold that business in 2006 for a significant seven-figure profit.

In 1998, Tony authored “e Money Making Secrets of a MultiMillion $ Landscape Contractor,” a three-book management, marketing and planning system for contractors. He also produced a number of audio and video training programs for the entrepreneur who wants to improve his business performance. ousands of copies have sold, generating high praise.

Since then, Tony has written five books and training programs to help green-industry business owners, such as: "10 Marketing Secrets for Landscape & Irrigation Contractors"(2001), "Growing Your Landscape Irrigation, Tree Service or Snow Removal Business" (2006), "Preparing to Retire or Sell Your Contracting Company for Maximum Value" (2006), "50 Ways to Find, Recruit, Hire and Retain SuperStar Employees" (2007) and “Business Building Strategies” (2008).

Since 1999 Tony has worked with Vander Kooi and Associates leading seminars and working as a consultant with green-industry business owners on improving financial performance. To date, he has delivered more than 150 seminars to 20,000 green industry professionals, once again to rave reviews.

Lunch is included and parking is free.

Location: Wilder Center 451 Lexington Parkway N St. Paul, MN 55104 (Approximately 1 block north of I-94 on Lexington behind White Castle.)

Register online at www.mnla.biz or call 651.633.4987

MNLA-CP: 3 pts.

Sponsored by:

Level: Fundamental to Advanced

Sponsorships are available for this seminar. Call Betsy at 952-903-0505 / betsy@pierreproductions.com.

34

www.MNLA.biz | february 2010

e MNLA Commercial Arborists Committee and e Builders Group Presents…

DEVELOPING A WORKPLACE ACCIDENT AND INJURY REDUCTION PROGRAM Dorsey-Ewald Conference Center, St. Paul | MARCH 2, 2010 | 8:00AM — 12:00PM

Registration: 7:30am – 8:00am Program: 8:00am - Noon Did you know having an AWAIR Program is REQUIRED by law?

On January 1, 1991, Minnesota adopted an amendment to the Minnesota OSHA Statutes that requires many employers to develop and use a formal workplace accident and injury reduction program. All Minnesota employers in high injury-rate industries are required to have AWAIR safety and health programs or face monetary penalties.

Because your company is included in this statute, you need to have a written plan in place. erefore, this workshop will teach you the different elements of this program and how to write one!

$$ Save by r e t s Regi 16!

Feb.

Register online at www.mnla.biz or call 651.633.4987

ese key areas will be covered in the document that you will prepare in class. You will walk away with a written plan that you can implement immediately. In this half-day session, you will also learn how to continuously improve and manage this plan.

Attend this course and learn.

MNLA members will learn the purpose and elements of the AWAIR Act, how to develop an effective safety and health program, and how to improve and manage your programs.

Develop your own written safety program.

Who Should Attend Owners, safety directors, supervisors or lead personnel who are involved in accident prevention for your business.

Expert Faculty John Primozich, e Builders Group.

Donuts and coffee are included and parking is free. e Builders Group, Suite 100, 2919 Eagandale Blvd, Eagan, MN 55121 MNLA-CP: 2 pts.

Level: Fundamental to Advanced

Sponsorships are available for this seminar. Call Betsy at 952-903-0505 / betsy@pierreproductions.com.

february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

35

GROWERS

e MNLA Commercial Flower Growers Committee Presents…

2010 SPRING GREENHOUSE TOUR Northwest Metro Area

| MARCH 10, 2010 | 10:30 AM — 2:00 PM

Join other local growers on this drive yourself tour of several greenhouses in the northwest metro and pick up some ideas that may help you this spring!

Schedule: 10:30 am - 11:00 am Check-in will be at Green Valley $$ Greenhouse e v a S ter 6530 Green Valley Road Regis 24!

Ramsey, MN 55303 .

Phone: 763-753-1621 y Feb b 11:00 am - 11:45 am Tour of Green Valley Greenhouse Green Valley Greenhouse, Inc. was founded in 1977 and worked its way into the industry through area farm markets. e company soon found customers asking for more. Each year greenhouses have been added to keep up with demand. at demand has continued, positioning Green Valley as a major grower in the Twin Cities area. ere are now 12 acres of indoor growing space and 7 acres of outdoor space.

Currently, Green Valley concentrates on flowering potted Register online at www.mnla.biz or call 651.633.4987

plants, foliage plants, lilies, spring annuals, fall garden mums, spruce tips and poinsettias. e company is open year-round.

11:45 am – 1:00 pm: Lunch on your own 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Tour of Malmborg’s, Inc. 20045 Cty Rd 81, Rogers, MN 55374 Malmborg’s, founded in 1958, was purchased by George Lucht in 1972. Lucht expanded the business when he purchased the Rogers location in 1976 and has rebuilt all the greenhouses since that time as well as added a retail garden center to the site. Malmborg’s also grows in its own greenhouses nearly all the products sold at retail as well as providing finished material for other independent garden centers. Currently listed as a root & sell for Syngenta, Fides, Suntory, and Plant Source International, Malmborg’s has been expanding the offerings available as starter plants. ere are now over 800 items available in the liner program. e newest program added for this year is the Garden Mum program from Yoder/Syngenta.

Malmborg’s will be offering rooted cuttings of Garden Mums beginning in spring 2010.

MNLA-CP: 2 pts.

Level: Fundamental to Advanced

Sponsorships are available for this seminar. Call Betsy at 952-903-0505 / betsy@pierreproductions.com.

36

www.MNLA.biz | february 2010

GROWERS

e MNLA Commercial Flower Growers Committee Presents…

PERENNIAL PICKS FOR 2010 Dorsey-Ewald Conference Center, St. Paul | MARCH 17, 2010 | 9:00 AM — 3:00 PM

worked well at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

Registration: 9:00 am – 9:30 am Mary Meyer, University of Minnesota & Minnesota Landscape Program: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm Arboretum Our local area is blessed with a cadre of Dr. Meyer joined the Horticultural Science faculty of the University of experts on perennial plants. Take Minnesota in 1993 and has primarily an extension/outreach and research $ advantage of this education day to hear $ appointment. Her research interests include native and ornamental grasses, the latest from these nationallySave er by especially Miscanthus, Schizachyrium, and Pennisetum. She is interested recognized perennial professionals. gist ! in propagation e and production of grasses including cold hardiness, and R During the course of the day, write down 3 h sustainability of grasses for landscaping, especially in northern climates. She c r your questions and our expert panel will Ma also conducts research on alternative low maintenance turfgrasses. She has share their knowledge in the forum at the studied Miscanthus, and where it has escaped in the United States and end of the day. authored the website entitled Miscanthus: Ornamental and Invasive Grass.

9:30am – 10:30am She is the author of the publication Ornamental Grasses for Cold Climates A Garden through the Seasons which can be purchased from the University of Minnesota -Extension. In is seminar will present plants and plant combinations that will addition, Dr. Meyer became the Interim Director of the Minnesota provide interest throughout the seasons. A garden of continuing beauty Landscape Arboretum in July 2008. She has taught Herbaceous Plant and interest should change with each season. Carmichiel will give her classes as well as classes in International Horticulture. thoughts on putting together perennial combinations that change with 1:15pm – 1:30pm – Break the seasons and still look good. is talk will provide you with a 1:30pm – 2:15pm multitude of ideas to help you make successful, interesting choices in New Perennial Varieties for 2010 perennials combinations.

Whether it was purposely bred for improved qualities, or hunted down Arla Carmichiel, Noerenberg Gardens/ree Rivers Park District in the wild, or found as a sport or mutation in production, there are Carmichiel has been a horticulturist with ree Rivers Park District for hundreds of new varieties of perennials introduced into the market each 30 years. She is responsible for the garden design throughout the park year. Which are the best for upper Midwest gardens? Lonnee will bring district. She teaches classes in garden design and has a keen interest in new you the newest varieties to choose from for your garden center shelf, or or unusual plants. landscape plan.

10:30am - 10:45am – Break Debbie Lonnee, Bailey Nurseries, Inc. 10:45am – 11:45am For the first thirteen years of her career, Lonnee worked in the retail garden Reconsidering the Tried and True: Reflections on a Few center business, managing a large Twin Cities garden center. For the last Underused but Noteworthy Perennials seventeen years, she has worked as a production coordinator at Bailey I can’t tell you the number of customers whose first question each spring Nurseries, working primarily with the perennial and bedding plant crops, is – “what’s new?” Yet, so often in their pursuit of the latest and hottest as well as roses and woody plants. She was promoted to manager of the perennial, they neglect some of the good old standbys that possess great Planning and Administration department in 2006 and is actively involved merit. I can think of more than several perennials that garnered wide in new plant introductions. Lonnee holds a B.S. in Horticulture from the and glowing press, that were purchased by multitudes of Midwesterners University of Minnesota. before these plants had a chance of being tested in our area, and that She is an avid gardener, and has a collector’s garden full of hostas, daylilies subsequently failed to prove garden worthy in our climate. At the same and perennials, as well as many new annuals. She just considers herself a time, dozens of great perennial varieties sit on nursery benches. I will ‘plant geek’! You won’t find too much lawn in her yard! go to bat for some of those forsaken, but valuable perennials.

She is a member of the Perennial Plant Association, the Ohio Florists Steve Kelley, Kelley & Kelley Nursery and Landscaping: Having Association and is the Vice President of the board of directors of the grown up in the family nursery/landscaping business, Steven Kelley has had Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association, as well as chairing its his fingers in the horticultural pie all his life and is now the fourth Publications Committee. Garden writing is her second job; she is the generation family member involved with the firm. He began working full horticultural editor for Northern Gardener magazine, and also writes the time at Kelley & Kelley in 1970 and took over the reins in 1992. He has ‘Plant to Pick’ article for each edition. lectured and given seminars for the MNLA, the Minnesota Horticultural 2:15pm - 3:00pm – Ask the Experts Society, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the Perennial Plant Got questions on varieties, production practices or landscape Association, and a host of garden clubs and plant societies. Annually, Kelley’s maintenance questions? Ask e Experts! nursery hosts numerous tours from across the Midwest and has received Panelists awards for its unique character.

11:45am – 12:30pm – Lunch • Arla Carmichiel, Noerenberg Gardens/ree Rivers Park District • Steve Kelley, Kelley & Kelley Nursery and Landscape 12:30pm – 1:15pm • Mary Meyer, MN Landscape Arboretum Ornamental Grasses Sponsored by: • Debbie Lonnee, Bailey Nurseries, Inc. Find out what’s happening with ornamental grasses both new annuals and perennials. Learn about care through the seasons for grasses, and Lunch is included and parking is free. what works best in Minnesota. Also, find out which new grasses have Register online at www.mnla.biz or call 651.633.4987

MNLA-CP: 2 pts.

Level: Fundamental to Advanced

Sponsorships are available for this seminar. Call Betsy at 952-903-0505 / betsy@pierreproductions.com.

february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

37

IRRIGATION

e MNLA Irrigation Committee Presents…

LOW VOLTAGE IRRIGATION:

TROUBLESHOOTING TOOLS & TECHNIQUES

COURSE QUALIFIES FOR PLT RELICENSURE COURSE: #081028.02

(Note: MNLA offered this course in March 2009. If you've already taken this course during your current renewal period, you cannot get credit for it a second time.)

Dorsey-Ewald Conference Center, St. Paul

| MARCH 18, 2010 — 7:30 A.M-5:00 P.M.

is class provides eight hours of continuing education residential/commercial irrigation as a lead service technician, credits for the Power Limited Technician license, with ultimately owning and operating a service oriented irrigation material orientated specifically towards the irrigation company. Otto has focused on promoting high efficiency specialist. irrigation as an instructor and curriculum advisor for a $$ e e 8 hour class will contain: two clock hours of major manufacturer, teaching nationally and v a S r by internationally. His specialties include system design, e specific national electrical code training; and 6 t s i Reg hours of hands-on training. consulting, and auditing.

4!

March e six-hour, hands-on training will consist of Andy Lindquist: Lindquist is a graduate of the University topics such as: covering, wiring, irrigation of Minnesota with a degree in horticulture with troubleshooting of the irrigation controller and specialization in turfgrass science. He has 30+ years experience circuits, wire location, and grounding. in the landscape industry and 10 years as an instructor at a Walk away with greater knowledge about electrical Minnesota vocational/technical college as lead instructor in the troubleshooting techniques, national electrical code violations, wire grounds and golf course maintenance and irrigation design, types/sizing, and two-wire systems. installation and maintenance programs. Former positions held: Certified Golf Course Superintendent and general manager; INSTRUCTORS irrigation and golf course designer; area manager and educator with a Craig Otto - CWCM, CID, CIC, CLIA, EPA WaterSense Partner: leading irrigation/landscape supplier. Lindquist is also active in Otto is a water resource consultant for Water in Motion. He brings a various state professional associations and community organizations. wide range of irrigation experience in his 18 years in the industry. He Lunch is included and parking is free. started in the golf course industry as a superintendent, and moved to Register online at www.mnla.biz or call 651.633.4987

MNLA-CP: 3 pts.

Level: Fundamental to Advanced

Sponsorships are available for this seminar. Call Betsy at 952-903-0505 / betsy@pierreproductions.com.

38

www.MNLA.biz | february 2010

ICPI Level I Concrete Paver Installer Certification Program The path to a more prosperous future Date: March 22-23, 2010 Time: 8 am-5 pm (both days)

10 Reasons for ICPI Level I Concrete Paver Installer Certification 1.

Meet industry guidelines-Learn how to meet or exceed industry established guidelines for paver installers.

Sponsor: Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association

Location: Dorsey-Ewald Conference Center 1000 Westgate Drive St. Paul, MN 55114 Ph: (651) 203-7243

About the Program The two-day classroom course is designed to enhance the knowledge of individuals involved in the construction of interlocking concrete pavements. The following topics are addressed in the curriculum:

Material and labor estimating

Edge restraints

Job planning and layout

Base material selection and compaction

2.

Reduce costs-What you learn will help you reduce or eliminate costly call backs.

Soil classification and compaction

Contract basics

Soil compaction

Safety

3.

National promotionICPI promotes certified paver installers in its literature, website and videos.

Bedding and joint sand

Maintenance and Management

Paver selection and installation

Specialty Applications

Use of labor-saving specialty tools

Estimating and job costing

4.

5.

6.

7.

Supplier promotionMany ICPI manufacturer members promote certification to the general public.

Meet customer expectations-Today’s consumers are more sophisticated and demanding. They expect trades people, including interlocking pavement installers, to have trade certification.

Meet designer/specifier expectations-Design professionals specify installation by ICPI Level I Certified Concrete Paver Installers.

Benefit your bottom line -Professional instructors will show you how to increase your bottom line through greater efficiency.

8.

Evaluation process-ICPI developed guidelines will show you how to increase your bottom line through greater efficiency.

9.

Dispute resolutionAdherence to ICPI guidelines means you have the weight of the industry on your side in the event of a dispute.

10. Justify your price Being able to demonstrate to your customers that you are installing interlocking concrete pavements consistent with industry developed guidelines can help you support your pricing and explain why it might be higher than others not following those guidelines.

Why Should You Attend?

Knowledge-Industry professionals share knowledge of industry guidelines, practices and advances applicable to the construction of interlocking concrete pavers.

Recognition-Installers and owners will receive Level I Concrete Paver Installer Certificates and non-installers such as sales staff, manufacturer and dealers reps will receive Level I Graduate Certificates.

Promotion-Paver installer program training and certification can be a powerful marketing tool for your business by further establishing your credibility as a knowledgeable installer, contractor or industry professional.

On-going support-ICPI reinforces your knowledge by making available technical literature, guide specifications, marketing support, website listings, press releases and advanced level certification programs.

Who should attend?

The ICPI Level I Certified Concrete Paver Installer Program has been designed for all companies and individuals involved in the residential and commercial installation of interlocking concrete pavements, including: Company owners and principals Job superintendents Forepersons and supervisors Crew leaders Crew members (with one year minimum experience)

Why a certification program?

Several thousand companies throughout North America engage in the manufacture of and/or installation of interlocking concrete pavements. Your company may be one of them. These companies work with landscaping, segmental retaining walls, and concrete pavers. Their backgrounds represent a wide range of technical, business and marketing skills. To focus this diversity of experiences, the ICPI Level I Certified Concrete Paver Installer Program imparts the requisite knowledge, experience and industry guidelines required to build pavements using concrete pavers.

Sponsored by: february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

39

e MNLA Hardscapes Committee Presents…

HARDSCAPES

NCMA SEGMENTAL RETAINING WALL INSTALLER EDUCATION PROGRAM Dorsey-Ewald Conference Center, St. Paul

|

MARCH 24, 2010 — 7:30 A.M-5:00 P.M.

ose successfully completing the classroom seminar and passing a written examination become recognized as a NCMA Level I SRW Installer. e Segmental Retaining Wall Installer $ $ Furthermore, your learning doesn’t end when the Education Program is a seminar series designed Save y b program is completed! is program includes a r to reinforce national standardized installation giste ! e wealth of valuable course information and R and site practices within the SRW 10 h c reference material that attendees take back to work r a M installer community. for implementation as money-saving and profitLevel I is structured for all making ideas! employees involved in Participants will take the NCMA exam at the end of SRW installation and training. Presenters are NCMA Certified instructors. provides fundamental Coffee & lunch are instruction on minimum included. Parking is free! installation guidelines, material and system component properties, soils and compaction, site practices and equipment selection.

Registration: 7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.

Seminar: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Register online at www.mnla.biz or call 651.633.4987

MNLA-CP: 3 pts.

Level: Fundamental to Advanced

Sponsorships are available for this seminar. Call Betsy at 952-903-0505 / betsy@pierreproductions.com.

A Deeper Shade of Green Local Genetic Origins

TM

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

www.outbacknursery.com

Call us first for all your native planting needs 40

www.MNLA.biz | february 2010

PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION

e MNLA Landscape Management Committee Presents…

PESTICIDE CERTIFICATION WORKSHOP & EXAM A Review of Pesticide Applicator Certification Training Materials in Preparation for Taking the Category A & E Exams

Dorsey-Ewald Conference Center, St. Paul

Program Description Prepare for the category A and E Pesticide applicator certification exam by attending this 1 ½ day study program. e workshop can also be viewed as a refresher course for those already certified.

Topics to be Covered: • State Laws and Regulations • Integrated Pest Management (Insects, Diseases and Weed Control) • Pesticide Formulations • Health and Safety Issues (Toxicity, Heat Stress, Personal Protective Equipment) Taking the exam on day 2 is optional. If you wish to take the test, you must submit your license application and pay the license application fee before you take the certification exams. You may apply for a new Pesticide Applicator License electronically on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture web page at www.mda.state.mn.us, by sending a completed paper application form and check to the MDA by mail, or by bringing a check for $75 made payable to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at the time of the exam. License application fees are not refundable.

Attending this study course does not guarantee passing the Category A & E exams.

Please note: is instruction program is intended to be a review of information in the study manuals. e instructors strongly recommend that you consider purchasing the following three study guides prior to attending the course: 1. Category A-1: National Pesticide Applicator Core Manual (New 2007) 2. Category A-2: Minnesota Supplement for Category A (New 2007) 3. Category E: Turf & Ornamentals Pesticide Manual (1997) ere are two options for ordering (note, when ordering, it will take approximately 1 week to receive your order so plan ahead!): 1. Order online at www.bookstores.umn.edu/ genref/ (click on Extension Publications).

2. Call 612-627-0108 to place your order.

Note: Manuals are no longer available at the St. Paul Campus Bookstore.

Vera Krischik is an associate professor in the department of entomology at the University of Minnesota and performs research and extension on insects of interiorscapes, woody plants, and turf.

She is interested in developing integrated Pest management (IPM) programs that reduce pesticide use, encourage biological control, and use of biorational pesticides when appropriate. She

|

MARCH 25-26 OR APRIL 6-7, 2010

teaches a course on landscape IPM that is open to participants in the green industry.

Mike McDonough is a research fellow in the department of entomology at the University of Minnesota. He has worked in Ascerno Lab, researching and conducting education programs in greenhouse pest management since 1999. McDonough holds an undergraduate degree in business and a master’s degree in agriculture from the University of Minnesota.

$$ e v a S r by e t s i Reg or 3 h c Mar 23!

March

Register online at www.mnla.biz or call 651.633.4987

DAY ONE SCHEDULE 7:15 am - Registration 7:45 am - Introduction 8:00 am - Integrated Pest Management – Vera Krischik 8:45 am - Customer Education and Professionalism – Mike McDonough 9:00 am - Certification and Licensing - MDA 9:30 am - Pesticide Laws & Regulations - Vera Krischik 10:00 am - Break 10:15 am - Emergency or Incident Response - Mike McDonough 10:30 am - Transportation and Storage of Pesticides - Mike McDonough 10:45 am - Language of the Green Industries - Mike McDonough 11:45 am - Lunch 12:15 pm - Plant Health Care - Mike McDonough 12:45 pm - Plant Diseases and Nematodes - Vera Krischik 1:45 pm - Weeds and Vertebrates - Vera Krischik 2:30 pm - Insects & eir Relatives - Vera Krischik 3:30 pm - Pesticide Labeling - Vera Krischik 4:00 pm - Conclusion DAY TWO SCHEDULE 8:00 am - Pesticide Labeling - Vera Krischik 8:30 am - Pesticides and Pesticide Formulations- Mike McDonough 9:30 am - Personal Protective Equipment - Mike McDonough 10:00 am - Break 10:15 am - Health, Safety, and First Aid - Mike McDonough 10:45 am - Planning the Pesticide Application - Mike McDonough 11:15 am - Pesticide Application Procedures and Equipment & Soil Fumigation - Mike McDonough 11:45 am - Environmental Concerns; Urban Sustainability - Vera Krischik 12:15 pm - Short Review – Vera Krischik & Mike McDonough 12:30 pm - Lunch 1:00pm - Pesticide Applicator’s Exam, Categories A & E Coffee & lunch are included. Parking is free!

MNLA-CP: 4 pts.

Level: Fundamental to Advanced

Sponsorships are available for this seminar. Call Betsy at 952-903-0505 / betsy@pierreproductions.com.

february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

41

IRRIGATION

e MNLA Irrigation Committee Presents…

BASIC IRRIGATION & INSTALLATION Dorsey-Ewald Conference Center, St. Paul Registration: 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Program: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Water conservation has become increasingly important. Every person involved in landscape irrigation plays an important role in ensuring the system will preserve water, a precious natural resource. is introductory irrigation course will provide a basic overview of the irrigation process.

| MARCH 30, 2010 — 8:30 A.M-4:00 P.M.

components. It would also serve as a good review course for returning entry level employees.

$$ Save y ter b s i g e R 16!

March

Topics that will be covered include: • Introduction to irrigation • Product identification and terminology • Basic hydraulics and design concepts • Installation techniques and tools is class is intended for employees who are new to the irrigation industry or those looking to get an up close look at

Presenter: Craig Otto, CWCM, CID, CIC, CLIA, EPA WaterSense Partner Otto is a water resource consultant for Water in Motion. He brings a wide range of irrigation experience in his 18 years in the industry. He started in the golf course industry as a superintendent, and moved to residential/commercial irrigation as a lead service technician, ultimately owning and operating a service oriented irrigation company. Otto has focused on promoting high efficiency irrigation as an instructor and curriculum advisor for a major manufacturer, teaching nationally and internationally. His specialties include system design, consulting, and auditing.

Lunch is included and parking is free.

Register online at www.mnla.biz or call 651.633.4987

9:18 PM

Page 1

MNLA-CP: 3 pts.

Level: Fundamental to Advanced

Sponsorships are available for this seminar. Call Betsy at 952-903-0505 / betsy@pierreproductions.com.

HOFFMAN & MCNAMARA NURSERY AND LANDSCAPE

and Nationwide Agribusiness

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MINNESOTA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY | THe SCOOP

February Classes at the Minnesota State Horticultural Society he following classes are sponsored by the Minnesota State Horticultural Society, but are held at various locations, as noted. Enrollment is limited, and preregistration is required. To register, call 651-643-3601 or 800-676-6747, ext 211, or visit their website at www.northerngardener.org

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Designing your Landscape for Wildlife, from the Pollinators On Up Monday, February 8, 6 to 8 p.m. $26 members, $36 nonmembers. Location: MSHS Classroom, 2705 Lincoln Drive, Roseville.

Have you noticed that the diversity and numbers of songbirds seems to be dramatically declining? Are you interested in attracting more birds and other Minnesota wildlife to your property and providing valuable habitat that they need for survival? You can help create a haven for wildlife in your yard by providing habitat for an increasingly challenged mix of birds and other creatures by planting the right trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses and including other important amenities in your landscape. Using the right plants will also attract the pollinators that benefit our native flora and form the base of the food chain for the myriad creatures that depend on them.

Instructors: Douglas Owens Pike, Energyscapes and Jim Calkins, Horticulturalist, University of MN.

using their products in containers as well as your garden.

Monrovia products are available at independent garden centers.

Instructor: Suzette Nordstrom from Monrovia. www.monrovia.com.

Seeds and Cuttings - Starting Plants Indoors Tuesday, February 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m. $15 for members, $25 for nonmembers. Location: MSHS Classroom, 2705 Lincoln Drive, Roseville.

Looking for ways to save money and still get the plants you want for your garden? There is great satisfaction in growing your own from seed or cuttings. The instructor will cover techniques for successful seed germination, the requirements for success, as well as the benefits and possible failures along the way. He will also talk about which plants you can easily start from cuttings and the processes involved. Instructor: Mark Armstead is the Assistant Retail Manager and Grower at Linder’s Garden Center. He has been in this industry for 22 years as a grower and retailer, and has a degree in Botany. q

Introduction to Plant Propagation Tuesday February 9, 16 and 23 (3 sessions), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. $65 for members, $75 for nonmembers (this is the revised price).

Location: University of Minnesota Plant Growth Facility, 1552 Gortner Avenue, St. Paul 55108, near the corner of Gortner Avenue and Folwell Avenue on the St. Paul Campus. Call MSHS for parking information.

Propagating new plants for ones own use or to share is exciting and satisfying. Propagation topics will include starting plants from seed, cuttings, division, and grafting. Special emphasis will be placed on ways to adapt propagation techniques to resources commonly available to the home gardener as well as hands on activities at the University of Minnesota Greenhouses on the St. Paul campus. Includes all material fees for plant material and seeds. Instructor: Bill Peters is a Teaching Specialist in Plant Propagation Techniques at the U of MN. He has a Masters of Science in plant genetics and breeding.

New Plants for 2010 and Gardening Ideas Tuesday, February 9, 6:30 to 8 p.m. $15 members, $25 nonmembers. Location: MSHS Classroom, 2705 Lincoln Drive, Roseville.

Join us for an inspiring presentation from Monrovia on the new plants they will have available for 2010 as well as ideas for february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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CERTIFICATION | The Scoop

Magic from the Manual: Vegetable Gardening

By Lance Barthel, Greenleaf Nursery egetable gardening is a major interest and hobby of the American people. Information pertaining to variety selection, planting, and culture may be requested from garden center professionals. These professionals should make suggestions for environmentally safe practices that will produce quality products. Certified Professionals, particularly those that work in garden centers, are expected to know, recognize and understand vegetables and their culture.

Site Selection: The site for a vegetable garden should be fairly level, well drained, and should not have low areas where water might stand. Most vegetables should receive a minimum of six hours of direct sun per day. Trees and shrubs decrease sunlight and compete with vegetables for water and minerals, therefore, the garden should be located a reasonable distance from trees and large flowers. Conversely, when space is limited, some brightly colored vegetables such as sweet peppers and flowering edible cabbage or kale, can be incorporated into landscape plantings.

Seeds and Seeding: Some gardeners want to save seeds from gardens, however, most of the seeds planted are hybrids, so the seed produced from these hybrid plants will not be true to the parent plant. It is very difficult to sow small seeds thinly enough to permit all plants to develop well. Early thinning is especially important in root crops such as beets, carrots, parsnips, rutabagas, and turnips.

Most vegetables fit into one of the following seven categories:

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1. Leafy Crops: lettuce, spinach, swiss chard 2. Root Crops: carrots, radish, parsnips, onions 3. Cole Crops or Cabbage Family: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower.

4. Legumes: beans, peas 5. Squash and Melons: zucchini, acorn

squash, watermelon, cantaloupe 6. Tomato Family (Solanaceae): peppers, tomato, egg plant, potato 7. Corn.

When planning the vegetable garden, change the location each year where each vegetable category is grown to minimize the build-up of insects and diseases.

Some vegetables put on growth at temperatures as low as 45°F, but they grow most vigorously at temperatures between 50°F and 70°F. Plants meeting this temperature growth pattern are placed in a category referred to as “cool season vegetables”. Refer to categories 1, 2 and 3 from above as cool season vegetables.

In contrast, “warm season vegetables” need a base growth temperature of 55°F and grow most vigorously at temperatures above 70°F. Refer to categories 4, 5, 6 and 7 above as warm season vegetables.

Garden Layout: It is advisable to put a garden plan on paper. The plan should be drawn to scale showing the size of the garden, spacing between rows, row length for each crop, spacing between rows, row length for each crop, specific arrangement of crops and date of planting. Keep your plans on file for two to three years so that you can rotate for better disease control.

Nutrients: Vegetables do best with a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. In addition, the soil should contain plenty of readily available nutrients. Some of these nutrients can be supplied through liberal applications of rotted manure.

Commercial fertilizers can also be used and will provide a more accurate application of specific nutrients without the potential of significantly increasing soluble salts.

The following is a list of terms associated with vegetable gardening: Intensive Gardening: When space is limited, intensive vegetable gardening can be practiced for efficient use of space.

Succession Planting: Succession planting involves following a quick maturing crop such as lettuce with a crop such as cabbage in the same area.

Intercropping: Intercropping is accomplished by planting or seeding quick maturing crops that require narrow spacing between rows of longer-term crops that require wide spacing.

Staking or Trellis Work: Supports are recommended for tomatoes, pole beans and vine crops. This allows vertical growth and less horizontal space will be required.

Containerized Raised Beds: Raised beds improve yield, minimize compaction, and are easier on gardeners' backs. Extra watering may be necessary.

Container Gardening: Patio tomatoes, bush cucumbers, lettuce, onions and herbs can be successfully grown in containers. q ________________________________ Lance Barthel is the Chair of the MNLA Certification Committee and can be reached at Lance_Barthel@Greenleafnursery.com.

Study Questions: 1. T

F

Warm season vegetables need a base growth temperature as low as 45°F.

2. T

F

e pests that affect one member in a vegetable category are usually problems for other vegetables in the same category.

3. Which of the following are not considered part of the Root Crop vegetable category?

A. B. C. D. E.

Carrots Radish Potato Parsnips Onions

Answers: 1-F, 2-T, 3-C february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | LANDSCAPE

ITIC and YOU: Natural Partners In Profit approximately 37% by the end inter of 2009. To offer perspective, winds consider that GSOC received again about 600,000 incoming locate howl across the requests overall. This statistic Minnesota suggests that Minnesota’s landscape, a white Professional Excavators and mantle blankets Facility Operators have our state, our lakes Celebrating Over 20 Years overwhelmingly embraced ITIC and rivers recede of Damage Prevention since its introduction in early beneath layer upon www.gopherstateonecall.org 2004. This cutting edgelayer of ice.

Natures’ cycle Locate Request Lines: Metro method of contacting GSOC is turns again. As the Area: 651-454-0002 Greater growing in its acceptance across Minnesota. The reasons for this traditional “slower” Minnesota: 800-252-1166 are quite simple: excavation season is here, it is perhaps a fitting time for you ITIC: A WIN-WIN BUSINESS to study and prepare your business for PARTNER the inevitable spring thaw, and the As a business owner or employee, advent of another busy excavation you’d probably be hard-pressed to find season. Study of the last few issues of fault with a program that not only offers “Scoop” reveals a trend, not uncommon flexibility, reliability, and incredible to all professional landscapers across our versatility, but is yours for no charge. great state: “How to address the pressing Contacting GSOC before any excavation economic challenges to my business? is State Law in Minnesota. Savvy How do I conserve and most efficiently landscapers are aware of that fact, and utilize my income, business and have an important hand in training or employee skills, time, talents and reminding their younger or new effectiveness?” And cutting to the employees to contact the call center. bottom line: “How do I increase net ITIC offers 24 hour-a-day access to the profits?” call center. ITIC users can enter locate requests anytime they have access to the Professional Landscaping, by any internet (preferably high-speed vs. dialdefinition of the term, requires up), and a GSOC Caller ID number. imagination, dedication, and creative Take a look at the ITIC menu page: flair by “crafters of the earth”. And: pride in your work? Absolutely. Controlling costs? Undoubtedly. Satisfied and return clientele? Got to have them, too! All of these and myriad other dollar-related concerns are expressed throughout not only the landscaping industry, but the economy in general. And what, you may ask, can Gopher State One Call (GSOC) do to specifically help landscapers in that regard? You may just be amazed!

For the very first time in its 20+ years of service to Minnesota’s excavation industry, GSOC will close out the calendar year, 2009, with a telling By attending a free 2 hour “fullstatistic: Less than 50% (actually about mapping” ITIC class, any Professional 43%) of all locate requests to the call Excavator may enter any and all locate center originated via telephone. The fliprequests recognized by GSOC, side to this statistic is the steadily including, with certain qualification, escalating growth trend of ITIC (internet Emergency locate requests. “Routine ticketing) submissions to GSOC,

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excavation” tickets, Appointments (or “meets”), Update tickets, and “Default” (or “modified location-of-work”) tickets may all be entered using ITIC. That fact alone provides major time (thus money) saving aspects. Update tickets, by example, are used anytime that marks at your dig-site, whether paint or flags, have become obliterated or gone missing.

Update tickets are used only to request a re-mark or “refresh” of the same location of work area. Because of this, ITIC users are delighted to find that Update tickets take approximately 1 minute or less to process! No waiting on the phone, an instantly-provided GSOC ticket number, and a list of the re-notified facility operators in your area of excavation, along with contact phone numbers in a printer-friendly format.

If you or your staff hasn’t had the time to attend a “full mapping” ITIC class, a “Text-only” version is available. It differs in that the quality control staff at GSOC performs the actual mapping function for “Text” users. Township-range-and section-quarter or Hudson/King map information is required, along with accurate dig-site information and driving directions, when necessary. Both versions of ITIC utilize a “Map Tools” function, a major upgrade initialized in fall of 2008.

Map tools will attempt to find any address where the user may be digging, and if successful (which it typically is) the address will be highlighted in a geometric “box” referred to as an excavation polygon.

ITIC users are given the option to change the shape and size of the polygon to safely encompass the dig site. An “eyesfriendly” view of the address is also an option utilizing Google-type satellite view, and a hybrid “map-quest” type view with streets superimposed beneath the satellite view.

The hybrid map polygon pictured below depicts an intersection “hit” of Centre

Pointe Blvd and Centre Pointe Dr just south of the GSOC Center, found by the “full mapping” search function.

mark underground facilities in your excavation area. And on that subject, let’s discuss the word excavation.

PLAN YOUR WORK AND WORK YOUR PLAN ITIC users now also have two timesaving features known as “Advance and Manage Ticket” functions. Let’s postulate for a moment: Your company has been awarded or has contracted for a large (or small) landscaping project scheduled to begin 4 months from now. The Advance ITIC module can be used to enter that excavation projects’ locate request immediately, as an action item, rather than waiting until a week or so (a minimum of 48 hours not including weekends or holidays) to enter the locate request. The ticket can be released at a pre-determined date and time to coincide best with your companies’ work and staffing schedule, up to 14 calendar days before the project is scheduled to begin. Again, this can be any type of locate request recognized by GSOC, not including Emergency tickets. This feature allows time and task management at a new level of versatility. Projects can be managed up to one year in advance, and entered when you’re not “under the gun” to get an excavation locate request filed.

And benefits for your partners in excavation safety, facility operators and locators, are realized when they receive additional time to mark out your project.

When you provide them more than the minimum 48 hour excavation notice, facility operators and their underground line locators also profit by your willingness to maintain a good, working relationship with the “paint and flags” gang who have a legal responsibility to

WILL YOU OR YOUR CREW BECOME ANOTHER STATISTIC? In the 2008 nationwide summary of reported underground damage statistics by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), and among those damage events with “Known Data”, hand tools were used in 20% of the 82,835 “Type of Excavation Equipment” tabulations. ** As significantly, among 73,152 reported damage events with a “Type of Root Cause” supplied, 37% of the damages occurred due to “Notification NOT Made” (Emphasis by CGA).** Gopher State One Call doesn’t attempt to define what is or is not meant by “hand tools” or hand excavation. roughout its entire history, your call center has always encouraged excavation pre-notification regardless of the type of tool or depth of the excavation. e fact is, in 2008 “Landscape” was listed as the “Type of Work Performed” in 10% of the 76,321 reported damage events- over 15,000 events nationwide.**. **Copyright 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 Common Ground Alliance, all rights reserved These statistics are based solely on damage reports submitted by various stakeholders, such as natural gas, one call centers, telecommunication, excavator, and electrical companies. All are similar to many other underground utility damage reports on local, statewide, and national levels. But, another disconcerting reality exists underground: There are facilities that, even now, are

waiting to fail, because an excavator was not willing to admit or acknowledge that possible damage, even minor, was done by his company, and that they simply “covered it up.”

THERE’S REALLY NO EXCUSE…. ….NOT to contact GSOC! Whether contacting GSOC by ITIC or telephone, the notification process has become easier and more convenient than ever before. For contractors with no access to the internet (ITIC), telephone contact has been simplified and vastly improved by the installation of an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. This feature allows callers to review helpful utility and excavation information at the completion of a locate request filed with a GSOC customer service representative.

Using IVR, phone users may also update or cancel tickets, register for ITIC, speak directly with the GSOC Help Desk, and more.

CONCLUSION The old Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared” springs to mind. It’s timeless advice. Prepare yourself for a new excavation season by attending an ITIC training class near you. Prepare your staff and yourself by attending one of the upcoming Damage Prevention Seminars scheduled to be held across the entire state of Minnesota from March through May 2010. Both ITIC training classes and attendance at the seminars are free of charge to all excavators. Most of these will be posted on the GSOC website at www.gopherstateonecall.org in early 2010, with on-line registration available.

All members of the excavation industry, including Professional Landscapers, have a vested interested in underground damage prevention. And Gopher State One Call is there--ready, willing, and able to send Public Relations & Education representatives to your Township, City, or County for individual company presentations. Please allow us to help you prepare for a prosperous economic future with excavation safety presentations and/or ITIC training classes. Contact Jon Eisele, Director of PR & Education at 651-681-7303, joneisele@gopherstateonecall.org or Kevin Grutzmacher, PR & Education Coordinator at 651-681-7305, kevin@gopherstateonecall.org for more information. And, Dig Safely Out There. q

february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | ARBORIST

Why is the Media So in Love with Chefs?

By Jim Walsh, Vineland Tree

would really like to meet the chef.” Something must be done!

he media’s love for chefs is everywhere; restaurant reviews, magazine covers, cookbooks, television shows and e Food Network. Take my chef brother-in-law for example; a little over a year ago he opened a restaurant, Black Sheep Coal Fired Pizza, ever since his picture and his restaurants good press is everywhere. Jordan Smith this, Jim Walsh Jordan Smith that. Big deal, he makes pizzas for a living for Pete’s sake. We save trees from Dutch elm disease and emerald ash borer. He stands around a pizza oven in the middle of the winter and they put his picture on the cover of the Minnesota Monthly. We are outside in the winter pruning oak trees bundled up in our Carhartts. He says, “Would you like that to go?” We use cranes to take ten ton storm damaged trees off houses. Can’t the media see who really deserves their attention?

e MNLA Landscape Award program is the place to start.

Our company won a MNLA Landscape Maintenance Merit Award in the Specialty Project Category each of the last two years. In 2009 we won for tree care at Hidden Lakes Homeowner Association; in 2010 we won for tree care at Hazeltine National Golf Club. We received some very nice publicity including a mention in the Midwest Homes Magazine, inclusion in a display at the Arboretum and the Northern Green Expo, a feature in GardenMinnesota.com and fantastic dinner/award presentation at the University Club in March.

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Last winter my wife and I left town for Mexico and the ocean. On the plane I opened the Northwest Airlines magazine and found him again, “celebrated chef from blah, blah, blah, opens new restaurant … the best pizza”. After relaxing on the beach for a few days we checked the Minnesota news online. And whose face shows up on the front of Startribune.com? Jordan. I’m not making this up; the media is infatuated with this guy and it seems chefs in general.

Sadly, it’s not just the media, recently after dining out and enjoying a delicious meal, my wife of 24 years remarked, “I

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It’s time to get started, even though the next award submissions aren’t due until November. Take pictures of the award subject as soon as possible and continue taking them throughout the life of the project. Surely you are working on a project that is more interesting than pizza. ♫“But the thrill we've never known Is the thrill that'll get you when you get your picture On the cover of the Rolling Stone”♫

♫Wanna see my picture on the cover Wanna buy five copies for my mother Wanna see my smilin' face On the cover of the Rolling Stone”♫ -- Shel Silverstein q ________________________________________________ Jim Walsh is a member of the MNLA Arborist Committee and can be reached at jim@vinelandtree.com.

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS | The Scoop

Unraveling the Mystery of Government Affairs

By Jennifer Wilson, Wilson’s Nursery ometimes, I think people look at Government Affairs and are mystified and maybe a little intimidated. I know there have been times in my life when I’ve felt that way!

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But maybe there is something related to your business or life that has sparked your attention, something that makes you want to speak out, to try to influence the outcome.

Guess what? It’s easier than you think.

As for me, I attended a public meeting on the future of parks in my

community. There were only a few of us present, but the Park Board was a welcoming group, and I gave my opinion. A few weeks later, I received a call from the mayor asking me to apply for that very same Park Board. A little shy at first among those veterans, I soon found myself eagerly participating and looking forward to the impact I could have on my community. Fast forward a few years, and I was elected to the Shorewood City Council.

Now, don’t worry – I’m not going to give you a detailed biography of my

deepening involvement in government affairs. My point is that once you get involved in just a tiny way, the means are there for you to easily and painlessly participate in government affairs, on a local or even a state or national level.

Case in point is MNLA member Mick McGuire, owner of McGuire Landscaping. Mick is a MNLA Government Affairs committee member and the mayor of Montgomery, and formerly a councilman for that city. He is running for the Minnesota House of Representatives, in District 25A, which includes LeSueur County, part of Sibley County, and the City of New Prague.

Each step, even a small one, plays a significant part in the evolution of political involvement.

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And those steps do not need to lead to elected office. As MNLA members, we have the tools to help you get involved.

Just by reading this article you are signaling your interest in Government Affairs!

If you are ready to take the next tiny step, I would like to invite you to join your Government Affairs committee and other MNLA members at our annual Day on the Hill.

On Wednesday, March 3rd, we will gather in St. Paul for a day of networking and visits with our state legislators. We have a nice breakfast, and we are thoroughly briefed on the issues and provided with handouts for our legislators. Then we head out with a veteran “Hiller” as each group’s leader.

These “Hillers” (such as me) have done this many times, and will guide you every step of the way. These small groups of six to eight people provide support to the rest as we make our visits. After, we meet in a social setting to relax and enjoy a “Happy Hour.” Never, in all my years, have I encountered a legislator that was not eager and pleased to meet with us.

Remember – these people who represent you are in front of you in the checkout line at the grocery store, are in the pew behind you at church. In other words, they are just like you and me—it’s just that they took those little steps that led them to state leadership.

Would you please join me at the Day on the Hill next month? If you need any encouragement, or any details, please contact me, or any member of the Government Affairs committee. You may be surprised at how enjoyable it is to unravel the mysteries of political involvement! q ________________________________ Jennifer Wilson is a member of the MNLA Government Affairs Committee and can be reached at wilsontrees@hotmail.com.

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TAKE PART IN THE

GREEN INDUSTRY DAY ON THE HILL Wednesday, March 3, 2010 Kelly Inn / State Capitol, St. Paul All Minnesota green industry professionals are invited to attend this event.

MNLA will be coordinating appointments, please contact us no later than Feb. 24th.

“I’ve never done this before. What can I expect?”

• A friendly face-to-face conversation with someone who can make a real impact in your business • To partner with other experienced green industry professionals • To be equipped with the information you need to talk intelligently about the issues

DAY ON THE HILL SUCCESS STORIES • Green Acres status for nurseries, greenhouses protected.

• EAB rapid response money.

• Scientific/economic review of alleged invasive plants prior to potential regulation.

• No new pesticide notification requirements.

• No anti-business immigration enforcement measures.

Please RSVP by Feb. 24th for the Mar. 3rd event.

Call Bob Fitch at 651-633-4987 or toll-free 888-886-6652 or e-mail bob@mnla.biz.

february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | DC UPDATE

MANY TAX CREDITS SET TO EXPIRE IN 2010 ese articles are provided by MNLA and ANLA as a Lighthouse Program partner benefit. he end of the first session of the 111th Congress came without long-term resolution on several tax provisions, including the scheduled repeal of the estate tax in 2010. Congress was unable to reach a compromise that would have permanently frozen the estate tax with a 45% top rate, and a $3.5 million-per-spouse exclusion.

John Satagaj, tax and horticultural law advisor for the American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA), believes that it will be difficult to find the 60 votes necessary to apply a retroactive freeze of the estate tax for 2010 at 2009 levels, leaving the tax subject to repeal in 2010, and full reinstatement in 2011. While that might make 2010 look like a good year to leave an estate, extremely complicated rules regarding treatment of the basis and gains associated with estate assets suggest "think again."

Congress also failed to come to an agreement on a number of other expiring credits and deductions. e most prominent of the business-related expiring items is the Research and Development Credit. In total, there are more than 40 temporary credits and deductions that are set to expire at the end of 2009, which will be joined by another 70 or so credits and deductions that will expire at the end of 2010. ese issues, further complicated by the new tax provisions created by final passage of a health reform bill, promise to make 2010 an interesting legislative year on the tax front.

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FIRST COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION BILL INTRODUCED Reps. Solomon Ortiz (D-TX), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL), and roughly 90 other House Democrats have introduced

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H.R.4321, the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for American Security and Prosperity (CIR ASAP) Act. e bill features a diverse mix of immigration system reforms. It would give undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. legal status and a path to earned citizenship if they register with the government and attest "to contributions to the U.S." through employment, education, military service or other volunteer service. ey would also be required to complete a criminal and security background check and pay a $500 fine plus application fees. e bill would give undocumented children an accelerated path to citizenship. It would create a Commission on Immigration and Labor Markets to determine the future flow of foreign workers into the United States. e commission would recommend to Congress and the White House appropriate methods for determining levels of employmentbased immigration visas. Rather than creating a non-seasonal temporary worker program, the bill would allow 100,000 visas to be issued through a lottery. It also features a number of employer-hostile changes to existing temporary worker programs including H-2B. Finally, the bill includes provisions related to border security, and it phases in mandatory electronic employment eligibility verification.

On one very positive note, the bill includes the ANLA- and green industry-supported AgJOBS legislation word for word, signaling that the bipartisan reforms that would overhaul H-2A and provide an earned legalization program for experienced farmworkers are largely a "settled matter" in a comprehensive debate. However, CIR ASAP is seen as a marker bill, not the vehicle for Congressional efforts that may begin early in 2010.

Sens. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are working on a Senate bill that is expected to start the process. Discussions in the House are also occurring but are not as advanced.

PHYTOPHTHORA RAMORUM DIALOGUE SIGNALS CHANGES AFOOT In mid-December, USDA's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service held a two-day review of the Phytophthora ramorum program. P. ramorum, the pathogen associated with the "sudden oak death" phenomenon in coastal California and extreme southwestern Oregon, has been a hot button issue for federal and state regulators - and the nursery industry - for several years.

It's a classic bad news-good news story. e bad news is that the pathogen ever got here in the first place, has contributed to death of trees in susceptible areas, and in addition to spreading naturally, has moved associated with nursery commerce. e good news is that the federal regulatory program fully in place since 2005 has dramatically improved the situation, with detections of the pathogen in nurseries declining dramatically.

More bad news, though, is that it is occasionally being detected in nurseries and on nursery shipments moving in commerce.

And more good news, steady progress has been made on researching production and sanitation practices that minimize risk.

Who really cares, anyway? Couldn't the industry manage P. ramorum just like other Phytophthoras? Most would say yes.

Is the risk really that big, big enough to justify the effort? e sad reality is, we just don't know. And the uncertainty has forestry officials in many parts of the country, and particularly the East and Southeast, concerned about the risks that they see the nursery trade posing to forest resources.

Much of the USDA meeting focused on work that has been accomplished to date on "best practices" for keeping P. ramorum out of nurseries, and limiting spread if it gets in.

Many such practices - like segregating and testing propagative material acquired from outside the nursery, and good sanitation - are not new ideas, but can be part of the solution. To get an idea of how best practices might contribute to "systems" for prevention of spread of P. ramorum and other like diseases, take a look at this document developed and published by the Horticultural Research Institute: Voluntary Industry Best

Management Practices for Phytophthora ramorum Introduction or Establishment in Nursery Operations - Version 1.0. A disease prevention system, subject to audit by federal and state inspectors, may evolve to become the "ticket to play" for growers across the country who ship P. ramorum hosts interstate.

Other urgent needs discussed in the meeting included: • Reviewing and revising Quarantine 37 to address the threat of this and other pathogens coming on imported plants; • Rapid and inexpensive field diagnostic tools; • Better methods for treating soil and substrate to eradicate pathogens.

RESPONSE DEADLINE NEARS FOR USDA 2009 CENSUS OF HORTICULTURE USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has begun gathering data for the 2009 Census of Horticultural Specialties to measure the state of the horticulture industry.

Conducted once every ten years, the Census of Horticultural Specialties provides the only comprehensive, detailed data on U.S. floriculture, nursery and specialty crop operations. It supplies vital information that government and industry use to develop improved technologies, practices and programs that impact growers and their communities. e Census of Horticulture is being mailed to nearly 33,000 floriculture, nursery, and other specialty crops producers nationwide. Recipients are required to complete and return their forms by February 5, 2010. Respondents are guaranteed by law that their individual information will be kept confidential. NASS uses the information only for statistical purposes and publishes data only in tabulated totals. According to NASS officials, the census will help to gauge the effects of the economic downturn on the sector. USDA - NASS will publish the results of the Census of Horticultural Specialties in December 2010. For more information call (800) 727-9540 or visit www.agcensus.usda.gov.

february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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(651) 437-5017

The Scoop | MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM

MN Landscape Arboretum 2010 Gardening School lasses are seasonal, allowing you to take the knowledge, tips and techniques you learn and immediately apply them in your own garden. Each class series is held on four consecutive Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the arboretum. Single Classes: $30 for Arboretum members; $40 for non-members. To register, call 952-443-1422 or visit www.arboretum.umn.edu/learn.aspx.

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Planning a Garden, March 2010 Which design principles and plants work best for Minnesota gardens? Find out in time for spring with this series focusing on the planning and plant selection process.

Saturday, March 6. Basic Landscape Designs. Instructor: Jim Van Slyke. Snyder Auditorium.

Saturday, March 13. Gardening in the Shade. Instructor: Shirley Mah Kooyman. Snyder Auditorium.

Saturday, March 20. Ornamental Grasses. Instructor: Steve Horan. Snyder Auditorium Saturday, March 27. Perennials Through the Seasons.

Instructor: Neil Bealka. Snyder Auditorium.

The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the largest public garden in the Upper Midwest and a premier northern arboretum, is part of the University of Minnesota College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences and serves as a community and national resource for horticultural and environmental information, research, and public education. It is located nine miles west of I-494 on Highway 5 in Chanhassen. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity employer and educator. The Arboretum is disability accessible; the buildings and terraces are smoke free. q

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TRADE TALK | The Scoop

Opportunity to Promote Your “Local” Green Products

Minnesota FFA Scores at National

uying Local” remains a very hot consumer trend for many reasons. Minnesota Grown is synonymous with local in the minds of many Minnesotans.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture invites producers who offer “local” products to join Minnesota Grown, along with more than 1,000 others, including more than 150 Minnesota “nursery stock and green industry products” providers. The program promotes local farm products through events, provision of point-of-sale/merchandising materials (free to members), and by production and distribution of the printed and online Minnesota Grown Directory (a popular consumer guide to products sold direct to the consumer).

MNLA members can join Minnesota Grown for only $20 annually. Growers who also sell direct to the consumer may list their products in the Minnesota Grown Directory for an additional $40.

Members may order free price cards, posters and stickers that feature the Minnesota Grown logo, distinguishing their products from others that may have been trucked-in from a distant port.

Those free merchandising materials may be shared with retailers.

Growers may register and pay online at www.minnesotagrown.com, or call 651-201-6469 and leave a message with a complete mailing address to receive an application in the mail. Producers wishing to be listed in the 2010 Minnesota Grown Directory must apply no later than March 1, 2010.

Minnesota Grown membership has more than doubled in the past decade. Unique web visitors to www.minnesotagrown.com now exceed 150,000 annually. More than 1.3 million stickers, posters, and other merchandise with the logo and 190,000 Directories were printed and distributed to consumers statewide in 2009, thanks to the support of Directory sponsors such as MNLA. q

ollowing is a report on how Minnesota participants fared in selected contests at the National FFA Convention.

Approximately 800 Minnesota FFA’ers from 107 chapters attended the national conference. Find additional results and information at www.mnffa.org or www.ffa.org.

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American Star in Agri Science: Amy Robak, Foley Agri Entrepreneurship Awards Finalists: Jordan Hanson, Chatfield; Tyler Steinbrink, Chatfield.

Agri Science Fair – Environmental Science: Second Place – Jared Kreiger, KMS. Agricultural Communications Career Development Event Gold Team: - Belle Plaine-7th High Gold; National Winner Adam Ludik.

Environmental & Natural Resources Career Development Event Gold Team: St. Charles – Gold Team; 5th High Individual Jason Troendle.

Floriculture-Southwest Star Concept Career Development Event Gold Team: 7th High Gold.

Nursery & Landscape Career Development Event Gold Team: Howard Lake Waverly Winsted – 4th High Gold; Justin Simpson 4th High Individual.

Forestry Career Development Event Silver Team: Grand Rapids – Silver Team q

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SAFETY | The Scoop

MN OSHA Pays for Safety

By Wayne Peterson, CSP, TBG Sr. Loss Control Representative ave you heard the statement, Safety Pays? In this case it literally does though the MN OSHA safety grant program and continues to by reducing serious injury exposures. A real “win-win” situation for MNLA members.

Examples of safety equipment received and or being requested by TBG members with funding from the MN OSHA Safety Grant program are: • Fall control equipment: harnesses, self retracting life line, anchor systems, Tripod & winch • Confined space air sample equipment • Auto trapping system for a truck trailer • Arc flash protective equipment and FR clothing • Work lifts • Lock out Tag out equipment • Trench protective devices Here’s how it works: e Safety Grant Program, administered by Minnesota OSHA Workplace Safety Consultation (WSC), awards funds up to $10,000 to qualifying employers for projects designed to reduce the risk of injury or

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illness to their workers. To qualify, an employer must meet the following conditions: • e employer must have workers' compensation insurance; • e employer must come under the jurisdiction of Minnesota OSHA; • A qualified safety professional must have conducted an onsite inspection and there must be a written report with recommendations based on the inspection; • e project must be consistent with the recommendations of the safety inspection and must reduce the risk of injury or disease to employees; • e employer must have the knowledge and experience to complete the project, and must be committed to its implementation; • e employer must be able to match the grant money awarded and all estimated project costs must be covered; and • e project must be supported by all public entities involved and comply with federal, state and local regulations, where applicable.

How do you get this grant money?

You will need two items. (1) A safety assessment and recommendation from a safety professional, such as one of the TBG Loss Control Consultants if you

are a TBG member and (2) A completed MN OSHA application form. e form has these sections: • Company information • Details of what you want to purchase • Technical verification • Implementation schedule • Participants • Current situation • Location • Benefits • Economic Feasibility • Items & costs • Impact • OSHA 300 log summary • Additional company and insurance information e Builders Group – TBG is a self funded worker compensation program endorsed sponsored by the MNLA. TBG Loss Control representatives have experience in completing this process and if you a TBG member contact Sandy Wilson at TBG, 651-389-1047 or swilson@tbgmn.com If you are not a TBG member, contact your insurance provider or the MNOSHA consultation.

MNOSHA can be contacted at OSHA.Consultation@state.mn.us or (651) 284-5060, toll-free at 1-800-657-3776.

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The Scoop | LANDSCAPE DESIGN

Call for Design Tour Sites: MNLA Landscape Design Tour – July 2010 o you have a landscape site that you’d like to show your colleagues? e Landscape Design Committee is looking for landscape sites to feature on the 2010 Landscape Design Tour.

Date: e tour will take place in July 2010.

Location: Site locations must be in Minneapolis or St. Paul proper. is year’s tour will be of urban spaces!

Deadline: All sites will be selected no later than April 1, 2010 so don’t delay!

Details: Not sure if your site is right for the tour? Have questions?

Contact Landscape Design Committee member Mark Madsen, Bachman’s, Inc. to discuss the possibilities at 612-861-9226 or e-mail mmadsen@bachmans.com.

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Bachman, IBD, Wilson, Zlimen-McGuiness Support Expo Legislative Forum he Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association and the Minnesota Turf & Grounds Foundation extend their thanks to the following companies for their generous support of the first Legislative Forum at the Northern Green Expo: Bachman’s Wholesale Nursery & Hardscapes Irrigation By Design Inc. Wilson’s Nursery, Inc. Zlimen & McGuiness PLLC At the legislative forum, issues such as EAB, tree removal and replacement cost-share programs, pesticide restrictions and water usage were discussed. is is the first time MNLA and MTGF have formally cooperated on an informational program related to legislative and regulatory affairs. MNLA invites all nursery-landscape-turf-grounds professionals to take part in the Green Industry Day on the Hill on March 3rd. Contact MNLA for more information.

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Water in Motion to Offer Irrigation Association CIC and CLIA Courses ater in Motion, Plymouth, will offer two Irrigation Association prep classes in March 2010 followed by a certification testing date.

On March 9-10 the Irrigation Association CIC Prep Course will run from 8:00am – 4:00pm. is course will help professionals in the irrigation industry understand what is expected of a competent irrigation contractor. e class fee is $350. e Irrigation Association Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor Prep Course will be a full day on March 11 and a half day on March12.

A Wholesale Producer of Quality e course will review audit findings and discuss potential solutions to correct problems and highlight scheduling Field Direct B&B Trees Including techniques to accurately be able to determine plant water Spruce, Pine, Shade & Ornamentals. equipment. e class fee is $275.

Contact Craig Otto – phone at Water in Motion to register Our Trees are Carefully Grown on 400 Acres for these classes. of Heavy Southern Minnesota Loam Soil.

• Phone: 763-559-1010 or 612-363-2413 • E-mail: craigo@watermotion.com We Strive to Provide Exceptional Product and Service.

Water in Motion will offer the CIC and CLIA exams on the afternoon of Friday, March 12. You must apply separately for Please Call for a Price List and Availabilities. We these exams through the Irrigation Association no later than Also Encourage February 12. Visit http://www.irrigation.org to register. Note: Nursery Visits by Appointment.

In order to qualify for the exam, you must verify that you’ve completed three years of verifiable irrigation-related work Dave or Terry (507) 663-0393 experience.

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Green for Life 2010: Planting Trees at Schools On September 16, 2010, MNLA members will seek to educate students and the public about the environmental benefits of trees through planting events at schools in member’s local communities. Every MNLA company can take an active role. This all-industry public service event benefits everyone involved: • Schools receive a tree with all its intrinsic environmental advantages.

• Students learn about the value of trees.

• MNLA members gain higher visibility and strengthened community relationships.

• MNLA members will have the opportunity to talk about trees, plants and other healthy components of a quality outdoor living environment.

How Green for Life 2010 works • The goal is for 200 MNLA members to plant trees at schools on Sept. 16, 2010.

• Sign up at MNLA.biz, or by faxing the form on the adjacent page.

• MNLA will provide a project outline and supporting information to those who sign up. Supporting educational materials will include references to MNLA’s consumer website and the green industry careers website. Materials will show the environmental benefits of trees and the desirability of planting trees in the fall. You will be emailed all program materials, or call MNLA at 651-633-4987 to arrange to pick them up.

• Let your whole company know about the program and together identify a local school with a need for a tree. The best plan is to target a school where you have an existing relational connection to school leadership.

• Make contact with your relational connection at the school, and propose the tree planting to school leadership. (Make sure the school maintenance department supports the plan, as they will care for the tree after it is planted.)

• Members will let MNLA staff know which school(s) they are working with and what time the tree planting event will occur. Email the details for your planting event to program staff at MNLA (jon@MNLA.biz).

• Promote your event to your local media. You will receive a press kit and templates of media advisories, press releases, and opinion editorials. MNLA staff will provide the advice and tools necessary for members to contact their local media with specifics on their tree planting event, information on the environmental benefits of trees, and the desirability of planting trees in the fall.

• MNLA staff will provide major media across the state with specifics on the tree planting events, as well as information on trees and why fall is a perfect time for planting.

• On September 16, hold your planting event at a local school.

Where will the trees come from?

Each company is responsible to provide the trees they plant. Tree growers are encouraged to discount or donate trees to a limited number of their MNLA member-customers for this program. The number and manner of this discount or donation is up to each grower.

Already signed up? Encourage other MNLA members to get involved!

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REGISTER ONLINE AT MNLA.BIZ, OR FAX BACK TO MNLA AT 651-633-4986.

Yes! Sign us up for Green for Life 2010. ________________________________________________________________ MNLA Member Company name

________________________________________________________________ Contact for Green for Life 2010

________________________________________________________________ Email address

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AWARDS | The Scoop

McGuiness Receives Todd Bachman Award atrick McGuiness has been named as the second recipient of the Todd Bachman Award for Innovation in Horticultural Business. e award is presented jointly by the University of Minnesota, the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association, and the MNLA Foundation. e award annually recognizes an individual whose innovation in private enterprise has positively influenced one or more green industry businesses in the region.

McGuiness began his career in the green industry in 1995 as a laborer for a small St. Paul landscaping company. His love of the industry continued as he founded his first company which he called McGuiness Landscaping. e profits from this company helped Patrick put himself through college and law school. Following graduation from the William Mitchell College of Law, he and a friend founded One Call Property Care LLC.

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Outgoing MNLA President, Van Cooley; U of M CFANS Dean, Al Levine; Patrick McGuiness; Susan Bachman West; U of M Hort. Science Dept. Head, Emily Hoover.

While founding this business, McGuiness noticed an opportunity to help the green industry with his legal knowledge and skills. As a founding partner of the law firm Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC, he has dedicated his time and energy to helping members of the green industry decipher how laws and regulations apply to them, all the while keeping a hand in his One Call Property Care business.

According to outgoing MNLA President Van Cooley, “While there are many attorneys and law firms that are capable of providing legal services to members of the green industry, there are no other firms in our area that can demonstrate the green industry experience that is shown by Zlimen & McGuiness.” McGuiness serves on two MNLA committees and, in his seminars for MNLA and at area supplier events, he has shown a talent for making otherwise drab subjects interesting and entertaining.

McGuiness was born in St. Paul, graduated from Hastings High School, received his bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; and, finally, graduated from the William Mitchell College of Law where he was vice president of the Construction Law Group. As part of the award, the MNLA Foundation made a donation of $1,000 in Patrick McGuiness’ name to the William Mitchell College of Law. is award was created to honor the legacy of the late Todd Bachman, former CEO and chairman of the board of Bachman’s Inc., who died tragically in the summer of 2008.

Over the course of his career, he held leadership positions with the Society of American Florists, the American Floral Endowment, the North Central Florists Association, the Widmer Research & Education Fund, the Minnesota Commercial Flower Growers Association, and the MNLA Foundation. february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | AWARDS

Todd Bachman Recognized Posthumously by MNLA he late Todd Bachman was honored with a Special Service Award by the Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association during the Northern Green Expo, held at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Jan. 6-8. Bachman had been the CEO of Bachman’s Inc., a distinguished Minnesota firm in the floral, garden center, nursery and landscape industry. Bachman died tragically in the summer of 2008.

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MNLA’s Special Service Award honors MNLA members or industry friends who have, over a long period of time, given of themselves personally and/or professionally to make the nursery and landscape business a better industry. Todd’s daughter, Susan Bachman West, accepted the award on behalf of the family.

Bachman was a graduate of the University of Minnesota.

Over the course of his career, he held leadership positions with the Society of American Florists, the American Floral Endowment, the North Central Florists Association, the Widmer Research & Education Fund, the Minnesota Commercial Flower Growers Association, and the MNLA Foundation. He and his wife, Barbara, created the Todd and Barbara Bachman Endowed Chair in Horticultural Marketing at the University of Minnesota, the first position of its kind in the country.

According to outgoing MNLA President Van Cooley, “Todd exemplified the term servant leadership. For those of us who knew him well and worked with him in business or on these nonprofit boards, we have felt Todd’s loss deeply. His quiet leadership produced a steady stream of results and progress for the organizations for which he volunteered.”

Van Cooley presents the MNLA Special Service Award to the Bachman Family: Barbara, Susan and Sarah.

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Petersen Named MNLA Committee Member of the Year he Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA) recently named Andy Petersen as the organization’s Committee Member of the Year. He was presented with the award during the Northern Green Expo that was held January 6-8 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Petersen started in the trade almost 30 years ago, back when he was 16. For the past 15 years, he has represented manufacturers’ products sold through distribution, primarily serving the greenhouse sector of the industry.

Petersen is an active member of the Green Expo Trade Show Committee and a longtime member of the MNLA Commercial Flower Outgoing MNLA president congratulates Andy Growers Petersen for winning MNLA Committee Committee Member of the Year. where he plays a key role in lining up sponsors for education days.

Petersen was honored this year because of his work in 2009 to make the MNLA Foundation Green Industry Shootout a great success. In its second year, this sporting clays tournament helps to raise money to support the foundation’s mission of providing funding for research and education. According to outgoing MNLA President Van Cooley, “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.” e Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association is the state’s largest green industry trade association with over 1,500 member companies. Members include nurseries, garden centers, landscape contractors, landscape designers, irrigation contractors, commercial flower growers, tree care specialists, professional gardening services, and turf and landscape management professionals.

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quipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Three companies Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment were honored • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • with the quipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard BEST EXHIBIT OF Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green SHOW AWARD Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment during theGoods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • • Green Goods • Hard 2010 Northern Best Exhibit of Show - • Equipment.

Waconia Farm & Home Supply - Tradeshow Committee • Hard quipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods Equipment • Green Goods Chair Bill Mielke presents award to Grant Schroeder, Jay Schwindt, and Eric Eckman Expo.

GoodsGreen • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Best quipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • EquipmentE• xGreen hibits Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment Show of • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • quipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard of Show - Green Goods. Gertens - Susie Johnson and Bill Mielke.

GoodsBest•Exhibit Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • quipment • Green THERGoods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard R O oods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Equipment Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • quipment • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Hard G R E N • Green Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green Goods • Equipment E Goods • Hard Goods • Equipment • Green GoodsBest• Exhibit Hardof Show Goods • Equipment - Hard Goods.

Dawn Industries, Inc. - Bill Mielke and Dave Berg.

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AWARDS | The Scoop

Scholorships Awarded to 24 e MNLA Foundation, in partnership with 17 members, presented 24 academic scholarships at the 2010 Northern Green Expo. MNLA provides the first $500 for each award, which is then matched by MNLA membersponsors. Sponsors are recognized at the Awards Luncheon and in e Scoop, plus in their own local newspapers as well as the student’s campus and home publications.

Van Cooley, Malmborg’s, Inc., with scholarship recipient Emily Bartsch, Hennepin Technical College.

Richard Hoff, University of Wisconsin – River Falls, left, and Anne Ostlund, University of Minnesota – St. Paul, right, with scholarship sponsor Pat Bailey, Bailey Nurseries, Inc. Annette Cayard, Dakota County Technical College, left, and Jada Ellenberg, University of Minnesota – Crookston, right, with scholarship sponsor Mike McNamara, Hoffman and McNamara Nursery & Landscape.

Craig Corby, Linder’s Greenhouses with scholarship recipients Michaela Ostertag, University of Minnesota – St. Paul, left, Heather Lee, University of Wisconsin – River Falls, and Neil Imsdahl, Century College, right. All three received Robin D. Linder Memorial Scholarships.

Jared Cutting, University of Minnesota – St. Paul, with scholarship sponsors Carrie Evans, left, and George Ritten, right, of Grove Nursery, Inc.

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Left: Justin Schiroo, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, with scholarship sponsor Jill Engelmann representing Tangletown Gardens.

Front row (left to right): Davin Shokes, University of Minnesota – St. Paul, third from left, and Kristine Neu, University of Minnesota – Crookston, sixth from left, with scholarship sponsors Dennis Ullom, St. Croix Tree Service, Jim Walsh, Vineland Treecare, Steve Sylvester, S & S Tree Specialists, Inc., Bert Swanson, Swanson’s Nursery Consulting, Greg Krogstad, Rainbow Treecare, Jim Ostvig, Ostvig Tree Service, and Dave Nordgard, A Top Notch Equipment.

Heidi Heiland, Heidi’s Lifestyle Gardens, with scholarship recipient Nick Moosbrugger, Hennepin Technical College.

Erin McGuire, Hennepin Technical College, center, with scholarship sponsors Laverne and Barb Dunsmore, Countryside Gardens.

John Doepke, left, and John Daniels, right, Bachman’s, Inc. with scholarship recipient Paul O'Gara, Dakota County Technical College.

Right:Tom Schneider, Hennepin Technical College, center, with scholarship sponsors John O’Reilly, left, and Rob LaFavor, right, of Otten Bros.

Nursery & Landscaping, Inc.

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Randy Sharp, Rochester Community & Technical College, with scholarship sponsor Nick Sargent, Sargent’s Landscape Nursery.

Right: Mark Schrupp, Hennepin Technical College, with scholarship sponsor Steve King, Earth Stone & Water, Inc. Sarah Windland, University of Minnesota – St. Paul, center, with scholarship sponsors Jim and Jennifer Wilson, Wilson’s Nursery.

Audrey Schmidt, Hennepin Technical College, center, with scholarship sponsors Jim and Jennifer Wilson, Wilson’s Nursery.

Paul Morlock, Law’s Nursery, Inc., with scholarship recipient Kyle McCarville, University of Wisconsin – River Falls.

Right: John Mickman, Mickman Brothers, Inc., with scholarship recipients Tiffany Nohl, University of Wisconsin – River Falls, center, and Jeannie Ward, Hennepin Technical College, right.

Left: Susie Johnson, Gertens Wholesale, with scholarship recipient Josh iel, Chippewa Valley Technical College. february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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The Scoop | SUPPLIER PROFILE

Quality, Landscape-Tough Plants on the Vermillion River Company Name: Hoffman and McNamara Nursery and Landscape Website address: HOFFMAN & MCNAMARA www.hoffmanandmcnamara.com.

NURSERY & LANDSCAPE Year company was founded: 1977

by Gary Hoffman and Denny McNamara Key people at company (owners, managers, sales reps): • Mike McNamara: sales and president / owner • Steve Schmitz: nursery manager • Lisa McDowell: inside sales Business location(s) and areas served: We are located on the Vermillion River 5 miles southwest of Hastings, MN. While the majority of our trees go to landscapers, rewholesalers, and garden centers in the Twin Cities Metro area we have customers as far west as Montana and as far north as Canada.

Way your company is involved with MNLA or other industry/community organizations:: We exhibit, speak, and moderate at Northern Green Expo. Company co-founder Denny McNamara is a past president of the MNLA. We have helped construct the MNLA State Fair Booth and the MNLA display at the Home and Garden Show. Mike McNamara serves on the Landscape Contractors Committee and the MNLA Foundation Board of Trustees.

Description of company and its products/services: We have a 100 acre nursery where we have 40,000 trees in balled and burlap and container production. We grow ornamental, shade, and evergreen trees for balled and burlaped sales. Our line of #15 container ornamental and shade trees are a favorite for garden centers and landscapers looking for an alternative to the too small #7 or #10 pots and the #20 or #25 pots which may be too cumbersome for retail customers.

We start with high quality, Minnesota hardy liners for uniform tops and landscape tough plants. Our semi-sandy loam soils along with our experienced staff ensure top quality root balls and superior transplant success.

Our fleet of trucks allows us to dig and deliver directly to jobsites, rewholesale yards and garden centers and we have gained a reputation for our ability to get orders ready on short notice.

We can be reached by telephone at 651-437-9463, fax at 651-437-9050, or email at info@hoffmanandmcnamara.com Is there a product or service you’ve recently introduced that you’re particularly proud of? We have a lot of substitute varieties for green ash including some of the hot disease resistant elm varieties like Princeton and Valley Forge. We also have high quality native varieties like hackberry, serviceberry, oak and American linden varieties.

In what ways has MNLA helped you and your business? The MNLA has provided us with a forum to network and learn new ways we can best serve our customers. q 72

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PLANT OF THE MONTH | The Scoop

Plant of the Month

Sugar Maple – Acer saccharum

By Dave Kleinhuizen. Margolis Company Landscape Contractors ccording to Dr. Dennis G. Watson and Dr. Ed Gilman, sugar maple is one of a few trees that has planting potential in all 50 states. The species has winter hardiness tolerance from zone 3-8, can tolerate partial shade and a wide range of soil pH. Like white and bur oak, sugar maple is a majestic long lived tree that in my opinion has been overlooked in the landscape since the plethora of Acer freemanii varieties were first introduced.

Some of you may agree with that statement while others disagree, however keep the word “diversity” in mind while I ramble. Sure, I agree sugar maple is not the tree for all landscape locations and applications but let’s not forget about it altogether. In some ways by using only red and red silver crossed maples in our landscapes we are making the statement that what has survived and thrived for thousands of years in this part of the state is no longer worthy to occupy space in the urban landscape.

“Diversity”. In this case I am referring not only to diversity within the urban forest by keeping sugar maple in the mix, but also diversity in terms of the many varieties and forms represented by the species. Acer saccharum ‘Barrett Cole’ (Apollo™) for instance, is a very narrow plant. Some sources claim it only grows to 10’ in width by 25’ in height.

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Conversely many other varieties such as Fall Fiesta®, Green Mountain®, or Flax Mill Majesty®, can grow to be 60-80 feet in height and equally as wide under optimal conditions.

Sugar maple is not fond of compacted or wet soil, or soils low in nutrients and organic matter.

This species prefers semi well drained fertile sols that are not subject to extreme heat and drought.

The foliage of the species is prone to scorch if the tree is subjected to the reflective heat offered by paved surfaces in urban areas, and for this reason sugar maple is not a good choice for small parking lot islands or plazas. However where more space is afforded and the soils are appropriate, sugar maple can perform wonderfully.

Some of the more recently introduced

varieties such as Fall Fiesta® have been developed for their thicker more leathery leaves and have proven to be much more resistant to leaf scorch in urban settings.

Sugar maple is no more prone to winter trunk cracking than its close cousin the red maple.

One key to remember is to allow these two species to dry down and go dormant more naturally by cutting back or eliminating irrigation water by early to mid September.

Fall color can be fantastic and can range from gold and orange to burnt orange and reds. Cutting back or eliminating irrigation water in September can actually enhance fall color significantly in this species. Sugar maple is not tolerant of salt and should only be planted in areas that are not prone to airborne salt drift or runoff from roads streets and parking lots. Take into account the prevailing northwest winter winds before selecting a location to plant sugar maple. If planting near a major thoroughfare take into account that with 40mph traffic and a 20mph wind, salt can easily drift 100 -150 feet or more into the landscape. I realize I may have given plenty of reasons not to plant sugar maple but there must be some space in the urban landscape, or our suburban landscapes at least for this majestic tree. Frequently over the last few years I have seen new landscape designs that include hundreds of trees with wide boulevards and open spaces where sugar maple could add great diversity and longevity in the landscape and yet it was left off the plant list for yet another Acer freemanii variety. q ________________________________ Dave Kleinhuizen is a member of the MNLA Nursery Committee and can be february 2010 | www.MNLA.biz

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CLASSIFIED FOR SALE Rooted Cuttings: Athens Select Collection, Flower Fields Annuals.

Oglevee Geraniums-Zonal and Ivy, Scented Geraniums, Spikes and more!

Hilltop Greenhouse and Farm, 83204 30th Street, Ellendale, MN 56026 P(507)889-3271, F(507)889-3272, www.hilltopgreenhouse.com

Dansplants.com your one stop source for great container grown nursery stock from Northland Farms, Alta, Kraemer's, Stockdale, Barr Evergreen and Van Meter Nurseries. dflotterud@aol.com, P:612-867-5728 or F:888-396-8733

Garden Center/ Nursery/ Floral located West Central Mn. 16,000 sq.ft. greenhouses, 2 acres prime real estate highway frontage. Prosperous community, county seat, lakes area.

Call 320-491-4932

Save 50% Off wholesale bare root trees.

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Executive Director Bob Fitch • bob@mnla.biz

Order forms or links for many of the services listed below can be found at www.mnla.biz Companies endorsed by MNLA:

Membership Director & Trade Show Manager Mary Dunn • mary@mnla.biz

Business Legal Services (Zlimen & McGuiness, PLLC) 61-331-6500

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Communications Director Jon Horsman • jon@mnla.biz Executive Assistant Susan Flynn • susan@mnla.biz Accountant Norman Liston • norman@mnla.biz Receptionist Jessica Pratt • jessica@mnla.biz Advertising & Sponsorship Sales Pierre Productions & Promotions 952-903-0505 Betsy Pierre, Advertising Manager, betsy@pierreproductions.com Erica Nelson, Advertising Sales, erica@pierreproductions.com Government Affairs Consultant Boland & Associates John Boland, Legislative Affairs McGrann, Shea, Carnival, Straughn & Lamb Doug Carnival, Regulatory Affairs In addition to association activities, the MNLA staff provides management for: THE OR R

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Ice Melt available, all type, pick up or delivered. Tom, 651-755-8394.

651-633-4987

Credit Card Processing (Approval Payment Solutions) 763-521-7851 Fuel Discount Card (Speedway/SA/Marathon) 651-454-7776 ext. 203 Fuel Savings (Holiday Stationstores) 952-830-8889 Horticultural Books (MN State Horticultural Society) 651-643-3601 Small Business Resource Group 651-783-5754 Workers Compensation Insurance (The Builders Group) 651-203-6793 Contact the MNLA office at mnla@mnla.biz or 651-633-4987 or toll-free 888-886-6652 for information on the following products or services.

Catalogs/Outdoor Living publication series Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge Fleet Program Educational Programs/MNLA Academy Employee Recruiting/ Greenworks On-Line Job Board Employee Training Manuals (PLANET)

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Place your classified ad here for as little as $3 per word ($30 min).

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Minnesota Nursery & Landscape Association 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.GardenMinnesota.com www.TheLandLovers.org www.NorthernGreenExpo.org

Garden Center Plant Posters Garden Center Carryout Trays Irrigation References. (“industry references” at www.mnla.biz.)

Northern Green Expo Trade Show Booths MNLA Certified Professional manuals, exam Sales Tax Rules / Nursery-GreenhouseLandscape (“industry references” at www.mnla.biz.)

Spanish Pocket Reference Guide

magnuson sod 5901 Nicollet Ave. S. • Minneapolis, MN 55419

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SOD, BLACK DIRT, MULCHES DECORATIVE ROCK Pick Up or Same Day Delivery Large or Small Orders For Field Pick Up at Elk River Farm, Please Call!

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LANDSCAPE & CONCRETE CENTER 313 West 61st Street • Minneapolis, MN 55419

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Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association 1813 Lexington Avenue North Roseville, MN 55113-0003

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