B&B Online - June 2016

VOL68,NO.6.JUNE2016

(Left) Bumble bee sunning on western red cedar. Photo credit Sharon J. Collman.

(Below) Million Garden Pollinator Challenge provides industry resources for nursery and landscape professionals.

Find out more on page 15.

Cover Photo Credit: Sharon J. Collman.

Contents

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 Subscription Price: $39 Annually

8 Honey Bee Exposure to Neonicotinoids in Washington State

10 Bees, Pollinators & A World Restored Growers, retailers, landscapers and gardeners can work together to restore pollinator health.

12 State Pollinator Protection Plan

WSDA to work with stakeholders throughout Washington to develop State Managed Pollinator Protection Plan.

JUNE 2016 VOL 68. NO. 6 Editor Breanne Chavez

Features Dr. Timothy Lawrence, PhD, WSU Extension Island Couty Director, shares his survey findings.

The Official Publication of

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association

Deadlines:

News, Classified ads Advertising 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.

Columns 4

From the President

5

Legislative & Regulatory

6

Executive Director

Departments 18

Chapter News

18

WSNLA Marketplace

13 Managing Your Customer’s Expectations ecoPROs share tips for working with customers as they transition to a sustainable landscape.

Interested in sharing your opinions and comments with B&B readers? If you take 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.

WSNLA

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association

Growing the Success of our Members

www.wsnla.org

Executive Director Breanne Chavez e-mail breanne@wsnla.org Finance & Operations Director Holly Osborne, CPH e-mail holly@wsnla.org ecoPRO Administrator Jeanne McNeil e-mail jmcneil@wsnla.org B&B Magazine Content Coordinator Dawn Clarke email dawn@wsnla.org Š 2016, Washington State Nursery and Landscape Association

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association - 3

[ From the WSNLA President ]

do. Apparently the law might require me to pay the appropriate minimum wage when my employee is delivering in Seattle or Tacoma.

Ingrid Wachtler, CPH WSNLA President Woodbrook Native Plant Nursery Gig Harbor In April I participated in a Survey of Puget Sound Employers by the University of Washington. We were randomly selected. It was interesting. It was definitely triggered at least in part by Seattle’s new minimum wage law and Tacoma’s prospective changes.

Other than listening less than intently to the TV news broadcasts, I just assumed those new wage laws would not affect me since I was out of their jurisdictions.

As the survey progressed, I realized it does affect my business and my employees and my payroll.

There were questions about whether I do any business within these jurisdictions – including deliveries. Those I sometimes

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Other questions concerned my one employee who earns less than $15 per hour. Would he be tempted to leave since he was being paid less than the minimum in Tacoma? Like anyone would want to drive another hour per day and pay the bridge toll to work in Tacoma?

Really? But maybe there was some truth in the question. Another question – would there be dissatisfaction? Would I consider raising his pay? Yes, I have considered raising his pay. But if I raise his pay, would my other employees want comparable raises since they perceive their value to the company as greater?

Yes – I think I would have to.

Then questions about the cost of my products and would I raise the price. Of course I have thought of that – maybe more “after the recession” thinking than “having to give raises” thinking. But wage pressure would definitely trigger it.

At the recent WSNLA board meeting one of our board members asked our host nursery, situated in Seattle, about the impact on them of the new minimum wage law. Her answer was

very interesting too. Already people mistakenly think the minimum is $15, even though it is stepped to increase gradually. It will have impact and they are dealing with it.

And how about the rest of us? Even at the board meeting within Seattle city limits, are we all being paid the appropriate minimum wage? If an employee were sent to a WSNLA convention or classes within the City of Seattle or Tacoma, are they earning the right wage? A bit of a bag of worms.

They asked if I had any comments at the end of the survey. I pointed out that in Kirkland my son is building new homes that sell for just under one million dollars. That same new house would sell for about $600,000 in Gig Harbor.

The cost of living from one area to another is quite different. Even from Gig Harbor proper to the surrounding more rural areas the cost of housing is very different.

But there is one thing I am grateful for. While we cannot get involved in all the law changes in all the cities in Washington State, we can be involved in our state legislation changes. Thank goodness we have Heather Hansen watching our backs there!

Legislative & Regulatory WSNLA Works To Protect Your Business

ecoPRO Certified Professional graduate, explained that the day after Jeanne passed; they finished building the tiers, because they just could not imagine leaving the project unfinished.

Heather Hansen WSNLA Lobbyist Olympia I never thought I could laugh that much at a memorial service. As Scott, Jeanne McNeil’s husband, told stories about their life together, the crowd repeatedly bubbled with laughter. He described the tilt of her head, the stubborn expression on her face and the way she said, “why not?” when someone said they could not do something. The Bainbridge Island Center Hall was filled to capacity.

Friends and neighbors, WSNLA members and Jeanne’s brothers and sister all told stories of her love of gardening, landscape design, boating, building and cooking. Many stories centered on Jeanne talking someone into doing something they did not think they could do. In every case, the storyteller was thankful they had listened to Jeanne and succeeded at the impossible. Following the service, many of us walked over to see the greenhouses we had heard so much about. They were built as large commercial greenhouses in the 1960’s.

They now house asparagus, raspberries, roses, two peach trees, peas, broccoli, cabbage, squash and strawberries. The strawberries are built up in tiers. Tatyana Vashchenko, who was helping to care for the greenhouses, and is a recent

I don’t remember when I first met Jeanne, but I do remember vividly when she hired me to represent WSNLA. She had recently taken over as executive director of WSNLA. I did not know her very well, but she and I had recently been at a series of meetings together.

One morning the phone rang in my office, it was Jeanne. My first thought was, “I wonder why she is calling me.”

In true Jeanne form, she got right to the point. She stated, “I’ve been watching you and I like the way you work. I’d like you to represent WSNLA.” That was the beginning of a great working relationship and a wonderful friendship.

In addition to leading WSNLA, Jeanne served on numerous WSDA committees.

She was a Commissioner on the State Commission for Pesticide Registration.

She went to Washington, DC to work on immigration issues. She started the ecoPRO program. But her real legacy will be the people she touched. Each of us will make decisions just a bit differently and maybe try just a bit harder because Jeanne would have encouraged us to do so. Her legacy will live on through each of us.

Worker Protection Standard update Last September, EPA adopted a new version of the Worker Protection Standard (WPS). This rule applies to all agricultural workers who work around

pesticides. The new version goes into effect in January 2017.

The new rule includes a provision allowing a farmworker to designate a representative to access pesticide records. The provision was intended to allow a farmworker who may not be fluent in English to have someone else read records for them. However, the provision was written with no restrictions. Farmers have no way of authenticating a designation. There are no restrictions on what a designated representative may do with farmspecific pesticide application data. The information is not related in any way to exposure, health or risk to the worker. A separate provision in the rule requires the release of pertinent information to health or medical personnel. There are no provisions in the rule sanctioning third parties who abuse the provision.

A growers pesticide records could be sent to a newspaper or published in the internet with no recourse.

In addition to concerns about language in the rule, farm groups are also concerned about the way EPA adopted it. The law requires EPA to provide the House Agriculture Committee with a copy of new rule language at least 30 days prior to the administrator signing it. The draft rule EPA provided to the committee did not contain the designated representative provision.

Because the agency did not follow the law when adopting the rule, a coalition of national groups, led by the American Farm Bureau, is requesting that the House Agriculture Committee try to prevent implementation of the rule.

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association - 5

[ FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ]

Working Together to Protect, Promote & Educate Our Horticulture Community.

Breanne Chavez WSNLA Executive Director WSNLA is a non profit trade organization with the mission to grow the success of our members through representing, educating and promoting our horticulture community. In 1902, we were developed by industry professionals to do just that. Today, managed by a Board of Directors representative of industry professionals elected by their peers, we continue these efforts as our industry evolves.

WSNLA has long and established history of tackling industry issues head on.

This issue is an excellent example of that.

The ongoing conversation regarding neonicotinoids and bee health catapulted our industry into the headlines. WSNLA leadership and staff participated in many local and national conversations on this topic. In response, nursery and landscape professionals have used this as an opportunity to evolve.

- Growers continue to adapt their IPM strategies, as demonstrated in the WSNLA video series.

- Retail nurseries are avidly promoting pollinator friendly plants with displays. signage and workshops. (This is also supported by the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge point of sale program developed by AmericanHort and HRI).

- And, many nursery and landscape professionals have positioned themselves as a resource and partner to consumers in their pollinator friendly landscape installations.

WSNLA members continue to work together to address current issues impacting our industry. Please know you are a valued partner and collaborator in this effort.

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New WSNLA Video Series Showcases Environmental Growing Techniques T&L Nursery & Skagit Gardens tell the story of how a plant comes to market.

WSNLA

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association

2016 WSNLA Officers Ingrid Wachtler, CPH, President Woodbrook Native Plant Nursery 253-265-6271 | woodbrk@harbornet.com Duane Job, President Elect Job’s Nursery 509-547-4843 | duanejob@gmail.com Lucinda McMahan, CPH | Vice President Lucinda’s Landscapes 425-773-4237 | lucinda31@comcast.net Bill Raynolds, My Garden, Treasurer 206-406-3487 | mygardennursery@gmail.com Tim Gray, Past President Pacific Stone Company 425-258-1911 | timg@pacificstoneco.com

WSNLA Board of directors Peter Van Well, III, Van Well Nursery 509-886-8189 | pete2@vanwell.net North Central Chapter President

Last year, T&L Nursery and Skagit Gardens worked with WSNLA to develop a series of short videos that tells the story of bringing a plant to market. The 3-part series works to educate consumers about the growing segment of our industry. The Bringing a Plant to Market video series includes:

• Planning & Plant Selection This videos highlights different considerations acknowledged when selecting plant material to be grown and distributed to the market.

• Environmental Growing Practices

Because consumers have an increasing desire to know how their plants have

been grown and treated, this video highlights environmental growing practices

used, include; water conservation and pest management with biological controls.

• Propagation Selection Have you ever had a customer ask why the same plant costs more at your nursery? One reason might be the propagation source. This video addresses this question by showing seed vs. cutting vs. tissue culture.

These videos are currently available to view on the WSNLA YouTube Channel. To help spread the word to consumers, WSNLA members are encouraged to link or embed the code into your business website, share in your eNews communications or show to a captive audience during workshops and events.

To access the WSNLA YouTube Channel visit WSNLA.ORG > click on the green YouTube square found at the very top far right corner. Or, search ‘WSNLA YouTube’ using your search engine.

Scott Pringle, CPH, Paradise Lake Nursery 206-930-4132 | paradiselakenursery@gmail.com Northwest Chapter President

Megan Pulkkinen, CPH | Megan Pulkkinen Landscape Design 360-698-1865 | megancph@hotmail.com Olympic Chapter President Kirsten Lints, CPH, Gardens ALIVE Design 425-318-2971 | kirsten@gardensALIVEdesign.com Seattle Chapter President Toni Cross, CPH, 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 Shannon Grina, CPH, Grina Landscape Design (425) 736-5170 | shannon99@comcast.net CPH Caucus Chair

Open Positions: -

Mt Rainier Chapter President Greenhouse Grower Caucus Chair Wholesale Grower Caucus Chair Out of State Caucus Chair Southwest Chapter President

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association - 7

A Survey of Honey Bee Exposure to Neonicotinoid Pesticides in the State of Washington

By Timothy Lawrence, PhD | Assistant Professor and WSU Extension Island County Director Neonicotinoid insecticides (aka Neonics) are now one of the most commonly used insecticides by homeowners and farmers.

It has been estimated that between 1020% of all pesticides used in Oregon and Washington are neonics. In some areas of the country 70 to 90 percent of crops are now treated with this class of insecticide.

In a recent survey, conducted by the Washington Department of Agriculture, home owners indicated 26.3% of the insecticides the participants used were neonics, and 58.4% were pyrethroids.

Thus overall, exposure bees have to neonics can vary greatly. Many argue that neonics are much more environmentally friendly due to their systemic nature.

When applied as a seed treatment, soil drench, or granular application the direct contact with bees and other beneficial insects is greatly reduced. However, we know that neonics can be in pollen and nectar with direct exposure to bees.

Studies have shown that behavior of honey bee and bumble bee adults can be adversely affected by exposure to food sources spiked with sublethal concentrations of neonicotinoid insecticides. However, such laboratory studies have restricted diets to a single food source, and thus were the equivalent of “no choice� exposures. Significant

media attention on the outcome of these studies has generated concerns about whether hazard assessments that traditionally focused only on acute oral or contact toxicity provided sufficient information for appropriately protecting pollinators. On the other hand, field scale studies of colonies given access to crops sown with neonicotinoid treated seeds have tended not to observe the hazards reported in studies that have restricted diets to only a constant level of pesticide exposure. However, a recent field study suggested that native bee populations under field conditions might be more susceptible to sublethal exposure levels and be more susceptible than honey bees.

Concerns about the loss of pollinators have pushed some governmental regulatory bodies to set restrictions or outright bans on the use of neonicotinoid insecticides. The US EPA announced it would not approve any new outdoor uses of neonicotinoid pesticides until new bee data have been submitted and pollinator risk assessments are complete.

Maryland has recently restricted the purchase of neonics to home owners and in the Pacific Northwest restrictions on city use of neonicotinoids have been enacted in Spokane and Seattle,

8 - The B&B Magazine | Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association

WA and in Portland and Eugene, OR. Nationally, Home Depot and Ortho have indicated they will be phasing out the sale of products containing neonics. Is this action warranted and will it actually improve the plight of honey bees and other pollinators?

To answer these questions a team of WSU researchers set out to determine the presence of neonics in beebread (pollen processed and stored in comb) and bees wax from colonies located in urban, rural and agricultural landscapes. Owing to a much more intense use of neonicotinoid insecticides in agricultural landscapes, they predicted that apiaries in the rural and urban landscapes would have greater detections of imidacloprid, the one insecticide available to consumers without pesticide applicator licenses. In addition, they set out to determine the likelihood of adverse sublethal effects on bees in these various landscapes. The focus of the study was limited to four common neonicotinoid insecticides; dinotefuran, thiamethoxam, clothianidin, imidacloprid, and the toxic metabolite imidacloprid olefin.

Washington apiaries managed by hobbyist, sideliner, and commercial beekeepers were selected to give a broad

(OPPOSITE PAGE, LEFT) HONEY BEE. Photo by Sharon J. Collman (OPPOSITE PAGE, RIGHT) Honey Bee. Photo CREDIT: Dave Hofeditz (LEFT) FIELD sampling locations 2013 (orange) and 2014 (purple) (BELOW) DETECTION OF NEONICOTINOID INSECTICIDES IN BEE WAX AND BEEBREAD SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM APIARIES IN DIFFERENT LANDSCAPES OF WASHINGton state during 2013 and 2014. numbers in parantheses represents the number of apiaries visited per landscape classicification. neonicotinoid analytes were not detected in wax samples collected during 2013 at an lod of ppb.

geographic distribution Fig. 1. Field Sampling Locationsrepresenting – 2013 (orange) and 2014 (purple) urban, rural, and agricultural locations.

Beekeepers were selected from a combined list of members of local beekeeping organizations. A total of 92 cooperating Washington state beekeepers (44 during 2013; 48 during 2014) provided access for collection of hive samples from 149 apiaries that are representative of bee forage areas throughout the State (Fig. 1). Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates were collected for each apiary sampled.

The coordinates were overlain on a topographic based map (Environmental Systems Research Institute) with crop type shape files developed by the 2013 Washington Department of Agriculture (WSDA). If the apiary was within 2 km of an urban area it was classified as urban. If within 2 km of an agricultural crop which bees are known to visit, it was classified as agricultural. All other sites were classified as rural.

The researchers found that over a oneyear period, neonicotinoid residues were detected in less than 5% of the apiaries located in rural and urban landscapes in Washington State. About 50% of beebread samples collected from apiaries in agricultural landscapes contained the insecticides clothianidin and thiamethoxam, but at very low levels (<2 ppb) (Fig. 2). The highest level of neonicotinoids found in any of the samples was 3.9 ppb. The risk assessment indicated a low likelihood of adverse

Fig.in2.agricultural Detection ofareas neonicotinoid insecticides in bee V.R. wax and beebread samples collected from effects and no risk in Felsot, Hebert, and W.S. Sheppard, in different State during 2013 and 2014. Numbers in urbanapiaries and rural areas. landscapes of Washington2016.

Survey and Risk Assessment of Apis parentheses represent the numbers of apiaries visited per landscape classification. mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Exposure 1 samples analytes were not detected in wax collected during 2013 at an LOD of 2 TheseNeonicotinoid findings should be reassuring to Neonicotinoid Pesticides in Urban, ppb.

for beekeepers and others concerned with honey bee health. Neonicotinoid pesticides are not as prevalent in the State of Washington as many have feared.

Other measures such as planting nectar and pollen sources for bees and other pollinators may be a more effective way for local jurisdictions to help bees thrive.

For detailed results these findings have been published in the Journal of Economic Entomology.

Lawrence, T. J., E.M. Culbert, A.S.

Rural, and Agricultural Settings. Journal of Economic Entomology. Vol 109 (2) 520-528 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tov397 Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the numerous Washington State beekeepers that allowed us access to their hives to collect the samples.

Jim Santo, Brandon Hopkins and Jason Long assisted us in data collection. We also thank the Washington State Commission on Pesticide registration, the Washington Department of Agriculture and the Washington State Beekeepers Association for funding support.

Bugs & Blights

Bees, Pollinators & A World Restored You’ve read about the bee declines. Dr. Tim Lawrence, WSU Island County Extension, knows his bees from years as a beekeeper, as a bee researcher and as someone who is just plain interested in the health of bees. We can lament pesticide use, air pollution, mites, parasites and other maladies affecting bees, but according to Dr. Lawrence there is a huge shortage of habitat and pollen/nectar plants. (He has an award winning vimeo on “Pollinators and Protecting Pollinators” at https://vimeo. com/146957716. Think about it. Bees get nectar and pollen from plants. But square miles of roofing, blacktop and cement roads, and pristine weed free lawns have replaced thousands of meadows and wetlands. Even weedy roadsides provide more nectar and pollen than the urban “built environment”.

In the US, there are over 4000 species of native bees. There are bees that specialize in flowers other pollinators can’t touch.

Because bees thrive on pollen and nectar they are among the best of the pollinators. But, there are also many flies, beetles, butterflies, wasps and other insects that provide pollination services. Native pollinators play important roles in crop pollination, and they are also critical the survival of many native plants. We hear how bees are responsible for every third bite we eat. So it makes sense to protect them and create places for them to exist. But we are just a larger gnat on the back of the earth. Bees provide the pollination services that produces seed for wildflowers, trees and shrubs of forests and meadows; the seed for alfalfa fields that feed cows and other livestock; the flowers that make bird seed so we can watch birds; and the plants that hold the earthy in place during rains. Pull up a 10 - The B&B Magazine

foxglove and look at amount of the soil that its roots are gripping.

Plants are earths clothing and protection. It’s not just the food, but the earth itself that relies on pollinators.

Three ways growers can help 1. Ensure flowers you grow are close to native genetic stock so that the nutrients in their pollen and nectar remain attractive and nourish bees. They like single flowers with easy access to pollen and nectar or tubular flowers for pollinators with long tongues.

2. Increase flowers that the bees are choosing for homeowners and revegetation projects.

3. Be selective and sparing in using pesticides so pollinators are not harmed.

Three ways retailers can help 1. Sell plants that attract bees in the nursery. You don’t need to hunt for lists of plants. I walk through a nursery and let the bees show me what they be liking.

2. Encourage customers to come at least once a month to see what the bees are choosing through the season.

3. Make it easy for the customer. Group plants for pollinators so they sell themselves.

Three ways landscape professionals can help 1. Bees and pollinators need nesting and resting spaces – holes in wood, leaves for sunning . Bee hotels are one very artistic way to provide bee habitat while creating a pleasing art design and screen for privacy. Type “insect hotels” and select “images” in your browser for a delight.

Q.

What to tell people who are “allergic to bees”. As a kid, I spent at least one week of every summer with my leg up on ice, miserable from the swelling and ache and itch of “bee” stings. Bee, yellowjacket – what’s the difference? When one got close, I was terrified that they were out to get me. (Nevermind that I insisted on going barefooted.

A.

(OPPOSITE PAGE, LEFT) Fly on white rock rose – large eyes and short antenna distinguish it from a bee. Photo CREDIT: Dave Hofeditz (OPPOSITE PAGE, RIGHT) Golden bumble bee on sunning on thimbleberry.

Photo Credit: sharon J. Collman.

(ABOVE, LEFT) Two Bumble bees hanging out. Photo credit: Sharon J. Collman.

2. Layer the bee-atttractive plants, like Linden, over single white multiflora rose, surrounded by flowers that are magnets for bees. Pollinators need nectar and pollen sources throughout the year.

3. Pollinators also need a source of water and foliage for hiding at night and cold days.

Three ways a gardener can help 1. Plant open centered flowers or proven pollen and nectar plants. In my own garden I’m planting a lot of flowers and flowering shrubs and trees –not all the flowers will be equally attractive. I’ll be watching from a comfortable chair, while I have my morning or evening beverage of choice, and will replace nonperformers with bees-can’t-go-by-without-sipping plants.

2. Some plants simply thrum with the energy of hundreds of buzzing bees: Japanese snowbell, any Ceanothus, the open flowered white multiflora rose with stamens golden with pollen; red valerian or Jupiter’s beard (Centranthus ruber), foxglove, Penstemmon barbatus, coneflowers and more.

3. This last winter, weeds bloomed and provided sustenance through the dreary days (hensbit, chickweeds, and others). I held off pulling them till spring, and then kept pace with the new seedlings. Viola tricolor bloomed all winter and doubled in size. It binds the garden soil, and is a running theme tying the garden together. How could one not love a plant so revered as to have so many names: heartsease, heart’s ease, heart’s delight, tickle-my-fancy, Jack-jump-upand-kiss-me, come-and-cuddle-me, three-faces-in-a-hood, love-in-idleness or simply, wild pansy. It pulls easily where I don’t want it and keeps other weeds out until I find another flower I can’t be without.

4. The benefits aren’t just bees but healthy parasitoids and predators that will keep my pests in check. They love the open flowers with easily accessible nectar and pollen.

5. I tolerate some pests knowing the beneficials need something to eat if they are going to hang around. And of course, when a pest gets out of hand, I target the pest and protect the rest.

When a bee or a wasp is foraging for food, they are intent on finding a spider under a rock or that pollen-laden flower. No offense, but pretty-much they could care less about you. The gardener is just a tree trunk or post to them, unless adorned with flowery prints and heavenly perfume or aftershave.

Then, of course, they will have to investigate in case there might be a spider just under your shirt sleeve or pollen on your nose.

Bumble bees will fly around the gardener two or three times then leave since you weren’t what they were looking for after all. They are NOT circling for the kill.

Most people get stung by yellowjackets (the worst of the wasps)– especially late in summer when they have no larvae to feed and they are full of sugar and cranky.

Yellowjackets will challenge you for that shrimp or chicken bit – it’s so much easier than tackling a squirming caterpillar.

Yellowjacket nests in shrubbery or ground nesting yellowjackets, detect your thrashing around with the pruners, or react to the vibration of your not so dainty garden boots. This is the true meaning of homeland security in action. At the first sign of a wasp “with purpose”, gracefully, and without vibration, boogie right out of their way. They do mean to protect the kids.

Just in case, gardeners who think they may be allergic should consult an allergist and be prepared. The bees or wasps may be just foraging peacefully but if you step or sit on one, they will react.

Refer to back issue of Bugs & Blights August 2014 for photos of bees, wasps, yellowjackets, mud daubers and paper wasps. http://extension. wsu.edu/snohomish/wp-content/uploads/ sites/7/2013/04/BB-2014-August.pdf; or https:// www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chromeinstant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=Bugs+and+bli ghts+wsnla+August+2014 p. 18 Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association - 11

WSDA Works With Stakeholders to Develop State Managed Pollinator Protection Plan WORKING TO IMPROVE POLLINATOR HABITAT HERE IN WASHINGTON STATE Last year, Washington State Department of Agriculture initiated communication with stakeholders, including beekeepers, commodity organizations, government agencies, non governmental organizations, tribes, and university researchers to begin development of a Managed Pollinator Protection Plan (MP3) for Washington State.

The Initial focus of Washington’s plan will be on pesticide use on bee pollinated crops.

Discussion has already started with focus on alfalfa grown for seed (Alkali bee, Alfalfa leafcutting bee). Currently, Washington State University is working to draft a section for review by alfalfa seed growers and WSDA. However, the ultimate goal is a comprehensive MP3, in which several stakeholders, including WSNLA, have expressed interest in improving pollinator habitat.

With over 300 crops grown throughout Washington State, creation of a comprehensive MP3 will occur on an ongoing basis. As progress is made, WSDA will assess the need to develop specific sections, such as berries, tree fruit, pollinator habitat/native bees, with customized BMPs. WSNLA will continue to monitor the development of Washington’s MP3 and communicate with members as progress is made.

Below, this article provides background information about the reason State Managed Pollinator Plans are being developed, including the scope of state MP3s, and the critical and optional elements that are needed to be accomplished.

About the State Managed Pollinator Plans Pollinator health is a high priority national issue due to significant colony losses experienced by U.S. beekeepers over the past decade. In his memo, “Creating a Federal Strategy to Promote the Health of

The primary purpose of a state Managed Pollinator Protection Plan (MP3) is to reduce pesticide exposure to bees through timely communication and coordination among key stakeholders, including beekeepers, growers, pesticide applicators, and landowners.

Honey Bees and Other Pollinators” in June of 2014, the President called attention to the issue of pollinator health and directed federal efforts to reverse pollinator losses and help restore populations to healthy levels.

In particular, the memo directed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to engage state agencies in developing state pollinator protection plans as a means of mitigating the risk of pesticides to bees and other managed pollinators.

The primary purpose of a state Managed Pollinator Protection Plan (MP3) is to reduce pesticide exposure to bees through timely communication and coordination among key stakeholders, including beekeepers, growers, pesticide applicators, and landowners. Pesticide exposure can be minimized if pesticide applicators and beekeepers communicate prior to pesticide applications to coordinate activities and allow crop protection products to be used without unreasonable adverse effects to managed pollinators. It is the intent that such open communication will lead to practices that both mitigate potential pesticide exposure to bees and allow for the management of pests. This could involve collaboration on the selection of the pesticide product, a change to the application timing, or

an opportunity for beekeepers to move or cover their hives prior to a pesticide application, thereby reducing the chance that managed bees are found in the treatment area.

In addition to mitigating risk of pesticides to pollinators, MP3s can also establish clear expectations among stakeholders when a pesticide application needs to be made near managed pollinators. This open communication will not only help build relationships and increase mutual understanding, but also ensure peaceful co-existence and allow all parties to operate successfully.

Scope of State Managed Pollinator Protection Plans The scope of MP3s is limited to managed pollinators not under contracted pollination services at the site of application. This is because EPA is considering label restrictions to protect managed bees under contracted services from the potential acute hazards from acutely toxic pesticides. MP3s are intended to reduce pesticide exposure to managed bees that are adjacent to, or nearby a pesticide treatment site where bees can receive exposure via drift, or by flying to and foraging in the treatment site.

The term “managed pollinators” includes any species of pollinators that are managed by humans, be it for

Elements of a Managed Pollinator Protection Plan Critical Elements: – Stakeholder participation process.

– Method for growers/applicators to know if managed pollinators are near treatment sites. pollination services; the production of honey, beeswax, and other products; or for some other purpose. Managed pollinators are primarily honey bees (Apis mellifera), but could include other species of bees, such as alfalfa leafcutting bees (Megachile rotundata), orchard bees (Osmia spp.), mason bees (Osmia spp.) and some species of bumble bees (Bombus spp).

States are encouraged to define the scope of their MP3 based on local issues and concerns. For example, some states may expand the scope of their plan to include native bees. In addition, some states may focus their state plan on agricultural pesticide issues, while others may focus on or include structural and non-agricultural pesticide uses.

States are urged to evaluate their major pesticide/pollinator issues and clearly define the scope of their plan, including such issues as: A) the species of managed pollinators addressed in the plan, B) whether the plan includes hobbyist or commercial beekeepers, C) whether the plan addresses agricultural or non-agricultural pesticide

uses, or both,

– Method for growers/applicators to identify and contact beekeepers prior to application.

D) whether the plan includes managed pollinators under contract for managed pollination services, and

– Best Management Practices (BMPs) to Minimize Risk of Pesticides to bees.

E) whether the plan addresses urban beekeeping issues.

– Process to Periodically Review and Modify MP3.

It should be noted that many of the strategies to mitigate risk of pesticides to managed pollinators are expected to reduce risk to native bees and other pollinators as well Flexibility State approaches may vary greatly depending on each state’s agriculture, urban floral aesthetics, the local beekeeping industry, state pesticide and apiary laws, and other factors. Therefore, it is essential to allow sufficient flexibility for state approaches to address pollinator health and meet the goals of a state MP3. Some states may adopt a regulatory approach, such as state-specific regulations on beekeeper notification or restrictions and where or when pesticide applications can be made in proximity to managed pollinators, while others may develop plans built on voluntary best management practices.

– Clear Defined Plan for Public Outreach.

– Mechanism to Measure Effectiveness of MP3.

Optional/Recommended Elements: – Communication with Crop Advisors and Extension Service.

– Crop-specific or Site-specific Plans.

– Recommendations for Formalized Agreements Between Beekeepers, Crop producers, and Property owners.

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association - 13

ecoPRO Certified Professionals Share How They Engage & Inform Clients In Their Sustainable Landscape 1. Honesty

My most helpful tool in discussing expectations for sustainable landscape management is honesty. Along with my experience, I communicate what is possible and what is unrealistic within a given budget and/or timeline. I explain that landscape management is a three part relationship; the maintenance company, the owner and the landscape itself. It takes time to mature and learn each others ways.

Gregory Smaus CPH, EPC Maintenance Manager | Rock Solid Landscapes

2. Passion & Knowledge

The biggest tool in getting our clients on board is passion and knowledge. The more passionate and knowledgeable we can be the more our clients trust us to direct them properly. ecoPRO certification is another tool to express to our clients our commitment to best practices.

Kryssie Maybay, LLA, EPC Landscape Architect, Sublime Garden Design

3. Patience & Tolerance

Sustainable landscapes are about creating “systems” that over the long run begin to take care of themselves. As such, we have to learn to back away and let Nature take the lead. This requires us to see things the way Nature sees things rather than our own preconceived notion of what a landscape means exclusively to us. But we are part of a sustainable landscape so we must also get what we need. So this is the dilemma... How do we get what we need while allowing Nature to take the lead? We are really good at expressing our desires and we carry them out with lawn mowers, pruning tools, rototillers and the like but Nature doesn’t shout out what she needs. We turn her soil and prune her limbs and yet she remains silent. And in that silence is the answer. When we listen we begin to realize that Nature has value independent of the value we may place on her. That leaf disease on the Dogwood Tree or weed in the lawn has a value to Nature even if we see it as a problem to solve. And we start to see things from her perspective and we adjust our practices over time to honor her. And then it happens -- we are doing 30 - The B&B Magazine 14

less but enjoying our landscape more and things are magically beginning to take care of themselves. And all it took was a little patience and tolerance.

Bill Peregrine, EPC Earthdance Organics

4. Value Your Health & Heath of Your Family; Ecostyem

We value your health and your family’s (pets, etc) health and our own health and the health of the ecosystem so we are launching a pesticide and herbicide free program. We are going to monitor your site for pests and work with cutting edge scientific information managing these through nature based and sustainable methods - such as encouraging predators, beneficial insects, instead of spraying the pests... involve the client in the process, educate them. Most people will appreciate the information and will be wanting to work with you.

Zsofia Pastzor, CPH, EPC Innovative Landscape Technologies, Inc.

5. Communication & Partnership

We let our customers know that using best practices and implementing more natural methods require more labor and that we will work with them through the process.

Linda Carroll & Jeff Carroll, EPC Jefferson Landscaping

6. Reduce Costs & Protect Your Investment

We will reduce the need for irrigation through sustainable planting methods and mulching practices. This will cut back on your cost for water, even though you will need to spend a little extra on plants/or mulch/ or an updated irrigation system. In light of the most recent drought this is to protect your investment and to reduce the load on our dwindling water supply.

Zsofia Pastzor, CPH, EPC Innovative Landscape Technologies, Inc.

7. More Information & Additional Incentives

9. Additional Incentives

Many of our clients do not have enough information on sustainable practices to know that some of their current or previous practices are detrimental to achieving a sustainable site. Everyone wants to do the right thing and once clients are given the information they are typically excited to try the new approach.

We also offer additional incentives for using organic fertilizers and maintenance. Use of synthetics voids our plant warranty.

We require that our contractors that install our work use sustainable methods whenever possible as well. That way our clients are hearing the same message from both us (their designer) and the contractor. This provides a unified message and expresses the importance to them.

Kryssie Maybay, LLA, EPC Landscape Architect, Sublime Garden Design

Kryssie Maybay, LLA, EPC Landscape Architect, Sublime Garden Design

8. Ask For Client Participation

We are participating in the pollinator and wildlife corridor programs in our city. As a company, we ask that our clients join in as well and rethink how their site functions as a wildlife habitat. We want to make sure the farmers around us have enough pollinators as well as our urban food farms can grow produce as well easily, so we will be letting things grow and go into flower or even seed more readily. We would like to increase the native plants on your site so the birds and insects can find food and shelter easily. We will turn your yard into an entertainment center essentially and you will not have to leave your home. And, if someone is not open at all - maybe it is best to drop them from your client list. If you stand by your values, the world will stand by you too.

10. Educating the client about the difference in turf

appearance between a typical high-N synthetic diet and normal nutrient availability that is managed with organic fertilizers is paramount. It is necessary as well to describe or show examples of turf in a climax condition where there are 4-5 species of grass present and often broadleaf weeds. Helping them understand that mulch is a critical weed control tool and that weeds should be tolerated as long as they are controlled prior to going to seed is also helpful. If the client accepts these realities a transition can be effected without breaking the bank. However, the lower their tolerance for these conditions the higher the price tag.

Will Bailey CLP/CLT/EPC/ISA Signature Landscape Services, LLC

Zsofia Pastzor, CPH, EPC Innovative Landscape Technologies, Inc.

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Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association - 15

Million Pollinator Garden Challenge

Pollinator Garden Point-of-Purchase Materials Released; Communicator Toolkit Provides Additional Industry Resources The Horticultural Research Institute, the research affiliate of AmericanHort, is pleased to announce the creation of new point-of-purchase materials designed for garden retail display.

The signage promotes the Million Pollinator Garden Challenge, a national movement to plant more forage habitat for pollinators throughout North America. The materials carry a simple message for consumers: plant something to support pollinators, and register your garden at MillionPollinatorGardens.org.

Making customers feel good about their purchases has a powerful effect on buying decisions. Research shows that cause marketing not only catches the attention of shoppers, it encourages purchasing and turns customers into advocates for your business. Pollinator health is an increasingly important cause for consumers in all demographics.

Garden retailers have been looking for ways to create awareness and showcase the important role horticulture plays in pollinator health. The Million Pollinator Garden Challenge does the work to drive engagement with customers and inspire them to take action. The pollinator point-of-purchase materials open doors to meaningful conversations with the gardening public. By encouraging consumers to “help us reach one million gardens” by planting and then registering their gardens, retailers have the opportunity to influence purchasing habits and connect their customers to a movement that benefits the environment— something the horticultural community has long strived to do.

10 BEE LOVING PLANTS Borago officinalis Aster x frikartii ‘Monch’ Achillea ssp.and cultivars Lavandula spp.

Buddleja ssp. And cultivars Echinacea spp. and cultivars Lantana ssp. And cultivars Monarda spp. and cultivars Sedum spp. and cultivars Salvia spp. and cultivars Eryngium spp. and cultivars Origanum spp. and cultivars Ceanothus spp. and cultivars

16 - The B&B Magazine

Borgae Frikart’s Aster Yarrow Lavender Butterfly Bush (non invasive varieties) Coneflower Lantana Beebalm Stonecrop Sage/Hardy Salvia Sea Holly Oregano (ornamental & culinary) Wild CA Lilac

“Information and signage addressing horticulture’s role in supporting pollinator health solutions are important,” says Craig Regelbrugge, senior vice president of industry advocacy and research for AmericanHort. “It’s for this reason that we developed point-of-purchase materials to communicate with, educate, and motivate retail customers. These pollinator P.O.P. materials can be an effective addition to industry retailers’ promotions toolkit, while simultaneously promoting an important and global cause.”

Signs, bench cards, and plant tags are all available as print-ondemand items through a special partnership developed between the Challenge’s founders and Garden Center Marketing, a company owned and operated by Timothy Howard.

The pollinator P.O.P. materials may be viewed and ordered directly through the Garden Center Marketing website at www. gardencentermarketing.com/page/Pollinator-Garden-ChallengeSignage.

Additional marketing materials, including a communications toolkit and social media graphics to further support retailer efforts are available via HRI’s pollinator research website: www. growwise.org/ChallengeToolkit.

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They could be eligible for a $100 rebate for installing a WaterSense certified irrigation timer!

All Saving Water Partnership customers are eligible.

For details and a list of Partnership service areas, go to: www.savingwater.org/rebates.

Larger rebates are available for landscape projects with one or more acres of irrigated landscape. Learn more at www.savingwater.org/rebates.

www.BIRINGERNURSERY.com

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

M A D E I N T H E U S A

“CEDAR-TIqUE COLLECTIOn” Mukilteocedar@aol.com

2016 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

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

For more information or to be added to the email list to receive chapter meeting notice announcements, contact Kirsten Lints at Kirsten@gardensALIVEdesign. com.

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.

WSNLA MARKETPLACE

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

NURSERY MANAGER AT OUR OLYMPIA NURSERY - LAWYER NURSERY, growing 150+ species of woody plants in cultivated fields and greenhouses. Production includes seedlings, rooted cuttings, and transplants. Ultimately responsible for all aspects of production including propagation, growing, plant nutrition, pesticides, irrigation, harvesting, grading, inventory, cold storage, shipping, equipment and facilities, personnel, and regulatory compliance. Visit the WSNLA Career Center at WSNLA.ORG to learn more about the requirements, knowledge, compensation, and benefits. To Apply: Please email or mail complete professional resume and letter to: johnl@lawyernursery.com Do not telephone. www.lawyernursery.com

MORE NEW JOB POSTINGS ONLINE NOW, INCLUDING: - Farm and Garden Assistant at The Herbfarm Restaurant - Crop Protection Specialist, Olympia - Grounds & Nursery Specialist, Tacoma Community College - Landscape Design/Build Positions - And, More!

VISIT THE wSNLA CAREER CENTER at WSNLA.ORG for MORE LISTINGS

NURSERY FOR SALE FOR SALE: Urban Earth is a small retail plant nursery in Fremont selling outdoor and indoor ornamental plants plus vegetable starts, herbs, annuals, pots

and garden hardware. The focus of the nursery is on plants well suited for urban gardens. There is also a small gift shop.

Originally established in the late 1990’s, this location has a solid regular customer base within a fast-growing, high-end demographic area. Annual sales growth has been 16% -- 25% for five consecutive years. $35,000 plus value of inventory at time of sale. No contracts. Please email susan@ urbanearthnursery or call 425-647-9780.

PLANTS & TREES AVAILABLE ROBINWOOD NURSERY. 2 x 5” liners and quart containers of at least 2 Podocarpus in gallons. Contact robinwoodnursery@ earthlink.net.

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) 794-6549, or akker4@gmail.com.

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. Promote your job openings, plants and trees for sale, and other classified listings!

Contact (800) 672-7711.

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