LooseLeaf June/July 2016

Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association

June/July 2016Volume 34 • Number 3

Challenges of thegreen Industry

8Perspectives onPesticide Bans

Japanese Beetle &Emerald Ash Borer

Challenge Us

11

Water Effi ciency throughEff ective Irrigation

13

Keeping Customers Focusedon Water Effi ciency

15

LooseLeaf June/July 20162

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Our MissionTo create opportunities for horticultural and associated industry professionals to collaborativelygrow their businesses through fellowship, education, advocacy and certifi cation.

coloradonga.org

Allison Gault, MBA

Executive Director

agault@ coloradonga.org

In This Issue4 Message from the Board:

Hiring and Training for Success

5 CNGA – Here for the Members: The Forgotten Benefi ts

6 Member Profi les:Colorado Springs UtilitiesColorado State Forest Service Nursery 16 CSU Research Update:

2015-16 Cool Season Trial Winners

17 People – Our Greatest Resource:Ten Steps to Hiring Success

18 Funding Research & Education:Industry Leader Leverages his Legacy

19 Calendar, New Members, Classifi ed Ads,& Advertisers List

Jesse Eastman, CCNPPresidentFort Collins [email protected]

Dan Wise, CCNPPresident-Elect, Secretary/TreasurerFort Collins Wholesale [email protected]

Levi Heidrich, O� cer-At-LargeHeidrich’s Colorado Tree Farm

Nursery, [email protected]

DirectorsBill KluthTagawa Greenhouse Enterprises, LLC303.659.1260 [email protected]

Stan Brown, CCNP Alameda Wholesale Nursery, [email protected]

Sarada Krishnan, Ph.D.Denver Botanic [email protected]

Kirby � ompson, CCNPBritton Nursery, Inc. 719.495.3676info@brittonfl owers.com

Kerri DantinoLittle Valley Wholesale [email protected]

Beth GulleyGulley [email protected]

Ex-Offi cio MembersJim Klett, Ph.D.CSU Dept. of Horticulture &

Landscape [email protected]

Allison Gault, MBAExecutive DirectorColorado Nursery & Greenhouse

[email protected]

Board Of Directors

PublisherColorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association959 S. Kipling Pkwy., Ste. 200Lakewood, Colo. 80226303.758.6672Fax: [email protected]

PrinterColorado Community Media9137 Ridgeline Blvd., Ste. 210Highlands Ranch, Colo. 80129coloradocommunitymedia.com

Display AdvertisingBen Northcutt, [email protected]

EditorialAllison Gault, MBAExecutive Director Colorado Nursery &Greenhouse Association 303.758.6672 [email protected]

Staff

Jesse Eastman, CCNP Matt Edmundson Allison Gault Nick GeraceJonathan Handy Tanya Ishikawa Jodi Johnson Dr. Jim Klett Ben Northcutt Laura Pottor� Jean Seawright

The LooseLeaf feature writer and editor is Tanya Ishikawa of Buffalo Trails MultimediaCommunications at 303.819.7784 and offi [email protected].

The LooseLeaf is published six times a year with issues scheduled for February/March, April/May,June/July, August/September, October/November, and December/January.

Visit coloradonga.org for classifi ed advertisements, plant publications, upcoming events,a member directory, and much more!

Contributing Writers

Ben Northcutt

Membership Manager

bnorthcutt@ coloradonga.org

12 Getting Ahead of EAB

11 Japanese Beetle & Emerald Ash Borer Challenge Urban Landscapes

8 Perspectives on Pesticide Bans – Jonathan Handy & Nick Gerace

15 Keeping Customers Focusedon Water Effi ciency

13 Water Effi ciency throughEff ective Irrigation


“Our business

is not just a

place where

people come

to buy plants.

It is a process

that creates

successful

gardeners and

landscapers.”

Hiring and Trainingfor Success

MESSAGE FROM THE

BOARD

By Jesse Eastman, CCNPCNGA Board President

Here at Fort Collins Retail Nursery, we just held our yearly all-staff training session. We get our new seasonal hires into the same room as our returning seasonal salespeople and our permanent employees and share stories, tips, techniques, and get to know one another before the spring season hits us like a freight train. The goal is to make sure everyone is on the same page, following the same guidelines, and running towards the same fi nish line. Each year, we try to put a slightly different spin on the session, and each year we’re rewarded by learning things about our team that are new, exciting, and help us grow in unexpected ways.

This year, we wanted to make sure our staff understood that our business is not just a place where people come to buy plants. It is a process that creates successful gardeners and landscapers. Each employee plays an important role in that process, from growing healthy plants to creating an inviting and welcoming environment for customers, to equipping those customers with the tools, resources, and most importantly, the knowledge to go forth and have a positive and successful experience with their purchases.

Just as we aim to treat customer interactions as a process, not a transaction, we want our employees to see their time here as a process. We don’t particularly want the employee who is just here to sell plants and go home, repeat the process for three months, and then move on to fi nd a winter job. This business stays strong because employees have the drive to seek personal growth while they are here, and we actively foster an environment that encourages positive employee development.

This culture of empowerment and growth is not an accident. We encourage employees to take plants and products home with them; we give employees a healthy discount so they can explore and cultivate their horticultural passions. We seek out and send employees to a variety of educational opportunities,

including short courses, community classes, and CCNP and CGG certifi cation courses and exams. By doing this, we put our money where our mouth is when we tell our staff we believe they have potential, and it pays off when they discover interests and passions that make them ever more effective salespeople.

Of course, it would be naïve to say we can just create a great employee out of any person who shows up on our doorstep. While my various hiring managers each have their own preferred methods for selecting new hires, one thing is constant: we hire for personality.

This is the single most important characteristic we look for: a personality that will fi t into our culture of high energy, helpfulness, and teamwork. We can teach someone to use a cash register. I can send someone home with a list of 400 plant descriptions to study, but I can’t teach someone who is unwilling to put extra effort into helping a coworker or supporting his or her teammate. Just because someone loves plants doesn’t mean they will love helping customers fi nd their perfect tree. Our employees have to understand how to fi nd enjoyment in helping others succeed. If they possess that quality, plants just become a tool for enabling success.

Intellectually, I understand that if we do a good job hiring people who embrace our company culture, introduce them to each other in an atmosphere of camaraderie, and show them that we truly believe that they have something to contribute to our collective good, we create the perfect conditions for success. As I chatted with new employees following this year’s training, I encountered an enthusiasm and excitement about the upcoming season that was entirely unexpected, and I realized that this isn’t just textbook jargon. When you take the time to craft a team, and when you can then be your team’s biggest fan, they become capable of truly great things.

5coloradonga.org

Every association has a large variety of benefi ts they offer their members, and it’s expected that not all members will take advantage of every benefi t offered by the association. CNGA is not unlike most associations; we have a lot of benefi ts and hope our members utilize many of them. I wanted to highlight some of the “forgotten benefi ts” that CNGA offers in the hopes that you’ll start to take advantage of them.

First, our affi nity programs offer a variety of discounts on products and services that you use every day in your business. Our Offi ce Depot program provides members with up to 80 percent discounts on offi ce supplies. At CNGA, we use this for all of our supplies and save at least 50 percent on paper alone!

Heartland payroll and credit card processing is another program that you can utilize, and the CNGA offi ce takes advantage of. All members receive a discount on payroll services as well as credit card processing fees. Did you know that Heartland also provides company-branded gift card services?

In addition to our discount programs, CNGA is active at both the state and federal legislative levels. We are a founding and participating partner in the Green Industries of Colorado (GreenCO), an organization that is committed to water conservation and industry-wide best management practices as a way of doing business.

During the Colorado legislative session, the GreenCO lobbyists review every bill

presented by the House and the Senate for impacts to the green industry. Any bills that could have a potential impact are reviewed and discussed by the Legislative Committee, which provides direction for support or opposition of bills.

On a federal level, CNGA works with AmericanHort’s Lighthouse Program, which provides members details on federal legislation that could impact your business. In 2015, we signed on to a number of important letters to support or oppose federal legislation.

The last benefi t I’d like to highlight is certifi cation. As an association, we offer three certifi cations: Colorado Certifi ed Nursery Professional, New Mexico Certifi ed Nursery Professional, and Certifi ed Greenhouse Grower. Certifi cation provides your staff members with the knowledge and tools to further extend their value to you and your customers. Certifi ed employees help your business stand out and show your customers that you value their business and want to be of the best possible service to them. We offer preparation classes for each certifi cation as well as the tests each year.

For more information on any of these benefi ts, please visit the CNGA website at coloradonga.org, call us at 303.758.6672, or email me at [email protected]. If you aren’t already taking advantage of these benefi ts, I hope you consider adding them to your association “toolkit” soon!

The Forgotten Benefi tsCNGA —HERE FORTHE MEMBERS

By Allison Gault, MBACNGA Executive Director

...we grow plants to age gracefully

B&B SHADE • FLOWERING TREES • CONIFERS • JUNIPERS • CONTAINER PLANTS

WHOLESALE NURSERY LLC

Willow Creek Creek

knowledge experience

25455 Lansing Lane • Middleton, ID 83644 • Fax - 208.585.5797

Eric Celmer: 208.863.9732 - [email protected] Carter: 208.863.2350 - [email protected] s ales

&

“CNGA is not

unlike most

associations;

we have a

lot of benefi ts

and hope

our members

utilize many

of them.”


How have residential landscapes changed over the years?

In the early years of landscape development, we saw the introduction of plants that worked well in other parts of the U.S., usually from back East, with the assumption that they would perform the same here. Obviously, our environment is different and we learned that you can’t change the environment for the plants. Then, the trend was to use plants from similar climates, like Mediterranean species, some of which are well-adapted to our location. Over the past 15 years, that approach has given way to what I think is the best strategy yet. Now we are educating our customers about native plants that are already adapted to our climate, our soils and our often crazy weather. With an ever-growing supply of these natives that CNGA members provide, we feel confi dent in recommending these plants both for their lower water requirements and attractive landscape appeal.

Which native plants are you excited about?

We know how much our customers like colorful fl owers. But often times they choose varieties that require a fair amount of water. We’re excited to promote many of the Southwest native fl owers like Agastache, which are drought tolerant, have colorful fl owers and make good pollinator habitats. Once you show people the

native fl ower options and explain the benefi ts, they’re usually willing to try them. Some of our native grasses are being used in landscapes more, too – species like Little Bluestem provide great aesthetic diversity and really don’t require much water once established.

How are you preparing for future water shortages?

We’re pleased to have the newly adopted Colorado Water Plan as a framework from which we can meet our water management challenges. Statewide, we’re looking at a possible water shortage gap of about a half million acre feet/year by 2050 (according to the 2010 State Water Supply Initiative report). The plan sets a goal of reducing this gap by 15 to 35 percent through landscape water management options. To get there, we will continue our many education programs and outreach efforts that include rebates, sprinkler system audits, classes, information on our bills, videos, consultations, and radio spots.

How does CNGA membership help Colorado Springs Utilities?

We really value the relationships with our local nursery and greenhouse partners that CNGA has enabled. For example, when we’ve faced implementing water restrictions, their input has helped make our goals realistic and our ordinances better overall. We enjoy attending the BBQs to connect with members and share our latest news. In fact, I’d like to invite everyone to join us on September 30, as we’ll be hosting the CNGA BBQ at our Conservation and Environmental Center. We’re excited to give everyone a tour of our popular Xeric Demonstration Garden and highlight our implementation of the GreenCO Best Management Practices that we employ.

MEMBERPROFILE

Colorado Springs Utilities

2855 Mesa RoadColo. Springs, Colo. 80904

tel 719.668.4559

fax 719.668.4599

[email protected]

csu.org

Water Supplier to the Landscapes of

464,000 People

Why is Colorado Springs Utilities interested in horticulture?

As a municipally owned utility, we provide electric, gas, water and waste water service to 464,000 people. Since 42 percent of the residential water supplied by us is used for landscape applications, we have a vested interest in making sure our customers understand the relationship between the water provided by us and how their individual landscapes use it.

Interview with Catherine Moravec, Senior Water Conservation Specialist

Our water conservation staff , from left to right:

Scott Winter, Ann Seymour, Lisa Pace, Catherine Moravec,

and Molly Morris

7coloradonga.org

What is the nursery’s history?

The nursery began in 1957 at the CSU Foothills Campus and encompasses about 130 acres.We were established to provide low-cost, Colorado native seedlings strictly for soil conservation purposes. In the early days, our trees were commonly used for wind breaks and snow fences. Now our plants are also used for fl ood and fi re reforestation, erosion control, and habitat for wildlife and pollinators. We provide bare root and containerized stock and operate with fi ve full time-staff and seven to 15 hourly student employees.

Where does your stock come from?

We grow most of our plant material from native seed that is collected in Colorado by seed brokers and partner organizations such as the Southern Rockies Seed Network. We use the seed to grow seedlings in seven-inch tube shaped containers or in the fi eld for bare root material, which we typically harvest at 16 to 18 inches, depending on the species.

Who are your customers?

About 75 percent of our plants go to our Cooperators. These are agencies such as county extension offi ces, Colorado Forest Service branches, NRCS offi ces and conservation districts that work directly with landowners to help them identify the best plants for their particular conservation needs. The remaining 25 percent is sold to individuals who purchase on our website, use our paper order forms or buy at the nursery. One thing that most people don’t realize is that our

native perennials is growing, although we only offer about 10 species at this time. One of the trends we’re seeing is using the same plant for more than one purpose. For example, chokecherries can be grown as an ‘edible windbreak’ – providing both function and food. Another trend is a growing demand for eco-typical species where the user can be confi dent of a plant’s seed source location and elevation. Finally, we’re seeing a huge need for native riparian species to help mitigate the massive amount of fl ood damage that occurred along the northern Front Range in 2013.

How does your CNGA membership help the nursery?

In two key ways. First, CNGA helps us build awareness about the nursery and our focus on providing low-cost, native plants for conservation applications. Secondly, we value the knowledge that CNGA provides through resources like LooseLeaf magazine. We also really value the knowledge exchange that CNGA enables. We want to share our knowledge with members, too, and to be known as a valued resource for any aspect of growing Colorado native plant material. We welcome CNGA members to visit us anytime – we’ll be happy to give you a tour!

The Source forLow-Cost,

Native Seedlings

MEMBERPROFILE

Interview with Joshua Stolz, CSFS Nursery Manager

plant sales are our only source of revenue. We don’t receive any outside funding support, so it’s essential that we provide the highest quality plant material possible as well as newer plants that our customers are seeking.

What are your most popular species?Rocky Mountain juniper has long been our number one

seller and is still used for wind breaks and snow fences. Our second most popular plant is ponderosa pine, followed by chokecherry and native plum. Demand for

PROFILE

3843 Laporte Ave.CSU Foothills Campus, Bldg. 1060Fort Collins, Colo. 80521

tel 970.491.8429

fax 505.898.9517

[email protected]

csfs.colostate.edu/seedling-tree-nursery

Colorado State Forest Service Nursery


A P U B L I C S E R V A N T ’ S P E R S P E C T I V E

PesticideBans

In recent years, nationally we have seen more cities initiating bans to protect pollinators. In some cases, the motivation to ban pesticides may not be based on sound science and could needlessly prohibit use of some of the most widely used and effective pesticides available today.

Neonicotinoid pesticides seem to be the most controversial at this time. In Colorado, local jurisdictions have considered neonic restrictions of one sort or another, and some municipalities enact restrictions on city- or county-owned property, which is allowed.

The Colorado Pesticide Applicators’ Act (PAA) requires statewide uniformity of pesticide regulations and places limits on such initiatives. During a sunset legislative review of the PAA in 2014-15, signifi cant attempts were made to restrict pesticide use and remove the state uniformity limitation, but they were unsuccessful.

Industry and regulatory agencies have expressed concerns that earlier state-level action may lead to restrictions based on limited or inadequate science. This could cause an uneven playing fi eld with different requirements in different jurisdictions, harming rather than helping efforts both to protect pollinator health and ensure the safe and effective use of pesticides.

According to Richard Cowles, a nationally recognized expert with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment

Station, the two primary suspected causes of adverse effects on pollinator health are 1) neonic insecticides and 2) diseases transmitted by varroa mites. To date, experts have concluded that diseases are the more likely causative agent leading to impacts such as colony collapse disorder (CCD), and that undue focus on neonics could unduly impact the horticultural and agricultural industries reliant upon these insecticides.

Due to concerns about a link between neonics and adverse effects on bee health, the EPA is reviewing the registration of neonic pesticides. Dockets

(public collections of documents on a given topic, typically on the internet) have been opened for all neonics. The agency has said it expects to complete the review in 2018. This information can be found at: epa.gov/pollinator-protection/schedule-review-neonicotinoid-pesticides.

A neonic concentration of 25 parts per billion in nectar has been shown to be deleterious to honey bee health. Recent surveys have shown concentrations under real world fi eld conditions rarely reach this level. In specifi c cases, the risk may be greater. Use has been withdrawn for linden trees by pesticide manufacturers, for instance.

A variety of factors impact decisions about whether to use pesticides. Best management practices in the cultivation of any crop can help reduce the need for pesticide use. However, depending on a given year, certain pest pressures can prevail and crop survival or acceptable economic yields may depend on the use of one or more pesticides for success.

In the broadest sense, crops and other plants have been raised for thousands of years using selective techniques, including the control of pests. Over time, both the available pesticide tools and the resultant increase in production have gone hand in hand. Although organic production fi lls a niche in the economy it currently cannot meet the demand

Jonathan HandyPesticide Applicator Coordinator at the Colorado Department of Agriculture

Continued on page 10

coloradonga.org

A G R E E N H O U S E G R O W E R ’ S P E R S P E C T I V E

PesticideBans

9

Recently states have started to get in on the trend of banning pesticides. In April, Maryland became the fi rst state to pass a bill banning homeowners from buying neonicotinoids starting in 2018. More and more regulations on what pesticides can be used are being implemented all over the United States, Europe and South America.

Media coverage of the pollinator issue and the anti-neonic movement have put the idea of bans on the forefront of people’s minds. Everybody heard about the bee kill in Oregon within a week. Twenty years ago, that news would not have spread so quickly to Colorado. What was missing from the speedy news reports was that the Oregon situation was caused by using an off-label pesticide at the wrong time of day illegally and not by Department of Agriculture standards. There’s a lot of misinformation out there.

Neonics are actually one of the safest pesticides for applicators and other people in the operation. As people switch away from neonics to other pesticide options due to public perceptions and bans, they are going back to using old chemicals that are not as safe to use and usually require more chemical treatments. It’s a shame because the chemicals being used instead of neonics can have the exact same negative impact on bees if used improperly.

The days of the green industry using large amounts of dangerous pesticides are behind us. Industry leaders are

looking at many factors other than just killing bugs and disease on crops. The kinds of pesticides growers are using now are more mild; they are defi nitely less harsh on people and the environment then 15 to 20 years ago.

We have to think about the workers, consumers and environment. Our industry also has to adapt to everything from drought to bad weather. We are very dependent on mother nature. We are willing to adapt to different pesticide methods if neonics are found to be the real culprit for colony collapse disorder (CCD), rather than just the scapegoat.

The bee situation is something new and a big issue because selling fl owers is a big part of our industry. I have yet to see any hard research and scientifi c data

that show neonics cause CCD, though they could be a contributing factor.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) does a great job of informing growers and people in the green industry about proper pesticide use and they follow it. I’m on the CDA Pesticide Advisory Committee with people from all over the Colorado agricultural community. We are kept up to date with people’s reactions and public comments about pesticide issues.

It’s important that people educate themselves and know what’s happening. We as an industry need to be transparent and offer more education to end consumers.

I invite anyone to walk through our greenhouse and look at what we use and why and when. We are very open and honest about our pesticide use with our customers. We have a system that can identify every plant and what treatments have been used on it.

Here at Welby, we are looking at employee health, crops and consumer preferences. We are listening to our customers and trying to run a business; it’s a balancing act between the two. As a company, we are trying to use as few neonics as possible. We are not using neonics on anything smaller than one gallon, but are still using them on baskets and patio pots

We use neonics mainly on crops that

Nick GeraceFacility Operations Manager at Welby Gardens Company Inc.


Photos courtesy of Welby Gardens


supplied through conventional agriculture, using the full range of chemical tools available.

The integrated use of pesticides with other pest control practices has been widely recognized and accepted as a successful approach to pest control over the simple use of chemicals. In addition to chemical pesticides, practices such as control over eradication, preventative cultural practices, monitoring, mechanical and biological controls, and the responsible use of pesticides are all part of integrated pest management (IPM). The industry must continue to use pesticides judiciously to provide the necessary pest protection, while ensuring little to no impact to the environment it’s applied to.

The safe and balanced use of chemical tools is beneficial to all. A key

component of such use is simple adherence to the requirements of the label – the label is the law. The Colorado General Assembly has recognized the importance of safe and effective use of pesticides in the Colorado Pesticide Applicators’ Act:

“The general assembly hereby finds and declares that pesticides perform a valuable function in controlling insects, rodents, weeds, and other forms of life which may be injurious to crops, livestock, and other desirable forms of plant and animal life, to structures, and to individuals. The general assembly further finds and declares that pesticides contain toxic substances which may pose a serious risk to the public health and safety and that regulation of pesticide use is necessary to prevent adverse effects on individuals and the environment.”

Pesticide use is an evolving topic, with new issues arising each year. The Colorado Department of Agriculture encourages industry stakeholders to take an active role in the safe and effective use of pesticides. This includes communication, outreach and a proactive approach on the part of industry organizations such as the Colorado Nursery and Greenhouse Association, as well as contributions by individual producers.

Participation in organizations, meetings and training events has been and will continue to be central to the continued safe and effective use of pesticides in Colorado. Participation in and comment on government rule making, initiatives, and groups such as the Pesticide Advisory Committee is also extremely important.

A Public Servant’s Perspective Continued from page 8

are most susceptible to aphids and in our poinsettia production, because it’s not acceptable to have white flies on those flowers when we send them to customers. If people are worried about neonics and bees, our use on poinsettias shouldn’t raise concern because they are grown in winter and indoors when and where bees are not active.

Welby trains our growers and staff to look at pesticides as a tool and not a crutch for bad growing practices. We treat pesticides with respect and use them responsibly. We take extra precautions to make sure all employees are safe and in the know. Having a good healthy fear of chemicals is a good thing, though most are basically harmless to humans.

Overall, we use IPM (integrated pest management), which is not just about the use of chemicals. It’s made up of practices such as having clean growing spaces, the right amount of water, and environmental controls to create temperatures where pests don’t thrive but plants still do well. It’s about managing where and when to vent and use insect screens.

For us, IPM is about knowing our insect threshold, and how many is acceptable for us as a grower. It’s about

making sure the last thing that we use generally is a chemical, and when we use a chemical that we use it correctly, not over and over again to create a resistance. We don’t just blanket spray the greenhouse for bugs; we spot treat.

When people hear pesticide, they automatically think insecticide with a danger label, but organic methods are also used – usually at a higher cost. Pesticides can be parasitic mites, funghi or lady bugs. Nematodes are used in home gardens to prevent soil-borne diseases.

Pesticides are not cheap so the less we use, the better off we are as a business. Beyond being more economical by not using as much pesticide, we can save money on training, licensing and equipment. If we can do without and make sure our crop is consumer ready, that of course is the way we will go.

The bottom line is that the consumer expects pest-free products so some sort of pest management has to be used. We have a lot of wholesale customers, including independent garden centers and landscapers. They can’t have a crop failure. That will affect their living and jobs.

Even if we had the perfect crops, perfect weather and perfect greenhouses,

so we could grow all crops without any pesticides, it wouldn’t stop customers’ plants from getting pests. What a lot of people don’t realize is that homeowners tend to be the worst when it comes to overuse of pesticides and fertilizers. Problems are caused by people who don’t implement proper IPM.

It’s not necessarily the regulated businesses that cause problems. Overall, the green industry is very much on the forefront of using chemicals in the right way and doing the right thing for the environment.

A Greenhouse Grower’s Perspective Continued from page 9

Photo courtesy of Welby Gardens

PesticideBans

coloradonga.org 11

Two invasive pests from Asia are spreading along the Front Range, creating challenges and requiring change to the way we think about and manage our urban landscapes.

Japanese beetle,Popillia japonica,JB

transported on nursery stock from the East and Midwest, has become established sporadically along the Front Range from Pueblo to Fort Collins. This insect has a very wide host range and is diffi cult to control. Host plants will suffer severe damage from it. Management of Japanese beetle relies heavily on insecticide use and changes to the types of plants we use in our yards as well as to the way we irrigate our landscapes.

A quarantine on nursery stock imported from Japanese beetle-infested states helps slow the progression of the insect and prevent new Colorado introductions. Nursery stock may only enter Colorado if treated with certain insecticides or certifi ed to be Japanese beetle free.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) is proposing to expand our state’s quarantine to include the counties of Pueblo, El Paso, Douglas, Arapahoe, Jefferson, Denver, Boulder, Broomfi eld, Adams, Weld and Larimer to prevent spread of the pest from known infested areas in the Front Range to locations in eastern Colorado and the Western Slope. If adopted, nurseries and landscape contractors in Front Range counties will need to make sure plant material grown or held within the Front Range is certifi ed Japanese beetle free before

transporting to other areas of the state. CDA inspectors will be discussing this proposal and answering questions during routine inspections this year.

Emerald Ash Borer,Agrilus planipennis,EAB

is an extremely aggressive invasive species. First detected in the U.S. in 2001, the alien insect has quickly spread to more than 25 states over the last 15 years. The host of concern is Fraxinus (all species of ash).

EAB was fi rst detected in Boulder in September 2013. As of April 2016, the pest has

not been detected outside Boulder’s city limits. This

will change as the population of EAB

increases and trees begin to die. The insect spreads in ash wood debris, nursery stock and on its own power, fl ying about one to one and a half miles a year. The state’s

response to EAB is a quarantine to slow

human-assisted spread of the insect by banning all

movement of ash nursery stock and restricting movement of all hardwood fi rewood and untreated ash wood outside of Boulder County.

What makes dealing with EAB so challenging is that ash trees have no defenses of their own; an ash tree will die within three years of infestation if unprotected. As with any invasive species, pesticide use is intensifi ed as a management strategy, begging the

question: “Is every ash worth treating?” The answer is:

blanket treatment of all ash is excessive and

environmentally inappropriate. Rather, calculated assessments of each tree’s health, location and value is imperative, and employing pesticide treatment for high-value, healthy trees only.

The new reality of managing invasive

pests in our urban landscapes includes:

1. Be aware of how invasive pests spread. Firewood and nursery stock are high-risk pathways for spread. Follow all state quarantines and nursery laws. Ensure that all nursery stock offered for sale is pest free (it’s the law), and spread the “DON’T MOVE FIREWOOD” message.

2. Pesticides may need to be employed to maintain healthy susceptible hosts. Read and follow all pesticide label directions. Only treat high-value, healthy plants. Integrate the use of pesticides with other pest management techniques such as watering turfgrass as little as possible to discourage female Japanese beetles from laying eggs.

3. Plant diversity should be of highest priority. Encourage customers to plant

By Laura Pottorff , Agriculture Program Manager, Colorado Department of Agriculture

JB&EABChallenge Urban Landscapes


Photo by John Kaltenbach, CDA

Photo courtesy of Colorado Dept.

of Agr

icul

ture


JB&EABa wide variety of plants in the landscape. In the event an invasive pest species becomes established, there is a greater chance that multiple plant species will not be susceptible to the pest. Loss of one or two plants, while unfortunate, is certainly better than losing a large number of susceptible plants and the investment associated with them. Diversification of the urban landscape is long overdue; let’s begin as soon as practical.

4. Get over it – certain plants may need to be avoided. Ash (Fraxinus sp) should no longer be planted due to its susceptibility to EAB. If Japanese beetle is winning the battle, consider replacing some host species with non-host species.

Continued from page 11 Getting Ahead of EABIf ongoing studies of Emerald

Ash Borer (EAB) by the Colorado State Forest Service bear fruit, communities across the state could be spared some of the impacts experienced by other states. The plan is to make improvements in trapping and detection of the destructive insect based on research results in and around the city of Boulder, which became the first confirmed location of EAB infestations within Colorado in 2013.

Colorado State Forest Service Forest Entomologist Dan West, Ph.D, is heading up a few EAB research projects. West and Rob Davis of the Colorado Forest Health Advisory Council visited Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison in the Great Lakes region last summer to gather information about EAB behaviors observed in those hard-hit areas.

Although those major cities had difficulty detecting EAB for a number of years, their first EAB detections were in high-traffic corridors and intersections, indicating the insects were hitching rides on vehicles and railways. So, last summer, West and his forest service team worked with the Colorado Department of Transportation and Boulder County to put 30 traps in high-traffic corridors on the edges of the city of Boulder.

“We were trying to see if we could detect EAB so we could help with the effort of stopping the spread out of the city,” West said. “We found several species, some new to the state, but none that fit the bill for EAB. We don’t know if they’re there and we’re not detecting them or they’re just not there, but we at least have a reference point now.”

The Forest Service hopes to broaden the network of locations this year to increase overall detection, because as he said, “It’s all about trying to find the next location with EAB.”

From June to October last year, he was also working with the U.S. Forest Service on research into which traps are most effective for catching EAB. At 10 locations across the city of Boulder where high EAB populations had been observed,

three different types of traps were hung in four tree species as well as on PVC poles.

The traps, which were similar to ones used in the Great Lakes states, included green Lindgren funnel traps made of a series of funnels that capture insects in the bottom where ash leaf scent attracts them; purple Delta two-foot tall, pyramid-shaped traps with a series of sticky traps also baited with ash leaf scent; and green Delta pyramid-shaped traps. The Delta traps were tried in ash trees, non-ash tree species, and on 10-foot tall PVC poles, to help understand which traps are most effective and efficient in Colorado.

“In our preliminary findings, we found that the green Delta traps and green Lindgren funnel traps did better here than in the Great Lakes states. There, the light purple Delta traps did better,” West explained.

Whereas the most effective traps in the Midwest were the purple Delta sticky traps, those only caught about 20 to 22 insects per trap on non-ash trees in Boulder. Meanwhile, the green Lindgren funnel traps caught hundreds of EAB as well as attracting Colorado’s native wood borers.

With only one year’s worth of results, the scientists have a “myriad of guesses” as to why one trap was more effective than another. A similar study already began this spring to gather more evidence. “If we can come up with a better trap that works here in Colorado, our detection efforts will be ahead of the game,” he said.

Another study begun in April is aimed at discovering whether theories are correct that ash trees are declining faster in Colorado than they did in other states. A series of photos is being taken throughout Boulder, every two weeks, of 60 trees that have not been treated with insecticide. The plan is to compare the photos along a timeline with photos of EAB-infested ash that had declined in the Great Lakes area to determine whether the speed of decline is greater.

A final project under West’s oversight is a nine-city

There are over 300 plants that are susceptible to Japanese beetle; particular favorites are:•grape•rose•hollyhock•roseofSharon•blackwalnut•appleandcrabapple•cherry,peachandplum•Americanlinden•Americanmountainash•Americanelm•Lombardypoplar•turfgrass•Virginiacreeper

Plants that are not favored by Japanese beetle:•silvermaple•redmaple•euonymus•boxelder•boxwood•holly•oak•lilac•mockorange•evergreens(pine,spruce,fir)

13

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assessment of symptomatic ash trees and branch sampling to determine whether EAB has spread to Boulder’s neighbors. “A lot of governments around the city of Boulder don’t have staff right now or resources to do a wide-scale assessment of all ash trees, so we did roadside surveys, driving 400 miles in jurisdictions adjacent to Boulder,” he said.

A total of 350 trees were assessed in Westminster, Broomfi eld, Superior, Louisville, Lafayette, Erie, Gunbarrel, Niwot and Longmont during a six-week period from July to September last year. In the fall, branch samples were removed from 60 trees that were considered to be the “worst of the worst” exhibiting EAB infestation symptoms: woodpecker holes, epicormic shoots (secondary buds caused by stress), persistent mini leaves, abnormal bark splitting, and early fall color.

The branch samples were put into rearing chambers around the area, including some heated facilities to see if the insect’s life cycle would increase and it would emerge early. Speeding up the process was expected to help gain detection results earlier so the cities could act more quickly if necessary.

As of late April, no EAB had been detected in any samples, and the emergence of insects if present were expected from the last week of May into June and July (after this magazine’s printing date). “These assessment and sampling activities will be an ongoing effort that we hope to increase over time, so we can help fi nd the next EAB detection and really help the state to get ahead of the game,” West said.

“Other studies are coming up like research on what temperatures EAB die at in late winter and early spring. This will be an ongoing battle for the near future,” he added.

coloradonga.org

Water Effi ciency throughEff ective Irrigation

Irrigation experts agree property owners can effi ciently water landscapes by using the right technology and a little care. More complex irrigation systems can achieve water savings through more automated features, while many of the same functions can be performed with simpler systems combined with a little more hands-on operation.

Before irrigation begins, a conducive environment for effi cient water use can be set with good soil preparation and landscape design, where plants with similar water needs are placed in the same irrigation zones. Aerating, using fertilizers that contain wetting agents and mowing turf on the highest height setting further improve drainage and enhance water retention as well.

“The two primary ways to save water with an irrigation system is with the controller and the emission devices or sprinkler heads,” said Lowell Kaufhold, president and CEO of CPS Distributors Inc. based in Westminster, Colo. “If you have an older mechanical controller, install one that is digital because it is much more accurate. The next level would be to install a new weather-based controller that takes the weather of the previous day into account and changes the controller setting appropriately.”

Weather-based controllers receive weather data from local WeatherBug online weather data sources or their own onsite weather sensors, Kaufhold explained. Some of

these controllers can be run with a smart phone. Optional accessories can be installed such as rain and moisture sensors that keep the water turned off if it has rained or the soil is saturated. Some systems can even control irrigation levels for each season and different geographical areas.

Wes Brazelton, senior sales account manager of DBC Irrigation Supply based in Denver, added that when it comes to saving water,

“There’s no substitute for a well-designed, well-installed and well-maintained irrigation system.”

Good demand-based controls that schedule when to initiate or discontinue irrigation events have been around for a decade or more, Brazelton said. Some are simple sprinkler timers while others determine when to water based on soil moisture or evapotranspiration levels.


Photo courtesy of Rain Bird


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Even without fully programmable irrigation controls, homeowners can make manual adjustments to sprinkler timers when the weather or other conditions change watering needs. “It’s old school but pretty effective and easier than using a hose. If you don’t have a smart control device, then use your own brain and turn the system on and off as needed,” he pointed out.

Water can also be saved through the proper installation and use of the distribution system, including the pipes, sprinkler heads and nozzles. He and Kaufhold agree drip irrigation is the most effi cient way to irrigate.

“Low fl ows and low pressures are always good for saving water,” Brazelton explained. “While they are fragile systems and maintenance intensive, drip systems are extremely good from a water-saving perspective. If all landscapes in the metro area were irrigated with drip only, they would see a 75 percent savings in water usage. It’s not always practical and that’s why it’s not done, but you should put it where you can.”

Whether drip or not, irrigation systems should regulate water pressure to ensure larger water droplet size, and manage

soaking cycles to match soil types and plant zones. Flow sensors are also available to manage the rate of water application, which can help avoid wasting water. Master valves control water release to the full system to help avoid water wasted through leaks from damaged pipes, and inexpensive check valves keep water in pipes and not draining out after irrigation cycles.

Kaufhold added, “Almost all sprinklers need to have a nozzle attached to them that determines the water fl ow, direction and distance. Using new rotary nozzles or newer high effi ciency spray nozzles will put water down slower and allow for the water to sink in which helps save water.”

Both he and Brazelton noted the importance of making sure irrigation systems are in good working order. They also emphasized how proper irrigation can develop stronger, healthier, deeper root structures, which consume less water.

“Training turf to create deep root systems is achieved by using sprinklers that put water down evenly and slowly so that water has a chance to penetrate deeper into the soil. This and using your system three times a week as opposed to every day will train the turf to reach deeper in the soils, making it stronger,” Kaufhold said.

Brazelton added, “Over-irrigated lawns don’t have good root structures. What happens really quickly in a drought and during water restrictions is lawns that didn’t develop healthy roots dry out faster. The ones with deep roots remain healthy through periods of reduced water consumption.”

“The number one way to achieve effi cient water use is for salespeople to provide education to customers,” he concluded. “We are all consultants when customers come through our doors, so we can share our expertise on how to use our products in ways that save the most water.”

Eff ective Irrigation Continued from page 13

Lowell Kaufhold Wes Brazelton

Growers and garden centers can educate their customers about efficient water use every day – not just when the threat of drought is imminent. Businesses in the green industry can also lead by example, by growing their own plants in water-wise ways or showing customers how to design water-efficient landscapes.

Staff can talk with customers about yards that better match their needs while using water more efficiently. For example, homeowners can install turf only for play spaces, but plot larger areas for vegetable gardens or other landscapes with lower water use. They might consider planting shrubs or native plants if they know it can help them attain efficient water use as well as survive drought conditions.

Staff can emphasize to customers how to effectively and efficiently irrigate plants and yards, including seasonal adjustments, appropriate timing, using the cycle/soak method, deep and infrequent watering, keeping the system in good repair, and watering appropriately for sun, shade or other microclimate differences. We always recommend using the right plant in the right place. One example would be planting Mahonia or Grape Holly in a shaded area with northern exposure.

It’s always important to share the “wait, don’t irrigate” message. If rain is in the forecast, landscapes don’t need to be watered. Leave it to nature to lend a helping hand.

We think it’s important for there to be continued education and language about limited water supplies. Drought or no drought, landscapers can work with customers to educate them on how much water they need versus how much water they’re using.

It’s also important for garden centers to educate their customers about understanding their landscape’s ability to weather the next drought and

prioritizing water use during droughts. For example, healthy bluegrass can go dormant and some low-water plants can survive with no supplemental water for a year. And because trees are a huge investment, trees become the priority for watering in a drought.

Finally, we’d encourage garden centers and growers to urge customers to make use of utility rebate programs to help them to become more efficient. Denver Water provides rebates for WaterSense-certified smart sprinkler system controllers. When installed and programmed correctly, they will make watering adjustments automatically based on the weather.

Denver Water is also working on a program to help customers understand their water use and level of efficiency. We’re currently testing a method in certain neighborhoods where we’re sending individualized letters to our customers each month to show what their actual consumption is, compared to how much they should be using based on the size of their yard. Those who water by hand are generally our most efficient water users.

We encourage water customers to go out into their yards and get dirty. Pull back the mulch and see if irrigation is required. Regardless of weather conditions, it’s important that people

understand their own water consumption and if they are doing their best toward being efficient.

Customers can be encouraged to take an interest in monitoring the water needs of their landscapes. They can do self inspections of yard soil moisture such as the screwdriver test, where a screwdriver is stuck in the ground and the water needs are determined by whether soil sticks to the tool or not.

Garden centers and growers can also educate customers by making sure water is being used as efficiently as possible at their businesses, too. This includes inspecting all irrigation lines and hoses for leaks, and making sure hoses have nozzles with shut-off valves. Puddles or water flowing down paths from leaking hoses or overwatering sends customers the wrong message.

In addition, keep in mind

that in a drought perception is reality. Water features with constant flow — like fountains — give the appearance of water waste. We encourage not displaying such features in a drought. And of course, we’d recommend garden centers and growers support the drought rules of the local municipalities.

Partnering with professional organizations like CNGA, GreenCO, Associated Landscaper Contractors of Colorado, Colorado Water Wise, and Irrigation Association are great ways to be in touch with laws that would impact customers. Because city codes for landscape health can vary, it’s also a good idea to talk with local forestry and parks departments or code enforcement officials, and check the websites of local municipalities or utilities. Finally, encourage customers to review their water bills for information.

15coloradonga.org

Keeping Customers Focused on Efficient Water Use

By Jodi Johnson

Conservation Specialist Denver Water


CSU RESEARCHUPDATE 2015-16 Cool Season

Trial Winners

By James E. Klett, Ph.D.

Professor & Landscape Horticultural Specialist

Colorado State University

Best of Show Pansy:Cool Wave® Frost from Pan American

This is a spreading type of pansy and would be excellent for hanging baskets. This variety had good fl ower

cover, producing many blooms in a multi-color pastel blue and white.

Best Blue/Violet Pansy:Inspire® Plus Marina from Benary

This pansy had a soft blue color with a contrasting eye of golden yellow. This is a

traditional, more upright type pansy with a very uniform habit with short pedicels and upward facing fl owers.

Best Yellow Pansy:Freefall® Golden Yellow from Flora Nova

This is another spreading variety that would be excellent for baskets. The fl owers are a clear golden yellow

with prominent, darker whiskers in the center of the fl ower. It provided excellent fl ower cover over the entire plant.

Best Orange Pansy:Spring Matrix® Orange Deep from Pan American

This is a new category for 2015-16 since we had a lot of orange pansy entries. It

is a traditional, more upright growing pansy with deep orange, frilly fl owers. This variety overwintered extremely well.

Best Violas:Pan American Seed Company’s Sorbet® XP Series: This series dominated in each of the categories in this year’s cool season trial.

Best of Show and Best Blue Violet:Sorbet® XP Beaconsfi eld Improved

This won in both of these categories because of its eye-catching bicolor viola

with a deep blue/violet center that faded to a lighter blue/violet with a nice bright orange eye. It had excellent fl ower cover and overall would add great curb appeal.

Best Yellow Viola Category:Sorbet® XP Yellow Blotch from Pan American

The fl ower color was a deep yellow with a nice chocolate blotch. It

had very uniform growth habit with strong fl ower stems and a very even fl ower cover.

Best White Viola:Sorbet® XP White Blotch

This variety had a very uniform and consistent growth habit with many very large fl owers for a viola. The

fl ower color was white with a bluish blush.

Best Novelty Viola:Sorbet® XP Orange Jump Up

Also a new class this year, this plant’s fl owers were a stunning contrast of deep violet and vibrant orange and

fl owers showed no sign of fading.

One hundred and sixteen varieties were evaluated in the 2015-16 Cool Season Trials from planting in mid-October 2015 through April 2016. At the end of the observations, eight plants were selected by the Annual Trial Garden Committee as top-rated performers. All

varieties were monitored and observed weekly during the trial period. Plants were watered when the soil was dry and the temperature above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but we had good snow cover for about two months of the trial period. The eight winners are listed below.

To see more photos

of these fl owers, go to

fl owertrials.colostate.edu,

click on “Trials” on the top

menu, and click again on

“Cool Season Results”.

17coloradonga.org

PEOPLE–OURGREATEST RESOURCE

So... after a few tough years, your business is fi nally growing again. You’ve added new customers, services, and equipment. And your new marketing strategy is starting to pay off with more inquiries every day. The pressure is on and you need to hire now. But wait; don’t just hire the fi rst person who applies with experience. You need good help! Your culture, team, new customers, and hard-earned image and reputation are at stake.

A comprehensive and effective hiring process can help ensure you don’t fall into the trap of “hiring the best of the worst.” To avoid making this or other costly hiring mistakes, here are 10 steps to follow:

Step One:Determine the precise traits

that are essential for success in the position. Consider the position duties, organizational needs, and company culture. Develop a list of personal characteristics, attributes, experiences, and requirements necessary for success in the position. Use this list to create targeted, job-related interview questions.

Step Two:Develop and post job ads that

are creative and attractive. If you place a “two-line” ad, you will attract just that. (Need I say more?) Ensure that your ad sounds and looks better than other ads seeking the same candidates. When selecting ad venues – cast a wide net! Post your ad on multiple internet sites and job boards.

Step Three:If you require candidates to

submit resumes, read them carefully! Look for gaps in employment, longevity, type of experience, proper grammar and spelling, a professionally worded cover letter, and complete employment information. Prepare questions for candidates about the information on their resume.

Step Four:Require completion of a

comprehensive application form with legally-worded questions and then read it! Get a complete work history and don’t accept unanswered questions or comments such as, “see resume.” Resumes do not contain reasons for leaving, rates of pay, and other pertinent information required on the application. Identify and address any discrepancies between applications and resumes.

Step Five:Conduct an effective and

adequate interview. Don’t cut corners! Get to know the person you are about to trust with your business. Develop and ask probing nondiscriminatory questions that are specifi c to the position. Use the position qualifi cations, resume, and application to develop questions that help determine if the candidate has the traits necessary for success.

Step Six:If the position calls for it,

require completion of job-related profi les or tests to identify natural strengths and qualifi cation for the position. Ensure that any prehire tools you use are effective and do not inadvertently discriminate.

Step Seven:Conduct reference checks and

document your results. DO NOT overlook this important step in the hiring process. The best predictor of future performance is past performance! Even if you can’t get any information from a former employer – document your attempt. This can help minimize the risks associated with negligent hiring or negligent retention.

Step Eight:Conduct adequate background

checks. If your workers perform services on customer property (especially inside homes), it is imperative that you obtain adequate background reports on prospective candidates. Absent any special restrictions, employers have the right to

obtain background reports such as motor vehicle records, criminal histories, social security traces, and others. Use a good third-party vendor to obtain background reports and follow all applicable regulations pertaining to use of these reports.

Step Nine:Carefully evaluate all

documents and results. Identify and follow up on any discrepancies or red fl ags. Keep in mind that risks are inherent in employment; however, your objective is to hire qualifi ed, competent workers who do not pose an unreasonable risk of harm to others.

Step Ten:Extend a conditional job offer

to candidates who are acceptable and require an immediate preemployment drug test.

There you have it! Ten important steps that can help you hire employees who will make you proud!

Ten Steps to Hiring Success

Britton Nursery, Inc.7075 Wyoming Lane

Colorado Springs, CO 80923Office: 719.495.3676 Fax: 719.495.3749 .

[email protected] www.BrittonFlowers.com

Proud Member Licensed Propagator Licensed Grower

Cultivating Love & Life

A family-owned wholesale perennial grower since 1979, Britton Nursery is Cultivating Love and Life in order to produce both healthy and beautiful plants as well as joyful and vibrant people. Our secret is that we are Rooted and Established in Love! (Ephesians 3:17) We invite you to come see what a difference love makes!

By Jean L. Seawright, CMC

PresidentSeawright & Associates

About the contributor: Jean Seawright is president of Seawright & Associates, a management consulting fi rm located in Winter Park, Florida. Since 1987, she has provided human resource management and compliance advice to employers across the country. She can be contacted at 407.645.2433 or [email protected].


FUNDINGRESEARCH &

EDUCATION

By Matt Edmundson

CHREF Board President

Industry LeaderLeverages his Legacy

with Major DonationLeadership is no simple thing.

It is developed over time by trial and error, training, and learning from mistakes.

In my personal journey, I have met many infl uential people who have guided me on my path and given me encouragement, coaching and even enough rope to hang myself, so to speak. When I think of the ones I most admire, those that I want to emulate the most, one word comes to mind: legacy. Legacy is the impact we have on those who our leadership has infl uenced. How will we be remembered?

To apply the force of leadership and legacy to infl uence the largest amount of people possible, leverage is

needed. The importance of leverage should not be overlooked.

One person who I am lucky enough to have been infl uenced by is Gary Epstein. Gary has been very involved in the foundation since it was CNREF and now as CHREF. He invested his time and energy into the organization as board member, president, gnome auctioneer, and in countless other ways, year in and year out.

Gary retired from the nursery business this spring after a very long and successful career. He is a very humble man, never one for grandstanding or showboating. After refl ecting a lot on his career and the legacy he is leaving behind, he recently decided to bequeath to the foundation a sizable IRA he had accumulated – as if he has not done enough already.

Explaining why, he said, “I have enjoyed a lot of success in the nursery business over my career and much of it has to be attributed to the people who have worked for me over the years.”

“There are two former scholarship recipients on the staff at Fort Collins Wholesale Nursery who are integral to our operation. As Ann and I were looking over our retirement plans, we decided the income from this IRA is something we may not really need and thought we could use it to invest in the future of the industry that has given us so much,” he continued.

The couple made CHREF the benefi ciary of the IRA, which currently has a fund balance of $64,320. Though federal law requires him to take distributions from the IRA beginning six months after his 70th birthday, he explained that if he and his wife don’t need the funds, they will give them to CHREF until his passing, when the foundation will receive the remaining balance.

All of us in this industry have an opportunity to provide leadership, legacy and leverage in our own measure – with our time, efforts and energy, with mentorship or fi nancial support. There are many ways we can support the foundation.

Many friends and colleagues are nearing retirement age, as Gary has, and will be opening new chapters in their lives. I would ask that as you look to write that new chapter you consider the many ways you can use your leverage to extend your legacy over the future of this industry that has done so much for you and your families.

Long-term giving, like what Gary decided to do, can be done in many different ways. Other assets such as life insurance, retirement accounts, stocks or bonds can be designated or bequeathed to the foundation. If you are considering such a gift, let me or Allison know so we can inform you of the particulars in ensuring your wishes are fulfi lled.

Spending too much on natural gas?YOU ARE!

Locked into utility company prices?YOU AREN’T!

YOU HAVE A BETTER OPTION:United Energy Trading, LLCContact us today for a free, no-obligation energy savings analysis.

Matt [email protected](303) 634-7415 Firmly Planted

PROUDMEMBER

Your Growing Resource “I have enjoyed a lot of success in thenursery business over my career and much of it has to be attributed to the people who have

worked for me over the years.”— Gary Epstein

19coloradonga.org

classifi ed ADS

Greenhouse Workers and Landscape Crew LeadersDwyer Greens and Flowers4730 County Rd. 335, New Castle, Colo. 81647

Distribution Offi ce Assistant & Loading Specialist, Distribution Alternate Crew ForepersonLittle Valley Wholesale Nursery13022 E. 136th Ave., Brighton, Colo. 80601

Horticulturists/Gardeners, Landscape Architect/Estimator, & Tree Farm Position Steve Koon Landscape & Design, Inc.2301 W. Oxford Ave., Englewood, Colo. 80110

Various Landscape PositionsWebb Nursery & Landscape162 Glendale Rd., Bellevue, Idaho 83313

Professional Gardeners and Farm InternsGardening By Tess, 1669 Hoyt St., Lakewood, Colo. 80215

Assistant Nursery Manager, Nursery Sales, Landscape/Maintenance Technicians, Design Assistants, Supervisors, & Managers in Summit, Eagle & Grand CountiesNeils Lunceford, Inc., P.O. Box 2130, Silverthorne, Colo. 80498

Various PositionsPaulino Gardens, 6300 N. Broadway, Denver, Colo. 80216

Flower/Garden Crews, Construction & Irrigation PositionsHenkes & Associates, P.O. Box 5623, Vail, Colo. 81657

Plant Care Technician Sand Creek Wholesale Nursery17050 E. Smith Rd., Aurora, Colo. 80011

Shipping Manager, Inside Sales Associate, & Wholesale Delivery Driver Harmony Gardens, 4315 E. Harmony Rd.Fort Collins, Colo. 80525

CNGA off ers free posts of online classifi ed ads to members, including items for sale or lease and job openings. For more details about the classifi ed listings below and to see other current postings, visit coloradonga.org, click on the Resources tab and click on Classifi eds.

advertisers LISTACW Supply .................................................................. 13Baxter Wholesale Nursery, Inc. .......................................... 2Britton Nursery, Inc. ........................................................ 17Circle D Farm Sales, Inc. .................................................. 15Clayton Tree Farm, LLC .................................................... 14Dave Wilson Nursery ....................................................... 2

Fort Collins Wholesale Nursery ......................................... 2Harding Nursery, Inc. ...................................................... 12McKay Nursey Company ................................................. 14United Energy Trading, LLC .............................................. 18Willow Creek Wholesale Nursery ...................................... 5

NEW membersBrick House Flowers5708 S. Timberline RoadFort Collins, Colo. 80528Bret Pulse970.672.1753

Dave Wilson Nursery19701 Lake RoadHickman, Calif. 95323Sean Sheridan209.988.0931

Gardenz7695 W. 23rd PlaceLakewood, Colo. 80214Marie Peacock303.919.1351

Rocky Ridge Nursery& Landscape327 E. County Road 60Fort Collins, Colo. 80524Joe Eversman970.484.7102

CNGA calendarTo get more information about CNGA programs and events, go to coloradonga.org and click on the Events tab to view the calendar,or contact the offi ce by phone: 303.758.6672, fax: 303.758.6805, or email: [email protected].

Colorado Certifi ed NurseryProfessional (CCNP) SeminarsColorado Springs, Colo.• Perennials: Tuesday, July 19, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. Britton Nursery • Shrubs: Tuesday, July 26, 9 a.m.– 3 p.m. Heidrich’s Colorado Tree Farm Nursery• Trees: Tuesday, Aug. 2, 9 a.m.– 3 p.m. Harding Nursery• Landscape Design: Tuesday, Aug. 9, 9 a.m.– 3 p.m. Colorado Springs Utilities• Exam: Tuesday, Aug. 23, 9 a.m.– 1 p.m. Colorado Springs Utilities

Women In Horticulture LuncheonLakewood Country Club, Lakewood, Colo.Thursday, Sept. 15, 11:30 a.m.– 2:30 p.m.

CHREF Golf TournamentArrowhead Golf Club, Littleton, Colo.Monday, Sept. 19, noon shotgun

Owners and Managers Leadership RetreatThe Lodge at Vail, Vail, Colo.Friday & Saturday, Nov. 4 & 5

Outreach & Member BBQs• Friday, July 22, Plantivity, Eagle, Colo.• Thursday, Aug. 11, Fort Collins Nursery Fort Collins, Colo.• Friday, Aug. 26, Echter’s Nursery & Garden Center, Arvada, Colo.• Thursday, Sept. 1, Jericho Nursery Albuquerque, N.M.• Friday Sept. 30, Colorado Springs Utilities, Colorado Springs, Colo.

Young Hort ProfessionalsC.B. & Potts, Westminster, Colo.Friday, July 29, 5 – 7:30 p.m.

Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association959 S. Kipling Pky, #200Lakewood, CO 80226

LET THE CNGA HELP YOUDRIVE MORE CUSTOMERSINTO YOUR STOREDRIVE MORE CUSTOMERSDRIVE MORE CUSTOMERSINTO YOUR STORE

Join our award-winning Plant Something Colorado

campaign. We had great results in 2015 and have

plans to expand the campaign in 2016. We’ll provide

you with a Plant Something kit to help drive consumers

to your store to get the plant stake and seed packet.

We also have sponsorship opportunities available to

extend your reach to consumers. Last year, our sponsors

increased their company social media page followers

by an average of nearly 10% in three short months.

Exciting tactics planned for the2016 campaign include:

Participating in live events (Denver Botanic Gardens

spring sale, Hudson Gardens concerts, and more)

Continuing the contest with great prizes

Increasing member participation

Gaining more social media engagement

Increasing opportunities for media coverage

SIGN UP! Contact Allison [email protected] | 303.758.6672

2015 Campaign: More than 6,100 new visitors to the website, a 700% increase over 2014

1,200 followers on our social media sites 1,000 photographs posted in our contest

Documents

LooseLeaf June/July 2016