Nurseryman
THE SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association SCHI 2011
February 3-5, 2011
Myrtle Beach, SC
SCNLA Member Profile: McMakin Farms
SCHI 2011
January/February 2011
Supporting the green industry by providing
education, legislative monitoring, certification and marketing.
Investing in research, environmental stewardship and
scholarship to ensure a secure future.
For half a century now, the family owned business of Parsons
Nursery has built a well-earned reputation for providing premium
quality products and unmatched customer service.
Parsons Nursery is an industry leader in container plant
Executive Committee
for 2010
production and plant distribution, servicing the Carolinas and
President
Ricky McAbee, 2012
Roebuck Wholesale Nursery
& Landscaping
PO Box 1053
Roebuck, SC 29376
Phone 864-576-0875
President-elect
Kirk Young, 2013
Live Oak Landscapes, Inc.
PO Box 13091
Charleston, SC 29422
Phone 843-860-5548
Don Brookshire, 2012
Brookshire & Associates
PO Box 3455
Tega Cay, SC 29708
Phone 800-326-3313
Carson Aull, 2011
Dothan Trees
164 Wild Hearts Road
Cameron, SC 29030
Phone 803-531-1876
Sharon King, 2011
King’s Sunset Nursery
875 Five Forks Road
Liberty, SC 29657
Phone 864-843-6880
Fax 864-843-4714
Beth Lewis, 2011
Lewis Nursery & Farm Inc.
PO Box 296
Whitmire, SC 29178
Phone 803-694-3750
Tom Young, 2012
Young’s Garden Center
9567 Charlotte Highway
Fort Mill, SC 29707
Phone 803-548-0722
Past President
Marge Rudisill, 2011
Green Jeans Landscapes, LLC
1015 Corbett’s Alley
Johns Island, SC 29455
Phone 843-296-3630
Executive Director
Donna Shealy Foster
4661 Crystal Drive
Columbia, SC 29206
Phone 803-743-4284
Fax 803-787-2919
scplant@bellosuth.net
Cover photo:
courtesy of Images by BA
This newsletter does not have
any official authority and the
information contained herein
should not be acted upon
without professional advice.
Mid-Atlantic states. Parsons maintains a central nursery as well
as a tree farm location where 45- to 100-gallon trees are grown.
If we don’t stock everything on your list, we’ll put our resources
to work to find it. You’ll get the right product at the right price,
In This Issue ...
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Member Profile: McMakin Farms, Inc.
SCNLA New Members/ Website of the Month/ Calendar of Events
Notes from Donna
South Carolina Legislative Update
Thoughts from the President
15th Annual Legislative Breakfast
Payroll Tax Cut
Green Gone Bad
Edible Landscaping
Moore School Releases Economic Forecast for 2011
SCHI 2011
Top 10 Applied & Potential IPM Practices for Nurseries in the South
Ecological Approaches to Water Treatment
Amsonia Hubrichtii: 2011 Perennial of the Year
South Carolina 2011 Small Business Tax Workshops
Insecticide Classes and Modes of Action: Group 11
2011 SCNLA Nursery Tour
10 Steps to Small-Business Success in 2011
SCNLA Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
Test Your Knowledge: Identify the Plants
Hellebores
delivered when you need it.
Georgetown, South Carolina
8 0 0 - 3 2 7 - 4 3 7 9 / PA R S O N S N U R S E RY. C O M
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SCNLA Member Profile
SCNLA Member Profile
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Continued on page 6
Continued from page 5
McMakin Farms, Inc.
By Ellen A. Vincent, Clemson University Environmental Landscape Specialist
McMakin Farms is steeped in integrity. It has to be, according to owner
John McMakin, because he owes
it to his ancestors. The land he and
his crew work today has been in the
McMakin family since the 1700s
and was originally part of a 1,900
acre parcel. His great grandfather
John Weaver McMakin, grandfather
William Frank McMakin, and father
John F. McMakin Sr. were farmers
who raised row crops that included
soybeans and an assortment of small
grains. In 1999, John’s grandfather
sold him 176 acres to start his landscape/nursery business. This transaction represented one generation
symbolically passing the mantle of
tradition and responsibility to another. John remembers clearly, “I
made a promise to my grandfather
to keep this farm intact, to preserve
the McMakin name.”
tion component. Best selling plants
are the evergreens-especially those
used in screens or buffer-plantings.
Shade trees, reports McMakin, have
saturated the market over the years
along the eastern seaboard and aren’t
in demand right now. The demand
has remained steady for screen and
buffer material such as Nellie Ste-
John McMakin graduated from
Clemson University (1994) with
a degree in wildlife biology and
forestry. Upon graduation, the job
market in this field was very limited
which left him with few choices for
employment. Since he had already
been working as a self-employed
landscaper while he was in school,
he decided to continue along this
path. Five years later, the decision
was made to broaden the business
to include a wholesale tree farm and
McMakin Farms, Inc. was born.
vens holly and cryptomeria, largely
due to the requirement for buffer
planting installations for businesses
within urban environments. Major
clients are large commercial landscape companies and rewholesale
businesses. While they used to ship
to a 500 mile radius, most sales are
now within 250 miles of its Lyman
upstate location due to market saturation.
McMakin Farms employs five fulltimers and five seasonal workers
and clearly boasts a family like
work environment. Three employees are brothers and are versatile
workers performing all aspects of
tree care. Julie McMakin, John’s
wife, works for the company and
laughingly describes her duties as
“anywhere from the maid to the
chief financial officer.” She is a
CPA who joined the business in
2001 when their first child, John III,
“Jack” was born. She created and
maintains the catalogue as well as
the website. John’s father, John Sr.
joined the business when he retired
from DHEC and manages site operations. His agriculture background
and capacity for customer service is
unparalleled. He even spends quality time with the paid staff, making
their work day a bit brighter.
Success for McMakin Farms is
linked to a strong work ethic and
personalized customer service. Employees are focused on plants and
people equally. Nursery operations
are technically proficient and detail
oriented. McMakin knows how important it is to implement quality at
every opportunity. “Good trees are
required from the start. I’m a picky
buyer. To produce top quality I start
with top quality” he reports. The
neat and clean well spaced rows,
erosion control measures, and use of
Today, McMakin Farms produces
high quality field-grown shade trees
and ornamentals on 129 of its acres
and still has a landscape installa6
drip irrigation from their own farm
pond ensure quality. Integrated pest
management (IPM) practices are
used and pesticides are only applied
when needed. Relationships with
customers are based on honesty and
respect. “My reputation means a
lot to me” reports McMakin, “I’d
rather take a loss than compromise
my name.”
McMakin’s grandfather managed
to hold on to the farm and the land
through the Great Depression and
John views our current economic
recession as a similar test. He attends about five trade show conferences each year and networks with
other professionals to stay abreast
of market trends. He understands
the shifting nature of markets and
is willing to respond in kind by
incorporating new plant cultivars
and services into his own business.
Two potential new niche areas for
consideration include, but are not
limited to, plant breeding and plant
propagation.
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McMakin’s advice to newcomers to
the nursery industry is to grow slow,
be efficient, and to have a solid
business background. “It was easy
when I entered the market in the
late nineties” he reports “you could
afford to make mistakes. Now you
need to know where every dollar
is going.” He warns against over
spending during start-up. In addition, McMakin reminds nursery
entrepreneurs to pay close attention
to plant maintenance. “Trees don’t
grow overnight and planting is the
fun part. Be sure you can take care
of what you plant”.
With the valuable help of his family
members and the skilled workforce
who tend the land, the plants, and
the customers with diligence, the
McMakin integrity is successfully
carried on. The main question for
them is, will John III or Meri Cole
have an interest in this sort of work?
And will they be the 5th generation
of McMakins to attend Clemson
University?
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N from Donna
Calendar of Events
NCNLA Green and Growin Show
Greensboro, NC
Education January 10-12, 2011
Trade Show January 13-14, 2011
919-816-9119
ncnla.com
The National Association of
Pond Professionals Water Feature
Conference
February 27-March 1, 2011
Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort
www.nationalpondpro.com
WinterGreen
Gwinnett Civic Center
Duluth, GA
January 26-28, 2011
706-632-0100
www.ggia.org
SC Greenhouse Growers Association
Tour & Dinner
March 3, 2011
Bruce’s Greenhouses
Blythewood, SC
803-743-4284
Mid-States Horticulture Expo
Kentucky International Convention Center
Louisville, KY
January 28-29, 2011
913-473-3951
www.MSHE.org
SCNLA Annual Nursery Tour
March 31, 2011
Milliken Arboretum
Spartanburg, SC
scplant@bellsouth.net
803-743-4284
www.scnla.com
SCNLA SCHI Show
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
Myrtle Beach, SC
February 3-5, 2011
scplant@bellsouth.net
803-743-4284
www.scnla.com
Many of you
have not updated
your files:
SCNLA
has a NEW
address:
4661 Crystal Drive
Columbia, SC 29206
phone 803-743-4284
fax 803-787-2919
mail will not
be forwarded
much longer!
I, as most University of South Carolina graduates, have lived with
the hope of “wait ‘til next year” for a really long time. Well, I think
next year finally came. The National Championship in baseball and
the SEC – East Champions in football and in the same year! I wish
I could say that “wait ‘til next year” and know the economy in South
Carolina was going to be a winner in 2011.
But that’s not to be. I’ve been in several meetings the past few weeks
with legislators and governmental relations folks, and the forecast for the State’s budget is not
good. Declines in income from various taxes, the end of the federal stimulus money, rising
costs, and a list of other reasons will cause balancing the State’s budget to be an even bigger
SCNLA New Members
Glenn Brown
Evergreen Partners of
Myrtle Beach, LLC
6531 Hwy 90
Myrtle Beach, SC 29526
Mike Gore
JCB of South Carolina
9040 Palmetto Commerce Pkwy
Ladson, SC 29456
Marc & Melanie Marsh
Turf Connections
2434 Brock Mill Road
Cheraw, SC 29520
Morgan Chemij
ProFlowers
4840 Eastgate Mall
San Diego, CA 92121
Dena Jacobs
SC Forestry Commission
39 General Henderson Road
Newberry, SC 29108
WEBSITE of the Month
challenge than it has been in recent years. So be prepared for fee increases and fewer services.
The upside is that new jobs are coming to the state - first Boeing, now Amazon; however, the
benefits of those jobs will take a while to be felt. So like the Gamecocks, “waiting ‘til next year”
may take a while!
In the mean time, let us all be appreciative of all we have, a healthy family, loyal friends, and
the entrepreneurial spirit I see in all of you.
Happy New Year and make your plans for SCHI 2011. You can register on-line at www.scnla.
com or by using the registration in the brochures you all should have gotten by now.
Donna
www.turffiles.ncsu.edu
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Thoughts
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
from the President
South Carolina Legislative Update
On November 2nd, South Carolina voters selected Nikki
Haley of Lexington county to be its next Governor. When
Governor-elect Haley takes the Oath of Office on January
12th, she will be joined by 8 other constitutional officers
who will be sworn into office that day. All are Republicans
including Agricultural Commissioner Hugh Weathers.
Representative Tracy Edge, (R) Horry County, was selected
to be Chairman of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on
Natural Resources. These are both very important to agribusiness.
“It truly takes many people to make
this organization run.”
When the House and Senate convene they will be facing a
severe budget crisis. They will need to cut or raise 800 million dollars to meet current budget levels for the 2011-2012
budget. Also, they are going to have to deal with current
budget shortfalls in this budget year that amount to at least
225 million dollars.
In the legislature, which will convene on January 11th, the
House will seat 20 new legislators. Out of 124 seats, the
Republicans will hold 75 seats. Senators will be up for reelection in 2012. We elected 4 new Congressman to the
U.S. House of Representatives. When the South Carolina
House of Representatives organized in November after the
elections, it selected Representative Nelson Hardwick, (R)
Horry County, to be Chairman of the House Agricultural,
Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee.
It goes without saying that the main issue for the General
Assembly will be budget related. They will also be tasked
with reapportioning the State House of Representatives,
Senate, and Congressional Districts. This is always an intense process that could end up in Federal Court. It is likely
that South Carolina will gain an additional Congressional
seat. We will go from 6 seats to 7.
South Carolina
Nursery & Landscape Association
The General Assembly seems to be determined to pass an
Arizona State Immigration Law that Governor-elect Haley
said she will sign. A subcommittee of the Senate Judiciary
has already given tentative approval to S.20 so they can fast
track this issue in January. It is unclear what they may or
may not do that will affect the 2008 Immigration Law they
passed. Although they are fast tracking, details are not available at the time of printing.
Annual Meeting
Friday, February 4, 2011
5:15 pm
Over the Interim it became apparent that state and local government were going to be aggressive in searching for revenue. In late summer, farmers started receiving assessments
from the South Carolina Department of Revenue. These assessments were for Sales Tax due on the purchase of equipment such as tractors, hay mowers, and balers. Most of the
assessments related to the hay and cattle business. These
assessments have been put on hold by the Department of
Revenue.
Seminar area of Trade show Floor,
Myrtle Beach Convention Center
AGENDA
Call to Order
Reading of the Minutes
President’s Report
Awards presentation
Treasurer’s Report
Election of New Board Members
Executive Director’s Report & Upcoming Events
New Business
Old Business
Adjourn
Many of the exemptions dealing with the cattle business
have been in place since the early 1950s. Despite this, it is
likely that the General Assembly will have to clarify the tax
code in order to clarify and give direction to an aggressive
Department of Revenue.
Dear Members,
Is it possible that another year has come and gone!? I hope that your holiday season was joyous as
you celebrated with family and friends.
My experiences as president have been very rewarding. It truly takes many people to make this
organization run. I am very thankful for everything that Donna does for us, as well as being astounded at all that she does. Thank you also to Marge for her efforts and helping this “Rookie”.
Please remember the SCHI show in February and the Legislative Breakfast, these events are keys
to our industry. While you are at the show please take a look at the items up for auction and talk
with fellow exhibitors to get their opinion on what is happening in our industry.
It has been a pleasure serving as president this year and I wish all the best to each and every one
of you.
Rick McAbee
We are in challenging times so be ready to interact with our
elected officials so we can influence public policy that will
be beneficial to our industry.
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15th Annual
Legislative Breakfast
Thursday, February 24, 2011
8:00 am – 10:00 am
Solomon Blatt Building • Room 112
Sponsored by
SC Nursery & Landscape Association and
SC Greenhouse Growers Association
YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO TELL YOUR STORY AND EXPLAIN
HOW NEW LAWS AND REGULATIONS
COULD IMPACT YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS!
Expected Critical Issues in the 2011 South Carolina General Assembly:
•Taxes&Fees,Budget
•TortReform
•Immigration
Directions: The Solomon Blatt Building is located in Columbia on the Capital Complex. The Complex
is bordered by Gervais St., Assembly St. and Pendleton St. The Blatt Building is on the Pendleton St. side.
Parking is available at metered spaces around The Complex.
Visit www.scstatehouse.net to find information on your State Legislators. Please call and personally
invite your Legislators to attend.
There is no fee to attend the Legislative Breakfast, but please pre-register so that there will be an
accurate count for preparing breakfast and to prepare your name tag.
15th Annual SCNLA & SCGGA Legislative Breakfast Registration Form
Deadline to register: February 20, 2011
Company Name ___________________________________________
City _____________________________________________________
Phone Number ____________________________________________
Name of Participants: ______________________________________,
____________________________, ____________________________
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Complete this form and return to:
SCNLA
4661 Crystal Drive
Columbia, SC 29206
phone 803-743-4284
fax 803-787-2919
scplant@bellsouth.net
PAYROLL TAX CUT
to Boost Take-Home Pay for Most Workers
New Withholding Details Now Available on IRS.gov
IR-2010-124, Dec. 17, 2010
WASHINGTON – The Internal Revenue Service today released instructions to help employers implement
the 2011 cut in payroll taxes, along with new incometax withholding tables that employers will use during
2011.
The new law also maintains the income-tax rates that
have been in effect in recent years.
Employers should start using the new withholding
tables and reducing the amount of Social Security tax
withheld as soon as possible in 2011 but not later than
Jan. 31, 2011. Notice 1036, released today, contains the
percentage method income tax withholding tables, the
lower Social Security withholding rate, and related information that most employers need to implement these
changes. Publication 15, (Circular E), Employer’s Tax
Guide, containing the extensive wage bracket tables
that some employers use, will be available on IRS.gov
in a few days.
Millions of workers will see their take-home pay rise
during 2011 because the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010
provides a two percentage point payroll tax cut for employees, reducing their Social Security tax withholding
rate from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent of wages paid. This
reduced Social Security withholding will have no effect on the employee’s future Social Security benefits.
The IRS recognizes that the late enactment of these
changes makes it difficult for many employers to
quickly update their withholding systems. For that reason, the agency asks employers to adjust their payroll
systems as soon as possible, but not later than Jan. 31,
2011.
For any Social Security tax over withheld during January, employers should make an offsetting adjustment
in workers’ pay as soon as possible but not later than
March 31, 2011.
Employers and payroll companies will handle the withholding changes, so workers typically won’t need to
take any additional action, such as filling out a new
W-4 withholding form.
As always, however, the IRS urges workers to review
their withholding every year and, if necessary, fill out
a new W-4 and give it to their employer. For example,
individuals and couples with multiple jobs, people who
are having children, getting married, getting divorced
or buying a home, and those who typically wind up
with a balance due or large refund at the end of the year
may want to consider submitting revised W-4 forms.
Publication 919, How Do I Adjust My Tax Withholding?, provides more information to workers on making
changes to their tax withholding.
www.irs.gov
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GREEN GONE BAD
Green
Gone
Bad
Featured Ornamental
Plants – Ligustrum
spp.
(Chinese, Japanese, Glossy,
Featured Ornamental Plants: Ligustrum spp. (Chinese, Japanese,
European, Border, Amur, Waxy-leaf, and California PRIVET)
Glossy, European, Border, Amur, Waxy-leaf, and California PRIVET)
Some exotic ornamental plants behave badly when they escape from the place they are
planted. Infestations of these plants have negative impacts on nature. Exotic Ligustrum
species (commonly known as Privet) exhibit this characteristic.
Right now, during the dormant season for most native plants, much of the green
to be seen in the woods, the roadside, or in the backyard belongs to an
evergreen Ligustrum species. All Ligustrum species are exotic (non-native to
North America). The native ranges of Ligustrum species include China, Korea,
Japan, Southern Europe, and Northern Africa. These species were introduced
into the U.S. during the early and mid- 1800’s as traditional southern
ornamentals and for hedges.
Ligustrum lucidum
Ligustrum is in the olive family (Oleaceae). Ligustrum
species are perennial shrubs growing upright and spreading
to a height and width of 12-15 feet. Leaves are opposite
Ligustrum sinense
and oblong-ovate to lanceolate. Chinese Privet (L. sinense)
has the smallest leaves, about an inch long. Other species including Glossy (L.
lucidum), Japanese (L.japonicum), Amur (L. amurense), Waxy-leaf (L. quihoui),
European (L. vulgare), Border (L. obtusifolium), and California (L. ovalifolium)
Privet have larger leaves, almost 2 inches long. During summer, privets have
small white flowers growing in clusters at the stem tips. Fruits are small shiny
blue-black berries (smallest on L. sinense) that are borne in terminal clusters and
mature in the fall. Mature plants can produce hundreds of fruits per plant per
year. Seeds are dispersed by birds and other wildlife that eat the fruits
and excrete seeds undamaged and ready to germinate.
The problem with Ligustrum species is that once
they escape, they are extremely aggressive forming
dense thickets, particularly in bottom-land forests
and along fencerows. From there, these plants gain
access to forests, fields, right-of-ways, and any
other disturbed area. An infestation of Ligustrum
Ligustrum vulgare
in a natural area reduces plant biodiversity, alters
structure, and degrades the quality of natural communities. In turn, an
infestation of Privet causes wildlife populations to suffer. Insects are
especially affected which reduces the available food for songbirds. Field
research has shown songbird nest success to be lower in privet than in native
shrub species since nests in privet are easier for predators to find and access.
Ligustrum sinense
Infestation in
natural area
It may not be widely known among horticulturalists and landscapers that
Ligustrum infestations can be harmful to natural habitats. Please consider removing these species
from your inventory. There are many evergreen native shrubs that can be sold and planted in their
place. These include Agarista populifolia (Florida hobblebush), Forestiera acuminata (eastern
swampprivet), Ilex glabra (inkberry), Ilex vomitoria (yaupon holly), Ilex cassine (dahoon holly), Ilex
opaca (American holly), Morella cerifera (wax myrtle),Osmanthus americanus (devilwood), and
Prunus caroliniana (Carolina laurel cherry).
Please visit http://www.invasive.org/browse/subinfo.cfm?sub=3035, for more information.
http://www.seeppc.org/
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http://www.se-eppc.org/southcarolina/
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Book Review:
Rosalind Creasy’s Edible Landscaping
Bob Polomski, Ph.D.
Department of Environmental Horticulture, Clemson University
Over a quarter century ago Rosalind
Creasy, author of The Complete Book of
Edible Landscaping, popularized the concept of landscaping with edible plants: “a
yard that is both productive and beautiful.” Her seminal book erased the lines
that separate edibles from ornamentals
and ultimately changed how Americans
look at fruit trees, squash vines, and flowering herbs.
Supporting Creasy’s movement is
the continuous introduction of colorful,
eye-catching vegetable varieties that offer sustenance and beauty (such as purple
cauliflower ['Graffiti'], burgundy asparagus ['Purple Passion'], red mustard greens
['Ruby Streaks'], purplish-red Brussels
sprouts ['Falstaff'], and lemon-yellow cucumbers ['Lemon']). The global recession
ignited further interest in edibles. (Growing vegetables on the South Lawn of the
White House also brought attention to
the homegrown food crusade). Now, Rosalind Creasy returns with a brand new
book: Edible Landscaping: Now you can
have your gorgeous garden and eat it too!
(Sierra Club Books, 2010).
This softcover 400+ page book with
more than 300 color photographs teaches
and inspires wannabe and veteran gardeners alike. Derived from decades of
experience and expertise from her own
quarter-acre garden in Los Altos, California, as well as numerous designed and installed edible landscapes from Oregon to
Alabama to New York’s Long Island, this
book will have you and your customers
uttering: “Yes, I can…yes, I can…yes, I
can….”
Edible Landscaping is divided into
eight chapters. Chapter 1, “The Evolution of Landscaping,” offers readers a historical tour of landscape design from its
survivalist beginnings to its modernistic
focus on aesthetics. Chapter 2, “Laying
the Groundwork,” teaches the reader how
to evaluate their soil, climate, and hard-
scape features.
With this foundation underfoot,
Creasy then launches into the next two
chapters, “Creating a Landscape Plan”
and “Design Basics.” The author presents
a straightforward do-it-yourself approach
to landscape design. Relying on case
studies, Creasy uses landscapes in Arlington, VA, Vancouver, and Long Island, NY,
to illustrate the design concepts and approaches required to convert conventional
landscapes into sustainable, edible ones.
The “Design Basics” chapter is chockfull of beautiful photos that showcase design principles. I was smitten by a photo
that at first glance appeared to be an attractive, colorful landscape. Upon closer
inspection I discovered ‘Ruby’ chard, savoy cabbages, basil, and parsley, growing
among red salvias and yellow marigolds
on a canvas of manicured turfgrass. The
combination of colors and textures united
the edibles with the ornamentals to create
an unforgettable vignette.
Chapters 5 through 7 explains how to
design with herbs, vegetables, fruits, berries, and nuts. Each chapter includes “A
Gallery of Design Ideas” that uses exquisite photos to illustrate landscape design
principles and elements.
Chapter 8, “Designing for Small
Spaces,” is an excellent chapter for people who are interested in small-scale gardening: containers, patios, mini-orchards,
and water gardens. I liked the author’s
step-by-step example of installing a 100
square foot garden vegetable and herb
garden. Presented like a recipe that I’d
find in one of Julia Child’s cookbooks,
Creasy divides the project into “Materials,” “Plants,” and “Installation.” It can’t
get any easier than that.
The “Encyclopedia of Edibles” chapter offers a comprehensive look at acquiring, growing, harvesting, and using
herbaceous and woody edibles that range
from almonds to wheat. I like the “Ef-
fort Scale” for each crop, which ranges
from “1” (minimal effort) to “5” (high
maintenance and considerable effort). Interspersed in this chapter are photographs
that include close-ups of the edible portion and wide shots of their use in the
landscape.
Already at 300 pages there’s enough
information to enable anyone to create or
retrofit an edible landscape. But there’s
more. Creasy includes four appendices at
the end of the book. Appendix A, “The
Big List of Edible Plants,” provides quick
snapshots of edible plants (such as “cultural conditions,” hardiness zones, “edible
part,” and “landscape and cooking information”). Similarly, Appendix B, “Edible
Plants for the Small Garden,” organizes
the plants into tables with headings that
include cultural tips such as sunlight exposure, “minimum container size,” and
“recommended varieties or types.” Appendix C, Planting and Maintenance, and
Appendix D, Pests and Diseases, offer
planting, care, and container gardening
information along with a discussion of
garden pests, plant diseases, and natural
products for pest control.
Finally, the book wouldn’t be complete without the “Sources and Resource”
section. Refer to these pages for information on sources for acquiring plants, a list
of mail-order companies, sources for garden supplies and equipment, a list of organizations focused on edible plants, and
a list of public gardens from around the
country that offer education and inspiration.
If you’re a garden center operator
who carries edibles as well as “crossover”
vines, ground covers, shrubs, and trees
that are ornamentally attractive and produce tasty and nutritious fruits, consider
making this book available to your customers. Rosalind Creasy’s Edible Landscaping will help them create an edible
landscape that tastes as good as it looks.
ISBN 978-1-57805-154-0 • $39.95 paperback • 432 pages, 8½ x 11 inches
More than 300 color photographs, 7 color garden plans, and 20 b/w illustrations • Publication date: November 1, 2010
Published by Sierra Club Books
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MOORE SCHOOL
SCHI 2011
Releases Economic Forecast for 2011
The South Carolina economy improved in 2010 and
will continue to recover in 2011 but at a slow pace, according to the forecast released by University of South
Carolina economists at the Darla Moore School of Business’ 30th annual Economic Outlook Conference (EOC)
Thursday (Dec. 9).
Job growth, the most important measure of economic
progress next year, is expected to increase to 1.2 percent
in 2011 from 0.1 percent growth in 2010, according to
the presentation by Dr. Doug Woodward and Dr. Joey
Von Nessen, economists in the Moore School’s Division
of Research, to business and government leaders who attended the event from throughout the state.
“Personal income, a good measure of overall economic activity, should grow 4.8 percent over the next year,”
Von Nessen said. “We expect higher rates of job growth
in 2011, primarily from the service sector, but also with
Boeing and other manufacturers.”
Retail sales also should improve, Von Nessen said.
“We’ve seen consumer confidence perk up this year,
which will hopefully translate into higher retail sales during the holiday season,” Von Nessen said. “We’re off to a
good start. Black Friday sales were up from last year. This
should be the best season since the Great Recession began
three years ago.”
Von Nessen said the accelerated economic activity
will slowly help reduce South Carolina’s high unemployment rate, which is at 10.7 percent.
“Construction and manufacturing have been hit the
hardest in terms of long-term employment losses, and
there aren’t many other job sectors right now that are
in high demand,” he said. “Boeing will open in North
Charleston and boost manufacturing payrolls. Other modest gains should be found in autos and other durable goods
producing industries.”
Construction activity is expected to drop slightly
in early 2011 and then finally rebound to a 3.7-percent
growth rate later in the year, though from a low base.
“We’ve seen good things happen in 2010: a thriving
stock market and a dramatic fall in new unemployment
claims,” Von Nessen said. “If these trends continue, and
business confidence is restored, employers who have
been putting off hiring because of economic uncertainty
will finally act. This will spur further growth.”
The Moore School EOC 2010 forecast presented last
year proved to be accurate.
“Relative to other economic forecasts for South Carolina last year, ours was the most optimistic for 2010,” Von
Nessen said. “We were pleased that the state did as well
as our outlook suggested.”
Last year, the Moore School economists at the EOC
predicted an average 11.2 percent unemployment rate, 0.2
percent growth in employment and 3.3 percent growth in
personal income for South Carolina for 2010. The actual
figures were 11.3 percent, 0.1 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively.
The daylong conference included a panel on small
business and the economic recovery. The conference featured a keynote address by Dr. Zoltan Acs, chief economist at the U.S. Small Business Administration and a
professor at George Mason University, where he is the
director of the school’s Center for Entrepreneurship and
Public Policy.
20
Hotel Information
Please make your hotel reservations directly with the hotels and specify
“SC Nursery & Landscape Association” when making reservations.
Host hotel Information (rates are per night, state and local taxes and fees not included)
Two-night minimum may apply in some cases.
PLEASE USE OUR ROOM BLOCK SO THAT SCNLA WILL NOT BE CHARGED
FOR UNUSED ROOMS IN OUR CONTRACT!
Sheraton Myrtle Beach Convention Center Hotel
2101 N. Oak Street
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
1-888-627-8203
Ask for the SC Nursery & Landscape Association room block
Single & Double Occupancy: $104.00 per night
Larger rooms and suites, etc. are available at season rates.
To register on line: http://www.starwoodmeeting.com/Book/SCNLA2011
The Breakers Resort Hotel
21st Ave. at N. Ocean Blvd
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
1-800-390-4433
Paradise Tower
V – Oceanfront 1 Bedroom Condo $67.00
Palms Tower
O – Oceanfront Suite $64.00
Palmetto Tower
J – Oceanfront standard - $55.00
North Tower Boutique Hotel
2700 N. Ocean Blvd
D - Oceanfront King Suite $59.00
E - Oceanfront Double Suite $59.00
F – Oceanfront Suite - $59.00
Breakers Group policy:
Should it become necessary for individual to request an early departure no refund will be issued.
The Hotel requires all guest rooms be guaranteed for the night of arrival upon reservation booking. Guarantees will be accepted in the form of credit cards, personal check, or money order. Reservations will be
held for up to 10 days in order for guests to mail in a personal check or money order. Reservations without
deposits will be cancelled. Cancellation of individual reservations must be received in writing at least 14
days prior to the scheduled arrival date to obtain a 90% deposit refund. Reservations cancelled within 14
days of the arrival date are non-refundable. Deposit will be forfeited should the individual attendee not
arrive on the date indicated on the rooming list or confirmation letter. The Hotel will make every effort to
reinstate their reservation should they arrive the following day, but the Hotel cannot guarantee availability. In order to make the Breakers Resort the most up-to-date, all-inclusive getaway for your guests and to
bring these unique facilities to you, a $6 Resort Fee will be added per day per room.
DEADLINE FOR GROUP RATES: JANUARY 15, 2011
21
SCHI 2011 Exhibitors
3 Rivers Nursery
A.M Leonard, Inc.
Adcock Nursery
Agrium Advanced Technologies
Angels’ Gift Farm
Arborbrace Staking Systems, Inc.
Asset Design, LLC
Athens Stonecasting
Aukland Nursery
B. B. Hobbs, Inc.
Baker Environmental Nursery
Bartlett Tree Experts
BASF
Bentwood Nursery
Big Frog Nursery, Inc.
BioLogic Company
Blanchard Compact Equipment
Border Concepts
Bouldin Nursery & Greenhouse
Bracy’s Nursery. LLC
Brantley Nurseries
Breezy Acres Nursery, Inc.
Brookshire & Associates
Brunson Wholesale Nursery
Buck Jones Nursery
Buffalo Horticulture Sales Co.
BWI Companies
C.O.D. Trees, Inc.
Calusa Creek Tree Farm
Cam Too Camellia Nursery
Carolina Fresh Farms
Carolina Hydrologic, LLC
Cedarview Farm Nursery
Charleston Aquatic Nurseries, Inc.
Charlie’s Creek Nursery, Inc.
Cherokee Manufacturing
Cherry Lake Tree Farm
Chestnut Hill Tree Farm
City Nursery Farm, Inc.
Classic Groundcovers, Inc.
Commercial Pinestraw, Inc.
Coor Farm Supply Service
Daddy Pete’s Plant Pleaser
Davenports Farm
Davidson Farms
Dayton Bag & Burlap Co.
Department of Plant Industry
Dothan Trees
Doug Thompson & Associates
Dow Agro Sciences
Echoes Nursery
Eco-Precise Irrigation Controls
Edwards Wood Products
Evergreen Nursery, Inc.
Evergreen Partners of Myrtle Beach, LLC
Faron Green Nursery
Flowerwood Nursery
Fowlers Nursery
(as of December 10, 2010)
Gainous’ Shade Trees, Inc.
Gilmore Plant & Bulb Co. Inc.
Gra-Mac Irrigation
Grandiflora
Grants Creek Nursery, Inc.
Green Biz Nursery & Landscaping, Inc.
Green Seasons Nursery
Greenleaf Nursery Company
GreenScape Tools, Inc.
H & H Farm Machine Co.
Hackney Nursery
Hall’s Pine Straw, Inc
Harrell’s, LLC
Haviland Plastic Products
Hawkins Nursery, Inc.
Hayden’s Nursery
Hi Cotton Greenhouses, LLC
Homeplace Garden Nursery
Hoodridge Unlimited, Inc.
Hortica Insurance & Employee Benefits
Island Grove, LLC
J & B Herb & Plant Farms
Jaderloon
JCB of South Carolina
Jernigan’s Nursery
Johnson Concrete Co.
Johnson County Nursery Marketing Association
King’s Sunset Nursery, Inc.
Kings Greenhouse, Inc.
L and H Enterprises
Legacy Trailer
Little River Nursery
Long Branch Farm
Low Falls Wholesale Nursery
Lowcountry Nursery Company
Mack Bros. Landscape Nursery
Marcus Cook Farm & Garden Center
Mario & Son
Marlboro Bulb Co.
Marshall Tree Farm
McCorkle Nurseries
McMakin Farms, Inc.
Mid Atlantic Plant Co.
Mid-Atlantic Stihl
ML Irrigation Systems, Inc.
Myers Lawn and Garden Group
NC Nursery & Landscape Association
North American Nursery, Inc.
Nurseries Caroliniana
NurserySouth, LLC
NYP Corporation
Oasis /Tree Town USA
Old Courthouse Nursery
Palm Trees Ltd.
Park Seed Wholesale, Inc.
Parsons Nursery
Pender Nursery, Inc.
Performance Outdoor Products
22
Piedmont Farm & Nursery Supply Co., Inc.
Pineland Nursery
Plant & Supply Locator
Plantworks Nursery, Inc.
Post Oak Farms
Quality Products
R. A. Dudley Nurseries, Inc.
Ray Bracken Nursery, Inc.
Renfrow Nursery
River’s Edge Nursery, LLC
Roan Valley Tree Farm
Roebuck Wholesale Nursery & Landscaping
Sammy Coffey’s Wholesale Nursery, Inc.
Sampson Nursery, Inc.
SC Exotic Pest Plant Council, SC Native Plant Society
SC Nursery & Landscape Association
Seaside Mulch, Inc.
Shady Grove Plantation & Nursery
Simmons Irrigation Supply, Inc.
Simpson Nursery
Slay’s Trees
SMR Farms
Southern Ag
Spartanburg Community College
Specialty Converting & Supply, Inc.
Specialty Tag & Label, Inc.
Squires Tree Farm
Star Ridge Aquatics, LLC
Star Roses
Stewart Tree Service, Inc.
Stockhaven Nursery, LLC
Strickland’s Nursery
Sun Gro Horticulture
Sunbelt Greenhouses, Inc.
Super Sod / Super Sod Trees
Taw Caw Creek Nursery
Techo Bloc Paving Stones
The Holly Factory
The Pottery Patch
Thomas Nursery
Tinga Nursery, Inc.
Triad Landscape Supply
Tropic Traditions Nurseries
Turner & Son Nursery
Turner Tree and Landscape
US Dept. of Labor
USDA, APHIS, PPQ
Valent Professional Products
Vantage Partners
Vereens Turf & Equipment
W. P. Law, Inc.
Western Carolinas Horticultural Alliance
Wildwood Nurseries, Inc.
Wilson Farm Nursery, Inc.
Wind in the Willows Nursery
Worthington Farms
SCHI 2011 – Overview of Events
The South Carolina Forestry Commission will
sponsor the ISA Certified Arborist Exam on Friday,
February 4 from 8:30 am until noon. For more
information contact Karl Pokorny, 864-882-8262.
To register for the Exam contact the ISA Southern
Chapter at 336-789-4747.
The SCNLA Certified Nursery Professional Test
will be given on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at the
Convention Center. The written test will be given
at 9:00 AM (Room 105) and the Plant Identification
test will be given at 11:30 AM. Call the SCNLA office at 803-743-4284 for more information. All applicants should bring a pencil and calculator, Preregistration is required – call the SCNLA office for a
registration form or print from www.scnla.com
NEW! Silent Auction
Plants, and more. Items located on the trade show
floor in Hall C. Make your final bids by 4:00 pm on
Friday, February 4.
Back Again! A Live Auction on the trade show floor.
Expert Auctioneer Wilbur Mull lead the event. All
bidders must register at the registration desk. Proceeds to benefit SCNLA Fund at HRI.
Don’t miss the annual SCNLA Golf Tournament
and the annual Sporting Clays Tournament. Both
will be held on Thursday, February 3. The Golf Tournament will be held at Myrtlewood Golf Club, the
Palmetto Course. Myrtlewood is located at 1500
48th Ave. North Ext. in Myrtle Beach. The phone
number is 843-449-5134.
The Sporting Clays Tournament will be at Backwoods Quail Club in Georgetown, SC on Thursday,
February 3. Lunch will be sponsored by Harrell’s Fertilizer and will be served after the shoot.
Official SCHI 2011 name badges are required for
all SCHI events. Badge sharing is not allowed.
The Book Store is Back! Barnes and Nobles will be
operating a bookstore on the trade show floor on
Friday and Saturday during show hours.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Noon - 5:00 pm
Trade Show Move-in
Thursday, February 3, 2011
7:30 am - 2:30 pm
7:00 am - 5:00 pm
8:00 am
8:30 am - 5:00 pm
9:00 am - 5:45 pm
9:30 am
10:00 am
5:30 pm - 6:45 pm
Trade Show Move-In
Registration
Golf Tournament Buffet Breakfast
Carolinas Irrigation Association
Room 202-204
SCHI Educational Program
Golf Tournament shot gun start
Sporting Clays Tournament
Social on the trade show floor
& preview of Silent Auction items
Friday, February 4, 2011
7:30 am - 5:00 pm
9:00 - 1:00 pm
9:00 - Noon
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Noon - 2:00 pm
4:00 pm
5:15 pm - 6:15 pm
Registration
360˚ Garden Centers
Arborist Exam – Room 106
Trade Show open
SCNLA Fellows Luncheon
Silent Auction closes
SC Nursery & Landscape
Association Business Meeting
Trade Show Floor Seminar area
Saturday, February 5, 2011
8:00 am - 1:30 pm
8:30 am - 9:30 am
9:00 am - 12:15 pm
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
9:00 am
11:30 am
2:15 pm
3:00 pm
3:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Registration
SCNLA Legislative Committee Huntington Room
Landscape Management Program
Room 201
Trade Show open
SCNLA Certified Nursery
Professional Written Test
Room 105
SCNLA Nursery Professional
Plant ID test, trade show floor area. Meet in Registration area
at 11:20 am
Live Auction Begins
Trade Show Closes
Tradeshow move out
We’re glad to have The Carolinas Irrigation Association &
Belgard University at SCHI 2011!
23
THURSDAY,
EDUCATION
General Session
Ballroom BC
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Social Media - What it Can Do for Your Business
David Anderson, Heather Price, Emily Brady,
Chernoff/Newman
Facebook and Twitter are "in" but what about websites? Who is using what? What are the demographics of the users and are these folks your customers?
How can you best use your resources to attract and
keep customers. This seminar will give you insight
to all this and more.
February 3
In the Landscape
Plants, Consider the Possibilities
Caring for the Environment
Room 101
Ballroom A
Ballroom BC
1:15 – 2:15
"Native and Exotic Fruits for the Southern Home
'Edible' Landscape"
Desmond Layne, PhD. Clemson University
Many homeowners would like to grow fruit in their yard for
food, to attract wildlife and for other ornamental or aesthetic
reasons. Some native fruits can easily be grown in South
Carolina (blueberry, blackberry, pawpaw, persimmon, muscadine), while most exotic fruits (peach, apple, pear, etc.)
are very difficult and some are impossible. Why not choose
those that are easy and that have a high probability of success?
1:15 – 2:15
Green Roofs for Healthy Structures
Sam Gilpin, Charleston Green Roofs
Discussion with power point presentation on the value of
green roofs economically, aesthetically, and in terms of impacts from development.
1:15 – 2:15
Water and the Green Industry: Current Policy,
Future Needs, and Conservation Practices
Sarah White, Clemson University
Increased regulation of and demand for water are impacting every segment of the green industry. Pollution, TMDLs,
reuse, conservation, reclaimed water - these are just some
of the terms commonly used to describe the water use challenges and opportunities we face in the coming years. This
talk will inform you of some of the most applicable current
and pending legislation that will impact how you use water in
the future, and present water saving tools and BMPs that will
help you cleanse water of nutrients and pesticides, to reduce
our industry's "water footprint" and decrease degradation of
our most precious resource.
.5 SC Applicators Recertification Credit
2:15 – 3:15
Landscape Design 101
Renee Byrd, Clemson University
This program will focus on the basic elements and principles
of landscape design. Participants will learn the landscape design process and how to integrate beauty and function to create timeless, sustainable landscape designs for residential or
commercial environments.
2:15 – 3:15
Landscape Pest Management: Using Pest-Resistant
Plant Materials for Sustainable Landscapes
Robert Polomski, PhD. Clemson University
In this talk I'll discuss the importance of growing, marketing, and planting pest resistant shrubs and trees--an important
component of IPM that can reduce or eliminate pesticide applications. Besides learning about the various mechanisms
that contribute to pest resistance, I will present an assortment
of shrubs and trees that are resistant to insects and diseases.
1 SC Pesticide Applicators Recertification Credit
2:15 – 3:15
New Pesticides: What They Can and Can’t Do
Juang-Horng “JC” Chong, PhD, Clemson University
This presentation aims to provide the audience with the latest information on new insecticides, label information, their
modes of action, resistance management, target pests, and
use sites. Results from several recently conducted research
projects investigating the efficacy of these new insecticides
will also be provided.
1 SC Pesticide Applicators Recertification Credit
1 NC Pesticide Applicators Recertification Credits
3:15 – 3:30
Refreshment Break
3:15 – 3:30
Refreshment Break
3:15 – 3:30
Refreshment Break
3:30 – 4:30
Landscape Design 101 Continued
Renee Byrd, Clemson University
3:30 – 4:30
Spring planting Bulbs for Southern Summer Gardens
Jack DeVroomen, Marlboro Bulb Company
Daffodils, tulips, hyacinths and a range of other bulbs take
us from drab winter to breathtaking spring color. So now
what? Now is the time to get busy planting for an extended
stunning summer show. Flower bulbs for spring planting are
numerous and sadly neglected –for example stately lilies and
ground cover long lasting colorful caladiums. The many possibilities in the south range from sharp accents of color in
pots or beds to landscaping on a large scale with both annuals
and perennials.
3:30 – 4:30
Recognition and Management of Ornamental Plant
Diseases in Landscapes and Nurseries
Meg Williamson, Clemson University Plant Problem Clinic
Participants will learn about different types of plant diseases
commonly seen in southeastern landscapes and nurseries.
Both general and specific examples of the various types of
diseases will be given. Factors that encourage disease development will be described and ways that growers can alter environmental and cultural factors to discourage diseases will
be presented.
1 SC Pesticide Applicators Recertification Credit
1 NC Pesticide Applicators Recertification Credits
4:30 – 5:30
Understanding Smart Irrigation Controllers and
Their Benefits
Justin Watts, W. P. Law, Inc.
Learn how “smart” irrigation controllers that utilize soil
moisture sensors and weather stations are leading the way
to help conserve water, promote healthier landscapes and put
money back into customer’s pockets. Find out how this type
of technology can help reduce your labor costs while building customer loyalty.
4:30 – 5:30
“Sustainable Landscapes: Many Shades of Green”
Ellen Vincent, PhD, Clemson University
Businesses seeking a “green” identity have many options
available, from basic to advanced. See where your business
currently fits in the spectrum and also decide how green you
want to be. Marketing strategies will also be covered.
4:30 – 5:30
Hard and Fast Rules: What You Need to Know to
Grow Healthy Plants
Kari Whitely, Scout Horticultural Consulting
There are ten core guidelines that will help you become a
better grower – whether in the nursery or in the landscape.
Kari Whitley will outline these principles plant selection,
pest prevention, and cultural techniques using the knowledge
she has a collected as a scout over the years. Focusing on
practicality and sound horticulture, this lecture will cover
pesticides, diseases, and insect identification and other vital
growing information.
1 SC Pesticide Applicators Recertification Credit
1 NC Pesticide Applicators Recertification Credits
10:00 – 10:15 Break
10:15 – 11:15
Immigration and Employment Laws in
South Carolina
Curtis Chow, Ogletree & Deakins, P.C.
The ever-changing immigration and employment
laws in South Carolina can bring havoc to companies
who don’t know the law, their responsibilities or their
rights. Immigration Attorney Curtis Chow will bring
you up to date on things you need to know on immigration-related employment matters including I-9
compliance, E-Verify, and compliance with Department of Homeland Security regulations. This presentation will provide procedures on how to prevent
charges of immigration-related unfair employment
practices including citizenship status discrimination,
document abuse, and retaliation.
If you have a specific question on these matters please
email it to the SCNLA office (scplant@bellsouth.net)
no later than January 15 and Mr. Chow may be able
to include the answer in his presentation.
11:15 – 12:15
What does the Future hold for our Industry?
Dr. Charles R. Hall
Ellison Chair in International Floriculture
Texas A&M University
Department of Horticultural Sciences
What is our value proposition for the future given
the tendencies we see in post-recession consumers?
What specific strategies can green industry firms use
in conveying their value to consumers so that our
products are not viewed as mere luxuries, but necessities in people's lives. All this and more.
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
LUNCH on your own
Carolinas Irrigation Association
Thursday, February 3
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Room 202-204
Belgard University College of Working Smarter:
Small Business Management Solutions
Thursday, February 3, 2011 8:30 am -3:30 pm Lunch will be provided
Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Meeting Room 206/208
Presented by Jerry Gaeta, Senior Associate of Vander Kooi & Associates, Inc.
Belgard University College of Working Smarter is excited to present Small Business Management
Solutions by Jerry Gaeta. It is important for small business owners to understand all aspects of their
business and to have easily implemented systems to navigate difficult economic times. Small Business
Management Solutions will cover basic business components every contractor should know and use.
Basic Financial Management
We will discuss important financial information necessary to operate a successful business.
• Understanding a Profit & Loss (P&L) Statement—what the information means to you and what to
do with it.
• Managing your Accounts Receivables and Payables
• Taking Control of your Payroll—tracking your costs and hours. How much work is actually being
produced and is it enough to reach your goals?
• Simple Job Costing—are you making money or becoming further in debt?
Producing the Proper Price and Selling the Job
How to price jobs appropriately so that you are competitive without losing money.
• Basic steps to appropriate pricing—presents an overview of the estimating process which will
incorporate costs, breakeven point and expected profit.
• The sales process—what is working, what is not and how to monitor your results (and change
when necessary).
Managing your Resources
To be a sustainable business with profits that outweigh costs, your business must be efficient.
• Material Sourcing—are you buying on price, service or a combination? Many contractors have
found that the scope, size, and volume of projects have been inconsistent recently due to current
economic times. During uncertain times, you need reliable vendors more than ever. A strategic
system to purchase and handle material to meet your schedule and needs is the key to being
competitive and profitable, and your vendors can help.
• Labor—is your company still doing things the same way? During slow times, you must be more
efficient and use less labor while still producing quality results. We will discuss how to set
expectations and verify outcomes. We will also cover the use of equipment and subcontractors
which can both reduce labor and give you a competitive advantage.
Register by signing up at www.BelgardUniversity.com or
Contact Tracey Griffin at (704) 527-5080
Tracey.griffin@oldcastleapg.com
26
Select Item G on the SCHI Registration Form
$60 CIA and SCNLA Members • $80 for non-members
8:00 am – 10:00 am
“Drip Irrigation, Being Efficient with Water
Can be Efficient for Business”
Keith Coulsting, District Sales Manager,
Netafimusa
This class will focus on the efficiency of drip
irrigation as a water saving technique. A
comparison of job costing and installation of on
surface drip vs. traditional overheard irrigation
as a way to show contractors ways of enhancing
their product offerings and show their efforts
in conservation to their customers.
Will review the various types of filters that are
available in the market place. Review screen,
disc, and sand media filters and identify the best
one for various applications. Why use air vents
and identify the features, benefits, and applications
for Kinetic and Continuous Air Vents.
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Lunch on your own
1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
“Irrigation Conservation Products”
Jeff Williams and Hane Fair, Smith Turf & Irrigation
The class will review the current irrigation products
available now that help save water and increase
irrigation efficiency. The instructors will also review
and discuss low flow nozzles, rotating nozzles,
pressure regulation, smart controllers, and rain
water harvesting systems.
10:00 am – 12:00
“Use of Filters and Air Vents in the Various
Applications of Surface Water, Well and
Municipal Applications”
Mike Jacobson, Southeastern Sales Manager,
Jain Irrigation, Inc.
Directions to Myrtle Beach Convention Center
From US 501 South
Take US 17 North (By-pass) exit, to Twenty-first Ave. North. Turn right onto Twenty-first Ave.
Travel about one and one-half miles east (towards ocean) to corner of Twenty-first and Oak St.
Myrtle Beach Convention Center is on northwest corner of intersection.
From US 17 Business (King’s Highway)
Driving from either north or south ends of Myrtle Beach, turn west onto Twenty-first Ave. North.
Drive two blocks west ( away from ocean) to Oak St.. Myrtle Beach Convention Center across street
on northwest corner.
From Myrtle Beach International Airport
Exit airport and continue straight out Airport Blvd., about two mile to intersection with US 17 by-pass.
Merge right onto US 17 North, drive about 2 1/2 miles to exit at 21st Ave North
Exit right onto 21st Ave north, driving about 1 1/2 miles to corner of 21st and North Oak St.
Myrtle Beach Convention Center in on Northwest corner of this intersection.
27
360˚ Perspective Garden Centers
Ideas from your Neighborhood
to Cyberspace
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2011
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
ROOM 101
Registration Fee: $40 before 1/22/11, $50 after 1/22/11
(Select Item E on Registration Form)
9:00 – 10:00 am
"I Say Perennials; You Say Annuals”
Alan Shapiro, Grandiflora
Tropical perennials that can at the least be used as annual color
for 6-8 months of the year up in SC. Learn about New and
under-utilized plants that can bring you more sales.
12:15 – 1:00 pm
“Home Grown”
Chalmers Mikel, SC Farm Bureau
Jackie Moore, SC Department of Agriculture
Fred Broughton, SC Department of Agriculture
With the exponential grown in buying local learn about possible partnering opportunities with local produce growers and
SC specialty products companies to bring more traffic into
your store.
10:00 – 11:00 am
Social Marketing – An Executive Overview
Malinda Pengelly, BEM Interactive
This Social Media Marketing Overview workshop provides
a non-technical walk through of the different components of
Social Marketing. If you are new to Social Marketing or just
looking to explore what this Web 2.0 strategy is all about, this
information will benefit you. This is not a "how to do it" rather
a "why you should do it" executive overview.
Introduction to
Computer Imaging &
Computer-aided Drafting
11:00 – 11:15 am Break
Tony Bertauski, Trident Technical College
11:15 – 12:15 pm
Web Marketing Strategies for Local Brick and
Mortar Businesses
Malinda Pengelly, BEM Interactive
Marketing in the “Magic Seven” is very different from a national campaign. If most of your customers come from within
the seven mile radius of your business, you can’t miss this
workshop. This workshop puts a laser like focus on using web
marketing to drive local customers to your brick and mortar
business. Perfect for retailers and service businesses alike.
We’ll cover topics like:
• Key strategies for driving traffic from the web to your
local business
• Introduction to reaching mobile users
• Overview of how you can use social media help your
business
• Understanding local search behavior
• Mobile bar code scanning
• Key elements, strategies, costs and risk of using SMS
Text messaging
• How digital couponing can deliver a great ROI
Friday, February 4, 2011
3:00 – 5:00 pm
Room 101
Registration Fee:
$25 before 1/22/11, $35 after 1/22/11
(Select Item H on Registration Form)
Find out if computers can help your landscape design
company with a live demonstration. Imaging software
takes a picture and inserts a landscape for clients to see
proposed plantings, a patio, or lighting. Computer-aided
drafting software can be quick and efficient to create a
plan drawing; changes and updates are a snap and some
products include automated estimating and proposals. Get
the scoop on various available products and what they
cost.
28
FREE Trade Show
Floor Seminars
LANDSCAPE
MANAGEMENT
No additional registration fees,
only an official SCHI 2011 trade show badge is required.
Seminars & Panel
Discussions
Back to the Basics
Saturday, February 5
9:00 am – 12:45 pm • Room 101
DON'T
Miss These!
Registration Fee: $30.00 before 1/22/11, $40 after
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Growing Citrus in the Southeast
Darren Sheriff
Citrus has become a hot topic in the past few years, especially
with the frenzy of growing your own food. Many people do not
realize that there are varieties of Citrus that will grow in South
Carolina, and with a little forethought, many more varieties
can be grown here. This program will teach you what varieties,
where to place them in the landscape, disease, fertilization and
pests that you may encounter and how to take care of them.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Proper Bed Preparation for Sod
Gary Forrester, Clemson Extension Service
If you are going to do it – do it right. Healthy, attractive lawns
start with the proper bed preparation. Learn the necessary steps
and how to perform them successfully to be certain your sod
installations are the very best they can be.
Select Item F on the SCHI Registration Form
9:00 am – 9:45 am
Bed Preparation: The Real Dirt
Jenny Hardgrave, Simply Flowers, Inc. Atlanta, GA
Where do amazing seasonal color displays begin?
From the ground up! Before you select your first
flower, commit to bed prep
excellence. Come and learn
the hidden truth of flowering success: It’s ALL about
the soil.
9:45 am – 10:45 am
Advanced Pruning for Small Trees and Shrubs,
Dave Stickel, Tree & Garden, Charleston, SC
This workshop will discuss how to approach each plant
as if it was a specimen in a botanical collection. We
will discuss and perform proper thinning of small and
large shrubs, how to expose the character of the trunk,
pinching candles on pines, directing growth with pruning and timing your pruning for best results.
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
A Prenuptial for Business Owners
Matt Watkins, Capitol Financial Solutions, LLC
This program will cover types of business arrangements, tax
perspectives, valuation of the business and other things to
consider before buying or selling a business. Always know the
options before signing on the dotted line.
10:45 am – 11:00 am Break
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Pesticide Safety
Robert Bellinger, PhD, Clemson University
This program will cover the basics of how to use and
care for personal protection equipment, the handling,
storing and transporting of pesticides, and the proper
way to use pesticides.
1 SC Pesticide Applicators Recertification Credit
1 NC Pesticide Applicators Recertification Credits
Thank You to
Our Generous Sponors
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm
Potted Perfection
Jenny Hardgrave, Simply Flowers, Inc. Atlanta, GA
How can just a few little plants
completely transform a space? The
answer is easy – in a container! A
small investment and a little imagination yield surprising results. Container selection, soil medium, plant
choices, watering routines, and
maintenance will be discussed. Prepare to be inspired!
GOLD
Belgard
Roebuck Wholesale Nursery & Landscaping
BRONZE
Arborbrace Staking Systems, Inc.
Dothan Trees
Parson's Nursery
29
TOP 10
Applied and Potential IPM Practices
for Nurseries in the Southeast
Sarah White (South Carolina), A. LeBude (North Carolina), A.F. Fulcher (Kentucky and Tennessee),
M. Chappell (Georgia), S. Frank (North Carolina)
The southeast nursery integrated pest management (SNIPM)
working group received a grant in 2008 from the Southern Region
IPM Center (http://www.sripmc.org/) to create a pest management
strategic plant (PMSP) and a crop profile (CP). Both documents
are completed and available for download at no charge. Just visit
www.sripmc.org website and navigate to the documents. They
are comprehensive and specific to nursery crops in the southeast.
Specialists from Kentucky, Tennessee, North and South Carolina,
and Georgia developed the content from synthesizing the latest
information about insect, disease, and cultural practices used in
IPM on nursery crops.
An additional goal of the grant was to conduct a survey in the five
states to determine those IPM practices used by growers. Growers
were asked a series of questions about monitoring or scouting for
pests, prevention practices, or intervention used to control pests.
Nursery operations had to be at least 40% wholesale, container
or field and grow either woody plants or perennials. Floriculture growers, sod producers, and landscape designers/installers
were omitted. For each question, growers could answer whether
they used the practice “Always,” “Often,” “Rarely,” or “Never.”
Below are ten notable practices that are either widely adopted
or potential practices that would benefit southeastern growers if
adopted.
10. Sticky cards, ethanol traps, or lures are used by about 18%
of growers. Any combination of these monitoring techniques is
very useful to determine when adults have emerged in the production area. Mating can be disrupted for some pests using pheromone lures that act as male attractants. When males arrive to
mate there are no females present, which decreases egg laying
and the subsequent pest populations. Other pests simply need to
be monitored for when to begin spraying, for example, the granulate ambrosia beetle, which is attracted to ethanol traps. When
correctly identified in the spring, it is time to begin a spray program. Many of these tools can be found at www.greatlakesipm.
com, http://greenmethods.com/site/, or biological control http://
www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/index.php
9.
Bioprotectants are used by 12% of growers. Bioprotectants
are naturally occurring organisms or compounds that aid plants in
pathogen defense. They can be applied as granules, soil drenches,
or sprays and have various modes of action. RegaliaSC ™ (formally Milsana™, a plant extract of Reynoutria sachalinensis, gi-
ant knotweed) is a formulated fungicide that stimulates the plant’s
natural defense mechanisms and enhances the resistance to fungal
and bacterial diseases. Currently, it controls powdery mildew and
rust on ornamentals, for example, Lagerstroemia and Rosa, but
most work has been conducted on annuals, which may explain its
low use among woody and perennial growers. According to the
website of Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR-4, http://ir4.
rutgers.edu/), it is being tested for efficacy against Phytophthora
on ornamentals. Serenade MAX™ (a strain of Bacillus subtilis)
is a broad spectrum, preventative biofungicide recommended for
the control or suppression of many important plant diseases, for
example, leaf spots (Alternaria spp., Cercospora spp., Entomosporium spp., Helminthsporium spp., Myrothecium spp., Septoria
spp.), Phytophthora spp., and Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.).
Actino Iron (Streptomyces lydicus) (http://www.naturalindustries.
com/ai.factsheet.pdf) is a biological fungicide that aids in the suppression of Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Phytophthora, and
Verticillium on ornamentals. Actino-iron colonizes the root systems of ornamentals and excludes pathogens, produces enzymes
that destroy pathogens, and helps plants absorb mineral nutrients
from the surrounding substrate.
7. Only 8% of growers created a weedmap. A weedmap identi-
area and allows for a cursory scout of about half the block and a
fine inspection of the other half. The hotspot scouting method is
reserved for those areas you know are or will be trouble spots, for
example, the south west side of a block that receives heavy wind
might experience greater stress than trees on the interior of the
same block.
fies problem weeds in conspicuous places throughout the nursery.
With these data, growers can trace backwards or forwards to see
how these major hotspots affect weed populations throughout the
nursery. For example, if there are many weeds along a road or
wooded area slightly up wind from the potting area, this could be
the source for weed seeds in containers in the nursery. Eradicating those weeds would prohibit their access to production.
4.
Identification of insect and disease pests: 87% of growers
name the insect, while 84% name the disease that’s causing the
problem. The cornerstone of building a strong IPM program is
scouting and monitoring, and the next course of blocks in that
construction is identifying what you find. Correct insect or disease I.D. allows growers to determine if the pest is in the part of
its lifecycle that harms plants, or in the case of diseases, whether
or not it is the primary pathogen or a secondary organism that is
present but not causing the symptoms noted on the plant. Correct
pest I.D. is a vital piece of information when deciding on how
and when to intervene to control pests. Another step would be
to identify any predatory, beneficial insects, or natural enemies
present on the plants or on adjacent plants. This is often difficult
because we are always focused more on the pests that cause damage. Indeed, only 30% of growers determine if natural enemies
are present. Help with natural enemy I.D. can be found at http://
www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/index.php, which shows
many different types of beneficial insects and their method of biocontrol. See aphid wasp below as an example beneficial insect
(Figure 2).
6. Grouping plants in similar irrigation zones was used by 91%
of growers. Historically, growers have always had an eye toward
grouping similar plants within the same irrigation zone, but sales
schedules and potting dates never seemed to match. Only recently have growers begun to group plants together by water requirements and container size. When organizing new production
areas, think about grouping plants together by water use characteristics.
5.
Approximately, 41% of growers follow a standardized sampling plan when scouting. When all other data were taken into
consideration, the method of scouting most frequently used was
examining large groups of plants that have damage, and then inspecting those plants to see what the causal agent might be. This
was not done on a set schedule or during a specific time set aside
for scouting, and a set plan was not frequently followed; scouting
was accomplished while doing other tasks like potting, fertilizing,
or shipping. When scouting for insects, a specific time should be
set aside to scout independently of other tasks and there are three
simple plans to use: rigid block, random walk and hotspot (Figure
1). The rigid block method allows growers to inspect almost every plant in the block, while the random walk bisects the planting
3.
Only 24% of growers took pictures of symptoms or pests
found and 33% kept permanent records. With the advent of the
internet, finding great pictures of insects and their life cycles is
only a few clicks away and some sites even aid with identifica-
Bioprotectants should be thought of as another tool in your IPM
program to prevent presence and spread of pathogens in the nursery. If they are too costly to use in the entire nursery, then perhaps
trial them on plants most susceptible to soil pathogens, for example, Rhododendron, Viburnum, Pieris, or Camellia. Additionally,
much work is needed with these compounds to determine their
effectiveness during ornamental production.
8. Only 26% of growers quarantine/isolate incoming stock, but
90% inspect the plants for pests when delivered. Quarantining
or isolating incoming stock reduces the risk of spreading disease
or insect pests to plants present at the nursery. Most growers do
not quarantine new plants in a designated area because they may
have selected the plants themselves from another grower, know
the grower who sold them the plants, or plan to observe the plants
after they are introduced into production. A 2 to 4 week isolation
is ideal but may seem unobtainable due to the many production
cycles in the nursery industry and the necessity to optimize use
of all growing space. Isolation is especially important if plants
are delivered from a USDA regulated area. Nevertheless, most
growers inspect the plants when they first arrive to make sure no
visual symptoms or insects are present.
30
31
Continued on page 32
Continued from page 31
tion using question prompts. Nevertheless, keeping pictures of
insects at your nursery attacking your inventory will be a powerful teaching tool for future employees. Permanent records of
scouting and monitoring will allow scouts to begin building patterns of pest behavior at the nursery that could be used to prevent
pest infestations in the future. Other ideas include matching the
patterns of pest behavior with the phenology of the host plant or
surrounding landscape plants. This method (phenology) matches
budswell, flowering, leaf emergence, or fall color with a stage of
a pest’s life cycle. This combination will trigger scouting for a
particular pest the following year. About 40% of growers surveyed use this method. IPM savvy growers also use growing
degree days (GDD) to determine when to begin scouting for a
specific pest and how that pest life stage is progressing based
on the weather. GDD can be calculated using any number of
weather stations throughout the southeast and many websites will
help calculate it for you. There is even a smartphone application for GDD. The information can be used to determine when
a threshold number of pests present reach a stage at which they
might harm the host plant or decrease its value; then it is time to
intervene using the least toxic alternative. Approximately 21%
of growers in the southeast use GDD.
2. Growers were asked how frequently they used IPM practices
at their nursery and 16% said “Always,” while 64% said “Often,”
and 20% said “Rarely.” IPM is a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural and chemical tools in
a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks.
It requires dedication to scouting, monitoring, identifying pests,
choosing the best options available for control, and evaluating
whether or not the option was effective. Effective IPM is also
a moveable target that requires growers to continually educate
themselves about new tools, chemicals options, and methods to
control pests that fit their nursery. Like any skill, for example
playing guitar, IPM requires practice and dedication, but effective IPM is obtainable for all (maybe not guitar playing for all,
however) in some form on their nursery.
1.
Send plant, insect and disease samples to a plant diagnostic clinic. Growers who sent in more samples to a plant insect
and disease clinic were more likely to have adopted other IPM
practices compared to growers who sent in fewer samples. The
number of samples sent yearly ranged from 0 to 30. Correct I.D.
of pests begins the cascade of intervention possibilities enabling
growers to choose the best management option to effectively save
labor and other costs, resulting in less harm to the environment
and decreasing the threat of pest damage as quickly as possible.
We are all painfully aware of reduced labor at most nurseries, and
usually this coincides with less scouting and fewer pest control
options. However, waiting until the last minute to intervene may
allow pests to populate more plants, spread to surrounding landscapes, and actually end up costing more to control when a sale
occurs. Scouting and monitoring help you determine which pests
are attacking which plants at what time of year. This information
overlaid across your nursery will help you develop precise and
specific control measures, rather than relying on broadband spray
applications to the entire crop or a large part of the nursery. Good
luck scouting this year.
32
Ecological Approaches
to Water Treatment
Lorence R. Oki1 and Sarah A. White
Landscape Horticulture Specialist, University of California Davis
Nursery Extension Specialist, Clemson University
Reprinted from OFA Bulletin Nov/Dec No. 924
Growers face increasing pressure to remediate and treat runoff, both to reduce
deterioration of surface and ground water quality and also to facilitate conservation through recycling and reuse of
this vital resource.
Many nurseries and greenhouses are implementing water and nutrient management plans to manage inputs and runoff,
to save money, and to comply with regulations. These plans include treatments
based on chemical, thermal, or radiation methods (e.g., chlorine, pasteurization, and UV, respectively) to remove
contaminants and pathogens. Certified
organic growers and growers with an
eye toward future sustainability need
effective, research-based ecological alternatives to manage and recycle runoff. Some effective, ecologically-based
alternatives to chemical treatment exist
for removing various contaminants and
we will discuss the role of constructed
wetlands (CWs) and slow sand filtration
(SSF) for treating runoff.
Nutrient and Pesticide
Contaminants
Residential, urban, and agricultural land
uses contribute to nonpoint source runoff. Excess nitrogen and phosphorus in
runoff can contribute to increased rates
of eutrophication. Eutrophication is a
stable, naturally occurring process in
surface waters. However, water bodies with communities of organisms
adapted to low nutrient concentrations
(< 0.05 mg/L PO4-P) are more susceptible to overfertilization, whereas naturally eutrophic water bodies are more
resilient to additional nutrients because
their plant and animal communities are
adapted to the more productive environ-
ment. Nutrient enrichment and algal
blooms occur when the natural balance
of an aquatic system is upset.
Pesticide release from both agricultural and residential sources is well
documented. Many commonly used
pesticides have detrimental effects on
organisms from microbes to larger fish
species living in creeks, streams, and
rivers. For example the pyrethroid pesticide bifenthrin, affects Hyallela azteca
a benthic amphipod, at concentrations
as low as 1-3 ppt. Similarly, the degradation products of fipronil, a fairly new
phenylpyrazole pesticide, affect bluegill
sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) at concentrations between 20 and 25 ppb.
Local, state, and federal environmental agencies are under pressure to limit
pollutant discharges from identifiable
nonpoint source contributors to further
protect and improve water quality (1, 4).
Greenhouse and nursery operations that
do not capture and recycle runoff can be
significant contributors to agricultural
nonpoint source contamination.
Currently, California, Florida, Maryland, Oregon, and Texas have adopted
regulations mandating runoff capture or
control from irrigated agricultural operations. Several nurseries in Southern
California have been required to acquire
Waste Discharge Permits to control runoff that contains pesticides, nutrients,
sediments, and other pollutants. Similar
regulation in other states is likely as efforts continue to protect and maintain the
quality of surface and ground water resources. In fact, in January of 2009, the
US Environmental Protection Agency
in concert with the Florida Department
33
of Environmental Protection proposed
an expedited schedule for establishing numeric nutrient criteria limiting N
and P pollution in Florida lakes, rivers,
streams, springs, and canals (2). This
precedent could set the stage for regulations in other states in the next decade.
Pathogen
Contaminants
(Phytophthora,
Pythium, etc.)
Waterborne phytopathogens are perennial problems across all facets of agriculture and are responsible for billions
of dollars of crop losses. A number of
chemically-based treatment methods
have proved effective at controlling or
reducing disease incidence. Drawbacks
to chemically-based treatment systems
include high initial investment costs,
continuous operational expenses, worker safety issues, and a potential for environmental harm if not properly managed.
In recent years, many researchers have
focused on various methods for remediating pesticide, nutrient, and biological
contaminants from irrigation water and
runoff utilizing constructed wetlands
and slow sand filtration.
Large Scale
Treatment Systems
Wetlands are considered the “kidneys”
of the landscape because of their capacity for cleansing polluted waters. Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been used
for decades, mostly to treat domestic or
municipal sewage, focusing on reducing nutrients, suspended solids, heavy
metals, and human pathogens. Success
Continued on page 34
Continued from page 33
in cleansing municipal and industrial
point-source discharges led to the widespread use of CWs to treat many other
types of wastewater, including industrial
and agricultural wastewaters, acid mine
drainage, landfill leachate, and stormwater runoff.
Constructed wetlands are ecologically
based treatment systems that enable
both small and large green industry operations to maintain water quality levels
necessary for successful crop growth
while potentially facilitating the future
use of alternative water sources in the
future.
There are various types of CWs: free
water surface (surface flow), subsurface
flow (horizontal & vertical flow), mobile, and floating wetlands. Surface flow
and subsurface flow CWs are most commonly used to treat agricultural wastewater.
Free water surface
(surface flow)
constructed wetlands
A free water surface CW resembles a
shallow (0.5 to 2.5 feet) freshwater marsh
and generally requires a large land area
for wastewater treatment (photo 1_fws.
jpg). A five-year study funded as part of
the USDA-ARS Floriculture and Nursery Research Initiative and conducted
by researchers at Clemson University
examined the nutrient-removal capacity of a 9.31- acre free water surface
CW receiving runoff from 120-acres of
container production at a large nursery
in Cairo, GA. The CW was highly efficient at removing nitrogen (nitrate, nitrite and ammonia) from nursery runoff
from mid-spring through late fall in the
southeastern, USA, although it failed to
consistently lower phosphorus levels.
Free water surface CWs work best for
high to moderate runoff volumes, and
should be designed to retain water for 3
to 3.5 days. The recommended surface
area can be reduced if depth is increased
(typical depth 2 – 3 feet, max depth 4
feet), which promotes anaerobic (low
oxygen) conditions that facilitate nitrogen removal.
Subsurface flow
constructed wetlands
A subsurface flow CW consists of a
lined or impermeable basin filled with
a 2’-deep layer of coarse medium (pea
gravel) with a high hydraulic conductivity and wetland plants (Picture 2_sbsf.
jpg). Wastewater flows horizontally or
vertically below the surface of the media
to prevent exposure to humans or wildlife; remediation is aided by plants and
associated microbial populations.
Subsurface flow CWs are better for
winter treatment compared to surface
flow CWs and emit less total ammoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N and NH4+-N) to
the atmosphere. The gravel substrate
of subsurface flow CWs is costly, and
treatment longevity is finite because
substrate clogging may occur after several years of operation.
When phosphorus treatment is needed,
simply passing water through a free
water surface CW is not adequate. A
mixed system, using a free water surface CW for nitrogen removal and subsurface flow CW for phosphorus may
be the most effective treatment option.
When targeting phosphorus, instead of
pea gravel, the subsurface flow CW lining should be a pre-screened fired-clay
nugget. Lab verification of phosphorus
binding capacity is necessary to insure
adequate treatment capacity. The clay
nuggets used should be large enough to
prevent clogging and to allow water infiltration and movement.
Clay phosphorus-removal efficiency declines as binding sites fill, so monitoring is necessary to determine when to
replace the clay. These secondary treatments can be greater than 80 percent efficient in reducing phosphorus concentrations in discharge.
Free water surface CWs typically require a larger land area for effective N
remediation, while subsurface flow CW
utilize a smaller “footprint” and can remediate both nitrogen and phosphorus
if properly designed. Greenhouse and
nursery production operations not limited by land can most effectively utilize
CWs to treat and recycle irrigation wa34
ter; those operations limited in production space and land expense may find the
small scale treatment systems discussed
below more effective.
Small Scale
Treatment Systems
Mobile/Portable CWs
A portable subsurface flow CW system
was developed by Mobile Environmental Solutions Inc., Tustin, CA (photo
3_portable.jpg). The “portable wetland”
uses bulrush (Schoenoplectus sp.) planted in a lightweight medium of threeeighth-inch pumice. Inflow and outflow
pipes manage the movement of water in
this self-contained system, which can be
transported by a midsized pickup truck.
Slow Sand Filtration
(Picture 4a_ssf.jpg)
Slow sand filtration is a biological treatment method that has been in use for
centuries to produce drinking quality
water. The filter consists of a bed of
sand through which contaminated water
slowly passes. A biofilm develops on
the surface of the sand grains and is responsible for the removal of pathogens
and other pollutants that may be in the
water.
This treatment method is sometimes
confused with rapid sand filtration, so
a description of the two methods will
be used to show the differences. Water
passes through the sand media in both
methods and that’s the only commonality among these filtration methods.
Rapid sand filters provide physical filtration, utilizing sand grains larger than
1mm in diameter; resulting in a high
treatment capacity of 18 to 180 gpm per
sq.yd. of sand bed surface area. Since
this filtration is physical, these filters
don’t remove pathogens or pollutants
that are dissolved in the water. Rapid
sand filters require frequent cleaning using a backwashing procedure. This process can be automated when backpressure reaches a threshold determined by
the operator.
Slow sand filters are a biological treatment method that facilitates formation
and maintenance of biofilms that form
on sand grains. To avoid packing, the
sand grains must be round, not sharp,
and to maximize surface area they are
about 0.3 mm in diameter (about 60
mesh). The sand must stay submerged
at all times and the sand bed surface
must not be disturbed. The recommended depth of the sand bed is 3 feet and
is constructed over a drainage system to
collect the treated water.
As water is treated, a thick film, or
“schmutzdecke”, will develop on the
bed surface. Over time this film becomes thickened and restricts water
flow through the filter so that desired
flow rates cannot be maintained. At this
point, the sand bed needs to be cleaned
by draining water to expose the sand
bed surface and removing the top 2-3”
layer of sand. The sand bed is then resubmerged and “reconditioned” for 24
hours before treatment resumes.
The water flow rate through the sand filter should be about 800 gpd per sq.yd. of
sand bed surface area. This flow rate is
used to determine the size of the filters
required. For example, to treat 50,000
gallons of captured runoff per day, two
sand beds constructed in 20’ diameter
tanks, totaling 628 sq.ft., would be
needed. Research at the University of
California, Davis funded as part of the
USDA-ARS Floriculture and Nursery
Research Initiative has shown that higher than optimal flows can only be maintained for a short period. At high flow
rates, filters plug more quickly and thus
require more frequent monitoring and
maintenance. Slower flow rates ensure
that the filters perform optimally with
longer intervals between maintenance.
Picture 1. Free water surface wetland designed for treating nutrient rich runoff from
agricultural production areas (Image Sarah White).
Picture 2. Horizontal, subsurface-flow wetland schematic, with design considerations for
treatment of nutrient rich agricultural runoff (image Sarah White).
Picture 3. Portable subsurface flow wetland established with bulrush, water moves
through the wetland via a solar powered pump. (Image Jim Welsh).
Other research at UC Davis demonstrated that filters established against
a specific pathogen can be effective in
treating water that contains other pathogens. Sand filters were established using captured runoff inoculated with
Phytophthora capsici for 30 days. When
stream water containing a mixture of
several other Phytophthora species was
introduced to the filters, all of the pathogens were removed. Other studies have
identified organisms in the biofilms that
produce cellulose, amylase, chitinase,
35
Continued on page 36
Continued from page 35
and biosurfactants (4). Work is underway to further characterize the components of the biofilms.
1. Captured runoff is stored. A float monitors the water level. If runoff is
present, it is pumped into the sand filters
2. A 3’ water depth is maintained over the sand bed. Overflow returns to
the captured runoff storage tank.
3. Flow is controlled to maintain the required rate.
4. Treated water is stored for use. A float monitors water level. If treated
water is present, it is used for irrigation.
5. If there is no runoff to be treated, treated water is pumped back to the
filters to maintain the water level over the sand bed.
6. If there is no treated water available, water from an alternate source is
used for irrigation.
36
2011 Perennial Plant of the Year™
The slow sand filters are one part of a
water treatment system (Picture 4b_ssf.
jpg). The other components are similar
to other treatment systems. However,
since the treatment rates are low and rely
on biological constituents, water must
flow continuously through the sand bed.
Since the pores between the sand grains
are very small, water that is high in particulates can accelerate the treatment
frequency due to plugging. Research is
underway to examine pairing slow sand
filters with other treatment systems such
as Mobile/Portable CWs. Future work
will examine the efficacy of slow sand
filters to remove plant viruses and plant
pathogenic nematodes from captured
runoff.
Amsonia hubrichtii is the Perennial Plant Association’s 2011 Perennial Plant of the Year™.
Amsonia hubrichtii, pronounced am-SO-nee-ah hew-BRIK-tee-eye, carries the common
names Arkansas blue star, Arkansas amsonia, thread-leaf blue star, narrow leaf blue
star, and Hubricht’s blue star. This all-season perennial has blue star-shaped flowers in
spring and light green foliage all summer. The foliage turns a beautiful golden-yellow in
fall. Arkansas blue star is very soil-adaptive and insects and diseases are rare.
For the nursery and greenhouse industry,
slow sand filtration coupled with CWs
offer producers an ecologically based
approach for treating runoff containing
nutrients, pesticides, pathogens, and
other organic and biological contaminants. Using these treatment technologies your operation can either recycle
water or be assured of compliance with
increasingly stringent environmental
regulations regarding the discharge of
nonpoint-source pollutants.
Arkansas blue star is a timeless plant. The foliage in
spring and summer is one of the best for contrast with
medium to large perennials or shrubs. This blue star
adds a billowy, finely-textured feature to the perennial
landscape. It grows into a dense mass, very much like a
small shrub. The cool blue flowers are useful for toning
down adjacent flower colors. The color of the foliage
and flowers of blue star blend easily with other plants.
Although the delicate light blue spring flowers are the
inspiration for its common name, the autumn color of the
feathery leaves is a major reason that gardeners grow
it. The stunning pale pumpkin color of the foliage creates an excellent combination with purple coneflower,
gayfeather, and ornamental grasses. Try a combination of
Black Lace elderberry and Arkansas blue star. The brilliant
yellow foliage of amsonia combined
with the dark foliage of elderberry is a
knockout combination. Arkansas blue
star can be used in sunny borders,
cottage plantings, native gardens,
and in large container plantings. The
ornamental qualities and many uses
make amsonia an invaluable perennial
garden plant. This perennial workhorse
provides three splendid seasons of
ornamental features.
References:
Picture 4. Slow sand filtration system (a) and operation (b) (Image Loren Oki)
Amsonia hubrichtii
1. Taylor, M.D., et al. 2006. Nutrient management of nursery runoff water using constructed wetland systems. HortTechnology
16:610-614.
2. U.S. EPA. 2010. Water quality standards
for the state of Florida's lakes and flowing
waters. January 2010 Fact Sheet.
3. California EPA. State Water Resources
Control Board. Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. http://www.swrcb.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/agriculture/. Accessed
9/13/2010.
4. Calvo-Bado, L.A., et al. 2003. Spatial
and temporal analysis of the microbial community in slow sand filters used for treating
horticultural irrigation water. Applied &
Environmental Microbiology 69:2116-2125.
Amsonia, a native of Arkansas and Oklahoma, is a member of the Apocynaceae family.
The species was named after Leslie Hubricht who first discovered it growing in Arkansas
in 1942. The foliage is finer than a feather duster and leaves reach three inches long.
This amsonia grows 36 inches tall and 36 inches wide in a mounded form. From late
spring to early summer, two- to three-inch wide clusters of small, light blue, star-shaped
flowers are borne above the ferny foliage. The alternate arranged leaves are bright
green in spring and summer, but turn a bright yellow-golden color in fall.
Amsonia hubrichtii grows best in full sun and partial shade and in well-drained soil.
Stems tend to open and flop if plants are grown in too much shade. Once well established, this blue star is drought tolerant
and can withstand a season of neglect. The foliage and stems contain a milky sap, which seems to make the plant
unappealing to deer. No insect or disease pests are known to attack Arkansas blue star.
It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 9.
Amsonia hubrichtii may be propagated
by seed, division or softwood cuttings.
The seeds of this perennial germinate
very irregularly over a long period.
Softwood cuttings are usually rooted in
early summer. The easiest propagation
for gardeners is by division in spring.
37
©Perennial Plant Association • www.perennialplant.org
Continued on page 38
Amsonia hubrichtii
2011 Perennial Plant of the Year™
A Perennial
for the
Seasons
South Carolina
2011 SMALL BUSINESS
TAX WORKSHOPS
The Internal Revenue Service, the South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR), and the South Carolina
Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW) provide South Carolina’s taxpayers top quality service by
helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and by applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to all.
The workshops presented (listed on the back of this page) offer guidance on record keeping, types of business
entities, Schedules C & SE and employment taxes. The employment tax segment provides an overview of Forms
940, 941 & 944, including e-file and EFTPS due dates. There is also a discussion on Employee Classification
(Employee vs. Independent Contractor). Classes are taught by instructors who are qualified to practice before the
IRS (Enrolled Agents and Certified Public Accountants) and by SCDOR and SCDEW Revenue Agents.
Pre-registration is required for all of the workshops. Classes generally run from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, lunch
break around 12:00 pm (times subject to change). To register, contact the local SBDC or College listed on the
back of this flyer. Contact information is provided next to the workshop you wish to attend. Should you have an
interest in taxpayer education or participating in the tax workshop program, please contact the IRS Communications, Liaison and Disclosure office in Columbia at 803-253-3336 for more information.
NOTE: Workshops may be cancelled due to insufficient registration or poor weather.
Workshops are not for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit.
2011 SMALL BUSINESS TAX WORKSHOP SCHEDULE &
CONTACTS FOR REGISTRATION
Aiken, SC
(803) 641-3646
May 4 and September 7
University of South Carolina – SBDC
471 University Parkway
Anderson, SC
(864) 260-6700
May 12 and September 16
Tri-County Technical College
Anderson Campus,
511 Michelin Blvd,
$25 Fee & Registration Required
Other namesAmsonia
Arkansas Blue Star
Thread Leaf Blue Star
Image by Melanie Blandford
Unique Qualities
Light blue flowers in spring are followed by a marvelous
display of foliage in summer. A golden-yellow fall color
is second to none among herbaceous perennials. It is
uniquely suited as a companion plant or as a feature.
Hardiness
USDA Zones 4 to 9
Light
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Prefers average, moist well-drained soil but tolerates
less moisture. Once established, it can tolerate drier
conditions.
Uses
This perennial for the seasons is an asset in borders,
native gardens, cottage gardens or open woodland
areas. It is best when massed. Arkansas blue star is
attractive when mixed with ornamental grasses and
plants that have attractive seed heads.
©Perennial Plant Association • www.perennialplant.org
38
Beaufort, SC
(843) 521-4143
June 9, 2010
University of South Carolina – Beaufort
Charleston, SC
(843) 740-6160
February 11, May 6, July 29, and October 14
Small Business Development Center
5900 Core Drive, Suite 104
(North Charleston)
Columbia, SC
(803) 732-0432
Jan 20, Feb 17, March 24, April 21, May 12,
June 16, Aug 18, Oct 13, Nov 17, and Dec 15
Midlands Technical College
Northeast Campus,
CT217- 151 Powell Rd
(at Gateway Plantation Road)
$25 Fee & Registration Required
Greenville, SC
(864) 370-1545
May 25, July 28, October 6,
and November 3
Greenville Technical College
Admissions Office
McAlister Square,
225 South Pleasantburg Drive
Greenwood, SC
(864) 388-8492
February 3 and September 8
Greenwood Area Chamber of Commerce
110 Phoenix Street
Hilton Head, SC
(843) 521-4143
September 22
Hilton Head County Public Library
11 Beach City Road
Myrtle Beach, SC (Conway, SC)
(843) 349-4010
April 21 and September 22
Coastal Carolina University
E Craig Wall School of Business
To attend, you may call or e-mail:
jpgraham@coastal.edu
Orangeburg, SC
(803) 536-8444
June 7, 2010
South Carolina State University - SBDC
Belcher Hall,
300 College Street
39
Rock Hill, SC
(803) 323-2283
April 26 and October 17
Winthrop University,
College of Business
118 Thurmond Building
Seneca, SC
(864) 882-4888
May 11 and October 5
Gignilliat Community Center
621 North Townville Street
Spartanburg, SC
(864) 592-6318
March 8, June 14, and October 18
Spartanburg Community College
Tyger River Campus
1875 East Main Street,
Duncan, SC 29334
Sumter, SC
(803) 938-3833
April 27 and September 21
University of South Carolina—Sumter 200
Miller Road,
Anderson Library, Room 122
Insecticide Classes and
Modes of Action
Group 11:
Microbial Disruptors of Insect
Midgut Membranes
Juang-Horng ‘JC’ Chong
Turf & Ornamental Entomologist, Clemson University, Pee Dee Research & Education Center
2200 Pocket Road • Florence, SC 29506
Tel.: 843-662-3526 ext. 224 • E-mail: juanghc@clemson.edu
Insecticides categorized under
IRAC Group 11 are the products
of some very interesting bacteria –
Bacillus thuringiensis (commonly
known as Bt) and Bacillus sphaericus. The large bacterial genus Bacillus includes some well-known
members: Bacillus popilliae (which
causes milky spore disease in Japanese beetle grubs), Bacillus subtilis
(which is formulated as biological
fungicide for management of root
diseases), and Bacillus anthracis
(which causes the deadly anthrax
in human and animals). Different
from B. popilliae and B. anthracis,
the insecticidal property of Bt and
B. sphaericus is not the direct result
of their pathogenicity but lays in a
specific type of protein these bacteria produce.
begins with the ingestion of bacterial cells and endotoxins. A potent
brew of enzymes and alkaline pH in
the insect’s gut separates the three
domains and thus activates the endotoxins. The central domain binds
to the receptor sites on the midgut
membranes (think of this as intestinal lining), forming cation channels.
As ions move through these cation
channels, the ionic and pH balance
on either side of the membrane is
disrupted and the membrane cell
ruptures. As cell ruptures continue,
the midgut goes into paralysis and
the insect eventually dies from the
deadly ulcers. Although most Bt
strains produce endotoxins, the insecticidal activity of any particular
endotoxin is not universal or broad
spectrum.
Bt and B. sphaericus (I’ll use Bt as a
representative of both species from
now on) naturally occur in the soil,
leaf surface and water column. As
the bacteria sporulate, the bacteria
produce crystal proteins (or Cry
proteins), called delta-endotoxins,
inside the cells. The delta-endotoxins are relatively large proteins composed of three domains or sections.
The trouble for a susceptible insect
Bt was first discovered in 1902 by
Japanese biologist Shigetane Ishiwatari but it was not until 1911 did
German scientist Ernst Berliner
formally described the species. The
insecticidal property of Bt was recognized very early on. Research beginning in 1976 demonstrated that a
gene, called cry gene, imbedding in
the bacterial plasmid (think of plasmid as a circular string of DNA that
40
is separate and different from the
typical chromosomal DNA) is responsible for the production of endotoxins. Since 1976, a large family
of Cry proteins and cry genes has
been discovered. The discovery of
cry genes opened a new chapter in
pest management. The cry genes
can be isolated and inserted into
plant DNA, by which the genetically engineered or modified (GM)
plants become capable of producing
the endotoxins or Cry proteins just
like Bt bacteria and resisting insect
attacks. Since the first showcase of
genetically engineered tobacco in
1985 and the first commercial introduction of GM potato in 1995, the so
called Bt-crops (now include corn
and cotton) have become widely
planted in the US and the world. An
active and often emotional debate
on the merits and risks of GM crops
began as soon as the first GM crop
was introduced. This is a very complex topic that is clouded by many
facts and misunderstandings. I cannot sufficiently address all these issues in this article, so I recommend
readers who are interested in the
topic to visit reputable resources
and listen to arguments from both
sides of the debate.
Insecticides containing spores and/
or endotoxins of Bt was introduced
as early as the 1920s. The products
are often applied as spray or solution. Several subspecies of Bt have
been commercialized. Each Bt subspecies is specific against a group
of insects. Specific strains within
a subspecies may be more effective against one species or group
of species. Therefore, it is important to know the target pest and
the target pest spectrum of specific
Bt products. It is also important
to understand that Bt products are
only effective against insect larvae
and their efficacy decrease as the
insects grow older and larger. Because of their specificity and an absence of toxicity against human and
other animals, Bt products are used
as biological control agents, considered environmentally friendly,
and accepted by all organic certification programs. The REI of most
Bt products is 4 hours. Since some
products may contain live bacteria
or spores, it is important to follow
label direction on storage particularly to avoid direct sunlight and
high temperature.
Bacillus sphaericus and Bt subspecies israelensis are primarily used
for biological control of mosquito,
blackfly, biting fly and midge larvae in lakes, ponds, marshes and
other natural or artificial water
bodies. This group is perhaps the
most readily available Bt products
for use by homeowners. Another
product that contains Bt israelensis
is Gnatrol for the control of fungus
gnats in greenhouse ornamentals
and (some) vegetables productions. Most B. sphaericus and Bt
israelensis products are formulated
as granules, baits, pallets or briquets, while some can be applied
as solution. Reapplications are often needed within 1-4 weeks as the
products break down and lose efficacy. Some product may last as
long as 180 days.
Bt aizawai and Bt kurstaki are subspecies that are specific against
caterpillars. Most products can be
used in just about all turf and ornamental sites. The registered target
caterpillar species of Bt aizawai
(e.g. XenTari) and Bt kurstaki (e.g.
Dipel) include armyworms, azalea
caterpillar, budworms, diamondback moth, Florida fern caterpillar,
hornworms, Heliothis caterpillars,
leafrollers, loopers, oleander caterpillar, sod webworms, and others.
Most products are applied as foliar
spray before or during caterpillar
development. It is critical to apply
the products against small caterpillars.
Novodor is the only product containing Bt tenebrionis that is registered in SC. It is used for control
of elm leaf beetles on shade trees
and other ornamental plants and
Colorado potato beetle on potato,
tomato and eggplant.
Please read the product labels carefully for application instructions,
application rates, target pest species, limits on annual application
amount and frequency, phytotoxicity, site restriction, and buffer zone
information.
Table
IRACgroup
groupnumbers,
numbers,
modes
of action,
chemical
classes,
common
names, trade
example
trade
use sites
Table1.
1. The
The IRAC
modes
of action,
chemical
classes,
common
names, example
names
and names
use sitesand
of some
ofcommonly
some commonly
products
containing
spores
or
toxins
of
Bacillus
thuringiensis
and
Bacillus
sphaericus.
Check
products containing spores or toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus sphaericus. Check product label for targetproduct
pests,
label
for
target
application
rate,(REI),
restricted
entry
interval and
(REI),
use
siteinformation.
restrictions, and other vital information.
application rate,pests,
restricted
entry interval
use site
restrictions,
other
vital
IRAC
Group Mode of action
No.
11
Microbial
disruptors of
insect midgut
membranes
Chemical class
Common name
Bacillus thuringiensis
(Bt) and Bacillus
sphaericus
Bacillus sphaericus
Bt aizawai
Bt israelensis
Trade name
FourStar briquets, Spheratax, VectoLex,
VectoMax
Agree WG, Jackpot WP, XenTari
Aquabac, Bayer Advanced Garden Mosquito
Prevention, Consume MP, FourStar briquets,
Mosquito Dunks, Sentry Mosquito Larvicide,
Summit BTI briquets, VectoMax
Gnatrol
Bt kurstaki
Biobit HP, Condor, Crymax, Diliver, Dipel,
Foray XG, Green Light Bt Worm Killer, HiYield Thuricide, Javelin, Lepinox
Bt tenebrionis
Novodor
Use sites: A = Aquatic; C = Christmas tree farm; GC = Golf course; GH = Greenhouse; I = Interiorscapes; L = Landscape
(commercial applicator); N = Nursery; SF = Sod farm.
41
Use Sites
A
GC, GH,
L, N, SF
A
GH
GC, GH,
L, N, SF
L
2011 SCNLA Nursery Tour
Milliken Arboretum, Spartanburg, SC
All Natural Potting Mix - Who cares if it’s a
blended, PH balanced, Bark Media! Dirt is Dirt
Thursday, March 31, 2011
isn’t it?
Humates and Specially Blended Slow Release
Fertilizers - Who cares about root building,
healthier and hardier plants! Fertilizer is Fertilizer
TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
isn’t it?
Spin Out - Who cares if the roots circle in the
container! A pot is a pot isn’t it?
Staking - Who cares if the trunks aren’t straight!
Crooked trunks have more character don’t
they?
We’ve Been Accused
of Paying Too
Much Attention
to our Plants...
Pruning - Who cares about uniformity and consistency! Unpruned plants fill in better and have
better shape don’t they?
Who Cares?
We Do!!
“Growers of 15-30 gallon quality
1-800-255-0928
“THE LAWN AUTHORITY”
9:30 – 9:50
Pick up name tags, coffee
9:50 – 10:00
Introductions and overview of the day
10:00 – Noon Tour of Milliken Arboretum
A walking tour of the extensive, award-winning arboretum on the campus of Milliken & Company
with Kevin Parris as your guide.
Noon – 12:45 Lunch
12:45 – 1:15
"SC Needs a Florida Fancy: A Case for Tree Quality Specifications"
Dr. Sarah White, Clemson University
Nursery production practices impact tree quality and long-term health in urban landscapes. Various
standards exist for nursery stock, the FL standards are an excellent example of proactive quality
control by the nursery industry. Learn some simple pruning practices that improve tree quality,
reduce pest stress, and decrease long-term costs associated with landscape maintenance and pruning.
1:15 – 2:15
Solutions for Scale Insects and Borers - More Than Just Two Bricks
Juang-Horng “JC” Chong, Clemson University
Scale insects and various wood boring insects are two of the most damaging pest groups of ornamental
and shade trees grown in nursery and landscape. Effective integrated management of these pests is
possible with an understanding of their life history, monitoring methods and available management
tools. This presentation will provide the audience with information on the life history of scale insects
and wood boring insects (ambrosia beetles, clearwing moths and flathead borers), the methods in detecting
and monitoring their activity, and effective management tools (e.g. pesticides and cultural control).
1 SC Pesticide Applicator License Recertification Credit
2:15 – 3:15
It’s all About Communication
Dave McNamara, Executive Director, SC Launch
3:15 – 3:45
Benefiting From Public Tree Planting
REGSTRATION FORM
Deadline to Register March 25, 2011 • $45 per person before March 5, $55 March 6-25, 2011
For over 55 years Super-Sod has set the standards for excellence in the turfgrass industry. Super-Sod is ready to serve your turfgrass needs from 20 locations
throughout the Southeast with Super quality and Super service.
CALL Super-Sod today !
Zenith Zoysia ~ Super Z® Zoysia ~ Emerald Zoysia ~ Meyer Zoysia
Mercedes® St. Augustine ~ Shanghai® Bermuda ~ Tifsport® Bermuda
Tifway Bermuda ~ Centipede ~ Turf Type Tall Fescue
®
42
Company__________________________________________________ Phone __________________________________
Attendee(s) ___________________________________________, ____________________________________________
NO REFUNDS AFTER March 25, 2011
Please make your check payable to: SC Nursery & Landscape Assn
Mail to: SCNLA, 4661 Crystal Drive, Columbia, SC 29206
43
10 STEPS
to SMALL-BUSINESS SUCCESS in 2011
Try these forward-thinking strategies to
improve your business now!
By Rosalind Resnick, Entrepreneur Magazine - December 2010
Economists say the Great Recession--the longest and deepest since World War II--ended 18 months ago and that the U.S. economy is, in fact, growing again. But growth is relative. Even the rosiest economic forecasts for 2011 come in well under 3 percent
growth. Unemployment is still high, and consumer spending is still sluggish.
"However optimistic you may be about your business, you need to let the overall economy temper your expectations," says Scott
Shane, an economics professor at Case Western Reserve University and author of The Illusions of Entrepreneurship: The Costly
Myths that Entrepreneurs, Investors and Policy Makers Live By. "You need to assume that the recovery is going to be tepid and
plan accordingly."
That doesn't mean sit and wait for things to improve. Rather, retool for the economy that exists today, and will be lingering for
many tomorrows. Here are 10 places to start.
1. Overhaul your business plan. In a climate as unforgiving as
often be the obvious," says New York business and personal coach
Carol Vinelli. Talk less, listen more and really tune in to ideas that
could lead to breakthrough products and services.
this, stasis is death. So dust off your business plan and scrub it of
any assumptions you may have made three years ago. Roll up your
sleeves, do the math and zero in on the best strategy to grab market
share and win new business. Then start treating your business plan
as if it's a work in progress. Create hard benchmarks and measure
results often. That's how you improve performance, says Tim Berry,
president and founder of Palo Alto Software Inc., developer of Business Plan Pro, a small-business software tool that creates plans and
financial projections.
2. Double down on what works. Whatever paid off in 2010 is worth
investing more time, money and resources next year. Ask yourself:
What was your top-selling product or service, and how can you get
your customers to buy more? What money-saving strategies went
straight to the bottom line? What incentives or promotions got your
customers' attention?
isn't working. It may feel safer to stay in your comfort zone, but
sticking with the same old product, service or marketing strategy
might actually be riskier.
44
"Some folks aren't ready to go out there and mingle, but in today's
economy, it is imperative," says Bryan R. Adams, owner of FAB
Communications in Teaneck, N.J.
Think about it: A single coffee, meeting or lunch with a lawyer,
financial planner or supplier could bring in dozens of new customers next year. If you're afraid to jump in right away, Adams suggests
starting by searching Meetup.com for a group that matches your
interests and attending local chamber of commerce events.
Once you find your groove (and refine your elevator pitch), consider
joining a dedicated networking group such as BNI International,
LeTip International or National Association of Women Business
Owners. "Getting out there keeps you sane and you get to hear what's
working and not working for other businesses," Adams says.
7. Leverage your brand. In this economy, it's more important than
ever to avoid becoming a "me, too" brand. Low prices and quality
service are no longer enough. Whether it's a YouTube video, an iPad
app or a free tasting event, offer something to make customers take
notice.
customers are an impediment to deploying time and resources more
profitably," says Joseph Fulvio, a consultant in Doylestown, Penn.,
who specializes in growing small businesses. "Get rid of them."
For more tips and tools on leveraging your brand, check out Entrepreneur's free online marketing guides at entrepreneur.com/marketing.
Make a list of your customers and give each of them a grade. Then
dump everyone below a C--or a B, if you can afford it. Once you've
separated the winners from the losers, put a plan in place to turn
those laggards into A-listers. Going forward, use those criteria to
size up new business.
that's good news for small-business owners who can tap their home
equity for working capital. If you have good credit and some equity
in your house, now may be the time to refinance before interest
rates rise.
A bonus plan can work in all types of businesses, including manufacturing, sales, even restaurants. Goals can be tied to easy-to-measure
numbers such as revenues, new business volume or gross margin.
There's more about open-book management practices on The Great
Game of Business website, greatgame.com.
8. Get some credit. The mortgage market is starting to thaw, and
Though most businesses worry whether they'll meet clients' expectations, "it's actually a two-way street," Fulvio says. A better vendor-customer fit should produce a healthier bottom line.
Be sure your credit score is solid and that your business shows positive cash flow before you start shopping for deals. You won't get
the loan unless your bank is convinced you can cover the monthly
payments.
it's generally a good time to lock in long-term contracts with your
regular vendors, contractors and suppliers. Indeed, you might be
able to negotiate a lower price in return for the promise of your business. Small-business management expert Tim Sciarrillo of The New
England Group in Milford, Conn., suggests asking your supplier for
a volume discount and to hold the goods until you need them.
"Banks are willing to provide credit but are still very selective,"
says Case Western's Shane. "Financials help a lot right now."
Exclusivity is the key to a sweetheart deal like this. "At one client
company, we reduced corrugated suppliers from five to one," Sciarrillo says. "The client received better service, reduced pricing and
The best new ideas often come from conversations with your customers, suppliers and, most of all, employees. "The unexpected can
but they'll never replace face-to-face meetings, especially to win
new business and get referrals.
"Your people must clearly understand the goal, the improvements
that are needed, how they can make a difference and what they stand
to gain," he says. "Bonus-plan success will have everything to do
with how well you communicate, educate and encourage your people to stay in the game and reach for the goal."
Instead of ordering 10,000 custom labels five times a year, for example, order 50,000 at once but have them delivered in batches.
This lowers the supplier's manufacturing costs, reduces your unit
price and speeds delivery on future orders because the labels are
already printed.
3. Experiment. The best time to try something new? When the old
6. Expand your network. Facebook and LinkedIn have their uses,
Need some inspiration? Check out Seth Godin's bestselling book
Purple Cow about how to make your company remarkable.
5. Become an 'A' customer. When prices are low, as they are now,
Elyissia Wassung, CEO of 2 Chicks With Chocolate, a South River,
N.J., chocolate maker, is doubling down on in-store demos, which
have boosted sales. When she learned a chain retailer was planning
to order exclusively from 2 Chicks for Christmas, she says, "We
decided to double our demos with them this holiday season and blitz
all of their stores on the same day. We are also giving away prizes to
the top performing stores."
Make sure your contract covers all the details, such as delivery cost,
timing and quality guarantees.
"What do you bring to the table that no one else is serving up to clients and potential clients?" asks Debra Condren, a New York business psychologist. "You must first understand what sets you apart
and then become completely fluent in communicating to your target
audience what separates you from the herd."
4. Fire your D-grade customers. "High-maintenance, low-margin
"Planning means tracking how assumptions change and reviewing
progress and plan versus actual results," he says. Rethinking your
business plan also can help you spot new opportunities and point
your company in the right direction. For step-by-step advice, check
out the U.S. Small Business Administration's guide.
every time there was a price increase, the salesman usually kept our
increase a percent or two below the standard."
10. Team up. Working with "channel partners"--companies that
target the same market but with products or services different from
yours--can be an ultra-efficient marketing strategy. They've already
spent the time and money to attract the customers you want, and
you can piggyback on those efforts. Naturally, your partners are going to want reciprocal benefits. Vinelli, the business coach, says,
"Set aside time each week to brainstorm new ways to create added
value to your relationships, fostering more referrals and new partnerships."
9. Fire up your employees. Think about creating a bonus plan to
motivate employees to hit your 2011 goals. Bonuses, while not always successful, says Rich Armstrong, president of The Great Game
of Business Inc., can help focus your staff's attention on key metrics
such as sales, profits, productivity and customer satisfaction.
Anne Maxfield, chief visionary officer and founder of Accidental
Locavore, a new-media venture in New York that demystifies farmers markets for shoppers, is partnering with companies that appeal
to food- and health-conscious consumers. She's pitching a show
to the Food Network and forging alliances with NYCH2O, a New
York bottled-water company, and EcoPlum, a website selling green
products.
Armstrong's Springfield, Mo., firm provides training in the openbook management philosophy, which advocates sharing financial
and operational information with employees so that they can make
better decisions, and it gives them a stake in the company's success.
"Our success in 2011 will come from partnerships [with companies] that consumers believe in and trust," she says.
45
meetingminutes
South Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association
Board of Directors Meeting
December 8, 2010
Palmetto Agri-Business Conference Room, Columbia, SC
Present: Rick McAbee, Marge Rudisill, Sharon King, Beth Lewis,
Carson Aull, Don Brookshire, Tom Young, Kirk Young.
Also Present: Dr. Sarah White, Jackie Moore, Gary Spires, Donna
Foster
Nominating Committee Report
Rudisill, Nominating Committee Chairperson, reported that their
slate of officers would be:
President Elect: Carson Aull
McAbee called the meeting to order at 9:45 am. McAbee discussed the sudden cold snap and the affects on the industry already in distress. However there was good news to report that
more jobs (new Amazon facility in the Columbia area) were coming to South Carolina.
New Board Members: David Rickenbaker, Kari Whitley, and Mandi
Cothran. The Committee will also ask for nominations from the
floor at the Annual Meeting.
Executive’s Report
Foster reported that the Georgia Green Industry would be hosting a meeting to discuss Southeastern water issues at their trade
show. Foster and Spires plan on attending. She passed around
the latest PABC postcard sent to members of the SC General Assembly promoting SC Agri-business. She said the poinsettias
were being giving to the members of the SC General Assembly
this morning – this is a joint project with SC Farm Bureau and the
SCGGA. She reported on an educational opportunity for our landscape contractor members. There was a discussion on this opportunity and with partnering with SCLTA if they are interested. It
was decided to go forward with planning the event with LandOpt.
Foster reported that the Research Endowment Fund had almost
lost its tax exempt status because the appropriate federal tax returns had not been filed. She had worked with the CPA to gather
the information so that the tax return could be postmarked by
the deadline.
SCHI 2011
Silent Auction – Rudisill and McAbee have collected 6 items so
far with a goal of 20. They reviewed the forms and rules outlined
so far and made a few additions.
SCNAL Awards
After discussion, the following awards were decided on:
Fellows – Dr. Ted Whitwell
SCNLA Member of the Year – there would be no 2010 recipient
Louis P. Parsons Outstanding Contribution – there would be no
2010 recipient
South Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association
Annual Meeting
Friday, February 4, 2011
5:15 pm
Seminar area of Trade show Floor, Myrtle Beach Convention Center
AGENDA
Call to Order
Reading of the Minutes
President’s Report
Awards presentation
Treasurer’s Report
Election of New Board Members
Executive Director’s Report & Upcoming Events
New Business
Old Business
Adjourn
Legislative Update
Spires reviewed the PABC legislative agenda for 2011 that was discussed at the PABC meeting earlier in the week: Issues; Tort report,
Taxes & Fees, Budget, Economic Development for SC Agri-Business.
For SCNLA the issues would be the same and also immigration.
SCNLA Breakfast
Scheduled for 2/24/2011, Kirk Young will bring herbs for the Legislators and as President will also give the welcoming remarks.
PABC will host a Legislative Breakfast on 4/14/11. No other details
are available at this time.
Nursery Tour Update
Foster said she has the program nearly complete but waiting on
information from Milliken so that she can finish the brochure.
McAbee said that our contact at Milliken had retired the week
before so he would follow up with them. Foster gave him a list of
information that was needed. There was a brief discussion on the
registration fee for the tour. Depending on the food costs that will
come from Milliken the price will be $45 for early registration and
$55 for late registration.
Legislative Committee Meeting – Foster reported that the Legislative Committee meeting had to be moved because of the silent auction and will now be on Saturday morning at 8:30 am.
Golf & Sporting Clays Tournaments – registrations for these
events is low at this time.
Live Auction – Aull will be in charge and will get about 5 helpers.
Booth Awards – Foster and Lewis will take care of the awards.
Old Business
There was no old business.
New Business
There was no new business.
Annual Meeting – Will be held on Friday afternoon on the trade
show floor. There were no additional agenda items for the annual
meeting.
McAbee thanked Sharon King, Beth Lewis, and Marge Rudisill for
their service to the Board and to SCNLA.
White volunteered to be the moderator where a moderator was
still needed. Foster reported that she had followed up with the
Convention Center and had been assured that an entire new security staff was in place.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:35 pm.
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TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
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IDENTIFY THESE PLANTS
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NATIONAL BRANDS, HOMEGROWN DIVERSITY
Hellebores
by Robert F. Polomski, Ph.D.
In the award-winning tome, Herbaceous
Perennial Plants; a treatise on their identification, culture, and garden attributes,
author and perennial guru Allan Armitage
writes: “Unless hardiness is an issue, no
garden should be without hellebores. Period! The budding and blooming of hellebores herald the down of a new season.
Strolling by a clump of hellebores on the
edge of a path or on a hillside where flowers nod their greetings, the stroller knows
that spring has sprung and all is right with
the world.”
I am in total agreement. Despite their
ominous-sounding name, hellebores are
outstanding evergreen herbaceous perennials that are well-suited for partially to
fully shaded areas of the landscape. Their
claim to fame are their nodding bell-shaped
flowers that, depending on the species and
cultivar, may appear as early as Halloween
and as late as April or early May.
The most popular hellebores are actually
hybrids comprised of several different species. (The Hellebore genus encompasses a
collection of 15 species that are native to
Europe and Asia.) The parentage is a bit
fuzzy, so taxonomists identify them with
the scientific name of Helleborus x hybridus. Everyone else knows them as Lenten
roses. Throughout the year they look like
two-foot high umbrellas with slender leathery leaves divided into 7 to 9 segments.
Their show-stopping flowers range in color
from pure white to ivory, cream, lemon, and
chartreuse. Other Lenten roses bear flowers that range from pale pink, rose, dusky
purple, to near black. They may be single,
semi-double, or double flowers. Often the
flowers last up to two months. It’s not uncommon for mature plants to produce 50
or more flowers, which often give rise to
Photo credits: www.skagitgardens.com
seedlings that can be moved or left in place
to increase the size of your planting.
As a testament to their beauty and garden
worthiness, Lenten rose was voted the
2005 Perennial Plant of the Year by the
Perennial Plant Association (http://www.
perennialplant.org/).
Lenten roses require little care. Plant them
in shade and water them occasionally in the
summer. To get the best view of the flowers, cut back the old leaves in early spring
to allow the new leaves to quickly fill in.
When cutting back the leaves, wear gloves,
especially if you have sensitive skin. Hellebores contain alkaloids that makes them
deer-resistant; however, these same compounds can cause a mild dermatitis upon
prolonged exposure to the plant sap.
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Besides Lenten roses, I’d like you to consider other hellebores, such as Josef Lemper Christmas rose (Helleborus niger 'HGC
Josef Lemper') whose pure white, upwardfacing flowers that turn to light green
emerge in October and continuing into
February, the pure white-flowered Jacob
Christmas Rose (H. niger ‘HGC Jacob’)
that blooms from November to January,
and the blue-green leaved Walhelivor (H.
'Walhelivor' Ivory Prince™), whose openfaced ivory flowers streaked with rose and
chartreuse appear from January to April.
Hellebores were widely cultivated in
America during colonial times. Their
popularity has never waned, due to their
ease-of-culture but most importantly, their
inviting flowers that remind us that winter
will soon be over.
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