Nursery & Landscape Notes Fall 2020

Fall 2020

Publication of the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc.

Green & Growin’ 21 Education Goes Virtual New NCNLA Logo & Website Plants Prohibited by NCDA&CS

Fall 2020

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8

31

17

37

COMMENTARY President’s Message

5

Executive Vice President’s Message

7

NCNLA NEWS NCNLA Member Spotlight: Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse

8

NCNLA Student Spotlight: Saralyn vanHalem

11

NCNLA News

12

In Memoriam

15

2020 Robert Cagle Memorial Golf Tournament

17

ation Virtual Educ 021 2 , Jan. 11-13 y! nl Online O

AROUND OUR INDUSTRY Best Practice: Why Virtual Education Works

31

INDUSTRY RESEARCH Why NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division Prohibits Currant and Gooseberry Plants in North Carolina 35

New Members

39

Calendar of Events

39

Advertisers’ Index

39

GREEN & GROWIN’ 21 PREVIEW 19 The Green & Growin’ 21 Education Program is 100% online, with more than 25 interactive sessions with the industry’s top leaders and educators. With virtual education, you have the flexibility of watching live during the event Jan. 11-13, 2021, or viewing the recordings until April 30, 2021.

FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 3

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OSO EASY ITALIAN ICE® Rosa ‘CHEWNICEBELL’ USPP 26,532; CBR 5131 USDA Zone 4 - 9 Full sun 1.5-2.5’ tall and wide

Published by North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. 968 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC 27607

NCNLA Staff Richard Lawhun Executive Vice President Kathryn Stansbury Director of Business Development Victoria Torino Chief Financial Officer Cindy Whitt Director of Marketing & Communications Christine Wilks Director of Lifelong Learning Nursery & Landscape Notes is published quarterly by the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. especially for nursery production, nursery research, interior and exterior maintenance and design build contractors in the landscape industry. The publication is distributed to approximately 1,200 horticulture producers, landscape professionals and industry suppliers.

NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES is provided as a member service.

2020 NCNLA Board of Directors Hugh Crump President Greenline Design, Inc. Charlotte, NC Leslie Herndon Vice President/Secretary/ Treasurer Greenscape, Inc. Holly Springs, NC Jamie Thomas Past President Swift Creek Nursery Clayton, NC Jeff Allegood Old Courthouse Nursery, LLC Warsaw, NC

Kevin Cagle Greenthumb Nursery, LLC Ether, NC Tim Johnson, II Tim Johnson Landscaping Statesville, NC Trey Warrick Scottree & Shelby Nursery, Inc. Shelby, NC William "Bill" Bynam SiteOne Landscape Supply Pineville, NC John Clark Pro Green, Inc. Morganton, NC

Educational Advisors Justin Snyder Alamance Community College Graham, NC

Dr. Joe Neal NC State University Raleigh, NC

Advertising

For advertising inquiries and publication schedule, please contact Cindy Whitt at cwhitt@ncnla.com or 919-819-9119, ext. 1002.

The inclusion of products or brand names in this publication is not an endorsement by the editor, or the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association.

Mission: To provide essential value to our members through education, marketing and advocacy.

Vision: To promote and protect the interests of North Carolina's Green Industry.

Connect with NCNLA



 facebook.com/NCNurseryandLandscapeAssociation/  twitter.com/tweet_ncnla instagram.com/ncnla ncnla.com | BuyNCPlants.com GreenandGrowin.com | NCGreenprints.com

NCNLA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

W

e are nearing the end of a year full of challenges and new norms. The pandemic touched almost all aspects of our lives, including how we do business, how we stay in touch with each other and how we learn. For most of the year, NCNLA board meetings were held on Zoom, so we have all become accustomed to communicating with each other through a computer screen. As an industry we have always learned to adapt as circumstance dictates, and this is an extreme version of that.

We may miss seeing each other in person, shaking hands and catching up face-to-face, but right now it’s best to keep the health and safety of the people in our industry a priority, as many of you do daily with your family, staff and customers.

Hugh Crump Greenline Design, Inc. Charlotte, NC

As you are already aware, we made the difficult decision to cancel Green & Growin’ Marketplace after reviewing feedback from members, and to modify the in-person education conference due to meeting restrictions on large groups. This was especially tough for several reasons. First, this is our flagship event for business, networking and education. The event is one of the premiere green industry trade shows and education conferences in the country, and it provides the funds to fuel the year-round operations and support we all have come to expect from NCNLA. From a financial perspective this is a devastating loss of revenue, but we have begun to trim and adjust budgets to best deal with the challenges. Thankfully, the organization is in a strong financial position, but no business or association plans to lose 75% of its revenue. We owe a great deal of gratitude to past leadership and for the members’ faithful support in creating a (limited) long-term reserve fund to help offset unforeseen situations like this. I prefer to deal with tough issues in a direct and transparent style. We will be asking for your help and assistance to help overcome an anticipated revenue shortfall that budget cuts and available reserve funds will not cover. Thank you in advance for your support and assistance.

When the NCNLA board made the decision to cancel the Marketplace, we knew a bright spot in the situation was our ability to pivot our in-person education conference to an online program. We all have preferences for how we develop professionally, and there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Unfortunately, this year we don’t have as many options for continuing professional education, so let’s focus on the advantages.

With the Green & Growin’ 21 Virtual Education conference, attendees will have access to the quality programming they expect from NCNLA, but with more flexibility. If registered attendees cannot join the live sessions held Jan. 11-13, 2021, they will have access to the recorded sessions until April 30, 2021. Virtual Education has other advantages, too. The time and expenses involved with an event are lessened, and attendees will have time to take classes of interest to them instead of focusing solely on credits for licensure.

Rest assured, in-person events will never go away at NCNLA, but online education has been part of plans to offer additional member benefits. We hope that you will give it a chance because we are positive there is something available for everyone, just as in past years. When things go back to “normal,” we plan to resume in-person events with the addition of virtual components so that we can continue to offer a greater variety of educational information in more convenient ways.

©2020 NCNLA.

FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 5

NCNLA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Now is the Winter of Our Discontent Cancellation of G&G’ 21 Marketplace Will Make for a Challenging Year

O

n Nov. 10, 2020, the NCNLA Board of Directors made the difficult decision to cancel the Marketplace at Green & Growin’ 21, scheduled for Jan. 14-15, 2021, in Greensboro, N.C. Their decision was based on the results of an exhibitor survey

conducted the prior week and the best interests of the health, safety and welfare of NCNLA members, exhibitors and attendees. The November 2020 survey was especially revealing, as only 89 exhibitors expressed a willingness to participate in an in-person event compared to nearly 240 exhibitors who expressed a similar willingness in response to a July 2020 survey.

Richard Lawhun NCNLA Executive Vice President

The decision to cancel the G&G’ 21 Marketplace followed an earlier decision by the board to move the G&G’ 21 Education Program online as a result of reduced meeting room capacities imposed by COVID-19 guidelines. Staff worked closely with the NCNLA Education Committee to develop an online program that includes more than 25 live sessions and offers continuing education credits (CEUs) in a variety of areas, including LC, LCB, LA, IC, ICB, ISA, PA and NALP. (NOTE: Some licensing boards suspended CEU requirements for 2021. See page 26 for additional information.) Registrants who are unable to participate in the live sessions on Jan. 11-13, 2021, will have the opportunity to watch recorded sessions anytime through April 30, 2021. For additional information and to register, visit the G&G’ 21 website at greenandgrowin.com.

As you can imagine, the decision to cancel the Marketplace and repurpose the Education Program places a significant financial burden on NCNLA during the current fiscal year. G&G’ 20 was one of our most successful shows to date and generated nearly $880,000 in combined revenue. To assist in offsetting a portion of this lost revenue, over the next several months, we will increase online education offerings, place greater emphasis on the CPP program, expand advertising/sponsorship opportunities and offer membership events throughout the state as the public health environment allows. These programs and services are projected to reduce lost revenue by approximately $270,000.

In an effort to reduce expenses, we already started the process of terminating contracts, dropping memberships in ancillary organizations, canceling recurring services, eliminating performance incentives, reducing payroll, delaying equipment upgrades, closing our storage facility and holding all meetings via Zoom. These cost-cutting measures are projected to reduce our overall expenses by more than $310,000, which results in a projected deficit of approximately $250,000 for FY20-21. During the first quarter of 2021, we will continue to seek additional opportunities to increase revenue and/or decrease expenses in an effort to further reduce the projected deficit and maintain the financial stability of NCNLA. A healthy, vibrant association is essential to the well-being of the nursery and landscape industry. For this reason, I encourage you to support NCNLA by registering for G&G’ 21 Virtual Education, sponsoring an online event, submitting a contract/payment for G&G’ 22 or making a voluntary contribution. With your assistance, not only will we persevere, but we will also be positioned to offer bigger and better opportunities in the latter parts of 2021 and beyond. Until then, stay well and stay passionate about the industry you love!

6 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | FALL 2020

A healthy, vibrant association is essential to the well-being of the nursery and landscape industry. For this reason, I encourage you to support NCNLA by registering for G&G’ 21 Virtual Education, sponsoring an online event, submitting a contract/ payment for G&G’ 22 or making a voluntary contribution. With your assistance, not only will we persevere, but we will also be positioned to offer bigger and better opportunities in the latter parts of 2021 and beyond.

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FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 7 www.millersgroundcover.com - sales@millersgroundcover.com

NCNLA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Five Minutes with Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse

Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse King, NC President Judy Mitchell In business 41 years NCNLA member 27 years Number of employees 9 full time and others seasonally in spring Services Wholesale and retail plant nursery, local delivery, landscaping consultations, instructional workshops Favorite NCNLA benefits Green & Growin’

How did you get into the business?

As a child, my husband, Jim, turned his sandpile into a rooting bed. He started rooting and growing azaleas.

His father built him a small greenhouse and he started rooting houseplants and African violets. After getting married, Jim and I would take plants to sell at the N.C. State Fairgrounds flea market on the weekends. After both of us graduated North Carolina State University (NC State), we moved to King, N.C., with Jim’s job with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture (NCDA). We started rooting and growing azaleas in the backyard as a sideline. We would sell them to anyone stopping by and peddle them to hardware stores, feed and seed stores and produce markets. It grew from there. We moved to our present location in 1993.

We built our first greenhouse in 1996. We bought additional land just down the road and moved our growing area for trees and shrubs there, leaving our present location for retail and wholesale of plants that are ready for sale.

What’s a typical day like for you and your staff?

There is no typical day. That is what I like about this business. Every day is different. Jobs change with the season. Everyone does what needs to be done, whether it is potting plants or selling. We grow trees, 8 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | FALL 2020

(Top) The new greenhouse was erected in early 2019.

Pictured here is the spring 2020 crop of bedding plants and hanging baskets.

(Above) The agritourism sign was erected in 2003 after a two-year process with the N.C. Department of Transportation.

In 2020, we are growing 103 varieties of poinsettias. This greenhouse was erected in segments as we expanded over a period of time from 2003-2017.

shrubs, perennials, vegetable plants, fall pansies and mums, annuals and poinsettias. There is something to do year-round and something to sell year-round.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

Watching the business grow and flourish. It is rewarding to watch customers buy their perfect plant and see their excitement, and to just watch plants grow. We pioneered the agritourism signs for the nursery and greenhouse industry. Jim went to the NCDA and met with their lawyer and the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) several times. After two years of back and forth, Mitchell’s was the first nursery in N.C. to have a DOT tour sign erected. Mitchell’s, along with Homewood Nursery and NC State, host poinsettia trials.

We have been in business 41 years, with our son joining us 18 years ago. Now his daughters enjoy coming and helping some. They are 9, 6, 4 and 3 years old. We are growing our future.

What is your company best known for?

We are best known for the quality and variety of our plants—especially the poinsettias. We are growing 103 different varieties this year.

What issues are you concerned about as a company in the green industry?

Our biggest concern, like many in the industry, is weather. It is not something we can control, and we must be ready to deal with whatever comes our way by being prepared.

What have you gained from your involvement in NCNLA?

We enjoy the camaraderie and mentoring from other growers in the industry. NCNLA also gives us sources for plants that we have sold out of or do not grow.

It is rewarding to watch customers buy their perfect plant and see their excitement, and to just watch plants grow.

What advice do you have for someone interested in or just starting out in the industry?

Be willing to work. It is not a 9-5 job. Be flexible. Be willing to change. Be sure to save for rainy days for they will come, and for the off-season.

Get in touch 336-983-4107 | www.mitchellsnursery.com FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 9

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NCNLA STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Student Spotlight: Saralyn vanHalem Nursery & Landscape Notes is introducing you to the next generation of green industry professionals with this section featuring current and recent college students with plans to pursue careers in the field.

S

aralyn vanHalem is a native of Mebane, N.C., who graduated from Alamance Community College (ACC) in June 2018 with a degree in horticulture. Soon after graduation, she began working as a head grower of tropicals/vines, herbs and annuals at Plantworks Nursery in Rougemont, N.C. She is the recipient of the 2019 Outstanding Recent Alumni of the Year from ACC.

How did you discover horticulture?

Gardening and farming have been in my family for generations, so I always had it in my blood. I just didn’t know it would become my passion until I was almost in my 30s.

What were your most valuable experiences, either in school or from other exposure to the industry?

While I was getting my degree, I became the greenhouse manager for the school, which really gave me a chance to test the waters of growing plants before I left to work at Plantworks Nursery.

What were your favorite college classes?

My favorite classes were Specialty Crops, Equipment Operations, Irrigation, and Arboriculture.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduated in 2018, I started working at Plantworks Nursery in Rougemont. At the end of October 2020, my family and I are moving to Florida, where I have accepted a job as labor manager for Fernlea Flowers, a wholesale nursery.

What advice would you give to a student interested in the field?

There are so many paths in the horticultural field; never stop trying until you find where your plant heart belongs.

There are so many paths in the horticultural field; never stop trying until you find where your plant heart belongs.

What is your favorite plant and why?

This is an extremely tough question for me! I have so many, but I am a sucker for Rex Begonias.

FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 11

MEMBER NCNLA NEWS NEWS A Look at the New NCNLA Website and Member Portal

In October we launched a new website and member portal.

The updated website has improved navigation and expanded functionality to give you the information you need quickly and easily. The member portal allows NCNLA to gather demographic data so that we can better understand your needs as members.

You should have already received an email with a username and password to access the portal. Please email info@ncnla.com if you did not receive your login information.

Individual Employees

If you have not already, please log in to your account and update your information, including your email address, job title and type, and your license number(s). We will be able to link any credited education courses you take through NCNLA with your license number(s).

Organization Contact

If you are the main contact for your organization's membership, you should have received a separate email requesting that you confirm the organization’s profile. The information we gather through the new system will greatly assist NCNLA in learning about our members and evaluating new programs and benefits.

New NCNLA Logo

You may have noticed the new North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association logo on our website, emails and other materials. Earlier this year, with the help of the 2020 Board of Directors, we developed a logo that captures the essence of the association.

We honored the history of NCNLA by keeping the dogwood flower and outline of North Carolina. The updated look of each element represents the association today and signifies its bright future ahead.

In addition to the primary logo, we created a secondary logo for use in smaller spaces.

They are both available on the NCNLA website for you to download. You can put them on your website and other company materials to show your company is a proud member of NCNLA! Log in to the member portal and visit https://ncnla.com/page/logos to download them.

12 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | FALL 2020

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From the west, take I-40 EAST to exit #203, HWY 66 South turn right for 1/4 mile, then left onto Bunker Hill—Sandy Ridge Rd for 2 miles and we are on the left.

From the east, take I-40 WEST to exit #208 Sandy Ridge Road and left for 3 miles to stoplight, turn right on Sandy Ridge Road for 1 mile, we are on the right.

FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 13

336-993-4114 Visit: www.piedmontcarolina.com To access our current availability with pricing, specials, and more use the following password:

maplered Email us: orderplants@piedmontcarolina.com

14 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | FALL 2020

MEMBER IN MEMORIAM NEWS Henry Carrington “Chip” Watkins Jr., Creedmoor, N.C., passed away June 27, 2020, at Duke Regional Hospital following a period of declining health. He was a former employee of Redmill Landscape and Nursery in Durham, where he was known as “The Plant Man.” He had a wide and deep knowledge of landscape plants and trees. Chip was a familiar face to many repeat customers and enjoyed answering questions and discussing the pros and cons of various plants and their place, function and growth habits in the landscape.

During his tenure at Redmill, Chip came to consider his coworkers as family, enjoyed company events and was especially good with remembering fellow employee’s birthdays, always providing cards for all to sign. He will be missed by his Redmill family and the many customers and vendors for which Chip was a familiar face and voice.

Any expressions of remembrance (cards, letters or pictures only) can be mailed to

www.ncnla.com

Redmill Landscape and Nursery, 4517 Red Mill Road, Durham, NC 27704, or emailed to redmillnursery@aol.com.

His full obituary is available here: https:// www.roanoke-chowannewsherald. com/2020/07/07/henry-carrington-chipwatkins-jr/ William Hayden “Bill” Glenn, 64, passed away Aug. 3, 2020, in Asheville, N.C. His work passion was farming and nurseries, culminating in a 23-year career with the Asheville office of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as the expert on Christmas trees and ornamental nursery crops. He could tell you exactly what to plant, where to plant it and how to make it flourish. Bill was equal parts smart and smarty-pants and we will miss his wit, laugh and love the most.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you visit a local garden center or farmer, pick out something beautiful for your own place

and send us pictures. The more unusual the cultivar, the better! To honor Bill’s memory, wear orange, listen to rock music turned all the way up, and, as Warren Zevon said, enjoy every sandwich.

His full obituary is available here: https:// www.ashevilleareaalternative.com/obituary/ William-Glenn Lawrence William "Larry" Boitnott, 88, passed away Friday, Sept. 4, 2020, in Botetourt County, Va. He received a B.S. from Ferrum College in 1953, and a master's degree in horticulture from Virginia Tech in 1974. He also served in the United States Navy for two years and was the co-founder of Creative Nursery & Landscapes, Inc. in Cloverdale, Va. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gideons International or to the Botetourt Kiwanis Club. His full obituary is available here: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/ roanoke/name/lawrence-boitnottobituary?pid=196753735

NCNLA’s mission is to provide essential value to our members through education, marketing and advocacy FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 15

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16 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | FALL 2020

MEMBER NCNLA NEWS NEWS

2020 Robert Cagle Memorial Golf Tournament

The 2020 Robert Cagle Memorial Golf Tournament was held Friday, Aug. 7th at the Lochmere Golf Club in Cary, N.C. Nine foursomes played a round of golf followed by a casual boxed dinner. Morris Newlin, longtime coordinator of the event, announced the prize winners at the close of the event.

The net profit of this event funds the Robert Cagle Memorial Scholarship, which supports the continuing education needs of qualified horticultural and landscape students.

Thank you to the golfers who came out to participate and practice social distancing during the event. All the sponsorship slots were filled this year thanks to overwhelming support from our members.

Matt Bland (center) with host Kevin Cagle (left) and event coordinator Morris Newlin (right)

Congratulations to our winners!

Thank you to our 2020 sponsors!

Longest putt: Westin Turner

ArborJet

Nature's Select

Longest drive, Holes #1 and #9: Steve Griffith

Big Branch Nursery

Nature's Vision LLC

Closest to the pin, Hole #7: Joe Ritchie

Bland Landscaping

Buds and Blooms Nursery

New Garden Landscaping and Nursery

Campbell Road Nursery

Fairview Garden Center

Parker's Landscape Services, Inc.

Godley's Garden Center & Nursery

Piedmont Carolina Nursery

Pro Green, Inc.

Southern Oak Nursery & Supply

Spivey's Nursery

T. H. Blue, Inc.

Closest to the pin, Hole #11: Steffie Safrit Best overall: Matt Bland Winning team: Bland Landscaping

Matt Bland

Patrick Freeman

Jacob Ritchie

Joe Ritchie

Green Resource

Greenthumb Nursery

Harvest RFID

Jake A. Parrott Insurance Agency

FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 17

REACH BUYERS WITH BUYNCPLANTS.COM

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BuyNCPlants.com makes it easy for buyers to find your business through PlantAnt, the green industry’s most powerful search engine.

Buyers are able to search by type of material or geography.

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Contact Kathryn Stansbury at kstansbury@ncnla.com to get started.

18 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | FALL 2020

Preview

Green & Growin’ 21 Marketplace The two-day Marketplace trade show was canceled due to uncertainties surrounding in-person events, and to protect the health, safety and welfare of exhibitors, attendees and support personnel. The NCNLA Board of Directors made the difficult decision after reviewing feedback from exhibitors and attendees.

FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 19

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NCNLA EDUCATION COMMITTEE The NCNLA Education Committee was integral to developing the virtual education program. Committee members offered insight from their areas of expertise to help create a diverse virtual education program. A special thanks to each member for their time!

January 11-13, 2021 The Green & Growin’ 21 Education Program is 100% online, with more than 25 interactive sessions from the industry’s top leaders and educators. Learn new skills or gain credits toward your licenses during the live January broadcast, or view the recordings later on your own schedule. All registered attendees will have access to the sessions until April 30, 2021.

Log in anytime, anywhere

Exclusive Monday Q&As with top green industry companies

Tuesday and Wednesday general education courses

Watch live to interact with presenters and peers

CEUs available

Shannon Currey, Hoffman Nursery, Inc. Barbara Fair, North Carolina State University PJ Faust, Terra Green Landscapes

Leslie Moorman, North Carolina Urban Forest Council Scott Myatt, Myatt Landscaping Concepts, Inc. Donna Riddle, North Carolina Community College Horticulture Instructors Association

Gary Gittere, North Carolina Composting Council Debbie Hamrick, North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation Lee Ivy, Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University

NCNLA Board Liaisons: Justin Snyder, Alamance Community College Tim Johnson II, Tim Johnson Landscaping

Chason Johnson, Johnson Nursery Corp.

For the most current schedule, visit www.greenandgrowin.com

MONDAY, JANUARY 11 8:15-8:30 AM

10:45-11:45 AM

Welcome Message

SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE! SEE PAGE 29 FOR DETAILS.

NCNLA Board of Directors 8:30-9:30 AM

New Plants for 2021: What’s New for Growers, Retailers and Landscapers for Spring from Proven Winners™ John Antonelli, Four Star Greenhouse; Jane Beggs-Joles, Proven Winners™; and Josh Roggenbuck, Walters Gardens SPONSORED BY PROVEN WINNERS™ TBD 9:30-10:30 AM

Gregory Poole Caterpillar: State-of-theArt Machinery 10:30-10:45 AM BREAK

11:45 AM-1:15 PM

Yes, You Can Learn to Use Social Media and Grow Your Business!

Meredith J. Croom, Grants Creek Nursery SPONSORED BY GRANTS CREEK NURSERY

2:15-2:30 PM BREAK

1:15-2:15 PM ● PA pending

that do. Insect pests can cause some of the most disruptive and damaging issues on your farm, especially in the greenhouse. Join pest management and biocontrols expert Suzanne Wainwright of Buglady Consulting to ask your pressing pest management questions and get answers in real time! This session will include a brief introductory presentation, then will focus primarily on an attendee Q&A, so come prepared with your questions!

● NALP

Fundamentals of IPM: Pest Management Q&A Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, Buglady Consulting SPONSORED BY BASF Invasive Pest Management (IPM) is a key approach for effectively managing and controlling weeds, pests and disease on sustainable farms. By implementing IPM techniques, farmers can prevent problems before they happen and better control those

2:30-3:30 PM SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE! SEE PAGE 29 FOR DETAILS. 3:30-4:30 PM SPONSORSHIP AVAILABLE! SEE PAGE 29 FOR DETAILS. 4:30-4:45 PM

Closing Remarks NCNLA Board of Directors FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 21

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 ● LC

8:00-8:10 AM

8:10-8:20 AM

Update from the NCSU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean Richard Linton 8:30-9:30 AM ■ ICB

● NALP

How to Host a Horticulture Intern/ Apprentice Dr. Helen Kraus, North Carolina State University, and Dr. Elizabeth Riley, Alamance Community College The horticulture industry is desperate for workers and students are seeking hands-on experiences to broaden their learning. What is the answer to this conundrum? Host an intern or apprentice! Learn how easy it can be for your company to host a student studying horticulture-related curriculum.

Creating these opportunities are important for students and may lead to long-term employees for the industry.

PICK ONE SESSION IN THIS TIME SLOT TO JOIN LIVE AND WATCH THE OTHERS LATER ● LA

Seasonal color installation is a business, not just an add-on service. In this presentation, go beyond the basics of light, water and compatibility to learn how to make color and aesthetics profit centers, not a drain. Renee and Mark McGrady provide valuable tips on creating beautiful flower beds and containers so you can exceed your clients’ expectations with gorgeous color.

■ LCB

● LA

■ ICB

● NALP

Tax & Business Strategies in the “New Normal” Ken Martin and Scott Hensley, Stancil CPAs & Advisors Ken and Scott provide an overview of the tax impacts of legislation related to COVID-19 relief and discuss the best strategies for taking advantage of opportunities afforded by current legislation.

● PA

● NALP

Lawn Care Pesticide Safety and Handling: How It’s Done and Tales from the Dark Side Bob Mann, National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) Lawn Care Pesticide Safety & Handling: How It’s Done and Tales from the Dark Side takes you beyond what’s taught in initial pesticide training to give you some real-world examples of why it’s so important to pay attention to what you’re doing and to stay safe. Take a virtual field trip with long time lawn care industry champion Bob Mann as he gives you a deep dive into professional lawn care pesticide safety.

Pesticide credit D,L,N, X.

22 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | FALL 2020

■ LCB

● LA

● ISA

● NALP

Keynote: Growing Weeders into Leaders Jeff McManus, University of Mississippi SPONSORED BY PLANTWORKS NURSERY Jeff McManus describes the joys, the defeats, the brilliant problem-solving and the “best laid plans” that are proven worthless—until the bigger picture is told. Growing Weeders into Leaders takes you through the practical applications of empowering people to experience not only what it means to grow outstanding landscapes, but also to grow greatness in themselves and encourage it in others.

1:15-2:15 PM 10:30-10:45 AM

PICK ONE SESSION BELOW TO JOIN LIVE AND WATCH THE OTHERS LATER

BREAK

■ LCB

10:45-11:45 AM

9:30-10:30 AM

● LC

11:45 AM-1:15 PM

Renee McGrady and Mark McGrady, Carolina Colorscapes

NCNLA Board of Directors

● LA

● NALP

Seasonal Color for Profit

Welcome Message

■ LCB

● LA

■ LCB

● PA

● LA

● NALP

Bidding, Estimating and Project Pricing ● ISA

● NALP

Biting and Stinging Pests Laurie Reid, City of Charlotte Workers in the field may be exposed to various biting and stinging pests. This presentation teaches the outdoor worker how to identify pests and related control and prevention methods.

Pesticide credit B,D,N.

Eric Jones, Turf Teacher, Inc. This course demonstrates how to effectively bid, estimate and price a landscape construction job. ● LC

● LA

● ISA

● NALP

Residential Landscape Design Through the Lens of Permaculture Jennifer L. Verprauskus, BareRoot Designs An ideal landscape nurtures itself and fits seamlessly into the natural environment.

Jennifer Verprauskus from BareRoot Designs teaches you how to successfully create holistic spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and balanced through understanding design while developing beneficial relationships in the ecosystem; minimizing waste and energy; replicating natural systems; valuing diversity; and garden efficiency.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 ● LC ● LA ● PA ● ISA ● NALP

2:15:-2:30 PM BREAK

Planting for Pollinators, Part 1: Woody Plants and Vines

2:30-3:30 PM

Annabel Renwick and Jason Holmes, Sarah P. Duke Gardens

PICK ONE SESSION BELOW TO JOIN LIVE AND WATCH THE OTHERS LATER ● LC

● LA

● NALP

Alternative Soil Amending Products Debra Stringer, Stalite Learn about alternative soil amending products, specifically expanded shales or slates, including one manufactured in North Carolina for over 70 years. Expanded aggregates are available worldwide and nationwide, and are key components for construction and green infrastructure. In 2017, the NC DEQ included ASTM C330 expanded aggregates in their stormwater manual updates because it has demonstrated such efficacy.

SPONSORED BY UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT OLIVE Woody plants and vines provide excellent habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects.

Learn which trees, shrubs and vines attract and nurture native bees and butterflies, and how to structure plantings to foster year-round pollinator interest. This session will include plants commonly available and lesser-known plants for pollinators in your landscapes and gardens. The plants will be presented from the pollinator’s perspective to demonstrate how designers, nurseries, landscapers and retailers can profit from the surge in pollinator plant demand. Organized by the NC Pollinator Conservation Alliance.

Pesticide credit D,L,N,X.

3:30-4:30 PM ● LC ● LA ● PA pending ● ISA ● NALP

Planting for Pollinators, Part 2: Annuals, Perennials, Herbs and Grasses/Sedges Annabel Renwick and Jason Holmes, Sarah P. Duke Gardens Horticultural bling in the form of flowers provide pollinators with pollen and nectar rewards—both vitally important in sustaining populations. Most horticultural pollinator gardening or landscape plans rely on herbaceous plants. Dive below the surface of popular pollinator garden advice to talk about how the garden looks from the perspective of the pollinator. Learn why some common pollinator plants work and discover other plants that are beneficial. This session will be instructive to designers, nurseries, landscapers and retailers and will up your pollinator plant game for spring 2021.

4:30-4:45 PM

Closing Remarks NCNLA Board of Directors

NCNLA’s mission is to provide essential value to our members through education, marketing and advocacy www.ncnla.com

FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 23

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13 ● PA pending

8:15-8:30 AM

● NALP

Welcome message

NCDA&CS Disease Regulation Updates and Newly Reported Diseases

NCNLA Board of Directors

HT Tseng, NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division

8:30-9:30 AM PICK ONE SESSION BELOW TO JOIN LIVE AND WATCH THE OTHERS LATER ● LC

● PA

● NALP

HT Tseng returns to provide information on changes in regulatory diseases and provide information on newly reported diseases management practices that growers need to know.

Turf Pest Update

10:30-10:45 AM

Tom Glasgow, NCSU Extension

BREAK

Tom Glasgow presents an overview of some insect and disease issues of particular interest for turf managers in 2021.

10:45-11:45 AM

Pesticide credit D,L,N,X.

Fig Buttercup, Floodplain Menace

Robots in the Landscape

Pete Schubert, North Carolina Invasive Plant Council

Oscar Holmberg, Husqvarna Group, North America More and more we are seeing automation in daily lives. And now we have robots maintaining our lawns! But did you know this technology has been around for more than 25 years? Join us to learn how it all started, the concept and practical use in both residential and commercial applications.

● LC

● PA

● NALP

In this session, learn about this invasive plant and how to recognize it on work sites so you can educate your clients about the damage it could do. Learn how to control it either by manual removal or herbicide treatment prevent its spread and help eradicate it. This is a business opportunity waiting to be realized for landowners who want to get rid of this plant on their property.

Pesticide credit D,G,I,L,O,X

PICK ONE SESSION BELOW TO JOIN LIVE AND WATCH THE OTHERS LATER

Harness the Power of Mycorrhizae in Production and the Landscape

Introduction to the Green Industry

Blair Busenbark, Mycorrhizal Applications

Leslie Herndon, Greenscape, Inc.; Lee Ivy, NCSU Horticulture Science; Tim Johnson, Tim Johnson, Landscaping; and Leslie Moorman, NC Urban Forest Council

SPONSORED BY MYCORRHIZAL APPLICATIONS

24 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | FALL 2020

11:45 AM-1:15 PM

Keynote: Managing Stress and Avoiding Burnout Jeanie Y. Chang LMFT, CMHIMP, CCTP SPONSORED

BY GREENLEAF NURSERY

9:30-10:30 AM

Join a panel of NCNLA Board and Education Committee Members as they provide information on NCNLA membership, the Certified Plant Professional (CPP) designation, the advantages and requirements of the various industry licenses, and where to find job opportunities. This is an interactive session so please come prepared with questions for these industry experts!

plant loss or improved plant performance, mycorrhizae reduces plant stress and, simply put, reduces your stress so you can focus on increasing profits.

Blair Busenbark explores the science behind mycorrhizae and then moves his focus to how landscapers and growers can utilize the power of mycorrhizae in their operations.

Greenhouse and nursery growers can experience the benefits of mycorrhizae in their own growing protocols to grow heartier, more vibrant and more resilient plants for retail sale and landscape installations. Landscape architects, installers and maintenance workers have been utilizing mycorrhizal inoculants in transplanting and sustainable landscape design for at least the last couple of decades.

Whether it is a reduction in landscape

The historic pandemic has resulted in an altered workplace that has caused a strain on work-life balance. Managing our stress is vital now, more than ever.

In her keynote address, clinician and national speaker Jeanie Chang shares insights on building stress resilience to prevent burnout by being solutionfocused and proactive.

1:15-2:15 PM PICK ONE SESSION BELOW TO JOIN LIVE AND WATCH THE OTHERS LATER

Climate Change and Water Adam Terando, Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center Description TBD ● PA pending

● NALP

Red Headed Flea Beetle Danny Lauderdale, North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Eastern Region The red headed flea beetle has been described by container nursery growers in North Carolina as their number one pest problem. Understanding the life cycle is important to building an integrated pest management program to keep populations low and limit foliar damage that results in lost sales. This presentation reviews those practices and presents insecticide research on management of larva and adult stages.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13 need-to-know best practices and techniques in keeping you and your employees safe in the field.

2:15:-2:30 PM

3:30-4:30 PM

BREAK

■ LCB

2:30-3:30 PM

Best Safety Practices for the Green Industry Newcomer

■ LCB

Mark Harrison, STIHL

Closing Remarks

Mark Harrison pulls from his 32 years of experience in safety instruction to provide a

NCNLA Board of Directors

● NALP

Outdoor Power Equipment and Chainsaw Safety

● NALP

4:30-4:45 PM

Mark Harrison, STIHL Everyone in the green industry should receive comprehensive training on outdoor power equipment (OPE) like chainsaws and small excavators. This session focuses on chain saws and addresses safety tips for both the novice up to the professional. Mark leads an interactive discussion that includes operator PPE, the dangers of complacency, avoiding and/or overcoming bad habits, chain saw safety features, chain saw usage techniques and preventative maintenance.

Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) Look for these icons in the education session descriptions to ensure you can earn continuing education credits toward your state or national accreditations. Some CEUs may be pending approval. ● LC Landscape Contractor License (NC) -

■ ICB Irrigation Contractor License (NC) –

■ LCB Landscape Contractor License (NC) –

● PA Pesticide Applicator License (NC)

Technical CEU

Business CEU

● LA Landscape Architect License (NC) ● IC Irrigation Contractor License (NC) – Technical Irrigation CEU

Business CEU

● ISA International Society of Arboriculture – Certified Arborist

● NALP National Association of Landscape

Professionals – Landscape Industry Certified

THANK YOU, SPONSORS! Monday Sponsors

Keynote Sponsors

Session Sponsors

NASA image of hurricane on the horizon.

FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 25

What You Need to Know about Continuing Education License Requirements for North Carolina Several North Carolina licensing boards have modified requirements for 2020 due to the pandemic.

Each situation is different, so we recommend that you review the guidelines at the board websites listed to see if you need credits to keep your license current.

The Green & Growin’ 21 Virtual Education program offers CEUs for each of the licenses listed below that you can obtain during the event Jan. 11-13, 2021 or at any time up until April 30, 2021, with advance registration.

26 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | FALL 2020

NC Landscape Contractor License

NC Pesticide License

www.nclclb.com

www.ncagr.gov/SPCAP/pesticides/ license.htm

Landscape Contractors’ Board has enacted an emergency rule that removes the usual credit requirement for renewal. No credits are required to renew for Aug. 1, 2020. Any credits taken this year, including the credits from G&G’ 20, will be counted for next year’s seven-hour credit requirement (for Aug. 1, 2021) renewal.

If you did not attend the show in 2020, or did not take classes for credit elsewhere, you will still need to meet your requirements for 2021. There are fourteen (14) credits available at G&G’ 21 that you can use towards accreditation in 2021.

There are no plans to extend credits deadlines for 2020. Applicators will be allowed to earn credits online due to the lack of in-person classes.

You will still need credits for your license, but the board allows you to take online classes.

G&G’ 21 has courses available that would allow you to get up to five (5) credits, and we have an additional four (4) pending approval as of Dec. 7, 2020.

NC Irrigation Contractor License

International Society of Arboriculture

www.nciclb.org

www.isa-arbor.com

Continuing education is being waived for 2020. Any credits that are earned in 2020 will be carried over to 2021.

The International Society of Arboriculture has extended the reporting deadline from June 30, 2020 to Oct. 28, 2020.

If you were able to obtain your credits in early 2020, you may not need credits in 2021. If you still need them, you have a chance to earn up to two (2) credits at G&G’ 21.

The deadline was extended, but if you still need credits for licensure, you have the chance to earn two (2) during G&G’ 21.

North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association

January 11-15, 2021

968 Trinity Rd., Raleigh, NC 27607 P: 919-816-9119 | F: 919-816-9118 E: info@ncnla.com

R E G I S T R AT I O N F O R M 1. REGISTRATION INFO

2. NCNLA MEMBERSHIP Are you a current NCNLA Member?  Yes  Renew for $275  Join for $275

Attendee ___________________________________________________________

 No

3. BUSINESS TYPE

4. JOB DESCRIPTION

Company ___________________________________________________________

 Allied Supplier - Products

Company Main Contact _____________________________________________

   

        

Allied Supplier - Services Garden Center Grass/Sod/Turf Irrigation  Landscape Architect  Landscape Install/Maintain  Residential  Commercial  Lighting  Nursery  Other___________________

Company Address __________________________________________________ City________________________ State ______________ Zip _______________ Company Phone ________________________________ Fax________________ Attendee Email (required) ___________________________________________

6. REGISTRATION OPTIONS

Buyer Corporate Officer Field Manager/Supervisor Field Personnel Office Manager/Supervisor Office Personnel Owner Sales Other___________________

5. EMPLOYMENT TYPE  Permanent Staff  Seasonal/Temporary  Other___________________

RATE

TOTAL

MEMBER

NON-MEMBER

$220

$300

GENERAL EDUCATION

G&G Virtual Education Package Includes all Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday education activities and sessions. Online program available for registered attendees to access until April 30, 2021.

7. TOTAL DUE / PAYMENT

$

$

 Credit Card (You will be invoiced via email provided in Section 1)

 Check #

8. LICENSES / CERTIFICATIONS HELD Landscape Contractor

Irrigation Contractor

ISA Certified Arborist

Pesticide Applicator

NALP Landscape Industry Certified

Other

Landscape Architect

Include your state and license number for each license held. After you complete each session’s CEU requirements, proof of attendance forms will be available in your online profile at www.ncnla.com.

ation Virtual Educ 2021 Jan. 11-13, !

Online Only

2021 rship

Sponso ies Opportunit

Limited opportunities available

MONDAY SPONSOR: $3,000 Limited availability!

One-hour presentation and Q&A with attendees on the product, service or topic of your choice during Monday’s kickoff.

Recognition during Tuesday and Wednesday education sessions

Social media post promoting your presentation across NCNLA platforms

Your logo on Green & Growin’ promotional materials

Full-page ad in one issue of Nursery & Landscape Notes magazine

Your presentation and logo on www.greenandgrowin.com for one year

CONTACT INFORMATION Company ______________________________________________________________________ Contact Name __________________________________________________________________ Address _______________________________________________________________________ City _____________________________________ State ______________ Zip ______________ Phone _____________________________________ Fax ________________________________ Email (required) _________________________________________________________________ Website ________________________________________________________________________

28 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | FALL 2020

GENERAL SESSION SPONSOR: $500 Limited availability!

• Exclusive sponsor of one-hour Tuesday or Wednesday education session • Session branded with your logo • Your logo on www. greenandgrowin.com • Recognition on Virtual Education marketing promotions

Please complete and return to Cindy Whitt at cwhitt@ncnla.com.

We will process your request and send you an invoice.

NCNLA 968 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC 27607 Phone: (919) 816-9119 Fax: (919) 816-9118 www.ncnla.com www.greenandgrowin.com

Grown with love…sold with pride.

Past, present & future varieties.

• Cold Hardy Zone 6 • Cold Tolerant Zone 7 • New Hybrids Zone 8 & 9 • Liners and 1, 3, 5, 7, 15 & 20 Gallons Available • Wholesale Only

805 Oakbury Court • Greensboro, NC 27455 phone: 336·643·3727 or 800·758·8121 fax: 336·643·0840 • www.camtoocamellia.com email: camtoo@earthlink.net One of the world’s largest camellia nurseries.

7801 Clinard Farms Road High Point, NC 27265 WWW.GOSSETTSNURSERY.COM

(336) 454-2548 1-800-487-2555 sales@gossettsnursery.com Located: 5 miles west of Greensboro, on NC 68, two miles south of I-40

FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 29

Jake A. Parrott Insurance Agency, Inc. 2508 N. Heritage Street P.O. Box 3547 Kinston, NC 28502

Toll Free:

Telephone: 252-523-1041

1-800-PARROTT

Fax: 252-523-0145

1-800-727-7688

E-Mail: khayes@parrottins.com Website: www.parrottins.com

Serving You Since 1937

Field Grown shade and ornamental trees and shrubs Holly-Single Stem Tree Form and Full Form Osmanthus • Oak • Red Bud • Magnolia • Cherry • Elm • Cryptomeria • Deodar Cedar • Ligustrum • Crape Myrtle • and more!

Located in the Charlotte area phone 704-596-4516 kirkdavisnurserysales@gmail.com

www.kirkdavisnursery.com

www.hawksridgefarms.com Growers and marketers of unique plants and new cultivars.

Flowering Shrubs Flowering Trees Conifers Vines Perennials Ornamental Grasses West Coast Specimens

4243 S. NC 127 Hwy Hickory, NC 28603 (800)874-4216 Fax (828)294-4299

Delivering from Connecticut to Georgia and everywhere in between!

30 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | FALL 2020

BEST PRACTICE

Green & Growin’ 21 Virtual Education is Ideal for Green Industry Professionals

E

verything looked different in 2020 due to the global pandemic, and business owners, employees and students stepped up to the challenge of shutdowns, social distancing and canceled events. From establishing online ordering systems with no-touch delivery to video conferencing meetings and classes, everyone found new ways to do business.

Online education has always been a flexible option for people with busy schedules. NCNLA was planning an online learning program as part of expanded member benefits, and the pandemic pushed us to move a little faster. In July, we kicked off the first of five monthly webinars on topics like employee safety, online marketing and coastal landscaping. The number of registrants grew each month, so we knew we were filling a need in the green industry.

The NCNLA Education Committee worked with staff to develop a program that meets a variety of needs across the green industry.

When the Green & Growin’ 21 education conference could not be held as planned due to limits on in-person meetings, we knew a viable alternative was to offer it online. The NCNLA Education Committee worked with staff to develop a program that meets a variety of needs across the green industry. We encourage you embrace online learning and take advantage of the many opportunities offered at Green & Growin’ 21 Virtual Education.

FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 31

G&G' 21 Virtual Education gives you the choice of attending live sessions or watching recorded sessions through April 30, 2021.

more. The program at G&G’ 21 Virtual Education is no different. Attendees can even take advantage of additional classes to boost skills in areas outside their primary business functions. All courses are from reputable, trusted professionals in the industry.

It's Collaborative

Why Virtual Education Works It’s Flexible

Online learning allows you to take courses on your own schedule. G&G’ 21 Virtual Education gives you the choice of attending live sessions during the conference Jan. 11-13, 2021, or watching recorded sessions through April 30, 2021. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) can be earned any time during that window.

One of the main attractions of Green & Growin’ is networking with peers, and the virtual program provides opportunities to do that. When you join a live session Jan. 11-13, you can chat with other attendees, and pose questions to the presenters in real time.

During an in-person session, your questions had to be held until the end, but in a virtual setting you are welcome to chat while you listen to the presentation.

It’s Adaptable

You can take the courses you need at the G&G’ 21 Virtual Education at a cost that is less per CEU than courses elsewhere. You also eliminate costs associated with travel, hotels and food, and the extended time away from work.

In-person meetings do not always meet the needs of people with different learning styles. With online learning, you go at your own pace. The G&G’ 21 Virtual Education program allows you to watch sessions any time until April 30, 2021, so that you can create a program that works for you. Many of the courses will have downloadable and printable handouts as well as PDFs of the presentations accessible anytime during the session to minimize the need to take notes.

It’s Diverse

Learn More

It’s Affordable

The traditional Green & Growin’ education program is known for its variety each year, with courses available for landscapers, growers, garden center retailers and 32 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | FALL 2020

View the most current schedule and available CEUs for the Green & Growin’ 21 Virtual Education at www.greenandgrowin.com.

NATIVE PLANTS FOR SALE

We Specialize in Herbaceous Native Plants for:

• Storm Water Management Ponds • Rain Gardens • Dune & Tidal Marsh Grasses • Upland Meadows

RED BOSS

NURSERY & LANDSCAPING EQUIPMENT

HORTICULTURAL SERVICES

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We are now taking orders for contract growing for spring and summer annuals.

Celebrating 42 years •

Clean long leaf pine needles year round

•

Poinsettias, geraniums & ferns

•

Trees, shrubs, topiaries

•

Vegetable plants and herbs

•

Pansies, mums and hanging baskets

•

Annuals, perennials, grasses & ground covers

info@mitchellsnursery.com

www.mitchellsnursery.com FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 33

A consumer website promoting the NC Green Industry!

NCGreenprints.com is a website designed to help consumers successfully complete gardening and landscaping projects with any budget, outdoor space or skill level. If a project is too large to tackle, the website provides a directory of Certified Plant Professionals ready to help.

Resources available on NCGreenprints.com: Step-by-Step Guides

Benefits of Buying Local

Videos from Experts

Certified Plant Professional Directory

Help us grow NCGreenprints! â–

Submit a step-by-step project with photos

â–

Add your company to the Certified Plant Professional directory

Email cwhitt@ncnla.com with your submission.

34 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | FALL 2020

INDUSTRY RESEARCH

Why NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division Prohibits Currant and Gooseberry Plants in North Carolina Fungal structure erupting from stem of young tree. Photo: Bruce Watt, University of Maine, Bugwood.org

T

he risk of an invasive fungal pathogen destroying North Carolina’s white pine trees (Pinus strobus) may be an increasing threat due to mail order shipments of gooseberries and currants (Ribes spp.). The North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) Plant Industry Division hopes to spread the word about why planting these popular edible fruits could have detrimental agricultural impacts on wild and cultivated white pines. Regulation through education is often the most successful way to garner public understanding and participation. Targeting wellmeaning homeowners with foundational knowledge regarding the potential risks associated with their thriving backyard garden may be the key to protecting white pines across our state.

In the early 1900s, a rust fungus known as Cronartium ribicola, the causal agent of white pine blister rust, destroyed the white pine forests of the northeastern United States. This rust fungus arrived on white pine seedlings imported from Germany, used to replant the lands stripped by timber companies. The widespread devastation caused by this fungus alerted U.S. legislators to the importance of custom and border protection and led to the passage of the Plant

Quarantine Act in 1912. However, the law itself could not stop the pathogens that had already arrived in the U.S. and become widely dispersed. Early attempts to control white pine blister rust focused on destruction of infected white pine; unfortunately, this effort proved to be ineffective as researchers learned more about vectors and spread of the disease. Modern day efforts to control white pine blister rust focus on the known, required alternate hosts plants in the Ribes genus which contains about 150 known species.

The Ribes species grown by homeowners and niche farming operations for their edible fruit (currants and gooseberries) play a critical role in the spread of white pine blister rust. Like many other rust fungi, white pine blister rust requires an alternate host to complete its life cycle. The devastating disease starts when the orange rust spores (basidiospores) produced on the leaf of Ribes species infect the white pine — up to 1,000 feet away when spread by wind — through the needles. White pine blister rust infections occur when the weather is cool and moist. Spread of the disease occurs when the white pine blisters (which contain numerous spores called aeciospores) erupt through the bark of the white

By Hsien Tzer (HT) Tseng, Ph.D. Plant Pathologist, North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Plant Division

Join HT Tseng for a session on disease regulations and newly-reported diseases at Green & Growin’ 21 Virtual Education.

FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 35

pine (Figure 1) and land on currants and gooseberries which then continue the cycle.

Although multiple Ribes species can act as alternate hosts, white pine blister rust only affects white pine. Transmission of white pine blister rust from pine to pine is not possible and Ribes spp. must be present for the harmful disease to perpetuate.

Infection of white pine blister rust on Ribes itself causes minimal damage, such as foliage discoloration and minor defoliation.

However, when the fungus is transmitted to white pine trees, the effects are more severe beginning with visible branch and stem cankers that eventually move to the main stem, leading to branch die-back, top-kill or whole tree mortality. The time between initial infection and visible canker symptoms is usually between 1-2 years.

Leaves of Ribes sp. infected by white pine blister rust. Photo: M. Grabowski, UMN extension

Young white pine killed by white pine blister rust. Photo: M. Grabowski, UMN extension

36 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | FALL 2020

Managing white pine blister rust, like all disease management, requires an integrated approach which combines cultural practices, pruning and planting resistant varieties. Because of the crucial role of Ribes spp. in facilitating the spread of white pine blister rust, North Caroline established a regulation to prohibit the sale, growing or planting of currants and

gooseberries in 1985 (02 NCAC 48A .0401). This regulation was enacted to protect white pine trees and young white pine plantations from the threat of the disease by requiring the following: (a) All wild and cultivated currant and gooseberry plants in North Carolina are hereby declared to be dangerous plants and are consequently subject to destruction by the Commissioner of Agriculture or authorized agents wherever found. (b) No person shall knowingly and willfully keep upon his premises any currant or gooseberry plant or permit such plants to mature seed or otherwise multiply upon his land.

Regulating the production of Ribes spp. in N.C. nurseries is relatively straightforward. However, with increased online mail order sources, monitoring and enforcement of this regulation is more challenging, causing an escalated threat to the white pines in our state. White pine is a significant landscape and agricultural species in N.C. According to USDA-Forest Serves, Forest Inventory and Analysis (2019), the lumber from the state’s white pines is worth more than 760 million dollars. Threats to white pine impact forestry, the Christmas tree and cut Christmas greenery industry as well as residential and commercial landscapes. The white pine blister

rust regulation is reviewed periodically to ensure the risk of Ribes cultivation still poses a threat to N.C. agriculture.

If you know of Ribes plantings in the state, please alert the property owner of the regulations and risks or contact Dr. HT Tseng, Plant Pathologist with NCDA&CS Plant Industry Division at HT.Tseng@ncagr.gov.

Hair-like spore producing structures on the lower leaf surface of Ribes spp.

Photo: M. Grabowski, UMN extension

HIGH QUALITY CONTAINER GROWN PLANTS

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38 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | FALL 2020

As of Dec. 15, 2020

Welcome New Members!

Company

City

State Mem. Type

Company

City

State Mem. Type

Benchmark Tool & Supply, Inc.

Raleigh

NC

Regular Member

Mycorrhizal Applications

Grants Pass

OR

Regular Member

Construction Attachments, Inc.

Lenoir

NC

Regular Member

Rubley's Nursery

McMinnville

TN

Regular Member

Tilson Outdoors, Inc.

Clemmons

NC

Regular Member

Grow Green Landscape Fort Mill Group, LLC

SC

Regular Member

Williams Plantworks, LLC

Ash

NC

Regular Member

Harney's Nursery

TN

Regular Member

XY Landscaping

Raleigh

NC

Regular Member

Smithville

NLN CALENDAR OF EVENTS NCNLA Events

National Events

Green & Growin’ 21 Virtual Education

Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show (MANTS)

Jan. 11-13, 2021 Online Only www.greenandgrowin.com

Jan. 6-8, 2021 Online Only www.mants.com

Green & Growin’ 21 Marketplace

SC Green Winter Conference & Trade Show

Jan. 14-15, 2021 Greensboro, NC www.greenandgrowin.com

Jan. 28-29, 2021 Columbia, SC www.scgreen.org

2019 Certified Plant Professional Exam

ProGreen Expo

C

D ANCELLE

Testing to resume in 2021 www.ncnla.com/page/CPP

Feb. 2-5, 2021 Denver, CO www.progreenexpo.com *Event dates and locations subject to change

ADVERTISERS’ INDEX Buy NC Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

NCNLA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15, 23

CAM Too . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Old Courthouse Nursery . . . . 37

Davis Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Pender Nursery . . . . . Back Cover

Ditch Witch of the Carolinas . 16

Piedmont Carolina Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13, 14

Gossett's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Hawksridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Jake A Parrot Insurance . . . . . . 30 JoCoPlants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Kirk Davis Nursery . . . . . . . . . . 30 MANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Miller’s Ground Cover . . . . . . . . . 7 Mitchell's Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . 33 NC Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Signature Horticultural Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Spring Meadow/Proven Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Tree Equipment Design/ Red Boss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Triangle Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Vemeer All Roads . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Williford’s Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . 38

NC Greenprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

FALL 2020 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 39

North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc.

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Raleigh, NC Permit # 2255

968 Trinity Road Raleigh, NC 27607

Rediscover PENDER NURSERY

Meet Your Pender Nursery Sales Team!

Doug Wright NC dwright@pendernursery.com

Craig Banton VA, WV, MD, DC, DE cbanton@pendernursery.com

Lindsay Goad In-House Sales, SC, Western NC, TN lgoad@pendernursery.com

PHONE: 800-942-1648 • FAX: 919-773-0904 • ONLINE: www.PenderNursery.com 40 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | FALL 2020