b&b online - june 2015

VOL

67, N

O. 6

, JUN

E 20

15

ContentsFeatures

8 Plant Something Nursery & landscape associations partner to promote the value of

plants & trees. Read how WSNLA is working to build awareness

of your products and services.

10 Build Community Through Social Media

Swansons Nursery shares about their ‘Grow With Us Project” and how

they have effectively integrated social media as an extension

of their instore experience.

12 Connecting to the Community:

A Grassroots Approach With a compassionate and innovative

community relations approach, Cedar Grove invests deeply in their local community.

Columns4 From the President5 Legislative Update6 Executive Director16 Bugs & Blights

Departments19 ecoPRO Certified18 CPH of the Month20 Industry News21 WSNLA Marketplace22 Chapter News22 Calendar of Events

The OffiCial PubliCaTiON Of Washington State Nursery & landscape association

June 2015 VOL 67. NO. 6

editor breanne Chavez

Published Monthly by:Washington State Nursery & landscape association34400 Pacific hwy S., Suite 2federal Way, Wa 98003800.672.7711fax 253.661.6058

Subscription Price: $39 annually

Deadlines: News, Classified ads Advertising5pm the 1st of the month preceding the first-of-the-month publication. To place an advertisement, contact breanne at (800) 672-7711 or [email protected].

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

executive Directorbreanne Chaveze-mail [email protected]

finance & Operations Directorholly Osborne, CPhe-mail [email protected] ecoPRO Administrator Jeanne McNeil e-mail [email protected]

© 2015, Washington State Nursery and landscape association

Get Playful - Plant Something! This year, WSNLA created Plant Something videos showing how indviduals, couples, frends and young families can connect with their outdoor space at home or condo,or even in their community. learn more on page 8.

Building Community Through Social Media and Events. Swansons Nursery and Cedar Grove Compost share about their unique approaches with social media and community events. Read more on page 10-13.

(pictured below) Lo, Swansons Nursery.

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association - 3

interested in sharing your opinions and comments with b&b readers? if you take the time to share your thoughtful comments, WSNla will be sure to share them with b&b readers. Please submit to [email protected] or by fax at (253) 661-6058. Deadine: 1st of each month.

WSNLAwww.wsnla.org

75 years & Growing

4 - The B&B Magazine

Tim Gray WSNLA President

Pacific Stone Company everett

[ fROM The PReSiDeNT ]

Monthly Presidential Musings

In life there is one thing that seems to never change: it’s the fact we are surrounded and confronted with constant change from birth to death. These days a lot of people are resisting the wave of change brought about by current technology. Personally, i can comfortably state that there will never be a Twitter account in my name. birds tweet, out in my garden, and that’s the end of that story. I joined Facebook to stay in contact with friends from other parts of the world. I keep professional relationships off of my personal facebook, instead encouraging people to ‘like’ each other’s company page. i do this because that’s where we meet and connect, as professionals in our horticultural community.

This year is proving to be very busy for our industry, and we’re certainly going a bit crazy here at Pacific Stone amongst the pallets of brick, block, and rock. besides the day-to-day things that it takes to run Pacific Stone, i recently sat down and came up with five action items to tackle this year. These changes don’t come easily, but at least i’m trying.

in this issue, WSNla members describe their successful plan of action through social media and community outreach events. i can’t wait to read what they have to say! So i’m going to tell you about my “TiM action items” for 2015. i’ll describe what has been accomplished thus far, and will grade my own performance, too. as you will see, it’s not impressive.

1) Pacific Stone website. i pay for 10 pages, of which 3 are active. as they have been for the past 15 years, nearly unchanged. Still, people find us easily so it does work. Grade: C

2) Constant Contact. i signed up, and paid for, a year of CC. last year. Still haven’t found the time to work with this valuable tool. Grade: f

3) Houzz. Set my page up in 2014, and

have made updates and changes twice. i still need to add photos, and product information. Grade: D+

4) Facebook. active since 2009, i’m fairly regular at updating and changing Facebook. Most likely this is the least effective item on this list, as far as potential customer outreach is concerned. Grade b.

5) Instagram. i signed up, and there’s an email telling me it was successful. I have no clue what to do next; it doesn’t make sense to me. Forgive my ignorance; I know what hash browns are, not hash tags. So i’ve called in the troops, and have some ‘youngsters’ who plan to show me the light. There will be photos by next month. Grade: C-

The main point in detailing my obviously poor ‘grades’ with current technology is simple. if you can, spend the money to pay people who know how to deal with this. Or hire employees who have these abilities. it’s all about marketing our businesses and working to grow them, and learning to change as life goes by. i’ll update you in upcoming months on my personal report card.

Cheers, Tim

Heather Hansen WSNLA Lobbyist


Legislative UpdateWSNla Works To Protect Your business

The regular legislative session ended april 26 without a budget. Most legislators are home with only the budget negotiators making regular trips to Olympia.

an operating budget must be passed before June 30 or state government will cease to function. The roadblock between the two houses is the amount of money to be spent. The state took in an additional $3 billion in revenue over the last biennium due to an improved economy. The Senate budgeted based on that amount of revenue. The house has additional funding priorities and is seeking an additional $1.5 billion in new taxes.

One of these new taxes could hit small businesses especially hard. a new 5% tax would be levied on capital gains income over $10,000 for a joint return and $5,000 for an individual return. The bill fails to recognize that for sole proprietorships, partnerships and S-Corps profits flow through to personal taxes thus creating a significant tax liability for anyone selling business assets or land.

This new tax is portrayed in the media as a tax on the super rich, it could instead have a huge impact on family owned businesses.

another proposal would increase the b&O tax on service businesses including landscaping and lawn care.

The special session can last up to 30 days. after that, another special session can be called if a budget agreement has not been reached.

WSNLA's Scholarship & Research Charitable

Fund

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

The Fund distributesscholarships and grants annually to support horticultural education for students and funding for horticultural research. Donate Today!(800) 672-7711.


[ FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ]

Breanne ChavezWSNla executive Director

Increased awareness about the value that plants and trees bring to our lives, both environmentally and personally, benefits all sectors of our industry.

Want to improve your quality of life? GeT YOuR haNDS DiRTY aND PlaNT SOMeThiNG. That’s right, putting trees, flowers or shrubs in the ground doesn’t just provide you with beauty and shade, it can also improve your property value, lower your energy costs, clean the air and water– even lower your heart rate.

As industry professionals we are aware of just how true the above statement is. but, there is still much work needed to convert the greater public to be ‘true believers’.

however, lucky for us - strength really is in numbers. Your WSNla membership dues investment enables WSNLA to promote and advocate on behalf of the industry in which you are a part. and, WSNla’s involvement in the Plant Something partnership is just one of our priority initiatives that serve to strengthen our industry through increased awareness of the value of plants and trees. Please take a few minutes to read about WSNla’s partnership in the Plant Something campaign and how you, as a WSNla member, directly benefit on page 8-9.

for now, i want to thank you for your commitment to and investment in creating a vibrant industry for current and future horticulture businesses. I encourage you to share this issue of the B&B Magazine with other nursery and landscape businesses, colleagues, and vendors so they can learn more about your initiative and how they can partner in these efforts, too. Through your WSNla membership, let’s continue to work together, grow and achieve greater results.

2015 WSNla OffiCeRS

Tim Gray, President Pacific Stone Company425-258-1911 | [email protected]

bill Raynolds, My Garden, President elect 206-406-3487 | [email protected]

ingrid Wachtler, CPh, Vice President Woodbrook Native Plant Nursery253-265-6271 | [email protected]

Duane Job, TreasurerJob’s Nursery509-547-4843 | [email protected]

Megan Pulkkinen, CPh, Past PresidentMegan Pulkkinen landscape Design360-698-1865 | [email protected]

WSNla bOaRD Of DiReCTORS

Peter Van Well, iii, Van Well Nursery 509-886-8189 | [email protected] Central Chapter President

Scott Pringle, CPh, Paradise lake Nursery206-930-4132 | [email protected] Northwest Chapter President

Stephen Serafin, Quality landscapes360-385-6663 | qualitylandscapes @cablespeed.comOlympic Chapter President

Kirsten lints, CPh, Gardens aliVe Design425-318-2971 | [email protected] Seattle Chapter President

lucinda McMahan, CPh, lucinda’s landscapes 425-773-4237 | [email protected] CPh Caucus Chair

Toni Cross, CPh, Toni Cross Seasonal Color Pots 206-781-1060 | [email protected] Design Caucus Chair

Chris Smith | lake Washington institute of Technology425-739-8424 | [email protected] horticulture educator Caucus Chair

Mary Ranahan, Cedar Grove Composting206-963-0428 | [email protected] horticultural Supplier Caucus Chair

Gregory Smaus, CPh, Native Root Designs206-227-4458 | [email protected] landscape Caucus Chair

ben DeGoede, CPh, Windmill Gardens 253-863-5843 | [email protected] Caucus Chair Open Positions: Mt Rainier Chapter President, Greenhouse Grower Caucus Chair, Wholesale Grower Caucus Chair & Out of State Caucus Chair


WSNLAWashington State Nursery & Landscape Association[ FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ]

Member NotesWSNLA Directory & Buyer’s Guide is a ‘One-of-a-kind’ Industry Resource for the Professional Horticulture Community. it’s time to prepare your business to maximize it’s presence in this valuable industry resource that lists WSNla members, Certified Professional horticulturists, ecoPRO Certifieds, industry resources, plants, products and services. here is how:

1. Is Your Business Information Up-to-date? All WSNLA members are listed in this one of a kind annual industry resource, so be sure your contact information is current by logging into your online account at WSNLA.ORG. If you do not have a password, just click ‘forgot my password’ located under the Member login. Next enter your email address on file with WSNla and set-up instructions will be emailed immediately. if you have any problems, please contact holly Osborne at (800) 672-7711 or [email protected].

2. Help Customers Find Your Plants & Products! all WSNla members receive 1 free buyer’s guide listing! be sure your business informs the WSNla Office of what your listing is by completing the buyers’ Guide insertion formed to be mailed in July. additional listings can be purchased to ensure buyers can find your complete plant and product availability.

3. Tell Your Story with a Display Ad in Print & Online! Place a display ad to enhance your business brand. This annual resource is used by landscape and nursery professionals seeking plants, products and services throughout the year. business listings are used to connect colleagues with help, resources and sales - your display ad will bring added value to your business. Display advertisers will also receive access to added exposure on WSNLA.ORG.

Watch for your official Directory & buyer’s Guide packet to arrive with your July B&B Magazine and via email. To find out more, please contact breanne at the WSNla office at (800) 672-7711 or [email protected].

Deadline - August 31.

Join Our Cause. #PLANTSOMETHINGWSNLAWashington State Nursery & Landscape Association


Nursery & Landscape Associations Partner to Promote the Value of Plants & Trees

One Unified Voice - Our Plant Something Partners The Plant Something campaign has two components. first, state associations are reaching out directly to the consumer in hopes of driving them to the garden center. Second, garden centers and landscaping contractors are using materials within their operation as recognizable marketing. here are the state associations participating:

arizona Nursery associationarkansas Green industry associationbritish Columbia Nursery & landscape associationCalifornia association of Nurseries & Garden CentersColorado Nursery & Greenhouse associationidaho Nursery & landscape associationflorida Nursery, Growers & landscape associationGeorgia Green industry associationlong island flower Growers associationMaine Nursery & landscape associationMassachusetts Nursery & landscape associationMontana Nursery & landscape associationNew Jersey Nursery & landscape associationNorth Carolina Nursery & landscape associationOhio Nursery & landscape associationOregon association of NurseriesTennessee Nursery & landscape associationVirgina Nursery & landscape associationWashington State Nursery & landscape associationLearn more at PLANT-SOMETHING.ORG.

With industry sales rapidly falling and data showing younger generations lack of interest in plants and gardening nationwide, Washington State Nursery & landscape association board of Directors made the decision to join the new Plant Something marketing partnership created by arizona Nursery association. That was 4 years ago. Since then, WSNla has utilized a 3-year Specialty Crop block Grant funded through Washington State Department of agriculture to develop Plant Something marketing tools and participate in consumer outreach activities with the goal of increasing industry sales.

As a Plant Something partner and on behalf of the WSNLA Membership, WSNLA is committed to increasing awareness of the benefits of plants, engaging new customers, and growing industry sales. in fact, current data and reports indicate sales continue to improve and millennials have increasing interest in growing and our industry. WSNla, working with Plant Something partners, has played a helpful role in impacting consumer purchases.

as a WSNla member, you also have access to Plant Something marketing tools to help spread the Plant Something message alongside our partner organizations and their members nationwide. also, as a WSNla member you directly benefit from the online, mobile, radio and television advertising that drives traffic to GardenWashington.com, our consumer website, each spring where visitors can then locate a WSNLA member.

in fact, over the past 3 years, perhaps you have seen some of these WSNla online or mobile Plant Something marketing tools on Seattle Times, Kitsap Sun, Wenatchee World, Spokesman Review, Sequim-forks online newspapers, Tacoma News Tribune, facebook, and YouTube. Radio spots have played on KiRO’s Gardening with Ciscoe radio, NPR, and 103.7 The Mountain. This spring, Plant Something commercials targeting new potential gardeners and first time


WSNLAWashington State Nursery & Landscape Association

GOT PLANTS? As the Plant Something campaign adds more partners, garden centers see the value of the program as a marketing tool.

- Lawn & Retailer Magazine

homebuyers ran on DiY Network, hGTV, bravo, TlC, e!, and The family Channel.

Plant Something Marketing Tools include: Plant Something VideosThree Plant Something videos encourage younger demographics (25-37 years old) to connect with their outdoor space by showing various ways individuals, couples, families, friends and pets do so. Getting people outside is one step in getting them to Plant Something! as a WSNla member, these videos are available for your use in all of your marketing efforts.

Plant Something Graphics & Logosbecause you are a WSNla member, you have access to a variety of Plant Something graphics to use in your printed and digital networks, communications and marketing. a few of the Plant Something graphics that can be found in the collection can be viewed on page 7,8, and 9 of this issue.

Plant Something Fact Sheetsbecause you are a WSNla member, you have access to Plant Something fact

sheets that highlight environmental, health and investment benefits of plants and trees. high resolution PDfs can be printed and displayed. Or, use the content to post on social media, your website and electronic communications! fact sheets highlight general ‘Perks of Plants’; Plants & Trees increase Your home’s Value; Plants & Trees improve Our environment; Gardening for Mind & body; and Shady Deal: benefits of Trees.

as the Plant Something partnership continues to grow, WSNla is committed to continue to work on behalf of the Washington nursery and landscape industry. as a WSNla member, join us in this effort - be sure to share the Plant Something message with your customers, and online communities encouraging them to Plant Something! Our unified voice, both here in Washington and nationwide, is already creating an impact on consumers. let’s ensure its continued success!

in 2014, we decided to overhaul our marketing and advertising strategies to focus on building stronger connections with the local Seattle community. The “Grow With Us Project,” developed with the local PR firm Curator, includes community partnerships with groups like the

ballard and bellevue boys & Girls Clubs, charitable events, and our #HeySwansons social media campaign.

Swansons has longstanding roots in Seattle’s Crown hill neighborhood (over 90 years!) and we have a passionate following. We were eager to reach out to these loyal customers and to a whole new demographic – who we call “freshman” gardeners – in a new and interesting way that’s never been done before in our industry.

With Curator, we developed a responsive, social media-based campaign that aims to spark awareness, highlight what we do best, and, ultimately, drive people to our Crown hill retail location. The “Grow With us Project” emphasizes what we

consider to be our biggest asset: our deeply knowledgeable staff of professional gardeners who go above and beyond in terms of customer service. it takes our incredible in-store interactions with customers and expands their reach, making them public via social media.

The campaign creates meaningful conversations with people about their yard and garden projects and helps them to be successful in their endeavors. Expert and novice gardeners alike are encouraged to ask any and all questions they may have while using the hashtag #heySwansons on Twitter or instagram, or by posting to Swanson’s facebook wall. These conversations allow us to act as both helper and expert on multiple social channels, with the aim of becoming the customers’ gardening resource for years to come.

here are the details of how it works. Say there is a section of a yard or balcony garden that needs some attention. Swansons can help in just a few easy steps:

1. Consumers snap a photo of the space they’re working on.

2. They then post the photo to Twitter or instagram with the hashtag #HeySwansons.

3. Swansons responds with a few questions about the area and

SWANSONS’ “GROW WITH US PROjECT”builDiNG COMMuNiTY ThROuGh SOCial MeDia

BY AIMéE DAMMAN DIRECTOR OF MARkETINGSWANSONS NURSERY

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association -11

the consumer’s preferences, and, within 48 hours, provides a Pinterest “inspiration board” full of ideas and suggestions.

a copy of the board is also kept at our information booth in the store, so one of our experts can walk the customer through our suggestions and supply additional advice, with the goal of continuing the digital interaction in person at the nursery.

Over the past year, we’ve been engaging with longstanding and new customers in this new way, and the results have been outstanding. We’re thrilled with the feedback and activity we’ve received in the store and on social media.

To date, the ‘Grow With us Project’ has garnered millions of impressions on Twitter and instagram. We have interacted with hundreds of local residents, offering ideas on what to plant, answering questions about plant care and pest control, identifying unknown plants, and sharing our best gardening tips. additionally, the ‘Grow With us Project’ also utilizes Pinterest in an innovative way, through the creation of over 120 “inspiration boards,” visual galleries of plants and products tailored to

individual garden projects.

One thing we know for certain is that the knowledgeable customer service we’re known for can be expressed online and on our social media channels. being a destination garden center that’s so heavily focused on what happens in the store, it can be tricky to talk about that externally. Through the ‘Grow With us Project’ we were able to reach the people who our traditional advertising efforts were completely missing.

Most importantly, it is exciting to be able to make strong connections with the larger community through social media whether in the form of a #heySwansons conversation about the best options for a sunny parking strip, a facebook album documenting the successful veggie planting party at the ballard boys & Girls Club, or a Pinterest board of beautifully-decorated Swansons’ Christmas trees sent in by happy customers.

Through social media, we can reach a wide audience, and truly share how Swansons Nursery is a part of the community in so many different ways.

#heYSWaNSONS iS ViSible ThROuGhOuT The STORe aS SeeN iN The PhOTO abOVe Of OuR #heYSWaNSONS haNGiNG SiGNaGe WiTh eVeNT-GOeRS uNDeRNeaTh aND The PhOTO Of SWaNSONS NuRSeRY MaNaGeR, GabRiel, WeaRiNG a #heYSWaNSONS T-ShiRT. (TOP RiGhT) DaMMaN helPiNG KiDS WaTeR NeWlY-PlaNTeD flOWeRS aT The ballaRD bOYS & GiRlS Club.


a MuNiCiPal COMPOST PROGRaM, bY iTS NaTuRe, RefleCTS TReMeNDOuS TeaMWORK. aND CeDaR GROVe VieWS iTS PaRTNeRShiP WiTh The COMMuNiTY aS abSOluTelY CRiTiCal TO The SuCCeSS Of eaCh aND eVeRY MuNiCiPal COMPOSTiNG PROGRaM iT SuPPORTS aND faCiliTaTeS.

Cedar Grove partners with a broad composting community to divert approximately 400,000 tons of material, the equivalent of 214 Olympic-sized swimming pools, from the landfill each year. because of this processing effort, citizens, municipalities, commercial businesses and local schools have worked in tandem to divert over six million tons of organics from landfill since the program started in 1989. The carbon footprint reduction, in total, is equal to keeping 468,000 cars off the road for an entire year.

Cedar Grove invests deeply and creatively in the local communities surrounding its facilities and the broader Puget Sound region. With a compassionate and innovative approach to community giving, Cedar Grove gives in a concentric circle; starting with the communities immediately surrounding its facilities (everett and Maple Valley) and extending out to the broader Seattle area, an area that encompasses some of the highest recycling rates in the county.


from donating soil to local food banks and community gardens to grow healthy food to donating tipping fees to local boy Scout troops in January for their annual Christmas tree recycling fundraisers, Cedar Grove is intricately tied to the communities it serves. Cedar Grove works intimately with the schools surrounding its facilities providing meaningful support where they need it most.

Thousands of pounds of healthy, organic food has been grown for local school children and community food banks through the myriad soil donations made by Cedar Grove to community gardens aimed at feeding hungry people from Marysville to Maple Valley.

Cedar Grove’s newest community relations program is its “Seeds for Scholars” college scholarship program. This program rewards four students annually at schools near our two processing facilities (everett and Maple Valley) with a $2500 college scholarship based on the student’s demonstrated interest in and action around issues of sustainability. The most unique part of this scholarship program is that Cedar Grove offers each scholarship recipient the opportunity to interview for a paid summer internship the summer after high school graduation and each summer thereafter while in college.

“liberty high School is so appreciative of the generous support offered through the Cedar Grove ‘Seeds for Scholars’ internship and scholarship program for a graduating senior,” said Judy Co, career specialist, liberty high School. “The internship offers real world exposure to the environmental science career pathway that can truly ignite the pursuit of their passion. It is through this type of experience that students learn to think creatively, critically, independently and cooperatively in a safe environment. We are thankful that Cedar Grove created an opportunity where students can continue learn, grow and give back to their community in a meaningful way over time.”

in 2013, Cedar Grove was recognized for their community outreach efforts by being awarded the Secretary of State’s “Corporations for Communities” award by Washington State Secretary Kim Wyman and in 2014, Cedar Grove was recognized by Seattle Business Magazine,

receiving its Community impact award.

every day, Cedar Grove Composting charters new territory as it recycles increasing volumes of organic materials generated in King and Snohomish Counties. The company is constantly innovating in the areas of science, technology, process management, air and environmental quality best management practices, staff development, teamwork and collaboration and community relations.

(abOVe & RiGhT) eleMeNTaRY KiDS helP OuT aT a COMPOST DaYS CelebRaTiON iN PaRTNeRShiP WiTh KiNG COuNTY WaSTe MaNaGeMeNT. (OPPOSiTe PaGe) WaShiNGTON GReeN SChhOOlS eaRTh DaY eVeNT.

Cedar Grove invests deeply and creatively in the local communities surrounding its facilities and the broader Puget Sound region.

QfROM lefT TO RiGhT, Julie O’faRRell, Debe SKOG, azuRe alleNDeR, SCOTT haNNa aND SuzaNNe ViGNeRON. WiTh The exCePTiON Of ONe iNDiViDual, ThiS GROuP haS beeN WiTh PlaNTSCaPeS fOR aN aVeRaGe Of 16 YeaRS.

Customer service people who care about their clients and act as the client’s advocate at Plantscapes. When a client calls, they attempt to address the issue immediately and follow up with the production people to confirm the issued was addressed. Over the years we have found that personal contact and quick response time generate quality referrals. Terry Posner, President/CeOPlantscapes, inc.

What marketing tool or technique

has proven most successful

in building community

around your business brand?

Next month’s question in May, Governor inslee

declared a statewide drought. How is your business

positioning its products and services as a resource

for homeowners to successully grow plants and trees during times

of water restrictions?

Please email your thoughtful responses to Dawn Clarke

at [email protected] by June 22.

WSNLA Member Quick TipsWe aSKeD. YOu aNSWeReD.


Bugs & Blightsby Sharon Collman | WSu Snohomish County extension

Lace bugslace bugs have been terrorizing gardeners for far too long. it’s time to put a stop to it! They are bugs and we are not. We are the big brains. We should be able to handle this.

So, who are these tiny terrors of the garden that cause people to dig out their favorite azaleas and rhododendrons? The same ones that bleach out leaves and leave sticky “tar spots” on the under sides of the leaves? (See: http://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/xmlui/bitstream/handle/1957/40424/em9066.pdf )

What is a lace bug?Lace bugs are sucking insects belonging to the family Tingidae, in the order of true bugs, hemiptera. There are “bugs” that make us sick, “bugs” that plague our computers and true bugs in the suborder Heteroptera. There are two lace bug species that attack rhododendrons and azaleas. The rhododendron lace bug has been here for years and occasionally causes serious damage to rhododendrons, especially those on dry sites or in the sun. The azalea lace bug, however, is a newcomer that arrived in Washington in 2008 and is a much bigger problem on both azaleas and rhododendrons.

Bugs and Blights

By Sharon J. Collman WSU Snohomish County Extension

Rhododendron lace bug Azalea lace bug

Bugs and Blights

By Sharon J. Collman WSU Snohomish County Extension

Rhododendron lace bug Azalea lace bug

What do they do to plants?Lace bugs suck the cell contents from leaves. When the chlorophyll and other cell contents are removed, the empty cells become yellow or white. Over the summer, these leaves become bleached out. On the underside of the leaves, where the insects feed, there are molted skins, and black tar-like excrement, which is distinct and diagnostic for these insects. They can become so numerous that the entire plant is bleached white.

What is their life cycle? Can we exploit their weaknesses?Eggs are laid along the veins on the undersides of leaves, and covered with a brown paste of excrement. They hatch in late May and begin to grow through several molts. Larvae are clear and spikey with black markings. The adults have clear wings with faint black veins and smoky dark markings between the veins. The wings lie flat along the back and the thorax is raised, when viewed from the side. The rhododendron lace bug has but one generation per year, while the azalea lace bug has multiple generations per year, allowing it to build its numbers and accumulate a lot of damage during the summer.

How do we control them?These insects should be fairly easy to control, provided that one starts early

in the season to kill the first generation, before it can lay eggs of subsequent generations.

1. inspect the undersides of leaves to determine if the lace bug stages are present. Use a clipboard with white paper under suspect areas, and strike sharply with enough force to dislodge lace bugs, but not enough to damage the plant. The life stages will be evident. Adults have wings and nymphs are spikey little devils. You can also look on the new growth for new little feeding specks of yellow.

2. Observe if any natural enemies are present: i.e. green lacewing larvae, ladybugs and larvae, or others. Research has shown that green lacewing, of the family Chrysopidae and order Neuroptera, released among plants, reduce the numbers of lace bugs.

3. if no natural enemies are present, select a pesticide that is the least toxic for you (the applicator) and nearby environment (ditches, ponds with fish, etc.) Pesticides must reach the adults and larvae on the undersides of leaves. See Hortsense for a list of products registered for the host plant and sucking insects (lace bug may not be on the label but the product can be used if the host is on the label and you have reason to believe it will work.

RhODODeNDRON laCe buG. PhOTO PROViDeD bY ShaRON COllMaN. azalea laCe buG. PhOTO bY RObiN ROSeTTa, OSu

TaRGeT The PeST. PROTeCT The ReST.


4. “bee” cautious. Don’t apply your pesticide to blooms on, or under, affected plants. Mix only enough pesticide for the target plants, thereby helping to save our bee populations!

5. Plants face out to the sun, so, if possible, apply pesticide/product from the backside of the plant, to get good coverage of the undersides of the leaves.

6. Hortsense lists a number of products registered in Washington State that are effective against lace bugs, as well as some iPM alternatives. http://pep.wsu.edu/hortsense/scripts/query/displayProblem.asp?tableName=plant&problemiD=782&categoryiD=1 or the PNW insect Management handbook (and online version: http://insect.pnwhandbooks.org/hort/landscape/hosts-and-pests/azalea-rhododendron-azalea-and-rhododendron-lace-bug . The online version of Grow Safe Grow Smart will provide information on the relative safety of registered pesticide brands. http://www.growsmartgrowsafe.org/

7. Target the pest, protect the rest.Rhododendron leafhoppers. You may have also noticed leafhoppers, which have red stripes on green wing covers, on your rhododendron. unless they are really numerous, i’ve not seen any significant damage to rhododendrons, or other plants they may be found on. leafhoppers, in general, suck the contents out of the plant cells of leaves, which causes a little yellow spot or stipple. You can assess the damage by looking for stippling on the upper surface of the leaf. however if lace bug is present, controlling lace bug should also impact the leafhoppers.

The Azalea lace bug, however, is a newcomer that arrived in Washington in 2008 and is a much bigger problem on both azaleas and rhododendrons.

LOCAL. ORGANIC.LOCAL. ORGANIC.

Contains no biosolids or steer manure

Available in Bag & Bulk!(877) 764-5748CEDAR-GROVE.COM


a soggy but stalwart group of Certified Professional horticulturists braved heavy traffic to attend the Certified Professional horticulturist reception held the evening of May 13 at South Seattle College’s Northwest Wine academy tasting room.

from landscape maintenance, construction and design to retail and wholesale nursery, WSu extension and public works personnel, the group of 25 represented a diverse range of horticulture professionals. Special recognition was given to individuals present who have recently earned their Certified Professional horticulturist designation, including: emily allsop, Jennifer bentz, Kaitlin Dean, Casey Gunning, Molly Malecki and Kate Nowell.

Individuals present who had obtained and maintained their professional designation over the long term were recognized, as well. This list includes: Jerry Rosso (1973), Jeanne McNeil (1983), Susan hanley (1984), Steve herbig (1987) and lloyd Glasscock (1988).

attendees were able to taste the wine selections set to be released the first weekend of June while visiting with one another. CPhs wearing their badges were included in a drawing to receive a CPh hat. Winners included: Carolyn Wright, CPh and lucinda McMahan, CPh.

Certified Professional Horticulturists Meet to Network & Celebrate Professionalism

(TOP) JeRRY ROSSO faCiliTaTeS The CPh PaNel aS The GROuP liSTeNS aND COMMeNTS. fROM RiGhT TO lefT - COlleeN

MiKO, RObiN haGluND, aNDReW baRKeR, aND behiND JeRRY iS MeliSSa SChafeR. (fROM lefT TO RiGhT) KaTe NOWell,

GueST Of TeRRe ShaTTuCK, eMilY allSOP, JeRRY ROSSO, TeRRe ShaTTuCK behiND JeRRY, aND luCiNDa MCMahaN.


CPH BoardCommitteeMembers

Nicole Miller, CPh, Committee Chair [email protected] CPh since 2013

lucinda McMahan, CPhlucinda’s [email protected] since 2001

andrew barker, CPhCloud Garden landscape [email protected] since 2011

Joan hackett, [email protected] since 2002

Don Marshall, CPhlake Washington instituteof [email protected] since 1983

heather harris, [email protected] CPh since 2013

Dana blaskovich, CPhT&L [email protected] since 2002

Joseph Weninger, CPhWight’s home & [email protected] since 2012


Jerry Rosso, CPh, facilitated a panel discussion led by Melissa Schafer, CPh (Schafer Specialty landscape & Design), andrew barker, CPh (Cloud Garden landscape Design), Robin haglund, CPh (Garden Mentors), and Colleen Miko, CPh (WSu Kitsap extension). each panelist discussed their initial motivations for becoming certified and how certification continues to play an important part in their business plans. The audience then joined in with questions and comments. here are a few highlights:

- increased professionalism and confidence was the main factor cited for earning the Certified Professional horticulturist designation. - also, valued were opportunities to continue to learn and grow one’s expertise, as well as build relationships with other certified professionals. Since no one can “master” such a broad field as horticulture, having relationships where you can go for needed information is a plus to the certification network. - everyone was encouraged to seize opportunities to educate clients and customers about what it means to be a Certified Professional horticulturist. utilize discussions with customers when they ask about the qualifications of Certified Professional horticulturists as compared to Master Gardeners ™ as an opportunity to highlight what the certification means in order to educate and build awareness.

The evening rounded out with a tour of the wine making facilities by Regina Daigneault, Department head of the Northwest Wine academy. Thank you to the panelists who shared their valuable insight with the Certified Professional horticulturist community.

Utilize discussions with customers when they ask about the qualifications of Certified Professional Horticulturists as compared to Master Gardeners ™ as an opportunity to highlight what the certification means in order to educate and build awareness.


Industry NewsFind more industry events at WSNLA.ORG!

2015 Farwest Show Announces 2nd Annual Equipment Innovation Day

farwest 2015 has fi nalized plans for the 2nd annual equipment innovation Day, taking place on Tuesday, august 25, 2015, prior to the Farwest Show scheduled for august 27-29, in Portland. The event was enthusiastically received in 2014. equipment innovation Day offers a real-time opportunity to see new heavy and automated nursery equipment in action. The demonstrations take place in manufacturing and nursery settings, adding value to the showcase. attendees will be able to talk with participating manufacturers and learn first-hand from innovative growers who use the equipment in daily operations. The daylong event will be held at the main manufacturing plant of GK Machines, inc., Donald, OR. further demonstrations of field equipment will take place at the nearby nursery of a & R Spada farms, llC. bus travel to and from the event is planned, starting and returning at the Oregon Convention Center. attendees are welcome to provide their own travel to and from the site. Preregistration is required. Cost to attend is $89 ($119 after July 31) and includes bus travel, lunch, and Show expo pass. Cost for self-travelers is $35 ($45 after July 31) and includes lunch and Show expo pass. Complete times/agenda and registration is available at www.farwestshow.com/equipmentday.shtml.

Govenor Inslee Declares Statewide DroughtWith snowpack at historic lows, rivers dwindling and irrigation districts cutting off water to farmers, Gov. Jay inslee declared a statewide drought for Washington last month.

“We’re really starting to feel the pain from this snowpack drought,” inslee said. “impacts are already severe in several areas of the state. Difficult decisions are being made about what crops get priority water and how best to save fish.”

The Washington Department of agriculture is projecting a $1.2 billion crop loss this year as a result of the drought. To protect crops in the state’s most productive agricultural region — the Yakima basin — irrigation districts are turning off water for weeks at a time to try to extend water supplies longer into the summer. in the Walla Walla region, water is being shifted from creek to creek to keep water flowing for steelhead, Chinook and bull trout. fish are even being hauled farther upstream to cooler water. On the Olympic Peninsula, where there would normally be 80 inches of snow now, flowers such as glacier lilies are blooming.

as things continue to dry out, the Department of Natural Resources expects more early-season and higher-elevation wildfires.

In the Puget Sound region, the large municipal water suppliers such as Seattle, Tacoma and Everett have adequate reservoir storage to meet their customers’ needs and do not anticipate water shortages. Homeowners and businesses with questions about water use should contact their local utility district.

“This drought is unlike any we’ve ever experienced,” said Washington Department of ecology Director Maia bellon. “Rain amounts have been normal but snow has been scarce. and we’re watching what little snow we have quickly disappear.”

Snowpack in the mountains has dropped to just 16 percent of normal levels statewide. Snowmelt through the spring and summer is what usually keeps rivers flowing, crops watered and fish alive. however, the snow has already melted in the central Puget Sound basin and upper Yakima basin, and on the Olympic Peninsula.

On May 1, the Natural Resources Conservation Service found 11 snow sites in Washington that are snow free for the first time ever. Of the 98 snow sites the Conservation Service measured in Washington, 66 of them are currently snow free. The u.S. Geological Survey reported in april that 78 percent of streams statewide were running below or much below normal. Some were already at historic lows. The bureau of Reclamation, which manages water for the Yakima basin, has tapped into reservoir storage two months earlier than normal. a request for $9.5 million in drought relief funds has been submitted to the legislature. until funding is approved, ecology is using existing funds for drought relief work.

5 Washington Nurseries make Garden Center magazine’s list of the 100 Top Independent Garden Centers of 2014.

Congratulations to Swansons Nursery, Sunnyside Nursery, Molbak’s Garden + home, bayview farm & Garden, and Yard ‘n Garden Land. The list is based on sales volume and compiled annually.

[ News & Headlines ]

WSNLA Marketplace[ job Postings, For Sale, Plant Material Available & More! ]

CALATHEA – CTNENANTHE - STROMANTHE. 10 VARIETIES.for detailed information check Grower’s Corner page on our website: www.flowerworldusa.com. email: [email protected] or call: 425-481-7565. WSNla MeMbeR.

HOLLAND-AMERICA NURSERY. Now available: Van den akker weeping alaska cedar 6’ thru 10’. Snowberry 1 gal. & 2 gal. Thuja plicata zebrina 5 gal. Red twig dogwood 1gal. Mahonia aquifolium 1 gal & 2 gal. Mahonia repens 1 gal & 2 gal. Mahonia aquifolium 5 gal. Rosa nutkana 1 gal. Rosa Rugosa 1 gal. english laurel 2 gal. & 5 gal. b&b. list available. (360) 794-6549, or [email protected].

Are you a fan yet?join the WSNLA Facebook Page! Connect with other nursery and landscape professionals and receive updates on what is going on at WSNLA and your industry.

Real-time Dialogue. Communicate directly with WSNla leadership and staff with your questions and comments.

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

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

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

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

join the Conversation.

Search Washington State Nursery & landscape association at www.facebook.com/WSNla.

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Contact the WSNLA office at (800) 672-7711 or [email protected] for details.


CALENDAR OF EVENTSFind more industry events at WSNLA.ORG!

jUNE 14. PRUNING CLASS: ART OR ATROCITY?, FROM 10AM - NOON. location: 6344 Ne 74th Street (The brig @ Sand Point/Magnuson Park. This class covers the three main forms of mal-pruning: tree topping, inappropriate shearing of trees and shrubs, and overthinning. Compare and contrast mal-pruning with bona fide examples of pruning art: pollarding, cloud pruning, topiary, pleaching and coppicing. instructor: Cass Turnbull. Cost: $20, Plant amnesty Members: $15. $5 hort school students and native spanish speakers. No preregistration necessary. for more details visit www.plantamnesty.org.

jUNE 17. “GARDENS OF THE SALISH SEA” WSNLA LANDSCAPE DESIGN TOUR. SPONSORED BY: AW POTTERY & CASCADE COMPOST. location: Vashon island. because this event is always a sell out, be sure to register early and ensure your spot on WSNla’s ViP landscape Design Tour. it’s educational aND fun! Register at WSNla.ORG or (800) 672-7711. for questions contact holly Osborne at [email protected] Credit available.

SEPTEMBER 24, FROM 6-9:30PM, SePTeMBer 26 & oCToBer 3, FROM 8AM - 3PM. CPH PLANT IDENTIFICATION REVIEW COURSE. location: lake Washington institute of Technology (horticulture Complex). Cost: $140 member, $160 non member. Register at WSNla.ORG or (800) 672-7711. for questions contact holly Osborne at [email protected].

SEPTEMBER 30, FROM 5 - 8PM. CPH PREVIEW TEST. location: lake Washington institute of Technology. Cost: $45 member, $65 non member. Register at WSNla.ORG or (800) 672-7711. for questions contact holly Osborne at [email protected].

OCTOBER 21, FROM 5-8:30PM. CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL HORTICULTURIST EXAM. location: lake Washington institute of Technology. Cost: $90 member, $160 non member. Register at WSNla.ORG or (800) 672-7711. for questions contact holly Osborne at [email protected]. NOVEMBER 9-12. ECOPRO TRAINING & EXAM. location: 21 acres in Woodinville. The training, study materials, and exam are based on 200+ sustainable best practices and required study materials covering the following eight key principles: Protect and Conserve Soils; Conserve Water; Protect Water and air Quality; Protect and Create Wildlife habitat; Conserve energy; Sustain healthy Plants; Use Sustainable Methods and Materials; Protect and Enhance Human Health and Well-being. Cost: $350, includes the 3-day training and exam (lunch included). $150 for exam only. $75 exam re-take. Individuals that do not meet the eligibility criteria for certification are welcome to register for the training only. For more information please contact Jeanne McNeil, ecoPRO administrator at (206) 387-6727, (800) 672-7711 or [email protected]. This training is sponsored by Cascade Water Alliance!

Mt rainier Chapterfor more information or to be added to the email list to receive chapter meeting notice announcements, contact ingrid Wachtler, Woodbrook Native Plant Nursery at [email protected].

Northwest ChapterJune 25, 6pm - Trees! Hear from Jim barborinas, iSa Certified, owner of Urban Forest Nursery as he talks about his favorite tree selections and offers a behind the scene tour of his nursery. Jim will highlight best tree varieties for serving customers with utility Tree Certificates. Cost: $20, includes catered meal. location: urban forest Nursery in Mount Vernon. For more information or to be added to the email list to receive chapter meeting notice announcements, contact Toni Cross, CPh, Seasonal Color Pots, at [email protected]. olympic Chapterfor more information or to be added to the email list to receive chapter meeting notice announcements, contact Gayle larson, CPh at [email protected] Seattle Chapterjune 9 - “You Can YouTube!” by Rusty George Creative. learn tips & techniques for creating simple videos to help your business and develop your brand. location: West Seattle Nursery. for more information or to be added to the email list to receive chapter meeting notice announcements, contact bill Collins at [email protected].

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

2015 WSNLA Chapter Activities


thankYou

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WSNLA would like to thank our B&B advertisers and encourages our readers to learn more about the products and services they offer. Be sure to visit ourad-vertiser websites to find out more.

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