Legislative Update

The NCNLA Legislative Committee had a productive day in Raleigh on Tuesday, March 21, as members met with several state senators and representatives to discuss key issues that impact the nursery and landscape industry.

NCNLA lobbyist Dick Carlton and Legislative Committee Chair Matt Hunter of New Garden Landscaping & Nursery led a delegation that included Ariel Montanez of Pender Nursery, Tim Johnson of Tim Johnson Landscaping, and NCNLA staffers Kathryn Stansbury and Rick Lawhun. The group held productive and positive meetings with:

• Sen. Brent Jackson, District 9

• Sen. Bill Rabon, District 8

• Rep. Jimmy Dixon, District 4

• Rep. John Faircloth, District 62

• Rep. Jon Hardister, District 59

• Rep. Jeffrey McNeely, District 84

• Rep. Larry Strickland, District 28

Topics of discussion, which varied from meeting to meeting, included:

• Native Plants Act: Mandates the use of native plants for state-funded projects.

• Agriculture industry economic impact study: Provides funding to update the previous North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services study.

• Retaining walls: Clarifies existing legislation to allow landscapers to construct retaining walls more than 3 feet in height.

• Agriculture apprenticeship program: Provides funding for agriculture apprenticeships.

• Diesel engines: Addresses engine emissions standards.

• Waters of the United States (WOTUS): Determines North Carolina’s position regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new definition of WOTUS.

The committee continues to work with legislators to reduce the impact of Senate Bill 318, Native Plants Act, on the nursery and landscape industry. The Transportation Committee unanimously approved a revised bill on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, that incorporates changes requested by the industry. The Senate will likely vote on the bill in late spring or early summer, if they have not already done so by the time this article is published. Key revisions to the initial bill have the following effects:

• expand the definition of native plants to include plants native to the Southeast U.S., rather than just the state of North Carolina;

• limit application of the legislation to the Department of Transportation and to the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources;

• allow cultivars and selections of native plants, provided they were not selected for reduced reproductive structures; and

• extend the date of implementation to Dec. 31, 2024.

The committee members are appreciative of Sen. Rabon, who met with them on several occasions to discuss the legislation and consider modifications.

The revised bill passed by the Transportation Committee significantly reduces the impact on the nursery and landscape industry. Universities, municipalities and government facilities, which make up a substantial portion of industry business, are no longer included in the legislation. Expanding the definition of native plants and extending the date of implemen-

Matt Hunter, Chair

New Garden Landscaping & Nursery

Greensboro, NC

Charles Allen

Green Biz Nursery and Landscaping

Fayetteville, NC

Kevin Cagle

Greenthumb Nursery

Seagrove, NC

James Freeman

Freeman Landscape

Wilmington, NC

Tim Johnson

Tim Johnson Landscaping

Statesville, NC

Eric Jones

Turf Teacher Inc.

Pfafftown, NC

Terry Kallam

Triangle Chemical Co.

Wilson, NC

Ariel Montanez

Pender Nursery

Garner, NC

Barry Partlo

Agri Supply

Garner, NC

Ed Snyder

Greenleaf Services

Linville, NC

Gary Whitehurst

Worthington Farms

Greenville, NC

Mark Yelanich

Metrolina Greenhouses

Huntersville, NC

Dick Carlton, Lobbyist

Law Office of Richard H. Carlton PLLC

Raleigh, NC

Kathryn Stansbury, Staff Liaison

NCNLA

Rick Lawhun, Ad Hoc Member

NCNLA tation will allow the industry to better prepare to meet the expected demand for native material.

If you would like more information on the native plant bill or would like to join the Legislative Committee, contact the NCNLA office at info@ncnla.com. We welcome your participation!

Nursery & Landscape Notes is introducing you to the next generation of green industry professionals by featuring current and recent college students with plans to pursue careers in the field.

Name: Bonnie Christine Martinez

Hometown: Colonial Heights, VA College: Sandhills Community College

Graduation dates: May 2024

Major/Area of Study: Landscape and gardening (associate’s degree)

Interned: I am currently in the Sandhills Horticultural Gardens Work-Based Learning program. We also have spring, summer and fall labs where we get hands-on experience. Working in the gardens is one of my favorite things to do!

How did you discover horticulture?

My first experience in horticulture was with my grandmother when I was five years old. She loved peonies, gladiolus and strawberries. One of my favorite memories is of her kneeling next to me in the garden, telling me to make sure that when I pulled up weeds, I also got the roots. To this day it makes me smile. She inspired me to get my hands dirty.

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

My most valuable experience happened when I lived at Langley Air Force Base, where they had a Yard of the Month program. I really wanted to win the contest, so I planted a ton of plants that year — but it was one of the ugliest yards, so I didn’t win. However, I was determined to gave it another try, and I did win Yard of the Month the next year! In fact, I won for the next seven years in a row, and I was actually recognized as Yard of the Year for three of those years! The best part of the experience was that I fell in love with gardening, and my passion for plants continues to this day.

What were your favorite college classes, and why?

My favorite class in college is Plant Identification (at Sandhills Community College, we’re lucky to be able to take three semesters of that class). Learning all about each individual plant is rewarding, interesting and fun!

What are your plans after graduation? I hope to start a business selling rare and unusual plants. My goal is to have a greenhouse where people can find plants that aren’t sold at the big-box stores.

What advice would you give to a student interested in the field? Go for it! The green industry is fun and offers many different options for successful, satisfying and rewarding careers.

Fun question: What is your favorite plant, and why?

My favorite plant is impatiens, which give a beautiful pop of color in a shady garden. They make me smile.