The Buckeye, October 2013 Volume 23, Issue 9

The Official Publication of the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association

October 2012 Vol. 23, Issue 9

OLD IS THE NEW NEW

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www.unilock.com

AD_TRD_ONLA_0412.indd 1

1-800-UNILOCK

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CONTENTS

October 2012 Vol. 23, Issue 9

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 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 Tracie Zody, Trade Show & Events Roni Petersen, Membership & Certification Heather Eberline, Accounting

15

P

phosphorus 30.974

association news 4

President’s Perspective PAC Initiatives are Imperative

7

ONLA Office Update Strategic Business Partners

8

ONLA Membership Plans for Success

12

Legislative Update State House Elections are Focused on the Margins; Election Update

13

A Dime A Day Support ONLPAC

departments

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

18

Look to the Future Rockwell Springs Trout Club Design Project

27

Educational Update Rubeckia 101: Perspectives on a Grand American Native

33

Why Trees Matter Tree Partners

36

Landscapers’ Viewpoint Seek Out Inspiration

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

40

Safety First Understanding Employee Behavior

Dr. Hannah Mathers, Board Member The Ohio State University

features

Mark Reiner, Board Member Oakland Nursery, Inc.

Jim Searcy, President Elect Hyde Park Landscaping, Inc.

Jay Daley, Immediate Past President Sunleaf Nursery, LLP

DIRECTORS Tim Clark, Board Member H.J. Benkens Florist & Greenhouses, Inc.

Maria Sambuco, Board Member Brickman Mike Satkowiak, Board Member Mulch Manufacturing Emily Showalter, Board Member Willoway Nurseries, Inc.

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

8

Membership Moment: Get Involved

9 16

Giving Back

20 38

The Science of Design

front cover: Cyperus Graceful Grasses® King Tut® Courtesy Jennifer Gray

The Dynamics of Phosphorus in Plants, Soil, and the Environment Educating the Future with OCNT Manuals & You!

also in this issue

42 Calendar of Events • 42 Classified Ads • 42 Advertising Index

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President’s Perspective

PAC Initiatives Are Imperative

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

Another month has flown by!

Labor Day 2012 came and went with lightning speed. The economy and the drought continue to crawl along.

In my opinion, we are still in a very uncertain economy for many.

Hopefully, the upcoming election will give us all a ray of hope. At the very least, once the election is over, we will no longer have to watch (or avoid) all the political commercials of each party hammering away at the other. It is amazing how two parties can give totally opposite views on the same subject and both are right!

Speaking of politics, I’d like to take a few sentences to discuss the Ohio Nursery & Landscape Political Action Committee (ONLPAC). For those who may be unaware, the ONLPAC is the PAC for Ohio’s green industry. ONLPAC contributions

4 The Buckeye

enable us to better educate legislators and gain their interest in changing or passing legislation that may be either helpful, or harmful, to our industry.

This is not necessarily something that many of us feel is a good way of spending our hard earned cash.

“If it is that important let someone else do it.” The problem is, there are not enough people willing to help.

In August the ONLA launched a campaign asking members to donate “A Dime a Day” or $36.50 each, with a goal of $10,000. We did not reach half that amount with donations from only 25 individuals. If our industry does not monitor the General Assembly and seek help from our legislators, from both sides of the political spectrum, laws may be passed that could deeply hurt our industry.

This has been proven time and time again. In 2011 there was proposed legislation that would have had a devastating financial effect on any firm with vehicles over 10,000 lb gross weight. This includes many pick-up trucks. Fortunately, with the help of a concerned state representative, the ONLA was able to help get this stopped.

PAC funding helps all businesses large and small, and we need more support. This support has to come primarily from owners, although support is appreciated from employees, board and committee members.

After all, it is in everyone’s interest to help keep your businesses healthy, even if you do not own it. Your ONLA staff, board and Legislative committee have tried many forms of fund raising to finance the PAC. They have mostly been poorly sup-

ported. That was the reason for the “Dime a Day” campaign. If you don’t have the time to attend a golf outing, Clay- Shoot or anything else, just donate $36.50 a year. If you have any thoughts on this please give me a call, I will be glad to hear from you.

New Options at CENTS CENTS preparations are in full swing. Reservations for booths continue to track ahead of 2012, which is very promising. The ONLA staff team has worked diligently to prepare new and exciting events and education to the convention line-up. Our partners at the Ohio State University have planned an exceptional slate of sessions for the Nursery Short Course. You cannot afford to miss CENTS 2013. A full convention schedule will be released November 1st. For now, check out the highlights listed alongside my article.

There are many, many other events planned throughout CENTS Marketplace & OSU Nursery Short Course including a Women’s Networking Breakfast, receptions, professional networking events, state and national association meetings, special workshops… the list goes on and on. You really can’t miss it! Keep your eyes peeled for more information in the coming weeks.

It’s Back! It’s Nursery Stock Select!

You wanted it back and we heard you! The ONLA is pleased to be relaunching the Nursery Stock Survey as Nursery Stock Select! Nursery

onla.org

Stock Select, a web application made possible by a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture, was developed by ONLA as a plant sourcing search engine and is another example of how ONLA is working to lead, promote, and facilitate the success and growth of green industry businesses in Ohio. Growers! You’ll want to be a registered grower and list your plant availability. It’s easy: just send a spreadsheet that includes plant name, plant size and quanity to jennifergray@onla.org. Once your data is entered, you’ll have access to update it any time you want.

Within the next month, registered users will have access to search by plant, by grower, by region, by county and by zip code. The return of this much-loved sourcing guide has already been met with a lot of enthusiasm by growers and landscapers alike. Thank you to our volunteer advisory committee members for providing guidance as this project was developed and implemented. This is a great selling tool from ONLA to our members!

Final note: President-Elect Jim Searcy will soon be looking for volunteers to serve on ONLA committees next year, so if you know of any keen employees who would like to give some of their valuable time to a great cause, please let the ONLA office know. B

NEW! from

NURSERY SHORT COURSE

Keynote Speaker!

The OSU Nursery Short Course is pleased to host Dr. Michael Dirr, renowned horticulturist, as the 2013 program keynote. Dr. Dirr will present a number of super sessions sure to please plant enthusiasts.

ONLA Management Master Class 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.

Green Industry Exploration Conference 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, break-out sessions to learn more about segments of the industry, and concludes with the ONLA Career Marketplace & Job Fair.

Young Professional Leadership Summit

CALL YOUR BUSINESS PARTNERS Dick Posey, Josh Posey, Judd Posey, Jake Posey, Tony Sciambi or Jason Grimmett

smart phone phone Scan with smart

800-443-8203

www.BuckeyeResources.com

For complete listing & product descriptions, visit

www.BuckeyeResources.com

onla.org

Another 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. B

October 2012 5

B

ONLA Office Update

Kevin Thompson Executive Director kevinthompson@onla.org

Strategic Business Partners 6 The Buckeye

Seldom does a week pass that we’re not contacted in the office by someone offering the most valuable new member benefit to hit the market in years. They always seem to have the latest and greatest product or service to help our members grow better, sell more, save money, find new customers, lose weight, etc. And they’re usually doing us a favor by making these products and services available to our members, thus making heroes of the association. These are commonly referred to as “affinity programs.”

Don’t get me wrong, though, about my attitude towards these companies and their sales professionals. The majority are reputable companies who truly believe they’ve got the solution to your problems. I have great respect for most sales professionals. In fact, I’ve been quoted as saying “Sales make the world go around”. We sell stuff every day, including memberships, booths, ads, and sponsorships (or, at least, we hope we do).

I was a commissioned sales professional at one time, so I know what it can be like. And I did the same thing. If you could just get your hands on the trade association’s membership list you had it made.

Everyone knows the best prospects are the members of their respective trade associations. They’re the leaders – the supporters of their industry.

What resourceful sales professional wouldn’t want that list?

Better yet, if you can get the association to endorse you. We don’t, however, endorse everyone who thinks we should. We take this very seriously and vet each company carefully. We have to, or you would lose trust in us. Scrutiny and liability exist in making recommendations.

We begin by asking: • Does this product or service fit within our mission?

•

Is it of value to our members and not competitive with them?

• Is it unique or offered at a discount available only to our members?

• Does it compete with already existing programs?

• Do they show a sincere interest in our industry?

• Are they willing to invest in the association by joining, exhibiting at CENTS and/or advertising in The Buckeye?

This last one stops most deals in their tracks. Most just want the association to promote their product to the membership. They want the membership list and expect the association to do all the heavy lifting for them because their product or service is so wonderful.

When we do find a company who we feel will make good partners, we’re happy to work with them. As our mission states: The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association leads, promotes, and facilitates the success and growth of green industry businesses. When we find reputable suppliers and are confident they can help our members be successful, or solve their problems, we’re happy to endorse them.

We currently have several great partnerships with service providers who help members in many ways, including significant financial savings. They show their support for our industry and deserve your consideration. If you haven’t taken a look lately at our extensive list of member services, or affinity programs, perhaps it’s time.

We’ve partnered with companies offering a wide range of products and services. Visit the ONLA website at www.onla.org for a complete listing and contact information on the Member Benefits page. Exceptional service providers await you – often with exceptional savings! B

onla.org

ONLA Membership: Plans For Success Exclusive Member Benefits Business Apparel - Land’s End

Trust Lands’ End Business Outfitters for all of your business clothing, uniform clothing, corporate gift and promotional product needs.

10% off full price retail and logo application fees.

Cell Phone Service - Sprint

ONLA members can receive a 12% discount on corporate Sprint wireless accounts, and an 8% discount on personal Sprint wireless accounts.

Credit Collection - Cash Flow Management (CFM)

With CFM, a trained collection specialist is assigned to bring in your past-due accounts before they fade away as bad debts.

Credit/Debit Card Processing - Merchant Services

ONLA members can take advantage of credit and debit card merchant service processing program through Merchant Services.

Merchant Services brings electronic processing programs specifically designed to fit the needs of your business.

Energy Program - Growers Energy Solutions (GES)

Grower Energy Solutions (GES) helps manage an energy program designed to help save on your natural gas and electric bill by utilizing the strength of group buying. Average savings between 8 and 15%.

Federation of Employers & Workers of America

FEWA is an internationally recognized non-profit association which provides members with educational and informational services related to cultural and non-immigrant and immigrant labor management issues.

Fuel/Fleet Program - SuperFleet®

Save up to $.05 per gallon on all fuel purchases at SuperFleet® (Speedway, Marathon and Rich Oil) locations with no minimum purchase required.

Office Supplies - Friends Business Source

Friends Business Source is a leader in providing office supplies and equipment with ONLA member discounts on over 35,000 products.

Receive 30-55% off list price!

Online Safety Training- LS Training

LS Training offers 23 high-quality online videos; complete with online exams and field checklists to make your employees more efficient. Save 5% off the total invoiced price.

NEW

Payroll/Human Resource Services - Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP)

(ADP) offers a range of payroll, payroll tax, and human resources services to assist ONLA members with staffing, managing, paying, and retaining employees.

Property/Casualty Insurance - Best Hoovler McTeague Save on your property and casualty insurance with BHM. BHM’s group program is designed for ONLA members to save at least 15% with the best coverage rates for your liability, fleet and equipment.

Safety Services - American Safety & Health Management Consultants, Inc./American Premier First Aid

Fleet Sales - Ricart Ford

American Safety & Health Management Consultants, Inc. (ASH) fills the growing need for professional safety and health management services for companies of all sizes. Meet requirements and reduce costs using first aid products from American Premier First Aid, Inc.

Green Industry Networking

Shipping Solutions - PartnerShip

Ricart Ford, one of Ohio’s largest commercial truck dealers, has teamed up with ONLA to offer members a discount on Commercial Fleet Sales, Service and Parts across Ohio.

Attend educational and social events hosted by the ONLA and engage with fellow green industry professionals.

Health/Life/Income Insurance - TAH Benefits

The ONLA Group Benefit Programs has partnered with various health plans to offer a variety of plans with many optional benefits such as vision, dental, life, and disability.

Legislative Advocacy

Full-time lobbyist, Capitol Consulting Group, is employed by the ONLA to ensure green industry legislative involvement.

Long Distance/Local Telephone

First Communications provides full telecommunications services: long distance, data services, conference calling and toll free service.

Take control of your shipping costs and add profits to your bottom line. PartnerShip delivers effective discounted shipping services to small- and medium-sized businesses nationwide, save up to 20%.

Soil & Plant Tissue Testing/Ag Hort. Consulting Services - CLC LABS

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

B

F E AT U R E

Get Involved More years ago than I’d like to count, I joined the ONLA Landscape Contractors Committee. I’d always thought about becoming more involved in the association and took the leap.

I never regretted that decision one bit.

What I learned, and found most interesting, was the fact that other contractors across the state experienced some of the same issues I faced. The best part was that I could almost always count on finding someone within the committee who’d faced these issues and solved them.

They shared their knowledge so that others could also move forward.

8 The Buckeye

Every ONLA committee is given an agenda from the association president with tasks to review. Committees review the discussion items, offer input and make recommendations to the board of directors. Committees also add to the agenda, bringing their collective concerns to the attention of the board and the association. Committee members then work throughout the year to achieve the goals they set at their meeting.

If you think you can’t have an impact on what is happening on a regional or state level, think again. Many times, issues arose that would have had a negative impact on our industry. However, with the force of committee members, ONLA staff, and the board of directors, most were negated.

I’ve had the great pleasure of serving on a number of committees including the Marketing Committee and, currently, the Membership Committee and the Budget Policy & Review Committee. Exciting and educational are two words to best describe serving on any committee.

Ultimately, I was honored to serve five years on the ONLA board of directors, one year as President. It was a great, enjoyable and fantastic experience. I had the opportunity to really dig in to what the association does and help make decisions that impacted the industry on the state level.

All in all, being involved with the ONLA helped me personally. I became a better manager, estimator, and dare I say, person. Of course, the person part is up to debate, but I believe it has. The value of friendships gained through the years cannot be overstated.

So, if you’ve ever been frustrated about the way things are going in the industry, or you just want to expand your professional horizons, get involved!

Contact the ONLA office at (800) 825-5062 to learn how you can be a part of a committee. B Bob Hirth ONLA Membership Committee bhirth@natorp.com

onla.org

F E AT U R E

giving

back

Everyone agreed: it was a very small way to say thank you.

When you’re small, parents and teachers try to instill life lessons about gratitude. You’re taught to politely thank those around you who do nice things for you.

You’re told that writing thank you notes are an important way to express thankfulness.

But how do we express gratitude to those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect and defend the United States? We’re Americans, after all: they are really protecting and defending us!

A group of Green Industry Professionals were quick to lend their voices, and their support, to say thanks to vets right here in Ohio.

onla.org

Their parents and teachers are surely proud!

In 2011, The Ohio State University opened a former fraternity house to provide welcoming housing for military veterans attending the school. Under the guidance of Jim Miller, associate vice president of the Office of Business and Finance, the project began as a way to honor his father, who spent his career serving in the military.

But what began with modest expectations turned into something else entirely.

Soon, Miller’s efforts were joined by a number of donors, including Lifestyle Communities

by Jennifer Gray jennifergray@onla.org

and Macy’s and many individuals throughout the community. State Representative Cheryl Grossman learned of the project through Macy’s.

“Master Sergeant Shawn T. Hannon, a very good friend of our family, was killed in Afghanistan in April. His death served as a very important reminder to me of how grateful we need to be every military man and woman who serves our country,” said Grossman. “I was very motivated to give back to our veterans.”

Grossman contacted Miller and asked the status of the project.

When she learned that there was please see page 10

October 2012 9

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1 2

CAPTIONS 1. Before.

2. After.

3 & 4. Volunteers worked throughout the day, removing rotted railroad ties, installing new stone retaining walls, installing new plant materials, soil and mulch, to complete the project.

5. New retaining walls.

6 & 7. Afters.

8.

Commemorative stone thanking sponsors.

3 4

continued from page 9

a need for a landscaping facelift, a plan formed.

“I had worked with Dick Posey from Buckeye Resources when some PUCO regulations regarding trucks threatened small businesses about a year ago. Everyone at the ONLA was just really good to work with and I knew I could make a call,” she stated. “I called Dick and told him about the project. He didn’t hesitate.

He was there immediately offering to help any way he could.”

Grossman also connected the Veteran’s House project with local Boy Scout Brent Reichert.

“Rep. Grossman did a great job of informing me about this project and how it gives back to our troops. I spent the whole day thinking of all the things I take for granted, when it could all be taken away in a blink of an eye if it wasn’t for our military.”

Reichert immediately chose the landscaping project at the Veteran’s House as his Eagle Scout project. “I was

10 The Buckeye

completely amazed at the number of people who were willing to step up to the plate and help a worthy cause. I think the value of this project is more than one would see just by looking at some nice landscaping. Things like this start chain reactions! When people see someone try to make life a tiny bit better for the ones that served for us, I believe that people will try and do the same.”

Those chain reactions were evident throughout the project. Dick Posey contacted some of his industry peers including Patrick Bolton of Goods From The Woods, LLC, Tom Wood of NBC4 Columbus and Wood Landscape Services, Ltd., and Craig Schweitzer of Outdoor Living by Mr. Mulch. They, in turn, were excited to get involved and contribute.

On a June 24th, the volunteers gathered at the Veteran’s House, perched atop a steep grassy hill. Posey donated time and materials to the project. Schweitzer donated materials to the project.

Bolton donated labor and supervised the project. Wood provided media coverage of the event as part of his weekly garden-centric broadcast. What began as a thoughtful expression of gratitude concluded with the creation of a beautified space featuring new retaining walls, new landscape beds with easy-care plant groupings that will be enjoyed by the residents for years to come.

Reichart hopes the current and future Veteran’s House residents enjoy the completed landscape for years to come.

He hopes that the chain reaction continues and inspires other universities to follow OSU’s example. “If you do something that changes the world a tiny bit, people see that and do the same. Tiny changes turn in to large changes very quickly if done right. If ten other universities decided to build a veterans’ house we would then have touched the lives of 5,000 veterans over 50 years.” B Photo credits: Tony Sciambi, Buckeye Resources, Inc. onla.org

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5 6

7

onla.org

October 2012  11

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Legislative Hotline

State House Elections are Focused on the Margins; Election Update Dan Jones ONLA Legislative Consultant djones@capitol-consulting.net Belinda Jones ONLA Legislative Consultant bjones@capitol-consulting.net

While your eyes may be focused on the Presidential election or even the hotly contested US Senate race between Democrat US Senator Sherrod Brown and Republican State Treasurer Josh Mandel, there are other interesting races in play at the state house this year. The entire Ohio House is up for election and half the Ohio Senate. While conventional wisdom indicates that there is little likelihood of House democrats taking back the majority and a virtual impossibility for Senate democrats to overthrow the Senate R’s, up for grabs are changes within the margins of majority. “Margins” are important because on some pieces of legislation and when a bill has an emergency clause (becomes effective upon the Governor’s signature) the bill must pass by a 2/3 majority.

Obviously, if the majority party is in control of 2/3 or more of the chamber’s seats, then the minority party has little to no power. So, in addition to some interesting “open seats” (races where an incumbent is not running), democrats and republicans are working to change the margins.

Senate In the Senate, of the 33 seats, only 17 are up this cycle. Republicans in the upper chamber will be working hard to defend Senator John

12 The Buckeye

Eklund’s (R; Chardon) NE Ohio district. An attorney by trade, Sen. Eklund was tapped to replace former State Senator Tim Grendell, who left the Senate last year after he was appointed to the Geauga County Common Pleas Court. Senate republicans will also be active in the 17th district where Senator Bob Peterson (R; Sabina) was recently appointed to replace Dave Daniels, the current Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA). Senate Democrats are also on the defensive as Republicans have targeted the 30th district, held by Senator Lou Gentile (D; Steubenville). If the republicans win this seat, they will control 24 of the Senate’s 33 seats, the largest majority in 50 years.

After being elected to his first term in the Ohio House, Senator Gentile was appointed to replace democrat Jason Wilson, another Kasich appointee. During re-apportionment, this senate district’s political index improved slightly to favor republicans and, with a 162 to 1 fundraising advantage, the Senate GOP has vast resources to tap; therefore, this will be a race to watch. While we do not have many nurseries in this district, we do have a good relationship with Sen. Gentile who serves as the Ranking Minority Member on the Senate Ag Committee.

please see page 14

onla.org

a dime a day A $10,000 Goal: ONLPAC provides immeasurable benefit to your business.

Support ONLPAC today with a minimum donation of $36.50, just ten cents a day. Your contribution of $36.50 is critical. The goal is to raise $10,000. We need your contribution to continue our efforts. Donate today!

The horticulture industry in Ohio is under continual regulatory and legislative pressure. It is imperative that we speak as one industry to our elected officials to educate them on critical issues. ONLA routinely communicates with elected officials on matters that are near and dear to your business: sales tax, vehicle and operations safety compliance regulations, plant health inspection regulations, invasive species and quarantines, water usage and quality, labor, migrant labor, and construction.

Most of the successful legislative and regulatory work accomplished by ONLA goes unnoticed. That’s why it’s considered “successful.” We establish relationships, work with the General Assembly, and monitor legislation so that you don’t have to. We effect change that benefits your business, and usually that’s before onerous legislation gets “on the books.” We deflect the bullets before they get to you.

Help us continue this critical work. Donate to ONLPAC.

Please accept my personal contribution to the ONLPAC.

I understand ONLPAC accepts personal contributions via personal check and personal credit cards. Business checks and business credit cards are not accepted, per Ohio PAC laws.

Donation amount: $36.50, 10¢/day $91.25, 25¢/day $182.50, 50¢/day $365.00, $1/day Other: $__________ All ONLPAC donations are recorded and reported to the Ohio Secretary of State. Please complete the following information for reporting purposes.

Name: __________________________________________ Home Address: ___________________________________ City, State Zip: ___________________________________ Ph: ____________________________________________ Check Visa

Mastercard

Card No.: _______________________________________ Exp. Date: _______________________________________ Cardholder Name: ________________________________ Signature:________________________________________ Return to: ONLPAC, c/o ONLA, 72 Dorchester Square, Westerville, OH 43081. Ph: 800.825.5062. Fax: 614.899.9489. jennifergray@onla.org

onla.org

October 2012 13

continued from page 12

•

House Over in the House, Republicans have identified a handful of seats they might be able to win in order to increase their 59 to 40 advantage. Although earlier this year, House Democrats boasted that they had candidates filed to run in all 99 House districts, realistically, House Republicans are defending or competing for about 12 seats.

Most capitol square insiders are predicting that the House GOP will gain a couple of seats, but will not win enough to have a super-majority of two-thirds (or 66 seats), like their Senate colleagues. Below is a summary of key races to watch this fall: •

•

2nd District: Following the retirement of Representative Jay Goyal (D; Mansfield), Republicans are betting on businessman Mark Romanchuk to defeat Democrat Ellen Haring, a Mansfield City Councilwoman. Given the city of Mansfield’s financial woes, local government funding will be a huge point of contention between the two candidates.

5th District: Republican Representative Craig Newbold (R; Columbiana) is fending off a challenge from Democrat Nick Barborak, a Township Treasurer.

This district, effectively all of Columbiana County, slightly favors democrats. A major point of disagreement between the two candidates is Governor Kasich’s proposed severance tax, which Rep. Newbold strongly opposes.

•

•

•

•

•

14 The Buckeye

6th District: This district was once a tossup, but reapportionment gave it a slight republican tilt. Incumbent Representative Marlene Anielski (R; Walton Hills) is hoping that the new “tilt” will give her an edge over Anthony Fossaceca, a democrat volunteer and small business owner. Rep. Anielski is being bombarded with local democrat complaints over her support of SB5 as well as last year’s operating budget, which made significant cuts to schools and local governments.

7th District: This rematch from 2010 pits Republican Rep. Mike Dovilla (R; Berea) against Democrat Matt Patten. Rep. Dovilla narrowly knocked off Patten in the last cycle, and reapportionment left this district virtually unchanged. Patten, who bears a very similar name to Republican State Senator Tom Patton, has been hammering Rep. Dovilla over his support of SB5.

16th District: Rocky River attorney Andy Meyer is hoping to knock off Representative Nan Baker (R; Westlake) out of her suburban Cleveland district.

While the district leans Republican, Democrats are focusing a great deal of resources on defeating Nan Baker along with neighboring Republican Representatives Anielski and Dovilla.

20th District: An open, Franklin County seat pits Republican Nathan Burd, a Reynoldsburg City Councilman against Democrat Heather Bishoff, a local school board member. Although it promises to be a very tight race, Bishoff a finance industry expert and US Army Veteran is working hard and the democrats are hopeful. This race could be viewed as a referendum on Governor Kasich’s agenda, with Mr. Burd riding on the Kasich record and agenda while Ms. Bishoff pleads for more balance at the statehouse.

24th District: This is one of the few competitive open races this cycle; Republican Stephanie Kunze, a Hilliard City councilwoman, will face off against Democrat Maureen Reedy, a veteran teacher. This Columbus-area district leans republican, but is still a heavy target for both parties.

28th District: Cincinnati-area Democratic Representative Connie Pillich (D; Montgomery) is a prime target for Republicans this year. Cincinnati Tea Party founder Mike Wilson is challenging Pillich in this 2010 rematch, which was decided by just 600 votes.

Further adding to Rep. Pillich’s woes, reapportionment turned this district from a “toss-up” to a republican leaning one.

onla.org

•

•

•

36th District: Republican Representative Anthony DeVitis (R; Cuyahoga Falls) is one of only a few lawmakers to see his Republican-leaning district turn into a toss-up in the reapportionment process. Rep. DeVitis will be hard pressed to fend off challenger Paul Colavecchio, a former union boss.

69th District: Another open race is the contest in the western half of Lake County to replace retiring Democrat Rep. Lorraine Fende (D; Willowick). This district was thought to be a safe democratic seat until the frontrunner, Lake County Commissioner Dan Troy, withdrew to run for another term as commissioner. With Troy’s exit, the Lake County Democratic Party tapped Mentor-on-the-Lake Mayor John Rogers, a former state representative who served from 1983 to 1996, to run against Republican Lori DiNallo, a Painesville City Councilwoman. The last minute candidate switch has Republicans excited for this race.

95th District: This Appalachian Ohio race between Republican Representative Andy Thompson (R; Marietta) and Democrat Charlie Daniels, a corrections officer, has already garnered significant media attention. The challenger, a former employee of Belmont

•

•

Correctional Facility, was fired for running for office.

Mr. Daniels has been hammering Rep. Thompson for his vote on SB5, while the incumbent is focusing on economic issues.

98th District: Majority Democrats appointed Josh O’Farrell in 2010, shortly before losing control of the House. O’Farrell was narrowly defeated that same year by Representative Al Landis (R; Dover). The apportionment process made this district a little more republican-friendly, but democrats still feel they can be successful by challenging Mr. Landis for his votes on SB5 and issues relating to the emerging oil and gas play in SE Ohio.

99th District: In 2010, Republican Representative Casey Kozlowski (R; Pierpont) won this democratleaning seat by a mere 42 votes. This year he is a prime target for the Democratic Party, who think high school history teacher John Patterson is up to the task.

Rep. Kozlowski is one of a handful of republicans to oppose SB5. Although Rep. Kozlowski is one of the youngest members of the General Assembly, he has worked hard during his tenure, thus, this race will be one to watch! B

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October 2012 15

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F E AT U R E

The Dynamics of Phosphorus in Plants, Soil, and the Environment Plants and Animals Need Phosphorus Let’s make one thing perfectly clear. All life on Earth depends on phosphorus. Phosphorus drives several of the biochemical energy systems in the cells of all plants and animals. Animals derive their dietary phosphorus from eating plants.

A phosphorus deficiency in plants results in reduced plant vigor, poor color, poor flowering and fruiting and poor root systems. A phospho-

15

phosphorus 30.974

from the soil. Plants differ in their ability to utilize soil phosphorus.

Most notably, transplants and seedlings have a poor ability to utilize soil phosphorus because their root systems don’t exploit a large volume of soil. Think about container grown or B&B trees/shrubs planted into a low phosphorus landscape soil or seedling turfgrasses struggling in a low phosphorus soil environment.

On the other hand, mature trees not only have root systems that exploit a large volume of soil, but many

Through the diligent efforts of Belinda Jones at Capitol Consulting, Ohio was one of the first states to pre-empt the local regulation of fertilizers.

With the vision provided by some of the local and county fertilizer use restrictions, Belinda crafted language in 2005 that is now part of the Ohio Revised Code as Section 905.501 No Local Regulation of Fertilizers. rus deficiency also results in greater susceptibility to biotic and abiotic stresses and poor recovery from these stresses. In addition to driving the energy system in animal cells, significant phosphorus becomes the calcium phosphate that makes up teeth and bones. Most of the fertilizer phosphorus used to grow plants is derived from the teeth and bones found in ancient marine deposits, while bone meal, a high phosphate fertilizer, is derived from more recent animal mortalities.

Most of the phosphorus needed by plants comes from its uptake by roots

16 The Buckeye

form mycorrhizal associations which enhance phosphorus uptake even in low phosphorus soils. Mature turfgrass plants have dense root systems that also exploit a large volume of soil. So, new plantings and seedings need soils with higher phosphorus levels to grow, while mature trees, shrubs and turfgrasses can thrive at lower soil phosphorus levels.

Not All Soil Phosphorus Is Available to Plants Soils vary widely in their ability to supply phosphorus for plant

P

growth. Soil scientists long ago discovered that not all the phosphorus in the soil is available to plants.

These scientists have developed various soil tests that determine how much plant available phosphorus is in the soil. Some soils may contain a large amount of phosphorus as part of their mineral make-up (total phosphorus), but only a small portion is plant available phosphorus. Other soils may contain a large amount in their minerals and a large amount in the plant available form, like those soils common in parts of the East Coast, Central Florida and parts of the Rocky Mountain regions.

On the other hand most Ohio soils contain only a small amount of phosphorus as part of their mineral make-up and therefore a very small amount in the plant available form.

Soil tests for plant available phosphorus are the key to determining if the soil can supply the needs of the plant. Through decades of field research soil scientists have determined how much plant available soil is needed to maintain good plant vigor and health. This research also led to the discovery of how much phosphate fertilizer is needed to correct a low phosphorus soil. This is the critical information used by soil testing laboratories to make fertilizer recommendations for turf and ornamental plants.

When soils are deficient in plant available phosphorus, high phosonla.org

phate fertilizers, such as monoammonium phosphate (MAP/11-52-0) or diammonium phosphate (DAP/1846-0) can be used to correct this deficiency. When these phosphate fertilizers are applied to the soil they are quickly converted into mineral forms, such as calcium phosphates, magnesium phosphates, iron phosphates and aluminum phosphates. Some other phosphate fertilizers, such as bone meal, or single super phosphate (0-26-0) or triple super phosphate (0-46-0) are already in a mineral form as various forms of calcium phosphates.

Phosphorus in the Environment Shortly after a phosphorus fertilizer application, the phosphorus becomes chemically combined with the soil minerals. In most landscape situations, the run-off of this bound phosphorus is very minimal. This is especially true once a good turf cover has been established (see sidebar 2) or the soil in landscape beds has been mulched to prevent soil movement. Run-off of this chemically combined phosphorus from landscape soils is a critical concern in newly constructed landscapes and soil loss needs to be minimized with good erosion control techniques. Muddy run-off water is carrying phosphorus away from the site.

The use of bioretention is becoming popular especially in commercial landscape design. These bioretention systems are designed to trap sediments (muddy water) and remove both bound and dissolved phosphorus, before being discharged to surface waters.

Phosphorus is the limiting nutrient in inland waterways that prevents the abundant growth of algae and other aquatic plants. Pond, lake and stream water quality is often degraded by plant growth accelerated by phosphorus pollution. The harmful algae blooms (HAB’s) that have recently grabbed headlines for Grand Lake near St. Marys, OH and the western basin of Lake Erie are examples of the consequences of excess phosphorus in these bodies of water.

Phosphorus Use Regulations

or city owned land, but are pre-empted by the Ohio Revised Code from passing local regulations on fertilizer use.

Phosphorus - An Essential Plant Nutrient Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for many plant growth and plant health functions. Most Ohio landscape soils are deficient in phosphorus and routine phosphorus fertilization is needed to promote healthy landscape plants. When phosphorus bound to soil particles enters surface waters, algae and other aquatic plants are encouraged to grow. This causes the degradation in water quality that may be harmful to fish, other aquatic organisms and even human health. Research has shown that phosphorus loss from healthy, properly fertilized landscapes is very minimal and phosphorus loss is potentially much greater from unfertilized landscapes. Judicious use of phosphorus will promote healthy, beautiful landscapes and protect the environment from excessive phosphorus pollution. B Dr. Charles H. Darrah CLC Labs ONLA Membership Committee clclabs@aol.com

Phosphorus MythBuster Research in Minnesota, which was one of the first states to restrict the use of phosphorus in lawn fertilizers, has found the same effect, i.e. increased phosphorus loss for unfertilized turf, as researchers in Wisconsin found a few years earlier. Dr. Horgan’s research can be viewed as a web video by going to the Golf Course Superintendents Association video website at www.gcsaa.tv. Enter Brian Horgan in the search box and view the video in the GCSAA’s MythBusters series.

Several states in the Great Lakes region and several states, counties and cities in other parts of the country have enacted legislation banning or greatly restricting the use of phosphorus in lawn and garden fertilizers. The fertilizer industry has responded by producing fertilizers without phosphorus, one of the most critical plant nutrients, ex. 28-0-6 or 25-0-5, etc.

However, all of the state-wide regulations allow the use of a high phosphorus fertilizer when a soil test shows this nutrient to be deficient. And in fact, a considerable amount of phosphorus can be used when the soil test shows the soil is highly deficient in this nutrient. On the other hand, some of the county and city regulations create a total phosphorus use ban. Local political subdivisions in Ohio have the right to ban the use phosphorus on county onla.org

October 2012 17

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LOOK TO THE FUTURE

Rockwell Springs Trout Club Design Project An Exercise in Research & Development for Real World Application As sustainable landscape design approaches become even more important within the green industry, so do those experiences for students to learn and manage long term goals for clientele in regards to overall design & management of landscapes.

The Kent State University horticulture program takes pride

18 The Buckeye

in providing real-world applications to a diverse set of projects that extend the learning objectives for which a student may be aligned. Understanding, “Right Plant, Right Place” is all well and good but looking at long term solutions is the ultimate goal for any landscape design project. Practicums allow students to address a specific area of study in more detail than previ-

onla.org

ously covered during classroom lecture.

The course is a special project designed to give students a supervised experience focusing on the foundations, strategies, and resources already examined in earlier horticulture classes.

Students within the landscape design arena who were taking either a field study Practicum class or related approach thru Individual Investigations were selected to take part in a research project for Rockwell Springs Trout Club in Clyde, OH. The Club has been in existence for 130 years and a number of changes have taken place on the South Side of the property since the Club’s beginning. Now the members wanted to focus on the North Side, currently a wildlife area. The task was to design an updated master plan for the site, which would include both the maintained grounds area and the natural areas along trout streams that would protect water quality and site amenities.

In return, the club would supply accommodations on site for the students, meals and a healthy scholarship donation for the Horticulture program. The research approach was to be administered via Stan Jones, Associate Professor and Program Director as well as Mr. Maurice Peoples, Kent State University Salem Horticulturist & Lecturer.

This is not the first project taken on by students and it is a good example of classroom education and hands-on experiences within the horticulture field on which our program focuses. The Horticulture program focuses on Urban Forestry, Landscape Design and Turf Management projects with related greenhouse and plant propagation areas of interest.

onla.org

After six site visitations for inspections and samplings, the students provided a long term (10-15 year) sustainable landscape design approach along with pictures and site analysis data via county soil surveys, soil tests, suggested native plant lists with silviculture fact sheets, potential hazardous tree situations, along with best management practices to foster good stream bed quality, erosion control, and wildlife diversity for a healthy ecosystem. Additional topography changes were limited, and new site screenings were promoted to create a natural buffer from roadways. Several rough layouts and study groups helped hash out pros and cons of the site for clarification of design concepts.

The project was studied for over 22 weeks with a completed bound research submission notebook with full presentational color-rendered boards and a power-point presentation to the Rockwell Springs Board and Grounds Committee.

“I learned how to work as a team and break a large project into smaller sections. This project required extensive research and allowed us to work through some challenges that we would not have encountered otherwise,” states Robin Cannon.

Student Sarrah Moskin expressed, “It took a lot of hard work and dedication to complete this project. In the past, group work was never very coordinated and most of the burden typically fell on one person. We created a schedule right from the start with whom was doing what and when it was due. Stan kept us on task and directed us where we needed to be, but the majority of the project is what we

wanted to do and how we wanted to do it. In the end, I think it turned out really well.”

In understanding higher education and what is important in any given major, it must align itself with real world applications both within the private and public sectors alike. The majority of our program is steered through our horticulture advisory board and those standards required by the Ohio Board of Regents and the university itself.

New approaches to career paths are always being transformed within any institution of higher learning and Kent State University is by no means an exception to that rule. At present, major strides in expanding the horticulture program from its Bachelor of Applied Horticulture (BAH) to a second targeted sustainable horticulture bachelor degree approach is in the works. The second degree capitalizes on landscape design and those expanded natural systems for improved longevity of plant design and stewardship of the land.

Students learn from doing and Kent State University and its Horticulture program have expanded its faculty and interests, bringing the program full circle. A major part of this success is also due to the great insight provided by our green industry advisory board members of which who have played a pivotal role in our department’s growth. B Stanley M. Jones, Associate Professor & Program Director and Maurice Peoples, Horticulturist & Lecturer at Kent State University, Salem ONLA Scholarship & Student Activities Committee mpeoples@kent.edu

October 2012 19

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F E AT U R E

The Science of Design Green Vegetation and Flowering Plants Do Make a Difference

Quantifying Visual Quality

Overview

Over the decades, environmentalists, including individuals with a passion for plants, have suggested that the greening of cities and other landscape settings is beneficial, especially for visual and environmental quality.

However, until relatively recently (last 40 years), very little actual research supported or refuted these ideas.

These contributions may be of interest to the green industry especially if they participate in landscape planning, landscape design, or landscape management in an advisory or consulting capacity in their community or region.

In addition, understanding the contribution that vegetation makes in creating a visually pleasing environment can assist landscape designer in counseling clients and making good decisions about the spatial configuration of the environment.

Substantial advances in the area of visual quality research occurred in the 1960s when recreation scientists began showing respondents images of landscapes, recording responses, and then measuring the qualities of these images by dividing the images into grids and recording landscape metrics. Landscape architects and environmental psychologists also entered the endeavor, developing various methods and approaches to questioning respondents and measuring photographs.

Researchers discovered several interesting points.

First, they discovered that people responded to photographs (color and black and white) and video generated ratings that were similar to the real outdoor landscape experience, meaning that photographs were a suitable representation for people to evaluate. However, drawings were not a suitable substitute, because respondents evaluated the quality of the drawing and not the contents of the landscape. Second, there is a significant difference between the responses of design professionals such as landscape artists and non-design professionals. Design professionals see the landscape differently than the general population. Thus, what experts notice in the landscape may not be what the general population sees or values.

Third, researchers have discovered a variety of significant variables that predict visual quality, including the importance of foreground vegetation, the importance of distant landscape features or focal points such as mountains, and the general overall importance of greenness. Nevertheless, most of the work focused upon local and regional natural and rural landscape settings and was not applicable to a wider variety of landscapes.

Two good overviews of the knowledge gained from the 1960s to the 1980s can be examined in Foundations of Visual Project Analysis and a chapter in Methods in Environmental and Behavioral Research. Since that time, several researchers have employed image editing techniques to develop sets of photographs assessing specific landscape treatments such as shoreline protection or suburban development. In addition, a book titled With People in Mind: Design and Management of Everyday Nature offers some insightful and readily comprehensible principles emerging from their extensive study and experience concerning this topic.

20  The Buckeye

onla.org

Pertinent Results and Principles In the mid- 1990s, researchers at MSU had the opportunity to conduct a study to search for a more universal equation applicable across most of North America from wilderness settings to urban districts. The effort employed a large dataset of images that was constructed from landscapes across North America for about 30 years.

Based upon the respondents, an equation emerged which is wrong only once every 10,000 times it is used and contains significant predictors that explain a majority of the variance in the dataset. The equation illustrated idea and design principles applicable to the development of the landscape: 1. The more people, cars, power lines, signs, buildings, utility pedestals, bridges, retaining walls, fences, eroding soil, and pavement in the landscape quality decreases. Even the most highly prized buildings score poorly when there is nothing to view but the structure.

2. Flowers (wild and cultivated) and animals (wild and domestic) significantly increase visual quality.

3. Buttes, rock-faced cliffs, rocky hills, and distant mountains in the landscape scene significantly increase visual quality.

4. Landscapes with a degree of refuge, prospect, and mystery significantly increase visual quality. Design professionals have suspected this for a long time, but it is only recently that constructs for these variables

have been developed, tested, and applied. This means that there must be some vegetation in the foreground (refuge) and something to look at (prospect), connected by a (preferably winding) circulation system, resulting in mystery 5. Visual quality and environmental quality are strongly linked together as I discovered that a simple environmental health index is a significant predictor of visual quality. This means that pollution and energy consumption negatively affect visual quality. In contrast, landscapes that support cultural diversity, contribute to the economy, and support biological diversity have a positive effect on the visual quality of the landscape. In 2005, I attended a conference in Ascona, Switzerland where many scholars from around the world were reporting similar results and starting to make these connections.

6. Placing vegetation into urban landscapes does make a significant improvement in the visual quality of the environment. Vegetation does make a difference.

7. Placing more vegetation into rural landscapes with views of mountains, wildlife, and wildflowers can obstruct views of these features and actually decreases the visual quality. Thus vegetation can also make a negative difference.

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8. The more green vegetation, sky, clouds, snow, and water viewed in an image, the more neutral (neither high nor low) the image becomes.

9. Variables such as fire and dead vegetation are not directly significant predictors of a broad general visual quality model.

10. Images can be numerically compared statistically; the two compared images can be evaluated to see if they are significantly different. Thus, one can have a degree of certainty that the images of interest are perceptually different or similar. Computing imaging technology can then be employed to study the placement and design of landscape features to improve or adjust the score. It is actually possible to numerically quantify the contribution that various landscape management treatments and designs can make to improve environmental quality.

Theory Landscape perception research has suffered from armchair enthusiasts who proclaim theories, but have no empirical evidence to actually support their ideas, or from investigators who build statistical predictive equations but have no explanation for why their models work.

Consequently, investigators at MSU examined equations, looking for an explanation and constructing three theories which can explain the results of the equations. They want to tie theory together with real prediction models.

The first theory is the “Theory of Human Intrusion”, which postulates that humans behave in ways that intrude upon other humans and that these intrusions can be viewed in the landscape. Furthermore, human intrusion upon one another is not a constructive social activity. The visual quality equations suggest what types of landscape features may be considered intrusions. For example, according to the research, buildings are intrusions. Thus, buildings—no matter how highly acclaimed—are intrusions from one person to another. This does not mean that we should dislike buildings or that architects do a poor job designing buildings, but rather, an environment consisting of nothing but buildings will not be well received by the general population. In addition, an abundance of people, cars, pavement, eroding soil, and related features are signs of people intruding upon each other. Landscapes that contain these features are not highly appreciated by the public.

The second theory is the “Theory of Landscape Enhancements”. This theory suggests that people prefer those events from nature that are special and temporal (not easily seen as they exist in a location for a short duration), such as an animal in a scene or flowers on display.

onla.org

Animals move and flowers have a limited time for blooming. So when these features are present, they are appreciated and enhance the quality of the landscape. Potentially, there could be other variables in the landscape that could be tested as enhancers, such as special atmospheric effects like the northern lights. In addition, other landscape attributes such as fall color, or possibly landscape features such as sculptures may have a positive enhancement quality.

The third theory is the “Theory of Neutral Modifiers”.

This theory suggests that the common spatial elements (pre-civilization features) found in the natural and even rural landscape such as sky, clouds, green vegetation, and water comprise the neutral environment from which a landscape can be enhanced or devalued. Landscapes that contain an abundance of neutral modifiers result in visual quality scores that are neither high nor low. They are significantly different from those landscapes with an abundance of intrusions and landscapes with an abundance of enhancements.

For the green industry, garden clubs, and members of the landscape associations, it may be reassuring that there is empirical evidence in support of the importance of vegetation. Vegetation for screening, privacy, wildlife, ornamentation, and for a variety of other functions is viewed positively, especially in urban landscapes. In the planning, design, and management of the landscape, the placement and use of vegetation can quantitatively make a perceptual difference. Members of the green industry have believed this for a long time, but now there is substantial evidence to support these intuitive beliefs. For those interested in learning how to measure and quantify landscape images, and statistically compare before and after images, on may wish to read the 1997 article by J.B Burley.

Currently, investigators at MSU are working on studying the perceptions and preferences of French and Portuguese respondents, comparisons with American respondents, and constructing quantitative visual quality maps of landscapes. If possible, they intend to construct a universal visual quality map of the globe. But in the meantime, we all need to promote the importance of vegetation and the tremendous value of the green industry.

To learn more about these ideas and others related to the greening of the environment, I strongly urge readers to obtain a copy of The Experience of Nature: A Psychological Perspective by Rachel and Stephen Kaplan. B Dr. Jon Bryan Burley, Landscape Architecture School of Planning, Design, and Construction, Michigan State University. Courtesy of The Michigan Landscape.

October 2012 25

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26 The Buckeye

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Educational Update

Rudbeckia 101:

Perspectives on a Grand American Native

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

Content for this issue provided by: Susan Stieve, Curator Stieve.1@osu.edu Pablo Jourdan, Director Jourdan.1@osu.edu Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center The Ohio State University 670 Vernon L. Tharp St. Columbus OH 43210

As part of its mission to serve the nursery and floriculture industries, the Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center (OPGC) (http:// opgc.osu.edu) is acquiring and conserving germplasm of diverse plant species, but especially North American natives, that may provide important novel traits to currently popular landscape plants, such as the black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) or the summer phlox (Phlox paniculata), and also introduce entirely new plants that could be used by the industry.

This article provides information on interesting and potentially useful aspects of the genus Rudbeckia, one of the OPGC’s priority genera for conservation. This information has been compiled from published sources as well as observation of plants growing in natural habitats an in field research plots in Columbus, OH. Rudbeckia is an all-American treasure (Figure 1). Widely known as black-eyed Susan or coneflower, this North American native can be found growing along roadsides, along forest and stream edges, and in open fields in the Midwest (including Ohio) and other states. These reliable plants are easy to grow, typically have showy flowers in shades of yellow and orange, are tolerant of a wide range of garden conditions, have few insect or disease problems, and require only minimal care for a nice show of color from summer through autumn.

The genus was named in 1740

by Carl Linnaeus in honor of his

botany professor, Olaf Rudbeck, at the Uppsala University in Sweden. Linnaeus wrote that “so long as the earth shall survive, and each spring shall see it covered with flowers, the Rudbeckia will preserve your glorious name”, quite a tribute! There are 25 species of Rudbeckia that include annuals, biennials and perennials, all of which are native to North America. Five of the species are widely distributed in the continental USA; the rest tend to be more restrictive in Southeastern or Western states. Native stands of Rudbeckia hirta have been found in every state in the continental U.S. except two: Arizona and Nevada.

Rudbeckias were grown as ornamentals in English gardens many years before they were accepted by Americans as gardenworthy plants; by the mid-1800’s Rudbeckia had found its way back ‘home’ and was described by one early garden writer as “the darling of the ladies who are partial to yellow.” In 1918 Rudbeckia hirta was named the state flower of Maryland. As a testament to its beauty and functionality, R. fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ was named Perennial Plant of the Year in 1999, and 2008 was named the Year of the Rudbeckia by the National Garden Bureau.

A member of the Aster family, Rudbeckia’s daisy-like flowers (a compound flower called a capitulum or ‘head’) are found in colors ranging from lemon yellow please see page 28

EDUCATIONAL UPDATE

1

continued from page 27

to gold, chestnut, mahogany and bronze, and flowers come in single and double forms; some cultivars have quill-shaped rolled flower petals (Figure 2). Many pollinators including honey bees, bumblebees, butterflies, and others will feed on nectar and pollen, and seeds of mature flowers are a favorite of American goldfinches.

Due to its importance in the U.S. floriculture and nursery industries Rudbeckia has been a priority for conservation at the OPGC since 2008. Exploration trips throughout the Midwest and southeastern regions of the U.S., Texas, Arizona, and elsewhere have facilitated the development of a significant collection of over 200 accessions (individual collections) representing 23 taxa (Table 1). Analysis of variation for traits such as growth habit, leaf and flower morphology, flower color, suitability for cut-flower use, hardiness, disease and insect susceptibility, stress tolerance, DNA content, and others is currently underway at the OPGC. Results of these studies will be made publicly available on the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) database, www.ars-grin.gov. Small samples of germplasm accessions, typically 50 to 100 seeds, are available free of charge for research (including breeding) and educational purposes and can also be requested via the GRIN website or by contacting the authors. The ultimate goal is to provide germplasm that may result in new garden-worthy plants of variable habit, unique flower colors, tolerance to diverse environmental conditions, resistance 28

The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association’s The Buckeye, October 2012

2

Survey of Rudbeckia species Rudbeckia fulgida. Among the most popular of herbaceous ornamentals in landscapes, plants of R. fulgida are rhizomatous perennials about 18 inches wide and 3 feet tall with flowers heads up to 3 inches in diameter (Figure 1). One of the most widely utilized cultivars is R. fulgida var. sullivantii ‘Goldsturm’ which has somewhat larger flower heads on a slightly smaller plant. ‘Goldsturm’ (meaning “Gold Storm”) is a seed strain selected in Germany from material sent from the U.S. Named by the famed nurseryman Karl Foerster in 1938, its release was delayed

by World War II until 1949.

‘Goldsturm’ has received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society and was selected as Perennial Plant of the Year (1999) by the

Captions: 1: Rudbeckia fulgida (foreground) and R. laciniata (background, in yellow) adorn a typical landscape that showcases the beauty of native plants.

2: Diversity of flower heads (capitulum, a type of inflorescence) in the genus Rudbeckia.

3: Rudbeckia grandiflora (left) and R. fulgida (right) being evaluated in field trials at the OPGC 4: Flowers of Rudbeckia hirta cultivars and a wildcollected accession at the OPGC. 5: Rudbeckias for height and vertical elements in constructed landscapes.

please see page 30 The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association’s The Buckeye, October 2012

29

EDUCATIONAL UPDATE

3

to diseases and pests, and that are easy to propagate.

EDUCATIONAL UPDATE

continued from page 29

Perennial Plant Association. Use of other R. fulgida varieties is becoming more common because of their higher tolerance to heat, drought, and humidity. These include R. f. var. deamii, R. f. var. fulgida, R. f. var. umbrosa, and others. These botanical varieties are primarily differentiated by leaf morphology and plant origin, all will typically bloom from summer through late autumn and are hardy in zones 3-9.

Rudbeckia grandiflora. The rough or tall coneflower grows 2 ½ to 5 feet tall and can form perennial colonies in the wild.

Stems and leaves have rough hairs, flower heads have 8-12 ray flowers that are about 1 inch long and drooping. It is not as widely grown in gardens as it should be (Figure 3). ‘Sundance’ is a seed strain selected by Jelitto Seed Co. and released in 2008.

Rudbeckia hirta. One of the most widely known and grown wildflowers, R. hirta cultivars come in wide range of flower colors and petal numbers, flower size,

as well as plant heights (Figure 4). Many outstanding cultivars exist such as ‘Indian Summer’, an All-America Selection (AAS) in 1995, which produces large 5-8” diameter flowers on 2 to 3 foot tall plants. Other AAS winners include ‘Cherokee Sunset’ with semi-double to double flowers in shades of yellow, orange, bronze and mahogany, and ‘Prairie Sun’ which has large golden-yellow petals tipped lighter primrose yellow surrounding a light green center cone. In 2008 the city of Denver commemorated its 150th anniversary by painting it orange and gold with a new cultivar, ‘Denver Daisy’, developed by crossing ‘Prairie Sun’ with R. hirta lines having colored halos around the central cone. Seeds of the ‘Denver Daisy were distributed to schools, organizations and offices for the public to grow. Shorter varieties are available for containers and small gardens; popular cultivars include ‘Becky’ and ‘Toto’.

Innovative cultivars are constantly being developed, for example,

Table 1. Rudbeckia accessions (individual collections) conserved and studied at the Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center, The Ohio State University Taxon

No. Accessions

U.S. State Origin

Rudbeckia amplexicaulis

1

Cultivated

R. auriculata

1

GA

R. californica

1

Cultivated

R. fulgida

27

AL, FL, OH

R. f. var. deamii

1

Cultivated

R. f. var. fulgida

7

AL, OH, PA, WV

R. f. var. speciosa

5

OH, cultivated

R. f. var. umbrosa

2

MO, TN

R. graminifolia

2

FL

R. grandiflora

3

LA, TX

R. hirta

61

AL, CN, FL, GA, MO, NE, NC, OH, TX, VT, VA, WI

R. laciniata

16

AZ, CT, IL, MNI, MO, NC, OH, WI

R. l. var. ampla

2

CO

R. maxima

3

TX

R. missouriensis

1

MO

R. mohrii

2

FL

R. mollis

5

FL

R. nitida

1

GA

R. occidentalis

3

UT

R. scabrifolia

2

LA

R. subtomentosa

4

IN, MO, OH

R. texana

4

TX

R. triloba

17

CT, IL, KS, MO, OH, SC, TN

30

The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association’s The Buckeye, October 2012

‘Cherry Brandy’ is the first-ever red flowering black-eyed Susan from seed, and Goldsmith Seeds developed the first F1 hybrid, ‘Tiger Eye.’ Though they may reseed or overwinter in warmer zones, R. hirta are best treated as annuals, biennials, or very tender perennials in northern climates.

Rudbeckia laciniata. This perennial is commonly called cutleaf or ragged coneflower and it provides a strong vertical element in landscapes. Both the heirloom cultivar ‘Golden Glow’ which has double yellow flowers and can grow to 7 -9 feet tall and 6 feet across, and ‘Herbstsonne’ which produces lemon-yellow flowers on 6-8 foot tall stems are well-known cultivars hardy in zones 4-8 (Figures 2&5). Greater variation for habit and size is desirable and a target of examination; plants of R. laciniata var. ampla stay shorter at 3-4 feet and flower earlier in the summer.

Rudbeckia maxima. This Rudbeckia is a beautiful perennial species native to the south-central U.S. and characterized by large powder blue, glaucous leaves on plants that grow to 5-6’ tall (Figures 2, 5 and 6). Flower heads are large and borne singly on stiffly erect tall stems; the ray petals are a golden yellow. Although the species tolerates a wide range of garden soils, it prefers moist, rich soil in full sun; it is hardy in zones 5-9.

This species makes an impressive garden statement when planted in groups of 3 or more plants, and goldfinches are a common sight on the mature flower heads, consuming seeds.

Rudbeckia subtomentosa. Very different from R. maxima in form and color, R. subtomentosa is a perennial hardy to zone 5 that can grow to about 4’ tall (Figure 2).

The species is a strong bloomer and the cultivar ‘Henry Eilers’ is notable for its interesting quillshaped ray petals and upright habit

4

available from native plant seed producers. Although flowers are typically golden yellow one seed strain cultivar, ‘Prairie Glow’ has been selected for bright red at the ray petal bases, creating a vibrant bicolor effect.

Rudbeckia auriculata. This species is a rare plant in its native habitat that isn’t widely available commercially but has potential as a back of the border perennial garden plant. It is endemic to a small region in southeastern Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Plants commonly grow in moist, sunny

sites but can also be found in alkaline seeps; they also grow well in typical garden soils. Reaching 6’ in height, with long unbranched stems lined with bright green large leaves, the plants are topped with clusters of smaller 2-3” diameter golden orange flowers late summer through autumn (Figure 2).

It has successfully overwintered two years in Columbus, Ohio, field plantings.

Rudbeckia amplexicaulis.

Clasping coneflower is native to the southeastern U.S. but has please see page 32

5 The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association’s The Buckeye, October 2012

31

EDUCATIONAL UPDATE

that doesn’t tend to flop open after heavy rain as the straight species may tend to do. The common name of sweet coneflower comes from the faint anise scent of the flowers.

Rudbeckia triloba. Native to eastern and Midwestern prairies, the brown-eyed Susan is finetextured plant covered with an abundance of small, 1 to 2 inch diameter flowers with small blackbrown center cones. This biennial or short-lived perennial is hardy in zones 4-7 but can also be grown as an annual. Seeds are readily

EDUCATIONAL UPDATE

continued from page 31

naturalized throughout the country. Heart-shaped leaves clasp unbranched stems; flower heads are held singly and have bright yellow drooping ray petals with reddish-purple markings at the base and an elongated black center cone, and plants grow 1-2’ tall (Figure 2).

This species can reseed freely and become weedy in crop fields. It has been used in wildflower and prairie or meadow plantings and can be seen growing along roadsides.

Rudbeckia occidentalis. One of the most unusual coneflowers is the perennial R. occidentalis, the western coneflower, which does not have the typical colorful ray petals of other members of the genus, only a large elongated black center cone which can grow 3-4’ tall (Figure 6). A cultivar named ‘Green Wizard’ is available which has a prominent ring of green sepals surrounding the cone. The unusual flower shape makes it an interesting addition to a perennial garden or cut flower arrangement.

The diversity in Rudbeckia species is very large; the potential for new and improved forms of this gardenworthy native plant group is enormous. The OPGC’s effort to acquire, characterize, preserve and distribute germplasm of this genus bodes well for its future place in the nursery and floriculture industry, in residential and commercial landscapes as well as in native restoration plantings across the country. B

32

The Ohio Nursery & Landscape Association’s The Buckeye, October 2012

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

There was a wonderful partnership event in late August of this year in Wooster, Ohio. It started with the College of Wooster, welcoming a record number of 580 first year students to the College. First-year students there have a great first week, starting with College of Wooster staff and faculty awaiting their arrival and helping them carry their belongings into their new college homes.

They go right to work, though, with a wide range of student service projects that first Saturday on campus…

August 25 this year. Several of those projects involve trees and landscapes. One such project that has become an annual tradition for College of Wooster students, from Russia and China, from California and North Carolina, from Cleveland and Youngstown, is to help out at a sister institution, Ohio State University, with landscaping at OSU’s Secrest Arboretum at OARDC. Sam Easterday, a first-year student at the College of Wooster was there, eager to begin his college years in Ohio before returning with new-found knowledge and broader perspectives to the family landscape business in southern California, Easterday Building and Maintenance.

This year projects included planting trees at the new Secrest Arboretum Children’s Garden, applying sealants on garden benches, and mulching a number of landscape beds. Horticulture constantly reminds us of the cycles of life and of nature, and much of the mulch this year came onla.org

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Tree Partners from the trees that died in the Secrest Taxus (yew) plots this summer. The one-two punch of the record rains of 2011 followed by the early drought of 2012 resulted in the death of most of these decades-old yews at Secrest.

Not to despair, they became useful mulch for the next generation of plantings; nature moves on.

Another project of the College of Wooster students the past two Augusts is a great cooperative venture led

by Darryl Decker, Manager of the City Parks Division of the City of Wooster, Beau Mastrine, Director of Grounds for the College of Wooster, and Kenny Cochran, director of Secrest Arboretum. The “first-years” planted trees from Willoway and other Ohio nurseries at the City of Wooster’s new Oak Hill Park (as well as at Secrest). It please see page 34

October 2012 33

1 2

continued from page 33

was wonderful to see the parade of trees as, on a steamy hot Saturday in the 80s and 90s, students transported trees over the hill to new planting areas, where over 150 trees this year were added to the future vistas of the city residents.

Students learned the names of trees, proper planting procedures, even the benefits of organization, as Darryl Decker demonstrated the use of his Toolinator, with color-coded slots for rakes and shovels and other tools, something Darryl learned was essential from earlier volunteer-involved activities. As Darryl noted, the City of Wooster has greatly benefited from its 40 years with the Tree City USA program (anniversary celebration upcoming next Arbor Day), and with the partnership with the College of Wooster, OSU-Wooster

3

4

34  The Buckeye

onla.org

Campus, and now Tree Campus USA. As Darryl beamed: “This cooperation of two universities and the city, which includes the tree inventory completed by OARDC entomology graduate student Alejandro Chiriboga and the City, is the best anywhere in America.” Next up: an Arboblitz during Almuni Day on September 22 at the College of Wooster.

Red oaks, redbuds, baldcypress, and magnolias, oh my! What a scene. Years down the road there will be a graduation procession for these students. It all started in true Tree Campus USA, College-of-Wooster-style, with the procession of trees and students that will nurture these northeast Ohio hills for seasons and decades and lifetimes to come.

5

*Tree Campus USA Status was granted in 2012 to the College of Wooster and also to the OSU-Columbus campus. The OSU-Wooster campus (OARDC, Secrest Arboretum, ATI) is applying for Tree Campus USA for 2013. The keys are: A Tree Care Plan, Arbor Day Celebrations, Significant Annual Tree Care Expenditures, A Tree Campus Committee, and perhaps most importantly – a significant Student Service Project involving the tree campus. The energy of the students, translated over the years into future green industry professionals, tree lovers and buyers. Note: Tree City USA and Tree Campus USA are programs ably administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry.

Jim Chatfield, Ken Cochran, Joe Cochran and Paul Snyder, Ohio State University Extension Beau Mastrine, College of Wooster Darryl Decker, City of Wooster Lola Lewis, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry chatfield.1@osu.edu

6

captions Photos provided by Jim Chatfield Previous page: Joe Cochran of Secrest Arboretum and COW students applying Taxus mulch. Death and Taxus 1. Sweetbay magnolia fruit at Secrest 2. Trees heading for planting at Oak Hill Park 3. Yuan Liu ( Quing Dao China), first year student at the College of Wooster is ready to work at Oak Hill Park in Wooster 4. World Forestry Center in Portland OR 5. Parade of Trees and COW students at Wooster’s Oak Hill Park 6. COW students with Darryl Decker of the City of Wooster and his Toolinator 7. College of Wooster students at Secrest Arboretum at the new Children’s Garden 8. Tree planting quote from the Talmud at the World Forestry Center in Portland ORs

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8 October 2012 35

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LANDSCAPERS’ VIEWPOINT

Seek Out Inspiration

In July, I had the good fortune to attend a designers’ meeting in Louisville, Kentucky as part of the LANCO group of which Natorps is a member. We toured some of John and Bob Korfhage’s (Korfhage Landscape & Designs, Inc.) beautiful landscape projects. If you ever have the opportunity to meet them and see some of their projects, definitely go!

John is a registered Landscape Architect, and it shows (in a good way). They design very nice “spaces” as discussed in the book, “Residential Landscape Architecture: Design Process for the Private Residence” by Norman Booth and James Hiss. The Korfhage’s “spaces” are very

N U R S E R Y

Quality and Service G A R D E N C E N T E R is the Nature L A N D S C A P E of our Business

Call Us for all your nursery needs including Quotes, Availability or a Catalog

1-877-722-7337 411 N. State Route 235 Fax 937-845-9731

36 The Buckeye

New Carlisle, OH 45344 www.scarffs.com

well laid out and the work is finished wonderfully. I viewed some of the best mortared stone work I have ever seen on their projects. If you like mortared stone, you’ll like their work. Take time to get out and look at other people’s work: it truly inspires and educates you.

Another opportunity to be inspired and educated occurs at CENTS every year. In 2013, the ONLA Landscape Contractors Committee will return with a session on new ideas. There will be a number of contractors present to discuss interesting, new, profitable, and otherwise good ideas! If you’ve attended CENTS over the years, you may have heard about the new ideas sessions: they are often one of the best attended events. I plan to speak about the micro-irrigation that I install in landscape beds. I’m sure there will be some great ideas shared that could help your business and make you money.

Several weeks ago, I attended a talk about Paw Paws offered by Dr. Ron Powell. He has put a lot of effort into learning about and growing Paw Paws. He has an orchard of Paw Paws of about 500 trees. He said he has over 80 different named varieties and has propagated them by grafting. The stems won’t root, so trying to root cuttings doesn’t work and they don’t come true from seed. Ron mentioned that Paw Paws are good landscape trees despite comments in Michael Dirr’s book. I have grown a number of Paw Paws in full sun and in shade and I concur that it makes a very nice landscape plant. In my experience, Paw Paws have been easier to grow than our native white Dogwood.

Lastly, could we have the election early, please? I am so sick of the commercials; I can barely watch any television. My suggestion is to vote out all the incumbent members of Congress and send in a new batch and see if they could agree on a few things like a budget and taxes. After that I want them to take a long, long recess… perhaps two to three years. Just leave us alone so we can work and take care of our families!

Tom Fryman ONLA Landscape Contractors Committee tfryman@natorp.com

onla.org

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onla.org

October 2012 37

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F E AT U R E

educating the future with

Ohio Certified Nursery Technician Manuals and You!

I am a Master Ohio Certified Nursery Technician with the privilege of teaching at Penta Career Center in Perrysburg Ohio. Penta is a state-of-the-art career center whose campus consists of approximately 120 acres adjacent to Interstate 75. Students attend Penta from schools in Wood, Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Fulton counties. We have an on-campus student population of approximately 1500 students.

The main goal of a Career and Technical Education is to prepare students for the world after high school. This type of education is based on the needs of industry and the working world. As an educator, I strive to create an environment that closely replicates the modern nursery and landscape work place. My goal is to educate students to follow their passions and, hopefully, pursue a career in the green industry.

In order to get a true industry related education, I turn to the Ohio Certified Nursery Techni-

38 The Buckeye

cian Manuals. I use the ONLA’s Landscape Training Manual as my main textbook. I base most of my teaching throughout the first and second years of my program on the chapters in the training manual. Subjects such as plant growth and development, plant naming and identification, basic soil science, plant selection, care, planting, establishment, basic safety and first aid are crucial to an individual’s success in the nursery and landscape industry and are covered in the first year of my program. As a student grows in knowledge and skills they are introduced to the more challenging and difficult aspects of our industry. In their second year, students learn customer service and interpersonal skills, salesmanship, landscape design, landscape construction, turfgrass management and disease pest management and more.

The training manuals, plus the supplemental materials, help my students develop the skills and abilities required to benefit future employers and members of the ONLA. I have found these

onla.org

manuals to be a great reference and guide to my teaching.

I would recommend that all ONLA members consider these training manuals as they educate their employees.

Their use will help train employees to answer customer questions correctly and in a more professional manner.

Your company will set itself apart by enhancing your professional image and continuing to build trust with your customers. In today’s economic environment any positive relationships with customers has to be considered a benefit we all strive for. Our survival depends on these types of professional relationships.

Another very important aspect of career and technical education today is to help our business and industry partners. In all industries, state and federal governmental educational guidelines exist. The “Perkin’s Act” is a challenging Federal educational mandate. One requirement of these laws is the need “for a local plan for dispersal of funds.” This plan must contain the following: “representatives of business (including small business) and industry.” These business and industry partners form an advisory board needed for the development, implementation, and evaluation of career and technical education programs.

An advisory committee defined by Lee Teitel is: “a group of volunteers that meets regularly on a long-term basis to provide advice and/or support to an institution or one of its subunits.” Career and Technical Education values the support of industry partners! We welcome help planning our programs, educating our students and developing the next generation of Landscape and Nursery Business People and Employees. If you are not already, I would ask you to please consider being part of a local Advisory Committee at the nearest Career Center. Typically these committees formally meet once or twice a year, but via electronic communication, phone conversations and business interactions information, advice and ideas are shared by all throughout the year.

As an educator, I greatly appreciate all input presented by my advisory committee members. Time spent helping students is time well spent and rewarding. The business relationships created with my advisory committee members are important and cherished business relationships!

Educating the future of our industry is vital to all.

Please consider using the Ohio Certified Nursery Technician Manuals for employee training and becoming a member of one local Career Center Advisory Committee. Our industry’s future is only as viable as the knowledge and training of our current and future employees.

Let’s ensure that the future is as bright as the past for the Nursery and Landscape Industry. It is everyone’s responsibility to make this possibility a reality, so let’s make it happen together!

Jody Germann Penta Careet Center, Instructor of Landscape & Turfgrass Management ONLA Certification Committee jgermann@pentanet.k12.oh.us onla.org

Online Availability klynnurseries.com Visit our website Sales Staff Availability* Hot List* Klyn Catalog 2012* 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 October 2012 39

SAFETY FIRST Understanding Employee Behavior Anything we do in safety will prove ineffective, unless we are able to positively influence everyday employee behavior. You can comply with all of the OSHA standards and still not have the best safety program possible. Yet, compliance issues are often times stressed over behavioral change. The reason is simple, it is easier. One of the hardest things in the world to do is change employee behavior.

When I conduct management training, I often ask the attendees why accidents take place. The following are some of the answers received regarding employees: • Careless • They do not follow instructions • They do not use common sense • They do not listen • They are in a hurry • They take unnecessary chances In other words employee related behavioral safety problems, however these behavioral problems are common among all employees, even management.

The behavioral issues that cause employees to get hurt are universal and apply across the board. The key is to understand why we behave the way we do and then take the appropriate steps to correct or change this behavior.

As much as I believe in the value of safety and the benefits derived from effective safety programs, this is not often shared in the work place. In fact, Safety is Not a Natural Part of our Behavior. We are not born naturally safe or with an instinct for safety. We do not think about the need for safety or the importance of safety, that’s our parents’ job to nurture and protect and it is a big job.

When we are babies we do not know that the stove can be hot, that dogs bite, that we can fall down steps, that chemicals under the sink can be poisonous or that cars are dangerous. We have to Learn Safety, either from our parents or from trial and error. The latter is often painful. Safety must be taught so we do not have to learn by accident.

40 The Buckeye

We also do not believe accidents are going to happen to us. This is called the Superman Syndrome. When we are young we believe we can live forever. Just watch television and you will see the extreme games and effort to push sports to a more dangerous, challenging level.

This influences our behavior greatly. In fact, we enjoy taking risks and often give ourselves Positive Reinforcement for Negative Behavior. Everytime we get away with something we pat ourselves on the back and say good job. The next time we face the same situation it becomes easier to take the same chance.

Add to this peer pressure and recognition, and it makes it more likely we will take a chance with our behavior.

Many companies unknowingly encourage unsafe behavior or risk taking by their employees. Often when I visit client companies, I will see an employee working unsafely and when I talk to a supervisor about it I get the following answer. He is my best employee. This is called the Good Employee Syndrome. He works harder or faster, therefore, he is a better employee even if he is working unsafely. Therefore, there is a reluctance to correct the unsafe behavior. Yet every other employee sees this and if it is all right for the one it’s all right for them.

This makes it very difficult to enforce safety policies or procedures. This reluctance often leads to a situation where employees will work unsafely because Unsafe behavior becomes the standard. It becomes so engrained and common that often times supervisors do not even recognize it as unsafe. I often visit sites with supervisors who walk right by employees working unsafely and they do not even recognize it is unsafe.

Add to the fact that if it is Easier to be Unsafe than it is to be Safe, employees will be unsafe if they do not believe they will be injured. The more often we do the unsafe act, the easier it becomes and the less fear we have.

We will even get to the point of doing it without thinking about it. We commit it to memory and it becomes a habit. Unfortunately, We Learn Bad Habits Three Times onla.org

Faster than Good Habits and they are three times harder to break. That’s because bad habits are more enjoyable or easier.

Once it becomes a habit we will often times repeat the behavior without even thinking about it. This is called Automatic Pilot. This is the ability to think of one thing and do another. This is common on routine or boring jobs or driving a vehicle. We have all driven down the interstate and look around and realize we are further than we thought or we drive right by an exit and not realize it until we have already passed it by. Unfortunately, if an employee is on automatic pilot and an accident situation occurs the employee must come back to reality before he/ she can react, often this is way too late.

Once a behavior becomes a habit or automatic it is extremely difficult to change. You can see an employee doing something unsafe and correct the behavior at that time, but this does not correct the behavior long term.

Many times, as soon as the employee is by himself/herself the same behavior will be repeated. It can take up to six weeks to change a bad habit. Employees do not necessarily want the behavior to change either and will often make up excuses to avoid changing.

An effective safety program must understand the above listed behavior problems. Supervisors must be aware of these and realize that they will have to work with em-

ployees closely to affect permanent change. The safety program must become a safety process that continuously focuses on employee safety behavioral issues. When necessary, positive counseling and recognition should be used. Employees like to win and be recognized, but at the same time a fair program of enforcement must be implemented and when necessary used. I know this can be unpopular and even difficult, but no safety program will be effective unless employees realize that their safety behavior is critical to the success of the company and worth the effort by the company to ensure that safe behavior is followed. In fact, the number one reason employees are injured is the lack of enforcement of everyday safety rules and policies.

Safety behavior can be changed, but it will take time, work and management commitment to this effort. Employees must believe in the safety program and the importance placed on it by management. There can be no excuses because Excuses Are a Reason to Fail and I do not believe any of us are in business to fail.

If you have any safety concerns or need any assistance, please call American Safety and Health Management Consultants, Inc. at 1-800-356-1274.

Gary W. Hanson American Safety and Health Management Consultants, Inc.

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onla.org

October 2012 41

Advertisers’ Index

Industry Calendar

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

O designates qualifying OCNT recertification events

Acorn Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 acornfarms.com Buckeye Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

October 24-26, 2012 PLANET Green Industry Conference, Louisville, KY. Sponsored by: PLANET, www, landcarenetwork.org November 8 – 10, 2012 TCI Expo, Baltimore, MD. Sponsored by: Tree Care Industry Association, expo.tcia. org November 10, 2012 “A Grateful Embrace,” Ohio Western Reservue National Cemetery and Dayton National Cemetery. Sponsored

by ONLA and Ohio Lawn Care Association, kevinthompson@onla.org January 3-4, 2013 Tennessee Green Industry Expo, Nashville, TN, Sponsored by: Tennessee Nursery & Landscape Association, www.tnla.com O January 13, 2013 P.L.A.N.T Seminar, Columbus, OH. Sponsored by: Perennial Plant Association, www. perennialplant.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 January 31, 2013 Ohio Pesticide Commercial Applicator Recertification Conference, Dayton, 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 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 March 5, 2013 Ohio Pesticide Commercial Applicator Recertification Conference, Columbus, 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

buckeyeresources.com CENTS 2013. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22, OBC centsshow.org Decker’s Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 deckersnursery.com EasyPro Pond Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 easypropondproducts.com Ernst Seeds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 ernstseed.com Gilson Gardens, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 gilsongardens.biz Grayhawk Greenhouse Supply. . . . . . . . . . . . 41 grayhawkgreenhousesupply.com Kentucky Landscape Industries. . . . . . . . . . . . 26 klna.org Klyn Nurseries, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 klynnurseries.com Medina Sod Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 medinasodfarms.com Miami Nursery Company. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 miaminurserycompany.com Millcreek Gardens, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 mgohio.com Oberfield’s LLC .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 oberfields.com ONLA BackPocket Gardener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . IBC

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 • Container Production Manager Acorn Farms, Inc., Zanesville, OH • Greenhouse Production Coordinator Gardens Alive!

• Design & Sales JTS Landscaping, Seville, OH • Operations Manager KAT Nurseries, Olathe, KS

• Landscape Operations Manager Rocky Fork Company, New Albany, OH

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42 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

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