b&b online - september 2014

MUKILTEO CEDAR

PRODUCTS Wholesale

to the Trade 425-353-1382

“CEDAR-TIqUE COLLECTIOn”[email protected]

MADE

IN

THE

USA

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.

Contents

Features

8 WSNLA PROseries Education to grow your knowledge!

10 Challenges Facing the Horticulture

Industry Technology. Perception. Relevancy.

12 A Life in HorticulturePersonal fullfillment.

Balance of art & science. And, connection with nature.

12 Plant Amnesty Committed to Hort

Education for Hispanics

Columns4 From the President

5 Legislative Update

6 Executive Director

Departments7 Member Notes

16 CPH of the Month

19 Industry News

20 Chapter News

21 WSNLA Marketplace

22 Calendar of Events

ThE OfficiAl PuBlicATiOn Of Washington State nursery & landscape Association

September 2014 VOl 66. nO. 9

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] industry Advancement Jeanne Mcneil e-mail [email protected]

© 2014, Washington State nursery and landscape Association

Sublime Garden Design plants a seed for a career in horticulture with their involvement in a local community service at Dutch hill Elementary in Snohomish. find out more on page 19.

chris Sexton-Smith, horticulture instructor, shares challenges our industry is facing and how lake Washington institute of Technology is tackling them. learn more on page 10.

cover photo: 2014 WSNLA & WALP NW Flower & Garden Show display garden. Photo by ll Photography.

Washington State nursery & landscape Association - 3

interested in sharing your opinions and comments about a topic or article covered in this issue of the B&B Magazine? 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

Megan Pulkkinen, CPH WSNLA President

Megan Pulkkinen landscape Design

Bremerton

unlESS PERSuASiVE AcTiOn iS TAkEn WE fAcE

ThE cOnSEquEncES Of A ShRinkinG inDuSTRy.

BuT MORE iMPORTAnTly WE lOSE ThE OPPORTuniTy

TO ShARE WhAT MAkES OuR PROfESSiOn SPEciAl.

OuR cOMPAniES AnD OPERATiOnS

hAVE EVOlVED BuT ThE GEnERAl

PuBlic’S PERcEPTiOn hAS nOT.

[ fROM ThE PRESiDEnT ]

Horticulture PR = Perception Renovation

A shortage of qualified workers, and the closing of some school programs has focused our attention on the future. unless persuasive action is taken we face the consequences of a shrinking industry. But more importantly we lose the opportunity to share what makes our profession special.

Our companies and operations have evolved but the general public’s perception has not. Many people and potential students have a limited view of our industry. They don’t see the high tech growing operations and irrigation equipment, witness sustainable growing practices in action, see the latest design software, or understand building effective stormwater solutions unless we show them off.

Here are 5 things we can do to alter their perception:

1. Read all of the thoughtful articles submitted by our members this month. This will inspire you to share what a great community of talented people we associate with in the nursery and landscape industry.

2. Produce and share content. WSnlA is dedicated to promoting its members. it has never been easier to get your message out on multiple media platforms. We appreciate any content you can provide to our consumer focused website- Gardenwashington.com The more relevant content to share with the public, potential students, and employees the better. Put your membership to work and expand your exposure via WSnlA.

3. Video clips. Produce and share educational and entertaining videos about you, your company and your projects. from how you started in the business to the smart fun people you work with, create video that tells your story. This promotes your business and shows off the great results people in our profession can provide. Share your video with WSnlA to help increase the reach of potential viewers.

4. Say yes to speaking to groups and schools, or hosting tours. Share the challenges that we take on, then highlight the beautiful solutions we offer. Talk about all the opportunities for careers in our industry that may not be apparent, and what you enjoy most about your work.

5. Offer continuing education as a benefit of employment. This attracts motivated employees. help them earn their certifications and encourage their interests with some tuition reimbursement, flexible schedules, or paid internships.

Media experts tell you that good PR requires an engaging positive message, spread repeatedly over many channels. let’s work together to renovate the perception of our chosen field whenever we have the opportunity.


Legislative UpdateWSnlA Works To Protect your Business

Heather Hansen WSNLA Lobbyist

Olympia

What are GMO’s and why should the nursery industry care?

A genetically modified organism (GMO) is a plant, animal, yeast or bacteria developed by taking a copy of a gene from one organism and placing it into another organism. (A gene is the part of a cell that controls what information is inherited by the offspring.) The gene is moved to create a desired trait in the recipient organism.

in november 2012, San Juan county passed initiative no. 2012-4 banning the growth of genetically modified organisms in the county. The initiative states it is unlawful for any person or entity to propagate, cultivate, raise or grow genetically modified organisms in San Juan county.

“Organisms” are defined in the initiative as any biological entity capable of replication or transferring genetic material. This includes plants, animals and bacteria.

“Genetically Modified” is defined as an organism, with the exception of human beings, in which genetic material has

been altered in a way that does not occur naturally by mating and/or natural recombination.

Take a close look at the wording. Most fruit trees and many grape vines are grafted onto rootstock. That is altering genetic material in a way that does not occur naturally. Most cultivated plants, including fruits, vegetables, grains and ornamentals were developed by plant breeders. Plant breeders have been using forced mutagenesis through radiation and/or chemicals to create unique variations for decades. This is not considered genetic modification because it is old technology, but it certainly isn’t natural.

The goal of the plant breeder is to get the plant to express genes that can be exploited to improve desired traits. in ornamental plants, this can create new colors, dwarf plants, disease resistance and other desirable characteristics. in food crops, it can increase production, improve marketability or enhance nutrition.

Genetic modification is a process. like all processes, it can be used in a variety of different ways for different purposes. The next wave of genetically modified crops is focused on growing plants under adverse conditions. crops that thrive with limited water or tolerate saline soil are now coming into the market. These advances are very important

for food production and will benefit hungry people worldwide. But let’s look closer to home. Ornamental plants that can tolerate drought could be helpful in environmental remediation. They would also save money for city parks departments.

Back to the San Juan ordinance, licensed health practitioners are exempt from the ordinance. Most licensed health practitioners do not propagate, cultivate, raise or grow the medicine they dispense. nevertheless, this exemption will protect those who care for patients with diabetes. nearly all insulin used to treat diabetics is made synthetically using recombinant DnA technology in both bacteria and yeast. This synthetic insulin is both cheaper and more pure than natural insulin derived from animals. Genetic technology has greatly improved the lives of diabetics and holds the best promise of curing cancer.

no doubt, the people of San Juan county had good intentions. Throughout the centuries, many scientific advances have generated concern. if you are interested in learning more, here are a couple of reputable sites managed by scientists. Most encourage readers to ask questions.

http://www.biofortified.org/http://gmoanswers.comhttp://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/mission/

The goal of the plant breeder is to get the plant to express genes that can be exploited to improve desired traits. In ornamental plants, this can create new colors, dwarf plants, disease resistance and other desirable characteristics.

“Unfortunately, horticulture is under siege. We are concerned that, for those aware of horticulture, the perception is increasingly negative, while much of the general public, especially young people, appear to have little or no awareness of the importance and value of horticulture. This has resulted in a loss of influence among governmental agencies at various levels and a reduction in students considering horticulture as a career. These changes have occurred despite the increasing value of commercial horticulture crops and services. Interesting, challenging, and impactful careers are available in horticulture at all levels, and there is an increasing need for well-trained and educated students.”

- An excerpt from a white paper published by longwood Gardens, American Society of horticulture Science, Americanhort, American Public Gardens Association, American horticultural Society and national Junior horticultural Society foundation. (www.ballpublishing.com/PDF/NationalStudyofHorticulture.pdf)

At the July WSnlA Board of Directors meeting, your WSnlA leadership gave great discussion to this very issue impacting the horticulture industry nationwide. The robust discussion included various opportunities to connect with audiences of all ages, breaking down barriers and promoting a horticulture career relevant today. in this isssue of the B&B Magazine, nursery and landscape professionals from all segments chime in on the importance of our industry’s role in communicating and promoting our need for qualified young professionals to enter into a career in horticulture.

WSnlA, as an advocate for professional horticulture, has a vested interest in this initiative. To that extent, this fall, a meeting is being planned for local horticulture educators and industry leaders to further the discuss and develop an action plan that can be implemented locally addressing this issue.


[ FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ]

Breanne ChavezWSnlA Executive Director

3 great quotes from this issue

WSNLAwww.wsnla.org

75 Years & Growing

WSNLA, as an advocate for professional horticulture, has a vested interest in this initiative. 1. As an educator, mainly i’m just

giving myself a pep talk here but as employers and managers, what are you doing to feed the passions and interests of these young and passionate employees? They are the future and they have so much interest and potential. i’d suggest feeding them with continuing education courses.

- Chris Sexton-Smith, horticulture instructor at Lake Washington Institute of Technology and WSNLA Horticulture Educator Caucus Chair.

2. Retail: the art of placing products and plants in a specific order or location so that people can’t help but purchase them and the execution of over the top customer service by creating the right environment.

- Jenny Gunderson, CPH, My Garden Nursery.

3. As employers, we need to strive to pay our employees a living wage and build a reputation for taking good care of them. Agriculture as an industry has developed a bad reputation on worker health and safety issues. i think we need to reverse that image and develop a reputation for being forward-thinking protectors of people and the environment. We are, after all, a “green” industry. We should be leading the charge for sustainability.

- Ben Alexander, Sound Native Plants

2014 WSnlA OfficERS

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

Tim Gray, President Elect Pacific Stone company425-258-1911 | [email protected]

Bill Raynolds, My Garden, Vice President 206-406-3487 | [email protected]

Duane Job, TreasurerJob’s nursery509-547-4843 | [email protected]

Jan nielsen, Past PresidentMarenakos Rock center 425-392-3313 | [email protected]

WSnlA BOARD Of DiREcTORS ingrid Wachtler, cPh Woodbrook native Plant nursery253-265-6271 | [email protected] Mount Rainier President

Ryan carpenter, Sunbreak nursery 360-384-3763 | [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

Peter Van Well, iii, Van Well nursery 509-886-8189 | [email protected] central chapter President

Toni cross, cPh, Toni cross Seasonal color Pots 206-781-1060 | [email protected] Design caucus chair

Gregory Smaus, cPh, native Root Designs206-227-4458 | [email protected] landscape caucus chair

Mary Ranahan, cedar Grove composting206-963-0428 | [email protected] horticultural Supplier caucus chair

chris Sexton-Smith | lake WA institute of Technology425-739-8424 | [email protected] horticulture Educator caucus chair

Scott Pringle, cPh, Paradise lake nursery206-930-4132 | [email protected] Wholesale nursery caucus chair lucinda McMahan, cPh 425-773-4237 | [email protected] cPh caucus chair

Ben DeGoede, cPh, Windmill Gardens 253-863-5843 | [email protected] Open Positions: Greenhouse Grower caucus chair & Out of State caucus chair


WSNLAWashington State Nursery & Landscape Association

[ FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ] Member NotesNew Plant Intros Promote Your 2015 Plant & Product Introductions in the November B&B Magazine!All WSnlA member nurseries and suppliers are invited to submit their new plant introductions and products to be featured in the november B&B Magazine! All that is needed is a high resolution picture of each plant or product submitted, along with a description. Please submit to Dawn clarke at [email protected] by October 1.

WSNLA Strategic Planning Session - November 19.help cultivate the future of your WSnlA! On november 19, WSnlA is hosting a facilitated strategic planning session. Through your participation, insight, thoughtful perspectives, and enthusiasm, we will chart a course that serves the Washington nursery and landscape community with innovation and relevance. your WSnlA leadership encourges your involvement and is looking forward to working together to create an action plan that will lead WSnlA into the future. Mark your calendar for november 19 and plan to attend the WSnlA strategic planning session. RSVPs are required.

CPH Plant Identification.Thursday, September 25, from 6 - 9:30pm. Saturday, September 27, from 8am - 3pm. Saturday, October 4, from 8am - 3pm.

This three-part series covers those plants currently required by the WSnlA certified Professional horticulturist Program, and provides preparation for the Plant identification section of cPh exam. Seminar will cover: Study techniques, terminology, classification, nomenclature, conifers, deciduous, broad-leaved evergreens, groundcovers, vines, annuals & perennials.

If you are preparing to take the Certified Professional Horticulturist exam, this is a great refresher. Or, if you just interested in brushing up your plant identification skills, this course offers CPH and CLT continuing education credits.

location: lake Washington institute of Technology, kirkland. instructor: chris Sexton-Smith, lWTech. To learn more about this course and to register, visit www.wsnla.org or contact holly Osborne at (800) 672-7711, [email protected].

Directory & Buyer’s Guide Deadline - September. The official Directory & Buyer’s Guide packet was sent out in late August. it also included information about how your nursery and landscape business can leverage the B&B Magazine and WSnlA.ORG to reach your marketing goals. if you have missed the September 8 deadline, there is still time to get your buyer’s guide listings and display ad in this year’s special edition being printed in november. To find out more, please contact Breanne at the WSnlA office at (800) 672-7711 or [email protected].

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WSNLAWashington State Nursery & Landscape AssociationScholarship & Research Charitable Fund


October 8, from 9am – 3pm

Landscape Due Diligence: Our professional resources & when to bring them into the game!location: cedar River Watershed, north Bend

When working with clients, the professional strives to research and ensure due diligence for the client by identifying potential issues that may not be obvious now, but costly and perhaps destructive in the future.

Join us for a day of information packed seminars by five professionals who can help you serve your customers better! We have invited the following allied professionals to share with you why, when and how to evaluate and make recommendations about critical and sometimes unexpected issues that arise in clients’ properties and to identify the need and process of important city permits.

The speakers are as follows:

lara Thomas, city Planner city of DuvallAlan Burke, landscape Architect, classic nurseryTom quigley, certified Arborist, WoodinvilleBrian Beaman, Geo-Tech, icicle creek EngineersTodd Oberg, civil Engineer, the Blue line Group During lunch there will be an optional tour of the Cedar River Watershed Learning Center.

cPh, clT, and ecoPRO credit available.

november 5, from 9am – 3pm

Customer Service Training for the Trainer & Advanced Merchandising 2.0location: Sky nursery, Shoreline

An aphid, a spider mite and a slug walk into a nursery - Customer Service ideas that will stick with you long after the seminar. We all come into contact with customers. Whether you are a landscape designer, cashier, a manager, or even head of the iT department. We all can make the difference between a good experience and a great one! learn how to keep your sense of humor in difficult customer service situations, 8 great customer greetings and how to not let them ‘bug’ you. ThEM = customers, peers, employees and bosses. learn how to make each interaction a positive one, how to go from feeling burnt out to feeling ready to take on the world and how to train your staff to do the same!

Jenny Gunderson, Certified Professional Horticulturist | My Garden Nursery. Gunderson has been in the retail nursery industry for over 30 years. She started as the “Garden Girl” at a Payless drugstore followed by Eagle hardware/ lowes, and then Molbaks. Most people say they love plants or people. Jenny adds to that “i love retail! in 2006 Jenny and her fiancé Bill Raynolds opened My Garden nursery in Mill creek. The nursery was 30 years old, falling down, had dangerous cracked sidewalks, was extremely hot in the summer and cold in the winter but the staff made the customers feel comfortable and loved. My Garden did not have better displays or better plants but what it did have was over the top consistent every day service that led to its customers voting it the most popular nursery in western WA for 3 years in a row. Because of this, My Garden nursery had great success for 7 years. last year, Jenny and Bill took a giant leap and closed it to pursue opening a brand new store in Bellingham.

Advanced Nursery Merchandising 2.0Anticipating customer’s needs, questions and desire for beautiful, inspiring and informative merchandising is imperative to keeping and growing your business. Building on basic merchandising strategy to reach the end purchase includes implementing advanced merchandising techniques: engaging customer service; a strong merchandising plan; and opportunities for customers to educate themselves through conversations and classes. These elements will allow your merchandising plan to increase sales and strengthen your customer base.

Joe Abken | Sky Nursery, General Manager. Abken left the i.T. Project Management and corporate world behind in favor of following his bliss. he began working at Sky nursery in 2004 as a nursery laborer and quickly began to take on more and more responsibility around merchandising and buying. in 2008, Joe became the General Manager during the start of the construction of Sky’s new facility. currently he is serving on the Board of the northwest horticulture Society.

cPh credit available.

WSNLA PROseries Registration

Member Non MemberEarlybird $60 $72Regular $75 $87

- Earlybird registration ends 3-weeks prior to each WSnlA PROseries event.

- WAlP members receive WSnlA PROseries member rates. When registering online, please use PROMO cODE: WAlP.

- With the exception of the november 10 & 11 Build a Better landscape Business, lunch is on your own. Registration rates are unique for this course, as well. - cPh, clT, ecoPRO, WSDA Pesticide Recertification credit available when noted.

- Businesses sending multiple attendees qualify for a group rate. half day rate is available for november 5.

Registration is available online at WSNLA.ORG or directly at (800) 672-7711, [email protected].

Sky nursery in Shoreline

OfficiAl SPOnSOR:


December 3, from 9am – 3pm

Bee Health: Understanding the Issues, Impacts, & Alternatives location: WSu kitsap Extension, norm Dicks Building (easy ferry access)

What is happening to bees, beekeeping and the agricultural industry. human Dimensions of colony collapse Disorder and its impact on the honey Bee. This will be an overview of the honey bee industry, agricultural systems, diseases and pest control mechanisms, and how these are contributing to the decline in honey bee populations.

Dr. Timothy Lawrence | WSU Extension Director – Island County. lawrence holds a Ph. D. from The Ohio State university in Environmental Science with a focus on human dimensions of environmental policy. he also has an M.S. in Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, and a B.S. in Apiculture and Pomology. he has more than 20 years of experience as a commercial beekeeper. in addition to, Extension educational experience including both community Development and Agricultural and natural Resources programming covering such issues as agricultural health and safety, pesticide safety, and honey bee health. Dr. lawrence is the current Director of WSu Extension in island county.

Using Biologicals to Grow Bee Populationsnursery producers and greenhouse growers are rapidly integrating practices that will allow them to drop chemicals that have been associated with bee decline. let’s walk through a few case scenarios as to how growers might approach problematic pest issues in their operations, favoring integrated biological approaches to the issue at hand. Alison Kutz | Sound Horticulture. Alison is a grower at heart. in 1981 she started cascade cuts in Bellingham, a wholesale greenhouse operation known for their extensive line of interesting herbs, as well as forced freesia bulbs, hanging baskets and unusual cut flowers. Their growing practices were based on biological approaches to pest control early on. fast forward 20 years, Alison started Sound horticulture to work with a broader base of growers, and continue to learn along the way. Today, Alison is acting President of Sound hort, where she ships beneficial insects from a wide range of insectaries across north America and helps a diverse base of greenhouse and nursery growers with biocontrol.

Additional practicioners to be added to the days event.

cPh, clT, and ecoPRO credit available. WSDA Pesticide Recertification

credit pending.

november 10 & 11, from 8:30am - 4:30pm

Build a Better Landscape Business location: northern quest Resort & casino, Spokane.

The Washington State nursery & landscape Association and caterpillar are hosting a 2-day Business Management workshop specifically designed for green industry contractors. This workshop will change the way you look at your business forever. if you own or operate a landscape business, this is one workshop that you can’t afford to miss. Plan for your profit!

DAY ONE: PLANNING FOR PROFIT Attendees will prepare for workshop by bringing in some simple financial statements. Based on their own unique financials information, attendees will create an operating budget and learn how to use it to improve productivity and profit. (financial info will be kept confidential.) DAY TWO: SYSTEMS FOR SUCCESS With a plan for profit in place, attendees will create a profitable pricing system for their services, then learn systems used by green industry leaders that will help them achieve their goals for profit, productivity and efficiency.

The landscape Management network has traveled internationally presenting this 2-day workshop. Attendees have raved from coast to coast. here are a few comments: “This was so much more than a budgeting workshop - this really is a blueprint for running a successful landscape business.” “It was great to hear all this information from an actual landcape contractor who is doing what they teach. It was so different from any other workshop we’ve been to. We didn’t just learn what we had to do, we actually did it!” “It was amazing to see the different pricing systems and learn that my systems were actually leading me to win the less profitable jobs! I saw the examples and it hit me - that’s exactly the bids we seem to win. With a new system and some tools to help me really engage my people, I’ve never been so excited to start a year. This is the competitive advantage I’ve been looking for.”

Lunch is provided. Earlybird rate ends november 1 $100 WSnlA member/$125 non member Regular $150 WSnlA member/$175 non member

cPh and clT credit available.


Ok, i’ll admit it. This is the second version of this article that i have written. in the first, i listed out and discussed in detail all of the challenges that i see facing horticultural education both regionally and nationally. Whether it’s news of another local horticulture program closing due to sagging enrollment, a national shortage of skilled and reliable workers or the general lack of interest by the next generation to pick up a hobby that isn’t “instant gratification”, we have been facing some significant challenges over the recent past. By the time i was finished i needed a hug. luckily, i have a 6 year old son who was all too happy to oblige. he’s a hugger and a lot like me in that he tends to see “what is” instead of “what could be”. i’m constantly challenging him to see that focusing on what is wrong or difficult will never get him anywhere. in order to truly succeed in life, you must do as Ghandi instructed: “be the change that you want to see in the world”. yes, i quote Ghandi to my 6 year old. And that got me thinking that maybe i should follow Gandhi’s advice. So, in that vein and in my opinion, i’d like to share a few words about the challenges that face this industry from an educational point of view. i’ve been teaching horticulture at the lake Washington institute of Technology for ten years now and that has left me opinionated!

Challenge # 1: We are competing with technology for the hearts and minds of future generations…and losing.

We’ve all seen it; kids sitting in front of the newest, coolest video game console instead of going outside and playing. This is the future of our industry (and our country). it’s easy for adults and stimulating for kids to sit in front of the TV and veg-out. So how do we infuse the younger generations with

Chris Sexton-Smith (with son Nolan Sexton-Smith) WSNLA Horticulture Educator Caucus Chair

horticulture instructor, lake Washington institute of Technology, kirkland

the infinite fascination of nature? it’s not possible to change anybody’s habits but your own. however, there is an excellent opportunity to reach these kids while they’re away from the TV, at school. have you volunteered your horticultural knowledge lately? for many of you i suspect the answer is yES! We are nothing if not a passionate bunch. Volunteering to teach a class on photosynthesis to 1st graders, constructing a school veggie garden or working at a school grounds clean-up day are all great ways to start. The younger we expose them to this world the deeper it is engrained into them.

i’m on a couple of local high school horticulture program advisory committees and at more than one meeting, it’s been the instructor, myself and that is all. high school hort instructors are almost always looking for experienced and reliable committee members to help steer their programs and we are the perfect group of professionals to fill this role. use the opportunity to network and evangelize the WSnlA. Many of these programs are woefully ignorant to the professional organizations that share their same goals. let’s get the word out and help influence the next generation!

Challenge # 2: The perception that a young student entering the horticultural field is going to starve!

Perception is everything and i’ve heard this from many of my young students over the years. The argument goes like this, “i have a passion for plants and the environment, but my parents told me that there are no jobs in horticulture.” how is this perception perpetuated? Well, the argument that there are no jobs doesn’t really hold water. Recently, some heavy hitters in the world of horticulture got together and published a white paper on the fact that there ARE jobs and not enough skilled people to fill them. if you would like to read more about this check out the Ball Publishing website at (http://tinyurl.com/k42rmhe). What’s closer to the truth is that many jobs in this field don’t pay extremely well. That isn’t to say there aren’t good paying jobs available for quality, skilled employees but this is the perception.

So what can we do about this? hire skilled people and pay them well is my answer. The more educational institutions can point to these jobs, the easier it is to get future horticulturists in the door and trained properly. The State of Washington’s labor statistics suggest that the average landscaper or nursery

Challenges Facing the Horticulture IndustryTechnology. Perception. Relevancy.

Washington State nursery & landscape Association -11

worker is making less than Seattle’s proposed minimum wage of $15/hr., but in my experience the average skilled horticulture graduate can expect to make more than that. The problem is that the data is skewed so strongly in the direction of the unskilled laborer that the statistics are misleading. can you guess what rate of pay perspective students are seeing from school advisors as they research a career in horticulture? let’s continue to beat the drum of professionalism while mentoring these budding horticulturists so they are worth more money. certification programs such as cPh and ecoPro are an important way to highlight the separation between the professional horticulturist and everyone else. These programs need to be heavily marketed to be of use to the professional. Time, energy and money need to be invested in order for them to grow and meet their potential.

Challenge # 3: Keeping horticulture education relevant.

The world and our perception of it is changing. in my observations of the modern horticulture student, the shift seems to be away from caring about plants in particular and more towards caring about larger scale environmental problems. Modern food systems and GMOs, global warming, water conservancy, environmental pollution and degradation are all on their minds. The great news is that these students want to do something about these problems. That is their passion and that is why they are into horticulture. They view plants as “the answer”. Our challenge as educators is to meet this passion with information that sustains their interest and at the same time focuses them on a role they can play (and get paid a living wage) within the industry. Oh, you want to do something meaningful about global warming? Great, but how are you going to earn a living while meeting your goal? As an educator, mainly i’m just giving myself a pep talk here but as employers and managers, what are you doing to feed the passions and interests of these young and passionate employees? They are the future and they have so much interest and potential. i’d suggest feeding them with continuing education courses. There is so much going on in the green industry, how does the busy horticulturist keep up with it all? consider making continuing education part of an employment benefits package. it will renew and grow their interest in horticulture and pay dividends to the future success of your company.

Our program at lWTech has spent the last year conducting water conservation workshops in partnership with the cascade Water Alliance (http://cascadewater.org). Topics ranged from global water issues to how to analyze and install more efficient irrigation systems. in the fall of 2014, in partnership with the cWA, we will be installing an irrigation laboratory in our arboretum. its purpose will be to educate students and the industry on the proper installation and usage of irrigation systems and give learners insight into modern efficient water use practices. Does that sound like something that would benefit your employees? The hope is that we will be offering continuing education classes on this topic soon. Stay tuned and check out your local colleges for short courses designed specifically for industry professionals.

let me end by saying that challenges are an important way for individuals and groups to evolve. in evolution, the result is always better adapted to the reality of the current situation. We must ask ourselves every day; “how am i influencing the next generation?”. “how am i evolving?”.

Chris Sexton-Smith (with son Nolan Sexton-Smith) WSNLA Horticulture Educator Caucus Chair

horticulture instructor, lake Washington institute of Technology, kirkland

“OuR chAllEnGE AS EDucATORS iS TO MEET ThiS PASSiOn (fOR hORTiculTuRE)

WiTh infORMATiOn ThAT SuSTAinS ThEiR inTEREST AnD AT ThE SAME TiME fOcuSES ThEM On A ROlE

ThEy cAn PlAy (AnD GET PAiD A liVinG WAGE) WiThin ThE inDuSTRy.” - chRiS SExTOn-SMiTh

A Life in Horticulture in your Element

When you ask our students why they chose to study horticulture, without hesitation it relates to personal fulfillment. no surprise to me, that’s what fostered and still nurtures my own interest in horticulture, and i’ll wager yours as well. As they pursue their studies, their sense of personal fulfillment deepens as they become more aware of the unique blend of art and science so indelible to our practice. few other pursuits engage both our right and left hemispheres in such a pleasing balance. When that happens, “one so merges with sunlight, air, and water, that whole eons might pass in a single afternoon” (loren Eiseley, The immense Journey). in short, when we’re engaged in horticulture, we’re usually in our element.

i feel very lucky to have these students. They’ve navigated through an array of academic and career choices that subscribe to a culture of consumer values and an education system where only the left brain pursuits of technology, engineering, and math are king. Somehow, through it all, they have glimpsed the nearly forgotten treasures of real experience in the natural world. Our charge is to seek out and carefully nurture such unique individuals -- and their awakening brethren -- to the benefit of our profession, community, and society.

i use the term “awakening” deliberately to underscore what i see as a slowly emerging generation that isn’t accepting a dystopian future nurtured by on line education, virtual reality, and the extinction of natural experience. in our program, these students seem particularly drawn to our restoration horticulture and urban agriculture programs. i seek them out among the older demographic of avocational gardeners looking for a career change, those working in allied fields who might be seeking greater satisfaction, and among the ranks of biology, environmental science, and ecology students, in addition to those in horticulture, within our regional high schools. What these potential horticulturists may all have in common is greater sensitivity to the importance of personal fulfillment in their lives and, in particular, a realization that deep connections to nature are an important source of that fulfillment.

With that, some important elements for framing our marketing to would-be horticulturists are: its all about doing the work you love – you’re in your element; the unique pleasures associated with a “craft” and a “practice” that combines art and science, head and hands; and, finally, the delight, epiphany, and enlightenment of intimate contact with nature. These attributes of a life in horticulture, it should be remembered, are not exclusive of making a fruitful living.

As a professional cohort and engaged citizenry, we must also seek educational and cultural change by supporting schools and curricula that engage students with the natural world. Our increasing social and cultural estrangement from the natural world not only bodes ill for our profession but, much more critically, our sustainable presence on earth.


Timothy Hohninstructor & chairhorticulture DepartmentEdmonds community college

in the future PlantAmnesty plans to ‘keep on, keeping on’ which is to say, continue with our Spanish language workshops whether or not they turn a profit. We have found that it can take years for programs to break even and start turning a profit. in the mean time, our two main Spanish speaking teachers are getting more private teaching engagements. landscape companies, professional organizations, and municipalities are arranging ‘private’ workshops for their crews through PlantAmnesty.

Seattle’s Green Gardening Program, sponsored by Seattle Public utilities, is pursuing an initiative to bundle sustainable practices programming for hispanic landscapers. That would include PlantAmnesty’s selective pruning classes. To this end a brainstorming session with various stakeholders concluded there are the following needs:

* Some sort of certification for hispanic landscape workers

* Public awareness of the need for this credential

* coordination and clearing house among organizations supplying services to the hispanic community

- Large selection of salvaged landscape wood. You can pick up or we will deliver.

- Outstanding old growth Western Red Cedar pieces salvaged from the forest floor.

- Use as center pieces, water features, bulkheads, seats, planters boarders & more

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* An internship/apprentice program

* Method to retain trained workers

* Plant iD for Spanish speakers

PlantAmnesty’s future plans include addressing the above. The key, of course, is funding. This is especially true for the outreach (marketing) to convince the public to use skilled labor. Also the professional organizations need to tighten up policy and practices on the uses of hedge-shearing, so that that the promised skilled pruning is guaranteed. Selective pruning could be offered as an option to ‘traditional non-selective pruning’. Doing so is itself a promotional/educational device.

Plant Amnesty Committed to Horticulture Education for Hispanics

Cass Turnbull, ISAPlant Amnesty

Our next major project is to do a landscape conversion pilot project. for that we would document the conversion of a landscape from sheared and overplanted to sustainable and lower-cost. That project, including before and after photos, would be used as the basis for an article published in professional magazines. Documentation like this could be used to sell conversions to hOAs and other property managers. The printed word carries weight. PlantAmnesty is actively seeking a site, one large site or four smaller landscapes in close proximity, for this pilot project.

interested in participating in this pilot project? contact cass Turnbull at (206) 783-9093 or [email protected].



A Panel Of Industry Professionals Passion, needs, and future of Professional horticulture

THE HORTICULTURE INDUSTRY IS FACING CHALLENGES NATIONWIDE WITH REGARDS TO ATTRACTING YOUNG PROFESSIONALS INTO OUR INDUSTRY.

lawyer nursery’s Bob Buzzo and Ben Alexander, Sound native Plants, share about their passion for horticulture, the need to tell our story as an industry to ensure the future of our industry.

- Why did you enter the field of horticulture?

- What do you enjoy most about your horticulture career?

- how can we, as an industry, improve the perceptions of our industry and tell our story of professional horticulture?

Do you have a question, issue, trend, or other industry related topic that you would to see a panel of professionals chime in on? If so, please email Dawn Clarke at [email protected] and share your thoughts.

The landscape profession should be

fully reliant on the graduates from local landscape design, horticulture & construction

programs to come next, to carry forward the role

of the industry professional and to maintain

the high level of work that is exhibited

in the region. It is a matter

of succession planning and the industry needs

to take responsibility and support education

programs to this end. If the landscape

programs diminish, or close altogether,

how will the professional landscape industry continue to thrive

and grow into the future?

- Lisa Port, APLD Banyon Tree

Design Studio national APlD Advocacy chair

i entered the field of horticulture in a roundabout way. When i graduated from high school, i went to uc Davis with the idea of becoming a dentist. After 2 years of pre-med coursework, i realized that i had absolutely no interest in dentistry as a career. At the same time i was fascinated by all of the agricultural history, research plots, and courses available through the college of Agriculture at one of the oldest land grant institutions in the uS. i changed my major and graduated with a degree in Plant Science, with an emphasis in Environmental horticulture. i learned quickly that the entry level jobs in production horticulture did not make people rich. in 1976 i took a job as a production supervisor at Briggs nursery for $2.75 per hour. The minimum wage had just increased in Washington State to $2.30 per hour in January of that year. for whatever reason, that starting wage for a 24 year old was not a deal breaker. i was able to survive the lean years and at this point, i can look back on a long career in the industry that has been both satisfying and fascinating.

Perhaps the thing i enjoy most about my career is the ongoing opportunity

Continued on next page.

Bob Buzzo, CPH | Lawyer Nursery


i discovered a love of plants when i was a young man by spending most of my free time backpacking and mountaineering. i stumbled into horticulture when an old friend started working on a small a farm that grew a variety of plants for local farmers markets and retail nurseries. We grew vegetable and herb starts, bedding plants, and hanging baskets. My love of outdoors, horticultural experience, and interest in native plants all came together in the mid-1980’s when i found

out about the revegetation program at north cascades national Park, where volunteers were growing native plants to rehabilitate damaged campgrounds and trails. i loved the idea of growing plants to help reduce some of the harm that people cause to the natural environment. horticulture involves a constant process of sleuthing, puzzling out and problem-solving, and i love that challenge. Plants are living organisms that rarely behave the way we expect them to. Plants are constantly evolving and changing, and understanding why they do what they do requires patience, persistence, ingenuity, and creativity. i also enjoy employing people in healthy, meaningful work, contributing to the local economy, supporting other local businesses, and promoting a more sustainable way of living and doing business. i think horticulture offers good opportunities for individuals who want meaningful work. As employers, we need to strive to pay our employees a living wage and build a reputation for taking good care of them. Agriculture as an industry has developed a bad reputation on worker health and safety issues. i think we need to reverse that image and develop a reputation for being forward-thinking protectors of people and the environment. We are, after all, a “green” industry. We should be leading the charge for sustainability. There are plenty of examples of agricultural sectors that are burgeoning because of their social and environmental messages. certified organic foods, non-GMO foods, BGh-free dairy products are booming. horticulture should be working on similar themes.

to learn. i have had a number of jobs in horticulture in the past 38 years, including my present job which goes back more than 25 years. Over time, i have learned a great deal about many things. i look at horticulture much like engineering; your job is to solve problems, many of which have nothing to do with horticulture, but everything to do with preparing a crop for the marketplace. There are so many aspects to production horticulture that require creative solutions in order to solve unique problems. Of course there is satisfaction that comes from observing how plant material responds to cultural practices, weather events or pressure from pathogens or predators. There also seems to be an unlimited supply of new plants or different crops which provide a person with yet another opportunity to learn something new.

i suppose this is one of those opportunities i just mentioned. i think that horticulture is a fundamental skill that a certain portion of the community needs to know about. not everyone needs to have a career in horticulture; i know many young people who have no interest in getting dirty and soldiering away in a career that does not offer immediate financial gain. But we do have to have enough horticulturalists to become commercial growers, staff retail nurseries, fill the regulatory and research jobs, advise municipalities, and develop botanical opportunities in food, medicine and other products. The immediate problem is that entry level hort jobs do not include lavish salaries. Supervisors and Managers are typically well paid, but the number of good paying positions in our industry is not as great as other industries that attract young people. horticulture touches many aspects of people’s lives and it is something that community colleges and universities should continue to offer to students of all ages. i know that over the years i have personally guided many horticulture classes and elementary school field trips through tours of lawyer nursery.

i believe as an industry, we should support a WSnlA effort to prevail upon the administrative staff at South Puget Sound community college to revisit their decision to eliminate a successful program that has been in place for over 40 years. We could also learn from the community college decision makers, “What can our industry do to provide support to horticulture Programs”? The mission of the community college program needs to be clarified. is the community college Program in place to provide people with opportunities to improve their lives, or is it strictly to prepare people to earn high salaries? it makes me wonder; “What would Bruce Briggs have done if the local community college eliminated the horticulture program on his watch”?

Ben Alexander | Sound Native Plants

Tracey L. Kosenski, CPH | Natures Tapestry Landscapes & Tapestry Garden

i entered horticulture because i have a passion for growing both ornamental and edible plants. i also have the need to express myself creatively, and horticulture seemed like a natural fit. Though i took a few different career paths, i finally realized that this is what i was meant to do and it has been a very gratifying choice. My day is always challenging, but also very rewarding. Whether i am designing landscapes,

ordering for the nursery, merchandising or helping customers solve their garden dilemmas, it’s all good and i get to learn something new every day!

Moving prospective horticulturists past the idea that we are just out there mowing lawns or pulling weeds and spreading mulch is huge. Water front and wetlands mitigation, school gardens, creating bio-diversity, organics, now that is powerful stuff. it is important for our industry to continue the focus on sustainable practices and problem solving in an ever changing climate.


CPH Credit Available for Serving on Horticulture Advisory Committees Provide advice, offer new ideas and guidance with expert opinions.

by Don Marshall, CPH | Certified Professional Horticulturist Committee Member & Horticulture Instructor, Lake Washington Institute of Technology& Holly Osborne, CPH | WSNLA CPH Program Director

At a recent meeting of the WSnlA Board of Directors, a hot topic of discussion has been how to encourage future horticulturists to join the nursery and landscape trades. One major recommendation has been for horticulture professionals to get involved with student programs through high school

horticulture advisory committees. Typically these committees meet only a few times a year, but they provide access to students interested in horticulture and opportunities to promote the industry and increase its professional profile to both educators and students.

The certified Professional horticulturist program is all about increasing professionalism and visibility of professionals in our industry. having certified Professional horticulturists participate on high school horticulture advisory committees is a natural fit. Therefore, the CPH board has added continuing education credit for participating on advisory committees to encourage this activity.

lynn Mckay, of interlake high School in Bellevue, explains the value this way, “i have worked as a horticulture teacher for 20 years. During my teaching career, i have enjoyed getting students excited about the many fields that are possible for their futures. Many of my students have gone on to Environmental horticulture programs at schools such as lake Washington institute of Technology and Washington State university, in Agriculture Education, horticulture, and landscape Design. One went on to study Therapeutic landscapes in california, while others have worked for landscape companies or have started their own businesses.”

Mckay added, “All cTE (career and Technical Education) teachers are required to have a professional advisory team; mine is made up of a community college horticulture instructor, Don Marshall, a golf course superintendent, a city horticulturist, a florists, a garden designer, a master gardener and an arborists. it is necessary for teachers to know what the latest standards are out in the professional world to guide them in teaching. Meeting 3 or 4 times a year, advisory members provide advice, new ideas, guidance and expert opinions. They are also ready at any time, to guide us with field trips, speakers, or advice on our programs.”

Mckay concluded with, “having advisory members is an incredible gift to our programs and always a world of knowledge that we can teach our students, i would highly recommend involvement in a school nearest to you!!!”

There are over 100 high school horticulture /Agriculture Science programs in Washington State. To find a program near you, check out your school districts web site using the following link: http://www.k12.wa.us/maps/SDmainmap.aspx. Since each site is different, you may have to search for what the program is called in your school but many are listed under career and Technical Education (cTE).

Please consider getting involved. you can report your involvement to holly on the cPh credit form or notify her at [email protected].

The certified Professional

horticulturist program

is all about increasing

professionalism & visibilty of

professionals in our industry.

September 25, from 6-9:30pmSeptember 27, from 8am - 3pm October 4, from8am - 3pm

Plant Identification location: lake Washington institute of Technology, kirkland instructor: chris Sexton-Smith

if you are preparing to take the certified Professional horticulturist exam, this is a great refresher. if you are interested in brushing up your plant identification skills, this course offers cPh continuing education credits. To learn more about this course and to register, visit www.wsnla.org/calendar_list.asp or contact holly Osborne at (800) 672-7711, [email protected].

17- The B&B Magazine

it’s that time of year again! Please take a few moments and help WSnlA recognize your friends and colleagues for their leadership, hard work and commitment to professional horticulture by submitting nominations to the WSnlA Executive committee by October 31.

WSNLA Award Categories Include:

Supplier of the Yearcriterion: hardgood or non-plant supplier who has shown an above average support of the Association, the industry and the members. The award is to the person, not the company.

Educator of the Yearcriterion: Given for meritorious service in any “education” function serving the industry. has been awarded to cooperative Extension personnel, due to the strong education mission of that organization and its staff.

Environmental Excellence Awardcriterion: This award goes to a person or company that significantly improved, protected or repaired the environment through the use of plants and proper horticultural practices. The award can be given to a person or firm within or outside of the nursery and landscape industry.

Young Member of the Yearcriterion: Given to a member under 40 years of age who has rendered outstanding service to the WSnlA and the industry during the year just past.

Member of the Yearcriterion: Given to a member who has rendered outstanding service to the WSnlA and the industry during the year just past.

Jerry Rosso “Involvement” Awardcriterion: in the tradition of Jerry Rosso, given to a member who has demonstrated consistent commitment and involvement over the long term.

Honorary Lifetime Membercriterion: Goes to an individual who, having been an active member, performed some outstanding service to the field of horticulture or in the interest of the industry.

Harold Young Lifetime Achievment Awardcriterion: Given to a member who has demonstrated exemplary service to the WSnlA and the industry on an ongoing basis.

Please submit your nominations, along with a brief explanation about the person you are nominating, to any of the following individuals by by October 31. All nominations will be presented and reviewed by the WSnlA Executive committee in november. Award recipients will be honored at the 2015 WSnlA Awards Presentation. Breanne chavez, [email protected] WSnlA Executive Director Megan Pulkkinen, [email protected] WSnlA President Tim Gray, [email protected] WSnlA President Elect

Bill Raynolds, [email protected] Vice President Duane Job, [email protected] Treasurer

Jan nielsen, [email protected] WSnlA Past President

Nominate a Colleague Recognize your friends and colleagues for their leadership and hard work

Submitting Nominations is Quick & Easy!


This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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Industry News

Don Marshall Moving On To New Horticultural Adventures

Sublime Garden Design Gives Back & Plants Seed for Professional Horticulture


Every year the sixth grade class at Dutch hill Elementary in Snohomish works on a project to give back to the school community. This year’s class decided to give back by beautifying the courtyard and outdoor spaces surrounding the portable classrooms they’ve spent the year learning in.

Sublime Garden Design volunteered to create the design with the students acting as our clients. The students were treated to the entire design process given to all Sublime clients. Starting with a consultation meeting, the students were surveyed during class to get a feel for how they would like to use the space, what their interests are and what sorts of

features they would most like to see in the final project.

next, the students created a mission statement to help guide us in the design. “create a space to learn, grow, eat, play, relax, observe wildlife and leave our mark for future students and have a glorious time”.

from there, a small committee of students from the 6th grade class met with the design team at the Sublime design studio to review concepts and finalize their design plan. Based from their thoughtful input, a concept plan was drafted by Sublime for the committee’s final review. A 3-D model of the space was created to help the students visualize the possibilities.

in the end a final design was selected through a great collaboration between the students. Throughout the process the students showed a level of maturity and thoughtfulness and interest in the process that hopefully made a positive impression on them… and might even influence one of them to think of landscape design as a career path one day!

(lEfT) kRySSiE MAyBAy, lA AT SuBliME GARDEn DESiGn, PRESEnTS ThE 3-D MODEl Of ThE PROPOSED DESiGn TO ThE STuDEnT cOMMiTTEE. (RiGhT) AS SuBliME GARDEn DESiGn OWnER, hEiDi SkiEVASki, cPh, lOOkS On, STuDEnTS ExAMinE ThE MATERiAlS SuGGESTED TO BE uSED in ThE DESiGn.

it has been my privilege to have dreamed of, created, sweated over, struggled, enjoyed, loathed and loved the Environmental horticulture program at lake Washington institute of Technology for the past 35 years. The hort program has done some amazing things over the years and made strong connections with our diverse industry. change is a big part of our world as horticulturists. This fall i am moving on to some new adventures.

i will still have my hands in the horticulture program at lWiT in teaching part time and working with chris Sexton-Smith, my incredible co-teacher. i will still be involved in our industry in many of the ways i have loved over the years. i am adding to

the adventure by working part time for florafinder, the plant material division of horticultural Services inc. located in lake Tapps, WA. i will be the Washington state school horticulture specialist.

As their representative, i will be working with high school and college horticulture instructors helping them with their plant material needs for their greenhouse programs and sales. This position will allow me to apply all my knowledge and experience of the past coupled with an incredible learning curve of new information. i will also be able to have my office based out of our new home on the Olympic Peninsula. i look forward to continuing my work with WSnlA, the certified Professional horticulturist program and professionalism in our industry.


2014 Chapter Eventsconnect with industry peers. Access to professional education.

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 Chapternovember 2014 | Date & location TBA for more information or to be added to the email list to receive chapter meeting notice announcements, contact Toni cross, Toni cross 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 Chapterfor 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.

if you are interested in hosting or sponsoring an upcoming chapter meeting, please contact the chapter contact listed above.

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.

in July ThE nORThWEST chAPTER MET AT chRiSTiAnSOn’S nuRSERy & GREEnhOuSE in MOunT VERnOn. ThE GROuP PARTiciPATED in A Mini Think TAnk SESSiOn AnD lEARnED ABOuT chAnGES cOMinG TO ThE nW flOWER & GARDEn ShOW.


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

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. list available. (360) 794-6549, or [email protected]. WSnlA MEMBER.

SPECIMEN STREET AND LANDSCAPE TREES IN LARGE ROOT CONTROL BAGS. year around availability, easier shipping, handling and establishment. Mount Vernon. (800) 827-4067. fax (360) 428-1822. www.urbanforestnursery.com. WSnlA MEMBER. To be listed in the WSnlA Marketplace, contact Breanne at [email protected] or (800) 672-7711.

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Printing & Promotional Products Purchase your print and promotional products from Proforma because they have the buying power to provide unbeatable rates. Plus, they are committed to giving back to your organization through a rebate program.

Jim Stedman, ProForma 888-546-6028, [email protected]

Legal AccessAt no charge, members may ask a question or obtain advice. More work will be performed at a discounted Association rate. Robert Andre’, Ogden Murphy Wallace 206-447-2252, fAx [email protected], www.omwlaw.com

Equipment Purchases Receive fleet like discounts on high quality commercial equiptment at participating dealerships only. Phil Smith, Scotsco, Inc(253) 720-6420, [email protected]

Cash Flow ManagementReceive assistance in the commercial recovery field. Bill Bosch, Cash Flow Management 503-774-1399, fAx 503-771-4202, [email protected], www.cfmcollection.com

Office SuppliesOrder office supplies quickly and easily via phone, fax or online. Guaranteed lowest price, free next-day delivery, 4% instant discount on every invoice, 20,000 item catalog. no minimum order.

Megan Browning, Association Members Only 800-420-6421 x 234, fAx 800-420-6422 [email protected], www.goamo.com

Health InsuranceBill Yeager, Association Benefits Corp.206-948-9379, fAx [email protected]

Business Insurance Ken Von Forell, Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefit360-459-9411, [email protected], www.hortica-insurance.com

WSNLA Preferred Providers

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS[ EDucATiOn & EnJOyMEnT ] NEW Calendar Format - find industry events at WSnlA.ORG!

OCTOBER 15, FROM 5-8PM. CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL HORTCULTURIST EXAM. Location: Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Horticulture Complex. Member & Student Rate: $90 | non Member Rate: $160.for more information about the certified Professional horticulturist program visit www.wsnla.org/cPh or contact holly at WSnlA at (800) 672-7711 and [email protected].

OCTOBER 16 & 17, FROM 9:30AM- 4:30PM. PROFESS IONAL RAINGARDEN WORKSHOP. location:Bremerton location, TBA. Registerat http://ext100.wsu.edu/kitsap/nrs/rain-garden-program/professional-raingarden-workshop/. Presented by WSu Extension kitsap. 11 cPh, clT, and ecoPRO credits available.

OCTOBER 22. GREEN GARDENINGWORKSHOP. location: South Seattle community college. for more information contact (206) 449-1146 or [email protected]. cPh, clT, and ecoPRO credits available.

SEPTEMBER 23, FROM 5-8PM. CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL HORTICULTURIST PREVIEW EXAM. Location: Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Horticulture Complex. cost: $45 members, $65 non members. for more information about the certified Professional horticulturist program visit www.wsnla.org/cPh or contact holly at WSnlA at (800) 672-7711 and [email protected].

SEPTEMBER 25, FROM 6-9:30PM.SEPTEMBER 27, FROM 8AM -3PM. OCTOBER 4, FROM 8AM - 3PM.CPH PLANT IDENTIFICATION. location:lake Washington institute of Technology, kirkland. for more information about the certified Professional horticulturist program visit www.wsnla.org/cPh or contact holly at WSnlA at (800) 672-7711 or [email protected]. cPh & clT credit available.

OCTOBER 8. LANDSCAPE SITE DUE DILIGENCE. location: cedar RiverWatershed, north Bend. for more information visit www.wsnla.org. cPh, clT, and ecoPRO credits available

NOVEMBER 5. CUSTOMERSERvICE TRAINING FOR TRAINERS& ADVANCED MERCHANDISING.location: Sky nursery in Shoreline. formore information visit www.wsnla.org.cPh credits available.

NOVEMBER 10 & 11. BUILD ABETTER LANDSCAPE BUSINESS. inpartnership with WSnlA, caterpillarand landscape Managementnetwork. location: northern questResort & casino, Spokane. for moreinformation visit www.wsnla.org. cPhand clT credits available.

NOvEMBER 19. WSNLA STRATEGICPLANNING EvENT. for moreinformation visit www.wsnla.org.

NOVEMBER 17-20. ECOPROTRAINING & EXAM. location:WSu Mount Vernon Research center.for more information visit www.wsnla.org. cPh, clT, and ecoPRO credits available

DECEMBER 3. BEE HEALTH:UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES& ALTERNATIvES. location: WSukitsap Extention, norm Dicks Building,Bremerton. Easy access from ferry.for more information visit www.wsnla.org. cPh, clT, and ecoPRO creditsavailable.

JANUARY 22 – 24, 2015. NORTHWEST GREEN INDUSTRY CONFERENCE, BROUGHT TO YOU BY WALP & WSNLA. location: hotel Murano, Tacoma. cPh, clT, and ecoPRO credits available.


RETAIL: ThE ART Of PlAcinG PRODucTS AnD PlAnTS

in A SPEcific ORDER OR lOcATiOn SO ThAT PEOPlE

cAn’T hElP BuT PuRchASE ThEM & ThE ExEcuTiOn Of

OVER ThE TOP cuSTOMER SERVicE By cREATinG

ThE RiGhT EnViROnMEnT.

- Jenny Gunderson, CPH, My Garden Nursery.



WSNLA Scholarship & Research Charitable Fund is a proud sponsor of the 2014 WSNLA PROseries. learn how you can join them in their efforts to support horticulture continuing education. contact WSnlA at (800) 672-7711.

thankyou

advertisersindexAnderson Die & Manufacturing ...... 23 Biringer nursery ............................. 23carter Evans Wood concepts ......... 13certified Professional horticulturist 12hima nursery.................................. 21Mainland floral .............................. 21Motz & Sons ................................... 24Mukilteo cedar Products .................. 2northwest farm credit Services ..... 18 Ogden Murphy Wallace .................. 22Oregon Valley Greenhouse ............. 24Plant Something! .............................. 2Stueber Distributing ....................... 22Wetlands & Woodlands .................. 21WSnlA foundation .......................... 2

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 our advertiser websites to find out more.

www.BIRINGERNURSERY.com

Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association34400 Pacific Hwy S., Ste 2Federal Way, WA 98003

Address Service Requested

Specializing in Heavy Duty structures to cover all your

greenhouse needsStandard and Custom

sizes available

503-678-2700 * 1-800-347-2701 (outside OR) * FAX: 503-678-2789www.ovg.com * [email protected] * 20357 HWY 99E * AURORA, OR 97002

b&b online - september 2014

Documents

landscape industry

wsnla policy

wsnla oce

wsnla proseries education

shrinking industry

wsnla walp nw flower

horticultural education

month publication