Nursery & Landscape Notes Winter 2021

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

2020

INDUSTRY AWARDS:

Meet the Winners WINTER 2021

G&G’ 21 Virtual Education was a Success

The Van Devenders Retire after 40 Years

10 WINTER 2021

COMMENTARY 2020 President’s Message 5 2021 President’s Message 7 Executive Vice President’s Message 9

NCNLA MEMBER NEWS

14

Member Spotlight: Myatt Landscaping 10 2021 Board of Directors 13 The Van Devenders Retire After 40 Years 14

Nursery & Landscape notes FEATURES

22

Cover image: irishasel/stock.adobe.com; bottom-right image: bondarillia/stock.adobe.com

Contents

Green & Growin’ 21 Virtual Education Recap

24

Industry Award Winners 2020

INDUSTRY NEWS Student Spotlight: Zohara Scott 18 Updates from Across the Green Industry 20

EVERY ISSUE Calendar of Events 3

18

New Members 3

24

Advertisers’ Index 32 1

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Nursery & Landscape notes Published by

North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. 968 Trinity Road, Raleigh, NC 27607 NCNLA Staff Richard Lawhun Executive Vice President Kathryn Stansbury Director of Business Development Victoria Torino Chief Financial Officer Cindy Whitt Director of Marketing & Communications Christine Wilks Director of Lifelong Learning Nursery & Landscape Notes is published quarterly by the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. (NCNLA), covering news, research, education and business in the nursery and landscape industries. The publication is distributed to approximately 825 horticulture producers, landscape professionals and industry suppliers.

Nursery & Landscape Notes is provided as a member service.

2021 NCNLA Board of Directors Leslie Herndon President Greenscape, Inc. Holly Springs, NC Kevin Cagle Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer Greenthumb Nursery, LLC Ether, NC Hugh Crump Past President Greenline Design, Inc. Charlotte, NC Tim Johnson, II Tim Johnson Landscaping Statesville, NC Dana Massey Plantworks Nursery Rougemont, NC William ”Bill” Bynam Site One Landscape Supply High Point, NC

John Clark Pro Green, Inc. Morganton, NC Ariel Montanez Pender Nursery Graham, NC Trey Warrick Scottree & Shelby Nursery, Inc. Shelby, NC

NCNLA EVENTS 2021 GIC Technology Symposium

NATIONAL EVENTS

AmericanHort: Cultivate 21

(formerly GIC Water Symposium)

June 17, 2021

July 10-13, 2021

McKimmon Conference and Training Center at NC State Raleigh, NC

Columbus, OH

www.cultivateevent.org

www.ncnla.com

Robert Cagle Memorial Golf Tournament June 18, 2021

Lochmere Golf Club Cary, NC

www.ncnla.com/page/golf

»

Garden Center Conference & Expo Sept. 28-30, 2021 Orlando, FL

www.gardencenterconference.com *Event dates and locations subject to change

Certified Plant Professional

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

Educational Advisors Justin Snyder Alamance Community College Graham, NC Anthony LeBude North Carolina State University Mountain Horticultural Crops Research and Extension Center Mills River, NC

Advertising

WELCOME NEW NCNLA MEMBERS!

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

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

Elkin Lawn Garden and Property Management Elkin, NC

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

Vision: To promote and protect the interests of North Carolina’s green industry.

Connect with NCNLA facebook.com/NCNurseryandLandscapeAssociation twitter.com/tweet_ncnla

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instagram.com/ncnla ncnla.com | BuyNCPlants.com | GreenandGrowin.com | NCGreenprints.com ©2021 NCNLA

WINTER 2021 || NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES

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NCNLA 2020 PRESIDENT’S LETTER

A Look at the Past Year I would like to begin by thanking

Hugh Crump Greenline Design, Inc. Charlotte, NC

Hugh

all NCNLA members for their support over the past year. I count it an honor to have had the opportunity to serve such a great organization while working to advance its causes. It has been a true pleasure to serve with a board made up of industry professionals from across the state. Diversity in the board is key when balancing the needs of so many hardworking industry professionals, and I’m truly grateful for the ways in which we were able to navigate the challenges that 2020 presented. I would also like to give Rick Lawhun thanks and credit for providing a steady hand of leadership, which required preparedness, poise and patience. This year presented challenges that required everyone to go outside their specific areas of expertise to do what was necessary in an ever-changing world. A sincere thanks to our wonderful staff for helping to make a challenging year successful.

Obviously, 2020 will be a year we will never forget for its trying times, but I would like to take a minute to focus on the positives. For myself, my proudest moments came nearly a year ago in the early phases of the pandemic, when NCNLA collected information and served as a conduit to our industry. The staff, members and board all worked frantically to enable our industry to be declared essential, seeking guidance and assistance from legislators, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and other governmental agencies. At the time, the crisis seemed to be a matter of life or death for our businesses, and the NCNLA stood front and center to advocate on behalf of our members. As this was all happening, I had some overwhelming moments when I said to myself, “This is why NCNLA

exists.” It was a great accomplishment, and one that made me proud to be a part of the association.

In so many ways this past year was unprecedented, but perhaps most notable for NCNLA was the cancellation of the Green & Growin’ Marketplace trade show, the crown jewel of the association from a presence standpoint and in terms of financial income for the association. The thought of canceling the show and education sessions was unthinkable, and we were all cautiously optimistic that things would improve enough to allow us to hold the event. Unfortunately, due to overall safety concerns, and considering the feedback we received, we made the regrettable but prudent decision to cancel the Marketplace trade show and hold the education conference online.

From this unfortunate situation, however, arose the opportunity for us to launch our first-ever virtual education conference. The number of attendees exceeded expectations, and conference feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Expanding into online education opportunities had been previously discussed as one of our long-term goals, and the circumstances of 2020 enabled us to pivot and make that goal a reality. The leadership of Christine Wilks, NCNLA Director of Lifelong Learning, along with the support of the entire NCNLA team, was impressive. I am proud of our ability to adapt and overcome in the face of such daunting obstacles.

In closing, I couldn’t be more excited about what the future holds for the organization. With Leslie Herndon’s leadership and the new additions to the board, combined with a tremendous Executive Director and staff, we are in great hands. I would also like to thank the Past Presidents with whom I had the privilege of serving—Kirk Davis, Chad Gragg, Shanon Spivey and Jamie Thomas—for the friendship and wisdom they provided throughout my time of service.

WINTER 2021 || NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES

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NCNLA 2021 PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Looking Forward to 2021 Well, it has been quite a year

Leslie Herndon Greenscape, Inc. Raleigh, NC

Leslie

already in 2021, and I know we all feel like we need a boat and oars, with all the rain we have seen! But like every year, spring is right around the corner (36 days, 13 hours, 23 minutes, 51 seconds as of Feb. 12—but who’s counting!). Brighter days will be here soon.

Springtime is a favorite time for all of us in the industry, and I know we are all in the middle of a great deal of preparation for this to be another stellar year for the green industry! We at NCNLA are also in the middle of preparation—and taking precautions as well. We are preparing for a year full of educational opportunities for our members, a focus on membership growth, renewed dedication to our certification programs, an ever-improving scholarship golf tournament, a focus on advocacy and getting ready to host Green & Growin’ 22 in person. In other words, we have a lot of activities planned!

On the other hand, we are also cautious. Being unable to host the Green & Growin’ 21 Marketplace trade show has left a large deficit in our budget. Our virtual education conference was successful and profitable, but the net income was far from what a full, in-person show provides the association to fund operations. We are monitoring expenses and revenue closely this year to ensure that the association stays on good long-term financial footing and that we minimize any draws on long-term reserves. We understand how critical financial stability is to industry associations—especially now. In January, Southern Nursery Association announced they were ceasing operations after more than 121 years of serving the industry. Their contributions will be greatly missed!

The board of directors and staff of NCNLA are committed to the long-term future of the association, and we have great confidence that we will emerge stronger than ever. But we need your assistance. A few options to help out will become available throughout the year, and we appreciate any support you can offer. An immediate opportunity to consider is a donation to the association, as each of the 2020-2021 board members have done. We felt it was critical at this time to stand strong for the benefit of the association, so each board member contributed $500 toward the deficit. We see and recognize the critical function of the association in North Carolina, and we want to ensure that it persists! If you can join us in this effort, we greatly appreciate it!

One final note: Last week I received a very special gift from my second cousin.

She sent me a gavel that was presented to my great-uncle, Warren J. Redd (Greenway Gardens and the Redd Sled), at the end of his presidency of the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen in 1963. She wanted me to have it because Uncle Warren would be proud of today’s green industry, and of the fact that our family is still contributing in 2021.

My earliest memories of his nursery and agriculture are of picking blueberries in the field and swimming in the icy-cold pool! I am honored to have this piece of family and association history, and I will strive to do great-uncle Warren—and all of you—proud during this coming year!

I am looking forward to this year and thank all of you for having faith in me and the rest of the board to lead the association forward. I also would like to give a special thank-you to the NCNLA staff and board members, past and present, for all the work you have done and continue to do to benefit all of us as an industry. It is greatly appreciated!

WINTER 2021 || NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES

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NCNLA EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT’S LETTER

Embracing Change This past year, the nursery and landscape industry, was fortunate to

Richard “Rick” Lawhun NCNLA Executive Vice President

Rick

be deemed an “essential service” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our efforts in securing this status were funded by operating revenue generated by Green & Growin’ 20, which funds all of our nonrevenue programs, including advocacy, industry promotion and marketing.

As I noted in the Fall 2020 issue of Nursery & Landscape Notes, the decision to cancel the Marketplace trade show and repurpose the education conference associated with Green & Growin’ 21 places a significant financial burden on NCNLA during the current fiscal year, which began Oct. 1, 2020. Fortunately, we have sufficient reserves to manage a deficit, unlike the Southern Nursery Association and Western Nursery & Landscape Association, which were forced to cease operations within the past few months. We also have a board of directors and staff that can adapt to an ever-changing environment and find new ways to meet the needs of our members, which is critical to maintaining a healthy, vibrant association.

The Green & Growin’ 21 Virtual Education program, held Jan. 11-13, 2021, is a perfect example of our ability to adapt to meet the needs of NCNLA members. We had never held an online event of this type, and there were a lot of questions as to whether it could be successful. With the assistance of the NCNLA Education Committee, we were able to develop an online program that attracted 400 attendees and more than 20 sponsors. Participant feedback has been so positive, in fact, that we are planning to incorporate an online component into Green & Growin’ 22, even though we expect to meet face to face as well.

U.S. Army General Eric Shinseki (retired) once said, “If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance even less.” Thankfully, NCNLA and its members have embraced change and laid the groundwork for bigger and better opportunities in the future—thereby ensuring that NCNLA will continue “to provide essential value to our members through education, marketing and advocacy,” as our mission states.

As always, stay well and stay passionate about the industry you love!

p22

WINTER 2021 || NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES

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NCNLA MEMBER NEWS

NCNLA MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

»

Five Minutes with Myatt Landscaping & Construction How did you get into the business?

After high school, I worked several different jobs. A friend of mine was working for a local landscape contractor and asked if I wanted to go to work with them. I did and after a year I was in love with landscaping and decided to start my own business.

Overhead view of headquarters from drone

Myatt Landscaping & Construction Fuquay-Varina, NC President Scott Myatt In business 25 years NCNLA member 24 years Number of employees 135 Favorite NCNLA benefits Green & Growin’ Education and Marketplace

What is a typical day like for you and your staff?

We start at 7 a.m. each morning. Our managers get all their teams out and then we have a quick five-minute managers’ meeting to review what is going on for the day. Then the managers head out to their sites, and I typically work in the office or meet with potential clients in the field.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career?

I enjoy creating things. The landscape industry is extremely rewarding as you can start with a blank canvas and create something beautiful. I also enjoy teaching and watching people grow. We are truly fortunate to have many long-term team members with more than 20 years with us.

What is your company best known for?

Our quality and customer service—both are what we have built the business on, and we strive to do better each day.

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

Labor is by far the biggest challenge we face each day.

What have you gained from your involvement in the NCNLA? Many things. I have met so many wonderful people that have really taken the time to answer questions and share their experiences in landscaping. The education that NCNLA provides is always beneficial, especially learning about new products or new techniques that we can use.

10 NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES || WINTER 2021

Commercial landscape installation project and ongoing maintenance

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

Work hard and always do what’s right no matter how difficult it may be. Find someone that has been in the industry for a while and ask questions. You will be very surprised at how many people are willing to help you out.

» Get in touch

919-577-6050 www.myattlandscaping.com

Myatt Landscaping headquarters and staff WINTER 2021 || NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES

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NCNLA MEMBER NEWS

2021

Board of Directors

The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association welcomed three new members

and announced two new officers for the 2021 board of directors during the annual meeting held online Jan. 21, 2021.

Two current board members were promoted to new positions. Leslie Herndon was elected to President, and Kevin Cagle was elected to Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.

Herndon is president of Greenscape, Inc., where she began her career 19 years ago.

A lifelong North Carolinian, she graduated from North Carolina State University with a bachelor’s degree in horticultural science. She is a Certified Plant Professional and holds manager and technician certifications from the National Association of The 2021 board Landscape Professionals. also includes: Cagle has been the Owner/Partner of Greenthumb Nursery, LLC, for 11 years. A North Carolina native, he is the third generation in his family to operate the nursery. He holds a private pesticide license and a North Carolina Landscape Officers: Contractor license.

Past President Three new members have joined the board in different capacities.

Hugh Crump Dana Massey will serve a one-year term on the board. She began her career Greenline Design at Plantworks Nursery in 2009 and has been President since 2017. She has an Charlotte, NC associate’s degree from Louisburg College and a bachelor’s degree in horticultural science from NC State. She is also a 2016 graduate of the North Carolina Tobacco Directors: Trust Fund Agriculture Leadership Development Program from NC State and a Tim Johnson, II 2020 graduate of the Executive Academy for Growth & Leadership from Texas Tim Johnson Landscaping A&M University.

Statesville, NC Ariel Montañez will serve a three-year term on the board. He has been the General Manager of Pender Nursery since July 2013. Born in Puerto Rico and William “Bill” Bynum SiteOne Landscape raised in Germany, he served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps before starting Supply in the industry. He has a business degree from Campbell University and previously High Point, NC served as President of the Johnston County Nursery Association.

Anthony LeBude joined the board as Educational Advisor. He has been the John Clark Nursery Extension Specialist in the Department of Horticultural Science at NC Pro Green, Inc. State for the past 15 years. He moved to North Carolina from Eastern Virginia, Morganton, NC where he had worked in all facets of horticulture, including greenhouse, nursery, landscape and retail garden centers.

Educational Advisor: Trey Warrick completed a one-year term on the board as a replacement for a Justin Snyder promoted member and is now beginning his own three-year term. He has been Alamance Community Co-Owner of Scottree and Assistant Manager at Shelby Nursery, Inc., for the College past 12 years. A graduate of NC State with a bachelor’s degree in horticultural Graham, NC science, he has a North Carolina Landscape Contractor license and is an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist. He is also a Past Chair of the North Carolina Urban Forest Council.

Jamie Thomas of Swift Creek Nursery, Clayton, leaves after six years of dedicated service. Jeff Allegood of Old Courthouse Nursery, Warsaw, leaves after three years of service.

Dr. Joe Neal of NC State is leaving after many years of service as Educational Advisor.

WINTER 2021 || NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES

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NCNLA MEMBER NEWS

Danny and Peggy receiving the 2015 Grower of the Year award from NCNLA President Brad Rollins (center)

Jericho Farms Owners Retiring After 40 Years

Danny (left) receiving the 2013 Oakland Award from NCNLA President Michael Dickey Green & Growin’ show floor completed

14 NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES || WINTER 2021

D

anny and Peggy Van Devender recently announced their retirement from Jericho Farms and Landscape Design of Goldsboro. After serving in the North Carolina green industry for the last 40 years, they decided the time was right for new adventures.

“It was time to make a change,” said Peggy. “I love what I’ve done, and I enjoy the people—people are what this business is all about. But retiring gives us a chance to do things we want to do, before we’re too old.”

Danny Van Devender started Landscape Design of Goldsboro soon after graduating college. He quickly realized he could offer quality products by growing his own plant material, so he started a nursery in his backyard with several hundred plants. By 1987 the venture had outgrown that space, so Peggy joined the company and created its nursery division, Jericho Farms. Today the operation spans 350 acres of plant material and employs more than 40 people.

As a testament to their leadership, the Van Devenders have had employees who have been with them for 35 years. That kind of loyalty, Danny believes, has been due to the strong relationships the couple has forged with their team members.

“Early on in the business, I realized I could make a living doing this and that I could support other people,” said Danny. “For me, making sure that the people who work for us had a paycheck at the end of the day was extremely important.”

Weathering the Storms Everyone in the green industry knows that no matter how hard you work to run a successful business, the weather is the one variable you can’t control—and Danny and Peggy have experienced their share of unfortunate weather conditions over the years. In 1996, they suffered moderate losses from flooding after Hurricane Fran, and in 1999, Hurricane Floyd caused even more damage.

North Carolina was hit the hardest when Floyd struck the East Coast, causing widespread flooding for several weeks, with nearly every river basin the eastern part of the state exceeding 500-year flood levels.

“That’s when we decided we had to move,” said Danny.

“The storms were big, and there was so much development upstream, that we could no longer predict what was going to happen when we got rain.”

By 2001, they had moved their offices and container operation away from the floodplain to a location 10 miles away in Pikeville.

Move out after

Marketplace Memories For decades, Danny and Peggy have been instrumental in the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association’s annual event, Green & Growin’, because of their enthusiasm in managing exhibitor move-in and move-out at the Marketplace trade show.

“We’ve had a lot of fun watching everybody pull together,” said Danny. “It’s a team effort that makes it happen, and nobody gets paid to do anything.

It’s phenomenal.”

Monster trucks jamming up Green & Growin’ 19

WINTER 2021 || NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES

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The Green & Snow Show

Since Green & Growin’ is held in January, when inclement weather can strike, the event is sometimes referred to as the “green and snow show” by crew members.

“Every year, the gamble is not knowing what the weather’s going to do,” said Danny. “We’ve got pictures from past events with the snow up to our ankles. Eight inches, 10 inches, 12 inches of snow and ice, leading the snowplow around and trying to get the parking lot plowed out.”

The crew also has had its share of nonweather obstacles to overcome, having to contend with whatever other events are being held concurrently at the Greensboro Coliseum.

“We share the pathway to the arena,” said Danny. “So every year we fight somebody, and it’s been everything from George Strait to the Eagles to some clown named Justin Bieber. Then last year, among everything else, we had to fight against 85 tractor-trailer loads of dinosaurs in the parking lot.”

In 2020, the touring arena show Jurassic World Live was set to appear at the Greensboro Coliseum the week after Green & Growin’.

While NCNLA staff, members and Green & Growin’

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exhibitors will miss seeing Danny and Peggy each year, the couple says they will miss it, too.

“I even told Danny,” recalled Peggy. “’Do you think even if we’re not still working, they’ll let us come back in the parking lot and move people in?’”

Finding the Right Fit You might say it was fate, but the Van Devenders believed it was a sign from God when Mark Metzler responded to a job opening six years ago. They had known Metzler as a youth from the Boy Scouts troop they led, and they were immediately impressed with his natural leadership skills.

“We knew right away that he was different,” said Danny.

“He did a short internship for us at the nursery, and then he went off to NC State. Then, six and a half years ago, he answered an ad we had for an estimator. He and I talked, and we knew that he wasn’t just talking about an estimator position—we knew he was interested in buying the business.”

Danny and Peggy spent the last six years working through the details to ensure they would leave Mark with the knowledge he needed to run a successful business.

“Everything fell into place. I just believe God paved the path for this when we first met Mark years ago,” said Peggy.

“It just seemed like the right timing.”

What the Future Holds Danny and Peggy plan to stay involved with the business during retirement. Danny likes working on the farm equipment and making deliveries, and Peggy enjoys selling plants and keeping up with customers. They also plan to continue to mentor Mark and his wife, Lauren, who has stepped into Peggy’s role at the nursery.

“Mark and Lauren are a hundred percent into this,” said Danny. “It’s almost a mirror image of what Peggy and I did. It’s funny and rewarding to see how this is working out because they are mimicking a lot of the things we did.”

They both agree that the North Carolina green industry is special because of its close-knit community.

“There wasn’t anybody in the industry not willing to help me,” said Danny. “It’s a unique industry in that way. It’s been a real honor and a blessing to be involved in it.”

2021 robert cagle memorial

golf tournament Join NCNLA members and industry colleagues for an afternoon of golf followed by a casual dinner and awards ceremony. Proceeds benefit the NCNLA Scholarship Fund.

Friday, June 18, 2021 1 p.m. Shotgun Start

Lochere Golf Club

23511 Kildaire Farm Road Cary, NC

Visit www.ncnla.com for details and sponsorship opportunities.

INDUSTRY NEWS

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

»

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.

Zohara Scott Zohara Scott, originally from New Zealand, will graduate from North Carolina State University in May 2021 with a degree in horticulture, with a concentration in landscape design, gardens and urban environment. She spent a year working in NC State’s Potato Breeding and Genetics Program, and recently began volunteering for Cure Nursery in Pittsboro. A dean’s list student for 2017-2020, she is also a 2020 American Society for Horticulture Science Collegiate Scholars award winner, as well as the recipient of

a Margaret Pittman Horticultural Science scholarship and a scholarship from Pi Alpha Xi, a horticultural honors fraternity.

How did you discover horticulture?

Growing up I was fascinated by plants— especially their extensive variety—but I had always seen gardening as a hobby or a requirement of being a homeowner. I never realized it could be a career. When I started university, I didn’t know what I wanted to study, so I took a variety of classes to explore my interests. When my academic advisor learned that I enjoyed growing plants, she strongly recommended that I contact NC State’s Department of Horticultural Science. After I took my first horticulture class, I knew there was no going back. My fascination for plants developed into a deep devotion. Now, three years later, I am graduating with more horticultural knowledge than I ever thought I could acquire, immense gratitude to all the professors and classmates that have helped me along the way, and a clear focus for what I want to do in my life.

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

My most valuable experiences have come from deciding to try new things at university. I tried to take every opportunity that came my way. Since an early age, I have had a deep fear of public speaking, due to my

18 NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES || WINTER 2021

experiences with bullying in elementary school. However, I was determined not to let this fear hold me back. When I was offered the opportunity to be a teaching assistant for a plant identification course, I knew I had to do it. In the end, I really enjoyed teaching and working with students.

After that opportunity, I became a teaching assistant for a horticultural photography course, which let me explore horticulture from a different creative perspective and gave me more experience with teaching. In my time as a student, I also joined Pi Alpha Xi and later was elected vice president, and I became a member of the Horticultural Science Department’s competition team.

Recently, I have been lucky to begin working and volunteering for Cure Nursery, creating planting designs exclusively with native plants—an excellent opportunity that is only just beginning to unfold. Together, all these opportunities have been incredibly valuable to me because they have filled me with confidence, given me work experience, and deepened my appreciation for and understanding of the various aspects of horticulture.

What were your favorite college classes?

I am not one who likes playing favorites, especially when I have taken so many fantastic classes while at university. Plant identification, digital media design, planting design, horticultural photography and plant propagation are just some of the classes I have truly loved as an NC State student. Honestly, there was not a single horticultural class I did not enjoy—the material was riveting.

The professors who taught me are truly remarkable and made learning enjoyable.

common recently, I also hope to continue doing design work for Cure Nursery while spending some quality time with her.

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

Go for it! Horticulture is a diverse field, and even if you don’t like one aspect of it, you are sure to love another. There’s a place for everyone within horticulture, though you must like plants to truly enjoy it. I feel lucky to have discovered horticulture and to have had such a variety of opportunities come my way. But it wasn’t just luck—I have worked hard in university, sought out opportunities and given my all for every project I have worked on. So don’t just wait for opportunities to come your way—make sure you work hard to find them for yourself.

Most people in the industry are incredibly friendly, so don’t be scared to reach out and discover more about a possible future career for yourself.

What is your favorite plant, and why?

My inability to pick favorites means I often pick a different plant each time I answer this

question. Since I love my recent work with native plants, I’d have to pick one of my favorite local plants, Rhododendron periclymenoides, a beautiful, native, spring-flowering pinkster azalea shrub.

I love when I come upon it in full bloom in the Piedmont forests.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am a big proponent of using more native plants in landscapes, so the opportunity to volunteer and work at Cure Nursery exclusively with native plants is a dream come true for me. Being able to practice what I have learned about planting design at NC State is amazing. Everyone at the nursery is incredibly kind and supportive, and I am overjoyed to be working with them. My nana, who lives in Australia, is getting older, so after graduation I would like to visit to take care of her and her garden. Fortunately, as remote work has become more WINTER 2021 || NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES

19

INDUSTRY NEWS

Updates from Across the Green Industry » During the North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association (NCNLA) Annual Meeting, we invite member organizations to share updates on activities from the previous year. Since we did not have an in-person meeting this year, we asked them to provide updates for the magazine.

JC Raulston Arboretum It has been a productive season for the JC Raulston Arboretum (JCRA). Recent redbud introductions from the JCRA and Denny Werner—Flame Thrower and Golden Falls—have been big hits with the public, and new redbuds are on the horizon. A new landscape plant breeder, Hsuan Chen, Ph.D., has joined the JCRA team, thanks to support from NCNLA, and we have acquired land at Lake Wheeler for the JC Raulston Arboretum Dept. of Horticultural Science Research Farm for our plant-breeding and trialing efforts. We look forward to introducing Dr. Chen to our NCNLA partners and working closely with you to continue to bring high-value, high-impact plants to the market.

Our educational efforts have continued unabated and include a weekly online program that has attracted an average audience of 180 since its debut in April 2020. A recent symposium, in fact, had 670 registrants, and we have found we are reaching all corners of the state and beyond through the addition of online content. There’s no putting that genie back in the bottle, so we expect to continue our online programs going forward, even as life settles back to normal. Look for opportunities for professional credits via our online programming, as well as topics for you, your teams and your clients.

Despite a tough year, support of the JCRA has been strong, with membership dollars increasing and donations staying steady. We hope to add some positions this spring to continue our mission of supporting and serving the North Carolina green industries and sharing our passion for plants.

—Mark Weathington, Director, JCRA

20 NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES || WINTER 2021

North Carolina Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Board The North Carolina Landscape Contractors’ Licensing Board (NCLCLB) has been very engaged over the past year, working to provide support to our licensees and the public as we made it through 2020 and into 2021. With the onset of COVID-19 early in 2020, the board realized the potential issues regarding the ability of licensees to safely attain continuing education (CE) credits, as well as the probable delay in course availability, and quickly voted to accept CE credits taken in 2019-20 and/or 2020-21 to be used for renewal for the 2021-22 license year.

Renewals are going well for the 2020-21 year. We currently have 2,405 licensed landscape contractors in the state who have renewed through December 2021, with 1,296 holding a corporate license. Last year also was strong in terms of exam applications and testing for those wanting to become licensed landscape contractors.

We had 31 applications for the license test and 38 actual tests taken during 2020, with 27 passing and becoming newly licensed landscape contractors.

Our office sold 109 sets of professional manuals in 2020 for use as reference manuals and for those preparing for the licensing exam. If you have not obtained a set of these manuals for your office, you may order them on the NCLCLB website or by contacting the board office.

The board also worked on 11 disciplinary cases during the year, with help from our board investigator, board attorney and Disciplinary Review Committee. Two cases were dismissed, five cases were settled with injunctions and reprimands, and six cases remain under investigation.

In the upcoming year, we will be launching a new portal for our license holders and CE providers that will make attaining and confirming credits easier. Our license covers a broad spectrum of topics in the landscape field, and we encourage licensees to

Tomasz Zajda/stock.adobe.com

NC State University Department of Horticultural Science

educate themselves on their specific segment, as well as broadening their knowledge platform by taking credits in other landscape areas.

Please contact our board office at 919-266-8070 or info@nclclb.com with any questions you may have concerning our state license.

—Chris Mitchell, NCLCLB Board Chair

Enrollment in academic programs remains strong. We currently educate 127 undergraduate majors in four concentrations: agroecology: urban horticulture; plant breeding and biotechnology in horticulture; production systems and entrepreneurship in horticulture; and landscape design, gardens and urban environments.

We also have 47 Agricultural Institute students in horticultural science management, with concentrations in ornamentals and landscape and small-scale farming, as well as 48 MHS, M.S. and Ph.D. students in horticultural science. The department continues to offer undergraduate and graduate certificates, with enrollments of more than 100 students.

—Lee Ivy, NC State Department of Horticultural Science Faculty

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WINTER 2021 || NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES

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NCNLA Looks to the Future

AFTER A SUCCESSFUL VIRTUAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association (NCNLA) completed its first-ever Green & Growin’ Virtual Education conference last month.

Since we were unable to meet in person, NCNLA shifted the education conference to an online platform for 2021. Experts and educators in the green industry still delivered the same high-quality program that attendees have come to expect.

The three-day online event drew more than 400 attendees and featured more than 20 sessions of panel discussions, lectures and demonstrations via livestream and recorded video. Highlights of this year’s education program were the two keynote speakers, Jeff McManus and Jeanie Chang. Jeff conveyed valuable information on how to be a leader and how to cultivate leadership within an organization. Jeanie provided the audience with tips on how to manage personal and professional stress triggers with actionable techniques.

Anyone who registered for the January conference will have access to the session recordings until April 30, 2021. After that, the recordings will be available to anyone interested in specialized education packages. Watch the eNews and NCNLA website for upcoming announcements and schedules.

We would like to extend a well-deserved thankyou to all the sponsors and speakers for a very successful education program! We could not have done it without your support, time and expertise.

Next year’s education conference will be an in-person gathering in Greensboro, with a virtual component available for those unable to attend the live event. Please join us as we come together for education, networking and the Marketplace trade show. We are looking forward to gathering Jan. 10-14, 2022, for Green & Growin’ 22!

22 NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES || WINTER 2021

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arinahabich/stock.adobe.com

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WINTER 2021 || NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES 23

2020 Industry Award Winners Each year, the North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association (NCNLA) recognizes the contributions of outstanding individuals and businesses in North Carolina’s green industry. The winners of the 2020 NCNLA Industry Awards were announced during the annual meeting held online on Jan. 21, 2021.

»

NCNLA Awards Committee Thank you to the NCNLA Awards Committee for taking the time to review award nominations and select the winners.

Chad Gragg (Chair) Phil Campbell Kirk Davis Tony Evans Jeremy Shaver Nick Waddell

24 NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES || WINTER 2021

Jerry Ragland Young Landscape Professional Award Established in 1999, the Jerry Ragland Young Landscape Professional Award recognizes an outstanding young person in the landscape business. ★ Matt Bland has worked for his family’s business, Bland Landscaping, since high school, and is now the company’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Why he was nominated Matt is an industry visionary and leader whose contributions have made an impact on the past, present and future of the landscaping industry in North Carolina. His recapitalization of Bland Landscaping is the largest business deal ever made in the state’s landscaping industry. He always leads by example at work, at home and in the community, and he has elevated the career potential for management professionals in this industry throughout North Carolina and beyond. As CFO/COO of a family-run business that has grown to more than 500 employees, he has helped redefine the green industry in our state.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

I enjoy being part of a leadership team that is driving a growing company. The opportunity to build a company that provides great service to customers, as well as opportunities for our employees to grow as both professionals and individuals, is very rewarding. As our industry matures, it’s an honor to be part of continually building our industry’s professional image, which our industry founders understood to be important.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

Act like a sponge and soak it all up. The wealth of knowledge in our industry held by the operators of existing businesses is enormous. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, introduce yourself at events, or pick up the phone and call others to harness that knowledge.

Oakland Award Established in 1978 by Oakland Plantation, this award is given to individuals for outstanding service to the nursery and/or landscape industry. ★ Shelley Cook is the owner of Carolina Garden Company, which she started in 2005.

Why she was nominated After 15 years in landscape design and installation, Shelley has tripled her business through personal engagement, customer education and top-quality service. Educated in North Carolina State University’s horticultural program, Shelley’s in-depth knowledge of plants ensures the sustainability of each installation. She sees each job individually and creatively, bringing with her a unique ability to incorporate the client’s style and vision. Shelley’s positive personality and wonderful smile help assure the customer that they are in “good hands,“ as Shelley is present on every job.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

I love people and learning about other’s lives—where they’re from, what they do as a career, their kids, etc. I also love transforming the outdoors—matching colors and textures from blooms and foliage to create a unique design for a client is the best. I love the looks on their faces once a project is complete.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

Over the past 16 years, I have installed mulch in the pouring rain, planted at temperatures well below zero, been bitten by a copperhead, had poison ivy numerous times, been bitten by wasps and bees, been yelled at by clients, inadvertently cut phone and internet cables, and routinely returned home with a wet behind from sitting on the ground. I’ve also seen the most amazing plants, had clients cry tears of joy at the sight of their new landscaping, formed solid friendships in and out of NCNLA, and learned more than I thought I would about plants. Landscaping is a wonderful career for those who don’t mind hard work or being outside every day, despite the weather. To someone new to the industry, I would say: start small. Focus on one area of landscaping (for me, it was roses) and learn all you can.

Once you’ve learned that, move to another area. You never “arrive“ with landscaping—it is a lifetime of learning! Enjoy it every step of the way.

Top-right image: bondarillia/stock.adobe.com

Kim Powell Outstanding Contribution to the Horticulture Industry Award Established in 2004, this award recognizes an individual’s outstanding contribution to the association and industry—and more specifically, his or her involvement in program development and execution. ★ Mike Munster has been a Plant Disease Diagnostician with the NC State Plant Disease and Insect Clinic, Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, for 12 years, and has been with NC State for 20 years.

Why he was nominated If you have ever needed help diagnosing mysterious plant disorders or diseases, you have likely benefited from Mike’s expertise. He has vast knowledge of plant disease and has been a tremendous asset to the ornamental industry by helping to identify plant problems and making management recommendations. Colleagues say he goes above and beyond to share his knowledge by offering training workshops for Extension agents and master gardeners throughout the state.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

Let me mention just three: knowing that growers appreciate and value our services, getting to the bottom of some (though not all) difficult cases, and introducing students to the wonders of fungi.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

One lesson from the past—including the past year—is to diversify. That comes in many forms. As plant pathologists, we like to point out that using multiple plant species and cultivars will make you less vulnerable to outbreaks of diseases and pests. The pandemic also has taught us that some revenue streams dry up in a crisis, while others continue to flow. My own experience has shown me that I am enriched by the diversity of people with whom I live and work. That relates to the second piece of advice: never stop learning.

WINTER 2021 || NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES 25

2020 Industry Award Winners

Bill Wilder Outstanding Young Nursery Professional Award Established in 1994 and named for the longtime Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen, this award recognizes qualified young men and women for outstanding service in the field of environmental horticulture and their inspiration to others starting out in the field. ★ Dana Massey is President of Plantworks, where she started as a Head Grower 12 years ago.

Why she was nominated Dana started working at Plantworks while a student at NC State and, after being hired full time, quickly worked her way up to Vice President. In 2017, Dana took over the company as the Owner/President, and since then she has taken advantage of opportunities to improve both the company and her leadership skills. Dana goes above and beyond to implement new practices that are good for the environment, works to be the best leader possible and has a passion for the green industry.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

The most rewarding part of my career has been watching our team flourish during the transition of ownership and facing the challenges of COVID-19. There are always opportunities, and I’m blessed to have a team that always looks for them, even in hard times.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

My advice for anyone interested in starting a career in the green industry in North Carolina is to always seek ways to improve, surround yourself with good people and tell your story. The opportunities our industry will have in the future are immense, with the growing desire in this country for sustainability, as well as physical and mental health—all of which we know plants can help foster.

Libby Wilder Award Established in 1999 and named for the longtime organizer extraordinaire for the North Carolina Association of Nurserymen, this award recognizes outstanding contributions to the nursery industry by a female. ★ Shannon Currey has been the Marketing Director at Hoffman Nursery for 14 years.

Why she was nominated Shannon is passionate about plants and a well-spoken educator. She has been active in horticulture organizations throughout the state and beyond, including NCNLA, the Perennial Plant Association and the North Carolina Plant Conservation Scientific Committee. She displays her leadership with the committees on which she works and helps to set the direction both for future events and the goals of the association. Her curiosity adds valuable insight and generates questions that help create thought-provoking discussions in the workplace and the industry.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

Advocating for and promoting a more ecological approach to managed landscapes.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

Explore as many aspects of the industry as you can, and talk to people working in it. That can help you find the best fit and pursue a meaningful career.

26 NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES || WINTER 2021

Top-right image: matousekfoto/stock.adobe.com

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2020 Industry Award Winners

D.S. Copeland Award Established in 1972 and named for the founder of Apex Nurseries, the award recognizes outstanding contributions to the nursery industry by a candidate working directly in the nursery industry. ★ Mark Gantt is Plant Protection Manager at Hefner’s Nursery, where he has worked since 1995.

Why he was nominated Mark is hardworking and always well prepared. He goes above and beyond the call of duty, whether it be volunteering for committees, representing NCNLA or allowing his nursery to be used for research projects. He is always willing to volunteer to assist in pest and disease control research, which also benefits other nursery owners. A strong advocate for the future leaders of our industry, he has been a speaker at multiple field days and conferences, selflessly sharing his knowledge with his peers.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

I get to watch things grow. How great is that? My main job is to keep the good stuff healthy and make the bad stuff go away, but I wear a lot of different hats. Growing plants is never boring.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

There is no other business where people will freely give you the knowledge they’ve spent years figuring out. Ask away.

Just remember that plant people love to give long answers.

Pay attention to the professionals in Extension and help them out if you ever get the chance.

Grower of the Year Established in 1994, the award recognizes a high level of professionalism in the management or ownership of a field or container nursery, as well as leadership in the nursery industry through participation in local, regional, state and national organizations. ★ William Westbrook is President of Fair View Nursery, Inc., where he has worked for 33 years.

Why he was nominated William is a third-generation owner and recently took over complete ownership of the nursery. He stays in touch with what customers are asking for and strives to stay updated with new plants as they are introduced into the market. He takes the time to listen to any employee, customer or vendor that needs him, and his door is always open. William has earned the respect of his employees, friends and customers through the years and proven himself time and time again.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

The most rewarding part of my career so far is the relationships I have made in the industry. This industry is full of great people willing to share their knowledge with you. We may be competitors, but if you need help, someone is always there to share what they know or lend a hand when times are tough.

What advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

There are so many great opportunities in the green industry today. I would suggest finding the area that interests you the most, making a connection with someone who does what you want to do and learning all you can.

Left image: arinahabich/stock.adobe.com; right image: Christian Schwier/stock.adobe.com; top-right image: sdbower/stock.adobe.com

WINTER 2021 || NURSERY & LANDSCAPE NOTES 29

2020 Industry Award Winners

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Lifetime Honorary Member This NCNLA Industry award recognizes lifetime contributions and achievement in the nursery and landscape industry. ★ Jo Ann Dewar began in the industry 49 years ago, and has been the Owner of Fairview Garden Center since its founding 47 years ago.

Why she was nominated Jo Ann started Fairview Garden Center in 1974, during a time when there were few female entrepreneurs in the industry.

Through her dogged work ethic and sharp business instincts, she built a business that will celebrate its 47th anniversary next year. She has been adaptive and innovative in business over the years. Most importantly, she has been an educator and inspiration to countless past employees who would go on to start their own greenhouses, garden centers and landscape companies.

What has been the most rewarding part of your career so far?

Being able to work with family every day—and with our staff, who are like an extended family. Also seeing the smiles on customers’ faces when you help them achieve their goals.

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What advice would you give to someone interested in the industry?

Do your research and have a business plan in place before starting your company. Network. Our industry is a great one. The work may not be easy, but it is very rewarding.

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