City of Billings Wins Arbor Day Award - Montana …...Dr. Goetting has combined her passion for Montana wildflowers with her expertise in estate planning to offer members of the Montana

Billings, MT won the 2016 National Arbor Day Celebration Award for its 2015 Arbor Day Celebration! Hundreds of kids from a dozen elementary schools experienced hands-on learning through environmental education stations. The kids learned about trees, insects, water quality, and much more. MNLA participated in the day with a learning station. James Prchal, MNLA Board President and Nursery Manager at Good Earth Works Co., demonstrated how apple trees are grown, highlighting the process of chip budding to propagate fruit trees.

Summer 2016

Jon Thompson (left), Billings City Parks and Recreation Director, helps plant a tree at Award Ceremony at Arbor Day Foundation along with Chris Waite and Dayton Rush.

City of Billings Wins Arbor Day Award

In addition to the hundreds of students learning about the environment, more than 180 volunteers planted and pruned trees. Billings also won the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture Gold Leaf Award for the 2015 Arbor Day Celebration. Congratulations to Jon Thompson, Billings Parks and Recreation Director, and crew! Thank you to all our MNLA members for conducting similar experiences in your towns and congratulations to the City of Billings for receiving these two prestigious awards.

James Prchal demonstrates chip budding.

Marsha Goetting

Montana Green Expo Keynote Speaker Announced Dr. Marsha A. Goetting is a Professor and Extension Family Economics Specialist at Montana State University in Bozeman. During the past seven years she has presented over 400 educational sessions reaching over 13,000 Montanans with financial and estate planning information. She has also authored over 76 MontGuides and bulletins and has received national, regional, and state awards for her financial management and estate planning programs. Dr. Goetting received her Bachelors and Masters’ degrees in Family Economics and Adult Education from Kansas State University and her PhD from Iowa State University. Dr. Goetting has combined her passion for Montana wildflowers with her expertise in estate planning to offer members of the Montana Nursery & Landscape Association an exciting program: Wildflower

Reflections: Families, Legacies, and Estate Planning. Plan to attend the session at 10:30 AM on January 4. You will learn who receives your property if you pass away without a written will. You will discover when a will or a trust has control over your property and when neither one does. You will discover how you can avoid probate with the Montana estate planning tools of PODs, TODs, and beneficiary deeds. Dr. Goetting will also highlight a Montana statute that allows you to distribute items that do not have an ownership title. This topic affects us all - don’t miss this opportunity!!!

From the President

PresidentHolly Wadsworth Biggy’s Landscape Service, LLC [email protected]

1st Vice President Sarah Tilleraas Kleinschmidt Tilleraas Landscape & Nursery [email protected]

2nd Vice President James Prchal Good Earth Works Co. Inc. [email protected]

3rd Vice President Greg Johnson Montana Ponds, Inc. [email protected]

Member-at-Large Ryan Rubie Mountain Supply Co. [email protected]

Past President Shane Rogers Glacier Nursery, Inc. [email protected]

Secretary Karen Chadwick Chadwick Nursery [email protected]

Education Committee Chair Jennifer Weiss Gardening Under the Big Sky [email protected]

Executive DirectorJyl Story PO Box 215 Park City, MT 59063 [email protected]

4

2014 MNLA Board

The Leaflet Summer 20162

MDA Benefits to Landscapers … 6Unwanted Employees … 8Baldwin’s Garden Trends … 9MNLA Member Profile … 10Maggie’s Scholarship … 12Nutritious Berries … 13Fall Tour … 15 Golf Registration Form … 19

2

MNLA Mailing Address

PO Box 215 Park City, MT 59063 (406) 755-3079 www.plantingmontana.com Disclaimer: The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the association, directors or staff and do not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements, or their identification as members of the MNLA does not constitute an endorsement of the products or featured services.

Reprint Permission:

Reprints of original articles may be granted upon request. Contact [email protected], with requests.

INSIDE:

ADVERTISERS:

The Leaflet Spring 2014

ISA-RMC votes BillingsBest Arbor Day

NEWS BREIFS

In September, Billings won the 2014 Gold Leaf Award for outstanding Arbor Day program from the ISA Rocky Mountain Chapter. According to ISARMC, “The Arbor Day Activity Award is given to individuals, organiza-tions or municipalities that have orchestrated, hosted or promoted and Arbor Day event that has drawn the support of the community to promote the education and support of the care and preservation of arboriculture.” Parks Superintendent Jon Thompson accepted the award on behalf of the City of Billings. He stated, "the work that I put into the Arbor Day celebration in Pioneer Park pales in comparison to the time, effort and funds that many ... volunteered towards making it the best Arbor Day in 4 states." Among those volunteers thanked for their par-ticipation were MNLA Members: River Ridge Landscap-ing; Good Earth Works Co.; Yellowstone Valley Tree Sur-geons and Danford Road Greenhouse and Nursery.

MDA Announces Settlement with Bailey Nurseries The Montana Department of Agriculture con-cluded an investigation of the introduction of Japanese bee-tle with nursery stock shipments from Bailey Nursery in Minnesota in 2012 and 2013. The Department had initially levied a civil penalty to the company for violations of the Disease, Pest, and Weed Control Act, Parts 1 – Control of Diseases and Insects in Nurseries (Nursery Act) and Part 4 – Quarantine and Pest Management (Quarantine Act). When considering the violations, the department con-sidered a number of gravity factors, including cooperation, past compliance history, significance of the impact (of the introductions) and corrective actions taken by Bailey Nurs-ery. Discussions and negotiations concluded in the spring of 2014, resulting in an $80,000 donation to the De-partment. Of that, $50,000 was to be paid in 2014 and $10,000 in each of the next three years. In addition, Bailey Nursery voluntarily made the decision to cease shipments from their Minnesota nursery and will, instead, ship from their Oregon facility. Our goal has been and will continue to be to assure that only clean and healthy nursery stock is shipped into Montana.

INSIDE

ADVERTISERS

MNLA Golf Scramble … 3Four Seasons Nursery … 5Lundeby Evergreens … 6Rocky Mountain Gardening … 7Lind Insurance Services … 9Midland Implement … 9Glacier Nursery … 11Central Landscape Supply … 13Marks Lumber … 14Valley Landscape Supply … 14Ditch Witch Northwest … 15Mid-Atlantic Plant Co. … 15NW Farm Credit Services … 162M Company … 17Willow Creek Wholesale Nursery … 17Hash Tree Company … 18Hunter Industries … 18 Plant Something … 18 Tractor & Equipment … 20

MNLA Scholarship Opportunities We have two scholarship opportunities this year. We offer one-year horticulture education scholarships to students for vocational study, community college, and

university courses of study in horticulture related fields. The amount of the award is based upon the applicant’s need, the extent to which the field of study corresponds to the Association’s focus and interest, and the availability of Association scholarship funds. To be eligible applicants in the College/University/Study award category must be Junior, Senior, or Graduate students. The new “Maggie’s Scholarship” will be awarded to an underclassman student beginning their course of study in horticulture or landscape design. This $500 scholarship is awarded by Sylvan Nursery & Landscaping through MNLA. You will find more information about this scholarship on page 12. Both of these scholarship opportunities will be awarded at the Montana Green Expo in January. Applications may be obtained by contacting the MNLA office at [email protected].

Rocky Mountain Gardening LiveSeptember 19, Chico Hot Springs Resort at Pray, MT Join in for a one day summit featuring Lauren Springer Ogden and Susan Tweit. See the ad on page 7 for more details.

7th Annual Northern Rockies Tree SchoolSeptember 28-30, 2016 Sheridan, WYThe Northern Rockies Tree School (NRTS) is an educational workshop dedicated to teaching the latest research in urban forestry and tree care geared to those in the Northern Rockies Region. All the way from the UK, the Tree School is excited to have Jeremy Barrell as a keynote speaker this fall. An ambassador for UK arboriculture, Jeremy is internationally recognized for his work and emphasizes common sense in tree management. For more information, contact Mark Hughes at: [email protected].

Missoula Gravel Beds ProjectThe City of Missoula, MT Forestry Department is developing a gravel bed nursery to help develop better quality bare root trees to replace the thousands of Norway maple trees that need to be replaced in Missoula, MT.

NEWS BRIEFS

By Mike Cashman, Cashman NurseryLeaflet Editor As the heat of the summer is upon us the “100 days of opportunity” has come to an end. This is my father Jerry’s term for the busiest days of the year, drawing to a close as June ends. He coined the term after my uncle Dan (Jerry’s brother) once called it 100 days of hell. Whether you embrace it with open arms or loathe the 14 hour work days there is no doubt Spring is our busiest season. I can’t speak for the state as a whole but in Bozeman things are booming again. Once again it is much more difficult to find quality help than it is to find more work than you could ever dream of completing during the planting season. Spring came early this year. Jerry’s measure is the day on which his apricot tree blooms, this year being the earliest since he started keeping track in 1976. June 14 this year beating the previous record by one day. We spent another Arbor Day planting trees at a local school. This year we were at Sacajawea Middle School planting a Thunderchild Crab-apple and a Colorado Spruce donated by the Bank of Bozeman. I hope everyone had a prosperous spring season and that summer brings a little more time enjoy your gardens and some outdoor fun in our beautiful state. We are blessed to be in such a rewarding industry working outside enhancing our environment. Looking forward to seeing everyone in Billings for the MNLA golf tournament in August and Missoula in September for the Fall tour.

The Leaflet Spring 2014 3

2014 Fall Tour—Billings

Summer 2016

From the Editor

Get involved in the green industry! Join the Montana Nursery and Landscape Association.

The 2016 Golf Scramble,right here in Billings, is a great way find out what the MNLA is all about.

August 25Golf Tournament at Briarwood Golf Course

1:00 pm Shotgun Start

Montana Nursery & Landscape Association • P.O. Box 215 • Park City MT 59063p 406/755.3079 • f 406/633.2032 • e [email protected]

Montana Nursery & Landscape Association • P.O. Box 215 • Park City MT 59063p 406/755.3079 • f 406/633.2032 • e [email protected]

GOLFSCRAMBLE

& MEMBERSHIP DRIVE

REGISTER TODAY!

For a registration formor more informationcall 406/755.3079

3RD ANNUAL

SPONSORED BY:

BILLINGS CHAPTER

MNLA Welcomes New Members

Welcome New Members:Kristi Lyons Willow Ranch & Farm Ennis, MTSarah Payton Petals Gardening and Consulting LLC Bozeman, MTKristel Slifer Petals Gardening and Consulting LLC Bozeman, MTHarold Simard Ranch & Farm ACE Glendive, MTCara Still MSU Bozeman, MTSara Park MSU Bozeman, MTMaggie Crowley MSU Bozeman, MTElizabeth Ritchie MSU Bozeman, MTTheresa Baldner Irrigation Innovations Livingston, MTDavid A. DeLange II HD Fowler Company Belgrade, MTJames Rothe Mission Orchards Bigfork, MTTerry Wolfe Wolfe Perennial Nursery Clinton, MTRhys Benson All About Landscape Billings, MTJeff Hudiburg A-1 Landscaping Billings, MT

Recent CPP GraduateCongratulations to Brigitte Simmons of Bozeman, MT for successfully passing both the Certified Plant Professional Written Exam and the Plant ID Exam. Brigitte completed her testing on the written exam this Spring at Montana State University and has earned the respected credential of Certified Plant Professional. She is a student member of MNLA. Brigitte was also awarded a MNLA scholarship at the Montana Green Expo in January.

We applaud Professor Bill Hoch at MSU for his encouragement of the CPP program to his students. Nine students took the written exam the end of April. The Plant ID Exam will be offered to these students in the Fall.

Now with Summer upon us, I hope everyone has experienced (survived) a productive and prosperous Spring season. Billings has been busy as business has been steady since April. The MNLA Board and their committees have also been busy this Spring. The Fall Tour Committee has been meeting to coordinate the event in Missoula. Special thanks to Shane Clouse, Ryan Rubie, Bill Caras, Bev Gutman and Sandy Perrin for their efforts as we look forward to visiting Missoula

in September.

Also, the Billings Chapter Golf Scramble Committee has been busy planning the 3rd Annual MNLA Golf Tournament and Membership Drive. I would like to thank Steve Lehenbauer and Jason Albaugh of River Ridge Landscape Co., Tim Groener of 2M Company and Jyl Story for their efforts to organize the August event.

In addition, the committee has hosted two MNLA Billings Chapter meetings, with future meetings slated for the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Attendance has been promising so far as the word gets out. Recently at our first meeting in May, I was asked by Steve to give a brief introduction as MNLA President on “What the Association has done for me?” I thought, “Wow, that’s a great question”.

Years ago, as an employee of a MNLA member firm, I looked forward to Expo every January. It was a great way to begin the New Year, offering the opportunity for great educational seminars and making contact with suppliers at the trade show. One winter in Missoula I was able to get my CPP certification.

But that was it, as I didn’t participate in any other offerings throughout the year, that is, until I was asked to serve on the Board in 2013. I figured that it was time to ‘give back’ to the organization. Granted, the first few years were a lot of work. But I soon realized that I wasn’t ‘giving’ my time to the association, rather I was ‘investing’ my time in an association of like-minded peers that was allowing me to build professional relationships that will last my lifetime in the industry.

How did that happen? I became more involved, participating in the planning and organization of MNLA events. Every time I met new people and made professional contacts along the way. Now, I am not suggesting that every member of MNLA should offer to serve on the board, but I know that if you have the time, it is well worth the investment.

As an alternative, that is why I’m excited about the promise of the chapter meetings. Rather than a five year commitment to serve on the board, members can become involved by participating in chapter meetings. Every January our association begins the year with great momentum after Expo. Why not take that momentum back to our communities and begin chapter meetings in February to keep it rolling from Arbor Day through Fall Tour and back to Expo?

I ask our members for their support and participation as our board members begin the process of establishing chapter meetings in your area, and remember to invite prospective members as well.

Enjoy the Summer!!! I look forward to seeing many of you at Fall Tour..

James PrchalPresident, MNLA

From the President










4

2014 MNLA Board

The Leaflet

From the President

Summer 2016

PresidentJames Prchal, CPPGood Earth Works [email protected]

1st Vice PresidentShane ClousePink Grizzly GreenhouseAgro Vitae [email protected]

2nd Vice PresidentMike CashmanCashman [email protected]

3rd Vice PresidentNathan [email protected]

Member-at-LargeRyan RubieMountain Supply [email protected]

Past PresidentSarah KleinschmidtTilleraas Landscape & [email protected]

SecretarySam StigmanHigh Country [email protected]

Education Committee ChairJennifer Weiss, CPP Gardening Under the Big [email protected]

Executive DirectorJyl [email protected]

2016 MNLA Board

From the Executive Director

by Jyl Story, Executive Director The nice weather created an early start to the season this year. Everyone I talk to us beyond busy! I read an interesting article the other day about why being super crazy busy is a good thing. The whirling dervish of daily tasks and activities and general busyness we find ourselves caught up in may actually be good for maintaining cognitive function in our aging brains. A study in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience by researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas looked at the relationship between busyness and cognition in more than 300 people aged 50 to 89, and “Results revealed that greater busyness was associated with better processing speed, working memory, episodic memory, reasoning, and crystallized knowledge.” It’s OK to be super crazy busy as long as you keep a positive attitude about it. Positive thinking can make you less likely to be depressed, and help you live longer and healthier. So good news – you should all live good, long, productive lives!! The MNLA office is attempting to keep our cognitive function working properly as we finalize the details of the Billings Golf Tournament, plan the Fall Tour and the Montana Green Expo, and work on the 2017 proposed nursery fee legislation. I am thrilled with the response to the Billings Chapter meetings started in May. Thank you to Steve Lehenbauer and Jason Albaugh from River Ridge Landscape Co. and Tim Groener of 2M Co. for your hard work in planning these monthly meetings. We look forward to starting one in Helena soon. Throughout the summer and fall MNLA will be sending you information on our events and opportunities for members to gather and network. When I visit with members at these events, one of the consistent benefits I hear about is the opportunity to connect and visit with fellow MNLA members. We realize this is a key member benefit and we hope you will take advantage of at least one of these gatherings this year.Mark your calendars and register on-line at www.plantingmontana.com/events.

August 25 Billings Golf Tournament at Briarwood Golf Course September 15-16 CPP Exam and Fall Tour in Missoula January 3-5 Montana Green Expo in Bozeman

Have a great summer!

Summer 2016


5The Leaflet Summer 2016

From the President










4

2014 MNLA Board


MDA Benefits to Landscapers

Nursery Program Benefits to the LandscaperBy Beth Eiring, Plant Science Specialist Montana Department of Agriculture

The Department of Agriculture provides many services to the nursery industry. One segment of the industry that is sometimes overlooked is the benefit to the landscaper. The landscape business overlaps considerably with the nursery business and thus benefits from the Montana Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) oversight of the nursery industry. There is a substantial and general benefit to the landscape industry in being able to rely on MDA’s inspection of nursery stock to ensure that their plant material is free of diseases and pests, true to type, and properly labeled. Being included in the nursery industry also provides a number of specific benefits to the landscape industry. 1) MDA provides a level playing field through regulatory oversight and compliance assistance. All of the

landscaping businesses follow the same set of rules regarding quarantines, noxious weeds, and licensing. It would be very difficult for the average nursery or landscape owner to maintain complete familiarity with all federal and state quarantine actions, weed classifications, compliance agreements, and interstate compacts and still have time to run a business. Our inspections provide specific guidance tailored to the business at hand, and assistance in complying with all applicable regulations.

2) Alleged violations are investigated by a disinterested and expert third party. Any enforcement actions are carried out within an already agreed upon regulatory framework, and are subject to the full protection of due process.

3) The nursery inspection program ensures that plants marketed to consumers through the landscape industry are clean, properly identified and labeled, and free of diseases and pests that may pose a risk to the consumer or to Montana’s agricultural industry. Beth Eiring recently inspected a “big-box” store after a report that they were selling Scotch broom, a noxious weed. Upon inspection it was determined that the plants in question were a different cultivar, not a noxious weed. The experience of other states with the introduction of noxious weeds through nursery and landscaping channels (e.g. cogon grass and Phragmites in the Southeast) emphasizes the importance of these kinds of public-service activities.

4) MDA monitors emerging and expanding pests nationally and internationally to prevent them from entering Montana. Their inspections have thus far prevented diseases such as chrysanthemum rust and boxwood blight from entering Montana. Japanese beetle has been introduced to Montana several times through

— Continued on page 1111

From MT Department of Ag

The Leaflet Spring 2014

Scouting for pests and disease is an important part of pest management in nurseries. Pest management strategies cannot be implemented if a grower does not know which pests are present and whether they are at damaging levels. A scouting plan should be devised for each nursery and should be performed routinely to recognize new or existing pest problems. Scouts must have common sense and a broad knowl-edge of plants and pest biology including pest life cycles, natural enemies, and host plant material. Scouts with a strong horticultural background and experience with natural growth of nursery stock will allow them to perceive and identify un-healthy and stressed plants quickly. Any unusual patterns of plant color, environment conditions such as standing water, and any stressed plants should be focused on for more in depth inspection. Old and new growth should be inspected as well as both sides of the leaf surface and soil in and around the pots for all stages of insect pests or diseases. Indicator plants can be used to a scouter’s advantage. Indicator plants are the first plants that show symptoms and should be monitored as the pest population increases. Natural

enemies should also be noted as they might be able to control a pest population without the need for pesticides. The use of sticky traps can be valuable for detection of pest outbreaks as they are occurring as well. Presence of pests does not always indicate that control measures should be taken unless damage is occurring. By scouting, growers can detect insects while the population is small and when disease incidence is low and localized so treatment can be implemented before the pests become widespread through the nursery. A scouting program as well as proper pest identification can result in increased quality of nursery stock, a decrease in number of cull plants and fewer pesticides needed because small infestations can be identified and controlled before they become a large problem. Proper pest identification is crucial for treatment. Experienced nursery growers know the pests common to their area and within the state of Montana; however, scouts should be on the lookout for anything new or unusual. Any unknown insects or diseases can be submitted to local extension agents, the Schutter Diagnostic Laboratory at MSU, or to the Mon-tana Department of Agriculture state entomologist for proper identification.

Extension Agents: http :/ / www. msuextension. org/ Schutter Diagnostic Laboratory: http :/ / diagnostics. montana. edu/ Montana Dep artment of Agriculture: http :/ / agr. mt. gov/ agr/ ConsumerPestMgt/

B eth E iring, N ursery Q uarantine I mport/ E x port S pecialist, Montana Department of Agriculture

Scouting Tips for Pest Management Success

Nursery & Greenhouse Supplies

B&B SUPPLIESCall OBC Northwest for all your B&B needs. From burlap to wire baskets, pinning nails, carts or tree trunk protectors, we have it all!

www.obcnw.com • 1-800-477-4744



From the President










4

2014 MNLA Board


Culture of Unwanted Employees?

Are You Creating a Culture of Unwanted Employees?Twelve Low-Cost Suggestions for Welcoming New HiresBy: Katie ZabriskiePrinted with permission from Illinois Landscape Contractors Association - The Landscape Contractor

Jacqueline remembers her first day at her last job almost as if it were yesterday. She had on a new outfit, left her apartment early, and was excited to get to work and learn everything she could about her new company. After a brief “hello” in the morning, she was shown the coffee pot and led to an empty office. The desk obviously not been cleaned well, as evidenced by the personal notes, candies and other items left by the previous occupant of what was now her chair. The person apparently had a thing for peppermints and not much use for pennies. Happy to have the change but afraid to touch the candy, she spent time cleaning. During the next few hours several people stopped by to introduce themselves. Those encounters were somewhat random, and clearly there wasn’t much of a plan for dealing with new hires. When 12:30 rolled around and nobody said anything about lunch, she finally took herself out for her first day on the job. The afternoon played out much like the morning. Jacqueline read and tried to figure out what she was supposed to be doing, and a few more people walked by her door. Some stopped. Some didn’t. She began to wonder what she had gotten herself into. Eventually 5:00 arrived, and her new boss asked how the first day had gone. “Okay I guess,” was the best she could come up with. How else did he think it had gone? Reflecting upon it now, Jacqueline stands by that answer. Granted it was a small office with no formal orientation, but really? The message was loud and clear. They were less than excited to have her there! The first day still stands out as a lonely eight hours. Were they bad people? No. Were they unprofessional? Surprisingly not. Did they position themselves to get the most out of her? Not so much. Could they have easily done better? You bet. Sadly, Jacqueline’s story isn’t unique or unusual. In fact, similar situations are unfolding right this very moment to dozens or even hundreds of people starting new jobs today. And how do they feel about the organizations they’ve just signed on with? Probably not too great. Statistics and practical experiences show it costs time and money to replace an employee, so does it not make sense to get new hires off to a good start?For very little money and a modicum of effort, you can set the stage for a new hire’s success.1. Send new employees a note (handwritten if possible) before they start work. These aren’t messages about policies

or parking passes. Rather, you are writing to say “We are glad you are going to be working with us.”2. Tell new people exactly what to do when they arrive on their first day. Do they park in visitor parking? Should

they report to Human Resources first? Eliminating uncertainty will show that you’ve got your act together.3. Make sure the space a new hire is going to occupy is clean and free of the last person’s personal effects and well

stocked with supplies. Nothing says “We don’t care” like dirt and clutter does.4. Does the new person get a computer, phone, or other electronics? If so, be sure to have those items in place as

soon as possible. Without the proper tools, it’s hard to hit the ground running.5. If your organization has coffee mugs, shirts, or other promotional items emblazoned with the company name,

gather these together, and present them to the new hire. Most people like a present, and this small gesture is another signal that you are welcoming and excited to have a new team member.

6. Avoid doubt and confusion by providing the new person with a written schedule for the first day. The schedule should include lunch with the immediate supervisor, new colleagues, or other people who will contribute to making the new hire’s first days a success. And while you’re at it, provide the firm’s emergency telephone number. — Continued on page 14

Ian Baldwin Sees Several Garden Trends Developing This SpringBy: Ian Baldwin | May 23, 2016 from: Greehnouse Grower website:http://www.greenhousegrower.com/retailing/ian-baldwin-sees-several-garden-trends-developing-this-spring/

For garden retailers in the warmer climate zones, the week after Mother’s Day is slowing down, over the peak, saying “now we have to work harder for it.” In most colder climates, Mother’s Day sales were down (this year at least), in some places seriously so, as May swapped weather with March. But in both climates it’s no time to relax. After all, May everywhere pays wages for weeks ahead. It is time, though, to read some mid-spring tea leaves in case you are staring at that still-massive inventory number….What’s Selling? Succulents, succulents, and, oh, did I mention succulents? Any shape, color, size, and style is flying off the shelf this year, and if you were smart enough to invest in added-value versions in planters and arrangements — even better. Aligned with that, I see all things naturelle with wood, stone, and moss in those added-value lines. Small, simple, and intense. This may reflect the influence of TV and other media on the under 35s, with their minimalist homes and no-clutter styles. Surprising, then, is the strong demand for garden art and decorative items. Although maybe that’s the Boomers getting their own back. Another significant tea-leaf? Off-the-charts demand for “Do It For Me” tree and shrub planting suggests that — despite TV news and politicians — a lot of Americans feel good about spending money on things they no longer want to do.What’s Not? The Do-It-For-Me (DIFM) surge might also be causing a fall in tree and shrub sales after a great year last year, but poor weather is also a factor. The earthy stone/wood trend above might also be the cause of reports that finally, after 20 years, sales of high color, high gloss, and large ceramic pottery, is flattening out. Garden décor is hot, but in a matte-finished, earthy, or rusty way it seems.

Unsurprisingly, independents are reporting a drop in “hard goods,” or garden supplies, especially in controls or “chemicals” (as we old lags still call them). I think householders are using less in total, anyway, and most independents have lost the battle with the home centers for various reasons, the biggest of which is the (incorrect) perception that every single product on every single shelf must have a 50% or more gross margin. In fact, the home centers have used that victory to now present themselves as the one-stop shop for hard goods and green goods, but that’s another blog for another day.Serious Tea-Leaf Analysis Needed! I talked to an owner who was questioning the strategy of his chemical category after he pulled a POS report (yes in mid-May!). It shows that the 202 items sold in the “insecticide” sub-class were spread across 68 SKUs. Think about that: after the busiest weekend of the year, each SKU had only averaged 2.9 sold (out of, presumably, a case of 12). As he said, he was amazed at the sheer volume of SKUs to generate moderate sales. Food for thought and a validation for a comment from ScottsMiracle-Gro’s Jim Sullivan on my last post (look in the comment section).

Reprinted from consultant Ian Baldwin’s website, with permission from Baldwin.

Spring Garden Trends



Ian Baldwin

From the President










4

2014 MNLA Board


MNLA Member Profile

Rocky Mountain GardeningPO Box 3208 • Bozeman, MT 59772406.586.8540 www.rockymountaingardening.com

When Andra and Dan Spurr moved to Montana more than 15 years ago, they, like a lot of gardeners, were initially dismayed at the challenges of trying to grow vegetables and perennials at high elevations, a short growing season, poor soil, drought, and a litany of pests. But with careers in magazine publishing, they decided to do something about it: start their own magazine. Thus was born Zone 4 in 2009. Instrumental in helping them get started were Dr. Bob Gough, a professor of horticulture at Montana State University, and his wife, Cheryl Moore-Gough. They also sought contributions from other universities, extension specialists, and long-time gardeners in the region. Zone 4 was quickly recognized and appreciated around the region as a reliable source of expert gardening advice, filling a need unattended by most national publications. In 2015 the name was changed to Rocky Mountain Gardening to avoid confusion over precisely which USDA climate zones the magazine actually covered; despite the name Zone 4, articles always addressed activities in zones 3-7, from northern Montana to southern Colorado. In addition to horticulture, the Spurrs believed that supporting the local food movement was a natural extension of vegetable gardening. Zone 4 Live! events at Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa, and articles on community-supported agriculture (CSA), farmers’ markets, restaurants sourcing local ingredients, and the broader food distribution system soon established the magazine as a leader in changing the way people view and consume food. In the Spring 2016 issue, the Spurrs announced their intention to sell Rocky Mountain Gardening. In his editorial, Dan wrote: “We have learned much about the people, places, and plants of the Rocky Mountain region. Most importantly, we have learned what a great group of folks gardeners are. Smart. Experienced. Generous with their knowledge. Down to earth—literally and figuratively! On our road trips around the western states we’ve been welcomed and cared for by everyone we met. Friendships we made will be lifelong. “So it is with greatly mixed emotions—you know what’s coming next!—that we have decided it’s time for others to take hoe in hand and nurture Rocky Mountain Gardening to the next level. There are a number of fertile areas in which to make this happen. At our ages, we have to think of ourselves as “Old School.” For one, given the ever-growing impact of the Digital Age there are wonderful opportunities for younger minds with new skills and fresh ideas. “We’ve undertaken a search at national and local levels for new owners, both publishing groups and private individuals. Enthusiastic partners is another option. Interested parties should contact Andra. “Thank you—readers, advertisers, and contributors—for your continuing support! We’ll keep you posted. “Gardeners are the best!”

Rocky Mountain Gardening Magazine



the importation of ornamental nursery stock, but their quarantine and inspection programs have thus far prevented it from becoming widespread. The nursery and landscape industries are the front lines for this pest, and maintaining a presence in this arena is vital to the success of our continuing control efforts.

5) MDA coordinates with other states to ensure that invasive pests and pathogens do not affect the nursery, landscape, or agricultural industries in Montana. They have worked with Minnesota to stop the importation of Japanese beetle to Montana. They have worked with Arizona to stop the importation of noxious weeds via the aquarium trade. They coordinate closely with Colorado and other states with established emerald ash borer or Asian longhorn beetle populations to prevent the importation of these devastating pests into Montana. (The nursery, landscape, or arboriculture industries are where many of these pests first become apparent. It is vital that we maintain a close working relationship with these industries.) MDA has access to quarantines, stop-sale orders, and other regulatory tools to protect consumers and businesses from these pests.

6) They provide outreach and education on identification and detection, critical control points, and best management practices for weeds, insect pests, parasites and diseases for all nursery and landscape businesses, large and small. The level of expertise provided by MDA is simply not available (or not affordable) for the vast majority of small and medium-sized nursery and landscape businesses.

You may contact Beth at 406-444-9066 to discuss any issues or with any questions. You may also contact her by email at [email protected].

MDA Benefits to Landscapers, continued

Nursery Program Benefits... — Continued from page 6

From the President










4

2014 MNLA Board


An application may be obtained by contacting the MNLA office at [email protected]



GET ALL YOUR CONTRACTOR SUPPLY NEEDS!C A L L U S F O R T H E B E S T SELECTION IN THE INDUSTRY

www.centrallandscape.com1-800-772-3888 | Fax 1-888-257-5577 | [email protected]

4026 County Road 74 South | St. Cloud, MN 56301

FEATURING GUINEVERE FIREPLACE WITH STRASSEN WALL COBBLE SERIES PAVERS

GROWERS: Nursery Containers, Wire Baskets/Burlap , Horticulture Tools, Corrugated Tree, Protectors, Digging Spades, Osmocote Fertilizers and Grower’s Mixes.

RETAIL: Chemicals, Grass Seeds, Tools/Pruners, Water Gardening, Supplies, Garden Hose, Bird Feeders, Feed and Yard Ornaments.

CONTRACTORS: Edging, Fabrics, Low Voltage, Lighting, Retaining Wall Systems, Pavers, Bulk Materials, Safety Supplies and Wheelbarrows.

NURSERY STOCK: Deciduous Shrubs, Evergreen Shrubs, B&B Trees, Perennials, Specialty Conifers, Specialty Deciduous and *Field Direct Trees.

EROSION CONTROL: Wood Blankets, Straw Blankets, Geojute, Sod Staples, Silt Fence, Grass Seed & Sediment Logs.

Super Nutritious Berries

Four Super Nutritious Berries You Can Grow by Jan Cashman, Cashman Nursery

We all know that strawberries and raspberries grow easily in our mountain climate. Both are highly nutritious sources of antioxidants, Vitamin C and other vitamins and minerals. Blueberries are also super-nutritious but harder to grow here where soils tend to be too alkaline for them. What about some of the more unusual nutritious berries you might have been reading about? Some of these nutritious berries such as Acai grow in subtropical climates. But here are four nutritious berries that we can grow easily in our climate:

Honeyberries (Lonicera caerulea), in the honeysuckle genus and native to Eastern Russia, are an excellent source of Vitamin C and antioxidants. Four good varieties that are available to plant are: Berry Blue, Borealis, Cinderella, and Tundra. You will need to plant two different varieties within 50 feet of each other for pollination.

Honeyberry shrubs grow to 3 to 4 feet. The fruit can be described as larger than a blueberry but similar in taste. They can be eaten fresh or made into jams or jellies, and pies. Easy to grow and not fussy, they prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Although honeyberries are drought tolerant, these shallow rooted plants will need frequent watering at first until they become established. They bear on one-year growth so do not prune back the tips where the flowers and then the fruit will be. Net from the birds. Honeyberries will ripen here in July.

Jostaberries (Ribes x culverwelii), a cross between black currants and gooseberries, are an excellent source of Vitamin C. They are self-fruitful, but you might want to plant more than one plant so you get plenty of fruit. Jostberries make good jam

and are supposed to be tastier than black currant. Like the honeyberry, they need to be netted from the birds.

Elderberry (Sambucus Canadensis) is a large (8-10 ft.) hardy native shrub that produces bluish-black fruit in bunches of little berries. It is antioxidant-rich and high in Vitamins A and C and other vitamins and minerals. The fruit is good for wine, juice, pies, jelly and jam but is quite bitter for eating fresh. You get better pollination of elderberries with two different varieties, such as York and Adams. Prune out old wood after 3 years or so on this fast-growing shrub. Birds like to eat elderberries, too, so net them if you plan to harvest.

Glossy Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) is another easy-to-grow shrub native to the Eastern U.S, that grows to four to five feet tall. It has fragrant white flowers that mature into dark purple-black berries with high levels of antioxidants, anthocyanins, and flavonoids. Although sour eaten raw (hence the name chokeberry), the berries make good juice, syrup, wine, jam and jelly. Chokeberry shrubs are relatively pest-free and drought resistant. An added bonus is their beautiful red-orange fall leaf color. Plant these shrubs to make your yard not just beautiful but fruitful. If you can’t make your own, Rocky Creek Farms east of Bozeman sells a delicious jelly made from chokeberries.

Are you creating... continued

Are you creating a culture...? — Continued from page 8

From the President










4

2014 MNLA Board


7. Along those same lines, establish expectations early. Meet with the new person and review what you expect in terms of quantity and quality of work, appearance, hours, and so forth. Much of this could also have been covered by Human Resources or outlines in an employee manual provided by your organization. However, if something is important to you, highlight it verbally. New people have a lot of information to digest, and extra emphasis can’t hurt.

8. During a new hire’s first few weeks, set up 20-minute informational meetings with key employees throughout your company. This should go without saying, but be sure to choose people who believe in your organization, set a good example, and can provide insight about the business.

9. A little background information can help new employees avoid potential landmines. While gossip is obviously not a good idea, insight on the idiosyncrasies of the workplace should be shared if knowing about them will help the new person without hurting anyone else.

10. Pay attention to distribution lists. New people won’t necessarily see the emails or memos they should if someone isn’t looking out for them.

11. If the employee is new to you industry, share trade magazines, websites, and other resources that might be useful.12. Finally, check in throughout the week, but don’t be a pest.

None of these suggestions is difficult to implement, but they all take planning. The good news is, it’s usually worth it. The faster you can get new employees up to speed, the sooner they will produce the work you hired them to do!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kate Zabriskie is the president of Business Training

Works, Inc., a Maryland-based talent development firm. She and her team help businesses establish customer service strategies and train their people to live up to what’s promised. For more information visit www.businesstrainingworks.com.

Edgings•Tools •Landscape Fabrics •Tree Planting Products •Ponds & Water Features

alley V Landscape Supply

1316 Eastside HwyCorvallis MT 59828

Phone: 406-961-3599 Fax: 406-363-3809www.vlsmt.com

Quality Products make Quality Projects!Your source for quality Landscape Supplies in MT!

(406) 961-3599www.vlsmt.com

Turf Irrigation Products

Introducing:

Also carrying a full selection of Poly

Pipe, Poly Fittings, PVC Fittings, Filters

and Wire.

Want to advertise in The Leaflet?Contact the MNLA o�ce at 406-755-3079



The Missoula MNLA Members cordially invite you to attend

the Fall Tour in Missoula on September 15-16, 2016.

September 15 - COME PLAY GOLF

§ Thursday afternoon at Linda Vista Golf Course

9 hole best ball scramble tournament

Cost to Play: $25/person

§ Tournament followed by a dinner at Caras Nursery

Equipment Demonstrations

Fantastic food

Beautiful setting

Live Music

§ For the non-golfers – enjoy a self-guided tour of some beautiful area gardens. A

map will be provided. Join in the dinner at Caras Nursery in the evening.

CPP EXAM is offered September 15 at Caras Nursery beginning at 9:00 am.

Register by August 15 to be eligible to take the exam.

September 16 - TOUR SITES WILL INCLUDE

§ University of Montana Native American Center Garden - The Native American

Center Garden outside of the University of Montana's Payne Family Native American Center

contains native grasses and bushes connecting eight "Circles of Life." Each Circle represents

an ecoregion of Montana and the tribe or tribes that live within that area. Within each Circle

are plants, shrubs, or bushes native to that ecoregion and important to Montana's Native

peoples.

§ View Beautiful Local Private Gardens

§ Ten Spoon – A Montana Vineyard + Winery

§ Benson Farm - Bensons Farms started as a dairy/sugar beet farm in 1900 by Otto

Benson. Grandson Bruce transitioned the farm over to raising vegetables, fruit trees,

and 5 greenhouses of annual bedding plants. In August locals flock in for their Sweet

Corn.

Host Hotel: Red Lion Inn & Suites Room Rate: $109 + tax Call: 1-406-728-3300

Tour Cost: MNLA Members: $50.00

Non-Members: $70.00

√ Bus transportation available at the Red Lion Inn.

√ Dinner Thursday evening and Breakfast and Lunch Friday included.

√ Tee shirt for attending.

Registration information will be mailed and e-mailed in July.

Questions? Contact the MNLA office at 406-755-3079

or by email at ed@plan

tingmonta

na.com.

2016 FAL

L TOUR

Fall Tour Details

CPP EXAM is offered September 15 at Caras Nursery beginning at 9:00 am. Register by August 15 to be eligible to take the exam.

September 16 - TOUR SITES WILL INCLUDE • Native American Studies Garden – Built and landscaped in 2007, the Native American Studies Center (NASC) features

thousands of bunch grasses along with a great variety of native forbes and shrubs. Species selection was made with an emphasis of importance to Native culture. The garden suffered from neglect initially but has since been taken over by native plant and ecological expert, Marilyn Marler and has become an outstanding demonstration garden..

• View Beautiful Local Private Gardens – one being the Veazey Garden. Nestled in the University area at the base of Mount Sentinel, this charming backyard garden is enclosed by a decades old Blue Spruce hedge and features lots of color, dwarf conifers, a basalt column fountain and micro shade garden areas.

• Ten Spoon – A Montana Vineyard + Winery • Benson Farm - Benson’s Farms started as a dairy/sugar beet farm in 1900 by Otto Benson. Grandson Bruce transitioned

the farm over to raising vegetables, fruit trees, and 5 greenhouses of annual bedding plants. In August locals flock in for their Sweet Corn.

Host Hotel: Red Lion Inn & Suites Room Rate: $109 + tax Call: 1-406-728-3300 Tour Cost: MNLA Members: $50.00 Non-Members: $70.00 √ Bus transportation available at the Red Lion Inn. √ Dinner Thursday evening and Breakfast and Lunch Friday included. √ Tee shirt for attending.

Registration information will be mailed and e-mailed in July.Questions? Contact the MNLA office at 406-755-3079

or by email at [email protected].

2016 Fall TourThe Missoula MNLA Members cordially invite you to attend the Fall Tour in Missoula on September 15-16, 2016.

September 15 - COME PLAY GOLF • Thursday afternoon at Linda Vista Golf Course 9 hole best ball scramble tournament Cost to Play: $25/person – includes cart and green fee • Tournament followed by a dinner at Caras Nursery Equipment Demonstrations Fantastic food Beautiful setting Live Music • For the non-golfers – enjoy a self-guided tour of some beautiful area gardens.

A map will be provided. Join in the dinner at Caras Nursery in the evening.

From the President










4

2014 MNLA Board


800.743.2125 | northwestfcs.com

Here to Help You Grow

· Real Estate Financing

· Operating Lines of Credit

· Country Home & Lot Loans

· Crop Insurance*

We support agriculture and rural communities with reliable, consistent credit and financial services, today and tomorrow.

Your trusted source.

This

inst

itutio

n is

an e

qual

opp

ortu

nity

pro

vider

and

em

ploy

er.

*Ser

viced

thro

ugh

North

wes

t Far

m C

redi

t Ser

vices

Insu

ranc

e Ag

ency

.

March 2016The March Conference Call meeting was called or order by President, James Prchal. The minutes and agenda were approved by con-sent agenda. There was good discussion regarding the proposed nursery fee legislation for the 2017 legislative session. A category of sales was added in the fee structure from $5,001 to $25,000 in response to comments received. A Survey Monkey questionnaire will be created and emailed to the membership for comment. Shane Clouse is seeking Keynote Speaker ideas for the 2017 Expo. 51 booth spaces have been sold already for the trade show. The Missoula Fall Tour Committee met on March 9 to begin their planning. They are including a 9 hole golf tournament this year on Thursday afternoon with a nice dinner and kick off to the tour at Caras Nursery Thursday evening. The tour will be on Friday. Jennifer reported the CPP Manual has now been scanned onto a flash drive for ease of editing. Chapter meeting startup was discussed with ideas for an initial agenda. The Strategic Plan will be finalized at the September board meeting.

April 2016The April Conference Call meeting was called or order by President, James Prchal. The minutes and agenda were approved by con-sent agenda. Five new MNLA members have joined Small Business Growth Alliance (SBGA) to utilize their credit card program and services. Work continues to update and refresh the MNLA website. Results of the Survey Monkey questionnaire were discussed. The comments were about 50% for a license increase and 50% against out of 18 replies. Those in favor understood that protecting agricul-ture from disease and pest issues comes with a cost and were in support. The Billings Golf Tournament is progressing as well as Chapter meeting plans. James Prchal moved that a line item of $1,000 be created for Chapter meeting expenses to be used for food and one drink per person attending. The meeting leader would initially cover the cost and submit a reimbursement request to MNLA to cover the cost of the meeting expense. We would continue to fund this line item by future golf tournament proceeds. Nathan Heinitz seconded the motion. MC. Executive Director Contract – Jennifer Weiss moved and Sarah Kleinschmidt seconded the motion to continue the current contract with Jyl Story as Executive Director. MC.

May 2016The May Conference Call meeting was called or order by President, James Prchal. The minutes and agenda were approved by consent agenda. The Board reviewed additional proposed changes to the Nursery Fee License legislation. Changes recommended were: Es-tablishing a fee range in statute that can be adjusted by administrative rule, Elimination of exemption for gross annual sales less than $1,000, Elimination of occasional sales fee, Eliminate florists and golf courses from the fee schedule, Eliminate the response fee, Main-tain the flat fee for landscapers rather than based on gross annual sales, Eliminate the Small Plant Vendor language now in statute. If the statute is eliminated and, if needed in the future, it can still be created within the Department. Statute is not necessary. The Ex-ecutive Committee will meet with the Department of Ag on June 2 to further discuss the changes. MNLA appreciates the Department bringing them to the table to discuss this important legislation. The first Billings Chapter meeting will be held May 25. Mike Cashman is working on articles for the Summer Leaflet. Jennifer reported MSU Professor, Bill Hoch, had conducted the Spring Written test for the CPP Exam. Nine students took the Exam with eight passing. Brigitte Simmons had previously taken the Plant ID Exam and now passed the written exam to become a CPP.

MNLA Board Summaries



www.2mco.com

Wholesale DistributionWater & Gas WellTurf IrrigationPumps & TanksLandscapingMining Wells

Billings

Bozeman

Kalispell

Missoula

800-234-7426

866-566-8385

866-610-5961

800-326-6795

From the President










4

2014 MNLA Board


Check out the

NEW Plant Something Montana

website at

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

August 25 - Billings Chapter Golf Tournament

Sept. 15-16 - Fall Tour in Missoula

Sept. 19 - Rocky Mountain Gardening Live

Sept. 28-30 - Northern Rockies

Tree School

January 3-5, 2017 - Montana

Green Expo

Montana Nursery & Landscape Association P.O. Box 215

Park City, MT 59063 406-755-3079

406-633-2032 fax www.plantingmontana.com

Non-Pro�tU.S. Postage

PAIDBillings, MTPermit No. 1

Documents

City of Billings Wins Arbor Day Award - Montana …...Dr. Goetting has combined her passion for Montana wildflowers with her expertise in estate planning to offer members of the Montana