Nursery & Landscape Notes Spring 2017

Spring 2017 | Vol. 51, No. 2

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

Our Disappearing Workforce

Nursery Landscape Notes &

Spring 2017 | Vol. 51, No. 2

10

37

Get ready with two new products that will help keep your turf in top shape all season long.

Exteris Stressgard TM

®

A new fungicide that combines fluopyram with proven Qol partner trifloxystrobin, delivering preventative and curative broad-spectrum disease control.

Indemnify

TM

A next-generation nematicide for the control of key plant parasitic nematodes, improved root growth, overall turfgrass health, and better wear tolerance.

45

37

COMMENTARY President’s Message

5

NCNLA Executive Vice President’s Message

7

53

12

NCNLA NEWS Member Spotlight: Jim Deal, Pender Nursery

8

Vendor Spotlight: Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina

10

CPP and CYPP Test Dates Announced

11

Obituary: NCNLA Board Member Lynn McCleneghen 11

Expanding Opportunities at Green & Growin’ 17

AROUND OUR INDUSTRY

A fresh mix of on-point programs, innovative networking and market opportunities earn top marks for NCNLA’s annual green industry gathering.

Legislative Update

37

Green Industry Update

39

New Sales & Use Tax Guidance

41

Periodical Cicadas in Nurseries

43

12

30

Best Practices: Are You Counting Out Generation Y? 45

RESEARCH UPDATE Irrigation Source Water Quality in North Carolina Nurseries

49

Impact of Temperature on Herbicide Activity

53

New Members

57

Calendar of Events

59

Advertiser’s Index

59

Our Disappearing Workforce

30

“What’s your biggest labor challenge today?”

For more information, call 800.672.1504 or visit us online at triangleturf.net. ©2017 Triangle Turf and Ornamental. Always read and follow label directions for use. Bayer®, the Bayer Cross®, Stressguard®, Exteris™ and Indemnify™ are trademarks of Bayer.

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 3

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

Segway O

Fungicide

Corey Connors Executive Vice President Cody Lewis Director of Finance & Administration Kathryn Stansbury Director of Business Development Kaley Jacobs Manager of Marketing & Communications 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 1200 horticulture producers, landscape professionals and industry suppliers.

Greenhouse & Nursery Fungicide #segway_o @OHPSolutions ohp.com (800) 356-4647

PERFORMANCE IN A

NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES is provided as a member service.

2017 NCNLA Board of Directors Chad Gragg, President Robert M. Gragg & Sons Nursery Lenoir, NC Shanon Spivey, Vice President/Secretary/ Treasurer Spivey's Nursery, Inc. Kernersville, NC Brad Rollins, Past President Fairview Garden Center Raleigh, NC

C

Jamie Thomas Swift Creek Nursery Clayton, NC

M

Y

Hugh Crump Greenline Designs Charlotte, NC

CM

MY

William Bass Hawksridge Farms Hickory, NC Richard Gant Gant’s Nursery Marion, NC Paige Moody Arbor Enterprises, Inc. Pittsboro, NC Educational Advisors Justin Snyder Alamance Community College Graham, NC

Chris Mitchell Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply Garner, NC

CY

CMY

K

NCNLA Staff

GROUP OF ITS OWN

Advertising

For Advertising rates and content submission, contact Stephanie Schaefer for a Marketing Opportunities Kit. 919-609-0803 or sschaefer@ncnla.com.

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

Purpose Statement

NCNLA’s purpose is to be a flexible, knowledgeable, responsive, environmentally-conscious organization providing the nursery and landscape industries with leadership, technological and business advancement opportunities and information services.

Controls Pythium, Phytophthora and Downy mildew Unique class of chemistry, no cross resistance Vital part of your Downy mildew rotation Spray or drench applications

INSECTICIDES FUNGICIDES MITICIDES PGRS HERBICIDES

Goal Statement

NCNLA’s ultimate goal is to benefit its members’ economic, professional and personal growth.

Connect to NCNLA  facebook.com/NCNurseryandLandscapeAssociation/  twitter.com/ncnlacom

NCNLA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Industry Members Unite

W

ell, another Green and Growin’ is in the books. The 2017 show went off without a hitch, rolling out some new improvements to multiple elements of the show including registration, CEU tracking and Education tracks — all of which seemed to be a hit among attendees. The three-day Education Conference and two-day Marketplace were met with rave reviews and valuable feedback from attendees and exhibitors alike.

As a fifth generation nurseryman and long time horticulture enthusiast, it is amazing to see how far the show has come from its earlier years. But one thing does not change – the people. This industry is known for great comradery with a “family” feel. Folks are always willing to lend a helping hand when you need it – whether they are your competition or not. And that goes for big metropolitan areas like Raleigh or Greensboro all the way to remote counties across the state, including my small town of Lenoir, NC.

Chad Gragg (with his dogs, Duke & LuLu) Robert M. Gragg & Sons Nursery

“This industry is known for Industry professionals in my town look out for one another, especially in regards to mutual great comradery with a “family” issues we all are facing. One such problem lately feel. Folks are always willing to has been labor shortages. Spring is that time of year when you do six months of work in two! lend a helping hand when you Between the planting, digging, shipping, fertilneed it – whether they are your izing and so on – manual laborers are needed and highly sought after. Lately it has been hard competition or not.” to find good, quality workers who will do the kind of work that this industry requires. And this is a trend that is sweeping all industries, not just ours. Combine that with the worst plant material shortages we’ve had in years — and people in our industry certainly could feel a need to lean on each other for advice and support right about now. (For more perspective on the labor issue, read “Our Disappearing Workforce” on page 30.)

The mild winter weather brought the season into full swing earlier than expected this year. Despite industry challenges, I hope everyone has been able to thrive and prosper from those extra spring-like days and is ready to jump into the season on steady footing.

Happy Spring everyone!

ncnla.com | BuyNCPlants.com GreenandGrowin.com | NCGreenprints.com Tax Deductible Dues Contributions or gifts to NCNLA are not tax deductible as charitable contributions. However, they may be tax deductible as ordinary business expenses. A portion of your dues is not deductible as an ordinary business expense to the extent that NCNLA engages in lobbying. The estimated non-deductible portion of your dues assessment is 20%. ©2017 NCNLA.

© 2016 OHP, Inc. Segway is a registered trademark of Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd. | MOA = Mode of Action

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 5

NCNLA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Just a Little More Time

A

s the deadline for this issue of Nursery & Landscape Notes approached, I was relieved to know that this particular column would be simple to pen. A considerable amount of spade work had been done to prepare for the development of NCNLA’s strategic plan for the next three years. This column was going to be the big reveal.

Oso Easy® Cherry Pie

Coming out of the Board’s Long-Range Planning meeting in mid-February, I was very much looking forward to sharing their vision for this organization and this industry, built from feedback they gained at last year’s Volunteer Leadership Summit, the winter 2016 member/ nonmember survey and other resources. Writing this article was going to be a cinch.

Oso Easy® Urban Legend

I received a call at 4:55 P.M. on February 27th that changed all of that. One of our current Board members, Lynn McCleneghen, had unexpectedly and suddenly passed away earlier that day. I sat, uncharacteristically quiet, on the other end of the line. Dumbfounded.

Shocked. Heartbroken.

Oso Easy® Italian Ice

My mind raced. Just 10 days earlier, we had all been together at the JC Raulston Arboretum for the Board meeting. Typical quarterly Board stuff on Thursday. Later that evening, we enjoyed one another’s company at dinner. Those dinners are the rare opportunity to talk something other than shop, a chance for everyone to get to know each other better. I remember Lynn laughing quite a bit that evening.

It was a good evening.

Oso Easy® Double Red

Oso Easy® Lemon Zest

Oso Easy Hot Paprika™

Oso Easy

®

Landscape Roses

Rebels.

Easy®

Oso roses are the rebels of the rose world: disease-resistant, long-blooming, and very easy to grow. With the broadest color range of any landscape rose series and superb hardiness, it’s a win-win.

Showy blooms with dark green glossy foliage and tidy habits make them perfect for gardens and mass plantings.

Oso Easy® Paprika ®

Oso Easy Pink Cupcake

NCNLA_April-OsoEasy.indd 1

6 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

Available from these suppliers in 2017 Gossett's Landscape Nursery High Point NC • 336-454-2548 Piedmont Carolina Nursery Colfax NC • 336-993-4114 Latham's Nursery Monroe NC • 704-283-5696 Sampson Nursery Godwin NC • 919-567-2937 Taylor's Nursery Raleigh NC • 919-231-6161

Hardy to Zones 3-5 • Sizes from 1-4 1-4' Tall and Wide Individual Specifications Available Upon Request

Gilmore Plant & Bulb Co. Liberty NC • 800-543-7537

www.provenwinners-shrubs.com

Johnson Nursery Company Willard NC • 910-285-7861

3/21/17 7:58 AM

The next day, during one the strategic planning exercises, someone had mentioned that one of the strengths of this industry was its sense of community or “fraternity.” I joked with Lynn that we might consider adding “sorority” for context. In her usual quiet, understated tone, she shot back, “I’ve been at this a while. It’s a fraternity. I’m good with that.”

Little did I know that moment was the last where we would have an opportunity for some give and take. Lynn was in no way outspoken.

When she did chime in, it meant something and carried a lot of weight. Everybody listened. After the meeting, it was “see you in June” as she made her way home to see her family.

I’m not sure if anyone else on the Board or staff noticed, but during some our longer breaks, Lynn took an opportunity to stroll around the Arboretum’s grounds to take in the collection. When I read in her obituary that in lieu of flowers, her family requested that donations be made to the Arboretum, it made all of the sense in the world to me. She truly loved horticulture and was easily one of the most knowledgeable people about our industry that I have had the privilege to encounter.

Shortly after Lynn’s arrival on the Board, my wife and I were considering improvements to the landscape at our home. I asked Lynn to come out and take a look so we could talk through ideas and

develop a plan to redesign in increments. When she arrived, she was genuinely astonished at just how hideous our yard was (though she did give me a reassuring “well, I’ve seen worse”). Lynn asked if we had a recent survey conducted so that she could get started with some ideas. We didn’t, and when she checked back with me this past fall, I told her that some other priorities had crept up on us and that we needed a little more time to get things together.

Just a little more time.

In loss, we are reminded of that which is our most tremendous gift.

They say that the greatest gift that you can give to someone else is your time, because once you give it away, you never get it back. I am so very grateful for having had the opportunity to share Lynn’s time.

From a professional standpoint, her service on the NC Landscape Contractors Association in the early 90s, and again on the NCNLA Board for the last year-plus, provided meaningful contributions to our organization and our industry that we won’t soon forget. That sacrifice, of family, of work, of time, is one that few are willing or able to make. Lynn signed on for the task twice. She never complained about it or seemed outwardly burdened by it. When I spoke with her for the first time about her most recent nomination to the Board, she told me it was the least that she could do for the industry she loved.

Lynn truly lived a life of service.

From a personal standpoint, I am thankful for all of the moments I was able to share with her over the last year plus. I will never be able to adequately express my gratitude to her husband Scott and her three children, or to AB Parker and his folks, for sharing Lynn with the NCNLA family.

Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to give all of Lynn’s friends, family and colleagues the time back that she spent with NCNLA in order to enjoy a precious few more days. We can, however, make the absolute best use of the efforts and contributions that she so generously gave to us to continue moving this organization forward.

And I promise you, and her, that we will.

Rest in eternal peace, Lynn. And be sure to take time enjoying a stroll through God’s Garden.

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 7

NCNLA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

Five Minutes with Jim Deal, Pender Nursery

Pender Nursery Garner, NC Principal Jim Deal, President Services Wholesale Nursery Years in Business 72 Employees 50-60 Annual Revenue $4.5 million – $5.5 million Number of Years as NCNLA Member 30+ years

What led you to a career in the green industry and how did you get started at Pender Nursery?

In 1980 I was a recent graduate from NCSU, newly married and painting houses for my business, Good Deal Painters. When a client introduced me to Dow Pender I saw the great potential of the nursery and started there as a laborer in landscaping. By 1983 I had partnered with the Penders to incorporate the nursery and assumed the role of General Manager. Most of my background in the nursery industry and growing plants came from Mr. Pender.

“I know of no other business where people competing in the same markets share their knowledge, information and support so willingly. What are the biggest changes in the industry since From the time I started you started at Pender?

There have been many major changes, but technology at Pender, there have been many great people has had the greatest impact and been the biggest game changer. In the 1980’s we were using metal food who shared their cans from local schools as pots. Potting, irrigation, soil mixing and invoicing all were done manually; and experiences with me all sales happened over the phone or in person. The to help make Pender fax machine and a cell phone the size of a brick were Nursery what it is instrumental in growing the business by allowing me to handle sales while out of the office. Today all those today.”

— Jim Deal

systems have been streamlined through automation.

The second major change has been the economy. The eighties and nineties had ups and downs but plant 8 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

sales continued to increase until 2008. Although the economy is recovering and building is once again booming, customer demographics have changed and are continuing to change. It’s a real challenge to have the right plants at the right time in the right quantities to meet our customers’ needs.

meaningful and satisfying. We also have a quite a few new people who have brought new energy and ideas to Pender. Ariel Montañez, our General Manager, has been instrumental in bringing the whole team together and making positive changes. It’s been very exciting for all of us to rediscover Pender Nursery.

What is your business best known for?

What do you find most challenging in today’s industry? What keeps you up at night?

Pender Nursery is known for diversity, quality and customer service. We are also known as the first licensed grower of Encores™ azaleas on the East Coast. We continue to provide great quality Encores™ and other branded plants.

Why do your customers love you?

Our customers love us because they know what they are going to get when our trucks pull into their yard.

They also know that, if there is a mistake, we will go above and beyond to fix any issues that arise.

What has been most rewarding part of your career?

I’ve always enjoyed working outdoors, watching plants and the nursery grow. The biggest reward however, has been the people. We have long-term employees who started as laborers and now have leadership positions.

Watching individuals grow and develop is very

Even with all the new technology, the business is still very labor intensive. In the eighties and nineties there were always young people in high school, college and recent graduates looking for work, starting as labor and working their way up. Today, just as we have to look once again for domestic labor, there are fewer people interested in nursery work. Finding general laborers is our major challenge.

How does your business benefit from membership in NCNLA? The marketing that NCNLA provides to North Carolina’s growers is one of the biggest benefits of belonging. The Green & Growin’ tradeshow has been very successful for us, and the training and networking

Above: There are more than 50 people on the Pender Nursery team. Jim Deal gets tremendous satisfaction watching them grow, move into leadership positions and put fresh thinking into play.

Left: Jim and Nancy Deal.

there has been very valuable. Again it is the people. I know of no other business where people competing in the same markets share their knowledge, information and support so willingly. From the time I started at Pender, there have been many great people who shared their experiences with me to help make Pender Nursery what it is today.

What advice would you give someone trying to start a business or career in North Carolina’s green industry?

A love for plants may provide the passion for wanting to start a nursery, but a good business plan and a clear understanding of your market’s needs is critical. It’ll take hard work, long hours and a cash flow. But it can be very rewarding in the long run.

Get in touch 919.772.7255 | info@ pendernursery.com | pendernursery.com |  facebook.com/PenderNursery SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 9

NCNLA VENDOR SPOTLIGHT

MEMBER CPP & CYPP NEWS DATES

Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina

AG C AR OLIN A | C AP E F E A R | C A R O L I N A

MEMBER NEWS OBITUARY NCNLA Board Member Lynn McCleneghen

CPP and CYPP Test Dates Announced Are you ready to be recognized for your skills and expertise? The North Carolina Certified Plant Professional (CPP) certification is a written and plant identification test that seeks to recognize proficiency in the green industry’s workforce, upgrade the status of industry professionals, and provide the public with a means of identifying qualified green industry professionals. NCNLA has certified more than 2400 industry professionals since the inception of the certification.

Upcoming 2017 CPP Test Dates:

The Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina Donated $110,000 to Hurricane Matthew flood relief efforts in North Carolina. Farm Credit Employees are seen here volunteering to help clean up a house that was damaged by the flood.

Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina Years in Business: 101 Offices 54 branches throughout the state Top Team: Vance C. Dalton, Jr., CEO, Carolina Farm Credit Statesville, NC Brad Cornelius, CEO, Cape Fear Farm Credit Fayetteville, NC David W. Corum, CEO, AgCarolina Farm Credit Raleigh, NC Check it out farmcredit100.com farmcreditofNC.com

As part of the national Farm Credit System, the Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina (FCANC) has been serving the credit needs of rural North Carolina for 101 years. The representatives who run its 54 branch offices are long-time members of their communities, 417 employees who are trusted for their local know-how and relied upon for their agricultural expertise.

We asked Will Johnson, Marketing Specialist for Carolina Farm Credit, to give us a quick snapshot of the organization that has provided critical support to the people and businesses of the NC green industry — generation after generation.

The Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina CEOs present a check for $55,000 to the Salvation Army to help with Hurricane Matthew flood relief. The organization also donated $55,000 to the NC Baptist Men Disaster Relief Fund.

What core values drive your business philosophy? How are they reflected through your relationships with customers and employees?

You'll find we're not quite like any other lender. We understand agriculture, and we have the best tools to help our local rural community members finance their farms and lives. We know farming and agribusiness best because our loan officers and directors are local farmers. They live in the area they serve and are an active part of their rural communities.

Who are your core customers? What are the What are your most important products and services? biggest challenges you help them solve?

We have a range of loans available:

Farm Loans — for machinery, livestock, operating expenses, land and all the other things you need to keep your full- or part-time farm running.

Ag-Related Loans — for an agribusiness that markets or processes agricultural products, or funding for non-agricultural purposes like student loans or a vacation home.

Home Loans — you can get a home loan or refinancing for your place in the country, whether you’re a farmer or just someone wanting to live a rural lifestyle.

We also offer appraisal services, equipment and facility leasing, crop insurance and life insurance.

May 5 - Mt. Olive, NC

May 17 - Mebane, NC

September 14 - Asheville, NC

October 6 - Fayetteville, NC

October 26 - Wilson, NC

Certified Young Plant Professional (CYPP) is a distinction that recognizes proficiency in the nursery workforce, and provides the green industry with a means of identifying qualified young nursery professionals.

CYPP testing is administered by NCNLA. Since the program began, in 2015, 14 individuals who have earned the CYPP designation.

Upcoming 2017 CYPP Test Dates:

May 5 - Mt. Olive, NC

May 17 - Mebane, NC

September 14 - Asheville, NC

Anything else you’d like to share?

We are a cooperative; our members own our company and elect our board of directors from the membership. the Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina have returned $810,000,000 in patronage to our member-borrowers.

t is with great sadness that the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association (NCNLA) announces the passing of current Board of Directors member Lynn McCleneghen on February 27. She was 56.

McCleneghen served as the head Landscape Designer at Parker Landscape Services, Inc. in Apex, NC. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a Bachelor of Science in Ornamental Horticulture in 1983, she worked for Greenscapes, Inc. as a residential landscape designer from 1984-1989, and at Bland Landscaping Company, Inc. in a similar capacity from 1989-1998.

Prior to joining Parker’s, Lynn worked alongside her husband Scott and his company Artisan Landscape, Inc. beginning in June 1998.

Lynn began her service on the NCNLA Board of Directors in January 2016, and had previously served North Carolina’s green industry as a Board Member for North Carolina Landscape Contractors Association in the early 1990s.

“Lynn was a very kind and wonderful person,” said NCNLA President Chad Gragg. “Her passing is an incredible loss to her family, for our industry and most certainly for our organization. Our Board of Directors is like a family of sorts, and we’ve lost one of our own way too soon. Lynn will be greatly missed.”

NATIVE PLANTS FOR SALE

She is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Francis Patrick McCleneghen II; her daughters, Hailey Lynn and Kelsey Elizabeth; and her son, Francis Patrick III. She is also survived by her sisters, Karen Preis of Cary, Joy Teston of Orlando, FL, and brother George Pearson of Seaford, DE. She is also beloved by an extended family of in-laws, nephews and nieces.

We Specialize in Herbaceous Native Plants for:

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

NCNLA would like to express our sincerest sympathies to the family, friends and colleagues of Lynn McCleneghen. We are eternally thankful for her service, dedication and the tremendous contributions she made to the organization and our industry.

To learn more and register for a test, go to www.ncnla.com.

North Carolina farmers and rural residents can qualify for loans for farms, homes, agribusinesses and more from Farm Credit. We’re here in good times and bad. Farming gets tough and when it does, Farm Credit will be there to support you and your financing needs. We've been helping rural North Carolina for generations and will continue for generations to come.

Get in Touch: agcarolina.com | capefearfarmcredit.com | carolinafarmcredit.com 10 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

I

NATIVE PLANTS FOR SALE

We Specialize in Herbaceous Native Plants for: We Specialize in Herbaceous

Native Plants for:& Tidal Marsh Dune Storm Water Management Ponds Grasses

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

HORTICULTURAL SERVICES

Kevin T. Fabula

410-329-6466 Fax 410-329-2156

19960 Gore Mill Road, Freeland, MD 21053 www.signaturehort.com • kevin@signaturehort.com

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 11

“It’s a great place to meet with regular customers, greet new prospects, find new plant material and check out new vendors.”

GREEN& GROW N’

January 16 – 20 Greensboro, NC

4,602 Total Attendees

1,900

37

Companies Attended

States Represented plus Canada and Australia

Expanding Opportunities at Green & Growin’ 17 A fresh mix of on-point programs, innovative networking and market opportunities earn top marks for NCNLA’s annual green industry gathering.

New Shoots, Strong Roots Long recognized for its gracious Southern hospitality and “down home” feel, this year’s event offered even greater value with more education sessions, more vendors and more networking events than ever before. “G&G is very different today than it

“OMG! What have I been missing — it was like a Toys“R”Us for grown folk!” That’s what one

was in the early years. The scope and focus of its programs have evolved with the

person wrote after experiencing Green & Growin’ for the first time this year. The industry’s

changing needs of our industry,” said NCNLA President, Chad Gragg (Robert M. Gragg

premier Education Conference and Marketplace once again drew horticulture and landscaping

& Sons Nursery - Lenoir, NC). “One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is G&G’s warm

professionals out in droves — and NCNLA’s post-event surveys once again came back filled with

and welcoming community of peers.”

their rave reviews.

It doesn’t matter whether you work for others or own the firm, spend your days in the

Green & Growin’ 17 welcomed more than 4,600 industry members to the annual gathering, which

field or behind a desk, have been around forever or are just starting out, “when you’re

took place January 16-20 in Greensboro, NC. Attendees included a broad range of green industry

at G&G you’re family,” said Gragg. “This is where we come to share information and

buyers and sellers representing more than 1,900 companies located in 37 states, Canada and

ideas, so we can all get better at our jobs, run more successful businesses and create

Australia.

new growth for our industry.”

12 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

Source: Attendee and exhibitor surveys

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 13

“I really like being able to get all the credits I need in one place.”

GREEN& GROW N’

EDUCATION

Education: Raising the Bar Year after year, G&G’s education program elevates thousands of industry professionals with the most relevant knowledge, a way to earn required CEUs and training designed to develop the competitive edge this industry constantly demands.

10 200+CEUs

1,634

From Monday through Wednesday, G&G’s Education Conference offered a total of 160 hours of world-class business training. More than 1,600 registrants took advantage of the opportunity to refresh their skills and earn continuing education credits.

“New barcode registration and class attendance tracking were fantastic.”

The broad program included 58 seminars set across ten brand new training tracks— plus six specialty and certification classes. With more than 200 CEUs offered, Green & Growin’ 2017 was the one-stop shop for green industry professionals looking to earn credits toward nine accreditations at the national, regional and state levels.

attendees

58

seminars/ workshops

This year’s dynamic line-up included presentations from people like renowned economist Charlie Hall, who delivered the keynote address; best-selling author and international speaker Jason Goldberg; and national award-winning NCSU instructor Bryce Lane. “These were thought-provoking sessions filled with industryessential content,” said NCNLA Past President, Brad Rollins (Fairview Garden Center - Raleigh, NC).

NCNLA implemented electronic badge scanning as a means of tracking CEUs this year. Each attendee’s badge had a bar code scanned upon entering a seminar.

The system automatically generated a Certificate of Attendance to confirm that person’s participation in the session. Attendees were thrilled with the increased efficiency of the new tracking process — made possible by NCNLA’s brand new registration system, which uses bar codes to reduce the time and “hassle factor” of long check-in lines.

14 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

education tracks

160 6

specialty/ certification classes

hours of business education

“...wide variety of educational opportunities with many options for CEUs.”

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 15

GREEN& GROW N’

SUPPORTING NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURE FOR 100 YEARS Farm Credit knows a thing or two about lending, and we’re a friend you can depend on. We’ve been a stable source of financing to North Carolina agriculture for 100 years. Whether it’s financing for your nursery business, land, a lot or a new home, we know your needs are as diverse as the landscape across our state. Call us. We’re the experts.

• Equipment and Nursery Stock • Land and Lots • Homes • Acreage

16 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

Networking: New Ways to Connect

After Dark Party.

NCNLA decided to shake things up a bit this year by spreading networking events throughout the week instead of having one big shebang. The Green & Growin’ Happy Hour took place on Tuesday afternoon, followed on Wednesday evening with the After Hours gathering. Both events offered industry professionals the perfect platform to kick back and chat with their peers over drinks and light hors d’oeuvres.

The annual Industry Awards and After Dark celebration kicked off Thursday night. The awards honored industry “MVPs” for 2016. G&G’s After Dark was the time to cut loose with fascinating folks from every part of the green industry. NCNLA’s President Chad Gragg and his three-man band, The Bush Pushers, wowed the crowd. Along with the live music, partygoers got a chance to just let their hair down and socialize with likeminded associates.

Feed Your Mind Luncheon.

Also new on the docket this year, Wednesday's Feed Your Mind Luncheon brought experts and professionals together in a roundtable setting to chat about a variety of pertinent industry topics. The practical session allowed attendees to learn, network and gather applicable takeaways to bring back to their businesses.

FINANCING FOR: • Buildings and Fences

NETWORKING

AG C A R O L I N A | C A P E F E A R | C A R O L I N A

farmcreditofnc.com

Another successful Women in the Green Industry Gathering brought peers together for fellowship, food and fascinating information. Sharon Day of Mellow Marsh Farm, Inc., in Siler City, NC, shared tips for gathering native plant seeds by canoe and horseback and talked about the beginnings of Campbell Road Nursery in Raleigh, NC. She and Phil Campbell of Campbell Road also led a lively conversation about starting businesses from scratch and the partnerships that allow them to prosper.

Day, Campbell and Paige Moody of Arbor Enterprises in Pittsboro, NC, sponsored the event.

Women in the Green Industry Gathering.

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 17

GREEN& GROW N’

Libby Wilder Award NC Cooperative Extension Specialist Amanda Taylor (Greenville, NC) received NCNLA’s 2016 Libby Wilder Award. The honor recognizes outstanding contributions by a woman in the nursery industry.

NCNLA recognized the accomplishments of several exceptional individuals during the Industry Awards presentation at Green & Growin’ 17.

IN D

Beginning his landscaping career at the age of 14 in the family business, Bland went on to earn degrees in Agriculture Business Management and Horticulture Science from NCSU. His commitment to industry professionalism, education and sustainability is reflected by the many titles he holds, including: Landscape Industry Certified Technician, Landscape Industry Certified Manager and NC Licensed Irrigation Contractor.

The Jerry Ragland Award is named for the dedicated landscape contractor and past president of the North Carolina Landscape Association. Honorees are NCNLA members who have worked in the industry between three and ten years and are nominated by the NCNLA membership.

18 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

Named after the long-time “organizer extraordinaire” for the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen, the Libby Wilder Award was established in 1999.

NCNLA

S D USTR R Y AWA Kim Powell Outstanding Contribution to the Horticulture Industry Award

Jerry Ragland Young Landscape Professional Award Kurt Bland of Bland Landscaping (Apex, NC) received the Jerry Ragland Award for 2016. The honor recognizes an outstanding young person in the landscape business for achievements in the industry and the community.

As the go-to resource for approximately 30 counties in Western NC, Taylor uses her superior integrated pest management skills and training to teach field and container growers best practices in pesticide application. She also helps growers save money and create a safe working environment for their employees.

Oakland Award This year’s Oakland Award winner, Paige Moody of Arbor Enterprises (Pittsboro, NC), was recognized for her enthusiasm for entrepreneurship, and for more than 35 years of devoted service to the green industry as a landscape business owner and operator. Moody’s desire to serve and her commitment to the industry are clear. The former NCNLA board member is a North Carolina Landscape and Irrigation Contractor, Certified Plant Professional and Certified Professional in Storm Water Management.

Established in 1978 by Oakland Plantation, the Oakland Award is given to individuals for outstanding service to the landscape industry.

Justin Snyder of Alamance Community College received the 2016 Kim Powell Award.

As a teacher and advisor to students and future professionals at ACC, Snyder manages and maintains the horticulture classrooms, greenhouses and various outdoor laboratory spaces on campus. He contributes to numerous industry associations and organizations, including NCNLA, and holds the following green industry certifications: Registered Landscape Contractor, Certified Arborist and Certified Plant Professional.

Established in 2004, this award recognizes an individual for contribution to the association and the industry through involvement in program development and execution.

D.S. Copeland Lifetime Achievement Award David Goodson of Goodson & Associates (Wake Forest, NC) received the 2016 D.S. Copeland Award in recognition of his 20 years of service and dedication to the green industry. Selling for growers across the country, Goodson has served as an active member of many industry groups, including NCNLA; the Green Industry Council; Maryland Landscape, Nursery and Greenhouse Association; and Virginia Nursery and Landscape Association.

Goodson embodies great leadership skills, mentoring many up and coming industry professionals and willingly sharing his vast knowledge both professionally and personally.

Established in 1972, and named for the founder of Apex Nurseries, the D.S. Copeland Award recognizes outstanding contribution to the nursery industry by a candidate working directly in the nursery industry.

NCNLA Honorary Member Morris Newlin of New Garden Nursery & Landscape (Greensboro, NC) was recognized with a Honorary NCNLA Membership. Since the earliest days of his family’s business — which began in their own backyard in the late 1960s — Newlin has demonstrated his passion for plants and people. He remains deeply committed to the core principles of responsible corporate citizenship, hiring and retaining inspired employees and, most importantly, delivering exceptional customer service. A long-time industry leader, Newlin has been actively involved in organizations such as NCNLA, the NC Green Industry Council and AmericanHort.

Bill Wilder Outstanding Young Nursery Professional Hunter Casey, of Casey Nursery (Goldsboro, NC) is the recipient of the 2016 Bill Wilder Award. The honor recognizes qualified young men and women who have demonstrated outstanding service in the field of environmental horticulture.

Currently the Assistant Production Manager for the nursery, Casey is the fourth generation to work in the family business. He serves as an industry leader through his involvement in multiple industry organizations and associations, including NCNLA, Johnston County Nurserymen Association and the NC Farm Bureau.

Established in 1994, and named for the long-time executive director of the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen, the Bill Wilder Award offers inspiration for others starting out in the field.

Candidates must have a very strong record of industry leadership.

Grower of the Year Award C&G Nursery (Newland, NC), owned by Doug and Jane Clark was named NCNLA’s Grower of the Year for 2016. The nursery owes its success to the dedication, hard work, & perseverance of its owners.

Throughout their 40+ years in the industry, the Clarks have aimed to provide customers with quality plants/trees at a fair and reasonable price — looking always for long-time customer loyalty instead of a one-time sale. The nursery is known for its variety of inventory. The Clarks offer more than 100 different varieties of trees and shrubs today.

They also still grow Fraser fir trees and other native ornamental plants that started the business.

Established in 1994, NCNLA’s Grower of the Year award recognizes a high level of professionalism in the management or ownership of a field or container nursery in North Carolina. Those honored also have demonstrated leadership in the nursery industry through participation in local, regional, state and national organizations.

The NCNLA Board of Directors selects the recipient of an Honorary Membership in recognition of lifetime contribution or achievements in the industry.

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 19

GREEN& GROW N’

NCNLA

NCNLA Horticulture Scholarship Fund Donors

Marketplace Booth Awards

The NCNLA Board of Directors wishes to thank the following Green & Growin’ 17 exhibitors for their contribution to the NCNLA Horticulture Scholarship Fund, which identifies and aids future industry leaders through education financial assistance.

Best in Show

Best Floral Ornamental Booth 2 Plant International A & A Plants, Inc. A.D.R Bulbs, Inc. Aarons Creek Farms, Inc.

Arborbrace Staking Systems, Inc. Atlantic Irrigation Atlas Manuafacturing A-V International

Greenville, NC

Raleigh, NC

Flowerwood Nursery, Inc.

Colonial Acres Nursery/ Outdoor Power Equipment

Foothills Compost

H & H Farm Machine Co. H.E. Anderson Company

Commercial Pine Straw

ForeverLawn of the Carolinas

Hackney Nursery

Fowler's Nursery

Haifa North America

Fraser Knoll

Hamner Tree Farm

G&S Nursery

Hanes Geo Components

Gardenscape

Harrell's Fertilizer, Inc.

Gate City Power Equipment

Haviland Plastic Products

Gilmore Plant & Bulb Co., Inc.

Hawksridge Farms

Bryan Wagoner Tree Farm Buds & Blooms Nursery Buffalo Horticulture Sales BWI Companies

Country Ridge Nursery Creekside Farms Nursery

C and J Nursery

Curv-Rite, Inc.

Cam Too Camellia Nursery, Inc.

Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser

Camellia Forest Nursery

Davis Floral Company

Bailey Nurseries, Inc.

Cape Fear Turf Farm, Inc.

Baker Environmental Nursery, Inc.

Carolina Cat Carolina Cedar Planters

Baucom's Nursery

Carolina Finest Fountains & Statuary

Bennett's Creek Nursery

Carolina Golf Cars

Bentwood Farms Big Frog Nursery

Carolina Landscape Supplies, Inc.

Biosafe Systems

Carolina Native Nursery

Bison Compost, LLP

Carolina Perlite Company, Inc. Casey Nursery, Inc.

Blankenship Farms & Nursery

Charleston Aquatic Nurseries

Bobbex, Inc.

Charlie's Creek Nursery, Inc.

Boulder Design

Cottage Hill Nursery

Crumpler Plastic Pipe

Campbell Road Nursery, Inc.

Bottoms Nursery, LLC

Coor Farm Supply Service, Inc.

Byron Lakeview Nursery, LLC

Back Road Farms

Blalock Machinery and Equipment Company, Inc.

Taylor’s Nursery

Cold Mountain Nursery

Breezy Acres Nursery

Brunson Wholesale Nursery

BASF Corporation

Concrete Creations

Five Star Turf

Adcock's Nursery

Autrusa, Inc.

Best Woody Ornamental Booth

Fertileeze

Classic Groundcovers, Inc.

Brooksville Palms

Arbor Fields

Best Allied Booth

Clark's Liner Farm

Brookshire & Associates

Apex Nurseries, Inc.

Riner, VA

Brantley Nurseries

ACT Construction Equipment

Angel Creek Nursery

High Point, NC

Faron Green Nursery

Acer Acres, Inc.

Amplex

Riverbend Nursery, LLC

City Nursery Farm, Inc.

Brightside Bamboo

After Hours Nursery, LLC

Gossett's Landscape Nursery, Inc.

Bouldin Nursery & Greenhouse

Cherokee Manufacturing

Currins Nursery, Inc.

Davidson Farm Davis Insurance Agency Day Lily Nursery, Inc. Dayton Bag & Burlap Devroomen Garden Products Diddley Dadburn Tree Plantation Ditch Witch of North Carolina Dutchman Industries, Inc. Eason Horticultural Resources, Inc. Ecologel Solutions, LLC Equipment Tracking Solutions

Griffith Propagation Nursery, Inc. GROWinBAG

Glen Cole's Twin Cedars Nursery

Gutter Dome Mid Atlantic

Hawkins Nursery, Inc. Hefner's Nursery Heritage Farms

Gold Hill Sales, Inc.

Hibernia Nursery

Goodson & Associates

Hickory Hill Nursery

Gossett's Landscape Nursery, Inc.

High Country Nursery

GPS Fleet Consulting Gra-Mac Irrigation

Homestead Nursery & Farm, LLC

Grants Creek Nursery, Inc.

HOMS, LLC

Great Lakes Fastening

I Must Garden

Green Biz Nursery & Landscaping, Inc.

ICL Specialty Fertilizers

Green Resource

Iseli Nursery

Greenius by LS Training System

ITB Co., Inc.

Hoffman Nursery, Inc.

Intelligro

Greenleaf Nursery Co.

J & B Herb and Plant Farms

Greensboro Shrub Nursery

J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.

Greenscape Tools, Inc.

Jackson Nursery

Evergreen Partners of Raleigh

GreenSource Direct, Inc.

Jake A. Parrott Insurance Agency

Fair View Nursery, Inc.

Greenthumb Nursery, LLC

James Greenhouses

Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies

James River Equipment Co, Inc.

Farm Credit Association

Continued on next page 20 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 21

NCNLA Horticulture Scholarship Fund Donors Continued from previous page

Jericho Farms

Mid-Atlantic Stihl

PlantANT

JLPN, Inc.

Miller's Ground Cover

Plantworks Nursery, Inc.

John Holmlund Nursery

Poplar Ridge Nursery, LLC

Johnson Nursery Corp.

Mineral Springs Ornamentals, LLC

Johnston County Nursery Marketing Association

Mize Farm and Garden ML Irrigation Systems, Inc.

Jones Insurance Agency, Inc.

Monrovia

JWD Trees, Inc.

Moon's Tree Farm, Inc.

Prichard's Nursery Equipment, LLC

Native Forest Nursery

Pritchett Farms Nurseries

NC Farm Bureau

Pro Green, Inc.

NC Pine Needle Producers Assn.

Puckett Greenhouses, LLC

Nelson Nursery

Rainbow Trees

K & M Nursery K E A Growers KCK Farms, LLC Kenneth Myers and Sons Nursery King-Hughes Fasteners

Netherland Bulb Company, Inc.

King's Greenhouse, Inc.

Neuse Plant and Bark, Inc.

King's Sunset Nursery, Inc.

Next To Nature Landscape Design, Inc.

Kirk Davis Nursery Knats Creek Nursery L & H Enterprises Lake Oconee Tree Farm Lake Tree Growers

North 40 Nursery, Inc. North American Nursery, Inc.

Powell's Nursery, LLC Premier Growers, Inc.

R.A. Dudley Nurseries, Inc.

Southern Ag

Tom Landreth Greenhouses

Southern Stone Supply

Topiary Creations, Inc.

Southern Touch Landscaping, LLC

Transplant Nursery, Inc.

Tom Dodd Nurseries, Inc.

Tree Equipment Design, Inc. Tri Est Irrigation Triad Irrigation & Landscape Supply Triangle Turf & Ornamental

Rhodes Nursery

Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc.

Rimol Greenhouse Systems

Springdale Water Gardens

Tupper Tree Farm

SRW Products

Turf Mountain Sod, Inc.

Stalite Environmental (PermaTill)

TurfCo

Star Roses/The Conard Pyle Co.

Turtle Creek Nursery, Inc.

Riverbend Nursery, LLC

Leinbachs, Inc.

NurserySouth, LLC

Lemon Hole Nursery

OHP

Liberty Nursery, LLC

Old Courthouse Nursery

Lilley Farms & Nursery, Inc.

Oldcastle Adams Products, Inc.

River's Edge Nursery, LLC

Robinson Nursery Roger Coffey & Sons Nursery, Inc.

Starling Nursery Steve Myers and Son Nursery

Tri-State Distributors, Inc.

Turner & Sons Nursery UpShoot, LLC V&G Topiary Nursery Valley View Nursery

STI Turf Care Equipment

Van Belle Nursery, Inc.

Stockhaven Nursery, LLC

Vandemark Farms, LLC

Stony Point Nursery and Farms

Vans Pines Nursery

Stover Manufacturing

Vermeer Mid Atlantic, LLC

Stuppy Greenhouse

Wagoner's Nursery, LLC

Sugar Mountain Nursery

Walnut Hill Farms

Sun Gro Horticulture, Inc.

Walters Gardens, Inc.

Superior Greenery

Warren County Nursery

Sampson Nursery, Inc.

Super-Sod Swift Creek Nursery

Waynesboro Nurseries, Inc.

RootMaker Products Co, LLC Rose Creek Nursery and Landscaping

PAK Unlimited, Inc.

Roundstone Native Seed, LLC

Palmetto Vermiculite

Rusty Mangrum Nursery

Panter & Sunderland Nursery

S & J Greens

Panther Creek Nursery

Southeastern Growers

Spring Creek Nursery

Robert M. Gragg & Sons Nursery

Low Falls Wholesale Nursery

Todco Inc.

Reddick Equipment Company of NC, LLC

Nursery Supplies, Inc.

Long Pond Nursery

Tinga Nursery, Inc.

Southeast Ladder Company

Spivey's Nursery, Inc.

Lathams Nursery, Inc.

Long Branch Farm Nursery

Tiftuf Turf

Smith's Nursery, Inc.

Reaves Nursery Farm, LLC

Riverside Plastics, Inc.

Pack Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Tidwell Nurseries, Inc.

SiteLight LD, Inc.

Specialty Tag & Label, Inc.

Nufarm Americas, Inc.

Little River Nursery

Thumb's Up Nursery

Simpson Nurseries

Ray Bracken Nursery, Inc.

Lanes Creek Trees

Oldcastle Lawn & Garden

Shiloh Nursery

Ralph Modlin Farm

Lambert Peat Moss, Inc.

Liner Source, Inc.

Three Volcanoes Farm, LLC

Specialty Converting and Supply

North Carolina Composting Council

LMN

S Squared Green Goods

Vereens Turf Products

LS Training System

Parker Bark Co., Inc.

Luck Stone Center

Parsons Nursery, Inc.

Sandhills Community College

Syngenta

Weeks Roses

Lumber River Native Plants

Pattillo Tree Farm, Inc.

Sandy's Plants, Inc.

T.H. Blue, Inc.

Weigel Farms

Mack Bros. Landscape Nursery

Pender Nursery, Inc.

Saunders Brothers

Taylor's Nursery, Inc.

Wetland Plants, Inc.

Pennington Seed

Scott Stone, Inc.

Tedder Nursery

White House Gardens

Performance Outdoor Products

Scottree

Tennessee Valley Nursery, Inc.

Windmill Nursery of Louisiana

McHutchison

Piedmont Carolina Nursery

Sester Farms, Inc.

The Greenhouse Company of SC, LLC

Windy Acres Nursery, Inc.

McLamb Nursery, Inc.

Piney Mountain Tree Farm

Mellow Marsh Farm, Inc.

Plant & Supply Locator

Marian Gardens Tree Farm Marlboro Bulb Company

Michell's 22 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

Nicholson Farms

Poverty Hill Nursery

Shenandoah Stone Supply Co.

SePRO Corporation Shady Grove Plantation & Nursery, Inc. Shady Rest Nursery

The Holly Factory The Perennial Farm

Woodard's Farms & Nursery Wyatt-Quarles Seed Company

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 23

GREEN& GROW N’

“We got a variety of information to help grow our business.”

MARKETPLACE

2 Plant International

Brightside Bamboo

Classic Groundcovers, Inc.

Five Star Turf

Hackney Nursery

A & A Plants, Inc.

Brookshire & Associates

Cold Mountain Nursery

Flowerwood Nursery, Inc.

Haifa North America

A.D.R Bulbs, Inc.

Brooksville Palms

Foothills Compost

Hamner Tree Farm

Aarons Creek Farms, Inc.

Brunson Wholesale Nursery

Colonial Acres Nursery/ Outdoor Power Equipment

Hanes Geo Components

Commercial Pine Straw

ForeverLawn of the Carolinas Fowler's Nursery

Full Line Equipment

Acer Acres, Inc. ACT Construction Equipment After Hours Nursery, LLC

BWI Companies

Amplex

Byron Lakeview Nursery, LLC

Arbor Fields Arborbrace Staking Systems, Inc. Atlantic Irrigation Atlas Manuafacturing Audubon North Carolina Autrusa, Inc.

On Thursday and Friday, more than 1700 attendees gathered at the G&G Marketplace ready to do business, network and learn the latest news about green industry trends for the year ahead. The two-day green-goods tradeshow spread 649 booths across the expansive Greensboro Coliseum.

Attendees had the opportunity to visit 414 exhibiting companies from North Carolina, the Southeast and across the nation. This year’s selection of growers, producers, suppliers, hard goods, tools and equipment dealers ensured attendees could find everything they need for a successful 2017.

Networking opportunities throughout the show made it a great place to connect and build relationships. NCNLA’s new Member Lounge offered members a place on the show floor where they could relax, reboot and chat with peers over snacks and beverages. The Putting Green was another popular place to catch up and connect. A myriad of industry professionals, buyers and decision makers came to try their luck in support of the NCNLA Beacon Fund. Both of this year’s winners donated their prize money to NCNLA’s advocacy efforts.

Marketplace Attendees

4,437 Average Attendance*

649 414

Booths

A-V International Back Road Farms Bailey Nurseries, Inc. Baker Environmental Nursery, Inc.

“Large enough to make it worthwhile, but small enough to be able to do business.”

C and J Nursery C.Pine Associates

Camellia Forest Nursery Cape Fear Turf Farm, Inc. Carlton Plants, LLC Carolina Cat Carolina Cedar Planters Carolina Crepe Myrtle & Shade Tree, LLC.

Bennett's Creek Nursery

Carolina Landscape Supplies, Inc.

Bison Compost, LLP Blalock Machinery and Equipment Company, Inc.

Country Folks Grower Country Ridge Nursery County Line Tree Farm

Currins Nursery, Inc.

Carolina Golf Cars

Biosafe Systems

Cottage Hill Nursery

Cam Too Camellia Nursery, Inc.

Baucom's Nursery

Big Frog Nursery

Coor Farm Supply Service, Inc.

Creekside Farms Nursery

Carolina Finest Fountains & Statuary

Bentwood Farms

Concrete Creations

Caldwell County Nurserymen's Association

BASF Corporation

Carolina Native Nursery Carolina Perlite Company, Inc. Carolinas Green Industry Network

Crumpler Plastic Pipe Curv-Rite, Inc. Daddy Pete's Plant Pleaser Davidson Farm

Gate City Power Equipment Georgia Green Industry Association Gilmore Plant & Bulb Co., Inc. Glen Cole's Twin Cedars Nursery

Hefner's Nursery Heritage Block Heritage Farms Hibernia Nursery Hickory Hill Nursery High Country Nursery Hillside Nursery Wholesale Co., LLC Hoffman Nursery, Inc.

Day Lily Nursery, Inc. Dayton Bag & Burlap

Homestead Nursery & Farm, LLC

GPS Fleet Consulting

Devroomen Garden Products

HOMS, LLC

Gra-Mac Irrigation

Diddley Dadburn Tree Plantation

Grants Creek Nursery, Inc.

Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits

Great Lakes Fastening

I Must Garden

Green Biz Nursery & Landscaping, Inc.

ICL Specialty Fertilizers

Green Resource

Intelligro

Greenius by LS Training System

Irrigation Association

Ditch Witch of North Carolina Dixie Chopper Dow Agro Sciences Dutchman Industries, Inc. Dykes & Son Nursery

Ecologel Solutions, LLC

Charleston Aquatic Nurseries

Equipment Tracking Solutions

Charlie's Creek Nursery, Inc.

Evergreen Partners of Raleigh

Bouldin Nursery & Greenhouse

Cherokee Manufacturing

Fair View Nursery, Inc.

Brantley Nurseries

City Nursery Farm, Inc.

Farm Credit Association

Clarity Connect, Inc.

Faron Green Nursery

Clark's Liner Farm

Fertileeze

Breezy Acres Nursery

Gardenscape

Hawksridge Farms

Holmberg Farms, Inc.

Casey Nursery, Inc.

Boulder Design

Gant's Nursery

Hawkins Nursery, Inc.

Gossett's Landscape Nursery, Inc.

East Coast Tropicals

Bottoms Nursery, LLC

G&S Trees, Inc.

Goodson & Associates

Davis Insurance Agency

Carroll's Plant Center, Inc.

Bobcat Company

Haviland Plastic Products

G&S Nursery

Holloway's Nursery

Davis Floral Company

Eason Horticultural Resources, Inc.

Bobbex, Inc.

Fraser Knoll

Harrell's Fertilizer, Inc.

Gold Hill Sales, Inc.

Carolinas Irrigation Association

Blankenship Farms & Nursery Bob Young's Nursery

Exhibiting companies

Buds & Blooms Nursery Buffalo Horticulture Sales

Apex Nurseries, Inc.

1,700+

Bryan Wagoner Tree Farm

Adcock's Nursery

Angel Creek Nursery

Marketplace: Profitable Options

EXHIBITORS

Greenleaf Nursery Co. Greensboro Shrub Nursery Greenscape Tools, Inc. GreenSource Direct, Inc. Greenthumb Nursery, LLC Griffin Greenhouse & Nursery Supplies Griffith Propagation Nursery, Inc. GROWinBAG Gutter Dome Mid Atlantic H & H Farm Machine Co. H.E. Anderson Company

Infinite Trading, Inc.

Iseli Nursery ITB Co., Inc. J & B Herb and Plant Farms J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. J. Parlier & Associates Jackson Nursery Jake A. Parrott Insurance Agency James Greenhouses James River Equipment Co., Inc. JC Raulston Arboretum Jericho Farms

Continued on next page 24 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 25

GREEN& GROW N’

MARKETPLACE

Continued from previous page

EXHIBITORS JLPN, Inc.

Marlboro Bulb Company

John Holmlund Nursery

McCorkle Nurseries

Johnson and Company Irrigation

McHutchison

Johnson Nursery Corp.

McMakin Farms, Inc.

Johnston County Nursery Marketing Association

McLamb Nursery, Inc. Mellow Marsh Farm, Inc.

North Carolina Christmas Tree Association

Prichard's Nursery Equipment, LLC

Shady Grove Plantation & Nursery, Inc.

T.H. Blue, Inc.

North Carolina Composting Council

Pritchett Farms Nurseries

Shady Rest Nursery

Professional Grounds Management Society

Shenandoah Stone Supply, Co.

Taylor's Nursery, Inc.

North Carolina Native Plant Society

Pro Green Inc.

MHC Kenworth

North Carolina State University

Michell's

North Creek Nurseries

Mid-Atlantic Stihl

Nufarm Americas, Inc. Nursery Supplies, Inc.

K & M Nursery

Mighty Products Corporation

K E A Growers

Miller's Ground Cover

NYP Corp.

KCK Farms, LLC

MIneral Springs Ornamentals, LLC

OHP

Jones Insurance Agency Inc./Builders Mutual Insurance Company JWD Trees, Inc.

Kenneth Myers and Sons Nursery

Mize Farm and Garden

NurserySouth, LLC

Old Courthouse Nursery Oldcastle Adams Products, Inc.

King-Hughes Fasteners

ML Irrigation Systems, Inc.

King's Greenhouse, Inc.

Monrovia

Oldcastle Lawn & Garden

King's Sunset Nursery, Inc.

Moon's Tree Farm, Inc.

Kirk Davis Nursery

MV Enterprises

Pack Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Knats Creek Nursery

National Hispanic Landscape Alliance

PAK Unlimited, Inc.

Native Forest Nursery

Panter & Sunderland Nursery

KT Ornamentals L & H Enterprises Lake Oconee Tree Farm Lake Tree Growers

NC Community College Hort Instructors Assn.

Lambert Peat Moss, Inc.

NC Dept. of Agriculture Marketing Division

LandOpt, LLC

NC Invasive Plant Council

Lanes Creek Trees

NC Irrigation Contractors' Licensing Board

Lathams Nursery, Inc. Leinbachs, Inc. Lemon Hole Nursery

NC Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board

Palmetto Vermiculite

Panther Creek Nursery Parker Bark Co., Inc. Parsons Nursery, Inc. Pattillo Tree Farm, Inc. Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden Pender Nursery, Inc. Pennington Seed

Puckett Greenhouses, LLC R.A. Dudley Nurseries, Inc. Rainbow Trees Ralph Modlin Farm Ray Bracken Nursery, Inc. Reaves Nursery Farm, LLC Reddick Equipment Company of NC, LLC

Shiloh Nursery Simmons Irrigation Supply Simpson Nurseries SiteLight LD, Inc. Siteone Landscape Supply Smith's Nursery, Inc. Southeast Ladder Company

Rhodes Nursery

Southeastern Growers

Rimol Greenhouse Systems

Southern Ag Southern Stone Supply

Riverbend Nursery, LLC

Specialty Converting and Supply

River's Edge Nursery, LLC

Tankard Nurseries Tedder Nursery Tennessee Valley Nursery, Inc.

Vereens Turf Products

The Perennial Farm

Vermeer Mid Atlantic, LLC

The Xerces Society & USDA NRCS East National Technology Support Center

Wagoner's Nursery, LLC

Thomas Nursery

Warren County Nursery

Three Volcanoes Farm, LLC

Waste Reduction Partners

Weeks Roses

Riverside Plastics, Inc.

Specialty Tag & Label, Inc.

Tiftuf Turf

Weigel Farms

Robert M. Gragg & Sons Nursery

Tinga Nursery, Inc.

Wetland Plants, Inc.

Spivey's Nursery, Inc.

Todco Inc.

White House Gardens

Robinson Nursery

Spring Creek Nursery

Tom Dodd Nurseries, Inc.

Willow Oak Nursery

Roger Coffey & Sons Nursery, Inc.

Spring Meadow Nursery, Inc.

Tom Landreth Greenhouses

Wind Chime Nursery

RootMaker Products Co, LLC

Springdale Water Gardens

Topiary Creations, Inc.

Windmill Nursery of Louisiana

SRW Products

Transplant Nursery, Inc.

Windy Acres Nursery, Inc.

Rose Creek Nursery and Landscaping

Stalite Environmental (PermaTill)

Tree Equipment Design, Inc.

Wood Trellis Designs

Star Ridge Aquatics, LLC

Tri Est Irrigation

Rusty Mangrum Nursery

Star Roses/The Conard Pyle Co.

Triad Irrigation & Landscape Supply

Starling Nursery

Triangle Turf & Ornamental

Roundstone Native Seed, LLC

Stephenson's Nursery, Inc.

NC Sod Producers Association

Piedmont Carolina Nursery

S Squared Green Goods

Little River Nursery

Steve Myers and Son Nursery

LMN

NC Urban Forest Council

Piney Mountain Tree Farm

Turf Mountain Sod, Inc.

Nelson Nursery

Plant & Supply Locator

Sandhills Community College

STI Turf Care Equipment

Long Branch Farm Nursery

Stockhaven Nursery, LLC

TurfCo

Netherland Bulb Company, Inc.

PlantANT

Sandy's Plants, Inc. Saunders Brothers

Turfgrass Council of North Carolina

Neuse Plant and Bark, Inc.

Plantworks Nursery, Inc.

Stony Point Nursery and Farms

Poplar Ridge Nursery, LLC

Scott Stone, Inc.

Stover Manufacturing

Turner & Sons Nursery

Poverty Hill Nursery

Scottree

Stuppy Greenhouse

Turtle Creek Nursery, Inc.

Powell's Nursery, LLC

SCP Distributors

Sugar Mountain Nursery

UpShoot, LLC

Premier Growers, Inc.

SePRO Corporation

Sun Gro Horticulture, Inc.

Sester Farms, Inc.

Superior Greenery

USDA APHIS Plant Protection Quarantine

Shadow Nursery, Inc.

Super-Sod

Marian Gardens Tree Farm

North 40 Nursery, Inc. North American Nursery, Inc.

26 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

Premier Products of America

Walters Gardens, Inc.

Tidwell Nurseries, Inc.

S & W Wholesale Nursery

Mack Bros. Landscape Nursery

Walnut Hill Farms

Waynesboro Nurseries, Inc.

Liner Source, Inc.

Nicholson Farms

Vans Pines Nursery

Thumb's Up Nursery

Performance Outdoor Products

Next To Nature Landscape Design, Inc.

Van Belle Nursery, Inc.

The Holly Factory

NC Pine Needle Producers Assn.

Lumber River Native Plants

Valley View Nursery Vandemark Farms, LLC

S & J Greens

Low Falls Wholesale Nursery

V&G Topiary Nursery

The Greenhouse Company of SC, LLC

Lilley Farms & Nursery, Inc.

Long Pond Nursery

USDA-National Agricultural Statistics Service

Sampson Nursery, Inc.

Woodard's Farms & Nursery Worthington Farms, Inc. Wyatt-Quarles Seed Company

Tri-State Distributors, Inc. Tupper Tree Farm

Marketplace Putt Off

Swift Creek Nursery

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 27

THANK YOU SPONSORS! FEATURED VENDORS Diamond

Booth 328

Gold

Silver

Bronze After Hours Nursery, LLC Low Falls Wholesale Nursery North Carolina Composting Council Piedmont Carolina Nursery

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

EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS Lanyards

Badges

Coffee Station

Donuts Toll Free:

Telephone: 252-523-1041

1-800-PARROTT

Fax 252-523-0145

1-800-727-7688

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

Tote Bags

Ice Sponsor

28 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

Women in the Green Industry Gathering

Education Break

Serving You Since 1937 SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 29

By Kaley Jacobs, NCNLA

Our Disappearing Workforce G

reen industry professionals across the state have been experiencing severe labor shortages for some time. With a strong economic uptick over the past few years, demand is high; making sales is not the problem. The top challenge?

Finding skilled, quality employees to complete the work.

The result is a bottleneck unlike most that the industry has experienced before.

To gain perspective on the labor issues at hand – and perhaps gather a bit of ingenuity others might put to use – NCNLA turned to member businesses across the state and asked them to tell us what they're experiencing.

Here’s what they had to say.

30 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | WINTER 2017

WINTER 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 31

Changing Demographics

It’s a complex issue, but one of the contributing factors is simply demographics. The baby boom generation was the largest population group in this country’s history, numbering some 76 million people. That population is now aging and leaving the workforce. Following on the heels of the boomers is Generation X, but this population group is significantly smaller than boomers and its members are now in their prime working years.

At 77 million strong, Generation Y (or Millennials) is about the same size as the Baby Boomer generation, but today’s younger workers are not interested in the kind of jobs green industry employers have to offer. Vocational-technical schools, community colleges and universities across the country are closing their horticulture programs due to dwindling enrollment. Although Generation Y is a big player in the workforce, the severe lack of their occupational presence suggests that Millennials do not view the green industry as a viable career choice.

Transitory Workers

Traditionally, the green industry has relied on programs that transfer migrant workers from Central America—often men in their 20s through 40s who have had experience working on farms and nurseries. Those workers would come to North Carolina for the spring season; spend about six months working in the United States, then return.

The flow of workers coming north has been slowing down over the past several years as temporary worker programs have been shut down and fear of deportation increases.

We Are Not Alone

Markets across the nation are grappling with chronic labor shortages. Green industry businesses are not the only ones feeling the impact. Service and construction are also struggling to find skilled workers to meet increasing demand.

32 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

EXPERT PANEL — BY REGION MOUNTAINS

PIEDMONT

COASTAL PLAIN

MOUNTAINS

PIEDMONT

COASTAL PLAIN

Chris Osborne is the Owner of INDEMAND Landscaping Systems in Black Mountain, NC. His company has been in business for 30 years and has 13 employees.

Chris Henderson is the Store Manager at Atlantic Avenue Orchid & Garden in Raleigh, NC. The 30-year-old retail garden center also offers landscaping services. It has 15 full-time and 15 seasonal employees.

Patrick Williams is the General Manager of Williams Plantworks, LLC, in Ash, NC. The wholesale grower has six full-time employees and has been in business for 30 years.

Chad Gragg is the Co-Owner/Manager of Robert M. Gragg & Sons Nursery, a fifth-generation family business in Lenoir, NC. It has 15 employees.

Allyson Colaço, MBA, is the Corporate Communications Specialist at Carolina CAT. The 90-year-old provider of Caterpillar machines operates out of headquarters in Charlotte, NC, with branches in Asheville, Greensboro, Hickory, and Monroe.

Tom LeJeune is the Sales Manager at Cam Too Camellia Nursery in Greensboro. The nursery has been in business for 37 years and has 11 full-time employees year-round and 8 full-time seasonal workers Daniel John is the Landscape Designer at Landvision Designs, Inc., in Raleigh, NC. The company has 24 employees and has been providing landscape design/build services for 24 years.

Judy Mitchell is the President of Mitchell’s Nursery & Greenhouse, a 38-year-old business in King, NC. The company has 16 employees (7 full-time and 9 seasonal/part-time).

Matthew Erwin is the General Manager of North State Gardens in Hampstead, NC. In business for 25 years, the landscaping company has 25 employees.

Jeff Allegood has been the General Manager at Old Courthouse Nursery in Warsaw, NC for 7 years and has worked at other nurseries in Eastern NC since 2000. The Nursery has been in business for 18 years and employs 20 full-time and 10 parttime employees. Mainly a wholesale grower operation, their overall product mix supplies field growers with liners for field planting and container operations.

NLN: What is your most difficult hiring challenge today?

NLN: What labor challenges have you experienced (or anticipate) as a result of today’s immigration issues?

COASTAL PLAIN

COASTAL PLAIN

WILLIAMS: Currently I have two problems: the lack of people seeking employment (especially Hispanics); and people who are looking for work are very poor quality.

WILLIAMS: We are falling farther and farther behind every day trying to keep up with production. It takes all of our time with the people we have just to fill orders and do the bare necessities.

ERWIN: Finding experienced help and finding people who are willing to learn and interested in landscaping as a career.

ERWIN: Hispanics are scared. They feel many in our country do not want them and that they have a target on their backs. I would not blame them if they started leaving on their own before the government runs them off. I expect the cost of Hispanic labor to rise as the supply falls.

ALLEGOOD: Finding good labor with good paperwork. I can find people that fit one but not both qualities.

PIEDMONT HENDERSON: Finding qualified labor. We have 30 employees currently but we could grow to 40. We need landscapers right now. If you have experience we’ll hire you.

JOHN: Finding a qualified employee who is looking for a long-term relationship instead of the shortterm gain they get from switching jobs. We want employees who are invested in the company and our culture — not just the paycheck at the end of the week.

LEJEUNE: Finding qualified applicants with experience.

MITCHELL: Finding workers who don’t mind physical work and will follow directions.

MOUNTAINS OSBORNE: Hiring competent, responsible, punctual employees.

GRAGG: The work we do in this industry isn’t glamorous — it can be nasty, dirty, hot, cold, etc. It is becoming increasingly hard to find skilled laborers who are willing to do the kind of work we need.

COLACO: The biggest challenge is finding skilled technicians. We have robust recruiting initiatives which help us recruit talented technicians to support our customers, but it is still difficult because the number of available technicians is limited.

ALLEGOOD: It was already hard to find labor in all types of fields, anything that tightens that is going to make it even harder.

PIEDMONT JOHN: We haven’t seen this yet, but we do hear folks talking. There seems to be a lot of anxiety and fear from members of the Hispanic community. We aren’t sure how things are going to pan out but we stand behind our employees and their families and would do anything that is needed to help.

We are falling farther and farther behind every day trying to keep up with production.

Williams

We stand behind our employees and their families and would do anything that is needed to help.

John

LEJEUNE: We have not experienced any challenges.

MITCHELL: None for us. All of our workers sell plants also and must be fluent in English.

MOUNTAINS OSBORNE: I have never hired foreign workers, but I expect there will be more competition now for the same employees.

GRAGG: We are in pretty good shape right now. But I hear a lot of people saying there aren’t nearly as many migrant workers as there used to be. It’s due in part to the immigration reform situation, but I also think a lot changed when the economy took a downturn and those workers just aren’t as readily available as they used to be.

COLACO: We have two apprentice program initiatives to train beginning technicians, one through Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) and one through a Caterpillar sponsored program called Think Big. We would like to increase the diversity of candidates for these programs and consistently work to identify Hispanic, African American and other minority candidates for these initiates. We welcome input from others if they have a program or suggestions to best increase awareness of our programs.

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 33

By celebrating the work of our people and investing in their overall health and wellbeing, we believe we create greater loyalty towards the company.

Colaco

We don’t believe in poaching other companies’ employees on the job, that’s just disrespectful.

John

NLN: Briefly describe your hiring process.

NLN: How do you scout for new employees?

COASTAL PLAIN

COASTAL PLAIN

WILLIAMS: We conduct a brief interview, then hire for a trial period. We’ve given up on doing background checks and calling multiple references.

WILLIAMS: We rely on word of mouth, mostly. Hiring firms just send us lazy people.

ALLEGOOD: We usually ask our current employees if they know people looking for work and then we have them come in and talk to them.

PIEDMONT JOHN: We work on gathering applications and filtering through all of the potentials. There is usually a phone call and then an in-person meeting or two. The purpose is to get learn more about them but also to get an idea of the kind of person they are, their values and work ethic. We also want to make sure they understand what is expected of them, what we do and how we do it.

It’s as much of an interview of the company as it is the employee, because at the end of the day we want to make sure it’s a good fit all around.

LEJEUNE: We use the H2A program with the help of AG WORKS. MITCHELL: We ask for references. We have a questionnaire to fill out. I look at work history. New hires must be able to work M-S depending on the weather and work.

This gives me some flexibility to schedule more workers on sunny, warm days.

MOUNTAINS OSBORNE: We advertise on Craigslist, conduct interviews and hire on a one-week probation/trail period.

GRAGG: We have used the H2A process in the past, but mostly we rely on word of mouth and/or referrals from our peers to bring in workers.

COLACO: We have a great retention rate of our employees (particularly our technicians and parts employees) and the foundation of this is around our career development programs that allow individuals to progress in a structured way based upon their desire and drive to grow.

ERWIN: Word of mouth, websites like Indeed.com and offering bonuses to employees who bring new hires ALLEGOOD: We have our existing employees bring in people they know. They do not want to work with people that aren’t going to work hard and have good attitudes so they filter any of those people out up front or later on if a problem arises.

PIEDMONT HENDERSON: We have gone through a landscape association group in the past, but they wanted a big finders fee and then locked people in pay rates we couldn’t afford.

JOHN: We don’t believe in poaching other companies’ employees on the job, that’s just disrespectful. If there is a certain skill set that we are looking for we try and pass word of the opening through our current employees.

Word of mouth from someone working in the field is very credible. We also use the local universities and community colleges. Craigslist has not been a good avenue for candidates but websites like Indeed.com and CareerBuilder have been more successful.

LEJEUNE: AG WORKS sends pre-qualified applicants per our requirements.

MITCHELL: Word of mouth, schools and we have used a temp agency. We hired one high school student that job shadowed through the school. Another employee we hired I met at the YMCA on the treadmill.

MOUNTAINS OSBORNE: We put ads on Craigslist and use word of mouth advertising.

GRAGG: We “put the word out” locally and that way everyone in our area is also scouting for us. We help each other out and look out for each other in this industry.

COLACO: We provide referral bonuses to our employees as we believe our best hires come from candidates referred by our team as they know those who will be successful in our positive, engaged but accountable culture.

34 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

NLN: How do you deal with competitors vying for the same potential employees? Do you do anything special to attract top applicants, convince them to join your team and then keep them on board?

COASTAL PLAIN WILLIAMS: We keep people on board by paying them a good wage and treating them fairly.

ERWIN: We try to set ourselves apart. We offer a competitive benefits package —health insurance, matching IRA, paid vacation and sick leave — and top pay.

ALLEGOOD: We pay more than the farmers in our area pay and treat our employees like we would want to be treated. If you make someone’s job a better option than what else is out there then you don’t have to worry about them leaving. That all sounds really simple but not everyone operates like that. I’ve had bosses say “you should pay the labor just enough to keep them from leaving,” they are out of business now.

PIEDMONT JOHN: We are very selective of staff and employees. We like to think we do as much research on them as they do on us. We don’t rush to hire, we wait until we have a candidate that makes the perfect addition to the team.

LEJEUNE: We have no problems with competition. We usually get the same employees every year from the H2A program. Since we house our employees on the nursery rent-free, none of them leave to work elsewhere. This provides security on both sides of the fence.

MITCHELL: We try to be flexible with hours. We let them come to work early, leave late or switch their day off if something comes up. We’ll give them a plant discount anytime or free plants at the end of the season. We offer training in a variety of skills. We also talk up where we are — out in the country with a quiet environment and low traffic commute. Some employees like the seasonal employment so they don’t have to work in the freezing winter or summer heat.

MOUNTAINS OSBORNE: We attract top people by offering medical insurance, vacation time and a family culture. That, plus offering a higher wage, gets them to come on board and stick with us.

GRAGG: What happens a lot of times when we get busy, is our fellow competitors come and try to recruit our workers by offering 25-50 cents more per hour.

Depending on what you can afford and what makes the most sense in the long run, sometimes you match it but sometimes you don’t. You have to look at the big picture.

COLACO: As outlined in our replies above, we gear our recruitment efforts towards training programs and word-of-mouth referrals. Once an employee joins our team, it is our goal to keep them current on all training opportunities and licensing requirements. We regularly offer leadership development opportunities and work group engagement so that employees feel they are a part of the larger team.

NLN: Do you have any general tips you can share on training new staff?

COASTAL PLAIN JOHN: We encourage everyone to ask questions, seek answers and never be afraid to say they don’t know how to do something. Training in some capacity happens on every job for every employee.

ALLEGOOD: If you have to get on people and push and pull them to get them to work then you should get rid of them and hire someone else.

PIEDMONT MITCHELL: Try to get them hired before the season gets crazy. I pair them with another worker and make that person responsible for training.

MOUNTAINS OSBORNE: We have a handbook and written instructions, with regular reviews. One of our managers is designated as the trainer.

Craigslist has not been a good avenue for candidates but websites like Indeed.com and CareerBuilder have been more successful.

John

We offer profit sharing to all full-time workers.

Mitchell

We attract top people by offering medical insurance, vacation time and a family culture.

Osborne

GRAGG: Try to find someone who is young and has some kind of experience, perhaps they have worked on a farm/nursery before.

COLACO: It is important for employees to feel they are part of the company from the very beginning. Our new employee orientation sessions bring together employees from across our team and many branches to help new team members recognize that they are now a part of something larger than one branch. By introducing an employee to the whole company, we hope they feel engaged to take part in training and growth opportunities.

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 35

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

NLN: How do you encourage loyalty among your staff? Do you offer any incentives?

COASTAL PLAIN

Finding good labor was already a huge issue for nurseries that I’ve talked to all over the country.

Anything that tightens that up is going to make even bigger problems for these operations and for any industry that relies on manual laborers.

Osborne

ERWIN: We try very hard to treat people right. We are flexible with time off, pay well and give bonuses. We try to offer a path for advancement and growth; and we encourage and enable continuing education and training.

JOHN: We offer competitive benefits; we encourage teamwork and team-building activities. Our culture is very family oriented; we work hard, but we have fun.

Most people who seek that sort of structure do well working at Landvision.

ALLEGOOD: We have a core group that we keep on year round and we lay off extra help we don’t need through the winter every fall. In recent years we’ve increased the number we keep on so those spots are highly sought after. The year round guys get higher hourly pay rates, paid holidays, a paid week off from Christmas, etc.

PIEDMONT HENDERSON: There are opportunities for all employees and potential to advance. We have a generous boss who cares about us – and it keeps people here.

LEJEUNE: Yes, we offer bonuses based on sales at the end of the year. We go on an annual fishing trip and have staff cookouts and parties. We treat our employees like family.

MITCHELL: We have a Simple IRA that we match 3%.

We offer profit sharing to all full-time workers. We pay for four holidays and six vacation/sick days per year. We try to pay a living wage to those who are working full-time. We furnish shirts. We occasionally have pizza or dessert for all. I don’t ask them to do anything I wouldn’t do. We work with them. We always try to have a positive attitude and give praise when we can.

MOUNTAINS COLACO: In addition to a wide range of benefits offered to all employees, we developed an extensive Health and Wellness program which is designed to help employees become healthier and stay healthier.

We also offer an “Impact Award” program which is designed to celebrate when employees going above and beyond the regular duties of their jobs. Celebrating the work of our employees and investing in their overview health and well-being, we believe we create greater loyalty towards the company.

Provided by NCNLA and AmericanHort as a Lighthouse Program partner benefit. For the latest information about these and other federal legislative concerns, visit AmericanHort.org

to ensure employers can continue to offer workers flexible, more affordable health care plans through self-insurance and the Preserving Employee Wellness Programs Act (H.R.131), which would provide employers the legal certainty they need to offer employee wellness plans.

Republican leaders hope to use the budget reconciliation process to get the bill through the House and Senate and to the President by the April recess. However, the AHCA may face some roadblocks. It has already drawn criticism from the far right of the Republican Party as well as the Democrats. President Trump has endorsed the legislation.

C

800-635-1068 | 804-379-6563 14345 Justice Road, Midlothian, VA 23113 www.sitelightld.com | info@sitelightld.com

Health Care Takes Center Stage Celebrating 30 Years

Arroyo Craftsman Auroralight B-K Lighting Beachside Bega

5% Off

The Contractors’ Source for Professional Outdoor Lighting Products Brilliance Cast Lighting Dauer Focus FX Luminaire

36 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

Hadco Hanover Lantern Hevi Lite H-K Lighting Hunza

Illumicare IlluminFX In-Lite Integral Kichler

Kim Lumiere National Specialty PCS SPJ Lighting

When Mentioning This Add Teka Troy Universal And Many More

AmericanHort is closely monitoring the health care debate to assess the potential impacts for our members. On March 6, 2017, House Republican leaders introduced legislation to “repeal and replace” the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The legislation, entitled the American Health Care Act (AHCA), leaves in place many ACA components but does make changes to the individual and employer mandates, associated taxes and Medicaid.

The House Ways and Means Committee and House Energy and Commerce Committee took up parts of the bill on March 8, ultimately passing their respective parts of the bill out of committee the following day.

The AHCA retains many of the most popular provisions of the ACA, including the requirement for insurers to cover pre-existing conditions, allowing children to stay on a parent’s policy until age 26 and requiring insurers to offer 10 essential health benefits, including maternity coverage.

In addition to the AHCA, on March 8, the House Education and Workforce Committee approved the Small Business Health Fairness Act (H.R.1101), which would allow small businesses to negotiate for lower health insurance costs through associations. The bill allows association plans across state lines. Also approved were the Self-Insurance Protection Act (H.R.1304), which is intended

Needed Right Now: H-2B Cap Relief!

AmericanHort continues to lobby for H-2B reform, especially H-2B cap relief. We are concerned that the 33,000 visa cap for the second half of the fiscal year 2017 could be reached any day now. We hope that Congress will include the H-2B returning worker exemption or other cap relief as part of an appropriations package for the remainder of the fiscal year 2017 or any other appropriate legislation. The current funding measure for this fiscal year expires on April 28.

Last week, Senator Tillis (R-NC), Senator Warner (D-VA) and a bipartisan group of 31 other Senators wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Kelly asking that U.S. Citizenship SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 37

and Immigration Services conduct an audit of the H-2B visas issued for the first half of the fiscal year to ensure that all 33,000 visas were actually issued and asking that any unused visas be made immediately available to H-2B employers. Representative Andy Harris (R-MD), Representative Jared Polis (D-CO) and 45 other Members of Congress wrote to Acting Secretary of Labor Edward Hugler expressing concerns about H-2B processing delays.

The new administration’s strategy is to review the rule through a formal notice-and-comment rulemaking process and to contemplate more narrowly interpreting the term “navigable waters,” as defined in the CWA, in a method consistent with the view of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia in Rapanos v. the United States. It is expected to be a lengthy process.

Specialty Crops Were Focus of House Hearing

Killing WOTUS

Following the President’s signing of the Executive Order aimed at withdrawing the Waters of the U.S., or WOTUS, Rule on March 3, the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers released a Notice of Intention to Review and Rescind or Revise the Clean Water Rule. The notice, signed by EPA Administrator Pruitt

GREEN INDUSTRY UPDATE

and by Douglas Lamont, the senior official at the Department of the Army, was published March 6 in the Federal Register.

On March 9, the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Biotechnology, Horticulture and Research held a hearing chaired by Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL). The hearing, one in a series to begin to prepare for the next Farm Bill, focused on the impact and effectiveness of the 2014 Farm Bill programs intended at benefiting specialty crop producers, including nursery and floriculture growers. Witnesses from five states (IL, FL, NM, WA and MA) voiced their successes and challenges as growers.

Key programs the witnesses focused on included the Specialty Crop Research Initia-

GIC Holds Annual Meeting at Green & Growin’ 2017

A good-sized crowd was on hand for the GIC Annual Reception and Meeting at Green & Growin’ 2017. They came to hear speakers from Washington DC, catch up with friends and pass the torch to the next board leaders. The reception was sponsored by Syngenta and the GIC welcomed Towers Mingledorf, Legislative assistant to U. S. Senator Thom Tillis and Craig Regelbrugge, AmericanHort’s Senior Vice President of Industry Advocacy and Research.

tive (SCRI), Sec. 10007 Plant Pest and Disease Prevention and Mitigation, National Clean Plant Network and Specialty Crop Block Grant program. As a steering committee member of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance coalition, AmericanHort is working to ensure our industry’s continued access to these important programs.

Though labor is not typically a farm bill issue, most witnesses also expressed deep concern over current labor challenges and the inadequacies of the H-2A program. They called for congressional action to address specialty crop growers’ struggle to secure an adequate, affordable and legally authorized workforce.

Mingledorf spoke about Senator Tillis’ commitment to North Carolina’s agriculture/horticulture industry and his willingness to risk political capital on labor and immigration. Towers urged all members to contact Sen.Tillis’ office if they need assistance.

Keynote Speaker Craig Regelbrugge opened his remarks, reminding GIC members that in politics, like the weather, things are going to change. He concurred that Sen. Tillis is a valuable ally and ran through a list of green industry issues his team is watching including regulatory relief, overtime rules, finding a middle ground on salaries and all issues the new Agriculture Secretary can address.

Concerning labor, AmericanHort signed a broad business letter supporting Labor Secretary Andrew Puzder. The overall labor picture is complicated and only time will tell how it develops.

Regelbrugge cautioned that the industry may have to live through some challenges before we get to the good. He’s watching out for issues including immigration, the border debate and H2B cap relief. There is optimism for tax re-form and his team will be working hard to protect green businesses.

“The green industry has faced eight of its hardest years,” Regelbrugge sympathized. “It is a new day and the new day can bring some opportunities. Your involvement is still key.”

Ag Day at the Legislature

More recently the GIC participated in “Ag Day at the Legislature” sponsored by the NC Department of Agriculture. The GIC and member associations were set up in the main hall of the legislature, making the green industry presence known in front of every legislator, legislative staff members, other officials and the general public.

New GIC Officers Installed

The GIC presidential gavel was passed from Chris Mitchell (Ewing Irrigation) to Jonathan Richardson (Coastal Flora-tine, TCNC Past President). Taking a moment to call for increased member involvement in this year, he closed the the meeting promising to continue GIC’s mission to Protect, Promote and Partner for the good of the green industry. “If you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always got,” he quoted.

“The GIC can grow and strengthen its policy position in 2017, but it will take you and other members expanding your capacity to volunteer the time and resources to make it happen.

The following 2017 GIC Officers were voted on and installed during the annual meeting:

GROWERS OF SUPERIOR QUALITY WOODY ORNAMENTALS PLANTS, SHRUBS, AND TREES

GIC presented Craig Regelbrugge with the “GIC Friend of the Green Industry Award” for his 25 years of work fighting for green industry issues at the federal level.

President – Jonathan Richardson

Vice President – Conrad Hayter

Past President – Chris Mitchell

Legislative Co-Chairs – Mark Peters and Doug Chapman

GIC Legislative Day and Ice Cream Social at the NC General Assembly

Towers Mingledorf accepts the “GIC Legislator of the Year Award” for Senator Thom Tillis. In presenting the award, GIC Legislative Committee Member Buddy Murro (far left) stated: “We’ve known Sen. Tillis since he was a junior legislator. He carried our cause throughout his career and we greatly appreciate his friendship.”

38 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

More than 2000 placemats featuring North Carolina’s green industry will be distributed once again throughout the NC General Assembly’s cafeterias during the two weeks leading up to the GIC Legislative Day and Ice Cream Social at the General Assembly on May 24th. Lawmakers, staff and visitors dining in cafeterias will see the GIC placemat front and center — reminding them of the vital part NC’s green industry plays in the state’s

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 39

economy, and how we contribute to everyone’s quality of life.

And then on May 24, 2017, the GIC will host the GIC Legislative Day and Ice Cream Social. We had record attendance once again last year — serving nearly 1500 people at the NC General Assembly — and expect another successful event this spring. Attending member associations and GIC representatives promote our industry and serve NCSU ice cream to legislators. GIC members will meet with legislators — Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger, Representative John Szoka and others, as well as legislative staff members and state officials. Our goal will be to remind them of the positive impact North Carolina’s green industry has on the state’s economy and environment.

GIC 7th Annual Water Symposium

On June 22, 2017 the GIC will host the 7th Annual Water Symposium in Raleigh at the McKimmon Center. Details are being finalized, but we expect it to be another standingroom-only event.

The symposium’s popularity just keeps on growing. It brings together water purveyors, irrigation and landscape contractors, nurs-

erymen and greenhouse growers, engineers, landscape architects, landscape designers, storm-water managers, environmental consultants, NCSU faculty and others.

Warren S. Gorowitz, Vice President of Sustainability for Ewing Irrigation and Landscape Supply in Phoenix, AZ, is the planned keynote speaker. Additional speakers and event details will be posted on the website, SavingWaterNC.com.

NCGIC advisor and Water Symposium chair Debbie Hamrick, Director of Specialty Crops for the North Carolina Farm Bureau Federation, is a huge proponent of the GIC’s impact and value since its member organizations came together to promote common interests.

“The NCGIC has become a leader in the country for horticulture and landscape umbrella organizations,” said Hamrick. She applauded NCGIC for “promoting the wise stewardship of water through smart irrigation technology, advocating innovative water pricing regimes and proactively reaching out to develop common interests with municipal water utilities, state and local regulators, other nonprofits and the NC Legislature.”

P.O. Box 395 Seaboard, NC 27876 Phone: (252) 589-1324 • Fax: (252) 589-1642 email: Stephanie@carolinabark.com • Suppliers of bulk aged pine bark fines.

• Custom mixes available containing lime, sand and/or minors/ • Fast, dependable service

Memberships: North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association 40 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

GIC PAC Support

The GIC PAC (Political Action Committee) desperately needs your help. The PAC supports legislators that are friendly to the green industry. Your personal contribution to the GIC PAC helps us make contributions on behalf of the NCNLA and other member organizations to elect and re-elect legislators that understand and support our issues and concerns. It is critical that we support legislators that recognize and support North Carolina’s green industry. Contributions may be made through the GIC website (www.ncgreenindustrycouncil.com) or by contacting the office at 919.372.1586. Please help the PAC today!

NCNLA Members

It is through your membership in NCNLA that the GIC is the effective force in the NC General Assembly and the voice for the green industry in North Carolina. With the combined support of NCNLA and other green industry member associations, the GIC has accomplished, and will continue to accomplish, so much more with a united group than any one association could do on their own.

Field Grown shade and ornamental trees and shrubs Holly-Single Stem Tree Form and Full Form Osmanthus • Oak • Red Bud • Magnolia • Cherry • Birch • Elm • Viburnum • and more!

Located in Charlotte NC phone 704-596-4516 email kirkdavisnurserysales@gmail.com www.kirkdavisnursery.com visit our new website at

www.kirkdavisnursery.com

INDUSTRY NEWS

NCDOR Releases New Green Industry Sales & Use Tax Guidance On March 17, 2017, the North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR) released a notice that provides ”general guidance” to assist businesses in determining whether a transaction is a real property contract with respect to a capital improvement to real property (non-taxable); subject to tax as a retail sale of repair, maintenance, and installation services to real property; or exempt from North Carolina’s Sales & Use Tax collection requirements.

Though the notice was not intended to provide specific tax advice, and NCDOR indicated that they may update the list in the future, the transactions listed in the original notice were a first look at how the

Department intends to enforce the collection of Sales & Use Tax in North Carolina since statutory changes were made with the adoption of the state budget for FY2017. Green industry businesses that wish to obtain specific tax advice from NCDOR may visit the Department’s website and review the Written Determination Policy to understand that process.

For the complete list of general guidance provided by NCDOR, visit the Department’s website at: http://www.dor.state.nc.us/ taxes/sales/impnotice031717_cmirmi.pdf

Transactions by Category

Capital Improvement*

Landscaping and Yard Care Installation or complete replacement of: fences (permanent), flagstone walks, patio block walks, other types of walks, fountains (except free-standing), sprinkler systems Plant, maintain, install, or replace lawns (includes sod), flowers (perennials and annuals), shrubs and trees Apply fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides

Repair, Maintenance & Installation **

 

Exempt



Exempt

Mow lawns, aerate, reseed, over seed, sod bare spots



Exempt

Prune, winter bank, fertilize trees or shrubs



Exempt

Removal without replacement of trees or shrubs



Exempt

Repair, maintain or install free-standing fountains Repair, maintain, install, or replace landscape lights Repair, maintain, or install temporary or movable ponds Repair fences and gates Repair, maintain, install, or replace component parts in underground lawn sprinkler systems: centrifugal pumps, remote control valves, sprinkler controllers, pump controllers, sections or piping, sprinkler heads Repair, maintain, install or replace fence fabric Driveways, Parking Lots, Roads and Sidewalks Installation or complete replacement of roads, driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks (asphalt, concrete, crushed stone, paver, etc.)

Landscaping services of parking lot islands

Taxable Taxable Taxable Taxable Taxable

Taxable  

Exempt Exempt

Services on roads (including resurfacing or patching holes), driveways, parking lots and sidewalks Re-striping (line painting) parking lots and other road services Concrete & Stonework “Initial installation” or replacement of: stairs/steps, walls, block walls, exterior surfaces



Installation or complete replacement of a new driveway, sidewalk or patio



“Initial installation” or replacement of footings and foundations



Repair of a driveway or sidewalk Crack repair Repair or partial replacement of footings and foundations Repair of a patio, chimney, stairs/steps, walls, fireplace * Gross Receipts Exempt from NC Sales & Use Tax **Sales Price or Gross Receipts are either “taxable” or “exempt”

Exempt

Exempt Taxable Taxable Taxable Disclaimer: The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. (NCNLA) does not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 41

INDUSTRY NEWS

Periodical Cicadas in Nurseries

RevolutionaRy

Plant health

Soil & Water Management

SolutionS FRom Soil to cRown

Trunk Injected Insect & Disease Control Since 1999, Arborjet has provided advanced solutions to meet a variety of your tree and plant health care needs. From TREE-äge® G4 systemic insecticide to Shortstop® plant growth regulator, no matter your challenge, Arborjet is here for you.

arborjet.com

old courthouse ads_Old Courthouse ad 2014 12/8/14 1:56 PM Page 1

O

WHOLESALE GROWERS OF Azaleas, Hollies, Junipers, and Ornamentals

OLD COURTHOUSE NURSERY A Tradition of Quality since 1967 Office 252-243-3656 Toll Free 800-743-3656 Fax 252-243-0295 sales@fairviewnurseryinc.com

www.fairviewnurseryinc.com

Supplying growers, garden centers, landscapers and re-wholesalers with ornamental trees and shrubs

1 to 25 Gallon Containers 323 Old Courthouse Road Warsaw, NC 28398 www.oldcourthousenurserync.com oldcourthousenursery@embarqmail.com (910) 293-9374 Jeff Allegood

4265 Lat tice Road | Wilson, North Carolina 27893 42 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

Adult periodical cicadas, like the one pictured here (Magicicada septindecim) are smaller than the annual cicadas that are common in the summer months. Photo by Jon Yuschock, Bugwood.org.

FAX (910)-293-9375 Earl McDonald

ften referred to as locusts, cicadas are common summer insects. Annual or “dog day” cicadas are commonly heard during the Summer.

However, their cousin, the periodical cicada (Magicicada spp.), is more of a concern to nurserymen. Here in parts of Western North Carolina, we are expecting a hatch of periodical cicadas this Spring.

Periodical cicadas are insects that we don’t encounter often in the nursery, but when we do they can cause extensive damage, because of the high population, which is often in the millions. They are unique in that their generations are synchronized so that all individ-

Periodical Cicadas

Year of Emergence

uals in a generation emerge at the same time. Their life cycle is much longer than other insects, each requiring either 13 or 17 years to go from egg to adult. Adults of each synchronized population, or brood, emerge at regular 13- or 17-year intervals.

Distribution

In parts of the foothills and mountains, we are expecting the emergence of brood VI periodical cicadas (Magicicada septendecim) this spring. Based on historical reports, the counties most likely to see them are Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Henderson, McDowell, Polk and Wilkes counties.

By Amanda Taylor NC Cooperative Extension Service

General Region

17-year Broods II

1979

1996

2013

2030

CT, MD, NC, NJ, NY, PA, VA

VI

1983

2000

2017

2034

GA, NC, SC

IX

1969

1986

2003

2020

NC, VA, WV

X

1970

1987

2004

2021

DE, GA, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV

XIV

1974

1991

2008

2025

KY, GA, IN, MA, MD, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV

1998

2011

2024

AL, AR, GA, IN, IL, KY, LA, MD, MO, MS, NC, OK, SC, TN, VA

13-year Broods XIX

1985

Data from Cicadamania.com SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 43

Historical data shows that the range of periodical cicadas was once much larger than it is now. Documents from 1889 indicate this brood was also once found in the counties of Alexander, Bladen, Cabarrus, Catawba, Iredell, Lincoln, Macon, Moore, Montgomery, Pender, Randolph, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Union and Washington.

It is thought that urbanization and loss of forestland has reduced their range.

Life cycle

Brood VI periodical cicadas are expected to emerge in Western North Carolina this Spring. Brown symbols are verified records. Blue symbols are based on 1923 data and gold symbols are from 1988 data. Source: magicicada.org

Mated female cicadas lay up to 600 eggs in the branches of trees. Healthy trees with minor egg laying damage will heal over. Photo by John John Ghent, Bugwood.org.

In April or May, adult periodical cicadas will emerge from the ground where they have spent the last several years. Adults will emerge over the course of two weeks in April or May, beginning when the soil, at an 8” depth, reaches 64°F, usually after a warm rain.

44 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

In April or May, adult periodical cicadas will emerge from the ground where they have spent the last several years. Adults will emerge over the course of two weeks in April or May, beginning when the soil, at an 8” depth, reaches 64°F, usually after a warm rain.

The adults do little feeding after they emerge and instead are focused on mating.

About five days after emerging, males begin performing courting calls to attract females and mate. About one week after mating, mated females will begin laying eggs in tree branches. Females die after laying eggs, only a few weeks after emerging. Eggs hatch shortly after that and nymphs fall to the ground where they burrow into the earth, not to be seen for another 13 or 17 years.

This egg laying damage is where the real concern lies with nursery growers. Adults don’t feed much and are instead focused on mating. Mated females make slits in tree branches with their knife-like ovipositor and lay up to 600 eggs each. Damaged trees may exhibit flagging and branches with heavy egg-laying damage may break off.

In field nurseries, adult periodical cicadas will fly into fields from nearby wooded areas; however, they rarely travel more than a few hundred meters. They are not emerging from ground within the field, since most nursery fields have been plowed (which kills cicadas) and soil is removed during harvest, eliminating the adults. Periodical cicadas could be hatching from bare ground within container nurseries.

Control

Control of periodical cicada damage in landscapes is straightforward. Healthy, mature trees can withstand the damage. If there is a high population at a site, newly planted trees can be protected by covering them with bird netting or cheesecloth and securing it around the trunk. Pruning in

summer after females have laid eggs will reduce the population of the next generation.

BEST PRACTICE

Unfortunately, there is little research on the control of periodical cicadas in nurseries.

It is not known if applying insecticides is effective or feasible, given the frequency with which they would need to be applied.

We also don’t know whether the cost of applying insecticides outweighs the cost of the damage that periodical cicadas do.

Healthy nursery stock with light damage from egg laying will heal up, although small scars may be visible for a couple of years.

Trees with heavier damage can be pruned and may require extra time in production to reach a desirable caliper. In the most severe cases, trees can be disfigured beyond saleable.

Applications of broad-spectrum pesticides, like those containing carbaryl or cyfluthrin, flare secondary pests like spider mites by killing natural enemies. Products containing carbaryl have also been shown to favor spider mites by increasing the nitrogen level in leaves and making them reproduce faster. Multiple applications of these products can also have detrimental effects on pollinators.

While there are no studies on which trees are preferred by periodical cicadas in a nursery setting, growers say that dogwoods are one of their favorites. Conifers are rarely affected, presumably because of the abundance of sap that would interfere with egg laying.

Given the current shortage of shade trees in the market, there probably won’t be a problem selling trees with light cicada damage. However, growers may find that the tolerance for cicada damage is lower on stock, like dogwoods, that are going into homeowner landscapes.

To see when the next hatch of periodical cicadas will be in your area, visit magicicada. org. Questions about periodical cicadas can be directed to your local or regional Cooperative Extension professional.

Amanda Taylor is the Western Region Area Specialized Agent for Nursery and Greenhouse with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. She is the go-to resource for commercial nursery and greenhouse producers in approximately 30 counties across Western NC that include some of the largest field production nurseries in the state.

Are You Counting Out Generation Y?

A

ccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are more than 90 million Millennials in the United States — outnumbering Baby Boomers by nearly 20 million people. Increasingly, the mindshare of our nation is shifting to one of the most unconventional generations in American history: Generation Y. This is alarming news to some, as Millennials have garnered a reputation hindered by labels such as disloyal, lazy, unambitious and my favorite, self-entitled.

However, since they represent $20 billion in spending power and a quarter of the U.S. population, it cannot be denied that understanding the principles behind marketing to and working with Millennials is critical for the success of any company.

Understanding the Millennial

The best way to reach Millennials is to understand their tendencies, desires and dislikes. Dubbed the most technology-driven generation our world has ever seen, Millennials are consumed by their technology use.

In fact, more than half say they would rather give up their sense of smell than their technology. Another 87 percent claim their smartphone never leaves their side, day or night. So whatever the task, commit to using technology for your recruiting and marketing purposes.

If you’re not using social media to increase your brand awareness or enhance your marketing tactics, then you’re already behind. Every day, Millennials are flooding Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Pinterest with their opinions, fresh ideas and cash flow. They are incredibly active on social media platforms,

sharing 3,600 photos on Instagram every minute and accounting for two million Google hits every month.

Attracting this generation — whether for employment or as customers — is only a click away for any business. However some companies may be led askew by common misperceptions about how and where Millennials choose to spend their money and what they expect from the workplace.

What matters in the workplace to Millennials?

The good news is attracting Millennials to your company is in your hands. The bad news? The bad news is attracting Millennials to your company is in your hands — which means drop the stereotypes.

Perhaps the most common label for Millennials is their lack of loyalty to employers — which in comparison to other generations is relevant but often unjustified.

Yes, Millennials do leave businesses at a much higher rate than previous generations. According to the 2016 Deloitte Millennial Survey, a whopping 25 percent of the generation would quit their current job to join a new organization. However, most Millennials express little loyalty to current employers due to feelings of underutilization and lack of preparation for leadership roles — justified reasoning for any individual hoping to advance his or her career.

By Ashlee Bolding, MMI

If you’re not using social media to increase your brand awareness or enhance your marketing tactics, then you’re already behind.

How to retain millennial employees

Overall, Millennials believe businesses have a positive impact on greater society, but just acting responsibly won’t save your Millennials from jumping ship. In SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 45

SO, HOW DO YOU REACH MILLENNIALS WITH MARKETING?

In most markets, work life/balance comes before career progression when evaluating job opportunities.

Relative degree of importance (excluding salary)

Make it personal.

Collaborate with your consumer. Make it fun and engaging.

Good work/life balance

16.8

Mobile is vital.

Embrace the technology.

Opportunities to progress/be leaders

13.4

Flexibility i.e., remote working, flexible hours

11.0

Be relevant and authentic.

Build relationships.

Millennials connect with people, not logos.

THE MILLENNIAL CONSUMER

Sense of meaning from my work

9.3

Professional Development training programs

8.3

The impact it has on society

6.8

The quality of its products/services

6.4

Strong sense of purpose

6.2

Opportunities for international travel

5.9

$200 billion in annual buying power.

Fast growing/dynamic

4.4

Strong influence over older generations and trendsetters across all industries from fashion to food.

A leading company that people admire

4.3

Invests in and uses the latest technology

4.1

The reputation of its leaders

3.1

Believe in strong brand loyalty when presented with quality products and actively engaged brands.

Advertising doesn’t always work. Only 1% of Millennials say that a compelling advertisement would make them trust a brand more.

They would rather buy a car and lease a house. Over half of Millennials likely can’t afford a house in their area. They are putting off getting married, having children and putting down roots – and that affects what they’ll buy.

In 2016, NCNLA was awarded grant funding through the NC Department of Agriculture to communicate the value of landscaping to first-time home owners, apartment tenants and individuals of any income or age group willing to get their hands dirty to enhance their home’s curb appeal. paths, which encourage them to remain loyal to your business.

order to encourage and retain Millennials within your company, you must make their focus your focus.

People Over Business. This generation is guided by their own set of personal values, aiming to make a social impact in every facet of their life, especially their jobs. Millennials look for companies whose performance is measured by its impact on people — not the bottom line.

Flexible Culture. Anyone can access work emails from a mobile device, but how many people can work from home without calling in sick or taking the risk of staring down the unemployment line? Very few. Millennials crave workplace cultures with fewer restrictions that allow each individual the opportunity to work in an environment conducive to their unique productivity needs.

Clear Path. Everyone knows that career paths are rocky and may include several unexpected pit stops, but there are ways to make the ride a little smoother. When Millennials understand clear milestones, they feel more in control of their career

46 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

A Hand Up. The climb up the corporate ladder from junior associate to chief executive officer has shortened tenfold and young professionals are taking notice. The most loyal millennial employees feel their ambitions for leadership roles have been supported.

Mentoring them in a way that supports their career aspirations as a mentor is a mutually beneficial way for your team to collaborate and grow.

Marketing to Millennial Consumers

Tailoring your marketing efforts to Millennials is much like accepting them into your workplace. From fashion to food to brands, businesses must understand the full scope of Millennials’ purchasing thought process as well as their influence over older generations.

As an example, let’s take a look at how the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association (NCNLA), one of MMI’s clients, used research about Millennials to create their successful campaign: NC Greenprints.

Though the audience included “traditional gardening” consumers, our immediate concern involved Millennials and the under-35 demographic. NCNLA wanted to engage a new group of young consumers about the economic and environmental benefits of landscaping.

We created NCGreenprints.com in an effort to offer an authentic educational resource that encourages collaboration across multiple tech devices.

NC Greenprints is an education and advocacy campaign about landscaping, offering resources such as videos, tips, tricks and step-by-step guides for beginner and veteran landscapers alike. Each landscaping project is mapped out as an architectural blueprint to create easy-to-use “Greenprints.” With a few easy steps, Greenprints show that anyone can change a bleak piece of property to a landscaped piece of art.

We designed our Greenprints around Millennials’ e-commerce and landscaping preferences. For example:

There are Greenprints for homeowners and apartment renters.

The site includes information about buying local produce and its benefits for the community.

Greenprints are compatible on mobile devices so they can be used on the go.

The site uses large pictures and includes educational videos.

A section on each Greenprint allows users to share them on social media.

Make This Your Mission

Millennials are the largest generation today and their economic influence is growing by the year. They are working in your office and make up a majority of your consumer base. In order to be successful in an ever-changing business landscape, you must prioritize this generation by welcoming their career ambitions and developing personalized marketing materials for them.

Ashlee Bolding is a senior account supervisor at MMI Public Relations in Cary, NC. SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 47

INDUSTRY RESEARCH

By Anthony LeBude, NCSU

NCGreenPrints.com NCNLA’s consumer website is an update to TarheelGardening.com.

It’s purpose is to engage both “next generation” young consumers and traditional audiences by connecting the quality of life, economic and

Irrigation Source Water Quality in North Carolina Nurseries

environmental benefits that come from a well designed/maintained landscape

Slower plant growth can be triggered when plant leaves absorb high pH water from overhead irrigation.

using NC nursery crops. In addition to

M

increasing the perceived value of NC trees and landscape plants, the site emphasizes the importance of hiring certified professionals and promotes green industry businesses across North Carolina.

NC GreenPrints.com is designed to provide next generation consumers with a clear, straightforward and easy

any producers of ornamental plants in North Carolina use ponds to irrigate container plants. In the eastern part of the state, irrigation days range from 200-300 per year — meaning an acre of container-grown plants receive an acre-inch of water (27,000 gallons) on those days. Normal irrigation systems run for 50 minutes to apply the appropriate volume of water to each irrigation zone.

Quality of pond water can change over the year and poor quality water can accumulate over the summer, especially when droughts occur. Pond levels decrease, water temperatures rise, mineral concentrations (salts) increase and algae blooms make for a few months when poor quality water is the only choice growers have to

irrigate plants. Plants require more water in times of higher temperature and especially during drought, but source water ponds have the least volume of water in late summer and the water is of the poorest quality, both in terms of mineral concentrations and pH.

Source Water Sampling

In the Summer of 2015, NCNLA funded our team to tour 60 nurseries in 18 counties in the eastern part of the state to sample source water quality used for irrigation. Samples were collected from ponds, wells, rivers, lakes and streams and also from the irrigation riser farthest from the water source to determine the quality of water at both locations. The results were surprising (Table 1).

way to learn more about NC nursery

Table 1. Average of various water quality measurements for ponds, wells and water captured at the irrigation riser at 60 nurseries located in 18 counties in North Carolina, as taken by NCDA&CS in 2015.

crops — and to connect with NCNLA’s

Source

community of members as the people who can provide those products and services. It offers all the knowledge,

Electrical Conductivity

Alkalinity

Iron

units±Std

mS/cm±Std

ppm±Std (MEQ)

ppm±Std

Pond

7.8±1.1

0.2±0.1

47±40 (0.9)

0.5±0.7

Riser

7.7±0.7

0.2±0.1

50±30 (1.0)

0.3±0.3

Well

6.5±1.1

0.3±0.3

90±77 (1.8)

0.6±1.5

z

y

Z

tools and product information

pH

Dr. Anthony LeBude, Associate Professor of Nursery Crops Extension and Research in the Department of Horticultural Science at NC State University.

Water was not captured from the sprinkler head riser at every nursery. These averages are from 25 nurseries.

With the exception of a few nurseries, wells were not used for irrigation solely, but used to refill ponds when quantities were low.

Y

consumers need on an accessible digital platform.

48 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

Since 1979, the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association has provided over $1 million in funding to research, endowment and program activities at NC State University. This industry research, in part supported by NCNLA’s member dues premiums (silver, gold and platinum) and successful fundraising events throughout the year, demonstrates the effectiveness that private-sector collaboration with a world class public institution can provide. This is just one example of how NCNLA has partnered with NC State to provide solutions for green industry businesses here in North Carolina.

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 49

Electrical conductivity (mS/cm)

Figure 1. Electrical conductivity and pH of irrigation source water at nurseries in southeast NC.

Figure 3. Wilkinson and Davies sprayed low alkalinity, high pH water on leaves of well-watered Forsythia x intermedia (forsythia) plants and decreased stomatal conductance.

Water used for irrigating ornamental plants had moderate to high pH with an average pH 7.7 and a standard deviation of 0.7 units. This indicates that 68% of the samples collected were in the range of pH 7.0 to pH 8.4 — both of which are over the recommended range of pH 5.8-7.0 (Bailey and Bilderback, 1997).

The spread of data are visible in Figure 1 for ponds, wells and irrigation risers. When standard deviation is taken one step further, 98% of nurseries irrigate with water that ranges in pH from 6.3 to 9.1. As shown by the black diamonds in Figure 1, there are an astonishing number of nurseries with pH over 8.0.

Generally, the low alkalinity of pond water (Table 1) at such high pH creates little buffering capacity; therefore changes in pH occur quickly and precipitously. When comparing the matched pond source with the irrigation riser samples on nursery using a HANNA Instruments pH and EC meter, there was an average drop of pH 0.5 between the two samples, indicating that simply traveling through the irrigation system lowered the pH of the water by 0.5 pH units.

pH of Source Sample

Pond samples were taken 18 inches below the surface near the intake used for irrigation. In some cases, when the irrigation risers were operating and clear indication could be made that it came from a known water source, a sample was taken from the riser also. Therefore, irrigation riser samples are from only 25 nurseries. With the exception of a few nurseries, wells were not used for irrigation solely, but used to refill ponds when quantities were low.

When samples were sent to the lab at North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) for further analysis, the pH of all the samples dropped on average 0.5 pH units again. Therefore, the pH of the water actually applied to plants is higher than what is reported in Table 1 from NCDA&CS.

Keeping Algae at Bay

Left: Well-watered plants in a normal, non-stressed environment (without foliar sprays) maintained an acidic xylem sap and stomata remained open. Center: In plants allowed to experience drought stress (also without foliar sprays), the pH began to increase farther up into the canopy, ABA became available in the xylem stream and stomates closed. This is a normal reaction to drought stress for plants. Right: Well-watered plants had high pH water sprayed directly on plant leaves. Their xylem sap pH increased — independently of wet soil — and stomates closed partially, slowing photosynthesis.

References cited Bailey, D. and T.E. Bilderback. 1997. Alkalinity control for irrigation water used in nurseries and greenhouses. Horticulture Information Leaflet 558.

NC Cooperative Extension.

Geilfus, C.-M. and K. H. Muhling. 2012. Transient alkalinization in the leaf apoplast of Vicia faba L. depends on NaCl stress intensity: an in situ ratio imaging study. Plant, Cell and Environment 35:578587.

Jia, W. and W.J. Davies. 2007. Modification of leaf apoplastic pH in relation to stomatal sensitivity to root-sourced abscisic acid. Plant Physiology 143:68-77.

50 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

Lembi, C. 2002. Aquatic plant management: barley straw for algae control. Purdue Extension APM-1-W

tated floating mats. Proc. SNA Research Conference 54:39-43.

Lopez, R.G., M.V. Mickelbart, C. Pasian. 2010. Alkalinity management in soilless substrates. Purdue Extension HO-242-W https://www.extension. purdue.edu/extmedia/ho/ho-242-w.pdf.

White, S.A., M.D. Taylor, R.F. Polomski, J.P. Albano.

2011. Constructed Wetlands: A How to Guide for Nurseries. Environmental Resource Management Research Group, Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative, United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Horticulture Research Institute, SCA #58-6618-7-216 pp. 30.

Storlie, C. 1995. Controlling bacteria, algae, and weeds in irrigation ponds. Rutgers Extension FS796.

Tucker, C.S. and L.R. D’Abramo. 2008. Managing high pH in freshwater ponds. Southern Region Aquaculture Center Pub. No. 4604. 5 p.

White, S.A., B. Seda, M. Cousins, S.J. Klaine, and T. Whitwell. 2009. Nutrient remediation using vege-

Wilkinson, S. and W.J. Davies. 2008. Manipulation of the apoplastic pH of intact plants mimics stomatal and growth responses to water availability and microclimatic variation. Exp. Bot. 59:619-631.

Algae build-up in ponds over the summer contributes to high pH water. Algae remove carbon dioxide from the water for photosynthesis, which raises the pH. At night, algae release carbon dioxide back into the water, which lowers the pH in a daily fluctuating cycle (Figure 2) (Tucker and D’abramo, 2008). With little alkalinity in ponds (only 50ppm in NC ponds; Table 1) to act as a buffer to this pH swing, the daily shift in pH can be large and the average pH can increase over the summer.

Increasing day length, temperature and an ever increasing algae population help to remove carbon dioxide exponentially, thus raising average pond pH to high levels by the end of the summer (Figure 2; instead of Day 1, 2 and 3 on the X axis, imagine June, July and August).

A variety of algae treatment options exist and an integrated approach is advised.

Nurseries could simply treat for algae in ponds by applying various chemicals. Copper sulfate both prevents (algastatic) and kills (algacidic) algae in ponds. At this time, copper sulfate is not recommended for ponds containing fish that have alkalinity below 50 ppm or above 250 ppm (Storlie, 1995). The average pond in eastern North Carolina falls below that threshold and usually contains fish.

Adding barley bales to ponds is another algastatic method. However it may not be as effective in

eastern North Carolina due to the high water temperature and long growing season, which give algae the capacity to overwhelm barley’s beneficial preventative properties (Lembi, 2002).

Pond dyes shade out algae, are nontoxic and do not have any pond restrictions, but must be applied two to three times yearly and may cost as much or more to treat the entire pond as acid does to lower the pH of irrigation water. Additionally, dyes may prevent filamentous algae (large coagulated globs) by shading the bottom of the pond, but not prevent the single colonies of floating algae common to the surface.

Floating wetlands work within the pond to remove nitrogen and phosphorous that algae use for photosynthesis and growth. These systems require yearly maintenance and replenishment, may not control all the algae within ponds and can encourage other types of algae to grow (White, et al., 2009; White et al., 2011).

Another alternative is to change the path of production runoff before it reaches the pond.

The effluent could be channeled through wide, low-sloped turf areas, tall grasses, or other phytoremediation plant systems to remove all sediments, pesticides and mineral nutrients. Redirecting production runoff requires new land surveying, design and perhaps loss of production area. Some growers are pursuing this option through the Soil and Water Conservation EQUIP grant system to acquire matching funds and reduce the initial costs.

This approach only reduces the nitrogen, phosphorous and other nutrients that reach the pond,

Algae growth raises the pH of irrigation pond water. Control it with an integrated treatment plan.

In the Summer of 2015, NCNLA funded our team to tour 60 nurseries in 18 counties in the eastern part of the state to sample source water quality used for irrigation.

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 51

however. It does not guarantee algae will not grow and raise the pH of the water.

Do not rush to acidify your water. Let us try and see if that is the most economical option for growers.

It may turn out that acidifying water does in fact improve growth, but it might not be enough improvement to make purchasing and installing a system worth the cost.

Lastly, acid can be injected into the irrigation system to neutralize alkalinity, thus lowering pH. This requires some reengineering within the pump house and purchase of an acid like sulfuric, nitric, or phosphoric acid.

All of these techniques should be pursued as an integrated approach to change the nursery production system fundamentally — improving both production runoff and source water used for irrigation. The end result will be clean, clear, low pH water that contributes to plant growth and improves production runoff water quality.

Impact on Ornamentals

The effect of high pH water on plant growth, especially leaves, is not widely known for ornamental crops, but some reports are suggesting that it might slow plant growth.

Plant roots sense stress and then signal the rest of the plant to adjust growth accordingly to alleviate it.

Abscisic acid (ABA) is one of those long-term signal mechanisms produced in the roots that travels (in its undissociated form, ABAH) through the acidic xylem sap stream to signal stomates to close. ABAH is present in the xylem even when growth conditions are optimal, however, in this form it easily passes through cell walls and becomes sequestered along the way, where it is metabolized by the alkaline cell contents and it loses its signal properties. It cannot signal stomata to close.

When soil begins to dry and real water deficit occurs, there is a simultaneous increase in pH (alkalinization) of the xylem sap beginning at the roots and increasing up to the foliage. The increase in pH dissociates the ABAH to ABA, which cannot pass into surrounding cells and travels all the way to the stomates. There it reaches a higher concentration near guard cells that triggers them to close and conserve water. (Geilfus and Muhling, 2012).

High pH and Leaf Absorption

When high pH water used for overhead irrigation contacts plant leaves for 50 minutes every day, the leaves can perceive the high pH as a signal that the roots are under water-deficit stress. This seems counterintuitive, since an entire irrigation zone of plants just received an acre-inch of water. However, leaf absorption of the high pH water increases the pH of xylem sap and releases ABA, which signals stomata to close partially.

Acidifying irrigation water because of high pH and low alkalinity is not a common practice in nursery production because that water rarely affects the pH of the substrate in the container. The acidity of the pine bark is so strong that low alkalinity in the water is neutralized before acidity is exhausted (Lopez et al., 2010). This does not help out the foliage, however.

52 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

Use of high pH water in nursery production may be slowing growth by partially closing stomata during summer months. While it may be imperceptible on a weekly basis, by summer’s end those plants might be measurably smaller compared to similar plants receiving lower pH water.

INDUSTRY RESEARCH

What Happens Now

If the true cause of a problem is not known, the only options for growers are watering more or less, or adding nutrients. Since essentially every grower in eastern North Carolina has high pH water in the summer, there is no way to observe what would happen if the water were acidified.

Our team recently received funding for two years from the NDCA&CS Specialty Crops Block Grant program to study the effect of high pH water on growth in six nurseries across North Carolina. We are grateful for their support of NC State and the Green Industry and our team currently is designing and installing the systems.

Plant growth will be monitored both physically and physiologically for two years. Comparisons between similar species grown in areas with and without acidified water will determine physical growth differences such as leaf expansion, height, growth index and quality of foliage in terms of insects and diseases.

Days to being marketable will also be calculated for plant groups to determine how the acidified water reduced the production time for plants receiving that treatment. Periodically during the growing season, stomatal conductance will be measured on both sets of plants to determine changes in physiology due to water quality.

The installed systems will serve as an example for disseminating the information to the majority of growers in the area. We will keep you informed of the results as we find them.

Do not rush to acidify your water. Let us try and see if that is the most economical option for growers. It may turn out that acidifying water does in fact improve growth, but it might not be enough improvement to make purchasing and installing a system worth the cost. Meanwhile, send in a water sample to NCDA&CS to test your quality at the riser. For instructions, visit the website, www.ncagr.gov/agronomi/uyrsoln.htm.

Dr. Anthony LeBude is located at the Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center in Western North Carolina. His program focuses on the identification, adoption and retention of cultural and sustainable production practices among growers that both reduces inputs and improves plant quality during nursery production. You can contact him by email, avlebude@ncsu.edu; or phone, (828) 684-3562 ext. 135.

For more in depth information helpful for nursery crop growers, please visit www.nurserycropscience.info.

Impact of Temperature on Herbicide Activity

W

eeds are arguably the most common pest problem in landscape management. Almost everyone can spot a weed, especially when it’s chickweed sticking out like a sore thumb in a stand of dormant bermudagrass in March.

Landscape managers face the challenge of scheduling a variety of activities and, as a consequence, can struggle to stay ahead of spring weed control. Often the first herbicide application is timed in conjunction with mulch laying, creating a labor bottleneck. One strategy to overcome this is to move herbicide applications from springtime to typically less-busy periods, such as late fall/early winter or late winter. This leads landscape managers to ask: Do herbicides still work when applied in cool temperatures?

Research on just this subject was reported recently in the Journal of Environmental Horticulture. The HRI publication is the green industry’s only peer-reviewed scientific journal.

“In an already tight labor market, the importance of keeping up with the latest weed control research strategies regarding timing and efficacy of applications cannot be taken for granted by today’s landscape manager,” said Joe Ketterer, Director of Quality and Efficiency with Ruppert Landscape in Laytonsville, MD. “I am very interested in the effects of temperature on weed control strategies, so that I can spread the traditional seasonal workload across twelve months in an attempt to retain more personnel year-round while improving quality and reducing potential overtime costs.” he explained.

Temperature Effects Weed scientists agree that air temperature impacts how well a herbicide works. When applied during cool temperatures, herbicides generally do not work as well as when applied during warm temperatures. This is due to a few factors.

First of all, plants’ growth and metabolism slow dramatically in cool weather, which lessens herbicide absorption and translocation within the plant.

Secondly, certain physiological changes occur in plants in response to cool temperatures. For example, the wax layer coating plant leaves gets thicker, which limits herbicide penetration (and ultimately efficacy).

The increased wax layer also creates a hydrophobic environment, which decreases an herbicide’s leaf wetting capability.

Herbicide formulation merits a mention in this discussion as well, because it may overcome some of the above-mentioned impediments. Ester formulations, as opposed to amines, are more soluble in the plant cuticle. This means they have a better chance of breaching a fortified wax layer and are more easily absorbed by plants. Combining a contact herbicide (such as carfentrazone or sulfentrazone) with a systemic (such as 2,4-D or dicamba) is another tactic to increase weed control.

By Jennifer Gray, Horticultural Research Institute

“...Leading landscape managers to ask: Do herbicides still work when applied in cool temperatures?”

The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI), founded in 1962, has provided more than $7 million in funds to research projects covering a broad range of production, environmental, and business issues important to the green industry. Nearly $11 million is committed to the endowment by individuals, corporations and associations. For more information about HRI, its grant-funded research, or programming, visit hriresearch.org or contact Jennifer Gray at 614.884.1155.

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 53

Customers Will Find Your Products FAST — on the NEW BuyNCPlants.com

Research Studies

Using a combination of contact and systemic herbicides, whether a custom tank mix blend or a premix product, increases the chances of winter annual weed control.

Dr. Jeff Derr, Virginia Tech, conducted a series of experiments that accounted for these variables. He assessed the impact of temperature on herbicide efficacy against winter annuals (ivyleaf speedwell, henbit, common chickweed and purple deadnettle) in turfgrass (both cool and warm season varieties).

Contact and systemic herbicide activity was compared alone and in premix combinations and both ester and amine formulations were included. The following products were tested:

POI NT. P IC K . CL I CK .

NCNLA has partnered with PlantAnt — the industry’s most powerful and innovative plant search engine — to make listing products, supplies and services easier for you — and help buyers find them fast!

Surge (sulfentrazone + 2,4-D, amine + MCPP + dicamba)

QuickSilver (carfentrazone)

SpeedZone Southern (carfentrazone + 2,4-D, ester + MCPP + dicamba)

PowerZone (carfentrazone + MCPA, ester + MCPP + dicamba)

SpeedZone (carfentrazone + 2,4-D, ester + MCPP + dicamba)

Trimec Classic (2,4-D, amine + MCPP + dicamba)

Study results prove valuable for landscape managers. “Control of winter weeds is an important concern for lawn care companies, golf course superintendents, sports turf managers and others maintaining landscape areas,” said Dr. Derr. “A concern in winter is the impact of colder air temperatures on the effectiveness of herbicides used for controlling emerged broadleaf weeds.”

“Unless weeds need to be controlled very quickly,” Derr said, “landscape

managers have a wider window of opportunity to spray postemergence broadleaf herbicides than previously thought.”

Using a combination of contact and systemic herbicides, whether a custom tank mix blend or a premix product, increases the chances of winter annual weed control. Products containing carfentrazone (a contact) premixed with a systemic herbicide(s) controlled weeds better than a systemic applied alone.

However, premix products in this study contained ester formulations, which also could explain the enhanced performance.

The Verdict

Following with previous studies, Derr concluded that temperature did affect herbicide activity. Overall, herbicide applications made during warmer temperatures (65° F), injured weeds faster than when made during cooler temperatures (45° F). However within three weeks after application, weed control was the same, regardless of whether applications were made during warm or cool temperatures.

If landscape managers opt to prioritize speed of weed control, according to their customers’ preference, then herbicide applications should be made in warmer weather conditions. On the other hand, if time management is a higher priority, herbicides can be applied during cooler weather when more labor may be available. Selecting ester formulations and combining a contact with systemic(s) products may ensure greater success during cooler temperature applications.

New tools to help you sell more: n

Inventory updates

n

Photo uploads

n

Price lists

n

n

n

Smithfield, Virginia

G&G Exhibitor/Featured Vendor highlight options PLUS — Faster, easier search options for buyers Unlimited FREE listings for NCNLA members.

Proud Member

54 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 55

Welcome New Members!

As of March 20, 2017

Member Name

Organization Name

City

State

Membership Type

Lauren Gragg

NC State University

Granite Falls

NC

Government/Educator

Amanda Taylor

NC Extension Service - Burke Center

Morganton

NC

Government/Educator

NC

Regular for Individual

Adrian Van Essendelft

2015 SHOW

Quality. Precision. Ergonomics.

Made to cut. Made in Germany.

Julius BERGER GmbH & Co. KG Kohlfurther StraĂ&#x;e 4-6 42349 Wuppertal T: +49 (0) 202 24 75 9 0 F: +49 (0) 202 24 75 930 gaara@bergertools.com www.bergertools.com

Pantego

Derrick Wallace

Atlantic landscapes inc

Raleigh

Kathleen Martin

Earth's Answer Gardening & Ecological Rehabilitation

Durham

2015 NC JocoPlants Regular forShow Individual

Wednesday July for 15, 2015 NC Regular Individual

Member Company

City

State Mem. Type

Member CompanyTrade

Agri Supply

Garner

NC

Regular

Mebane Shrubbery Market, Inc.

Haw River

NC

Regular

CFN, Inc. d/b/a Cedarview Farm Nursery

Stem

NC

Regular

Crumpler Plastic Pipe, Inc.

Roseboro

NC

Regular

Sowers Landscape and Design

Wilmington NC

Regular

Danny Bradley landscaping Sponsored by

Lenoir

NC

Regular

Winston Lawn Care Winston NC 201 5 Kerr ScottSalem Building

Regular

Deese Lawn and Home Services Inc

Willow Spring

NC

Regular

Enhanced Landscape Design Inc.

Charlotte

NC

Regular

High Rock Land & Hardscapes, LLC.

Browns Summitt

NC

Regular

The Benton Group Inc. DBA Benton Outdoor Living

Lake Wylie

SC

Long Incorporated

Roxboro

NC

Regular

Glen Cole's Twin Cedars Nursery

Massey

MD Regular Affiliate

Mansfield's Daylilies and More

Hertford

NC

Regular

Phoenix Landscape Management

Taylors

SC

15

Show: 9City AM - 3 PMState Mem. Type

Shop 24 Local Nurseries Otho's Pest Management AsheboroLocation!

NC Regular in one Convenient

NC State Fairgrounds Davien IL Regular Affiliate Raleigh, NC R & J of The Carolinas, LLC Rock Hill SC Regular Affiliate Fit-Sol

Regular Affiliate

Regular Affiliate

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

2017 2015 SHOW Sponsored by

Delivering from Connecticut to Georgia and everywhere in between!

56 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

2017JocoPlants JoCoPlantsShow Show 2015

Wednesday,July July15, 12,2015 2017 Wednesday

12 15

2 015 2017

Trade Trade Show: Show: 99 AM AM -- 4 3 PM PM Get to know JocoPlants

Shop 24 Local Nurseries 22 Local Nurseries in one in one Convenient Convenient Location! Location!

Kerr Scott Building NC State Fairgrounds Raleigh, NC

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 57

NLN CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Advertisers’ Index Arborjet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Bennett's Creek Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

NCNLA Events

National Events

Berger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

2017 CPP Exams

July 15 – 18, 2017 Cultivate ‘17

BuyNCPlants.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

May 5 - Mt. Olive, NC

May 17 - Mebane, NC

September 14 - Asheville, NC

October 6 - Fayetteville, NC

October 26 - Wilson, NC

2017 CYPP Exams

January 15-19, 2018 Greensboro, NC

May 5 - Mt. Olive, NC

May 17 - Mebane, NC

September 14 - Asheville, NC

January 15 – 19, 2018 Green & Growin’ Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel – Education Greensboro Coliseum – Marketplace Greensboro, NC (919) 816-9119 GreenandGrowin.com

North Carolina Events May 7, 2017 Gala in the Garden JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University 4415 Beryl Road, Raleigh, NC jcra.ncsu.edu/events

May 16, 2017 GIC Legislative Day & Ice Cream Social Legislature Building 16 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC ncgreenindustrycouncil.org

Greater Columbus Convention Center 400 North High Street Columbus, OH 43215 cultivate17.org

August 1 – 3, 2017 SEGreen The Classic Center 300 N Thomas Street Athens, Georgia 30601 sna.org

August 23 – 25, 2017 FarWest Show

Cam Too . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Triangle Turf & Ornamental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Carolina Bark Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 DitchWitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Fair View Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Green & Growin’ 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Gossett's Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Hawksridge Farms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Jake A. Parrott Insurance Agency . . . . . . . 29 JOCO Plants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Oregon Convention Center 777 Northeast M L King Boulevard Portland, OR 97232 farwestshow.com

Kirk Davis Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

October 19 – 20, 2017 GIE + EXPO

OHP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Kentucky Exposition Center 937 Phillips Ln. Louisville, KY 40209 gie-expo.com

November 6 – 10, 2017 2017 Irrigation Show & Education Conference Orange County Convention Center 9800 International Drive Orlando, FL 32819 irrigation.org/IrrigationShow

NCGreenprints.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 NC Farm Credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Old Courthouse Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Parker Bark Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Pender Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Proven Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Sampson Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Signature Horticultural Services . . . . . . . . 11 Site Light Id . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

June 22, 2017 7th Annual NCGIC Water Symposium McKimmon Center, NC State University 1101 Gorman St, Raleigh, NC ncgreenindustrycouncil.org

July 12, 2017 JOCO Plant Show Kerr Scott Building – NC State Fairgrounds 1025 Blue Ridge Road Raleigh, NC 27607 For the latest events, please visit ncnla.com 58 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017

SPRING 2017 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | 59

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

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PA I D Raleigh, NC Permit # 2255

Rediscover PENDER NURSERY

Meet Your Pender Nursery Sales Team!

Doug Wright NC, SC, GA dwright@pendernursery.com

Nick Wright Central NC and In-house Sales nwright@pendernursery.com

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

Joseph Reynolds Sales Trainee jreynolds@pendernursery.com

PHONE: 800-942-1648 • FAX: 919-773-0904 • ONLINE: www.PenderNursery.com 60 | NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES | SPRING 2017