The Buckeye, January/February 2013 Volume 24, Issue 1

The Official Publication of the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association

January / February 2013 Vol. 24, Issue 1

Grown locally.

RESPECTED FROM COAST TO COAST. As a third generation family-owned business, we’ve become North America’s leading wholesale grower and breeder of perennials with over 1,000 varieties offered in bare root and plug sizes.

But being located here in the upper Midwest is a plus for you.

It makes for easy pickup and delivery year round.

And due to our shipping volume, we’re able to offer you some of the lowest freight rates in the nation.

Locally grown crops. Better genetics. Bigger profits.

That’s what you’ll get with Walters Gardens.

Looking for finished product? Check out our Grower Locator at WaltersGardens.com Clockwise, from top left: Coreopsis ‘Mercury Rising’ PPAF, Hosta ‘Empress Wu’ PP20774, Echinacea p. ‘Butterfly Kisses’ PPAF, Dianthus ‘Apple Slice’ PP21842, Campanula g. ‘Freya’ PPAF, Monarda d. ‘Pardon My Pink’ PPAF, Euphorbia p. ‘Bonfire’ PP18585, Heliopsis h. ‘Tuscan Sun’ PP18763, Geranium ‘Rozanne’ PP12175, Hemerocallis ‘El Desperado’

WALTERS GARDENS, INC. P: 888.WALTERS (888.925.8377) • F: 800.752.1879 E: sales@waltersgardens.com • WaltersGardens.com • ProvenWinners.com

©2013 Walters Gardens, Inc.

CONTENTS

Vol. 24, Issue 1

association news

The Buckeye is published 10 times per year by The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association, Inc. 72 Dorchester Square Westerville, OH 43081 p 614.899.1195 f 614.899.9489 www.onla.org info@onla.org

4

President’s Perspective A New Term in Politics and The ONLA

8

ONLA Office Update ONLA’s Mission & Strategic Plans

11

Legislative Hotline State House Election Focuses on Marginal Changes in the Ohio House

27

Ohio Green Industry Advocacy Day Sign up Today!

45

ONLA Membership Plans for Success

EDITORIAL / ADVERTISING ISSN 1536-7940 Subscriptions: $75/year jennifergray@onla.org, editor

THE FINE PRINT The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, directors or staff and do not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers, or their identification as members of the ONLA does not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services.

STAFF Kevin Thompson, Executive Director Jennifer Gray, Associate Executive Director Amanda Domsitz, Communiciations Assistant Roni Petersen, Membership & Certification Heather Eberline, Accounting

January / February 2013

departments 13

Growers’ Viewpoint

Can We Reduce Labor Costs with Industrial Herbicides?

30

Why Trees Matter A Tale of Three Arboblitzes

39

Safety First Group and Group Retro Rating Enrollment

40

By Design Notable Books

Counties with established HWA populations 2011

OFFICERS Andy Harding, President Herman Losely & Son, Inc.

features

Jim Searcy, President Elect Hyde Park Landscaping, Inc.

15 16

Management Today / Marketing Today: Why?

25

Look to the Future: Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association Scholarship Fund

Young Professionals: Cultivate the Habits of Friendship

Jay Daley, Immediate Past President Herman Losely & Son, Inc. DIRECTORS Tim Clark, Board Member H.J. Benkens Florist & Greenhouses, Inc.

35

Uninfested Counties Infested Counties Newly infested 2011 Native Range of Hemlock

Educational Update: Hemlock Wolly Adelgid - The New Threat to Ohio’s Forests

Note: This map depicts counties with established HWA populations that are confirmed and reported by respective state forest health officials. The coarse nature of the map does not provide information below the county level and users should not assume that highlighted infested counties are entirely infested.

Map Produced by:

Steve Maddox, Board Member Rice’s Nursery & Landscaping, Inc.

USDA Forest Service 3/16/12

Dr. Hannah Mathers, Board Member The Ohio State University

CENTS 2013

Mark Reiner, Board Member Oakland Nursery, Inc. Maria Sambuco, Board Member Brickman Mike Satkowiak, Board Member Markman Peat Emily Showalter, Board Member Willoway Nurseries, Inc.

In the spirit of land stewardship, please consider recycling this publication.

front cover: A Winter Sky

5 6 17 24 33 43

ONLA Management Master Class Registration Young Professional Leadership Summit Green Industry Career Exploration Conference Parties with a Purpose Keynote Presentations with Dr. Michael Dirr

also in this issue

44 New Members • 46 Calendar of Events 46 Classified Ads • 46 Advertising Index

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President’s Perspective

A New Term in Politics and The ONLA

Andy Harding Herman Losely & Son, Inc. ONLA President andy@losely.com

I was not surprised by the outcome of our recent elections. I hope that our elected legislators will now get together and do what is right for the country regardless of party politics. They seem to forget why they were elected, and it was not to do what was easy and gets them re-elected, but what is right for the country. Please remember that this is the “Presidents Perspective” article and I can use it as my soap box!

Hopefully, they can get the economy back on the right track: allowing large and small businesses know where they stand for the future... and moving forward making jobs for those who want to work.

Okay! Off the soap box! CENTS is nearly here! Remember, it is a week earlier than previous years, and it is going to be the best ever! As of November 1st, more booths have sold than last year and are the show floor is 90% filled.

You should have all received the colorful and informative Attendee Planning Guide put together by the staff at the ONLA office. It is packed with things to do at the show both during the day and in the evenings.

A combination of a top notch list of speakers, headed up very wellknown plant expert Michael Dirr, who will present three sessions, and a long list of other educational sessions make 2013 an exciting year!

Running in conjunction with the short course, the ONLA has put together a trio of Professional Conferences. They are the Green Industry Career Exploration Conference, the Young Professional Leadership Summit and the ONLA Management Master Class. Please check out the sessions available in these phenomenal conferences (pages 5, 17, and 24) and register to attend!

At the end of October, your Executive Committee met with Jim Metzger, the Interim Chair of the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science at OSU. We discussed the number of Horticulture educators that have been retiring and not being replaced. Obviously, their issue is money and declining numbers of students. We emphasized that our industry has a need for new gradu-

ates in all aspects of the industry.

There is an incorrect perception that ours is not an attractive industry to be in. Members of the Industry and University need to challenge that idea whenever possible, to enable us to hire young, qualified employees to fill all the good jobs that are available, as all the Boomers like myself retire to Florida and Arizona!

A reminder that Nursery Stock Select is up and running to enable members to research available stock, check it out at www.nurserystockselect.com and find all the plants you need.

As this is my last “President’s Perspective” article, I want to thank all the Staff at the ONLA World Headquarters for their hard work over the past year. Thanks Kevin, Jennifer, Roni, Amanda and Heather.

They do a wonderful job for all our members and were a great help to me over the past year. Thanks also to the Board of Directors who dedicate a large amount of time to help make sure that your ONLA is the best it can be for all our members. I do not want to forget all our other volunteers from the committees who do a fantastic job with everything from organizing the smooth setup and tear down at the CENTS show to ideas for short course speakers and many other behind-the-scenes tasks to help keep the ONLA relevant in these changing times. Thanks again, it has been fun! I hope everyone had a fantastic holiday season. See you at CENTS. Let’s have a better-thanever 2013! B

Energize Your Business at CENTS 4 The Buckeye

onla.org

ONLA Management Master Class Monday, January 14, 2013 12:30pm - 4:30pm

As part of the ONLA’s ongoing Education 2.0 Initiative, the addition of this NEW Monday afternoon conference answers the need for top-level management training and business strategy sessions. Three general sessions and multiple break-outs led by dynamic professional business speakers will cover the topics such as sales skills, business development, strategies to motivate and coach employees, industry-specific management, and more.

Send your managers to this conference, or attend yourself, and be sure that your best employees become your top managers. $50 pre-reg; $65 reg

Presenting Sponsor:

General Session: 3 Ideas That Will Enable You to Thrive Personally and Professionally in a Difficult Economy Room D233-235, 12:30pm-1:15pm

Steven L. Anderson, Ph.D., MBA Integrated Leadership Systems, LLC

Leading is difficult under normal circumstances. We have to find a way to provide vision and inspiration to our constituency when we are often uncertain ourselves. But today leaders are experiencing economic challenges not seen in our lifetimes. We are in the midst of the toughest economic downturn this country has experienced since the great depression. Dr. Anderson will explain how he and his company, Integrated Leadership Systems, LLC have helped many companies survive, and even thrive in this economic downturn. Learn how to take this incredibly stressful economic climate and turn it into something that galvanizes you and your organization. Dr. Anderson will explain to us that far from being a roadblock, this recession can provide the seeds you and your organization need to move to the next level. This session will include case studies from Dr. Anderson’s career as an organizational psychologist.

Achieving Excellence in Sales Room D230, 1:20pm-1:50pm & 3:35pm-4:05pm

Bob Coulter JP Horizons

Leaders, attend this breakout group session to ramp up your sales mojo and learn the key skills for excellence. Customers look for value, genuine relationships and attention, which can include speaking with management for a personalized deal. This Management Master class, led by Bob Coulter, shows upper management how to be the best salespeople in their company, with expert transition skills for passing on a client to someone who can close the deal. This is the perfect opportunity to practice your selling spiel and perfect your value and relationship-building conversation skills, while learning how to be your company’s sales champion.

Industry Insight: Landscape Room D246, 1:55pm-2:25pm

Industry Insight: Grower Room D242, 1:55pm-2:25pm

David Peabody Peabody Landscape Group

To Be Announced

This interactive breakout will focus on three pressing questions facing the LANDSCAPE industry. Brainstorm, under the leadership of one of your industry segment’s regional rockstars, with other tenured industry pros to come up with the best, most innovative, efficient, creative solutions.

This interactive breakout will focus on three pressing questions facing the GROWER industry. Brainstorm, under the leadership of one of your industry segment’s regional rockstars, with other tenured industry pros to come up with the best, most innovative, efficient, creative solutions.

Breakout: The 5 Things Every Leader Must Focus On To Have Others Follow Them Room D230, 1:20pm-1:50pm & 3:35pm-4:05pm

Marty Grunder Grunder Landscaping

Companies need leaders to help move them forward into new and exciting arenas.

Leaders need Marty Grunder to motivate them, help market their business and teach them effective management approaches. Join this session to discover the five tenets of management that mark dynamic leaders, and how those leaders successfully grow their companies.

Industry Insight: Garden Center Room D240, 1:55pm-2:25pm

Angelo Petitti Petitti Garden Center

Industry Insight: General Room D244, 1:55pm-2:25pm

Bob Couch Dayton Bag & Burlap

This interactive breakout will focus on three pressing questions facing the RETAIL industry. Brainstorm, under the leadership of one of your industry segment’s regional rockstars, with other tenured industry pros to come up with the best, most innovative, efficient, creative solutions.

This interactive breakout will focus on three pressing questions facing the industry AT LARGE. Brainstorm, under the leadership of one of your industry segment’s regional rockstars, with other tenured industry pros to come up with the best, most innovative, efficient, creative solutions.

General Session: Coaches Win, Bosses Lose Room D233-235, 2:30pm-3:30pm

Bill Hoopes Grassroots Training

After more than two decades of training and consulting with small to mid-sized service industry businesses, Bill has found that one challenge stands in the way of maximizing results - a lack of coaching skill and commitment. This reality based presentation exposes the problem and provides a practical approach to developing a culture of coaching vs. bossing in your organization. In the 21st century, bossing “Generation Y” workers simply isn’t effective. Today’s worker wants to be taught, not told. Building coaching skills in your management team will result in greater productivity and lower employee turnover.

General Session: Achieving Excellence in Sales Room D233-235, 4:10pm-5:00pm

Bob Coulter JP Horizons

Conclude your Management Master experience by developing a custom action plan with Bob Coulter in this closing event. Take everything you’ve learned and focus it into a roadmap for improvement as you discuss strategy with peers in the green industry. You’ll take away a dynamic plan tailored for your specific business and professional goals, including progress deadlines and accountability checks. This session will be charged with energy and motivation for the coming season and your personalized plan will set you up for success.

onla.org

January/February 2013 5

We Mean Business

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Discover pre-season bargains and explore the latest industry trends and innovations in more than 800 booths and over 100 education sessions. Professional opportunities that go beyond green industry know-how to provide solutions for operating your business.

Contact ONLA at 800.825.5062 to request a full copy of the Attendee Planning Guide or download a copy at centshow.org

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NURSERY Year! SHORT COURSE JANUARY 13-16, 2013

Registration Information YOUR JOURNEY STARTS WITH CENTS

WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION

Select either CENTS or CENTS PLUS! registration

Select from OSU Nursery Short Course Education Options

CENTS

CENTS PLUS!

Trade Show 3-Day Access ONLA Business Track Classes 3-Day Access Welcome Reception & Beer Tasting ONLA Awards Night & Reception Interactive Learning Center Landscapers’ Challenge Bookstore Career Marketplace Hand Tool Pavilion

SPECIAL OFFERINGS Select Professional Conferences and Special Events Professional Conferences: (does not include admission to CENTS, OSU Nursery Short Course or other events) • Green Industry Exploration Conference for students and industry newbies • Young Professionals Leadership Summit for emerging professionals • ONLA Management Master Class for business leaders

3-Day General Admission: includes all OSU Nursery Short Course classes plus the ONLA Business Track classes. Highlights include Super Sessions with Dr. Michael Dirr!

GROUP DISCOUNTED 3-Day General Admission: Five or more attendees from the same company can pre-register at a discount! Same benefits listed above!

Special Low Rates for Students & Educators for 3-Day General Admission: Educators and Students plus any OSU Staff person can register at special low rates! Same benefits listed above!

Single-Day General Admission: includes admission to OSU Nursery Short Course classes and ONLA business classes on a selected day or a Flex Day option for convenience!

Workshops: select from four full day workshops on Sunday, January 13 (does not include admission to CENTS, OSU Nursery Short Course or other events)

Register Today www.centshow.org

CENTS helps you move your business forward.

Parties With a Purpose: after-hour networking options include daily evening receptions, an NHL game, and a book signing with Dr. Dirr Meetings: select from a women’s only breakfast event and the annual ONLA business meeting and luncheon

6 The Buckeye

onla.org

ONLA reserves the right to audit or adjust any total charges due to registrant errors.

Year! JANUARY 13-16, 2013

On / Before Dec 28 Price

After Dec 28 Price

CENTS 3-Day General Admission: Trade Show Only

$10

$15

CENTS PLUS! includes 3-day admission to Trade Show,

$40

$45

CENTS MUST SELECT ONE

NURSERY SHORT COURSE

3-day admission to ONLA Business Track classes, Welcome Reception ticket, and Awards Reception ticket

Total

Name _________________________________________________

SHORT COURSE SESSION PACKAGES (includes 3-day admission to ONLA Business Track) 3-Day General Admission 3-Day Educator General Admission

$199 $159 each $50

$260 $260 each $85

3-Day Student General Admission

$25

$65

3-Day Group Admission (5 or more from same company) (must provide copy of valid campus ID with registration) (must provide copy of valid campus ID with registration)

(pre-register for one day admission, then proceed to a staffed registration counter on the day of your choice to receive your badge)

$125 $125 $125 $135

$160 $160 $160 $170

City / State______________________________________________ ZIP / Country____________________________________________

Fax ___________________________________________________ E-mail ________________________________________________

q Do not include my information on mailing list. q I require special assistance in accordance with ADA. q I am, or my company is, an ONLA member.

Do you make or influence purchasing decisions for your company? q Yes q No

CENTS SPECIAL EVENTS Welcome Reception & Beer Tasting ONLA Awards Night & Reception Mon: ONLA’s Management Master Class Tues: ONLA Annual Business Meeting & Luncheon Tues: ONLA’s Green Industry Exploration Conference Tues: VIP Reception & Book Signing with Dr. Dirr Tues: Columbus Blue Jackets vs. St. Louis Blues Tickets Wed: Pink in Green-A Women’s Breakfast Event Wed: ONLA’s Young Professional Leadership Summit

Address _______________________________________________

Phone_________________________________________________

SINGLE-DAY SHORT COURSE SESSIONS (includes admission to ONLA Business Track) Monday General Admission Tuesday General Admission Wednesday General Admission Flex-Day General Admission

Company_______________________________________________

included in CENTS Plus! included in CENTS Plus! $50 $65 $25 $35 $10 $10 $20 $30 $35 $35 $25 $30 $20 $35

Primary business interest (to appear on badge).

Mark only one (required) q Arborist q Press q Grower q Retail q Landscape Services q Supplier q Design / Architecture q Student / Educator q Government / Association q Other ________________ Which best matches your job title? q President / Owner / CEO q Staff / Employee q General Manager / VP q Student / Educator q Manager q Other ________________

SUNDAY WORKSHOPS Dry Laid Stone Hands-on Workshop: Advanced Stone Work Landscape Irrigation Basics - Hands-on Workshop APLD Form Follows Function Landscape Design Workshop Sustainable Weed Management Workshop

$195 $85 $85 $85

$235 $125 $125 $125

MAIL MY BADGE To have your badge mailed to you prior to the convention, please include the shipping/handling fee.

$6 domestic or $15

Not available

international

(payment must accompany registration) TOTAL

DUE:

PAYMENT INFORMATION: q U.S. check payable to CENTS/NSC. q Visa q MasterCard Card Number __________________________________________ Exp. Date __________ Name on Card ____________________________________________________________ Signature ________________________________________ Date ___________________

onla.org

The Fine Print:

Registration required for all attendees over the age of 11.

Badges will be available for on-site pickup. Badges can also be mailed upon request for an additional fee.

Cancellations: No refunds will be given for CENTS or OSU Nursery Short Course registrations.

Non-compete rule prohibits individuals, groups or companies from scheduling any receptions, hospitality suites, social functions, exhibits, product demonstrations, technical seminars, training seminars, or other events or functions during exhibit or OSU Nursery Short Course hours.

Registration Methods:

Online: www.onla.org Phone: 508.743.8510 Fax: 508.743.9684 Mail: CENTS/NSC Registration c/o CDS 107 Waterhouse Road Bourne, MA 02532

Questions:

CENTS, Exhibits, Special Events: 800.825.5062 info@onla.org Short Course Classes/Workshops: 614.247.4353 emerick.37@osu.edu Registration: 508.743.8510 cents@xpressreg.net

January/February 2013 7

Attendee Registration

85

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Fast & Convenient, Register Online: www.centshow.org

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ONLA Office Update

Kevin Thompson Executive Director kevinthompson@onla.org

Join Us for the ONLA Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon January 15, 2013 Hyatt Regency Hotel Lunch begins at noon Business meeting convenes at 12:30

(Note: While there is no charge to attend the meeting, there is a fee for lunch.) The annual business meeting includes remarks from the ONLA President and Executive Director, the ONLA’s financial report, announcements of the nominations for ONLA President-Elect and new Board members. Register using the CENTS/Short Course registration form found at www.onla.org. B

8 The Buckeye

ONLA’s Mission & Strategic Plans

By now you’ve hopefully made plans to join us for the 2013 CENTS & OSU Nursery Short Course, January 14-16 in Columbus. A great educational program will provide continuing education and business management training for professionals from all segments of the industry, while the trade show features the latest products and services from more than 400 exhibiting companies. Add the many fun and exciting networking events and CENTS continues to be THE green industry’s gathering place in and around Ohio each January.

Last year in the January issue of The Buckeye, I wrote about the strategic planning retreat at which the ONLA Board, staff and key stakeholders had participated. This planning retreat led to the generation of many great ideas and gave us a clear vision towards the future.

The strategic plan identified four primary goals, or core competencies, to guide the association over the next three years. So, looking back at 2012, how are we doing so far in our pursuit of these initiatives?

Business Services and Education – provide innovative resources, knowledge and solutions for business advantage 1. Education • Educational Opportunities and Products – we surveyed the membership to learn more about educational needs and launched the Education 2.0 initiative.

• Nursery Short Course at CENTS – an expanded short course

•

•

•

brings several nationally-recognized speakers along with new workshops geared to serving professionals at all levels of employment and all stages of their careers.

Regional Education – Diagnostic Walkabouts were held throughout the state, along with Bus Tours and Open Houses. We look to expand these in 2013.

Education through Technology – in partnership with the OSU Extension, Nursery, Landscape & Turf Team a series of webinars was launched.

Certification – the new OCNT Core and Landscape Contractor training manuals were released with the addition of an audiovisual component. The new Garden Center and Grower manuals are in production.

2. Membership • Membership Demographics and Expansion – began collecting more member demographic information and exploring an upgraded database management software. Recently produced a new and improved member marketing brochure.

• Membership Categories – formed a new Next Gen committee to attract and retain a younger member demographic.

• Benefits and Services for Members – added a new online safety training program, introduced new marketing services for retail members and continue to explore services to add member value.

• Awards and Scholarships – Created a $300,000 endowment within PLANET’s Academic onla.org

Excellence Foundation to ensure future scholarship funding. Added a new Young Professional of the Year Award.

Advocacy and Government Relations – serve as the voice of Ohio’s green businesses to advance and protect their interests •

•

• •

Ohio Government Relations – held political fundraisers for both parties. Continued to build relationships with legislators while monitoring issues relevant to the industry. Met with high-level officials at ODA, ODNR, ODJFS and EPA. Federal Government Relations – donated $5000 to the national H2B Defense fund to help successfully defeat harmful Department of Labor rule changes.

Donated $10 per member to the ANLA Lighthouse fund to support advocacy efforts in Washington on behalf of ONLA members.

Member Grassroots Involvement – the next Ohio Green Industry Advocacy Day is scheduled for February 27.

Coalitions – Advocacy Day will include members from several other green industry associations. Partnered with Ohio Landscape Association and Nursery please see page 10

Online Availability klynnurseries.com Visit our website Sales Staff Availability* Hot List* Klyn Catalog 2013* Quote Form Photo Gallery E-mail addresses About Us Directions *Contact us for user name and password

KLYN NURSERIES, Inc. 3322 SOUTH RIDGE RD. • P.O. BOX 343 PERRY, OHIO 44081

TELEPHONE: (440) 259-3811 FAX: (440) 259-3338 1-800-860-8104 Web Site: klynnurseries.com E-Mail: klyn@klynnurseries.com

onla.org

January/February 2013 9

continued from page 9

Growers of Lake County in grassroots advocacy efforts.

Industry Trade & Commerce – foster vibrant business dealings in the green industry through events, public relations and networking •

• • •

CENTS – continued efforts to offer one of the biggest and best shows in the industry. Did considerable market research that led to moving CENTS earlier in January.

Environmental Initiatives – partnered with the Ohio Invasive Plant Council to create new Invasive Plant Protocol Policy & Procedures and assessment team Generic Industry Marketing Program – became the exclusive Ohio licensee for a new “Plant-Something” consumer campaign. More to come in 2013.

Nursery Stock Select – launched a new online plant locator search engine connecting growers with buyers.

Dynamic Association – maintain the leadership, resources, and structure to positively affect the industry and its members

10 The Buckeye

• •

• •

Financial Stability – exceeded 2012 net income budget projections while continuing to donate funds to OSU, ANLA, HRI and PLANET. Committee Management – implemented a value matrix to evaluate the effectiveness of committees and programs. Will be used to guide committee planning and directives in 2013.

Publishing and Communications – upgraded electronic version of The Buckeye. Exploring new publications for release in 2013.

Technology Investment – upgraded office computers and software.

Subordinate to each of these strategies are numerous additional initiatives for achieving each of the primary goals. Many of the these will be assigned to committees or tasks forces and will continue to steer the direction of the association in 2013.

I’d like to thank our outgoing board members Jay Daley, Tim Clark, Maria Sambuco, and Emily Showalter for their dedication and service to the industry. Furthermore, thank you and congratulations go to our 2012 President Andy Harding for his excellent leadership. We look forward to welcoming our new board members and Jim Searcy as this year’s President.

We hope everyone enjoyed a safe, happy holiday season and hope to see you at CENTS! B

onla.org

Legislative Hotline

State House Election Focuses on Marginal Changes in the Ohio House While the eyes of the nation (if not the world) were focused on Ohio in terms of our state’s important role in choosing the next President, Capital Square “insiders” were focused on the “margins” of majority in the General Assembly.

As previously reported, the Ohio Senate, with its wide margin of republican majority (23-10) was not expected to change much. In fact, Senate Republican campaign committees focused primarily on one race in south eastern Ohio. However, Sen. Lou Gentile (D; Steubenville) handily “out worked” the tide of resources the republicans spent to attempt to defeat him. Sen. Gentile beat his republican opponent Shane Thompson by a margin of 53% 47%. Sen. Gentile is the ranking minority on the Senate Ag Committee, thus, we (ONLA and the ag community) had our eyes on that race.

On the House side, there were a few more races to watch, especially given the newly drawn district lines.

While the new legislative district lines were drawn favorably to protect and/or increase the republican majority in the House, democrats generally “held their own.” While, at deadline for this article, there are a few races still being held up by the counting of provisional ballots, it appears that democrats were able to at least maintain their 40 votes (though after provisional ballots, the House could go 60 - 39). In terms of “upsets,” in north eastern Ohio, democrats upset republican incumbent Rep. Casey Kozlowksi (R; Pierpont). Democrat John Peterson, a retired teacher, won in that district that is comprised of onla.org

all of Ashtabula County. Another “upset” happened in Columbiana County where current Columbiana County Treasurer Nick Barborak ousted incumbent republican Rep. Craig Newbold (R; Columbiana).

Meanwhile, republicans won a seat currently held by State Representative Jay Goyal (D; Mansfield) who had decided not to run for re-election. Goyal’s seat will be filled by Mark Romanchuk, owner of a local manufacturing plant.

The races still “under watch” are in the 96th House District (includes all of Harrison County and part of Belmont and part of Tuscarawas counties) where incumbent Rep. Al Landis (R; Dover) defeated former Rep. Josh O’Farrell by approximately 260 votes (thus, likely triggering an automatic recount). Similarly, Rep. Mike Dovilla (R; Berea) squeaked a narrow margin of victory against former Rep. Matt Patten.

Again, at deadline for this article, the outcomes of these two races are still outstanding. Irrespective of the outcome of these races, House democrats consider it a moral victory to generally maintain their own given the advantage the republicans had in terms of both fundraising and the newly redrawn, republican-favorable district lines.

Dan Jones ONLA Legislative Consultant djones@capitol-consulting.net Belinda Jones ONLA Legislative Consultant bjones@capitol-consulting.net

Lame Duck Sessions Predictions Some capital square insiders refer to “lame duck” as the “silly season” because ridiculous legislative maneuvers have a way of wrangling through the process at lightning please see page 11

January/February 2013 11

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speed. This is the time of year where Dan and I get little sleep and when we are sleeping (in shifts), we sleep with one eye open. Legislators, desperate to pass legislation before the General Assembly comes to a close, will often “wheel and deal” and amend and substitute previously un-agreed to (or in some cases unheard of) language into bills that have made it partially through the process.

Unless they are proffered by us (in which case they are a good idea), these “Hail Mary” attempts are surprising, confusing and frustrating. While most legislation that will be considered during lame duck will be of little consequence to the green industry, we do have our eyes on a few measures worth noting.

utilities, among others, who have been meeting regularly to try to come up with legislation that can be accepted or agreed to by all. As you can imagine, this has not been an easy task, especially given the historic “finger pointing” that has gone back and forth between utilities and contractors over the years. At deadline for this article a new substitute bill has been released. ONLA legislative committee members and leadership are reviewing the sub bill.

We have been told that Sen. Bill Coley (R; Middletown) plans on merging his bill, Sub SB 354, and a House Bill [HB 458 as introduced by Rep. Sprague (R; Findlay)] and try to get the bill through during lame duck! If you have strong interest in this bill, please email as soon as possible at: bjones@capitol-consulting.net.

Underground Damage Prevention

Immigration

For several years, the Ohio General Assembly has grappled with how to handle needed changes to the “call before you dig” program. The federal government has urged states to adopt a true “one call” system. As you can imagine, the “rub” on making modifications to the current system has to do with general liability battles between utilities and contractors. The ONLA has been following the efforts to bridge the divide through participation in the Ohio Underground Damage Prevention Coalition (OUDPC). The OUDPC is a coalition of contractors and

It wouldn’t be “lame duck” if we did not have to keep watch over some immigration bills. One such bill, HB 580, was introduced by a House member from the Butler County area, State Rep. Courtney Combs (R; Hamilton).

Rep. Combs’ name may be familiar to you because he has introduced several bills on this subject over the years.

HB 580 recently had sponsor testimony. In his sponsor testimony, Rep. Combs indicated that he based this bill on the recently upheld Arizona law. No question, it is a little “late in the game” to just be receiving sponsor testimony but as discussed above, it is the “silly season.” Further, Rep. Combs is term-limited. It is not unheard of for a Chamber (House or Senate) to honor the wishes of an outgoing member and pass their legislation during lame duck. As such, we will keep our eye on this and keep you posted.

continued from page 11

Gilson Gardens P.O. BOx 277 • 3059 NOrth ridge rOad • Perry, Oh 44081

Ground Covers Perennials Grasses Shrubs Vines Natives

Invasive Plant Governance

Providing high-quality plants to landscapers and independent garden centers since 1947.

As you know from myriad articles in the past, the ONLA, in communication with the Ohio Invasive Plant Council (OPIC) has been interested in seeking statutory clarification on which state agency has governance over “invasive plants.” The Ohio Revised Code is “silent” on this term (but for reference to invasive aquatic plants which are governed by ODNR). As such, we have been in discussion with ODNR and ODA about seeking a statutory clarification that ODA would be the governing agency for invasive plants. This concept will likely be addressed in the next General Assembly but we are conversing with ODA about possible lame duck clarification.

Again, we will keep you apprised. B

(440) 259-4845 phone (440) 259-2378 fax sales@gilsongardens.biz www.gilsongardens.biz

12 The Buckeye

onla.org

GROWERS’ VIEWPOINT

Can We Reduce Labor Costs with Industrial Herbicides?

Reducing labor costs has been a mantra with most growers in this economy. I have accepted the amount of business we have as the new normal. I don’t see anything in the near future that would drastically change that. In the big picture most things are out of my control. There are some things that I can do to help reduce labor costs. One of the ways that has become very attractive is using some of the industrial brush control products in selected non crop areas of the nursery.

I always have been very cautious about using herbicides at the nursery. It is really important to follow the label directions. I still get a little nervous applying pre-emergent over the top of plants. I think this is good

for me as I still check and recheck calibration of the equipment. We have always used Round-Up and a pre-emergent to spray fence lines and non-crop areas. We would apply four or five times a year. I often wondered if there is a pre-emergent that would last longer. It seems like we always get weed germination after four to six weeks. I started to ask what product will last longer and how can we reduce this cost.

We had been spraying fence lines with our Round-Up crews with back pack sprayers. We had a small three point sprayer that we modified with a boomless nozzle to spray the fence lines. This was the beginning of some savings. We also were spraying areas where the sprayer would fit to minimize the areas of hand spraying.

One product that we have used for quite some time is Casoron Herbicide.

This is a granular herbicide and does

have a nursery label. I use this on some crops and apply it in the late winter on dormant crops. We use this product around our greenhouse and in our empty pot-in-pot areas. This has resulted in good control into June and July. This was one of the first products I applied to our fence lines.

Again, studying the label and properly calibrating equipment is important. I still wondered, however, what could suppress the weeds longer.

We weighed the pros and cons of using something that would last longer. At the short course, I listened to a talk on industrial herbicides. I remained concerned about safety around desirable plants and ponds and irrigation. We decided a test on a few non-crop areas would be a good starting point.

The first method we tried was Spike Herbicide. This is a preemergent and post emergent. This product is labeled to control trees, brush, broadleaves and grasses. It is absorbed by the roots and is very long lasting: almost a year, according to the label. We selected some fence rows that had small trees, multiflora rose, poison ivy, annual weeds, and please see page 14

Above: Spike treated fence line.

Right: Gallon boomless sprayer.

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January/February 2013  13

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continued from page 13

perennial weeds. We followed the label rates and had very good results. We got nine to twelve month control.

This herbicide is a slow steady control and takes three to four months to see full effects. That was fine for us because the area remained clean for a long time compared to other products. I did not see any damage in non-target areas.

You’re probably wondering how much these products cost? It was less then multiple applications of shorter term products and saved on application labor.

Another product we evaluated was Arsenal Herbicide.

This is a pre-emergent and post emergent. This product offers a faster burn down than Spike Herbicide but suggests applying when the weeds are younger. It still takes time to see results. It does control a wide range of grasses.

This product did not seem to have the long lasting results that Spike had.

One of the common label recommendations on most of these products is “the smaller the plants, the better the control.” We applied in spring for control of spring germinating weeds and smaller perennial weeds with good results. The larger brush and small trees take more time to control. From my experience, after applying an industrial herbicide in the spring, a one-time late summer follow-up application of a post and pre-emergent when weeds break

through (such as Round Up and Sure Guard) really keeps the area clean. This year it seemed like Horseweed (Conyza canadensis) or Marestail was a tough one to control. I did switch to using some 2-4 D products or Lontrel as a post emergent to control this pesky weed. Again, please read the label and follow directions as written.

We look forward to evaluating another industrial vegetative control called Oust. It may be more cost effective than Spike or Arsenal. It seems to have some limitations in controlling grasses. We will combine with a grass herbicide, possibly Prodiamine. I will be evaluating this in near future.

There are a number of benefits to reducing undesirable plants around the nursery. Keeping fence lines and noncrop areas clean eliminates rabbit and varmint habitat.

The reduction in weeds reduces seed near the nursery.

There are fewer hosts for insects and diseases. Less weeds presents a good image to visitors of the nursery. The reduction of labor costs is significant and allows us to keep our production costs lower.

I would like to stress the importance of reading and following the label directions on any herbicide. With the proper information, these industrial weed controls can be an important addition to a weed control program. B Mark Shelton ONLA Grower Committee mshelton@willowaynurseries.com

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M A R K E T I N G T O D AY / M A N A G E M E N T T O D AY

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Why?Why?WHY?Why?Why? Expiration dates on bottles and bags

I’ll use soft drinks as the “bad example” again. Diet soft drinks have the life span of a butterfly, and it’s very important to know the expiration dates of these drinks when you buy them. Sometimes the expiration date is on a 12-pack carton, in simple language that I can understand.

Sometimes, it’s in code. The person that re-stocks the drinks knows when something is out of date, but the Customers have to guess. Why?

Not being able to talk to a “real” person Mark Mayberry The Mayberry Group cagemayberry@gmail.com

The more I work with Customer Service “Shazzam,” the more upset I get when I receive poor service – or encounter something that just isn’t “Shazzam-friendly.”

Here are some examples.

Companies that try to “fool” us For instance, soft drink and bottled water companies will tell us that they are using less plastic in their bottle caps because it’s better for the environment. That may be true, but I’ll bet that the main reason for the smaller caps is that they use a lot less plastic, which saves these companies kazillions of dollars. Coca-Cola sells over one billion drinks a day – think of the plastic they save! The kicker is – these caps can be impossible to take off! Why?

onla.org

game was in dire need of some help.

After getting this lesson, I saw several people standing in a line in the big tent, all of which was sponsored

by American Express. I asked one of the Amex Team Members what the line was all about, and was told that I could use a small TV to follow the tournament, free of charge, since I was an American Express card member. I could go anywhere on the course and keep up with the action that was going on at the other holes.

For free! Talk about great “perk” for paying the annual American Express fee. It was awesome – a real “Shazzam!”

I’m not just talking about calling a company and getting a recording.

I’m also ticked off when I go to a company’s website, and there is no clear “Contact Us” link. I know the website may be set up to answer “common” questions, but I want to talk to somebody. Why?

What makes you say, “Why?”

I’ll end with a real “Shazzam!”

The Shazzam Challenge

I love to go to golf tournaments, to watch the players and to see the golf course in person. However, it’s always been a lousy way to actually “watch” a tournament. After all, you can only see one hole at a time. There may be “leader boards” that post the scores in various places around the course, but you have no idea how the scores were made.

I recently attended the Ryder Cup in Chicago, the golf match that pits a team from the United States against a team of European players. As I walked from the front gate to the first tee, I saw a sign that said I could get a free 10-minute lesson with a pro, so I decided to check it out. My golf

When you encounter a “Why” moment, please send me an e-mail about your experience. (Mark@ MarkMayberry.com) Who knows…I may use it in a future article!

“Shazzam” is about more than people – it’s the systems that your Customers experience when they consider doing business with you.

Are you doing things that make it easier for yourself – or for your Customers? It should be both! B © Mark Mayberry Make 2013 your best year yet!

Bring Mark in to motivate your Team with an amazing dose of “Shazzam!” Call Mark today! (815) 209-1381. Mark Mayberry is a Customer Service expert. He works with a wide variety of organizations around the world, helping organizations like yours deliver “Service with Shazzam” to your Customers.

January/February 2013 15

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F E AT U R E

Young Professionals: Cultivate the Habits of Friendship Most young professionals realize early in their careers that, at some point, skill in generating business will be an important determinant of their success. However, many believe that, in the early stages of their career, they do not have much opportunity to develop these skills.

This could not be further from the truth.

Friendships and Networks START AT CENTS True, few clients will trust someone still “wet behind the ears” with their business, but it is never too early (or, for that matter, too late) to begin the process of learning how to earn and deserve trust.

The way most clients choose among professionals is essentially identical to the way people choose their

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friends. At the point of selecting a professional to work with, clients go with providers who can (a) make them feel at ease; (b) make them feel comfortable sharing their fears and concerns; (c) can be trusted to look after them as well as their transaction and (d) are dependably on their side.

Creating these feelings in others begins with the correct attitudes (few people can make others think they care when they don’t) but also require the development of conversational and interpersonal skills, which only come with practice.

If you have an active social circle and people like being with you in your personal life, the odds are that you will have a significant advantage in learning the skills and habits of business development. If, on the other hand, you’re a social recluse personally, you will find it more difficult to get clients to see you as the trusted advisor they wish to work with.

Two key points must be stressed. First, none of this means that you can be anything less than excellent technically. The issue is not whether you are competent or trustworthy, but whether or not you are both.

Second, it is not necessary (or even always advisable) to actually make your clients your best friends. Friendship skills, while useful in both personal and professional life, can be put to different purposes. But first you have to develop them.

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16 The Buckeye

I had to learn these lessons the hard way. For years, I have worked for clients who have been gracious enough to invite me to dinner the evening before or after my work with them. They weren’t trying to get more work out of please see page 18 onla.org

Young Professional Leadership Summit Wednesday, January 16, 2013 12:30pm - 4:30pm

Presenting Sponsors:

A NEW offering from the ONLA’s Education 2.0 Initiative, the Young Professional Leadership Summit brings training to green industry young pro’s. This conference provides critical professional and personal development sessions geared to cultivating successful careers. Sessions led by high-energy speakers cover a variety of challenges young professionals face, with topics like financial planning, cultivating leadership, maintaining a work-life balance and working in a family business.

Send the emerging leaders within your business, or attend yourself, to this conference to advance knowledge, grow skills, and enhance leadership acumen. $20 pre-reg; $35 reg

Leadership: Myth vs. Fact Room D233-235, 12:30pm-1:00pm

Daniel Stover Integrated Leadership Systems

Many young professionals are challenged by the concept of Leadership and what it takes to advance in their personal and professional goals. Do you aspire to move upward within your company? Do you desire to lead others? In this session you will learn: • The myths of leadership that many professionals adhere to that prevent them from reaching their true potential as a leader.

• The facts of leadership that the most successful leaders embrace, daily.

Those who attend this session will be challenged to rethink what it will take to advance their careers, and improve their personal lives as they strive for success in both venues.

Dan Stover, Leadership Consultant for Integrated Leadership Systems, will present ideas that young professionals can use immediately to begin enhancing their leadership potential.

Round Table: Thriving In A Multi-Generational Workplace Room D240 1:05pm-1:35pm

Katie Thirion Sunleaf Nursery, LLP

The way you interact with your coworkers directly affects your career success. This roundtable topic discusses methods to effectively communicate and work with people of all ages and personalities. Multi-generational workplaces have diversity in values, work ethic, belief systems and everything in-between, and this discussion handles how to navigate those differences.

Round Table: Managing Work-Life Balance Room D241 1:05pm-1:35pm

Round Table: Building A Network Room D242 1:05pm-1:35pm

Round Table: Working with Family Room D243 1:05pm-1:35pm

Round Table: Branching Out As An Entrepreneur Room D244 1:05pm-1:35pm

Ben Trubisky Ahlum & Arbor Tree Preservation

Daniel Stover Integrated Leadership Systems

Nick McCullough McCullough’s Landscape & Nursery, LLC

Derek Grosso Columbus Young Professionals / The Grosso Group

Maintaining a work-life balance is challenging, especially for young professionals in a competitive market. Discuss the best ways to keep your family and career in perfect harmony in this roundtable discussion led by Ben Trubisky.

Join this roundtable conversation to share and learn networking tips and tricks – topics include how best to present yourself and how to maximize relationships to further your career.

The green industry is full of successful family businesses, but personal clashes and communication issues can make the workplace a battlefield. If you’re working with your family, or considering joining the family business, this roundtable will discuss the ups and downs of family coworkers and strategies for maintaining professional and effective relationships.

Are you considering starting your own business? It takes confidence, courage and capital to make your new company thrive – and this roundtable conversation can help you get started.

Money Matters: Beyond the Basics Room D230, 1:40pm-2:10pm & 2:15pm-2:45pm

People Skills in a Competitive Environment Room D232, 1:40pm-2:10pm & 2:15pm-2:45pm

Mike Sullivan Wealth Coach Financial

Todd Espey Willoway Nurseries, Inc.

Young professionals, regardless of title or position, struggle with money issues every day. This session deals with buying a home, building a portfolio, managing educational and credit card debt, starting to save for retirement, investment strategies and other financial issues.

This professional development session will help individuals working in the green industry by providing useful knowledge on people skills and other topics not taught in the horticulture educational environment. Participants will learn more about the competitive environment and how to maximize professional opportunities through development and use of people skills.

Networking: Speed Dating Style!

Room D246, 2:50pm-3:20pm Participants will leave this fast-paced and energetic session with a pocket full of business cards from new acquaintances, friends and clients. The Young Professionals Summit brings the hard-working youth of the green industry together, and this networking event is a great way to break the ice and get to know your industry colleagues. Bring a positive attitude and plenty of business cards!

Panel Discussion: Growing from Employee to Manager Room D230, 3:25pm-3:55pm

Panelists: Vic Swanson, Arcola Creek Nursery; Eric Remeis, Yard Solutions; & Ned Wilson, Wilson’s Garden Center

Successful organizations rely on individuals who can effectively lead and manage teams. Some professionals spend a large part of their career in management positions without ever receiving the necessary education and training. The panelists in this Young Professionals Summit course will provide techniques for effective management and give information on how to build a solid career foundation. This discussion will be entertaining and fast-paced, so join in to start your rewarding green industry career with expert advice.

Transitioning From “One of Us” to “One of Them” Room D233-235, 4:00pm-4:30pm

Derek Grosso Columbus Young Professionals / The Grosso Group

Companies rely on individuals who can successfully lead and manage teams for success. Many find the transition from employee to manager difficult and frustrating, but it need not be. You just need to learn the necessary attitudes and skills. It’s important to know your own strengths, weaknesses, perceptions and values so that you can better understand and motivate others. Learn tips that you can apply immediately to be effective in management, and build a solid foundation for a successful and rewarding career as a leader.

onla.org

January/February 2013 17

continued from page 16

me; they just wanted to be sociable.

However, after a long day’s work, the prospect of still being “on duty” has not been attractive to me. It’s not that I don’t like my clients, but that I prefer to unwind by being alone. I’m not that sociable by nature. (I don’t drink, I don’t like sports. I like the Bee Gees. You get the idea.).

This is something I now regret. I have missed a lot of opportunities to form relationships with interesting people, and I know it would have helped me a lot professionally to make the gesture occasionally. I have tried to make up for it by being attentive and dedicated to my clients on the work issues during work hours, and to some extent that has been effective.

But I know I missed something important due to my social habits. At a minimum, I have undercapitalized on the many opportunities given to me to build profitable and fulfilling long-term client relationships.

A Talent For Friendship There are people in this world who have a talent for friendship. My (late and very lamented) friend Roger Bennett, with whom I went to Harvard Business School, was so good at friendship that, in his 40s he was still in regular touch with people he went to school with at age 12, with people from all walks of life, tastes, social standing, income levels and preferences.

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18 The Buckeye

Roger could talk sports with some people, switch to an intellectual discussion of philosophy with others, share cooking tips with a third group. Lots of people considered Roger their best friend, and few people did not enjoy his company.

Yet he was never anything but himself. He was not a chameleon, acting differently just to blend in. He fit in everywhere because he was interested in a broad range of things.

The actress Angelina Jolie was interviewed on television and asked if she had to like the characters she was portraying in order to act them well. Her answer was brilliant. She said something like: “You can’t love everything about everyone. But there must be something there. The key is to find that one small slice of overlap between you and them, and focus intensely on that overlap, ignoring everything else.” I don’t know about acting, but that sounds like a perfect recipe for human relationships to me.

Someone can be your friend if you have anything in common. You don’t need a majority of things in common. There are none so lonely as those who dismiss others as “not my kind of person.” If someone else has to match you to be your kind of person, you will have few friends.

Notice, it’s not about pretending. It’s about actually working hard to find the area of mutual interest or common ground, whatever that might be. People can get very lazy at this, or unpracticed in doing it with politeness and sincerity.

For example, if I am in the wrong mood, I can find table talk at a dinner party to be an effort. I say to the person my left “And what are your hobbies?”

“Oh,” he or she might reply, “I love mountain climbing.”

At this point I have to fight an overwhelming desire to turn immediately the person on my right side to save me from having to ask a follow up question with the first person. Mountain climbing! Ye gods, this is going to be a long night!

Other people can and do immediately think of three or four follow-up questions (“Where do you go? Do you climb alone? What got you started in this?”) and can keep posing additional questions all evening long.

By the end of dinner, their table companion, who has done nothing but talk about himself or herself the whole time has come to think of the questioner as an enjoyable person to be around. He or she will look forward to meeting again.

So it is with business development and client relations.

The most trusted advisors in every profession are not those who have a ready answer for every client problem, but those who can, through questions and conversational style, put the other person at ease, make them want to tell you about themselves and engage in a dialogue. onla.org

And just as in personal life, it is done not by trying to be impressive, but by learning how to show a genuine interest in other people and keep them talking, not primarily doing the talking yourself.

Can this habit be abused? Yes. Will it work if you are only faking it? No. Can you leave it out? No. Surprisingly, it also turns out that you are also more likely to build a bond with someone by letting them help you than being too keen to try and help them. My wife, Kathy, is involved in a variety of handcraft groups. She reports that some of her most dedicated friendships began when she confessed her (relative) weaknesses and accepted help from others, whereas those she helped often resented (a little or a lot) having to seek out or accept her input.

Again, this matches client relationships and business development.

You will accomplish more by saying to potential clients “I’m not sure I understand why you are doing things

the way you do, could you explain it to me?” than you will by saying “If you’ll just shut up and listen, I’ll tell you the right answer to your problem.”

As professionals, we sometimes think that, to be impressive, we must demonstrate our competence by never revealing our weaknesses or areas of ignorance. This belief is incorrect. One of the ways you build friendships is to let people help you. Developing the self-control to do it that way is a lifelong learning process!

Start As You Mean To Begin When I was young I thought that the way you made friends was by turning yourself into an interesting person. Eventually, I learned the truth: You don’t make people want to spend time with you because they feel good about you. You do it by making them feel good about them-

selves when they are with you.

For example, do people feel comfortable around you? (No, she’s always trying to be the center of attention.) Do they enjoy themselves when they are with you? (No, he’s always trying to win arguments and prevail.) Do they feel they can let their guard down and tell you how they really feel and what they are really worried about? (No, because when I do, people are always trying to take advantage of me. I don’t trust them to be really interested in me.)

None of this means you need to make people feel good by engaging in false flattery, which is soon detected and rejected. It means that you learn to talk and act in ways that make people feel comfortable and safe around you. They feel that you are on their side. That you can disagree and have lively debates without taking things personally, because the friendship matters more than anything else.

please see page 20

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January/February 2013 19 12/12/12 2:03 PM

continued from page 19

It turns out to be the same in business development.

The key to getting hired is not convincing the client things about you (“I’m terrific, trust me!”) but being convincing that you will look after them.

It’s also worth pointing out that, with people, you get points for trying. It’s like a romantic relationship. You don’t have to be perfect. Your partner just wants to see that you’re sincerely trying to do the right thing. Your motives are more important than your abilities.

Friendship Attitudes and Behaviors Abilities, however, do count and that’s where getting started early matters.

Suppose you wanted to be good at building romance, excelling at getting another person to work with you to build a mutually beneficial, mutually supportive relationship. What characteristics would make you good at this? Most of us have discovered that whether it be love, friendship or work, people respond best when they believe you are considerate, supportive, understanding and thoughtful.

These are easy words to say, but being viewed this way is not trivial. You actually have to earn the reward through your social habits. Many of us want to be considered as supportive, but that doesn’t mean we know what to do in order to be seen that way.

For example, to be seen as considerate you have to be able to remember to follow up with things that people told you about their lives last time you met, thus proving that you listened and paid attention. The classic example of this in business is to send along a newspaper clipping or article that you find that responds to something the other person made reference to.

To achieve the desired effect, this must not come across as, and must not be, a formulaic gesture. You don’t “cheapen the currency” by doing it all the time, and you must ensure that the clipping or article actually is useful so that you are not immediately seen to be making phony gestures.

It also helps to follow up with questions about what you were told last time you met, as long as you are skilled in phrasing your query (“How did it all work out with that guy you met?”) so that it comes across as concern and not as overly intrusive.

This is a delicate issue of language, which needs to be done differently with different people. They are not inherent talents, but habits of social intercourse. Habits that can only be developed with practice.

Social courtesy works in personal and business life. It is remarkably effective to remember to telephone your host or hostess the day or week after a party to say something like “I just wanted to say thank you for the party the other night. I had a great time. What time did you eventually get to bed after clearing up the mess we all made?”

Exactly how formally or informally this will be ex-

20 The Buckeye

pressed is different in different parts of the world, and among different types of people, but the habit of expressing appreciation (and judging just how much is enough without being false) can — and must be — developed over a lifetime.

Similarly, it is remarkably powerful to call clients after a business meeting to say something like: “I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the opportunity to work with you. Thanks! See you next time, as planned.”

Done with sensitivity to local culture and phraseology, such a call can go a long way to making the other person realize that you do not just see him or her as a “business contact,” but as a person with whom you want a friendly relationship. Not everyone will reciprocate, but the majority of people will.

If you do not develop the habit early in life, the act of making such a telephone call after a meeting could feel awkward and you will either leave it out or do it poorly, not quite creating the casual, comfortable “just a quick call between us friends” atmosphere that you wish to create.

For example, my old friend Roger was very good at working at staying in touch with everyone. He didn’t need an excuse to telephone. He would just pick up the phone to ask how everything was going. He did that to all his business clients as well as his friends. To him, there was no difference, and one context was no more difficult or embarrassing than the other. It was just the way he dealt with people.

To be viewed by other people as supportive also takes thought and careful attention to language. It is important to remember that friends don’t judge each other.

They don’t evaluate. They don’t point out each other’s weaknesses. Even when asked directly (“Do I look fat in this?”), friends work hard to find the language that deflects criticism (“I like the other dress better.”).

Suppose that your friend has a child that is badly behaved. You don’t say “Your kid is a little horror!” nor “You’re raising that kid incorrectly,” even though both statements may be true. Instead, a friend might say something like “Have you ever thought about doing or saying ‘such-and-such’ to little Ashley?”

Having the ability to respond with the right phrase in real time takes practice, as do all social skills. Can you recall how difficult it was to find the right words and tone when you first wanted to signal to someone that you might be interested in a date? Can you imagine what it would be like if you still had to do it the same way today as you did that first time?

So it is with business development. If the first time you try to convince someone that you are interested in them and their business and want to help is when it is urgent for you to win business, you will be under too much pressure to learn it fast. Better to start practicing now, when there please see page 23 onla.org

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continued from page 20

is less pressure for immediate results and more room to develop your own style, discovering what works for you.

Cheers! Skol! Salud!

In almost every society, ancient and modern, the cultural norm is to build friendships over food and drink.

There is no more culturally accepted way to develop a friendship than to share a meal.

You want to be good at business development later in your career? Start inviting the people that you meet in the course of your work (whether they are powerful client executives, administrative assistants or anyone else) for coffee, lunch, a drink.

Ask them about their work lives and their personal lives. Do it as an exercise in developing your “curiosity muscles.” Do it as an exercise in asking good follow up questions about what people tell you. Do it to develop your ability to understand other people who are not like you. Do it now.

If your reaction is that doing so will not pay off for you immediately and therefore is not worth doing now, then you are missing the whole point about human relationships and you are going to be very bad at getting people to entrust you with their business.

If you only do things when it pays off for you in the short term, your attitude will be readily transparent.

People will see that you view them “instrumentally,” interested in them only to the extent that you can get what you want. And if they detect this in you, they will give you what you want less often.

The key to business development success is making people believe that you are truly interested in a two-way relationship, and that you are willing to earn and deserve your relationship. You must first make deposits in the “trusting relationship bank” if you wish to make withdrawals later.

You will actually need to be willing to get interested in people and initiate relationships, and that means being willing to ask someone out for a drink without being selfconscious about it. And the only way to get to that stage is to have a history of doing it!

One of the most important habits of friendship is taking the initiative and doing the inviting, not just waiting to be invited. Do you remember that from adolescence? The way you get people to ask you out for a drink is to ask them out for a drink first. If it feels uncomfortable the first time, and an act of tremendous courage, well, it is.

We all need to get to the stage that we can talk to someone we’re interested in (a client or a romantic prospect) without being frozen into inaction by our hopes and fears. The guidelines are well known. Keep it casual, keep it small, take it a step at a time, but get out there and start meeting people. onla.org

Yes, we hated it when our parents told us to do that as children and it doesn’t make it any less terrifying today, but the habits are identical and you don’t get better at them by going to a training program.

More Friendship Habits People good at friendship work hard at developing joint habits and routines, whether it’s as simple as discussing “last night’s game” or going to the same place each time for a cup of coffee. For my friend Roger and me, regular sessions of playing cribbage (the card game) became our way of cementing and celebrating our bond. I rarely played the game with anyone else.

Good friends go out of their way to celebrate each others’ small triumphs and make it their business to be there in times of need for their friends. They stay alert for any opportunity to help, in ways big or small, without keeping track of who has done how much for whom. That’s exactly what happens in effective business development.

Clearly, there is more to say about friendship skills, but my purpose here is not to report everything you have to learn. Goodness knows, I have only learned a little of what I should have. The key lesson is that it is learnable.

You don’t have to be a natural to get better at this.

And, for goodness sake, start earlier than I did! B © Copyright 2001-2012 by David Maister, davidmaister.com. Material reprinted with permission of the author.

January/February 2013 23

Professional Conferences Just-For-You

Education, at all levels, is critical to personal, professional, and industry success. A trio of top-level ONLA conferences debut at CENTS 2013. Our classes meet you where you are, personally and professionally, and give you the tools to succeed. See pages 5, 17 & 24 for details on our MANAGERS, YOUNG PRO, and STUDENT conferences.

Green Industry Career Exploration Conference Tuesday, January 15, 2013 12:30pm - 6:00pm

After a tremendously successful 2012 launch, ONLA is pleased to bring the Green Industry Exploration Conference back in 2013. This conference was developed to provide a “discovery” of the myriad of career paths within our vibrant green industry.

Whether you are a student interested in learning more, or are already part of the horticulture industry and simply want to know more about other avenues of professional growth, this is the place for you.

Discover all of your options – from garden center businesses to turf grass maintenance jobs – and speak directly with green industry professionals. This conference includes docent-led tours of CENTS, breakout sessions to learn more about segments of the industry, and concludes with the ONLA Career Marketplace & Job Fair. $10 pre-reg; $10 reg

Opening Session Room D233-235, 12:30pm-12:50pm The Green Industry Exploration Conference is for anyone interested in starting a career in the green industry, or for those of you who are curious about what’s available. In this introductory session, you will learn how the conference works, with a general overview of job outlook and demand within nursery / greenhouse grower, landscape, garden center and turf maintenance fields.

Career Sessions attendees rotate through five industry segment career presentations; Upper D-Pod Rooms, 12:55pm-2:30pm Nursery Grower / Greenhouse Grower Careers

Adam Brown, Decker’s Nursery, Inc. & Justin Moratta, Possum Run Greenhouses, Inc.

Learn what career opportunities are available in the nursery grower and greenhouse grower industries.

Retail Garden Center / Arborist Careers

Landscape Design / Landscape Architecture Careers

John Dehaven, DeHaven Home & Garden Centers, Inc. Kevin Rice, Rice’s Nursery & Landscaping, Inc. & Chris Ahlum, Ahlum & Learn what career opportunities Arbor Tree Preservation Learn what career opportunities are available in the retail garden center and arborist industries.

are available in the landscape design & landscape architechure industries.

Lawn Care / Turf / Golf Course Maintenance Careers

Landscape Contracting / Landscape Maintenance Careers

Matt Williams, OSU Turfgrass Research Center

Brent Ogburn, Grunder Landscaping Co.

Learn what career opportunities are available in the lawn care, turf and golf course maintenance industries.

Learn what career opportunities are available in the landscape contracting & landscape maintenance industries.

CENTS Tours Exhibit Halls, 2:45pm-4:00pm

Various Industry Professional Tour Guides

After learning about career opportunities in the green industry, attendees of the Green Industry Exploration Conference can experience a one-of-a-kind tour of the trade show.

CENTS is one of the largest green industry trade shows in the Midwest, with more than 8000 attendees and 400 exhibiting companies. While the scale of the show can be overwhelming, you have a unique chance to walk the floor with a knowledgable green industry professional. The tours will range throughout the trade show, stopping at strategic booths to introduce you to industry big-wigs. Don’t miss the chance to experience CENTS up-close in this personal and professional tour.

Career Marketplace Training Room D233-235, 4:15pm-4:30pm

Steve O’Neal, Columbus State Community College

Are you heading to the ONLA’s Career Marketplace to check out who’s hiring in the green industry? You don’t want to miss this brief, but beneficial, marketplace orientation.

You’ll be prepped on the best ways to impress your potential employers, and given information on the companies participating.

Career Marketplace Ballroom 3, 4:30pm-6:00pm Calling all current and would-be green industry professionals! The ONLA Career Marketplace is the only all-encompassing green industry career fair in the state. Green industry companies, large and small, exhibit at this bustling and engaging event to find the next fresh face for their team. Nearly every green industry field is represented, with informative company displays to help you make the best career decision. Browse the opportunities, shake hands, ask questions and leave with the confidence and connections that will make you successful.

24 The Buckeye

CALL (8 0 0 ) 8 2 5 - 5 0 6 2 TO R EQ U EST A FULL CO PY O F TH E ATTEND EE PLA N N I N G G UI D E

onla.org

LOOK TO THE FUTURE

B

The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association Scholarship Fund Exciting times are ahead for the future of scholarships for Ohio students in the Green Industry! The Scholarship Committee was challenged by the ONLA Board of Directors with finding a better way to fund our scholarship program. While we don’t know what the future holds for the association when it comes to finances, it became important for the association to put in place a mechanism that would insure that there always will be money available to fund scholarships long into the future and into perpetuity.

We knew the long term answer was to either start a scholarship foundation or possibly join an existing foundation. After much research, the decision was made to not be burdened with the management of our own foundation.

We therefore decided to find an existing foundation that would meet and understand our goals. We researched many possibilities but came to the conclusion that one did exist that fit our needs, beliefs, and culture. It is The Academic Excellence Foundation administered by PLANET. The AEF is a foundation designed exclusively for the Green Industry that already has over three million in its growing foundation with extremely low administrative fees. This allows the most bang for the investment buck.

October 2012: ONLA Past President Rick Doesburg (left) and ONLA Executive Director Kevin Thompson (center) present $225,000 check to Jim McCutcheon (PLANET Board Member) on behalf of PLANET AEF.

The AEF needed to create a place within their structure for the many state associations so that the funds could be used for each state’s needs. Some by-law changes needed to occur within the AEF and we now have the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Scholarship Fund (ONLSF) administered by the AEF. Okay, what does this all mean? Sometime in the “Every man owes a future we should have a large part of his time and sub foundation within the money to the business AEF that will continue to or industry in which fund scholarships in perpetuhe is engaged. No man ity for Ohio students. Now has a moral right to withhold his support that’s the easy part. Funding from an organization the foundation becomes the that is striving to challenge of the membership. improve conditions Speaking as an Ambassador within his sphere.” of the AEF (Ambassador is someone who has either Theodore Roosevelt pledged or funded a scholarship in excess of $25,000, hence The Doesburg Family and Thornton Landscape Scholarship), it is a goose bump moment with maybe a couple of emotional tears when you get to hand a deserving student a check each year for a $1,000 to help with their education.

Obviously this isn’t the best of economic times. But it certainly is a good time to get the ball rolling so that when things begin to turn around, we will have everything in place to grow funds for students enrolled in Ohio Green Industry programs. To date, ONLA has shown their commitment to this program by already investing $300,000.

So at the January 2013 CENTS Show we will have $12,000 to give out in scholarships. However, the money cannot continue to only come from our association. We, the membership, will need to get on board and begin to invest in this program.

The ONLA Board has authorized an addition $200,000 to be used for matching funds, so each time $25,000 is raised and addition $25,000 will be matched up to $200,000. please see page 26

Students Begin Careers at CENTS onla.org

January/February 2013 25

continued from page 25

There are many reasons one might invest in this scholarship program. I will try and get into your head and list a few reasons that this will be the right thing for either you personally or for your company. I’ve already talked about the goose bump moment that I have experienced, and you may experience those same feelings someday. Think about the marketing for your company with public relations announcements of your scholarship recipient. Consider the potential future employees of your company, or simply letting students know you support this program... it is all good PR. Maybe, in your case, it is as simple as knowing that it’s just the right thing to do, giving back to our industry which has meant so much to you personally and to your company and your employees. We all do have that responsibility.

We have established a dynamic task force to oversee the ONLSF as we move forward, made up of long time leaders of our industry: Kent Fullmer, Bob Lyons, Ken Natorp, Dick Posey, Paul Reiner, Bryan Rice, Jeff Siebenthaler, Steve Pattie, Jen Gray, Kevin Thompson and myself. To date we have: established the name of our foundation, given our first scholarship from the original investment of $25,000, and named the President’s Scholarship, in the amount of $1,500 to be granted each year by the current president of the association. We have also set a goal to raise $500,000 over the next five years from the

26 The Buckeye

membership.

We have discussed fundraising knowing that every dollar can make a difference. It won’t always be possible for someone to pledge $25,000 at the Ambassador level, so we will need to do some fundraising from auctions, split the pot, etc. Every time we can raise another $25,000 it will mean one more scholarship that can be given out... every year, in perpetuity. We will ask for donations of a few dollars or a few hundred on our yearly membership renewal application. When it comes to direct donations, we will continue to track those amounts through the years so that someday you can reach the level of an Ambassador and have your own funded scholarship.

There is a lot more to discuss, but I will save more for other articles. This is an exciting time for the ONLA and as we grow our fund the future will look brighter for the students and the industry. Please do me a favor and give this some thought, and set it into your long term goals to someday invest in having your own funded named scholarship.

For information or questions in regards to the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Scholarship Fund, please contact the ONLA office or me at the email listed below! B Rick Doesburg ONLA AEF Task Force rdoesburg@thorntonlandscape.com

onla.org

Ohio Green Industry Advocacy Day

February 27, 2013 Columbus, OH

The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association • Golf Course Superintendents Association - Ohio Chapters • Nursery Growers of Lake County Ohio • Ohio Landscape Association • Ohio Lawn Care Association • Ohio Professional Applicators for Responsible Regulation • Ohio Turfgrass Foundation You are invited to join us for the “2013 Ohio Green Industry Advocacy Day” on February 27 in Columbus. This is a great chance to partner with fellow green industry colleagues to explain issues critical to your business and the size and importance of Ohio’s Green Industry to our state legislators.

REGISTRANTS: Complete the following information and return this form before February 8, to the ONLA office (address below).

Company Name:

In these tough economic times, your participation in this grassroots effort is more important than ever before. Here are some key reasons why you should attend this event:

Address:

•

Email:

•

• •

Make Membership Count – A key benefit of your association is the government advocacy it provides and your ability to meet with legislators on behalf of the industry. Here’s your opportunity to carry the message and have an impact on legislation that will affect green industry businesses. It only works when you get involved.

Build Relationships – Changing majorities and new faces in the legislature require Ohio’s green industry to continuously educate elected officials about our businesses and our needs. We need your help to build these relationships.

Budget Cuts – The State of Ohio faces continued budget cuts. Learn what these budget cuts might mean for your business.

Legislation – Learn about newly introduced bills that will impact your business. Whether it’s on immigration, workers compensation or environmental reforms, this is the time for you to voice your concerns.

There is power in numbers, and we are counting on you.

Here’s a tentative schedule of the day: 9:00 - 9:30 a.m.

9:30 - 10:30 10:30 - 11:30

11:30 – Noon Noon – 1:00 p.m.

1:00-5:00

5:00-7:00

Registration & continental breakfast Guest Speaker or Panel Discussion Briefing Session – Learn about bills and issues and how to best communicate with your legislator Guest Speaker from the Legislature (TBD) Lunch and networking Pre-scheduled meetings with Legislators

Legislative Reception

Vern Riffe State Office Tower

Ohio Statehouse/ Vern Riffe State Office Tower Ohio Statehouse

For additional details, contact Kevin Thompson at 800.825.5062

City, State & Zip:

Phone: ( Fax: (

) )

Full Home Address, City, State and Zip (for purposes of matching you with your legislator):

Name of State Rep & Senator (if you know):

I am a member of (please select): □ The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association □ Golf Course Superintendents Association - Ohio Chapter □ Nursery Growers of Lake County Ohio □ Ohio Landscape Association □ Ohio Lawn Care Association □ Ohio Turfgrass Foundation □ Ohio Professional Applicators for Responsible Regulation PAYMENT INFORMATION: Return this form, along with payment of $89, to the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association, 72 Dorchester Square, Westerville, OH 43081. Ph: (800) 8255062. Fax: (614) 899-9489. Checks made payable to the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association. MasterCard and Visa payment accepted.

Check Visa

MasterCard

Card Number: Exp. Date: Cardholder Name: Signature:

onla.org

January/February 2013 27

Register Today! www.centshow.org See You at CENTS! January 14-16, 2013

More green for your business.

More business for your green.

CENTS helps you move your business forward.

28  The Buckeye

onla.org

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W H Y T R E E S M AT T E R

A Tale of Three Arboblitzes

Tree Campus USA at the Ohio State University Main Campus and at the College of Wooster, involving students, faculty, and staff at these institutions as well as the green industry and surrounding communities is an ongoing and wonderful celebration of the current love and future sustenance of tree cultures. Here is more on the tree culture known as Arboblitz.

College of Wooster (September 22) Trees were the subject of the recent Arboblitz celebration at the College of Wooster, where they celebrated their ascension to Tree Campus USA status in 2012. It is a great tree campus and they highlighted the environmental services of trees, as well as threats to those trees, such as the youthful reminder from COW Grounds Crew children Jax Mastrine and Meaghan Miller. They wore paper hats with the reminder that Asian longhorned beetles (ALB) see trees in a different light than us, as in “Your Trees. Our Food.”

Protecting trees from ALB and other pests takes on meaning when we consider that the growing, planting, and maintaining of trees have the level of benefit illustrated by the fact that the 382 oaks alone on the College of Wooster campus provide annual benefits estimated (iTree.org, treebenefits.com) at $61,593.

30 The Buckeye

OSU Main Campus (September 29)

On the OSU Main Campus in Columbus, their Tree Campus USA status (also attained in 2012) was forwarded by their second annual Arboblitz, held on September 29.

Students, Chadwick Arboretum and Master Gardener volunteers, green industry professionals, OSU groundskeepers, and faculty, joined the student-run STICKS (Sustainable Tree Inventory Care KeeperS) to continue the OSU Campus tree inventory and iTree environmental audit. Christine Voise and other student leaders carry out this inventory weekly (Friday afternoons), and during the Arboblitz they had additional help in measuring, identifying, and cataloguing the health of campus trees – with everyone learning from each other.

The OSU Tree Campus committee, ably led by Chadwick Arboretum director Mary Maloney and campus landscape architect Steve Volkmann, regularly meet to assist the students, develop protocols for planting and maintaining campus trees, and developing tree care policies. One of their newer activities is a series of ChARBettes or Arbo-charrettes on tree selections on campus. “Charrette,” according to Wikipedia is defined as “a method of organizing thoughts from experts and the users into a structured medium that is unrestricted and conducive to the creativity and the development of myriad

scenarios…charrette may refer to any collaborative session in which a group of designers drafts a solution to a design problem.” Playing on the word, a ChARBette or Arbor-rette is a series of collaborative sessions to design better ARBoricultureal practices, for example by reviewing and revamping the tree selection process on campus, with input from multiple perspectives.

For example, think of Callery pears, Pyrus calleryana – what a story, never-ending, that this species tells. From bringing in Callery pear to the U.S. to cross with fruiting pears to improve fireblight resistance…to noticing their ornamental appeals of flower, foliage, and virtually no fruits initially due to genetic self-incompatibility…to their widespread urban tree plantings…to concerns over branch structure and damage during storms…to recognizing that some Callery pear cultivars fared better in terms of storm damage than others…to realizing that cultivars were crossing, resulting in more and more fruits and issues relative to invasiveness…to – well the story (to channel Tolkien) goes ever on and on…

So, the first Arbo-Charrette was convened by Chadwick Arboretum on October 9, a tremendous teaching moment of vigorous back and forth of about a dozen tree species with a distinguished group, led by OSU’s Professor Emeritus and former ONA please see page 32 onla.org

Winterthur viburnum early October 2012 at Secrest Arboretum

Zigzag growth of Rising Sun redbud October 2012 at Secrest Arboretum

Junior grounds crew College of Wooster remind us that for Asian Longhorned Beetles, our trees are the beetles food.

Stop these beetles now!

College of Wooster Grounds Crew of the Future planting trees with Manager of Grounds Beau Mastrine during COW Arboblitz

Sumac as Autumn rolls in at Secrest Arboretum October 2012

New Dawn Rising at Secrest Arboretum with winter look at dawnredwoods

Oak tree benefits (as per iTree) at College of Wooster at their 2012 Arboblitz

(above): People will find a way‌to garden in Ghent (below): Planetrees along the Canal at the site of the Ghentisburg Address this Summer

(facing page): Massive red oak on the OSU campus (photo courtesy Sherrill Massey) (right): STICKS leader Chris Voice prepping OSU Arbobliters September 2012 (photo courtesy Sherrill Massey)

onla.org

January/February 2013  31

continued from page 30

director Ken Reisch, and a group of green industrarians, OSU engineers and groundskeepers, and OSU horticulturists such as Stephen Still, Dan Struve, Davis Sydnor, Dave Gardiner, and Mary Maloney. Next ChARBette: December 7, 9-12. Contact Mary Maloney (Maloney.23@ osu.edu) if you are interested in participating. It is a great way to share and learn about trees.

OSU Wooster Campus The Ohio State University Wooster Campus (the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Secrest Arboretum, the Agricultural Technical Institute, and OSU Extension) are working on their Tree Campus USA application this year. They too have had a number of recent activities, including a robust tree inventory program about to move to its next stage, a number of volunteer and student projects, and advanced programming. And that leads to a story about…

The Ghentisburg Address One hundred and fifty years ago, on July 2, 1862, right in the middle of the Civil War, President Lincoln signed the Morrill Land Grant College Act. The Act was named for Senator Justin Morrill of Vermont who had first proposed legislation in 1857. The Morrill Act led to a land grant university in every state, with Ohio State

32 The Buckeye

University’s start in 1870. In Indiana the land grant college is Purdue, in New York it is Cornell, and in Michigan it is Michigan State. The Morrill land grants to states laid the foundation for the U.S. system of state colleges and universities, bringing higher education to millions of students.

A year after the Morrill Act, on July 1-3, 1863, came the Battle of Gettysburg and on November 19, 1863, Abraham Lincoln delivered his eloquent and concise Gettysburg Address in just over 2 minutes, with only 278 words. Four score and seven years ago…

Cut to September 16, 2010 when the Wooster Tornado roared into town. Miraculously, no-one was physically harmed, but there was great damage to buildings and to trees, with over 1500 large trees lost at OSU’s Secrest Arboretum in Wooster alone. {Secrest Arboretum is named for Edmund Secrest, who arrived in Wooster in 1908, noting the bare fields and over-harvested forests of Ohio, and who eventually became Ohio’s first state forester and the director of the Ohio Agricultural Experiment Station (now OARDC).} This year, in Ghent Belgium on July 2, 2012 at the 2nd International Symposium of Woody Ornamentals of the Temperate Zone, in just under five minutes and in 149 words, with pictures and a few additional comments, the Ghentisburg Address was given, at a talk and paper authored by Kenny Cochran, Cathy Herms and Jim Chatfield of OSU, titled “Research, Renovation and Renewal:” Five score and four years ago, Edmund Secrest brought forth upon the barren land a new vision, dedicated to the proposition that trees, yes forests, are the future for this land. He then set forth, and others followed, planting trees in the valleys and in the fields: oaks and maples, lindens and magnolias. Now, many of those trees planted have fallen, as winds of change roared into the Arboretum given his name.

Children and adults, students and teachers, Ohio State University and the College of Wooster, the City of Wooster and the broader communities of volunteers and nurserymen, donors and visitors, let us all dedicate henceforth to honor these fallen giants, that we will remember and bring forth to these and to other lands a new dawn rising, of trees, of forests, of land that in the words of the great conservationist Aldo Leopold yields a cultural harvest never to be forgotten.

Two years from the tornado in Wooster and at Secrest, thanks to Ohio’ s green industry and ONLA, and many additional donors and volunteers, and the inspiring mission of Kenny Cochran and Joe Cochran, over 2000 new trees are in the ground at Secrest Arboretum. Planting trees matters. B Jim Chatfield The Ohio State University Extension Nursery Landscape and Turf Team chatfield.1@osu.edu photos courtesy Jim Chatfield unless otherwise noted onla.org

Parties with a Purpose!

Early Bird Happy Hour Sunday Night / 7:00 p.m.

SPONSORED BY

Arriving to Columbus on Sunday? Be sure to stop by the Hyatt Regency’s “Big Bar on 2” to meet, greet, and hang out with industry peers. Are you an ONLA member? ‘Cause it gets even better for you! Members receive a free drink! Contact ONLA for details! (800) 825-5062.

Ale! Ale! The Gang’s All Here!

Welcome Reception & Beer Tasting

SPONSORED BY

Opening Night / 5:00 p.m.

CENTS After Hours All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

Don’t be Jack.

Be awesomer.

Views of the city, great beer and a festive atmosphere make the CENTS Welcome Reception & Beer Tasting the perfect happy hour event for all varieties of beer enthusiasts. This gathering gives attendees an opportunity to recap the first day of CENTS and mingle with other attendees and exhibitors in a relaxed atmosphere. Snacks and entertainment will be provided. Best of all? Budweiser Distributing will offer tastings of Budweiser craft beers (5 tasting tickets per person) and answer any burning questions about ale.

Awards Night & Dessert Reception Opening Night / 6:30 p.m.

SPONSORED BY

Not the usual, stodgy awards presentation from days of yore! Celebrate in rock star fashion as we reveal the winning projects from the 40th Annual Landscape Awards Program and unveil the 2013 Landscape Project of the Year. Get a sneak preview of our television program featuring the award winning projects before it airs next spring on ONN. Be on hand to congratulate our industry Rock Stars: the recipients of the ONLA Distinguished Contribution Awards, the ONLA Service Award, the ONLA Educator and Public Service Award, the Young Professional Award, and the multiple recipients of ONLA scholarships (nearly $20,000 will be granted). A fun, fast-paced, upbeat event that celebrates your industry’s successes: don’t miss it!

VIP Reception with Michael Dirr

SPONSORED BY

Tuesday Night / 5:00 p.m.

Have you met the legend? Meet Dr. Michael Dirr – horticultural writer, distinguished professor and all-around plant enthusiast – at the VIP reception and book signing prior to his CENTS keynote presentation.

You’ll mingle with green industry peers while sampling delicious hors d’oeuvres and sipping cocktails from the cash bar. The VIP reception will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 – 6:15 p.m. and reception attendees will be honored with VIP seating at the keynote presentation directly following. Shake hands, grab an autograph and introduce yourself to this accomplished and respected green industry leader.

Pink in Green: A Womens’ Networking Event

SPONSORED BY

Wednesday / 7:00 a.m.

Women in business face daily challenges that require a wide range of skills. This innovative breakfast session, led by motivational speaker Nancy Stoll, seeks to inspire, motivate and advise women working in the green industry. Enhance your skills during an upbeat, multi-faceted, and information-rich session specifically for women. Whether you’re a female entrepreneur, a critical component in a family business, a woman invested in the success of your company, or all of the above, you’ll want to be part of this emerging group for women leaders.

onla.org

January/February 2013 33

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onla.org

Educational Update Hemlock Woolly Adelgid: The New Threat to Ohio’s Forests The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is a small aphid-like insect native to Asia that was first detected in the United States in 1951 near Richmond, Virginia. This insect threatens both Carolina and eastern hemlocks, and is currently infesting 19 states in the eastern United States from Maine south to Georgia and west to Ohio and West Virginia. Ohio has only recently been added to this list, with its first recorded find in a native stand of hemlock in January of 2012.

Counties with established HWA populations 2011

This article is provided to you as a benefit of membership in the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association.

Content for this issue provided by: Uninfested Counties Infested Counties Newly infested 2011 Native Range of Hemlock

Stephanie Downs Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry

2011 distribution of HWA in the eastern United States. Note: Infested counties in Ohio will be added to the upcoming 2012 distribution map. Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service, Northeastern Area, http://na.fs.fed.us/fhp/hwa/ maps/distribution.shtm).

Note: This map depicts counties with established HWA populations that are confirmed and reported by respective state forest health officials. The coarse nature of the map does not provide information below the county level and users should not assume that highlighted infested counties are entirely infested.

Map Produced by: USDA Forest Service 3/16/12

Decline and mortality associated with HWA in Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina. Photo courtesy of William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International, Bugwood.org.

There are three known strains of HWA, one originating from China, one from Japan, and one from the Pacific Northwest. The strain currently attacking the eastern United States is from Japan, and is spreading throughout the natural range of hemlocks in this region. Native predatory beetles keep the Pacific Northwest strain from causing the widespread decline and mortality observed by the Japanese strain in the east. Although there are no native predators of HWA in the eastern U.S., progress has been made in biological control research, and predatory beetles have been released in many of the hardest hit states with success in reducing adelgid populations.

HWA and Ohio Although hemlocks are not widespread throughout Ohio, where they do occur are in areas of great ecological and economic importance.

Hocking County, for example, is known for its tourism industry, which please see page 36

EDUCATIONAL UPDATE

continued from page 35

is based on the hemlock communities in its many parks, forests, and nature preserves. It is estimated that one in seven jobs in Hocking County is related to tourism, making it a large contributor to the local job market and economy. Other counties with hemlock communities are in the same position. Ecologically, these communities provide wildlife habitat, forest composition and structure, and ecosystem services not found in other forest types in the state.

HWA has been found in Ohio since 2001, but until 2012 was only detected in landscape trees or garden center stock. In September of 2001, ten infested hemlocks were removed and destroyed in Painesville, Ohio. Since then, 11 landscape eradications have been performed, with infested trees either being removed and destroyed or chemically treated, depending on the level of infestation. In January of 2012, however, HWA was discovered by the Ohio Division of Forestry (ODOF) in Shade River State Forest (Meigs County) in a natural stand of eastern hemlocks. A total of eight trees were found with the adelgid, which were detected during annual pro-active surveys for the pest conducted by the ODOF Forest Health Program. Due to the location and small size of these trees, all eight were removed and burned in an attempt to eradicate the population.

Concentrated surveys are planned for this winter to survey remaining hemlocks in both Shade River State Forest and adjacent Forked Run State Park for more infested trees.

Shade River is located along the Ohio River, and borders Wood County, West Virginia, where HWA has been established since 2008. Due to the remote location of the infested trees in Shade River, it is believed that this population has spread naturally into Ohio from West Virginia, and is not the result

of human movement. HWA mainly spreads through birds and wind, but can also be spread by human movement of hemlock materials, including branches, firewood, and nursery stock. Prior to the discovery of this HWA population, all trees found to be infested with the adelgid were nursery stock brought in from neighboring infested states.

Following this detection of HWA in Meigs County, reports of suspicious hemlocks in the towns of Belpre and Marietta in Washington County were received.

Surveys of these towns showed that HWA is established in their landscapes, also as a result of natural spread from Wood County, West Virginia. It is unknown at this time how far inland from the Ohio River this pest is distributed, but surveys are planned for this winter to determine the extent of the HWA infestation. Of the 1025 hemlock trees surveyed in these two towns in May of 2012, 404 were determined to be infested. All of these trees are on private property, however, and the responsibility of treating lies with each individual property owner. Both Meigs and Washington Counties are quarantined by the Department of Agriculture to prevent the movement of hemlock materials out of the infested areas.

HWA infested hemlock branch on a landscape tree in Belpre, Ohio.

Photo courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry.

HWA Biology

General location of HWA infested trees in Shade River State Forest. Photo courtesy of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry.

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The HWA lifecycle consists of two generations per year, one from June to March, and the other from March to June. The spring generation consists of both winged and wingless adults. The winged adults leave the hemlock where they hatched to find a spruce tree, on which the adelgid cannot complete its life cycle and therefore dies. The wingless adults remain on the hemlock and produce the winter generation. Both

The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association’s The Buckeye, January/February 2013

Ohio Division of Forestry and Ohio Department of Agriculture. Early detection of HWA infestations is important, as lightly infested trees are easier to treat and save. Surveys are conducted yearly on state lands, but individual property owners are also encouraged to inspect their trees and report any suspicious findings.

There are several treatment options available to control HWA, including both chemical and biological control. Infested trees can be chemically treated using a variety of methods, from insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils to trunk injections. Insecticidal soaps and horticultural oils are most effective when used between August and the first frost, and are a non-toxic method of treating trees. Foliage applied herbicides, such as imidacloprid, bifenthin, and others can be applied throughout the growing season, but require the trees be small enough to reach to uniformly apply the herbicide to the needles. Other methods available to treat for HWA include spring or fall soil drenches/ injections, basal bark sprays, and tree injections with imidicloprid or dinotefuran products. When deciding on a treatment method, soil type, level of infestation, size of tree, and cost all need to be considered. Only a few products and treatment options are available to the average landowner; many of the methods must be completed by a licensed pesticide applicator.

HWA nymphs: first instar nymphs and later instar nymphs with woolly covering. Photo courtesy of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – Forestry Archive, Bugwood.org.

Mortality of infested hemlocks can take anywhere from three to ten years, depending on the location of the trees, intensity of HWA infestation, and other factors such as prior stress on the trees from other pests and abiotic factors. The HWA feeds on nutrients at the base of the needles, depleting the tree’s reserves, leading to eventual mortality. Damage generally begins on branches at the base of the tree, and moves its way upward over time. Mortality of hemlocks in the northern portion of the range generally takes longer than in the southern portion of the range.

HWA Survey and Control Surveys for HWA in Ohio’s hemlocks are most effective when conducted during the winter months when the adelgid is surrounded by the white woolly covering. Lower branches on the trees are visually inspected, and any positive trees are reported to the

Tree injection method of chemical control for HWA in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Photo courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains National Park Resource Management Archive, USDI National Park Service, Bugwood.org.

Progress has been made in recent years in biological control research for HWA in the eastern United States. There are currently five species of predatory beetles being tested and released in states with wellestablished HWA populations. Three of these species are from Asia, Sasajiseymnus tsugae, Scymnus please see page 38

The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association’s The Buckeye, January/February 2013

37

EDUCATIONAL UPDATE

generations consist entirely of females, which reproduce asexually.

The winter generation of adelgids are entirely wingless, and enter a dormancy period during the heat of summer through early fall. They emerge from this period and complete a prolonged development consisting of four nymph stages before emerging as adults in February. The first instar nymphs are called crawlers (less than 1/16 inch long), as they are mobile and move around on the hemlock tree to find a suitable feeding site at the base of a needle. Once a suitable site has been found, the nymph attaches itself to the tree and will complete development in that location.

At this point, the winter generation begins forming a protective, waxy, woolly halo around themselves, hence the name “woolly adelgid.”

EDUCATIONAL UPDATE

continued from page 37

Laricobius nigrinus predatory beetles on an HWA infested hemlock. Photo courtesy of Great Smoky Mountains National Park Resource Management Archive, USDI National Park Service, Bugwood.org.

7463 West Ridge Road P.O. Box E Fairview PA 16415 0805 800.458.2234 Fax 800.343.6819 e-mail: info@fairviewevergreen.com www.fairviewevergreen.com

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spp., and Laricobius osakensis, and two from the Pacific Northwest, Laricobius nigrinus and Scymnus coniferarum. The first two Asian beetles and Scymnus coniferarum are summer feeders, while both Laricobius species feed on the adelgid in the winter. So far, releases have been conducted in multiple states with some success in reducing adelgid populations.

Managers of many natural areas in states with HWA have created a multi-faceted approach to managing for the adelgid. A combination of chemical treatments and biological control allows for immediate treatment of high-value hemlocks, while biological control releases allow for more long-term control of HWA in the entire hemlock stand. Using this combined approach HWA can be managed with reasonable amounts of chemical and cost, but with long-term benefits.

With the recent discovery of HWA in a natural stand of hemlock in Ohio, property managers throughout the state need to begin to address how they will manage for the adelgid when it arrives.

Inventories of hemlocks can assist with determining high-value trees that should be treated to preserve them in the landscape, and also provide locations of high-concentration hemlocks where biological control may be an option. While biological control may not be an option for the average landowner, determining a feasible plan for which trees should be treated allows for the best use of time and money once the adelgid reaches their property. Maximum per-acre rates for most hemlocks will not allow for treatment of all hemlocks in most stands, but those trees that have the highest ecological, aesthetic, or economic value can be determined ahead of time to allow for a rapid response to this pest.

HWA has been moving across the eastern United States since its discovery on 1951. Due to the widespread nature of this pest, combined with the diversity of landowners affected, eradication is generally not an option. It can, however, be managed on each property to achieve the goals of each landowner. To effectively achieve these goals, early detection and a predetermined course of action is recommended. By inspecting hemlocks you come in contact with, whether on your own property or through work, HWA can be caught early on in new locations throughout Ohio and this issue can be addressed while it is still manageable. If you think you have a hemlock with HWA, contact the Ohio Division of Forestry at (614)2656694, or the Ohio Department of Agriculture at (614)728-6270. B

The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association’s The Buckeye, January/February 2013

SAFETY FIRST Group and Group Retro Rating Enrollment!

Savings quotes and enrollment packets for CareWorks Consultants’ ONLA Workers’ Compensation Group Rating and Group Retrospective Rating Programs have been sent to qualifying applicants.

Qualifying companies should return the forms immediately to CareWorks Consultants to ensure enrollment in our 2013-2014 group rating program. Our deadline for receipt of enrollment forms is February 22, 2013.

Companies currently enrolled in a CareWorks Consultants Group Rating Program do not have to re-apply and will not receive an enrollment packet. Renewal for the 2013-2014 group rating year is automatic as long as your company continues to meet the re-enrollment criteria.

If your company has not requested a no-cost, no-obligation quote for the 2013-2014 policy year, please contact CareWorks Consultants today at 1-800-837-3200 or apply

online at www.careworksconsultants.com/groupratingapplication.

Because group rating has a limited window for enrollment, it is important to apply immediately for the 20132014 plan year! The deadline to request a quote is February 15, 2013, so complete and return your application to CareWorks Consultants as soon as possible.

The deadline to make a decision will approach quickly!

Get a quote now so you can budget appropriately for your workers’ compensation cost. Call CareWorks Consultants at1-800-837-3200 and ask to speak to a sales assistant to discuss your potential savings. Choose a partner with a record of not only savings, but reliable service!

Contact Roni Petersen at the ONLA offices for information about this, and other, critical member savings programs! 800.825.5062 B

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January/February 2013 39

B

BY DESIGN

Notable Books

Bobbie Schwartz, FAPLD Bobbie’s Green Thumb bobbie@bgthumb.com

40 The Buckeye

As properties grow smaller and smaller or gardeners move from homes to condominiums or apartments, there is a definite need for advice about container gardening in limited spaces. Fern Richardson, in her book Small-Space Container Gardens, shares inspiration and practical advice for balconies, porches, patios and small spaces.

Living in an apartment herself and the author of a blog entitled Life on the Balcony, Fern has grown plants that provide food (fruits and vegetables), beauty, and bouquets as well as privacy and style. Most of the plants she uses do double or triple duty, featuring color, texture and form while attracting beneficial insects, butterflies, and birds.

The author contends that one must have a design strategy in order to have the space reflect one’s unique style. Simplified design plans have, therefore, been included and can be used as is or mixed or used as a starting point.

The author frequently reminds the reader that planning a container garden is very similar to planning an in-ground garden. The elements are harsher up in the air; therefore, knowledge of the hardiness zone is essential (one zone colder than your given zone is desirable). So is knowledge of sun and shade patterns.

Just as a landscape designer starts with the dimensions of the space, so too must the owner of a small space take measurements and create a drawing. Then determine what the space will encompass and what your client’s lifestyle is. Fern suggests starting with a color scheme in order to make the space look intentional rather than random.

The choice of containers can add pizzazz to the design and also determine whether the plants will live.

Keep in mind, especially on balconies, that the weight of the planted container is a huge factor in whether it can withstand high winds. Essential to thoughtful design is a balance of size and shape with the intended plant. Many containers can be attached to railings and posts. Pick containers carefully for their ability to survive winters outside since storage space is usually minimal.

You may start with the containers and plants but Fern is quick to point out that you can also transform spaces with new flooring and “walls” (trellises and other types of green walls) as well as furniture that is scaled down, fun garden ornaments, and lighting.

Throughout her book, Fern offers inexpensive suggestions for transforming ordinary materials into something eye-catching. The last few chapters of the book give advice on the basics of gardening and on pest control. Everything is well illustrated with excellent photographs.

Although the book is probably aimed at the home gardener, there are some excellent suggestions of which landscape designers can avail themselves.

Privacy is a quest for many. Who wants their neighbors to know what they’re doing and when? There are already too many intrusions into our private lives. It’s a delight to have a beautiful landscape but not so much if an ugly view beyond the property line impinges on that landscape. As landscape designers, we want to create havens of joy and serenity for our clients.

Thus was born the premise for onla.org

Landscaping for Privacy: Innovative Ways to Turn Your Outdoor Space into a Peaceful Retreat, by Marty Wingate. Wingate breaks down this quest for privacy into buffers (they soften the impact of nuisances), barriers (they deter invasion), and screens (they hide unwanted sights).

Buffers do not create more space between the client and what bothers him but they do create the illusion of separation. Terraced beds and island beds create visual separation from the street as do tree lawn beds planted with low mounding shrubs instead of grass. Informal hedges can also provide a cushion along a property line without impinging on sight lines. Hedgerows are more useful for areas of the property where sightlines are not an issue.

Water features can be very effective noise buffers and Wingate offers several comments on how to choose the desired type of sound. Environmental intrusions – wind, sun, salt, and pollution - are more difficult to deal with.

Careful siting of trees and shrubs can buffer wind and sun and cut down on energy bills while judicious selection of plants that are salt tolerant will contribute to long lasting landscapes along heavily salted streets.

Barriers may deter the mailman from cutting across the grass or keep out unwanted visitors but the client may not want to keep everyone away. Wingate says, “An effective barrier creates a welcoming ambiance while guiding,

directing, and instructing.” Barriers can be implied, e.g. a planted berm that redirects foot traffic or a low fence that discourages animals or children from entering a particular area. Barriers can also be explicit: constructed fences, living fences, or a combination of constructed panels and plants. There are an infinite number of fence styles and Wingate shows some unusual ones. She also has specific recommendations for creating barriers for a variety of animals.

All too often when clients request a privacy screen, the offered solution is a tall hedge of arborvitae. There are two problems with this solution. One is that it creates a barricade and the second is that in areas of the state with heavy snows, within a few years, the arborvitae are falling down. Screens should be visually interesting as well as functional.

Wingate offers several suggestions for screening items within the garden such as garbage and recycling bins, large equipment, work areas, and air conditioners. She also offers suggestions and advice for screening unwanted views outside the garden. All of her ideas are well illustrated with photos taken in several different gardens. This is a book to read when seeking a different solution for privacy issues.

Only recently have I had time to read a book that was given to me as a gift. Much to my chagrin, I wish I had read it sooner. The Explorer’s Garden: Rare and Unusual Perennials by Dan Hinckley encourages me to continue my career as a plantaholic without having to endure the please see page 42

onla.org

January/February 2013 41

continued from page 41

hardships of plant explorations (I never was an enthusiastic camper).

This book is divided into plant families with an emphasis on descriptions of plants that Dan found in the wild and then grew at Heronswood, his personal garden and nursery. He is very explicit about proper cultivation.

Thus, I have now learned why some of the plants I purchased from Heronswood did not survive. On the other hand, I am no longer surprised by the spreading ability of Vancouveria hexandra, a plant that looks delicate but isn’t. I have always loved Corydalis but Hinckley’s observations about this genus have inspired me to delve further into the many species that are available from specialty growers with the exception of the blue ones that I can’t keep alive. Reading further, however, I learned that Corydalis ‘Blue Panda’ is native to extremely wet sites so I am tempted to try one more time.

In his discussion of the Geranium family, I had to laugh at Hinckley’s observation that G.procurrens leaves no doubt “as to the meaning of its specific epithet; ….it procures every patch of soil in its path…..” I also learned that one of my favorite hardy geraniums, ‘Dilys’ is a cross of G.procurrens and G.sanguineum and now understand why it is a restrained weaver.

One of the enchanting chapters is entitled The Wooded Lilies. It encompasses Polygonatum, Disporum, Smilacina, Disporopsis, and Uvularia as well as a few genera that I have yet to try. Thanks to Hinckley’s mail order catalog at Heronswood, I tried several of these genera and concomitant species and cultivars. I have enjoyed most of them immensely.

The main problem with reading this book is the frustration of a plantaholic who discovers plants that she must have but for which the only sources seem to be in England. For other readers, it may seem too technical but that is a result of the author’s desire to be very precise in distinguishing one species from another. Anyone who wishes to explore the genera mentioned in this book should definitely invest in it. Since the book was published in 1999, remainder copies are available at bargain prices.

All of us in the trade have a library of reference books, fewer perhaps than in earlier years now that we can turn to Google for so many answers. However, I doubt that any of us are willing to forego our bible, Michael Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs. I am speaking of the illustrated edition that combines his Hardy Trees and Shrubs with his Trees and Shrubs for Warm Climates that were first published in 1997 and 2002 as well as information contained in neither of the previous books. This

combination is especially valuable for those of living on the border between hardy and nearly hardy, particularly in light of climate change and the use of non-hardy plants in containers. While it is not a substitute for the more detailed, non-photographic edition, it does have enough information from Dirr’s lifelong trials and experiences with woodies to give anyone a good start. As Dirr himself states, the emphasis of the book is on the best new introductions of the past ten to fifteen years. I did find it puzzling that he mentioned the dwarf lilac ‘Bloomerang’ but not the Chip series.

I was always amazed by the omission of some genera in his previous book and see that many of them have now been included, e.g. Abelia, Andromeda, Arctostaphylos, Cephalotaxus, and Decumaria, just to mention a few. In addition, he has added new species to specific genera to reflect taxonomic changes that are driving all of us crazy.

As always, his photos are invaluable, demonstrating seasonal traits as well as use in the landscape. This is a book that I frequently use to show clients examples of the plants I have included in their designs. I’ve always enjoyed Dirr’s pithy comments and particularly enjoyed one comment on the availability of Thujopsis : “(It makes) a great conversation piece since few people have any idea of its identity…I see no reason for its paucity in commerce.” Thujopsis just happens to be one of my favorite plants for dry shade.

The last few pages of the book consist of a number of lists for plant selection by characteristic or purpose: flower color, flowering sequence,, fragrance, fruit, fall color, winter interest, shade tolerance, salt tolerance, tolerance to dry, moist or wet soils,, tolerance of urban stress, hedging, weeping or columnar habit. Google is great but no substitute for a book that encompasses a lifetime of learning.

Pick up these titles and others at the Timber Press Bookstore during CENTS! Dirr, Michael A., Dirr’s Encyclopedia of Trees and Shrubs, Timber Press, Portland, 2011, hardback, $79.95.

Hinkley, Daniel J., The Explorer’s Garden: Rare and Unusual Perennials, Timber Press, Portland, 1999, $39.95.

Richardson, Fern, Small-Space Container Gardens, Timber Press, Portland, 2012, paperback, $19.95.

Wingate, Marty, Landscaping for Privacy: Innovative Ways to Turn Your Outdoor Space into a Peaceful Retreat, Timber Press, Portland, 2011, paperback, $19.95.

Meet Dirr at CENTS! 42 The Buckeye

onla.org

KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS 7

NORTH VS. SOUTH: OSU Nursery Short Course Super Session Monday, January 14: Ballroom 1, 8:00am-9:15am

Dr. Michael Dirr, University of Georgia & Bill Hendricks, Klyn Nurseries

Bill and Mike have bantered about plant performance for years. Success in Georgia does not necessarily translate to Ohio. In a perfect world, every woody introduction would be adapted from zone 3 to 9, for starters. This forum will be a fun, spirited, and informational discussion of performance, propagation, branding, patenting and other topics the audience may want to inject. Hold on to your seat!

ALL ABOUT WOODY PLANTS: BREEDING, INTRODUCTION AND MARKETING: OSU Nursery Short Course Super Session Tuesday, January 15; Ballroom 1, 8:15am-9:15am

Dr. Michael Dirr, University of Georgia

When introducing a new plant into cultivation the opportunities for commercial success are numerous, but marketing can be a challenge. What aesthetic ingredients will excite the customer and make them buy? Michael Dirr, as a partner of an independent plant breeding business, Plant Introductions, Inc., will share the successes and near misses of woody plant introductions. Attend this session to hear about the upcoming wave of woodies and Dirr’s vision for the future.

VIP RECEPTION & BOOK SIGNING Tuesday, January 15, Room B200, 5:00pm-6:15pm

Dr. Michael Dirr, University of Georgia

Have you met the legend? Meet Dr. Michael Dirr – horticultural writer, distinguished professor and all-around plant enthusiast – at the VIP reception and book signing prior to his CENTS keynote presentation. You’ll mingle with green industry peers while sampling delicious hors d’oeuvres and sipping cocktails from the cash bar. The VIP reception will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 – 6:15 p.m. and reception attendees will be honored with VIP seating at the keynote presentation directly following. Shake hands, grab an autograph and introduce yourself to this accomplished and respected green industry leader.

PROUDLY SPONSORED BY

IN PRAISE OF NOBLE TREES: OSU Nursery Short Course Keynote Presentation Tuesday, January 15, Ballroom 2, 6:15pm-7:15pm

Dr. Michael Dirr, University of Georgia

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” During this engaging presentation, Dr. Dirr will discuss the myriad of rationales for planting noble trees: aesthetics, shade, cooling, property value enhancement, CO2 sequestration, storm water mitigation, biodiversity, ad infinitum. The origins of noble trees are primarily serendipitous and discovered by focused plant lovers. Limited controlled tree breeding is currently conducted in the United States. Years of data gathered during nursery visits and discussions with plant lovers around the country sets the backdrop for a must-attend presentation. Dr. Dirr will share his knowledge of the latest tree introductions: some surprising, some better-known, all notable.

Conference Keynote and Presenter

Dr. Michael Dirr Wildly popular Mercer scholar and international author of thirteen books and 300+ publications, Michael Dirr is already bringing a new level of energy and excitement to CENTS 2013. Largely considered the industry’s most sought-after expert, his fascinating history, tenure introducing new plant cultivars and Ivy League pedigree promise to make this year’s event the best ever.

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NEW MEMBERS The following firms and individuals have been approved for ONLA membership, pending the completion of the application process, which includes requesting comments from the current ONLA membership regarding the qualifications and/or dues classifications of applicants within three weeks following receipt of this issue of The Buckeye.

The following companies are applying for ACTIVE membership: Backyard Retreats Patios & Ponds P.O. Box 2502 Westerville, OH 43086 Matt Medlock, Category 5 Flawless Landscaping & Tree Service 6956 East Broad Street Columbus, OH 43213 Ann Adams, Category 4 Industry’s Best Landscape Services, LLC 176 East Kelso Road Columbus, OH 43202 Anthony Trumpower, Category 5 Landscape Problem Solvers, Ltd. 6341 Lake Ridge Court Loveland, OH 45140 Charles Bower, Category 5 Markman Peat 6461 Spring Run Drive Westerville, OH 43082 Mike Satkowiak, Category 5 Old Orchard Lawn & Landscape LLC 2950 Enterprise Avenue Napoleon, OH 43545 Andrea Coe, Category 5 Pondering By Moonlight Bay LLC P.O. Box 111 Lakemore, OH 44250 Shivan Frere, Category 5 Shemin Nurseries, Inc. 11245 Mosteller Road Cincinnati, OH 45241 Dave Smith, Category 1

44  The Buckeye

South Ridge Farms 3415 South Ridge Road East Ashtabula, OH 44004 Dave Richards, Category 5

Owens Community College Timothy Lybarger Joshua Reibe Margaret Roe-Fuller

TOL Landscaping LLC 11325 Goodman Road Ashville, OH 43103 Kim Smith, Category 5

Tolles Career & Technical Center Santiago Pablo Michael Adkins Manaka Azumai Brandon Bolding Dylan Crace Anshonnio Dalton Jason Hara Hayden Hess Jacob Hitch Logan Marsh Jess Maslar Padraic McDonald Anthony Rossetti Kyle Seimer Jason Whetstine Jeffery Xavier

The following people are applying for Individual membership: Paul Mendezoff, Petitti Garden Centers Shelley Moore, OSUE Logan County Master Gardeners Scott Zanon, Desirable Trees The following people are applying for Affiliate membership: Stan Ernst, The Ohio State University Kym Judson, Gates Mill Environmental Education The following people are applying for Student membership: Auburn Career Center Alejandra Arreola Daniel Baumgartner Codie Brewster Micah Breyley Angelina DeFranco John Hood Kristena Kline Ryan Krogmann Keanu Rodriguez Ashely Sanabria Caleb Trante Chad Trent Cincinnati Technical & Community College Julie Flickner Lynda Camp Katherine Smith Clark State Community College Penny Dunbar Jason Gebhart Elinda Lawrence Columbus State Community College Kelly Craig Michael Davie Latrice Kerr Christine Loadman

Jedidiah Lannigan Darian Latham Caileigh Masa Justin Massey Antonio Matteson Kimberly Noble Tyler Thrasher Kimberly Coblentz, Wayne County Career Center Jacob Danley, The Ohio State University John DiFranco, The Ohio State University Felicia Gabriel, Cuyahoga Community College Mary Lynn Gorsek, University of Cincinnati Nathan C. Johnson, Medina County Career Center Amy Miller, OSU ATI Alonzo Murray Sr., Cuyahoga Community College Hillary Rader, Ohio Hi-Point Tyler Stefancin, Lorain County JVS Zack Stevens, Hocking College David Tevs, Medina County Career Center

Washington County Career Center Jordan Anderson Tyler Antill Devin Carpenter McKemie Cowman Phillip Ellis Braden Hewitt

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Through CLC LABS, ONLA members receive various laboratory services at a 10% discount off list prices including testing of soil nutrients, soilless media, soil texture, fertilizer solution, plant tissue, irrigation water suitability and dry fertilizer analysis.

Workers’ Compensation - CareWorks Consultants, Inc. The ONLA Workers’ Compensation Group Rating Program has saved its members over $21.4 million in the last 12 years.

For more information on ONLA member savings visit onla.org or call 614.899.1195

Advertisers’ Index

Industry Calendar

View www.onla.org for seminars, events, trade shows and more!

O designates qualifying OCNT recertification events

Acorn Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 acornfarms.com Buckeye Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

O January 13, 2013 P.L.A.N.T Seminar, Columbus, OH. Sponsored by: Perennial Plant Association, www.perennialplant. org

February 21, 2013 Ohio Invasive Plant Council Research Conference, Columbus, OH Sponsored by: OIPC, www.oipc. info O February 27, 2013 Ohio Green Industry Advocacy Day, Columbus, OH. Sponsored by: ONLA, www. onla.org

O January 14-16, 2013 CENTS & OSU Nursery Short Course (1316th), Columbus, OH. Sponsored by: The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association, www.onla.org

O March 5, 2013 Ohio Pesticide Commercial Applicator Recertification Conference, Columbus, OH Sponsored by: ODA, www.pested.osu.edu

O January 31, 2013 Ohio Pesticide Commercial Applicator Recertification Conference, Dayton, OH Sponsored by: ODA, www.pested.osu.edu

O March 21, 2013 Ohio Pesticide Commercial Applicator Recertification Conference, Sandusky, OH Sponsored by: ODA, www.pested.osu.edu

O February 13, 2013 Ohio Pesticide Commercial Applicator Recertification Conference, Akron, OH Sponsored by: ODA, www.pested.osu.edu

August 13, 2013 NGLCO Summer Field Day, The Holden Arboretum, Kirtland, OH Sponsored by: NGLCO, www.nglco.com

buckeyeresources.com CENTS 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28, OBC centsshow.org Decker’s Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 deckersnursery.com Ernst Seeds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 ernstseed.com Evergreen Nursery Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 evergreennurseryco.com Fairview Evergreen Nurseries. . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 fairviewevergreen.com Gilson Gardens, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 gilsongardens.biz Grayhawk Greenhouse Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . 32 grayhawkgreenhousesupply.com Herberts Pine Hollow Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 herbertspinehollowfarm.com Hobby Nursery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 hobbynursery.com JCB of Ohio. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 jcbohio.com Klyn Nurseries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 klynnurseries.com Medina Sod Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 medinasodfarms.com Miami Nursery Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 miaminurserycompany.com Millcreek Gardens, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

ONLA Classified Advertising: onla.org

The online classified service can be found on onla.org along with the complete postings. New ads will be added as soon as they are submitted to the ONLA. For more information, please contact the ONLA office at (614) 899-1195. The ONLA reserves the right to refuse ads. As we go to press, here are the ads posted on onla.org’s online Classified Section: Help Wanted • Grounds Services Manager Ohio University, Athens, Ohio • Horticultural Sales Waldo & Associates, Inc., Central Ohio • Landscape Design/ Sales Rice’s Nursery & Landscaping, Inc., Canton, Ohio • Landscape Design/ Sales Support Rice’s Nursery & Landscaping, Inc., Canton, Ohio • Landscape Production Manager Greenleaf Landscapes, Inc, Marietta, Ohio

• Nursery Manager Sunleaf Nursery, LLP, Madison, Ohio

mgohio.com Oberfield’s LLC .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 oberfields.com ONLA BackPocket Gardener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC onla.org Regal Consulting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 regalconsulting.com Scarff’s Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 scarffs.com

• Stock/Yard Manager Wilson Landscape Associates, Columbus, Ohio

Spring Meadow Nursery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

• Nursery Grower East Coast Nurseries, Inc., Riverhead, New York

Unilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Items for Sale • Heavy Duty Tree Planter 330-682-8733 • Landscape Design/Build/ Maintenance Company For Sale 614-601-2637

colorchoiceplants.com unilock.com Walters Gardens Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IFC waltersgardens.com

Ad Rates & Info Contact Jennifer Gray 614.899.1195 jennifergray@onla.org

46 The Buckeye

The BackPocket Gardener A learning tool for the novice

148 pages 200 photos 10 chapters Bulk Pricing Available resell to customers provide to important clients training material for employees

A reference guide for the experienced

Purchase Today!

Visit onla.org or call 614.899.1195 to order

Conference Keynote and Presenter:

Michael Dirr Wildly popular Mercer scholar and international author of thirteen books and 300+ publications, Michael Dirr is already bringing a new level of energy and excitement the convention. Largely considered the industry’s most sought-after expert, his fascinating history, tenure introducing new plant cultivars and Ivy League pedigree promise to make this year’s event the best ever.

Register Now! www.centshow.org See You at CENTS! More green for your business.

More business for your green.

CENTS helps you move your business forward.