Published Quarterly By: Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association. PO Box 219 Sumner, WA 98390-0040 253.661.6055, info@wsnla.org
Deadlines:
News, Classified ads, Advertising 5pm on February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. To place an ad, contact Breanne at (800) 672-7711 or breanne@ wsnla.org. WSNLA reserves the right to refuse any ad which is misleading, unethical, contrary to WSNLA policy, or does not pertain to the industry.
Comments to the Editor:
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.
Executive Director Breanne Chavez e-mail breanne@wsnla.org
Finance & Operations Director Holly Osborne, CPH e-mail holly@wsnla.org
Message from the President ] WSNLA
Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association Serving the green industry since 1937!
Greetings from the Garden Center!
Trevor Cameron
WSNLA President
Sunnyside Nursery, Marysville General Manager
Summer sunshine greeted us with a big hello! We had one of our typically delayed summers this year, but it did come before July 4th which is better than some years right? I am sure everyone was watering like crazy to beat the heat, but more importantly staying safe and hydrated as we head into Fall. It has been a good year, not a great year yet, for us at Sunnyside Nursery, and I sincerely hope all of you have had a successful season thus far as well.
In June we celebrated pollinator month, and I trust everyone accessed the Power Up Your Pollinators website through the WSNLA. This program is funded through the WSDA specialty crop block grant program, and with the help of many volunteers over the past year it has come to fruition.
This topic is of supreme importance to all of us as simple citizens of this planet and industry professionals to set an example and spread the positive pollinator vibes. I encourage all of you to visit powerupyourpollinators.com, and download your marketing toolkit at wsnla.org, to help educate your clients/patrons and staff members. In all aspects of our industry this is a huge topic, and one that will continue to be in the forefront moving forward. Simply put, if there is no pollination, there are no seeds (and thus no plants) and the vast majority of our food sources are gone. I am hoping that you will ask yourself “What can I do in my business and my own landscape to help?”, the very same question I asked myself years ago. Surely most of you are familiar with this topic, but if not, I encourage you to visit the site to implement these safe garden practices, and share them widely with your customers and clients. Never forget to “plant some of these and save some of our bees”!
All of us involved in the WSNLA were super excited to partner with both WSU and the Pacific Christmas Tree Association to recently launch the fundraising campaign for a newly created endowment. The Dr. Gary Chastagner Endowed Chair in Plant Pathology had a virtual kickoff on June 24th and promises to be a vital research program for our industry in the PNW. I encourage all of you to investigate this as we begin to raise funds and then
Reminder: It’s Time to Renew Your WSNLA Membership
It is the time of year to renew your annual WSNLA membership. Your support is both appreciated and crucial to the financial stability of our non-profit organization. As you know, membership funds go directly to keep the WSNLA fiscally strong and allow us to be proactive and not reactive with all aspects of our shared industry. Membership revenue directly supports our mission to grow the success of our members through advocacy, education and promotion.
Your WSNLA Board of Directors and staff have been working hard behind the scenes, striving for success for all members of the WSNLA. We are all here for you – don’t hesitate to reach out with any inquiries pertinent to what your organization can do to help you – our loyal members.
Thank you for your renewed membership and contribution to the continued advocacy to help ensure our industry thrives into the future!
To renew your membership log into your online account at WSNLA.org, mail a check to the WSNLA office, or contact 253.661.6055.
help us spread the word about both its vitality in the present and importance for the future. Science based research is essential to our industry, and in an ever-changing climate having a program with WSU to help us solve pertinent problems is ideal. Help us all do what we can to support this endowment and ensure its success moving forward.
Your WSNLA Board is looking to fill a couple of vacant positions and could use your fresh perspective. As a non-profit, volunteerism is essential, and we would love the opportunity to welcome you to the team. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you are interested in joining the board, or even simply serving on a committee. It does not take as much time as you think - I promise! It is a fabulous way to converse with your peers and help steer the WSNLA, and your industry, into the future. Your experience, vision and expertise are invaluable to the WSNLA, so please consider a more active role in shaping the future of YOUR organization.
All of us involved with the WSNLA sincerely hope all of you enjoyed the summer sunshine and that you were all able to take a respite over the summer. Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses as they say and breathe in some of the beauty that our region has to offer. May all of your businesses and personal gardens continue to thrive.
Trevor Cameron,
CPH “The Golfing Gardener” trevorwcameron@gmail.com
How to Get Involved: WSNLA
Leadership & Volunteer Opportunities
Join The Board of Directors
Help Shape Your Industry. The WSNLA Board of Directors meets quarterly throughout the year and is responsible for setting policy, providing strategic direction and fiscal soundness of WSNLA. Current open positions include: Vice President II, Retail Nursery Representative, Landscape Representative and Member At Large II. Learn more about these roles at wsnla.org/Governance.
Plant a Career in Horticulture Task Force
Help inspire the next generation of horticulturists, by identifying, building & strengthening relationships with colleges, universities, technical schools, high school and career development organizations throughout Washington. Guide development of resources and build career pathways for emerging professionals. Help identify strategies for promoting horticulture careers.
Power Up Your Pollinator Task Force
Help guide grant funded project that aims at educating and encouraging consumers to Power Up Your Pollinators with practical tips and directing them to WSNLA members for plants and services to help. This task force will generate ideas to get our message out to consumers, identify advertising opportunities and strategies to increase consumer awareness.
WSNLA Industry Advancement Committee
Do you have a strong belief in continuing education and ongoing training in the field of horticulture? Help others stay informed on relevant issues and best practices of current concern pertaining to the horticulture industrry. Identify speakers and topics that support educational activities with WSNLA Staff.
Benefits of Board, Committee & Volunteer Service:
- Develop and enhance your leadership skills
- Share your business insight and skills
- Create a voice for your interests and passions
- Gain strategic knowledge and broaden your business skills
- Receive a deep sense of accomplishment & pride in results
- Influence senior decision-makers and work as a team toward a common goal.
Ready to get involved?
Contact Trevor at trevorwcameron@gmail.com or Breanne at breanne@wsnla.org.
WSNLA Past President Pacific Stone Company timg@pacificstoneco.com
CHAPTER & CAUCUS LEADERSHIP
Peter Van Well
Member At Large - I Van Well Nursery
509-886-8189 | pete2@vanwell.net
Candice Snedeker
Wholesale Grower Representative
T&L Nursery, Inc Candice@TandLnursery.com
Open Positions:
WSNLA Vice President - II
Retail Nursery Representative
Landscape Representative
Member At Large - II
Help Shape Your Industry.
Step Into A Leadership Role That Is Fulfilling & Meaningful. Create An Impact. Grow Member & Industry Success. The Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association has been protecting and promoting the horticulture industry for over a century. For decades, industry leaders have contributed to shaping our industry through their service and a shared vision on the WSNLA Board of Directors.
Now is the time for the next generation of professionals to step into WSNLA leadership roles providing fresh ideas and strategies for protecting, promoting and advancing our industry. This Is YOUR Association!! There’s no better time than the present. Each board leader brings unique perspective and experience, useful skillsets, and voice to ensure our mission continues to serve its members at the highest level and with relevancy.
The WSNLA nominating committee is currently excepting nominations for: Retail Representative; Landscape Representative; Wholesale Representative; and Supplier Representative. Each industry segment representative serves as the ‘eyes and ears’ of their segment and is responsible for giving voice to issues and/or concerns that may arise, and ensure WSNLA initiatives and programs serve members businesses with relevancy.
If you are a WSNLA member business owner, please consider serving on the Board of Directors or as an industry representative. If not you, perhaps you have a manager or decision maker within your business that would be interested in bringing voice to shaping our industry, and ensuring a strong industry for the future.
Whether you are nominating a peer or interested in serving yourself, if you are an owner or decisionmaker at a WSNLA member business, we want to hear from you. Submit your nominations to breanne@wsnla.org by November 28. Nominations will be shared with the WSNLA nominating committee for review and selection.
Don’t Miss Deadlines
Industry Leadership AwardsOctober 31
Board Nominations
November 28
Advertising Deadlines for Retail & Landscape Companies
GardenWashington - Nov 15
GardenWashington.com & PowerUpYourPollinators.com - Nov 15
Advertising For Growers & Suppliers
Directory & Resource Guide - Dec 1
FindPlantsPNW.com - Dec 15
BB Magazine - Quarterly
WSNLA Digital Marketing - Dec 31
WSNLA Industry Leadership Awards
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS: DEADLINE OCTOBER 31
Help celebrate the impactful leaders within our community. The WSNLA Industry Leadership Awards aim to recognize your colleagues, staff members and industry friends for their contributions, leadership and passion in advancing the Washington horticulture industry. Nominations are reviewed and selected by the WSNLA Executive Committee and will be presented at the WSNLA Annual Meeting in January. Please take a few minutes to review the award criterion below and submit your throughtful nominations recognizing your peers by October 31 to breanne@wsnla.org.
The WSNLA Industry Leadership Awards feature 9 categories, including:
Harold Young Lifetime Achievement
Criterion: Given to a member who has performed an outstanding service and accomplishment spanning a career in horticulture, as well as exemplary service to the industry on an ongoing basis over the long-term.
WSNLA Member of the Year
Criterion: Given to a member who has rendered outstanding service to the WSNLA & the industry during the year just past.
Cultivating Community
Criterion: Given to a WSNLA member for involvement that has provided notable service in cultivating the WSNLA community, and supporting our organizational mission.
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.
Environmental Excellence Award
Criterion: Given 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 & landscape
Criterion: Given for meritorious service in any “education” function serving the industry. Has been awarded to Cooperative Extension personnel, due to its strong education mission.
Bruce Briggs’ Industry Advocacy
Criterion: Given to a member who has actively supported and shown leadership in advocating on behalf of the Washington horticulture industry in areas such as: legislative and regulatory issues impacting the nursery and landscape industry; promotional outreach advancing the knowledge of the benefits of plants, trees and landscapes; or ensuring meaningful research is identified and funded in support 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.
WSNLA’s business membership includes a diverse community of large and small growers, garden centers, landscape professionals and suppliers. It is the intent of WSNLA Board of Directors to ensure legislative activities focus in on overarching WSNLA member needs, while effectively balancing the diversity in business scale and location. To that extent, the following priorities have been identified, with member input, to guide and strengthen WSNLA legislative and regulatory activities throughout the State.
WASHINGTON STATE NURSERY & LANDSCAPE ASSOCIATION LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
Washington Nursery and Landscape Association supports stewardship of the land and the plants and trees that grow upon it.
Our priorities include:
• Promoting a positive business climate for growing and marketing plants and landscape services.
• Protecting our industry from burdensome regulation, taxes and fees.
• Working in a bipartisan manner and focusing on results.
• Ensuring policies are reasonable and based on sound science.
WSNLA will coordinate with other affiliated professional organizations to support our members on agricultural and environmental issues such as:
• Water availability, management & quality
• Urban planning and the inclusion of green spaces
• Pesticide regulation
• Open space taxation
On general business issues, WSNLA will focus on impact to members. Such issues include but are not limited to:
• Labor: availability, training, minimum wage, workers comp, health care, benefits
• Simplifying business regulation including streamlining local jurisdiction business licensing
• Taxes
Legislative Update Protecting & Advocating for your Business & Industry
Jesse Taylor Taylor Consulting, LLC
WSNLA Lobbyist
If you haven’t noticed when driving down the street, listening to the radio or watching the television, it’s an election year. Washington State is unique in that we have a “toptwo” primary system that was approved by the voters in 2004 with ballot initiative 872 which passed with a 60% majority. Since that time our primary system has afforded us just two candidates on the general election ballot for state and local races. As of this writing all but one of those races has been decided with the Public Lands Commissioner race still undergoing recounts to determine the top two candidates. While I’m not a race handicapper, based on the results from the August 6th primary there will be little or no changes in the partisan structure of the legislature. The current democrat majority in the House and Senate will be unchanged save for possibly a few seats. In the race for the Governor’s mansion, it appears that Bob Freguson will be the odds-on favorite to win the race against challenger Dave Reichart, based on primary election results data. But politics can be a funny game sometimes.
Carbon Fuel Fee Refunds
Starting August 26, the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) will issue an application for partial payment to ag producers or transporters of agricultural products who paid carbon fees related to the state’s cap and trade program on fuel purchases. This agriculture support program can be found at the DOL website and questions are answered through this available FAQ - https://dol.wa.gov/agriculture-support-program/ faq-agriculture-support-program
The program supports agricultural producers and transporters that paid a surcharge imposed by your fuel supplier or retailer related to the Cap-and-Invest Program for fuel purchases. Two types of fuel uses are exempt:
· Fuel used exclusively for agricultural purposes, by a farm fuel user.
· Fuel used for the transportation of agricultural products on public highways. Note: the fund set up has $28 million available and refunds are sent on a first-come, firstserved basis until the dollars are fully distributed.
Compost Reimbursement Program
WSDA is launching its second year of the Compost Reimbursement Program to continue to encourage producer compost use. Participating agriculture industry producers are eligible for 50% reimbursement on qualifying costs for compost purchases and associated transportation, equipment, and labor costs. Funding limits for participating
farms vary based on farm size and proposed budgets. Participants must agree to conduct soil sampling before and for several years following the application of compost. Additionally, the compost must be purchased from an approved compost facility. See details and FAQ at https://agr.wa.gov/departments/ land-and-water/natural-resources/soil-health/ compost-reimbursement
Japanese Beetle
The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) is asking Tri-cities and surrounding area residents to report suspected Japanese beetle sightings. WSDA found five beetles last year in Pasco, and dozens of beetles have been found in the area this summer. “We’re catching more beetles this year and they are being found throughout Pasco, not in a limited area,” Camilo Acosta, WSDA Japanese beetle eradication coordinator, said. “We want to protect gardens, parks and farms in the area by eradicating Japanese beetle from the Tri-Cities. We need the community’s help to succeed.” WSDA is asking if you suspect you have seen Japanese beetles, to please take a picture and report the sighting at agr.wa.gov/ beetles or email the picture and location of the sighting to pest@agr.wa.gov.
DCPA Pesticide Use
This month The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the emergency suspension of all registrations of the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This is the first time in almost 40 years the EPA has taken this type of emergency action. This pesticide is not commonly used in the nursery industry and is not labeled for greenhouse use, as it is a preemergent herbicide applied to the soil, but the justification for the action has turned some heads in the nursery industry as to what action might be taken against other, more useful, pesticides in the future. You can see details of the emergency order here: https:// www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-issuesemergency-order-stop-use-pesticide-dacthaladdress-serious-health-risk-4
Election Schedule
· Ballot-by-mail voting starts: Friday, Oct. 18
· Deadline to register to vote by mail or online: Monday, Oct. 28
· Deadline to register in person to vote: Tuesday, Nov. 5
· General election: Tuesday, Nov. 5
SAVE THE DATE!
November 15, 9 - 10am
WSNLA Legislative Summit; What You Need To Know! Tune in to the virtual WSNLA Legisative Summit as we gear up for the 2025 Legislative Session. Hear directly from WSNLA lobbyist, Jesse Taylor; gain insight on the political landscape and what the results could mean for the nursery and landscape industry; learn about bills with potential impact to your business; talk directly with your lobbyist on issues impacting your business and gain perspective on how you can effectively advocate for your business and industry.
Subject Matter Expert: WSNLA Lobbyist: Jesse Taylor, Taylor Consulting
WSNLA Business Members: Free Affiliate Members, CPHs & ecoPROs: $15 Non Members: $50 RSVP at wsnla.org/events.
sales@urbanforestnursery.com
Tested & Proven Access Your Pre-Qualified Target Market With WSNLA Marketing Tools
Your targeted audience is key when investing marketing dollars. Because of this, WSNLA has a handful of industry tailored marketing opportunities for your consideration. WSNLA marketing opportunities provide efficient and cost effective ways to connect your business with qualifed customers. Advertising in the B&B Magazine or Directory & Resource 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 a quick overview, with deadlines, on each of WSNLA’s marketing opportunities.
For Retail Nurseries & Landscape Companies:
The printed GardenWashington Guide helps make shopping retail nurseries easy and even more fun than it already is!! The Guide, that is sought after at events, includes regional maps, nursery listings, coupons & more! Guides reach gardeners across Washington, both novice and pros, at events and locations statewide.
Drive customers to your nursery & increase sales with a Green Passport Coupon & receive added ROI on your WSNLA membership! Cost: $300.
Put your nursery or landscape business front and center, engage & build trust with shoppers, and make it easy for customers to find YOU with a Display Ad. Advertising begins at $250.
DEADLINE: November 28
Leverage the Power Up Your Pollinators industry advertising campaign, and secure your featured business spot on GardenWashington.com & PowerUpYourPollinators.com. Cost: $500 annually. 8 spots available. First come, first served.
As a featured business, you are highlighted prominently on the GardenWashington homepage and on the Power Up Your Pollinators landing page for 12-months. Featured businesses will also receive social media post, putting your brand or event in focus and helping to drive traffic to your business.
Make it easy for customers to find your business by ensuring your nursery or landscape company is the first thing site visitors see! Email breanne@wsnla.org to learn more or visit the WSNLA Store at wsnla.org/Store to reserve your spot.
DEADLINE: December 15
Power Up Your Visibility
AVATAR
FACEBOOK
LINKEDIN
TWITTER (X)
Connect with industry buyers by listing your wholesale plant availability and product offerings on FindPlantsPNW.com.
FindPlantsPNW.com is promoted to wholesale buyers throughout the Pacific Northwest region, including retail nurseries and garden centers, landscape contractors, maintenance and design professionals, landscape architecture firms, municipalities parks departments, and
WSNLA Directory & Resource Guide
Put your brand front and center in this annual special edition resource guide. Leverage this one of kind resource guide to connect with industry professionals looking to grow their resources to find the products and services they need.
Repetition is a key strategy in marketing success and the B&B is printed quarterly, putting your brand in front of over 5000 readers that are your target market in its purest Frequency discounts available.
DEADLINE: Is 1st of Jan, Apr, July, & Nov.
Increase your business exposure with an ad on the WSNLA homepage reaching over 15,000 annually, and/or the monthly WSNLA eNews that reaches the inbox of 5000+ nursery and landscape professionals. Secure your space by December 15
Use non-toxic pesticide alternatives to attract more pollinators to your garden and control pests at the same time
Here in Washington state, we pride ourselves in being connected to nature even in the tiniest details. Woodland Park Zoo has been on a pollinator journey of our own, but we’re not alone in the growing interest to protect pollinators across the Northwest.
In Spring of 2024, Woodland Park Zoo embarked on a Washington statewide campaign to support pollinator conservation and encourage home gardeners to limit the use of harmful pesticides. The campaign, Hello Pollinators, Goodbye Pests! focuses on encouraging home gardeners to engage in healthy gardening practices with the goal of creating pollinator friendly habitat while educating people on the importance of pollinator conservation.
The project, funded by Washington State Legislature, was supported by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington Department of Agriculture’s Pollinator Health Taskforce. Woodland Park Zoo also partnered with Cascadia Consulting to implement a robust outreach campaign.
POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY SHOPPING LIST
Take this list with you when you’re shopping for pest control products. Look for the OMRI label on products.
Insecticidal Soaps: Treats aphids and other soft-bodied insects such as spider mites, thrips, whiteflies and mealybugs
V Safer Brand: Insect-Killing Soap with Seaweed Extract
Woodland Park Zoo and its partners began the project by conducting a gardening practices survey to identify which community members across the state are currently using pesticides in their gardens and yards, which of those community members would be open to changing that behavior and what messages would be most likely to inspire behavior change.
The statewide survey also helped the campaign team identify the target counties for the campaign itself. The survey results found that there were higher percentages of pesticide users in Yakima, Spokane, Whatcom, Pierce, and Clark counties. King County was also included in the actual campaign outreach efforts to expand the reach of campaign messages.
The survey also asked respondents a series of questions related to their habits and preferences around pesticide use. The responses to these questions informed the campaign messages. The survey results showed that top reasons for using pesticides in lawns and garden care were to control pests that may damage landscaping or a food-growing garden and prevent them from coming inside the home.
Respondents said that the top two alternatives to pesticides they would be most likely to adopt include learning which plants are best suited for landscape needs and using pesticide-free products that are shown to not hurt pollinators.
Continued on page 15
V Natria: Insecticidal Soap
V Dr. Bronner’s: Pure Castille Soap
Neem Oil: Treats aphids, mites, leaf hoppers, whiteflies, caterpillars, mealybugs, thrips and powdery mildew
V Bonide: Captain Jack’s Neem Oil 3-in-1
V Natria: Neem Oil
V Monterey: Neem Oil
Horticultural Oil Blends: Treats soft-bodied insects, larval and egg stages
V Dr. Earth: Final Stop Insect Killer
V Guard‘n: Spray Insecticide
V Monterey: Horticultural Oil
V Bonide: All Seasons Horticultural & Dormant Spray Oil
WANT
MORE
POLLINATORS?
SAY GOODBYE TO TOXIC PESTICIDES!
Use soaps and oils in place of toxic pesticides
Properly-applied soaps and oils are safer for pollinators, and your family and pets.
(Even these products can harm pollinators if applied incorrectly. Please take care to read directions carefully.)
Active ingredients to avoid:
³ Spinosad
³ Acetamiprid
³ Clothianidin
³ Dinotefuran
³ Imidacloprid
³ Thiamethoxam
Find the right plant for the right place
With minimal work, you can grow healthier, low-pest plants by choosing varieties bestsuited for their location.
Evaluate your spring and summer climate. Long and hot, or mild and cool at night? Summer rains or drought-like conditions?
Identify naturallygrowing plants where you live. Native plants will always perform best in your garden. Ask your local nursery for tips on non-native plants that grow well at home.
Divide your garden into zones. Clustering plants that grow in similar conditions allows you to manage large areas more easily.
Control pests naturally with smart gardening practices
Smart gardening practices can keep plants healthy and able to resist and recover from pest damage.
Build healthy soil with compost and proper mulching. Before adding fertilizer, get a soil test through your local agricultural extension or conservation district.
Water more deeply and less frequently. Water in the morning to avoid evaporation from the sun.
Attract beneficial insects by planting flowers that provide nectar, pollen and shelter.
As a last resort, hire a licensed pesticide applicator. Pesticides are toxic chemicals applied to the areas where your family and pets play. Leave application up to professionals who know how to use them properly.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
Respondents also said their top reasons to avoid using pesticides would be to attract more pollinators and minimize chemicals and toxins in the environment to create a safer environment for their families and pets.
Based on this insight, campaign messages focus in these key areas:
• Hello Pollinators, Goodbye Pests! as the official campaign name, highlights the audience’s desire to attract more pollinators to their gardens and yards while simultaneously controlling pests outside and inside the home.
• Make the Switch as the campaign tagline encourages the audience to switch to pollinator-friendly pesticide alternatives, focusing on the ease of finding alternative products such as soaps and oils that when properly applied are safe and effective.
• Join Other Gardeners Just Like You: Take the Pledge encourages collective action with other community members with similar values and interests.
• Right Plant, Right Place encourages gardeners to consider the importance of planting native and pollinator friendly plants that are best suited for the region and climate they live in. These smart gardening practices include a holistic approach to gardening such as watering deeply and infrequently, mulching, weeding and controlling pests in relation to plant and insect life cycles.
Woodland Park Zoo and its partners saw huge interest from communities at gardening events and local nurseries early in the campaign period with over 500 people engaged in person and over 14,000 visits to the campaign website during the month of May alone. As of September 1, 2024 there have been over 44,000 visits.
If you are interested in joining the campaign you can learn more and find resources including a pesticide alternative shopping guide at www.zoo.org/ hellopollinators.
Please reach out to us at hellopollinators@zoo.org to become a project partner and receive our partner toolkit with brochures, posters, social media materials. Anyone is welcome and there is no cost to participate!
PEST CONTROL APPLICATION TIPS:
Download Your Power Up Your Pollinators Marketing Toolkit.
Our mission is to inspire and educate individuals to take action and become a hero of pollinator conservation. Aim to provide audiences with the knowledge, resources, and practical tips to transform their own backyards and gardens into pollinator-friendly havens.
By doing so, we can save the day for our local pollinators in Washington and beyond, so they can continue contributing to a healthier, more sustainable environment.
Materials in this toolkit were developed by WSNLA, with WSDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Funds, and are available universally to wholesale nurseries, growers, retail nurseries and landscape companies to incorporate in store and into customer marketing and communications.
Supporting Pollinators in Fall & Winter
by Nicole Forbes, Tree & Shrub Buyer | Education & Events
Dennis 7 Dees Lansdcaping & Garden Centers, Vancouver WA
A well-planned pollinator garden can help support native bees and other pollinators by providing critical food and habitat during the winter.
Many pollinators hibernate (in our gardens) through the coldest months, but some begin foraging as early as January or when temperatures rise above 55°F. Having plants blooming in your landscape from late fall through early spring can greatly contribute to local pollinator success. Providing food and winter shelter for pollinators is easy once we understand their basic needs.
Most bees hibernate during the coldest part of winter, some as larvae, others as adults. Some (honey bees) spend months together closed up in a hive, while many native bees live solitary lives underground or in hollow sticks or holes in wood.
Many butterflies and moth species lay eggs that hatch into larvae, which need to spend the winter protected underground, waiting to emerge as caterpillars in spring. So many lovely butterflies and other creatures are accidentally raked up and sent to the compost each fall during leaf cleanup! Check out the Xerces Society for more great information on invertebrate conservation.
Avoid Accidentally Evicting Pollinators from Your Garden Leave the leaves! Avoid raking fallen leaves where practical. Collect and store leaves in piles to spread onto the garden in spring (or once they break down).
Keep a small patch (3 by 3 feet) of bare earth available for ground-nesting bumble bees and others; do not cover with mulch or disturb the area.
Wait until spring to cut back dormant perennials and shrubs, especially those with hollow stems, or leave at least 12 inches of stem for habitat; OR loosely pile sticks and cuttings on-site for winter and wait until spring before composting them.
Add Late Fall & Early Spring Bloomers
Bees take in carbohydrates from flower nectar and protein from pollen. In addition to using this as a food source for themselves, many bees begin collecting and storing pollen before reproducing to nourish their newly hatched offspring. Once spring temperatures reach the mid-50s for several consecutive days, early pollinators emerge hungry, eagerly searching for flowers.
Tip: Cluster early-season bloomers together for easy foraging; it’s hard to work when it’s cold!
Continued on next page.
Supporting Pollinators During Fall & Winter
Continued from previous page.
Trees
There are so many trees that flower in early spring or late winter!
- Flowering, ornamental, or edible fruit trees are excellent food sources and need pollination in order to set fruit: Apple, Cherry, Pear, Plum
- Less obvious flowers on early bloomers are also critical in providing early sustenance for pollinators: Willows (Salix), Hazelnuts (Corylus), Maples (Acer)
Shrubs
- Some of the earliest blooming shrubs that offer food for pollinators are native plants, most notably Oregon Grape (Berberis, formerly Mahonia).
- Witch Hazel (Hamamelis) flowers on bare branches before spring leaves emerge with oddly beautiful, stringy petals that are dusted in pollen for an easy meal.
- Sweet Box (Sarcococca) has a similar, fringe-style bloom that is sweetly scented with a fragrance that attracts pollinators from far and wide.
- Manzanitas and Strawberry Trees (Arbutus) have clusters of tiny bell-shaped flowers that are popular with bees and hummingbirds.
- Andromeda (Pieris) have flowers similar to Arbutus, but usually smaller and more prolific.
- Many Viburnum varieties, like Viburnum burkwoodii, bloom early and are excellent food sources.
- Fall and winter blooming Camellia (Camellia sasanqua) are popular with pollinators, though they favor single-petaled flowers over double or semi-double flower forms.
Vines
-Winter Jasmine (Jasmine nudiflorum) and Evergreen Clematis (Clematis armandii) are early bloomers with flowers full of nectar and pollen. Evergreen Clematis blooms are wonderfully fragrant, usually ivory or creamy white —’Appleblossom’ is a pink-flowering variety. Hummingbirds and other pollinators are attracted to the flowers regardless of color.
- Early flowering spring bulbs: Crocus, Snowdrops, Primroses, Heather (Erica), Heath (Calluna)
- Allow garden brassicas and ornamental cabbage and kale to flower in spring before removing.
#PowerUpYourPollinators
10 Social Posts To Use In Your Fall & Winter Communications That Will Help Customers Avoid Evicting Pollinators From Their Garden.
Don’t forget to download your Power Up Your Pollinators Graphics
To Protect & Create Habitat
1. Leave a few undisturbed areas in your garden, such as a patch of bareground or a pile of twigs and branches, to create suitable nesting habitats.
2. Leave the leaves! Avoid raking fallen leaves where practical. Collect and store leaves in piles to spread onto the garden in spring, or once they break down.
3. Don’t cut back your perennials until late spring! Bees and other pollinators hibernate in the stems in winter. Only remove unhealthy plant stems to manage disease.
4. Incorporate features in your garden that provide nesting sites for pollinators such as bare ground or bee hotels; Consider loosely piling sticks and cuttings on-site for winter and wait until spring before composting them. Do not cover with mulch or disturb the area.
5. Protect, conserve, build and enhance biodiversity and wildlife habitats. As we enter fall and winter months, avoid premature removal of flowers, stems, and seed heads that provide a food source or habitat for wildlife.
To Encourage Plant Selection & Care
(When posting, be sure to include pictures of plants you would like to highlight at your nursery!)
6. Having plants blooming in your landscape from late fall through early spring can greatly contribute to local pollinator success.
7. Add Late Fall & Winter Bloomers. Once spring temperatures reach the mid-50s for several consecutive days, early pollinators emerge hungry, eagerly searching for flowers.
8. Plant flowers for next spring. Fall is a premier time of year for planting or transplanting. Drop into the nursery to select plants to help power up your pollinators!
9. Help to feed hungry pollinators in fall and winter with our selection of late-flowering plants.
To Reduce or Eliminate Pesticide Use
Plant a pollinator friendly garden
Plant a garden that provides a diverse range of flowering plants that bloom through every season. Consult your local nursery or landscape professional to help you choose a variety of flower shapes, sizes, and colors to attract different pollinators.
Provide a water source
Create a shallow water feature, such as a birdbath or small pond, with rocks or floating objects for pollinators to safely access water. Adding a source of moisture can help quench their thirst and support their well-being.
Hire an ecoPRO or Certified Professional Horticulturist.
Need help? An ecoPRO Certified Sustainable Landscape Professional or a Certified Professional Horticulturist can help you create or maintain your garden spaces working to protect and encourage habitat for our garden heros.
Avoid pesticides
Fungicides, herbicides and insecticides can be harmful to pollinators and disrupt their natural behavior. Use organic or natural pest control methods instead to protect your plants without posing a threat to pollinators. Avoid spraying even natural products when flowers are in bloom and pollinators are active.
Provide nesting sites
Incorporate features in your garden that provide nesting sites for pollinators. For example, leave areas of bare ground for ground-nesting bees, or set up bee houses and insect hotels for solitary bees.
10. Pesticides are harmful to bees and other pollinators. Use organic or natural pest control methods instead to protect your plants without posing a threat to pollinators. Avoid even natural products when flowers are in bloom and pollinators are active.
LEGACY OF SCIENTIFIC, LOCALLY RELEVANT RESEARCH
INVESTMENT IN THE FUTURE OF HORTICULTURE
Dr. Gary Chastagner
Plant Pathologist
Washington State University
Nursery, landscape and Christmas tree professionals want to celebrate the career of Dr. Gary Chastagner for his contributions that have helped their industries—and beyond— by creating the Dr. Gary Chastagner Endowed Chair.
Your donation to the Dr. Gary Chastagner Endowed Chair will honor Dr. Chastagner’s nearly 50 years of contributions to the nursery, landscape and Christmas tree industries and ensure perennial funding for research capacity to address the priorities of industry stakeholders.
www.BIRINGERNURSERY.com
MARKETPLANT
Specimen Street and landscape Trees in large Root Control Bags. Year around availability, easier shipping, handling and establishment. Mount Vernon. (360) 428-5810. Fax (360) 4281822. www.urbanforestnursery.com. WSNLA MEMBER.
OREGON TURF AND TREE FARMS SPECIMEN SHADE TREES AVAILABLE in 25 gallon containers and B&B. Availability online at Oregonlawn.com or 800.426.1335
WSNLA MARKETPLACE posts begin at $30. Email your copy to breanne@wsnla.org.
EVENTS
Pest Management and Plant Care Practices for Fall and Winter Seasons October 2, 9 - 10:30am | Hosted via zoom. Register at wsnla.org/events.
Certified Professional Horticulturist - Plant Identification Exam October 10 in Puyallup.
Cost: $50 members, $100 non members. Register at wsnla.org/events
ecoPRO Certified Sustainable Training & Certification October 28 - 31, 2024 | Hosted via zoom. Cost: $195. Register at wsnla.org/events
WSNLA Legislative Summit: What You Need to Know November 15, 9 -10am. Register at wsnla.org/events.
WA State Nursery & Landscape Association
CAREER CENTER
POST OPEN POSITIONS. FIND EMPLOYEES. SEEK EMPLOYMENT. SHARE YOUR RESUME.
Let WSNLA help spread the word about your hiring needs. Post your job openings on the WSNLA Job Board. Members: $20 | CPH, EPC: $30 | Non Members: $60.
Listings Are Promoted
WSNLA Career Center listings will be promoted on social media, GardenWashington.com and via email communications to over 3500 nursery and landscape professional.
Post Your Job Openings
WSNLA Virtual Career Fair is February 1 - 31, but you can post your job openings all year long. Advertise to over 3500+ nursery and landscape professionals.
Post Your Internships
Internships are an opportunity to gain practical experience in the field. Share your internship opportunities on the WSNLA Career Center and connect with students and emerging professionals.
