B&B Online - September 2015

WE’RE IN

YOUR BUSINESS Customer Jeff and Nicholas Schilter with Northwest FCS Relationship Manager Trevor Faucett

It’s a fact. Most of our employees come from an agricultural background. We understand the cyclical nature of the industry and know the issues producers face. Talk with a Northwest FCS relationship manager to see for yourself. We have knowledge, expertise, and the financing you need to grow your business.

Visit northwestfcs.com to learn more about the benefits of our customer-owned financial cooperative.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

(Left) Windmill Gardens in Sumner. Ben DeGoede reflects back on the seaon.

Read what he has to say about the highs and lows of this past season on page 10.

(Below) Bugs & Blights. Check out this review of dought stress symptoms in plants. Learn more on page 13.

The Official Publication of

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association

COVER: Windmill Gardens in Sumner.

September 2015 VOL 67. NO. 9

Contents

Editor Breanne Chavez Published Monthly By: Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association 34400 Pacific Hwy S., Suite 2 Federal Way, WA 98003 800.672.7711 fax 253.661.6058

Features

Subscription Price: $39 Annually Deadlines:

News, Classified ads Advertising

8 WSNLA PROseries

5pm the 1st of the month preceding the first-of-the-month publication.

To place an advertisement, contact Breanne at (800) 672-7711 or breanne@ wsnla.org.

Solutions. Resources. Opportunities.

10 Retail State

Columns

ves roll up to reduce the of leaf thesurface Union poration. When suncoaster strikesof the Whatthe a roller a season.

4 From the President Note the burn on the top of the osed surface the burn damage is 6 Executive Director rolled leaves receiving centrated12 along the midrib.

Landscape State perpendicular sun rays.

of the Union

Where have all the people gone?

13 Plant Drought Stress A review of various symptoms found in the landscape.

Departments 16

Industry News

18

CPH of the Month

21

WSNLA Marketplace

22

Chapter News

22

Calendar of Events

75 years & Growing

WSNLA www.wsnla.org Executive Director Breanne Chavez e-mail breanne@wsnla.org Finance & Operations Director Holly Osborne, CPH e-mail holly@wsnla.org

A combination of heat, drought and transplant shock nailed this Chamaecyparis

ought tolerant madrone has sacrificed er leavesInterested to protect new growth. The in sharing your opinions and comments with B&B readers? If you take spot fungi leave blotches and spots. the time to share your thoughtful comments, WSNLA will be sure to share them

with B&B readers. Please submit to breanne@wsnla.org or by fax at (253) 661-6058.

Deadine: 1st of each month.

WSNLA reserves the right to refuse any ads which are misleading, unethical, contrary to WSNLA policy, or which do not pertain to the nursery and landscape industry.

ecoPRO Administrator Jeanne McNeil e-mail jmcneil@wsnla.org B&B Magazine Content Coordinator Dawn Clarke email dawn@wsnla.org Š 2015, Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association - 3

[ Monthly Presidential Musings ]

Fall, are you really here? It’s hard to believe this golden season is knocking on our door. The days are getting shorter, although we’re still enjoying warm & sunny weather, and a bit of rain fell this past week. That certainly was nice, although not enough to do more than ‘wash’ our gardens. As we all know the years spin out of control the older we get; time is gone in an instant. It seems like yesterday spring hit fast and hard, and now we start wrapping up this busiest season and preparing for the slower winter months. The same time warp can be applied to our careers in the nursery & landscape industry. With an industry not famous for creating vast personal wealth, we all ask ourselves how much longer should I work?

Tim Gray WSNLA President Pacific Stone Company Everett

For all kinds of reasons we’ve seen a number of nursery and landscape businesses close their doors for more than just the upcoming winter. Many smaller firms don’t have a new generation willing or wanting to take over the family business. Those that do have succession plans in place are very fortunate. With smaller companies many owners look to the employees to eventually take over. The hard part is determining when the older generation is willing to give up control and when the new generation is ready to take over and maintain and grow a successful business.

What happens to old nurseries when they’re closed for good? Obviously some get developed for other purposes. Earlier this year I wrote about the nursery on Camano Island that sold us a Thundercloud plum tree for Earth Day 1973. I drive past that hillside location daily. They walked away from trees and shrubs planted in the ground that have now grown to maturity. The hillside is covered in giant Sequoia, flowering trees, birch groves, oaks, sycamores, ash, linden, hawthorns and so much more. I’d like to wander around up there, except it’s now home to the Island County Sherriff’s department. Not sure how keen they’ll be to someone bushwhacking through their property.

No matter what your political beliefs are, paying higher wages to our employees is one key to maintaining successful businesses and growing our industry. I’ve often thought about (and researched what the impact would be) what would happen if my employees were all paid $15.00/hour. While it wouldn’t put us out of business, this doesn’t leave a lot of room to reward employees who rise above the others and truly excel in their jobs.

So, while we hold onto these last precious days of summer, let’s all look to the future and visualize a vital nursery & landscape industry.

Cheers, Tim

4 - The B&B Magazine

Legislative & Regulatory protecting & advocating

Dr. Brad White Assistant Director, WSDA Plant Protection Division Olympia At the Washington State Department of Agriculture, our mission is in our name -- agriculture. For the inspectors and others in WSDA’s Plant Services Program, this means working hard to protect the nursery and landscape industries from pests, disease and other potential harm.

From on-site nursery inspections to our inspections of hay and timber bound for export, Plant Services inspectors play a vital role in fulfilling the regulatory needs of a variety of agriculture-related industries.

The work of the Plant Services Program is entirely funded by fee-for-service and must operate under a cost recovery model. Currently, we are not covering our costs with the fee structure that is in place.

In the coming months, WSDA will be asking for your support to raise the fees that fund the Plant Services Program. No one likes higher fees, but increased costs of doing business mean that a bump in fees will be needed if we are to continue delivering the level of service you have come to expect.

The most visible Plant Services activities for the nursery and landscape professionals are the on-site nursery inspections. There are approximately 5,800 licensed nurseries throughout the state and our Plant Services professionals inspect about 750 of those facilities each year. These inspections are critical to safeguarding the horticultural industry through outreach and education as well as ensuring that our external quarantines against harmful plants and pests are honored by shippers and receivers. Nursery inspections also bolster consumer confidence by helping to ensure that wholesale and retail stock meet quality standards and are free of pests and diseases.

Some of the program’s lesser known activities are also critical to commerce for other Washington industries. Timber and hay exports, for example, are inspected by Plant Services staff to meet the regulatory requirements placed on our commodities by foreign markets.

Between our 11 inspectors working statewide, the Plant Services program certifies nearly $700 million worth of agricultural products and issues around 24,000 federal phytosanitary certificates each year.

programs, more than any other state with the exception of California. Plant Services inspects tree fruit and grapevine mother blocks annually for diseases and viruses to ensure the industry has a clean source of planting material. The grapevine inspections alone require examining 150,000 vines.

While we are asking for your support in raising our fees, the program has worked hard to reduce costs. In recent years, Plant Services has carried out several Lean projects that integrated electronic reporting, permit issuance and real time service delivery, saving both time and money. Our inspectors and staff embrace innovation and constantly look for ways to streamline our services.

There will be opportunity to comment on our plans. Before any fees are changed, we will carry out a rule-making process that includes public comment periods.

We want your feedback and hope for your support.

Washington fruit growers, too, depend on Plant Services to safeguard planting stock and keep trade opportunities open. Nearly 2 million imported fruit trees are inspected each year as part of the federally authorized post entry quarantine program and conversely our Fruit Tree Certification program makes it possible for Washington nurseries to export fruit trees to Canada.

We offer eight planting stock certification Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association - 5

New WSNLA Members

[ FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ]

Please Welcome...

Oregon Nursery Sales Jason Higgins, Owner 24051 Airport Rd NE Aurora, OR 97002 503-678-3344 FAX 503-678-3355 www.OregonNurserySales.com ons.jason@gmail.com Associate Member, Out of State Caucus

WSNLA can help cut through the clutter and connect qualified customers with your business.

Meghan Obom Kent, WA 98042 mobom13@gmail.com Student Member, Seattle Chapter Susan Stuart 18903 Eastwood Ave E Puyallup, WA 98375 253-241-3508 allseasonssustainbleplants@gmail.com Affiliate Member, Mt Rainier Chapter Plum Grove Landscapes Rashaan Lightpool 2111 St Clair St Bellingham, WA 98229 riderrashaan@hotmail.com Regular Member, Landscape Caucus Northwest Chapter The Zealous Thumb Alejandra Feliciano 1835 11th Lane NE Issaquah, WA 98029 425-507-0487 www.thezealousthumb.com contact@thezealousthumb.com Regular Member, Design Caucus Seattle Chapter Leonard Quiroz 5016 Fairwood Blvd NE #4 Tacoma, WA 98422 503-819-0013 leonardquiroz@comcast.net Affiliate Member, Mt Rainier Chapter That Yard Guy Adam Piceno 100 Peninsula St Sequim, WA 98382 tyg14@outlook.com Regular Member, Landscape Caucus Olympic Chapter 6 - The B&B Magazine

Breanne Chavez WSNLA Executive Director As you know, your targeted audience is key when investing marketing dollars. Because of this, WSNLA has a handful of industry tailored marketing opportunities for your consideration.

For business-to-business marketing, trade organizations, like WSNLA, are the most efficient and cost effective ways to connect your business with qualifed customers. Advertising in the B&B Magazine or Directory & Buyers’ Guide means your company is in front of your market and not lost in a generalized search. Trying to reach the general public? WSNLA has strategic tools that deliver opportunities to increase sales and exposure. Here’s my quick two cents on each of WSNLA’s marketing opportunities: - B&B Magazine and Directory & Buyers’ Guide - Users of the print and online magazine and buyers’ guide are industry professionals looking to stay engaged, learn more about and find the products and services they use every day. This is your target market in its purest form.

- WSNLA.ORG - For $525 annually you can reach over 10,000 pre qualified customers each year by simply placing an online ad.

- Sponsors (PROseries & Conference) - Align your business with the #1 valued member benefit: education! Promote your business and ensure dynamic and solution-based content is delivered to your customers and clients.

- GardenWashington Guide & Green Passport - 15,000 guides are distributed and sought after at home & garden shows. Plus, the Green Passport has recorded on average $3900 in added sales for participating nurseries.

- GardenWashington.com - $450 annually helps you capitalize on WSNLA’s advertising campaign targeted at engaging younger audiences and non traditional customers with plants and growing.

Please review the materials you received with this month’s magazine. WSNLA continues to offer these marketing platforms because they serve a unique purpose for our industry and members. I am available to help navigate your options. And, please know that custom packages can be created and assistance with ad development is available.

WSNLA Awards Nominate a colleague It’s that time of year again! Please take a few moments and help WSNLA recognize your friends and colleagues for their leadership, hard work and commitment to professional horticulture by submitting nominations to the WSNLA Executive Committee by October 31.

WSNLA Award Categories Include: Environmental Excellence Award Criterion: This award goes to a person or company that significantly improved, protected or repaired the environment through the use of plants and proper horticultural practices. The award can be given to a person or firm within or outside of the nursery and landscape industry.

Cultivating Community Award Criterion: This award is given to a new or established WSNLA member for involvement that has provided notable service in cultivating the WSNLA community, and supporting ourorganizational mission.

Member of the Year Criterion: Given to a member who has rendered outstanding service to WSNLA and the industry during the year just past.

Jerry Rosso “Involvement” Award Criterion: In the tradition of Jerry Rosso, given to a member who has demonstrated consistent commitment and involvement over the long term.

Legislative Award Criterion: Given to a member who has actively supported and shown leadership in legislative issues on behalf of the nursery and landscape industry.

Supplier of the Year Criterion: Hardgood or non-plant supplier who has shown an above average support of the Association, the industry and the members. The award is to the person, not the company.

Educator of the Year Criterion: Given for meritorious service in any “education” function serving the industry. Has been awarded to Cooperative Extension personnel, due to the strong education mission of that organization and its staff.

Honorary Lifetime Member Criterion: Goes to an individual who, having been an active member, performed some outstanding service to the field of horticulture or in the interest of the industry.

Harold Young Lifetime Achievement Award Criterion: Given to a member who has demonstrated exemplary service to WSNLA and the industry throughout their career.

WSNLA

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association

2015 WSNLA Officers Tim Gray, President Pacific Stone Company 425-258-1911 | timg@pacificstoneco.com Bill Raynolds, My Garden, President Elect 206-406-3487 | mygardennursery@gmail.com Ingrid Wachtler, CPH, Vice President Woodbrook Native Plant Nursery 253-265-6271 | woodbrk@harbornet.com Duane Job, Treasurer Job’s Nursery 509-547-4843 | duanejob@gmail.com Megan Pulkkinen, CPH, Past President Megan Pulkkinen Landscape Design 360-698-1865 | megancph@hotmail.com

WSNLA Board of directors Peter Van Well, III, Van Well Nursery 509-886-8189 | pete2@vanwell.net North Central Chapter President Scott Pringle, CPH, Paradise Lake Nursery 206-930-4132 | paradiselakenursery@gmail.com Northwest Chapter President Stephen Serafin, Quality Landscapes 360-385-6663 | qualitylandscapes @cablespeed.com Olympic Chapter President Kirsten Lints, CPH, Gardens ALIVE Design 425-318-2971 | kirsten@gardensALIVEdesign.com Seattle Chapter President Lucinda McMahan, CPH, Lucinda’s Landscapes 425-773-4237 | lucinda31@comcast.net CPH Caucus Chair Toni Cross, CPH, Toni Cross Seasonal Color Pots 206-781-1060 | toni@seasonalcolorpots.com Design Caucus Chair Chris Smith | Lake Washington Institute of Technology 425-739-8424 | chris.smith@lwtech.edu Horticulture Educator Caucus Chair Mary Ranahan, Cedar Grove Composting 206-963-0428 | mary.ranahan@cgcompost.com Horticultural Supplier Caucus Chair Gregory Smaus, CPH, Native Root Designs 206-227-4458 | gregory@nativerootdesigns.com Landscape Caucus Chair Ben DeGoede, CPH, Windmill Gardens 253-863-5843 | info@windmillgardens.com Retail Caucus Chair Open Positions: Mt Rainier Chapter President, Greenhouse Grower Caucus Chair, Wholesale Grower Caucus Chair & Out of State Caucus Chair

Please submit your nominations, along with a few sentences about the person you are nominating by October 31. All Nominations will be presented and reviewed by the WSNLA Executive committee in November. Award recipients will be honored at the 2016 WSNLA Awards Presentation. Please send your nominations directly to the WSNLA Executive Committee. Contact information can be found in the green box to the right.

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association - 7

Solutions Resources Opportunities Connections Register at WSNLA.ORG.

REGISTRATION Earlybird Rate Ends October 2 - $60 WSNLA Members, CPHs & ecoPROs - $75 Non Member Regular Rate - after October 2 - $75 WSNLA Members, CPHs, & ecoPROs - $90 Non Members

CEUs Offered 5 CPH 5 CLT ecoPRO * APLD pending WSDA Pesticide pending * * 4 ecoPRO for December 2 ‘The Un-Thirsty Landscape’ PROseries. * ecoPRO and WSDA pesticide applicator credit pending for January 2016 Bee Health PROseries.

Businesses sending 3 or more attendees qualify for a group rate.

Contact WSNLA directly to register.

Two Ways to Register: - Online at WSNLA.ORG - Contact the WSNLA Office at (800) 672-7711 or holly@wsnla.org.

November 4, 2015

Plants, Planning & Promotion Location: Center for Urban Horticulture, Seattle

Learn more about this valued PROseries sponsor at bloomingnursery.com

9-9:45am Plant Forecasting How does a plant come to market? What factors and tools do growers utilize to forecast their plant offerings and ensure availability of a plant palette for gardening success.

Includes among other things, longterm forecasting, adjusting and responding to inventory demands, industry relationships, climate considerations, consumer trends, and more will be discussed.

Speaker: Andrej Suske, T&L Nursery 9:55 - 10:30am NEW PLANTS - T&L Nursery 10:40 - 11:25am

Securing Orders: Planning your plant mix What plant shortage? Be sure you are utilizing all your resources available to efficiently secure your desired plant mix during plant shortages or overages. Learn tips and solutions for securing future orders and building relationships with vendors.

Speaker: Fran Sharp, Bizon Nursery 11:25 - Noon NEW PLANTS - Bizon Nursery LUNCH 1-1:35pm NEW PLANTS - Blooming Nursery 1:35 - 2:10pm NEW PLANTS - Skagit Gardens 2:20pm - 3:30pm

Selling MORE Plants: Strategies that promote more sales

WSNLA

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association

Proud sponsor of the WSNLA PROseries.

8 - The B&B Magazine

A panel of professionals will share their success stories in adding value and upselling plants, both at the nursery and in the landscape. Challenges will be discussed and potential needs will be identified.

December 2, 2015

The Un-Thirsty Landscape Location: The Irrigation Lab Lake WA Institute of Technology, Kirkland

January 2016, from 9am - 3:30pm Learn more about this valued PROseries sponsor at LITTLEPRINCEOFOREGON.COM

9:00 - 9:30/9:45am

2016 Climate Forecast: What to expect.

Bee Health: Recent Research & Strategies for Protecting and Encouraging ‘The Good Guys’.

Is this the new normal? If that is a question you have been asked by your customers and clients, this presentation will be a useful resource for you. Hear what is being predicted for the 2016 Spring & Summer and how factors such as drought and el nino impact predictions. Speaker: Representative from Office of Washington State Climatolagist, University of Washington.

Location: TBA

10:00 - 11:15am

Strategies for Protecting & Encouraging ‘The Good Guys’ Plants play an essential role in creating habitat for bees to forage. From growing practices to plant mix, identify strategies to help you know more about the plants you grow and sell so you can better understand how to protect and encourage the good guys, both in the nursery and the landscape.

Water wise Design, Installation & Maintenance A well-designed drought-tolerant landscape can be filled with a lush variety of colorful plants that have year-round beauty, and give no outward clues that it was created to conserve water. Using case studies, including his involvement in the Woodinville Waterwise Garden and urban sites, Smith will discuss unique challenges and solutions specific to the water wise landscape. He will also provide tips for how to effectively communicate the value and benefits of ‘The Un-Thirsty Landscape’ when working within your client’s budget. Speaker: Ladd Smith, ecoPRO. InHarmony Landscapes 11:15 - Noon

Irrigation Learning Lab System Tour The Irrigation Learning Lab, created by Cascade Water Alliance, was purposefully designed to showcase the practical application of irrigation maintenance and enhancements. With multi zones, the system features two brands, various types of irrigation heads, and includes two drip irrigation systems. Learn the science behind the system and familiarize yourself with the options available to help conserve water. Speaker: David McGrath, Independent Irrigation Consultant, Cascade Water Alliance and 18 years of landscape management experience.

LUNCH

Funding by WSDA Nursery Advisory Committee Research Update Get an update on Bee Health research happening both locally and nationally.

Customer Education Tips for educating customers on bee health and the role plants play, including: how to deliver technical information and resources; which benefical bugs might be found on plants treated with bio controls; and keeping an eye out for ‘the good guys’ at work in the home landscape. Consumer friendly educational materials will be provided resource.

Please share with us your specific needs for more information on this complex industry issue.

Additional resources and educational opportunities are being developed. Your comments can be sent to breanne@wsnla.org.

1:00-1:55pm

Industry Opportunities & Working With Your Water Regulators 2015 was a record breaking year! It was hot and dry much earlier than in years past and stayed that way through July. Mark will talk about the utility’s reaction and the lessons learned by working with the landscape industry. Speaker: Mark Guthrie, ecoPRO. Seattle Public Utilities

Conifers | Decidious trees | Broadleaf evergreen | Decidious shrubs Conifers | Decidious trees | Broadleaf evergreen | Decidious shrubs Vines, | Annuals Vines,groundcovers, groundcovers,ferns ferns| | Perennials Perennials| |Grass Grass&&grasslike grasslike | Annuals

Plants for the Waterwise Garden

CPHPlant PlantIdentification Identification CPH 3-day Study Course

Expand your knowledge of plants that will thrive in the water wise garden.

Speaker: TBA

of Technology, Kirkland Institute Location: Lake Washington ofSeptember Technology, 24,Kirkland 6-9:30pm

2:10 - 3:30pm

3-day CourseInstitute Location:Study Lake Washington

September24, 266-9:30pm & October 3, 8am - 3pm September

Instructor: Chris Sexton-Smith, Horticulture Instructor at Lake Washington Institute of September 26 & October 3, 8am - 3pm Technology. This is an interactive course designed to help improve (or brush up) your plant Instructor: Chrisand Sexton-Smith, Horticulture Instructor LakeIdentification Washington Institute identification, serves as a tool to prepare for theat Plant section ofofthe Certified Professional cover: study techniques, Technology.

This is Horticulturist an interactive exam. courseSeminar designedwill to help improve (or brush up)terminology, your plant classification, and nomenclature.

CPH Credit is available to current CPHs. identification, and serves as a tool to prepare for the Plant Identification section of the Cer-

Register at WSNLA.ORG or holly@wsnla.org

tified Professional Horticulturist exam. Seminar cover: study techniques, terminology, Cost: $140 WSNLA member | $160willnon member. classification, and nomenclature. CPH Credit is available to current CPHs. Register at WSNLA.ORG.

Cost: $140 WSNLAWashington member | $160 non member.

State Nursery & Landscape Association - 9 Register at WSNLA.ORG.

Retail State of the Union What a Roller Coaster of a Season.

Ben DeGoede, CPH WSNLA Board Member, Retail Caucus Chair Windmill Gardens Sumner sale weekend. It set the stage for our customers to see what our offer was for the year.

An overview of the season always has a caveat or two mixed in. We never seem prepared to the extent we feel we should.

Whether a crop is late, labor training and hiring falls behind, getting product out and processed is always a challenge. It seems we always operate from behind, and when we feel caught up it’s over. After being in the industry for over 30 years I suppose that is how it always will be. We accept the volatility, excitement, disappointment, rush, and exhilaration we experience every spring. I guess we would not have it any other way.

Production quality and early turns helped big time. We are also blessed to have our own production to sell. Our crew went for it and we had great crops on time and in great shape. Very few exceptions and a lot of great comments and very happy customers. No late frost to harm tender plants and great weather to get them established quicker.

The icing on the cake was the cool factor of being chosen to provide for the US Open at Chambers Bay. Sixteen months prior we had secured a meeting and began proposing ideas.

It culminated in our company’s single largest order for one delivery.

From the onset the weather cooperated and we kept seeing sales records drop from years past. I am not sure I have ever had so many sunny and fair weather weekends consecutively in all my springs. It was a god send. Last season was great as well but started later. Our fall and winter were under expectations and we need an early boost to avoid cash flow crunch. While the rest of the country was having an extended winter we had the opposite. We were blessed to have an early season.

However, summer heat and the plant stress put the stop to continuing the summer gains we had hoped for. Plant dumps were some of the highest in our history, both in production and retail. NW gardeners do not garden in the heat, however, many vegetable gardens were prolific and finished in record time. As we speak we are having customers and friends give us excess produce from their early and over filled garden plots. What a treat!

Special Events for us set the stage. Sometimes timing is everything. You can time a sale for the crop or season but if the weather is not cooperating… No go. Our first spring sale of the season timed out wonderfully and we beat prior records for that

We sent several staff and were also part of the NNBA Summer Retail Tour. It was great to send staff to other nurseries and also host many nursery owners and get their feedback on what we do and hear about what they do. It was a banner season for

Ben DeGoede, general manager of Windmill Gardens’ retail division, said the company supplied 300 to 400 potted plants, 150 hanging baskets and more than 600 flats of flowers. “It was nine truckloads of plants,” he said.

everyone we talked to. The purse string have loosened a bit and the younger gardeners are out and about starting families and homes. We appreciate the advice we get as we look to share what works and what does not!

We were also honored to be on the tour of Farms for Pierce County. Nearly 2 dozen county executives, council members and department heads toured several farms in late July.

We shared our production facilities and bended their ear on a few subjects for the 45 minutes they were here. It was a pleasure and they were very open to hearing about our issues in the current political climate. We expressed concerns on water/drought management, the benefits and perception of plants and flowers impact, ACA health care, and $15 NOW minimum wage. We hope our situation and industry makes an impact on their policies in the future.

Final observation. We are busy and busier but where’s the money? As we speak we look towards next season and assess the past one. With many positive gains and good results the bottom line has been disappointing the past few years. We seem to be working harder for less results.

Margins are leaner, expenses are higher, and prices seem stagnant. It still feels very competitive. You want to be optimistic and wait for next year. Make those changes that will make a difference. Improve facilities and add more value to your offerings. In the end we all love what we do, have the greatest customers, work with amazing people, and make an impact in our communities. What more can you ask for?

A greenhouse popping with color at Windmill Gardens.

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association -11

Landscape State of the Union WHere have all the people gone?

Leonard Quiroz Uyeta Landscape & Maintenance, Inc. Renton

Q7 – Are labor costs squeezing your margins to unsustainable levels forcing pricing adjustments?

Q8 – Is the average age of your field over 35? (Check the average age of your crewsthis may surprise you!)

If you answered “Yes” to any of the above questions, then keep reading.

Before we get to the heart of this article, consider the following questions.

Q1 – Are you frustrated with finding experienced laborers and qualified crew leaders you need?

Q2 – Is it taking longer each year or season to fill open positions within your company?

Q3 – Have you used the various employment and industry job boards with limited success?

Q4 – Hired staffing organizations that provided limited results?

Q5 – Have your crews been solicited with substantial pay increases to join a competitor?

Q6 – Have you had to increase your hourly wages in order to retain employees?

12 - The B&B Magazine

As a professional organization, you are constantly reviewing your systems and processes to ensure that you are prepared to effectively and efficiently serve your customers and grow your business. Nevertheless, no matter how carefully you plan, things can and do go wrong. You recall the saying “the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry”. This statement has plenty of truth to it when it comes to sourcing, hiring, and training qualified people to serve your customers and grow your business.

When this problem originally affected our company the first thought that went through our mind was that, we are a great company and place to work. We provide competitive pay, benefits, vacations, a retirement plan and bonus opportunities, our trucks and equipment are in top-notch shape, we care about our employees and we treat everyone with respect.

You have placed job postings on craigslist, landscapejobs.com, maybe a newspaper ad, radio spots, an “A” frame on the street corner, requesting referrals from current employees and vendors; you have even hired a staffing service to help in the process. You are hitting on all cylinders in your effort to hire qualified candidates.

Nevertheless, your results, at best, were limited.

So, what do you do, you intensify your efforts!

Yes, you do it all over again, placing more internet ads, asking for more referrals, radio spots, and the whole gamut! All with the same result! Moreover, according to Albert Einstein, “insanity is defined as doing the same thing over and over again and

... workforce growth & development has become a systemic problem for the Green Industry, and it’s not going to go away without those that are impacted by its effects taking positive action to solve it. expecting a different result”. Trust me, Albert Einstein was right, we tried all of these sourcing methods multiple times with little to show for it!

The point is that workforce growth and development has become a systemic problem for the Green Industry, and it’s not going to go away without those that are impacted by its effects taking positive action to solve it. Waiting for it to turn around on its own is a plan to do nothing. It is time that companies, associations and vendors join forces in developing a thoughtful game plan to resolve this critical problem. Traditional methods are not working for a reason and in order to get beyond this problem we have to take an “outside the box” view of the core workforce issues that affect us all.

This long-term problem will not easily be resolved. However, we must start moving towards a cohesive solution that potentially benefits everyone concerned. Over the past several months, we have been working in concert with a variety of industry and non-industry professionals on a potential solution that has been gaining traction.

WSNLA is working on gathering industry professionals interested in working together on a solution to this issue. If you are interested in being part of the conversation, please contact WSNLA at (800) 672-7711 or breanne@wnsla.org. Or, feel free to contact me at (503) 819-0013 or at (253) 859-8589.

Your input would be greatly appreciated.

Promote Your New Plant & Products!

Deadline: October 1

Because you are a WSNLA member, your new plant and product offerings for 2016, will be announced to over 1200 nursery and landscape professionals free of charge in the November B&B Magazine. Submit details about your plants, products and services to breanne@wsnla.org by October 1. Please be sure to include a high resolution photo to with your announcement(s).

Not a WSNLA member yet? Join at WSNLA.ORG. Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association - 13

WSNLA's Scholarship & Research Charitable Fund

TARGET THE PEST. PROTECT THE REST.

Bugs & Blights Sharon J. Collman, WSU Snohomish County Extension Record rainfall on July 25, 2015 measured 1.57-inch at Sea-Tac, broke the previous 1974 record of 1.20 inches. Even so don’t expect landscapes to be well watered.

When soils or mulch are dry, they can be hydrophobic (repel water). That rain was too much and came too fast to soak into many soils (compacted, hydrophobic sands or mulch, bone dry, silt, clay). For most of the summer we have been breaking other records for low rainfall and high temperatures.

Kick up your soil or dig a 6” deep hole to see how far the rainfall, or irrigation, has penetrated into the soil. Ample compost worked into the soil helps water infiltrate rather than run off. Even compost applied on top of the soil, will eventually be pulled down by earthworms and other soil critters and at least will hold some water. Be generous and apply enough compost to work into the soil for several inches.

The Puget Sound area has always had its “Mediterranean summers” with low rainfall, but we also had moderate summer temperatures and overcast skies (an average of 225 cloudy days with only 58 days of sun) http://seattle.about.com/od/ familylifestyles/tp/Rain-In-Seattle.htm). This year the entire state is experiencing severe to extreme drought and temperatures that are breaking records and the plants are showing the stress. (http://www.wunderground.com/blog/weatherhistorian/ comment.html?entrynum=328.

The Fund distributes scholarships and grants annually to support horticultural education for students and funding for horticultural research. Donate Today!

(800) 672-7711.

The Fund is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization and accepts tax-deductible donations from both individuals and organizations. (Please consult your tax advisor for professional advice regarding deductibility of donations.) For information on contributing to the Fund, please contact the WSNLA office at (800) 672-7711.

14 - The B&B Magazine

Symptoms of drought are many. Usually drought symptoms are uniformly distributed rather than random on plants though damage may be worse on the sunny side of the plant. Plants may extract the water and nitrogen from old leaves and move it to the new growth. Leaves may show uniformly burned edges, or simply drop leaves.

Sunburn occurs where the sun strikes perpendicular to the leaf surface or if the leaves rolled downward to prevent water loss, the area along the midvein turns brown with yellow edges. There may be a distinct line where one leaf shaded the leaf below it.

Thin-bark trees (e.g. dogwood, madrona) may also be sunburned on the southwest side. Look or cross-checking or discoloration where the sun is most intense on the trunk. Dieback of the top branches, the furthest away from the water source occurs when the tree can’t pump water to the top. Drought symptoms may be due to a lack of water, injury to root system, excess fertilizer salts. When temperatures are in the 90s, the plant can’t replace evaporating water fast enough. Plants in pots will need even more watering daily. Even though we normally reduce water in August, drought stressed plants willl need water now so plants are well hydrated going into winter.

WSU Resource: Drought Tolerant Landscaping for Washington State (Home Garden Series) By Charles Brun, WSU Clark County EBO684E Part 1: Intro, Choosing Plants, Soil and Site Management, Limiting the Use of Turf, Efficient Irrigation, Part 2: Drought Tolerant Plants (with descriptions and color photos).

This and some older publications are available for free download at http://pubs.wsu. edu (search word = drought).

from the tips.

Drought Stress Symptoms in plants

evaporation.

When theissun exposed surface the burn damage Leaves dry uniformly around the edges or from the tips. exposed surface the burn da concentrated along the midrib. from the tips. Leaves dry uniformly around the edges or concentrated along the midr

Leavesthe dryleaf uniformly Leaves roll up to reduce the Note the burn on the top of Plants move water and/or o reduce surface around the edges or from leaf surface evaporation. the rolled leaves receiving nitrogen from older leaves Leaves up to reduce surface hen the sunroll strikes the the leaf When the tips. theLeaves sun strikes the perpendicular sun rays. to new leaves roll up to reduce the leaf surface Leaves roll up to reduce the leaf surface evaporation. When the sun strikes the Note the burn onthe the topwater of the Drought madrone hasmadrone sacrifice Drought tolerant Plants movetolerant water and/or nitrogen fromh exposed surface burn Plants move and/or nitrogen from the burn damage is Note the burn on the top of the Plants evaporation.

When the the sun move strikes water the and/or nitrogen from evaporation.

When the sun strikes Leaves roll up to reduce the leaf surface exposed surface the burn damage is rolled leaves receiving Note the burn on the top of the older leaves to protect new growth.

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from the tips.

ips.around the edges or mly Note the burn on the topconcentrated of the along the midrib. rolled leaves receiving perpendicular sun rays.

perpendicular sun rays.

perpendicular sun rays. rolled leaves receiving perpendicular sun rays.

A combination of heat, drought A combination of heat, drought A combination of heat, drought and transplant shock nailed this and transplant shock nailed thisLeaves on many plants bega Drought tolerant madrone has sacrificed Crocossmia other thin leaves become Drought has sacrificed Crocossmia and other thin Leaves on plants A combination oftolerant heat, madrone Drought tolerant Leaves onmany many plants showing andand transplant shock nailed this Plants move water and/ormadrone nitrogen from Chamaecyparis “fall colors”began in early Augus Chamaecyparis Drought tolerant madrone has sacrificed Crocossmia and other thinbecome leaves become veolder water and/or nitrogen from older leaves to protect new growth.

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The paper thin as they dry.

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By now they are bare, Chamaecyparis The leaf spot fungi leave nitrogen from tand/or madrone has sacrificed paper thin as they dry.

Mites (also comm and transplant shock nailed this would leave stipples, andeggs. evidence of mites Chamaecyparis their d Chamaecyparis protective mechanism. to protect new growth. Theand stipples, a protective mechanism. and evidence of would blotches and spots. older leaves Chamaecyparis leaves leave stipples, and evidence of m protect new growth.

The and their eggs. e leaf spot fungi leave blotches and spots. mites and their eggs. and their eggs. s. eave blotches and spots.

on many plants began showing Epimedum in full sun when a Leaves on beganbecome showing Leaves Epimedum in full sun when a Crocossmia andmany otherplants thin leaves Leaves on many plants began showing “fall colors” in early August on Epimedum many in full was sun when a Crocosmia shrub removed.

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Crocosmia at the bottom of the photo is may already be damage water By the time leaves wilt, there plants.

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Sunburn occurs on the apart of the leaf Berries shrivel forfaded lackshowing of water to develop Leaves many plants Epimedum in full sunthe when Epimedum full sun when Berries shrivel for lack of Sunburn occurs on By the time leaves wilt, there Epimedum ininfull sun when a on protective mechanism. may beto damage water also faded yellow and burned. her thin leaves become Byalready the time leaves wilt, there the fruit properly, exposed perpendicular sun rays; conducting and leaf tissue.

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Crocosmia a shrub was removed. water to develop the fruit part of the leaf exposed may already be damage shrub was removed.

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andon burned. indistinct edges. earlyyellow August many shrub was removed.

Crocosmia scorched areas have indistinct edges. scorched areas have have indistinct edges. scorched areas indistinct edges.

Sunburn occurs on the part of the leaf ack of water to develop they are bare, a at the bottom of the photo is to perpendicular anism. alsoexposed faded yellow and burned. sun rays;

conducting and leaf tissue.

scorched areas have indistinct edges.

Cultural or environmental problems usually affect the whole plant or sections rather environmental Fungus diseases are random and are Cultural Cultural or environmental than or random leaves or branches.

Cultural or environmental problems usually affect theSizes vary since problems usually affect the often target-shaped.

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Insects attack in random patterns.

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Note tinyvary yellow spots different Douglas maple. target-shaped.

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of new infections.

Cultural or environmental & Landscape Association Septemberthe 2015 - 15 by hail. Washington State Nursery problems usually| affect whole plant or sections rather

Industry News WSNLA Participates as Stakeholder on 2015 Water Shortage Advisory Group

Seattle Public Utilities is implementing its Water Shortage Plan as a result of the hottest, driest May-July year on record. Besides the messaging most of us may have seen or heard as delivered by local weather forecasters, the utility convened an advisory group comprised of regional utilities such as Cascade Water Alliance, Tacoma, Everett, Army Corps, Port of Seattle, and representatives from WSNLA. Jeanne McNeil, WSNLA Industry Advancement/ecoPRO Administrator, and Jens Molbak, Molbaks Home + Garden, attended the meetings, giving input about messaging that was considered by the water utility managers. Everyone was asked to voluntarily reduce water usage by 10% by taking shorter showers, checking for leaks, washing full loads of dishes and clothes, not watering lawns, and watering landscapes before 8am or after 7pm. The utilities’ consultation about prioritizing restrictions that affect nurseries and landscapers was noted by both McNeil and Molbak. The industry will continue to be a part of the conversation as we move through a dry year and look forward to a similar year in 2016.

What is MP3?

MP3 stands for Managed Pollinator Protection Plan, a plan the federal government suggested each state develop and manage. No state is required to do so, but several already have-Nebraska, Georgia, and Florida. Some states, like Washington and California are considering whether there is a need for further regulation for protection of pollinators.

On August 14, Eric Johansen, of the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) convened a group of stakeholders, including WSNLA, and presented information about Washington’s history of protecting pollinators as well as upcoming EPA rulemaking. Johansen also led a discussion about the best action stakeholders envisioned. Most agreed that facilitating pollinator protection could be enhanced by re-instating a WSDA State Apiarist position. Much work to enforce registration of hives, of inspecting hives for pests and diseases, and supporting beekeepers cannot be done because there is no one to do it. This despite the fact that the Beekeepers Association certifies approximately 2500 new beekeepers annually!

Johansen will have another MP3 stakeholder meeting in central Washington, date and location to be determined.

Beekeepers are now ‘farmers’ in Washington state A new law that defines Washington’s commercial beekeepers as farmers will enable the state to better reap the benefits of healthy bee populations while boosting a critical profession, according to a bee expert at Washington State University.

“Beekeepers’ work is similar in concept to managing tiny livestock,” said Steve Sheppard, chair of WSU’s Department of Entomology who works closely with the region’s beekeepers. “More than that, it’s integral to agriculture, not only for the honey that gets produced but for the pollinating of crops.”

In Washington, those crops include everything from apples, cherries and pears to canola and mint, according to the state’s agriculture department.

Tax breaks enable crucial service “We don’t want our beekeepers going extinct because they can’t afford to stay in business,” said Sheppard, adding that the nation has been facing a dwindling supply of beekeepers in the past decade because of a mysterious honey bee die-off called colony collapse disorder.

Urban Farmer: A Top Job for Next 10 Years

Without enough beekeepers, crop production could decline and force consumers to pay more money for food, he said: “It only makes sense that they can get tax breaks the same as other agricultural producers do.”

“Small artisan farmers will continue to grow in numbers as urban farming becomes a small but significant part of the food chain,” says Tankersley, who believes that individuals and companies will spring up to teach and assist amateur urban farmers lead a healthier and more eco-conscious life.

Senate Bill 6057, signed by Gov. Jay Inslee this month, grants large-scale beekeepers tax breaks on earnings made from providing pollination services and from selling products such as honey and beeswax. They’ll also be exempt from paying sales taxes on production expenses such as bee feed and parasite treatments.

Though technology continues to move the world into the virtual space, the 21st century may see the return of local farming due to the number of people living in urban areas and the increasing awareness of the detrimental environmental impacts of industrial farming.

SOURCE: www.fastcompany.com.

SOURCE: WSU On Solid Ground.

16 - The B&B Magazine

Seattle Mayor Calls For Accelerating Green Infrastructure In light of polluted stormwater runoff threatening water quality in Puget Sound, Seattle Mayor Edward B. Murray released a draft citywide Green Stormwater Infrastructure Strategy, outlining plans to accelerate green infrastructure approaches for preventing water pollution. This includes the use of street trees, rain gardens, green roofs, and more.

MUKILTEO CEDAR PRODUCTS Wholesale to the Trade 425-353-1382

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Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) prevents overflows and pollution much like a forest would — by slowing and cleaning the water and either reusing it or allowing it to soak back through the soil. Examples of GSI include roadside bioretention swales and street trees that manage street runoff, rain gardens and cisterns that manage roof runoff, and green roofs and permeable pavement that are selfmanaging.

“Green stormwater infrastructure is a valuable tool for us, because it helps us prevent stormwater pollution and greens our neighborhoods at the same time,” said Murray. “This win-win combination is critically important.”

In 2013, Seattle City Council Resolution 31459 challenged Seattle to rely on GSI to manage stormwater runoff wherever possible and set an aggressive target to manage 700 million gallons of stormwater runoff annually with GSI by the year 2025 — a seven-fold increase over the city’s 2012 baseline.

The draft Strategy sets an interim goal of managing 400 million gallons of stormwater runoff annually with GSI by the year 2020, summarizes progress to date, outlines a set of strategies and planned investments for accelerating the adoption of GSI in Seattle, and articulates a two-year work plan for City of Seattle departments.

Learn more: “Seattle Releases Strategy to Reduce Stormwater Pollution with Green Approaches,” Sustainable City Network.

SOURCE: www.actrees.org.

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association - 17

ecoPRO TRAINING & EXAM NOvember 10-13, 2015 21 Acres, Woodinville Training & Exam: $350. Exam Only: $150. Retest: $75

ecoPRO best practices Sustainable landscaping is the work of designing, constructing, and maintaining landscapes to conserve and regenerate water, air, soil, plant and wildlife resources, and protect and enhance human health and well-being.

Sustainable practices focus on the environment while striving to be socially equitable and economically feasible.

The ecoPRO certification program has identified eight domains that include 200+ sustainable landscape management best practices. As an ecoPRO certified indvidual, you will demonstrate knowledge of, and voluntarily practice, sustainable best landscape practices in the following domains: • Protecting & conserving soils • Conserving water • Protecting water & air quality • Protecting & creating wildlife habitat • Conserving energy • Sustaining healthy plants • Using sustainable methods & materials • Protecting human health Download a copy of the sustainable landscape best management practices at www.ecoPROcertified.org.

More and more customers are requesting sustainable landscape design, construction, and maintenance. ecoPRO certified individuals provide knowledgeable, profitable, and environmentally sound landscape design, installation and maintenance services. Get ecoPRO certified to:

• Increase your confidence to deliver sustainable landscape services with

confidence.

• Increase your professional credibility among customers and clients.

• Increase marketing advantages for your firm and create opportunities for

career growth.

• Earn a sense of achievement through confirmation of your skills and

commitment to ongoing education.

• Enhance your professionalism and stand for excellence in sustainable

landscape management.

• Receive professional value, respect and recognition.

• Have a positive impact on the environment and on your local Washington

State community.

Who is eligible to become certified?

This is an advanced certification. To be eligible for certification, you must meet one or more of the following requirements:

• Be certified by a professional horticultural

association, such as:

(APLD, IA, ISA, WALP/PLANET, WSNLA);

• Be a licensed landscape architect or

graduate of accredited landscape architecture

program;

• Have 3-years landscape experience as well Learn more about this valued

as a horticultural degree or a degree in a ecoPRO sponsor at www.

related field. cascadewater.org.

What will I learn and be tested on?

The certification exam is based on 200+ best management practices (BMPs) and ecoPRO required reading study materials. To access ecoPRO required reading please visit www.ecoPROcertified.org.

Why attend the 3-day advanced training?

Training attendance is not required for certification, but is highly recommended.

The training enhances the study materials, offers interactive learning, allows time for Q&A, and provides an opportunity to network with other landscape professionals. The training is open to all landscape professionals who have a basic background in horticulture and landscape management. To become certified, individuals must meet eligibility requirements.

Register at www.ecoPROcertified.org

• $350, which includes 3-day training and exam (lunch included).

• $150 for exam only.

• $75 for re-taking the exam.

• Individuals that do not meet the eligibility criteria for certification are

welcome to register for the training only at the rate of $350.

Deadline to Register is October 15. Questions? Contact Jeanne McNeil, ecoPRO Administrator, at jmcneil@wsnla.org or (206) 387-6727.

18 - The B&B Magazine

October 21 | Fall CPH Exam Elaine Sawyer, CPH Lake WA Institute of Technology CPH Committee Member

all of my questions. Lots of looking and touching and smelling helped me learn the plants. I was horrified just days before the test to realize I had neglected to study any grasses! I remember getting up early one morning and filling out my plant ID cards at 6:00am---that was a close call.

I remember the first time I heard of the title Certified Professional Horticulturist. I was working at the Gray Barn Nursery in Redmond, surrounded by a fascinating variety of plants and a former horticulture student from Lake Washington Tech told me all about her class and the CPH test. I had always assumed that taking the yearlong horticulture program was a prerequisite to becoming a CPH until my friend informed me that anyone could take the test. I knew instantly I would do it. Doesn’t everyone want to know the Genus, species and key IDs for over 284 plants? I don’t know why, but that sounded like fun to me!

The year was 2011 and times were tough. I was ready for a good distraction, a goal, a metamorphosis from someone who just liked plants to someone who actually knew something about plants. I wanted something to better my career and add credibility to my professional life. So with about three months to prepare and having never taken a horticulture program, I began to study.

I eagerly began making notecards for each plant. I talked with people who had taken the test. But by far my best study guide was the nursery where I worked.

As I walked by plants I would review their characteristics. As I watered, I would review the names. I was supported by my coworkers who continually answered

As the day of the test quickly approached I started to get really nervous. Like many, I was truly scared that it was going to be too much for me and the plants would be impossibly hard. I recorded this on my blog the day of the test: Today I will be taking the Certified Professional Horticulturist Exam. Trying to spell Ophiopogon and Athryium is a challenge.

I had a nightmare about the European Mountain Ash (I couldn’t recognize it), who has hairy stems (Camellia sasanqua), fragrant leaves (Thuja plicata) and grows very slowly (Sciadopitys verticillata)? Please be over so I can go back to the garden! Happily it all ended well. The plants on the exam were carefully selected to help students, not hinder them. They were good samples, each with several key ID’s. I passed the test, recorded my hours and received my CPH that year.

Why? Being a CPH is valuable to me.

It gives me confidence. It gives me a proficiency in all aspects of horticulture, from plant ID to landscape design.

This in turn provides me with a solid background to enter a wider variety of jobs in our industry, including the prospect of better wages. This is also true for those that are self-employed.

Having those three little initials CPH on a business card can give you the assurance to charge a better rate. It speaks to your professionalism and dedication to being the best that you can be. Being a CPH

also requires continuing education, so clients and customers know that you are invested in this industry, always learning and keeping up with the latest trends.

How? Simply visit the WSNLA.org website and click on Professional Certification in the top green bar. This will take you to the CPH page where you can order study materials, print out the plant list, register for the exam or take a prep course. The study materials are the WSNLA plant list and the Sustainable Gardening book published by Washington State University and Oregon State University. This book includes sections on botany, pruning, composting, lawns, diagnosing plant problems, weed management, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and landscape design. You can also register for the test by calling WSNLA directly at (253) 6616055. After passing the test you need to have 2000 hours of work experience in the industry and that’s it!

When and Where? The CPH test is offered twice a year, in October and in March. The 2.5 hour test is $90 for WSNLA members and students and $160 for non-members. It’s usually offered at Lake Washington Institute of Technology in the Fall and South Seattle Community College in the spring.

For me the best part of being a CPH is that it adds perspective. Becoming intimately familiar with almost 300 plants helps me to see relationships between them which in turn keeps me thinking and constantly learning as new plants come my way. I encourage anyone who has been considering becoming certified to take advantage of the next opportunity for testing. Remember, you can be a CPH, too!

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association - 19

20 - The B&B Magazine

WSNLA Marketplace

Are you a fan yet?

[ News & Headlines ]

[ Job Postings, For Sale, Plant Material Available & More! ]

JOB OPPORTUNITIES MY GARDEN NURSERY SEEKING a high energy customer focused individual who has worked, loved, and thrived in the retail industry. This is an opportunity for you to be much more than an order taker. You will have the chance to “own” a section of the nursery and make the decisions impacting product selection and merchandising. In order to succeed at this, you will need prior retail experience and a strong knowledge of trees, shrubs, and plants. Our staff who have excelled in this difficult environment (did I mention that it gets hot/cold and you have to carry plants around?) have described this as the most difficult job that they have ever loved.

Please keep in mind that in order to take advantage of the kind of creativity and independence we are offering, you will need to have prior retail experience and plant knowledge. Some prior management experience would be a huge plus. If you feel that you have the background experience and knowledge to make a difference at My Garden Nursery, please send your resume to mygardennursery@gmail.com or come on by and drop it off at the store. Please take a look at www.mygardennursery. com and you will see that we are an award winning nursery that focuses on providing our customers with such a fun experience that they can’t wait to come back.

Classic Nursery & Landscape Company is hiring right now - and able to start you immediately. Nursery & horticultural technician: Classic is seeking articulate and proactive horticultural professionals to join our nursery team. As a successful candidate, you will merchandise and coordinate plant materials, gardening supplies and garden center gift items at our nursery in Woodinville. You will also water plants and assist customers with garden questions and product purchases. This position is for both full-time and part

time staff and will require at least one day of weekend work. Skilled landscape foremen: Join our creative team! Some of our foremen have been with Classic for over a decade. Find out why. We are looking for an experienced foreman to supervise a crew that installs award-winning landscapes throughout King County. You will plant shrubs, trees, groundcover and perennials, build walls and patios, create natural looking water features and layout irrigation systems, while working with our talented design team and managing your projects with a labor assistant. This position offers a good hourly wage as well as a nursery plant discount, a smartphone and up to four weeks of paid vacation per year.

Landscape labor: Work with some of the most talented people in the landscape and nursery industry as a team member.

We are a well organized design and construction team with a 10-acre nursery and a 5-star Envirostar company with over 30 years in business. To review a portfolio of our work or learn more about us, please visit us online at classicnursery.com or have a peek at:

PLANTS AVAILABLE HOLLAND-AMERICA NURSERY. Now Available: Van den Akker weeping Alaska cedar 6’ thru 10’. Snowberry 1 gal. & 2 gal. Thuja plicata zebrina 5 gal. Red twig dogwood 1gal. Mahonia aquifolium 1 gal & 2 gal. Mahonia repens 1 gal & 2 gal.

Mahonia aquifolium 5 gal. Rosa nutkana 1 gal. Rosa Rugosa 1 gal. English laurel 2 gal. & 5 gal. b&b. List available. (360) 7946549, or akker4@gmail.com.

Connect with other nursery and landscape professionals and receive updates on what is going on at WSNLA and your industry.

Real-time Dialogue.

Communicate directly with WSNLA leadership and staff with your questions and comments.

Generate Fresh Ideas.

Do you have a suggestions for an event, seminar, story idea or member program? WSNLA is always seeking ways to serve its membership.

Promote Your Business.

As a WSNLA member you can share special news and events about your business on the WSNLA Facebook page.

Publications & Articles.

WSNLA provides links to the B&B Magazine and other relevant industry articles so that members can connect with their industry. As a member, you can do the same! Please feel free to share links to industry news and research.

Online Networking.

Get to know your industry colleagues by connecting with them online. The WSNLA facebook page is a resource to grow your professional network.

Specimen Street and landscape Trees in large Root Control Bags.

Year around availability, easier shipping, handling and establishment. Mount Vernon.

(800) 827-4067. Fax (360) 428-1822. www. urbanforestnursery.com. WSNLA MEMBER. Place your job openings, plants for sale, and other classified listings in the WSNLA Marketplace. To begin your classified listing, email your copy to breanne@wsnla.org.

Join the WSNLA Facebook Page!

Join the Conversation.

Search Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association at www.facebook.com/WSNLA.

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association - 21

2015 WSNLA Chapter Activities Mt Rainier Chapter

For more information or to be added to the email list to receive chapter meeting notice announcements, contact Ingrid Wachtler, Woodbrook Native Plant Nursery at woodbrk@harbornet.com.

Northwest Chapter

September 24, 6pm. Location: Paradise Lake Nursery, Snohomish. For more information or to be added to the email list to receive chapter meeting notice announcements, contact Toni Cross, CPH at toni@seasonalcolorpots. com.

Olympic Chapter

For more information or to be added to the email list to receive chapter meeting notice announcements, contact Gayle Larson, CPH at dancingravendesign@ gmail.com

Seattle Chapter

September 8 - “Exclusive Look at an Incredible Downtown Seattle Project.” Details are too top-secret to be shared at this time. For more information or to be added to the email list to receive chapter meeting notice announcements, contact Bill Collins at wjcollins@comcast.net.

Host or Sponsor a Chapter Meeting Hosting a chapter meeting at your business is a great way to introduce your plant availability, products and services to potential clients and customers. By inviting nursery and landscape professionals to your business site, it provides an opportunity to share your expertise and build valuable relationships to grow your business.

22 B&B Magazine Magazine 30 - The B&B

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Find more industry events at WSNLA.ORG! SEPTEMBER 24, from 6-9:30PM, SEPTEMBER 26 & OCTOBER 3, from 8am - 3pm. CPH Plant Identification REVIEW COURSE. Location: Lake Washington Institute of Technology (Horticulture Complex).

Cost: $140 member, $160 non member.

Register at WSNLA.ORG or (800) 6727711. For questions contact Holly Osborne at holly@wsnla.org. CPH credit available.

SEPTEMBER 30, FROM 5 - 8pm.

CPH PREVIEW TEST. Location: Lake Washington Institute of Technology.

Cost: $45 member, $65 non member.

Register at WSNLA.ORG or (800) 6727711. For questions contact Holly Osborne at holly@wsnla.org.

OCTOBER 3, 2015. Practical Permaculture. Location: 21 Acres. Speaker: Jessi Bloom, CPH, ecoPRO. For more information http:// www.eventbrite.com/e/21-acrespractical-permaculture-registration16658523091. CPH credit available.

OCTOBER 15 & 16, 2015.

Professional Rain Garden Workshop. Class is available for total of 11 CPH, ecoPRO and CLT credits and presented by WSU Extension Kitsap. For more information contact Colleen Miko at cmiko@co.kitsap.wa.us or (360) 3074378.

OCTOBER 21, from 5-8:30pm.

CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL HORTICULTURIST EXAM. Location: Lake Washington Institute of Technology.

Cost: $90 member, $160 non member.

Register at WSNLA.ORG or (800) 6727711. For questions contact Holly Osborne at holly@wsnla.org.

OCTOBER 21. Green Gardening Fall Workshop - Resilient Landscapes for Our Changing Urban Environment. Location: South Seattle Community College. To register visit www.brownpapertickets. com/event/1990783.

WSNLA

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association

Proud supporter of the WSNLA PROseries.

NOVEMBER 4, FROM

9AM - 3:30PM. PLANTS, PLANNING & PROMOTION. Location: Center for Urban Horticulture, Seattle. Complete details can be found on page 8-9.Register at WSNLA.ORG. Sponsored by Blooming Nursery. CPH credit available.

DECEMBER 2,

FROM 9am - 3:30pm.

THE UN-THIRSTY LANDSCAPE. Location: Irrigation Lab at Lake WA Institute of Technology, Kirkland. Complete details can be foundon page 8-9. Register at WSNLA.ORG. Sponsored by Little Prince of Oregon. CPH credit available.

NOVEMBER 10-13. ecoPRO TRAINING & EXAM. Location: 21 Acres in Woodinville. The training, study materials, and exam are based on 200+ sustainable best practices and required study materials. Cost: $350, includes the 3-day training and exam (lunch included). $150 for exam only. $75 exam re-take.

Individuals that do not meet the eligibility criteria for certification are welcome to register for the training only. For more information please contact Jeanne McNeil, ecoPRO Administrator at (206) 387-6727, (800) 672-7711 or jmcneil@ wsnla.org. This training is sponsored

by Cascade Water Alliance! CPH credit available.

JANUARY 2016.

BEE HEALTH: RESEARCH UPDATE & STRATEGIES FOR PROTECTING POLLINATORS. Location: TBA. CPH credit available.

JANUARY 22-23, 2016. NORTHWEST GREEN INDUSTRY CONFERENCE. Location: Clearwater Casino, Suquamish.

CPH credit available.

www.BIRINGERNURSERY.com

advertisersIndex Anderson Die & Manufacturing....... 23 Biringer Nursery.............................. 23 Certified Professional Horticulturist.16 Motz & Sons.................................... 24 Mukilteo Cedar Products................... 7 Oregon Valley Greenhouse.............. 24 Ogden Murphy Wallace................... 17 Plant Something!............................. 13 Sawdust Supply Company............... 17 SBGA................................................ 20 Stueber Distributing........................ 23 Wetlands & Woodlands..................... 5 WSNLA Sholarship & Research CharitableFund................................ 16 WSNLA would like to thank our B&B advertisers and encourages our readers to learn more about the products and services they offer. Be sure to visit ouradvertiser websites to find out more.

thankYou

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association 34400 Pacific Hwy S., Ste 2 Federal Way, WA 98003 Address Service Requested

Specializing in Heavy Duty structures to cover all your greenhouse needs Standard and Custom sizes available

503-678-2700 * 1-800-347-2701 (outside OR) * FAX: 503-678-2789 www.ovg.com * ivans@ovg.com * 20357 HWY 99E * AURORA, OR 97002