NEW HAMPSHIRE PLANT GROWERS ASSOCIATION / FEBRUARY & MARCH 1995 CONIFER IN GROW BAGS All of the following are well-shaped: not too tight, not too loose, & have excellent color. PREMIUM GRADE White Pine 4-5' $18.00 7-8' $40.00 8-9' $45.00 10' $55.00 Blue Spruce 6-7' $50.00 7-8' $60.00 Red & Austrian Pine 3 "-'4"-' $18.00 NUMBER ONE GRADE (Plants on Sale) White Pine 7-9' $32.00 Fraser Pine & Black Hill Spruce 6-7' $35.00 Blue Spruce 7-9' $35.00 ALSO FOR SPRING: BALSAM FIR & FRASER FIR TRANSPLANTS & SEEDLINGS Please Call Bryan Blundell for more information. RRl,BOX 1480 EAST HARDWICK, VERMONT 05836-9503 PHONE (802) 533-2930 GROWERS OF QUALITY CHRISTMAS TREES: TRANSPLANTS AND NURSERY STOCK February FEBRUARY 16 How to Plant the Tree — A Workshop with Alex Shiga, Manchester, NH; for information: Mary Reynolds at 603-271-2214. FEBRUARY 22 Vermont Association of Professional Horticulturists Annual Meet- ing, Holiday Inn, Rutland, VT; 802- 899-3361. FEBRUARY 23-26 The Rhode \sland Spring Flower & Garden Show, Rfiode Island Convention Center, Provi- dence, Rl; information: 401-421-7811. FEBRUARY 23-26 Hartford Flower Show. Civic Center, Hartford, CT; information: CGGA at 203-261-9067. FEBRUARY 27 Winter Conference: "Demonstrating Ecological Practices of Landscape Design and Maintenance", Marriot Hotel, Westborough, MA; For more: Andrea Knowles (508- 663-8298) or Kathleen Carroll (413-545-0895) March MARCH 5 Floret Workshop, Kojoian's Greenhouses, Andover, MA: for in- formation: Peter Konjoian at 508- 683-0692. MARCH 8 Maine Landscape & Nursery Association (MeLNA) Twilight Meeting South, Southern Maine Technical College, for information: Edith Ellis at 207-225-3998. MARCH 11-19 New England Flower Show (theme: "Magical Moments"), Bayside Exposition Center, Boston, MA; 617-536-9280. MARCH 16-22 Maine State Horticulture Show (theme: "Through the Garden Gate") for more: 207-225-3998. MARCH 22 MeLNA Twilight Meeting North (tentative); 207-225-3998. MARCH 31 -APRIL 2 Bangor Garden Show, Bangor ME; 207-947-0307. April APRIL 9- 5 National Garden Week APRIL 7-8 25th Annual University of New Hampshire Greenhouse Open House, Plant Biology and Thompson School Greenhouses, Durham, NH; for information: Otho Wells at 603-862-3208. APRIL 14 College of Life Science and Agriculture \nvitational FFA Nursery/ Landscape and Floriculture Contest, UNH, Durham, NH; for information: Dave Howell at 603-862-1760. «e« WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19 NHPGA Twilight Meeting, AllGroTM, Inc., Composting Facility, Roches- ter, NH; information: |eff LeBJanc at 1-800-662-2440. APRIL 26-30 Fourth Annual New Hampshire Orchid Society Show (theme: "Gallery in Bloom"), Currier Gallery, Manchester, NH; informa- tion: loanna Eckstrom at 603-654-5070. ]une %"«« WEDNESDAY, )UNE 14 NHPGA Twilight Meeting, Demers Nursery & Garden Center, 656 South Mammoth Road, Manchester, NH; information: Bob Demers, Jr., at 603-625-8298. September *■*■« THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 NHPGA Twilight Meeting, Rolling Green Nursery, Greenland, NH; information: Rick & Beth Simpson at 603-436-2732. October ■*■«• WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18 NHPGA Pesticide Applicator Recertifica- tion Meeting, Granite Street Bar & Grill, Manchester, NH; information: Bob Demers, Jr., at 603-625-8298. /^ONTENTS FROM THE BOARD 3 FORDM 5 NH NEWS 7 ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS " MEMBER PROFILE The Goudeaults 20 DIAGNOSTIC OPDATE Dr. Cheryl Smith 26 WORTH REPEATING Redefining Groundcover Leslie van Berkum 28 FEATURES Unappreciated Neighbors Stflw Knowles 17 A Lesson from California jim Ber^flMtz 18 A Fresli Start Dr. Stanley R. Swier 23 Marathon on Poinsettias Alan T. Eaton 23 COLUMNS Z-NOTES ]im Zablocki 11 HOW ABOUT HERBS Tanya ]ackson 12 THE GREEN SPOT Mike Cherim 13 THE GRIFFIN GURU 14 The Plantsman Is published In early February, April, |une, August, October, and December with copy deadlines being the first of each prior month. While camera-ready ads are pre- ferred, set-up assistance Is available at a nomi- nal fee. Free classified advertising Is offered as a member service. We will carry a short message (no artwork or logos) for one or two Issues of The Plantsman. AD SIZE 6x Ix 3 3/8-w X 2 I/4'h $120 $30 3 3/8 'w X 4 3/4 "h $160 $40 7"w X 2 I/4'h $160 $40 7'w X 4 5/8 "h $250 $50 7'w X 9 1/2 "h $400 $100 For further Information, please contact the editor: Robert Parker at the UNH Research Greenhouses, Durham, NH 03824, 603-862- 2061 ; or PC Box 5, Newflelds, NH 03856, 603- 778-8353. February & March 1995 Plant pests can be controlled biologically. If you want more details on the how-to, please give us a call or drop us a line. You'll receive an informative catalog / technical manual for FREE The Green Spot, Departmeiil of Bio-liigeituity 9.1 Priest Road. Biirringlott, A'// 0382 fi 603-'J42-flV2!i Wide selection Fast, reliable service Exemplary technical support Low prices > 'I r i '/QUALin . SELECTION : •',& SERVICE' VVeGrowAtMillicanNurscrii / .r Let Rough Brothers' expertise turn your greenhouse into a powerhouse — ^ffor profits. Call the experts at Rough Brothers for information and technical assistance on these quality products Manufacturers of • WhiteHouse • The International • Harvest House • The "2100' gutter-connected house • Free-standing poly arch houses • Techlite glazing • Ro-Flo benches • Ebb & Flo benches Distnbutors of • Alcoa Aluminum Fin Heating • Heating and ventilating equipment • Maintenance supplies, glass, parts and more Rough Brothers P.O. Box 16010, Cincinnati, Ohio 45216 rem ROUGH BROTHERS I ' 1-800/543.7351 Northern Grown Trees Evergreens Shrubs Mon-Sat 7:00 -5:30 Sun: 9:00 - 5:00 NURSERIES Loated at junction of routes 22 & 114 Gorham, Maine 04038 Phone (207) 839-4262 or 839-6364 Fax 207-839-2290 We specialize in growing specimen plant materials T/ic Planlsnmn FROM THE Cooperation & Camaraderie Susan Englund, Ann Hilton, and the staff at Gateway Gardens In a world where businesses often compete aggres- sively with one another, it is refreshing to look with- in the green industry and see situations where there is a sense of cooperation and camaraderie. Nowhere are these more needed than in the start-up of a new enterprise, when business experience and a knowl- edge of product lines and materials are essential. Gateway Gardens, the garden center in Concord that opened last year, is a perfect example. The need for knowledge was great — and the response from people within the industry was wonderful. Opening last Mother's Day weekend. Gateway offered bedding plants, pot crops, foliage, perennials, nursery stock, hard goods, landscaping services, display gardens and, finally, a florist shop. Throughout the development of these plans, advice and experience were freely of- fered and shared. One garden center owner offered detailed plans for a bench system that he'd devel- oped; another offered invaluable help in pricing strat- egies; another suggested crop quantities he'd found appropriate; yet another advised on lines of insecti- cides to carry. Whenever advice was sought, it was openly and freely given, well beyond the requirements of courtesy. The knowledge shared benefits everyone involved in the interaction of sharing. The new insights and so- lutions greatly enrich the adventure of beginning a new business Also, it is true that there is strength in numbers and that we all profit from working together for the good of the industry. We are thankful to be part of this great industry. CLASSIFIED MANUFACTURER'S REPRESENTATIVE WANTED Rapidly growing manufacturer of mini-green- houses designed for the consumer market is seek- ing full-time representative to call on garden cen- ters, hardware stores, or any other retail market place selling garden products. Must be experienced in sales to the resale market. Please call 603-964- 1115 and ask for Mike or Nan for more details or to arrange an interview. New Winner Pink Ice D.S. COLE imyaMMMf Tour Double Impatiens Source 241 North Village Road, Loudon, NH 03301 (603) 783-9561 Fax (603) 783-95( Are You Interested in Composting? On April 19, 1995, AllGro™, Inc. will host the first TWILIGHT MEETING OF THE YEAR at its new composting facility in Rochester, NH. Come see how composting is done on a large scale. Mark April 19"" on your calendar. There will be plenty of food and refreshments. We hope to see you all there. P.S. Free samples available. Be sure to bring your pickup truck! All.. Gro The Compost Company 18006622440 February & March 1995 New England's Leading Full Line Seed House • Packet Seeds • Lawn Seed • Fertilizer • Grounds Maintenance Chemicals 1 (800) 326-HART FAST, COURTEOUS SERVICE The Chas. C. Hart Seed Co. P.O. BOX 9169 WETHERSFIELD. CT 061 29-01 69 1 (800) 326-HART WINDING BROOK TURF FARM, '""^ 240 Grijwold Rd WeOurtfuU.CT 06109 FT III Kemubank. ME 04O43 . QVAUTY BLUEGRASS ' BLUEGRASS - FESCUE BLENDS • LOW MAINTENANCE BLENDS • PENNCROSS BENTGRASS In €7203 529-6869 Ouutdt CT I ■900-243-0232 m^-A LAN NURSERIES, 259 CoUege Street, Magog JIX 2K4 Phone & FAX: (819) 843-5071 Lan 15 o\N\ned by a ^roup of Quebec growers In order to present a large variety of hardy flowering shrubs and perennials showing THE NOf^THEI^N BEAUTY Dogwood - Forsythia -Hydrangea Honeysuckle - Lilacs - Ninebark Potentilla - Rugosa Rose Spirea - Sumac Viburnum - Vine >' will be a sales area. A cafe will be serving food. The preview reception (wine, soft drinks, and hors-d'oeuvres) will be held on Wednesday, April 26, from 7-9 pm Tickets are 515.00 and should be purchased from any NHOS member before April 15. (You can send your check or money order payable to NHOS to New Hamp- shire Orchid Society. PO Box 5375, Manchester, NH 03108-5375.1 The museum exhibitions will be open as well. Hours for the general public are 11-5: on Friday night the exhibit is open until nine. Tickets are 56.00 and include admission to both the orchid show and the museum. Tours are offered, including spe- cial tours that include dinner at the cafe. (For information about these: 603-669-6144). Underwriters of what promises to be a very special event are Muro Pharmaceutical Company of Tewks- bury, Massachusetts, and the McLane Law Firm of Manchester. For information, contact |oanna Eckstrom at 603-654-5070 It is with Sadness... ...that we learned of the death of |ohn Crouse, of Sanbornville, New Hampshire. He passed away last October third. )ohn graduated from Stockbridge in 1933. Shortly after graduation, he was superintendent of Bellevue Cemetery in Lawrence. In 1956, he and his wife Dorothy founded Windham Nurseries in Windham, New Hampshire. In his retirement, he remained active in the horticul- tural field, raising perennials. He is survived by Dorothy, his wife for forty years, a son and daughter, five grandchildren, and several cousins. Ernie's Greenhouse 107 WHITEHALL ROAD, ROCHESTER, NH 03868 TEL. 1 ■603-332-91 95 T A he // holesalers of Pre-finished Geraniums, Ivie Geraniums, Fuchsias, Geranium Ivie, Vinca, Dracaena he heart of our own rapidly expanding retail business is our lavish display of the best geranium, ivie geranium and fuchsia varieties on the market today. Many of these are new Oglevee varieties that clearly out-perform the old standbys. We dazzle our retail customers with color, growing plants in all popular sizes, including spectacular big planters priced to sell in volume. Let us help you increase your sales and profit by helping you custom design just such a sales program. Available Varieties (Ogl = Oglevee patented) ZONAL GER.\MUM Kim. Red. Ogl Sassy. Dk Red, Ogl Veronica. Rose, Ogl Melody. Pink, Ogl Pink Expectations, Ogl Snow White, Ogl .\urora (violet) Beth, (light pink) Additional varieties may be introduced. We ship rooted cuttings in 806 Packs. 4 JIT, (T. 8' and Iff" pre-finished zonal geramums. and 8" or KT pre-fin- ished rcie geramums and fuchsias. We men also be able to custom gros some selected annuals in 806 pacts (pre-finished). IVIE GER.\.N"IUM Sybil Holmes (rosebud pink) .\methyst (violet) Bluebeard (deep burgundy) Beauty of Eastbourne (rose) Simone, Red, Ogl Nicole, Pink, Ogl Minicascade (red) FUCHSL\S Swingtime (red/white) Dark Eves (red/purple) Blue Eyes (red/blue) Starry Trail (purple/white) Southgate (pink) Pink Marshmaiiow The New Hampshire Orchid Society presents ^/Tly April 27 - 30. 1995 The Currier Gallery of Art 192 Orange Street Manchester. New Hannpshire Preview Reception April 26, 7 - 9 p.nn. Tickets $15 — call 603-654-5070 Funded in part by MURO Pharmoceutical and ttie McLane Low Firnn Exhibits ** Demonstrations ■ Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 1 1 a.m. Admission $6 — * Raffles ** Plant Soles to 5 p.m.; Friday 1 1 a.m. to 9 p.m. under 12 free JTanglewood Gardens ^ Growers of Fine Plants ^j^ ^ 424 State Route 101 ^^ J^ Bedford, NH 03110-5029 \l/ 603/472-3737 ^ Wholesale & Retail T^ 2 1/2" - Geranjums • Fuchsias ^S Dracaenas • Vinca Vine I I\y Geraniums & ^^ Pomsettias J 4 1/2" - Prefinished Geraniums & New Guinea A^ Impatiens /L ALSO ^ Over 100 Herb Varieties t|% Open seven days a week ^1^ Located on Rt 1 0 1 1 000 ft West ^'^ of Wealhervane Restaurant Give us a all when you're ready to order conifer seedlings and transplants. For over 70 years, we ve earned the reputation of being the folks who provide consistent dependable delivery of deep-rooted quality In both product and service. We Also Offer: • contract growing of conifers • Individually wrapped plugs for promotional events To order, or receive our latest catalog, L call us toll-free: 1-800 447-4745 or fax (207) 'ESTERN P.O. Box 250. Fryeburg., ME 04037 February f> March I'^^'i Distributor of: Tree supplying Nursery stock for Landscape contractors & Garden centers from many excellent growers Call us to Discuss Your Needs P.O. Box 64 Mclndoe FaUs, VT 05050 o Sdver Tree Staking System Finally, a staking system that solves all your staking problems. Safe Reliable Safe for Tree Quick to install Cost-effective Td. 800-639-1722 FAX 802-633-2349 V "WHOLESAD Price List Available PERENNIAL - HERBS - WILDFLOWERS 80 Varieties in 6-cell packs UPS Shipping Available ROUTE 101 P.O. Box 26 Dublin^ N.H. 603-56^-8180 Annuals bedding Plants (6 cell pacRs) Zonal Geraniums-4 !/2 ' pot Hardy Mums in season 3 J4qt.pan Perenials available in 2qt. - 3qt. - 4qt. and 6qt. pots The Moie You Grow, The Moie You Know. w. re've been in this business a long lime. We know our customer's needs and demands. It dosen'i make a difference of the time of year or the size of the project. Northeast Nursery covers it f ^5 all. With the widest selection in wholesale plant materials and ^^ landscape supplies in all of New England it's no wonder many consider Northettst Nursery the best One-Stop shopping for all your landscape and green supplies. (f^^Northeast Nursery, Inc. Supplying Fine Plant Material & Landscape Supplies 234 Newbury Street, Rt. 1 South Peabody, MA 01960 Tel. (508) 535-6550 Fax (508) 535-5247 WHOLESALE NURSERY TREES • EVERGREENS • SHRUBS 150 acres of quality plants Write for catalog Member- MNA. NENA Millers Falls Road, Turners Falls, MA 01376 Telephone 413- 863-2510 ^^#^ s Jewarts NURSERY, Inc The Plantsman EWHERE IN THE New Product — the Tree Saver: a "Revolution in Tree Staking." Lawson & Lawson, Martinsville, Indi- ana, has patented and tested a tree stake kit that "is not only user- friendly, but tree-friendly as well;" John ). Wiley, Jr., an arborist in Col- chester, Vermont, calls it "the most technically advanced system for an- choring trees available." The Tree Saver uses solid rub- ber supports instead of wires, plas- tic cords, or cables. Each support is placed around the tree, using a loop for attaching it to the trunk. Once they're attached, a hook is put on each support for connecting it to the ground stake. The stake is a simple — but clever — design. Shaped like an inverted "1," it slips into a large red two-hole washer (called a "high impact stabilizing disc") before going into the ground. Once you have driven the stake into the ground, a loop is left just above the disc. The support hooks onto this loop. Then you adjust the support to get the right tension. The Tree Saver uses a different anchoring principle — it allows the tree to move and the energy from the motion to be absorbed by the supports — "sort of like putting shock absorbers on a tree." Advantages include ease of in- stallation (Steve Browley, a Florida landscape contractor comments, "We staked 100 trees on a hot day. It took five minutes at first, but be- fore we finished, we were staking a tree in four minutes or less"), neat appearance, and the fact that rub- ber is easy on the bark (the pli- able rubber expands as the caliper increases); and then there is the "mow-over feature" — the supports unhook and one can mow right over the concealed stakes. And the Tree Saver is reusable. Available in three different pack- ages— retail, professional, and bulk, the Tree Saver seems like a great way to stake a tree. For more, contact Wally Thrall at New England Nursery Sales, PO Box WITH THE COMING OF SPRING CROPS, IT'S IMPORTANT TO remember that different plants react differently to water and fertilizers. Spring brings a whole array of new plants in the greenhouse and there are subtle differences in how to grow them. We try to find a common denominator that satisfies most, but inevitably, some get left out. First, be sure to have a water test taken — one that's broad enough to give readings for pH, alkalinity, and most available minor elements. Most New England water has a low pH (unless it's town water, which is apt to be treated with lime in order to raise pH). Most plants perform well under lower pH — but marigolds and geraniums do not. Under low pH, iron and manganese become too available and become toxic to these two plants; the symptoms are similar to damage caused by spider mites. The solution — raise the pH, either with 15-0-15, calcium nitrate, or even Excel 1 5-5-1 5. Vinca vine is the opposite. It's happier with lower pH and responds positively to higher levels of iron and manganese. Excel 21-5-20 is the best solution here. Geraniums will take a weekly feed program of 200 ppm. But — fuch- sia and New Guinea impatiens should be fed very little or not at all un- til well-established in their containers. Too much fertilizer or even too low a temperature can stunt the plant or cause disease. When you have some plants that need more feed and some that need less and a single-head injector with which you feed and water, Osmocote may help you solve this dilemma. Either top dress or incorpo- rate it into the soil of those plants that can use extra feed and con- tinue on with your normal program. Obvious problems and solutions are often overlooked in the spring rush. ]im Zablocki, Territory Manager, The Scotls Company. Northeast, can be reached at 603-224-5583. 64, Mclndoe Falls, Vermont 05050. The telephone there is 802-633-2232; the fax: 802-633-2349. HRI Awards The Horticultural Research Institute (HRI) will grant awards totalling over $200,000 to fund 1995 nursery and landscape industry research. Topics include: container produc- tion; genetic engineering; Integrated Pest Management; marketing; propa- gation; stress tolerance; and water and fertilizer management. Founded in 1962 as the research division of the American Associa- tion of Nurserymen (AAN), HRI "pro- motes, directs, funds, and communi- cates nursery research." HRI's Endow- ment Fund Foundation was estab- lished in 1975 to allow individuals, firms and green industry associations to make tax-deductible contributions. HRI 1995 award winners include two from New England: Bruce Parker and Michael Brownbridge, University of Vermont, received $5,000 to study "Management of Thrips and Whiteflies with Insect- Killing Fungi Greenhouse Spray Tri- als;" and Dr. Ronald Kujawski and Karen Iodine, University of Massa- chusetts Cooperative Extension, re- ceived $3,500 to study "Using Cryo- lite for Control of Black Vine Wee- vil in Field Nurseries." For information, contact HRI at 1250 I Street, NW, Suite 500, Wash- ington, DC, or call 202-789-2900. February & March 1 995 ELSEWHERE NEWS HOW ABOUT HERBS A Letter from the South SPENDING TIME IN THE DEEP SOUTH HAS OPENED MY EYES TO fresh possibilities for herb growing in the North. Not that our gar- dening is similar: not at all — I'm even beginning to believe ours is easier: you get to take a rest! But there are plants here that we could use, but don't, thinking of them as Southern. PERILLA (P. frutescens Crispa') is one. I have seen it in Northern gardens, but not very often. In New Hampshire, it would be an annual, vigorous and easy to grow. It's often mistaken for coleus or purple basil because of its bushy habit and color. The purple color is most eye-catching, but it also comes in green. It has a minty fragrance and taste and is important in Asia, where it's cul- tivated for its cooking oil. It self-sows and can become weedy in the South, but when I saw it growing at Tower Hill Botanical Gar- den in Massachusetts and again in a Florida bedding display, I though it made a colorful statement. It likes full sun or partial shade and would be particularly beautiful with grey artemisias and salvia. I hope growers will consider beginning to promote this as an annual for markets up here. GOTU KOLA (Centella asiatica), known as Marsh Penny or Indian Pennywort, is a little-known perennial of the Umbelliferae family now enjoying new popularity in the South. It tastes much like parsley; is said to be high in the B vitamins, and was once — on the West Coast — highly recommended for the prevention of aging. It grows much like a strawberry, easily propagated from daughter plants as well as from seed. Invasive in the garden, it makes a fine hanging basket. It likes bright shade and ample water and could be used on the patio or in a sunroom up here. Finally, an herb we are all familiar with, but do not think of as a house plant, is GINGER. The ornamental gingers such as Butterfly Ginger {Hedychium coronarium) and Hidden Ginger {Curcuma petiolata) make the best container plants and have the more interesting flowers, but I have grown on hands of Zingiber officinale found in the grocery store to provide tasty, tangy greens for use in stir-fry cooking. Like peppers, the rhizomes of all the gingers are edible with varying degrees of hotness. All gingers are heavy feeders needing rich humus soil, regular fertilizing, and plenty of light and water. It's always interesting to travel. To see what grows elsewhere and to take up the challenge of trying new plant material in carefully chosen Northern situations is an interest in its own right. Tanya ]ackson, a well-known area herbalist, can be reached al 603-431-6774. NE Grows Endowment Fund (from the NENA New England Newsline. Winter, 1995) New England Grows has established an endowment fund from which annual grant awards will be made to the Co- operative Extension Systems within the region. In 1995, the six New En- gland Cooperative Extension Systems each received a $2,000 grant, the funds of which are to be used "to enhance services that benefit the green indus- try within the individual states." Pre- sentation of the grant awards took place during the 1995 New England Grows at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston. A US First for Blooms of Bressingham Gary R. Doerr, president of Pepper- grove Nursery, Lapeer, Michigan, has been appointed to head US market- ing efforts for Blooms of Bressing- ham, Ltd , the well-known English nursery. Doerr's position is a first in the United States for Blooms, which was founded in England in 1926. "This position has been created to speed up the introduction and ac- ceptance of novel or different plant varieties among the US gardening public," Doerr said. "The Blooms of Bressingham signature has long been associated with truly worth- while plant material and it's time that it became more available to gardeners in the United States." New Pansies (from a Harris Seeds News Bulletin) There's a growing market for fall pansies in the Northeast and Mid- west and the following two series have been bred and trialed with this in mind. Both overwinter suc- cessfully (provided they're planted early enough for roots to become established) as far north as Minne- sota and Northern Michigan. Pansy RALLY Series: "Rally" pansies are a very free-flowering, medium The Plantsman EWHERE IN THE NEW bloom-size Fl pansy. They remain compact, "yet send out multitudes of flower stems per plant." Color range consists of Deep Blue/ Blotch, Lilac Cap, Orange/Blotch, White/Blotch, Pure White, Yellow/Blotch, Pure Yellow, and a formula mixture. Pansy SKY Series: This Fl series offers the "Skylines" (winged and blotched) and "Clear Skies" (pure colors). A medium bloom-size pansy series, the "Sky's" do particularly well in the fall. Colors consist of "Skyline" Blue, White, White/Purple Face, and Yellow and "Clear Sky" Red, Yellow, True Blue, and White, as well as a formula mixture of 14 pure, blotched, and bicolored types. For information: Harris Seeds at 716-442-0410. Of Impatiens and Onions Impatiens is a relative newcomer to the western world, arriving in En- gland in 1896 via the efforts of Dr. )ohn Kirk, Consul-General at Zanzi- bar. In the 1950s, impatiens sultani (named for the Sultan of Zanzibar), renamed wallerana (for Horace Waller, a British missionary), were available as open-pollinated plants and only as a mixture of flower colors. Im- proved by early breeders — Bob Reiman: ('Pixie White, 1958); Claude Hope (the 'Elfin' series, 1968), today impatiens is "America's number one bedding plant" and the National Garden Bureau honors it by naming 1995 "The Year of the Impatiens." Along with this newest of intro- ductions is one of the oldest — the onion — "Egyptians ate onions daily and elevated this bulb to a deity 5,000 years ago." Now "one of the most internationally recognized and eaten vegetables in the world, " it is also known for its medicinal value — among other things, it lowers serum cholesterol and reduces blood sugar. So celebrate — it's the Year of the Impatiens and Onion. For help in The Green spot FEBRUARY'S THE TIME FOR PLANNING AHEAD. EVEN THOUGH IT MAY be snowy and cold, it's not too early to think about pest control on spring crops. Especially biological pest control. The earlier we get started, the less we'll need to spend and the better off we'll be. Some steps to help insure success are: 1. Review past records to determine what pests are likely to be encoun- tered and when. 2. At the time of sowing, regardless of crop, add parasitic nematodes to the growing medium (for control of fungus gnats and other pests likely to be in the medium from the start). Additionally, consider adding a product such as Mycostop (r) (a biofungicide compatible with biological pest control agents) to the growing medium to prevent diseases before they start — espe- cially if good bugs are going to be used this year, so the more toxic fungi- cides can be avoided later. 3. Upon germination and emergence of the cotyledons, start scouting for pests at least once a week. Use yellow sticky cards to help you scout more effectively. 4. When plants are a few inches tall — as spring approaches and the photo- period lengthens — start making very small regular releases of certain bio- logical pest control agents to thwart the pests that will soon show up, e.g., release Aphidius spp. (an aphid parasitoid) to greet your first uninvited guests. Of course, if plugs are being brought in or cuttings are being taken from overwintered stock, you'll have to alter your strategy to a certain extent. But two rules will always remain the same: scout for pests continuously and act preventively. Mike Cherim is al The Green Spot. 603-942-8925. "X FOR THE LATEST QUALITY TURF BLENDS CALL TOLL FREE 1 -800-5S6-6985 Turf for Home Lawns, Athletic Fields, Parks, Commercial Buildings, Golf Courses, Schools, Garden Centers, Wetland Stabilization. TSimBiTinf BIG ROLLS AND ROLL OUT SERVICE. FORK LIFT UNLOADING. CONVENIENT FARM PICK UP IN THE MANCHESTER - NASHUA AREA GROWING FOR THE TURF PROFESSIONAL FOR 25 YEARS February & March 1995 E W H E R E THE NEW doing this — fact sheets, slide sets, biacl<-and-white prints, contact the National Garden Bureau, 1311 But- terfield Road, Ste 310, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515; the phone number there is 708-963-0770. Peace (from the All-America Rose Selections, Inc. Rose Report, Fall/Winter, 1994) "In 1995, nations around the world will pay tribute to the 50th Anni- versary of the end of World War II. This same year will mark the 50th anniversary of the Peace Rose — born amidst the destruction of war. "In honor of Peace, AARS is do- nating a special Peace Garden at the site of the original UN Peace Conference, the War Memorial in San Francisco. The publicity sur- rounding this anniversary will no doubt generate customer interest, so make sure you have ample sup- plies of the Peace Rose on hand." TIPS FROM THE GRIFFIN GURU Have You Backed-up Your Records Today? IN THE WORLD OF COMPUTERS, WE ARE CONSTANTLY REMINDED of the fact that a simple power outage can wipe out electronic records representing years of work — records which are time- consuming to reconstruct — or simply impossible to recover. The term "Back-up" means that you would make a copy of your transactions onto a disc or tape and — just to be safe — take it out of the building (in case of fire) and home with you each night or secure it in a "fireproof" cabinet. Keeping records which are not easily transported in a fireproof se- cured area could dramatically improve their chances for recovery if there ever was a fire. But "fireproof" only means that a cabinet is rated for heat vs. time. And, unfortunately, in the end, nothing is fire- proof if subjected to enough heat for enough time. Should the worst happen, despite appropriate precautions on your part, don't forget to ask your suppliers for assistance in reconstructing your records. Most businesses would do their best to help you out. Nei?v^ton Greenhoxise 32 Amesbury Road, Newton, NH 03858 603-382-5289 Quality Plants green and flowering from 3" to 10 " pots Holiday, bedding plants, & dish gardens year round cut snaps, cut tulips and iris in season, gloxinias and African violets Licensed propagator of Mikkelsen & Ecke New Guinea Impatiens CadpenteDc "The (geranium specialists" Wholesale Grotvers 2 1/2" Geraniums (year round) 4" Pre-finished Geraniums 2 1/2" Ivy Geraniums & Fuchsia Martha Washington Geraniums Spring Hanging Baskets, LiUes/Bulbs Azaleas, Cyclamen, Poinsettias, Foliage JOHN B. CARPENTER, President ROBERT J. CARPENTER, Genera! Manager 603/659-3391 220 SOUTH MAIN STREET NEWMARKET, NH 03857 NORTHERN NURSERIES WHOLESALE HORTICULTURAL DISTRIBUTION CENTERS U.S. Route 5, White River Junction, VT 05001 16 Pinkham Road West, Barrington, Nh 03825 4 SER VTNG THE PR OFESSIONAL WITH ABOVE GROUND PLAJ^ MATERIAL Distributors in the following lines: • Lofts Seeds , Biichmdcr Sprayen • DeWitt Weed Barrier . Lebanon Turf Fertilizers • Mulch & Grow Hydroseeding Fiber • Nursery & Landscape Supplies • Corona Hand Tools • Earthway Spreaders Contact: Jim Babb, Mgr., White River Junction, VT, (802) 295-2117 Bob AvercU, Mgr., Barrington, NH, (603) 868-7172 GOOD SERVICE . DEPENDABLE QUALriT' CONVENIENT LOCATION BARK MULCH DIVISION p. O. Box 527. Route 122 Poland Spring, Maine 04274 WHOLESALE SUPPLIERS Jolly Farmer PRODUCTS NURSERY DIVISION: P. O. Box 56. Route 10 East Lempster, N.H. 03605 WHOLESALE GROWERS Bark Mulch - Hemlock . Mix & Cedar... by the Tractor-Trailer load. Bagged Mulch - our own bark mulch now available In 2 and 3 cu.tt. bags. ..Hemlock. Pine-Spruce, Cedar, Spruce-Hemlock & DatV Bark. Also.. .Pine Bark Nuggets & Mini Nuggets. Bagged Soils & Manures - Top soii, Potting Soil, Peat Humus, Peat Moss. Composted & Dehydrated Cow Manures. Cut & Split Firewood • Annual Plugs • Rooted Cuttings • Geraniums • Bedding Plants • Potted Annuals • Hanging Baskets • Fall Mums • Cyclamen. ..Liners, Finished • Polnsettlas... Cuttings, Finished Telephone: 1-800-879-2275 1-207-998-5580 1-207-998-2006 Telephone: 1-800-695-8300 1-603-863-3370 1-603-863-7814 "Integrity, quality and reliable service since 1967' February G March GRIFFIN GREENHOUSE AND NURSERY SUPPLIES Best Buy Package! UqIjcp Inflation Buster Pipe Frame; Oki-Pet Base Rail & Insert; 1 lUUOC Qj^g yggj, fji^ ^ i^ji ^^Q^ 28' X 100' Heating Options Siebring Quantum Heater Oil-fired Forced Hot Air witfi Stack Pipe from gable end out; Single-Stage SensorStat Temperature Controller $2512 $3092 Modine Heater Gas-fired Forced Hot Air with LP Conversion Kit and Stack Pipe from thie unit out, Two-Leg Heater Hanger Kit, Single-Stage SensorStat Temperature Controller $1617 $2465 NY: 518-786-3500 4/30/95 Xmrt 'Poinsettlas 'Annuals 'Perennials mm oDmw Wholesalers & Retailers A (smm Visit our 12 Greenhouses & Garden Center Glaremont Hill, Newport, New Hampshire (603)863-1089 OPEN YEAR ROUND 'Potted Plants 'Seasonal Crops 'Supplies Unappreciated Neighbors Our Underutilized Native Trees Stan Knowles Perhaps the most striking feature of a tree is its fall color. Fall is when most people take a long hard look at trees. Photographers scramble to get exceptional shots of trees in their fall dress. Our native Red (or Swamp) Maple is absolutely spec- tacular in the fall, ranging from greenish-yellow to yellow to brilliant red. Perhaps it is the variability of fall color that causes us to shy away from using it in an urban set- ting, or maybe it's the tree's intolerance to highly pol- luted areas. Dirr advises that it is only intermediately tolerant of sulfur dioxide. Despite these disadvantages, it is very tolerant of soils, although in its natural setting, it is often found in swamps. But some of the best natu- ral specimens of Red Maple are found on upland well- drained soils, so it does have potential for use in many urban settings. In addition, Red Maple is moderately tol- erant to salt, unlike its counterpart, Sugar Maple, which is very intolerant. Red Maple transplants easily from the wild as a small tree or larger specimens may be purchased balled and burlapped for spring transplanting. Despite the fact that it is one of New Hampshire's most common trees, it's not a common choice in urban settings. The "Armstrong" cultivar is the upright variety having attractive light gray bark. A planting of four of these may be found alongside the Love Gymnasium on the Philips Exeter Academy grounds in Exeter, N.H. It may reach a height of 15 feet and only 4.5 feet wide in four years, but needs at least 25 square feet of soil area. More than that is desirable, but not always possible. Much has been said about avoiding trees that bear nuts for street plantings. However, the nut of Pin Oak is relatively small, (1/2 inch in length) and enclosed in a thin cup. According to Dirr, it is tolerant of city condi- tions and based on its prevalence in the Washington, D.C., and Chevy Chase, Maryland, area, it can actually thrive along busy streets. Some of the trees in that area have reached upwards to 100 feet of height and are very healthy and impressive. Here in Portsmouth, there were many Pin Oaks planted around the city in the 1970s. They are interspersed with the overused Norway Maples on Richards Avenue and have outgrown them. The dark-green glossy leaf in summer is a real attrac- tion. As with most oaks, the fall color is variable and fre- quently drab, ranging from russet to red. Another major advantage to Pin Oak is its adaptability to a wide range of soil moisture conditions. Although it prefers well- drained soils, it will grow in wet clay soils as well. It is classified among the faster growing oaks, attaining two to two-and-a-half feet of height per year. It does tend to be branchy, but early detection of deformities and judi- cious pruning can assist in maintaining the striking pyra- midal form. Pin Oak also possesses a fibrous, shallow root system that makes transplanting relatively easy. This tree is nearly free of disease and insect problems, but will show signs of leaf yellowing when iron chlorosis is a problem. Soil additives can provide corrective action. All in all, this tree has great potential for use in urban areas in New Hampshire up to and including Zone 4. It may be a bit risky to refer to white ash as an underutilized native tree, but this species has great pos- sibilities, except when the "ash leaf rust" is prevalent in the seacoast. Spartina (or cordgrass) which grows in the salt marshes is the alternate host of the rust disease that infects white ash leaves, petioles, and green twigs. The disease was a problem in the New England seacoast area about thirty years ago and destroyed several white ash trees in Kittery, Maine. However it has not been a problem of consequence since that time. Vigorous white ash trees are less susceptible to some of the insect and disease problems that commonly at- tack the tree. The secret then is to plant it on deep, moist, well-drained soils in full sun. It would not be an ideal choice as a street tree because it grows to 80 feet (and occasionally 120) at maturity, but it is a fine speci- men for parks and other relatively large areas. The fall foliage of white ash is a spectacular yellow to deep purple and maroon. An ash in deep purple fall color would be outstanding with a stand of aspen as a back- ground. We are limited only by our lack of imagination. Black Gum, Sour Gum, or Black Tupelo, as it is fre- quently called, is rarely used as an ornamental in south- ern New Hampshire. The late |eff Smith of Hollis had much praise for this tree and grew seedlings in the Bea- ver Brook tree nursery with the intent of planting them in the parks around Hollis. Not to overuse Michael Dirr as a reference. Black Gum is "one of our most beautiful native trees: somewhat pyramidal when young with densely set branches, some of which are pendulous; in old age the numerous spreading and often horizontal branches form an irregularly rounded or flat topped crown". Do you remember the two outstanding specimens at Spruce Pond Camp, on the edge of the Softball field in Bear Brook State Park in Allenstown? If not, it's worth the trip to see them. They are old trees with bark that conXmueA on page 19 February & March 1995 A Lesson from California Cooperation Means Survival ]im Bergantz Tie "big box" retailers were late in coming to our tranquil little Gold Rush town. The first traffic light in our county was finally installed just last year. But with the advent of "progress", those of us in small business were quick to feel the impact of the broad spectrum of products that were becoming available to our customers just beyond the boundaries of Calaveras County. We realized, about two years ago, that we must find a way to foster the qualities that are valuable about small business and do it in a concerted effort with our neighbors. The lumber store across the street traditionally held a mid-spring sale that was very well attended by shoppers in our community. It would be wise, we thought, to have our own sale the same day in order to tap into their customer base. We approached them about participating in the mass mailing that they did to market the event. Our neighbor, an electronics store owner, joined the ef- fort. We were surprised at how little it cost to promote our joint event, compared to the cost of advertising in- dependently. We were also pleased to discover how great it was to work with our neighbors, because they had good ideas that were offered from a slightly differ- ent perspective. The event that took place was the most well-attended and profitable sale we had ever had. In addition to of- fering great savings, the three stores created a party-like shopping atmosphere. Our nursery hired a skilled face painter to decorate children (and adults!) We invited the butcher from the neighboring food market to cook his famous Casper dogs right in the center of the nurs- ery under our new shade structure, which was being christened that day. When we invited our vendors to participate in a parking lot forum for our customers, they were extremely supportive. In another show of coopera- tion, competitors sat side-by-side and enjoyed their lunch while giving our customers invaluable, in-depth in- formation about everything from sprinkler systems to soil. We were excited. Our idea worked! From that initial effort, our cooperative advertising group has grown to its current size of 23 members. We encourage all businesses to join us, for the inclusion of any new member enhances our effort Consequently, a feeling of mutual obligation has developed between the business owners of our community, even between busi- nesses in direct competition with one another. This un- anticipated offshoot may, in fact, be the most important thing to come from the efforts of the group. Shortly after our initial cooperative promotion, we be- gan encouraging others to join us with a $100.00 per month contribution and a six-month commitment. This money is pooled in an account at our local bank (also a member! and is expended according to vote by the group at large. We adopted the acronym N.A.M.E., for "North Angels Merchants Extraordinaire", and hired a group of local bluegrass musicians to create a jingle to incorporate into our radio advertising This jingle has become our signature and is used in cable TV ads as well. Other money from our account is utilized for newspa- per advertising. This is fairly evenly divided between five local newspapers and uses about 30% of the budget. Members of the group participate at varying levels. Some never miss our bi-weekly meetings; some never attend, but mail their contribution without fail. I produce a weekly newsletter that is faxed to each member so that everyone is kept informed of progress and of who is paid up and who is not! We are now enjoying being "little guys" with a big voice. Our advertising co-op is seen as a viable force in our community for the cause of economic development. We are committed to our cause as well as to each other for the decline of any one business diminishes all of us. The police department has visited us to discuss crime prevention and, during the last election campaign, can- didates attended our always open meetings in order to understand the concerns of local business. The City of Angels Camp has seen fit to join our group with a S'OO. monthly contribution in a show of faith for what we are doing. NAME, was the organizing force last year in what looks to become an annual event in Angels Camp. We "Painted the Town Red!" With the generous support of Curtis [ones and the Lake Valley Seed Company, we dis- tributed (door-to-door!) over 5000 packets of red flower seeds for residents to plant in preparation for the event. The impact was astounding as, all over town, red flowers bloomed to launch the "Paint the Town Red" celebra- tion. The resulting boost of red flower sales in our nurs- ery was a wonderful plus! The NAME, multi-store sales event was joined by our museum, which held a living history event complete with miner's food, gold paning and Mark Twain characters in costume At the same time, the hospital held a children's health fair. Our nurs- ery was the site of a car show for red vehicles which had continued on next page 18 The Plantsman a total of 84 entries. Three thousand people visited us that day! What better proof of N.A ME .'s success? What have we demonstrated? What have we learned? Our advertising is convincing customers that small busi- ness has much to offer that is unavailable at large retail establishments. In working with other stores that sell products that are in direct competition to ours, we seek to share customers rather than lose them to the "big box" retailers. We are embracing our competitors as well as our neighbors. Together, we hold the key to our eco- nomic survival. \im Bergantz. along with his wife ]udy. owns and operates Bergantz Nursery and Garden Center at PO Box 126, 38P North Highway 49, Angels Camp, California 95221 The phone num- ber is 209-736-2544. Underutilized Trees continued from page I 7 has developed into large block-like platelets with the al- ligator hide appearance. The crowns are flattened and the branches nearly horizontal. Either of these would be striking in a park setting within Zone 4, particularly in the fall The taproot is the main disadvantage in trans- planting this tree in an urban area. However, to support the case for maintaining diversity, it is worth the extra effort. Stan Knowles is Program Coordinator at the New Hampshire Division of Forests and Lands Urban Forestry Center in Ports- mouth, New Hampshire. The phone number there is 603-431-6774. PRUNERS ■ LADDERS ■ SPRAYERS ■ FORKLIFTS ■ PUMPS ROUTE 116. P.O. BOX 540 CONWAY. MA 01341 413-369-4335 For Friendly, Courteous, Efficient, Technical Service CALL US AT 1-800-634-5557 FOR INFORMATION AND CATALOGS HOSE ■ TANKS m REELS ■ MOWERS . SAFETY EQUIPMENT 'Helping You to Grotto" B^E^ Supply GREENHOUSE SUPPLIES «& EQUIPMENT Hemlock Road, Langdon Moiling Address: P.O. Box 0, Charlestown, New Hampshire 03603 • Nu-Form Products • Reb Products • Pre-fiUed Flats &. Pots • Distributors for Plasti Form &. Plasti Vac • Restricted Pesticides • Kord Products • Fertilizers • Distributors for Hyde Park &. Sunshine Soils 603-835-6930 Fax: 603-835-2180 February & March 1995 MEMBER PROFILE THE GOUDREAUETS Reinventing the Family Farm The Traditional New England farm was often a complicated place made up of many separate eco- nomic components — a cow, a vegetable garden, chickens, a woodlot, a cash crop or two. Some specialized farms — dealing in apples or dairy products or maple syrup — do well, but many of New Hampshire's successful agricultural enter- prises still follow the traditional pattern THE GOUDREAULTS are farmers — Richard's father was a farmer in Haverhill, IVlassachusetts — and Richard would probably still be there if, in the early sixties, Massachusetts hadn't built Route 495 through the family farm. The house is stand- ing— his father still lives there, but the land was taken. Richard looked for other farms in the area, found one five miles away — "but in an- other state — it seemed far away at the time"— and, in 1962, he, his wife Lucine, and their family moved to 34 acres in Plaistow. It was primarily a dairy farm. He had forty cows, but grew some vegetables and sold them at his father's stand. THEN IN 1980, THE FIRST GREEN- HOUSE— a 10x25 lean-to against the bull barn — was built; the first crop — bedding plants and geraniums. iVlore greenhouses were put up. Today the main growing unit con- sists of four 30x96 New Englanders, and, perpendicular to these, a 30x100 rigid-sided Nexus with a double-poly roof; each house is connected to the Nexus by a 4x6 passageway. The Nexus serves as headhouse, retail sales area, and a growing space as well. This year it's being extended in order to add an overhead door which would allow vans to drive in and be loaded. There are also two 17x96s and two 14x96 inflation busters. It's a straight-forward operation on an open site — lots of wind, plenty of light. Two houses have rolling benches; in one of these, the benches have heat — hot water through tubing — and the house is used for propagation and a crop of 4500 New Guinea impatiens in 4 1/ 2-inch pots ("the heat forms nice roots"). In the other houses, the growing is done in ground beds or on plastic weed barrier laid on dirt floors. All houses are heated with natural gas ("it's clean, renewable; the equipment costs less"). THE CROP MIX is traditional. In mid-january, pansies are hand- sown. (They've tried a number of seeders and decided they prefer seeding by hand.) But now — to save time — less seed is sown and more plugs bought in. They grow 70 types of annuals- — all are trans- planted into 606s ("we used the 606s with bigger varieties — mari- golds, salvia — at first and found they gave us a nicer plant; people wanted the larger size — so now we use them for everything") They pot (using Sunshine Mix) in each individual house using a por- table soil bin. There's automatic drip watering for pots and hangers; the 606s are watered by hand. In early March, bareroot perenni- als arrive — 100 varieties; in most of these, several species are of- fered. At the same time, hanging baskets are put up. One house is filled with 6000 4 1/2 geraniums. The retail side of things begins around April 20. Customers are al- lowed in five houses — those with rolling benches are closed (for con- cern customers might get their fin- gers caught between the benches). A cashier is in the lean-to against the old bull barn (which is now the office). "We give a lot of verbal service." Two daughters work with Richard and Lucine: Cynthia is full-time — book-keeper, grower, salesperson... and Pamela and her husband (a dentist) help out during the busy season. There are other part-time people. "We try to educate our employees," Cynthia says. "We feel an employee who deals with customers well is more valuable to the business." IN EARLY JULY, the farm stand (in the barn — in the old birthing stalls) opens. The first produce is bought in: because they're busy with the greenhouse side of things, the Goudreaults plant late — five acres of corn and an acre of mixed veg- etables. Again, it's very straight- forward. They lime and fertilize; grow most everything through plas- tic. (It's dry land; there's no irriga- tion— as well as keeping weeds down, the plastic holds moisture: "in spite of last year's drought, we grew exceptional melons." They no longer grow potatoes — the potato beetle "was too much— there were no chemicals we wanted to use;" they use a minimal amount of chemicals on other crops (on let- tuce there is none; they hand-pick hornworms off tomatoes) and make sure customers know it — "It's a strong selling point." "We try to do a lot with local businesses" and fill out their own of- ferings with locally grown fruit and honey. In fall, it's mums that are of- fered— 8500 in gallon containers — and 500 ornamental kale. They sell pumpkins — they bought in ten tons of them last year. Winter means 1500 poinsettias in larger pots — 7s, 8s, lOs, 12s, along with hangers. "Lilo is popu- lar, but we have a few of all col- 20 The Plantsman MEMBER PROFILE r^"^^ ors." About half are sold retail; the rest go to local flower shops. A niche that's developed in recent years has been the holiday decora- tion of churches, not only Christ- mas, but Easter and Thanksgiving as well. Last year, the Goudreaults were asked to decorate St. Joseph's Cathedral in Manchester. A small niche perhaps, but powerful and satisfying public relations Two nearby farms have cut-your- own Christmas tree operations, so rather than compete, the Goud- reaults sell only poinsettias, wreaths (they buy in 25 dozen, make their own bows) and roping. This sense of proportion helps out everyone and gives increasingly urbanized custom- ers a genuine "country outing." CUT FLOWERS ARE A IV1A|OR CROP. The Goudreaults grow Asiatic (early blooming, with three- to-four-inch blossoms) and Oriental (later blooming, scented, six-inch blos- soms) lilies. They began eight years ago — learning as they went — and now produce 150,000 stems a year. Two houses are in Asiatic lily production year-round; a third is used from the first of |uly until the first of February for the production of Orientals. They grow "quite a few types" — on the Wednesday after Christmas, Richard brought stems of 13 Asiat- ics and four Orientals to the Bos- ton Flower Market (he goes three times a week). For both types, pink is the favorite color. The year's supply is ordered in |uly ("a third of a year's crop can be new varieties," Cynthia says. "Sometimes a type will grow quite differently than described — so we always have our fingers crossed") The first six-months' supply is brought to Connecticut the first of lanuary; there they are stored in a freezer; 2700 bulbs are shipped up weekly. The Asiatics are planted in 3 1/2x90 ground beds, six beds per house. Orientals are grown in peat-filled crates (the peat is after- wards used to amend the ground beds; unused crates support benches). The amended beds are rototilled, then steamed. Richard uses a Fulton natural gas steam boiler; a canvas hose is placed down the center of the bed and the bed covered with a sheet of heat-resistant plastic. The heat is kept at 160 F for an hour. The wire that later is used to support the plants is used as a pattern and three bulbs per 4x6-inch opening are planted. It's done on your knees with a trowel, but it's quick and the soil is easy to work. On constant feed once they're three inches above ground, it usually takes thirty days from planting to bud formation. During bud formation, lilies need light (buds will blast and stems will be weak without it) and from October through March, so- dium vapor lights extend day length to 11 at night. The lights, fastened to the purloins, can be moved to the appropriate bed. (A good lily has three-to-six buds and a stem strong enough to be held horizontally without bending.) GOUDREAULTS IS THE LAST work- ing farm in Plaistow and the new marketing capitalizes on this tradi- tional image. A major change was the simplest — a new sign out front. Wooden, with hand-painted letter- ing, modest by many standards, but much larger than what was there before, it "has brought more business than anything else we've done." Customers that sign up receive a newsletter. Three years old now, its readers (now 1400) receives a four-page letter ("Dear Friends of the Goudreault Farm") three or four times a year, it's basically a series of tips about what's avail- able at the farm combined with friendly cultural advice (caring for hanging baskets) and odd bits of information (Did you know that Veronica is associated with fidelity or the Red Poppy with consolation? Goudreault Farm newsletter read- ers do.) School children now come on tours to see what a "real farm" is all about. A real farm is mostly about work, but the children are give a gentler introduction — a hay ride around the perimeter and a chance to gather grape vines and dried weeds with which to make wreaths back at their classrooms. Future plans in this educational side of marketing include a display of antique farm equipment and tools — an ox-yoke, butter churn, a saw used to cut ice... A unique attraction is the farm's nine ewes (not "yews," Cynthia points out), which are bred in De- cember, allowing a sheep-sheering day in mid-May before the Iambs are born and a chance for custom- ers to see the new lambs soon after. Of course, the strong point is simply that Goudreault's really is a farm. The big practical buildings — the original 1763 house with two centuries of alterations and addi- tions, the barn, the silo, various sheds — clustered on a hilltop with fields and greenhouses sloping away around them — rings true. It's still unclear what the final mix of economic components will be: a line of pottery was sold last year — gardening items may be added this; show gardens are evolving; strawberries may be grown again ("to fill a gap"). But maybe — as in any living organism — and a working farm is as living a organism as there is — the mix is never static: nothing is "final." And the mix for future Goudreault gen- erations will be as complex and fluid as the mix at the farm today. (B.P.) {Goudreault Farm & Greenhouses is at 82 Newton Road in Plaistow. Tke phone number there is 603-382-8298.) February & March 1995 SOO FARM S NURSERY, INC Wholesale Gold Star Wholesale Nursery is a family owned business. Since 1952 w have been offering ihe finest wholesale planting malenals to landscape contractors Ifiroughout the N.E. area along with the one element that truly sets us apart from the competition ...service Gold Star welcomes your comments and suggestions. Make us your one-slop for the best in wholesale landscape supplies !IWHIIH!«tHiB«lll'HWIHIIIIIW,«MlliBiaBr HARRY STOLLER & CO., Inc. 109-113 Essex St., Haverhill, Mass. 01830, (508) 373-6838, (800) 322-0332 kVe cater to the small and medium size nursery in any quantity desired: 1. New heavy grade domestic burlap sqs. untreated & no-rot-treated 2. Open burlap bags 3. New windbreak burlap 4. Balling bags 5. Wire baskets 6. Flat-folded burlap basket liners 7. Truck covers 8. Sisal twine & poly twine 9. Woven polypropylene sqs. Resolve to Control These Pesky Critters Dr. Stanley R. Swier ri't' I sit here in my office watching the snow flakes descend from the heavens, its hard to imagine that spring is not that far away. However, you will soon be producing bedding plants and trying to control the pesky critters that affect your production. This article will hopefully improve your success. Controlling insects and mites on bedding plants is far more difficult than with other crops. Bedding plant growers generally produce many plant species at the same time. Each species has its own particular ar- ray of pests that must be managed. Each species has many varieties which vary in their susceptibility to spray damage. Keeping track of pest problems, phytoxicity, and production schedules for a large num- ber of plant varieties is extremely time-consuming. Soon you are overwhelmed. Here are some tips. KMf- ^CCCA^. Good records are absolutely essential. No one can remember the amount of detail that is required to produce a large number of crops. I strongly urge you to computerize as much information as possible There are a large number of software programs out there that can help you manage the information you need. Usually it's best to assign this job to someone who loves computers and sees this work as fun. How- ever, anyone can learn the basics skills if they're will- ing to put in the time. (To help you with your pesti- cide record-keeping requirements, I wrote a fact sheet with George Hamilton of Hillsboro County Cooperative Extension titled "Pesticide Record-Keeping Require- ments for New Hampshire". If you would like a copy, contact your local county agricultural Extension educa- tor.) By keeping good records, you will be able to quickly fill out your annual pesticide use report re- quired by the Division of Pesticide Control. You will also be able to keep track of the re-entry require- ments for workers as regulated by the Worker Protec- tion Standards. Good records will enable you to de- termine which pesticides are providing good control, which are damaging your plants, and which varieties are having problems. As an Extension entomologist, it's very frustrating to have a grower call me asking me for advice on chemical recommendations, but he/ she can't remember or quickly find out what was ap- plied or when. You should be able to readily tell us the problem or symptoms, how widespread it is, and on which varieties it is occurring. With that informa- tion, we can often make a diagnosis over the tele- phone. Complex problems will require a sample sent in to us for insect or disease identification. Good record-keeping takes time but saves money in the long run. Similar problems often occur year after year and record-keeping will help you anticipate them. Check your plants when you receive them. Severely infected plants should be discarded. Eliminate insects and other pest problems before plants are placed in the greenhouse. It's easier to control pests now than to wait until they are infesting crop plants. Good weed control will significantly re- duce future problems. Learn to identify the major pests of each variety. Proper pest identification will enable you to choose the most appropriate pesticide to control the problem. Most pesticides today will only control a narrow spec- trum of insects and proper pesticide selection is a must. Use yellow sticky cards (1-4/1000 sq ft) to monitor insects. Inspect plants (3 plants/1000 sq ft). Weekly monitoring of pest numbers on plants and cards will help determine when and where pesticides need to be applied. Write down your counts on a data sheet and soon population trends will be evident. Be sure to change cards frequently so as not to confuse weekly counts. Again, it's best to give this job to a single indi- vidual interested in IPM. Crop monitoring takes the guesswork out of pesticide applications because it indi- cates which treatments were effective. Although crop monitoring is labor intensive, it may pay for itself in more efficient use of pesticides and better crop quality. Space plants apart to ensure good spray coverage. High-volume hydraulic sprayers generally give the best coverage. Of the low-volume sprayers, the ESS (electro-static sprayers) are best because they put more droplets on the plants than other ULV sprayers. Av^^ PC^XeteJiiic^X*4: Don't apply pesticides to stressed plants (i.e. heat). Don't spray under hot or poor drying conditions (cloudy, high humidity). Wettable powders (WP) tend to burn less than emulsifiable concentrates (EC). Be February & March 1995 -v- -i^ careful of tank mixing. Tani< mixing increases tfie risk of injury . If tank mixes are not on the label, you as- sume all risk. Test a few plants first. If horticultural oils are applied too soon before or after another pes- ticide, the likelihood of phytotoxicity is increased. Don't apply aerosols less than 20 inches from the plant, at temperatures above 85 degrees, or when the foliage is wet. Do not overdose. Don't try to save money by buying agricultural formulations not regis- tered for the greenhouse. Pesticides are more likely to cause phytotoxicity under greenhouse conditions. If it's labelled for greenhouse use, the manufacturer has tested it there. Also, an unlabeled use is illegal. Read the label for a list of plants which are sensitive to that formulation. Use the pesticide only for plants listed on the label. Rotate pesticide classes, but use the same spray for the whole life cycle of the target pest. If the target has a 3-week life cycle, use the same chemical for 3 weeks, providing you are getting reasonable control. Aphids: Orthene, Margosan-O, Dycarb, Attain, Talstar, DuraGuard, Dursban, Decathalon, Knox-Out, Fulex DDVP, Thiodan, Preclude, Tame, Mavrik, Sunspray Ultrafine Spray Oil, Marathon, M-Pede, Olympic Insec- ticidal Soap, Safer Insecticidal Soap, Enstar II, Methiocarb, Dibrom, Fulex Nicotine, Oxamyl, Astro, Pyrethrum, X-Clude, Resmethrin, and Fulex Dithio Smoke. Fungus gnats; Orthene, Azatin, Gnatrol, Talstar, DuraGuard, Decathlon, Knox-Out, Precision, Sunspray Ultrafine Spray Oil, Olympic Insecticidal Soap, Enstar II, Exhibit, Scanmask, Oxamyl, Astro, Pyrethrum, X-Clude, and Resmethrin. Mealybugs: Orthene, Margosan-O, Azatin, Dycarb, At- tain, Talstar, DuraGuard, Dursban, Decathlon, Knox- Out, Fulex DDVP, Tame, Sunspray Ultrafine Spray Oil, Marathon, M-Pede, Olympic Insecticidal Soap, Safer Insecticidal Soap, Enstar II, Dibrom, Oxamyl, Astro, Pyrethrum, X-Clude, and Resmethrin. Spider mites: Avid, Orthene, Attain, Talstar, Dura- Guard, Knox-Out, Fulex DDVP, Kelthane, Pentac, Tame, Mavrik, Sunspray Ultrafine Spray Oil, M-Pede, Olympic Insecticidal Soap, Safer Insecticidal Soap, Grandslam, Methiocarb, Dibrom, Oxamyl, Pyrethrum, X-Clude, and Resmethrin. Thrips: Orthene, Margosan-O, Azatin, Dycarb, Talstar, DuraGuard, Dursban, Decathlon, Knox-Out, Preclude, Mavrik, Marathon, M-Pede, Olympic Insecticidal Soap, Safer Insecticidal Soap, Fulex Nicotine, Oxamyl, X-Clude, Resmethrin, and Fulex Dithio Smoke. Whiteflies: Orthene, Margosan-O, Azatin, Dycarb, Talstar, Attain, Dursban, Decathlon, Knox-Out, Fulex DDVP, Thiodan, Precision, Preclude, Tame, Mavrik, Sunspray Ultrafine Spray Oil, Marathon, M-Pede, Olym- pic Insecticidal Soap, Safer Insecticidal Soap, Enstar II, Methiocarb, Dibrom, Oxamyl, Astro, Pyrethrum, X-Clude, Resmethrin, and Fulex Dithio Smoke. Caterpillars: Orthene, Azatin, Margosan-O, Dipel, MVP, Dycarb, Attain, Talstar, DuraGuard, Dursban, Deca- thalon, Knox-Out, Tame, Mavrik, Olympic Insecticidal Soap, Safer Insecticidal Soap, Dibrom. Astro, Pyre- thrum, X-Clude, and Resmethrin. Many of you will use Marathon because it should give 8-12 weeks of control. However, too little or too much water will reduce its effectiveness. It is a systemic and it must translocate through the roots. The biologicals such as the parasitic nematodes (Exhibit, Scanmask) and Baci//HS \h\Ar'\nq'\ens\s (Gnatrol) often re- quire frequent application to be effective against fun- gus gnat. Parasitic wasps and predators don't work well in a bedding plant situation where there are many pests to be controlled, and pesticides sprays for a non-host insect will also kill the beneficials. All pesticides listed here are recommended contin- gent upon continued NH registration and no signifi- cant changes in labelling. Don't hesitate to contact your local county agricultural Extension educator or myself if you have any questions. Good luck and I hope all of you have a profitable year. Dr. Stanley R. Smer is ExtewsioH SpedaWsi, EMtomo/o^i/, Udiversiti/ o\ New Hampshire, phone number 603-862-1159. Laughton's Garden Center Inc. Cal Laughton, Florist NURSERY STOCK • ANNUALS PERENNIALS FERTILIZERS • INSECTICIDES Distributors of Nursery Overwintering Blankets WHOLESALE AND RETAIL NURSERY Tel. 1-800-633-0159 155-165 Princeton Blvd. No. Chelmsford, MA 01863 The Plantsman HARNESS THE SUN!!! SUN-MATE FOR THE 90'S! 1, 2, 3 TEMPERED GLASS SKINS OR G.E. LEX AN OR ACRYLIC PLASTIC PANEL SKINS. SINGLE TEMPERED GLASS LEAST COSTLY AND PERMANENT. TEMPERED GLASS ARCH RE-SKIN A SPECIALTY See our tempered glass re-skin at UNH. We were chosen for high light, low mainten- ance, and permanent performance re-slg. MA 01864 Phorw: S08-6e4-009« FAX: 908-««4-4076 75 CHESTNUT HILL, RTE 190 STAFFORD SPRINGS, CT 06( W. H. MILIKOWSKI, INC. GREENHOUSE SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT PLANTS BULBS SEEDS ALL YOUR GREENHOUSE NEEDS GROW V^TTH US Conn 203-684-5811 Out of State 800-243-7170 Richard C. Zoerb 600 Mamaroneck Ave. Harrison. NY 10528 72 Hawkstead Hollow Nashua, NH 03063 603 886-8665 February (• March l'^" UPDATE HAPPY NEW YEAR! It sure is tough to get back into the swing of things after the holidays. Luckily, this is a relatively slow time in the PDL. It's the time of year when I give numerous presentations at workshops and grower meetings as well as try to catch up on report- writing and paper work. Although relatively few samples were received in the last two months of 1994, there were some notable samples among those diagnosed. Phyllosticta Needle Blight continues to be a problem on balsam and Fraser firs. As 1 mentioned in the last report, this needle blight has been increasing in frequency over the last few years and very little is known about the life cycle of the fungus. Hopefully, Bill Merrill and Nancy Wenner will have had some new information on this disease (they have been doing a little work with it) at the Christmas Tree Pest Manage- ment Workshop in Keene (January. 5-6| Several samples of Rhizosphaera Needlecast on spruce began were diagnosed in November Remember the key time for control of this needlecast is during shoot elongation. Problems on greenhouse crops were relatively few during Novem- ber-December. Soft Rot was diagnosed on two cyclamen samples. In both cases the corms were planted too deep and the plants were over-watered. Fungus Gnat larvae were also abundant in both samples. There is strong evidence that the little critters transmit bacteria and fungal spores, so they can be more than just a nuisance Pythium was isolated from rot- ting geranium roots and Oedema has begun to show up ivy geraniums, so be sure to adjust your watering during cloudy weather in the upcoming months. There was only one confirmed case of Powdery Mildew on poin- settias this season. In general, the crop was fairly clean throughout the country. During the next few months, continue to inspect and monitor gerani- ums for Bacterial Blight (see the |une/|uly issue of The Plantsman for a description of symptoms|. If you suspect the disease, please submit whole-plant samples to the PDL for diagnosis. The plants should be re- moved from the potting mix and the root system should be wrapped in a plastic bag before shipping (the mix should be moist but not soaked). The samples can be mailed in a sturdy box (be sure to pad the plants with newspaper). Or, you can always hand- deliver samples to the lab. Finally, remember nothing beats good sanitation, good air circulation, and careful monitoring for preventing disease problems The final topic is I'd like to cover is the new fee system for samples submitted to the Plant Diagnostic Lab. Beginning May 1, 1995, the fee will be $12 00 per sample. A sample consists of a single plant species but may in- clude several specimens of the same species (actually it's best to send several specimens showing the range of symptoms from healthy to most severely diseased) As a results of decreased funding and budget con- straints, this fee is necessary to defray a portion of the costs for supplies for the PDL. If you wish to submit plant material to the PDL for diagnosis, send samples [with a check for $12.00) to-. The UNH Plant Diagnostic Lab. C/O Dr Cheryl A. Smith. Nesmith Hall. UNH, Durham. NH 03824 Samples should be accompanied by an identification form [available from your county Cooperative Extension office). Cheryl Smith is the UNH Cooperative Extension Specialist in Plant Health, and can be reached at 603-862-3841. Groundcovers continued from page 28 Phlox stolonifera (Woodland Phlox) This native woodland groundcover looks well naturalized under shrubs and trees or along pathways. Very showy blooms in spring. About eight inches with flowers and 23" without. Colors are purples, pink, and white. Sedum John Creech' or spurium 'Purple Teppich' Two great sun groundcovers, both better than Dragons Blood.' They are 2-3 ", with pink and red flowers respectively. 'Purple Teppich' has very dark foliage, ')ohn Creech' is green, both are very low and do well in hot sun. V/aldsteinia ternata (Siberian Barren Strawberry) Lush groundcover with evergreen leaves and buttercup flowers in May. 4-6", Waldsteinia is a good spreader for a shady area. \anthorhiza simplicissima (Yellow Root) Underutilized native groundcover for sun or part shade with decora- tive astilbe-like foliage and nice fall color. Spreads rapidly, does have yellow roots, and great for a bank. Here are a few thoughts on de- sign. Try to use finer textured plants in small areas. Mass larger leaved plants such as Hosta or Ligularia un- der shady areas further away. Think of contrasting textures of leaf color when accenting a speci- men. Try also to plant ground-cov- ers, if using more than one, with gradually descending heights for a more natural look. Finally, try groundcovers that are new to you, and use them in differ- ent situations to become familiar with them. Convince your custom- ers to use less bark mulch, lawn and asphalt, and perhaps a little more 'real' groundcover. Leslie van Berkum is co-owner of Van Berkum Nursery, Deerfield. NH; phone- 603-463-7663 26 The Plantsman STEENBURG & CALLIORAS THE AUCTION PROFESSIONALS, INC. AUCTIONEERS: Archie Steenburgh 603/989-5690 Route 10, Haverhill, NH 03765 Peter Callioras, C.A.I. 603/868-1070 Calef Highway (Lee), Dover, NH 03820 ^emers (Batben Center ^nc. 656 South Mammoth Road (Rte. 28A) Manchester, NH 03109-5049 (603) 625-8298 • Fax (603) 622-4073 Nursery • Greenhouses Craft & Christmas Shop We Support The Plantsman CD OWNERS! Are You Earning ^^ ^ ^o/ Interest Rate 050 Guaranteed ^■■^^^ For One Year? No Annual Fees." Guaranteed Return of Principal! Multiple Income Features! Call Now for More Information On Tax-Deferred Annuities BOB NORA/IANDEAU *-'; WAGEMAN 1XSL'R.-VXCE z: 1-800-439-2451 Golden Rule Insurance Company Rated "A+" (Superior) by A.M. Best. This rating indicates financial strength and stability. * This annuity includes a 3% first-year bonus. Rate as of 1-3-94, subjea to change. Marathon on Poinsettias Alan T. Eaton Marathon (imidacloprici) is an insecticide in a new chemical group — cloronicotine. It is formulated as a granular material that is applied to the soil when the plant is young, but has a well-developed root system. The chemical leaches into the soil water and is then taken up by the roots and distributed throughout the plant It protected the poinsettias 1 worked on (4 growers) from whiteflies and aphids for 10 weeks, possibly longer There are some pitfalls, however. The first pitfall regards multiple cuttings in one pot. We discovered this problem when whitefly control was very poor in some hanging pots that had 10 poinsettia cuttings per pot. The material was working well in other pots with one or few cuttings. A check with the company representative confirmed that "a higher rate may be needed if there are multiple cuttings in a pot." That sets up a trap: the current Marathon label gives the rate by pot size, but gives no adjustment if multiple cuttings are used in a pot. Since the label is the law, we cannot legally deviate from it. My sugges- tions are: 1. avoid treating pots with multiple cuttings until the label is updated on this; 2. reduce the number of cuttings per pot; or 3. be prepared to put foliar treatments on pots with many cuttings. Another potential pitfall is skipping pots. Two of the 18 sites where I evaluated poinsettias in Novem- ber had hundreds of clean plants and in their midst, one or two pots that had very heavy, long-term infes- tations of whiteflies. Clearly, those few pots had been inadvertently skipped at treatment time, and they were producing dozens of adults in an otherwise uninfested house. A third problem is uniformity of treatment. You must find some efficient way to treat every pot with exactly the correct amount of insecticide. If multiple cuttings are in the pot, the material must be applied evenly enough so that it reaches the roots of each cutting. Moistening the soil right after application would help, so long as you avoid applying so much water that some drips out. It is clear to me that this material is an effective tool. I worry that it will be misused, resulting in resis- tance. If you try this insecticide, please follow the la- bel carefully! That will make it more likely that it will be useful to you for a long time. Alan Eaton is Extension Specialist, Integrated Pest Manage- ment. University of New Hampshire. He can be reached at 603-862-1 159. February & March 1995 27 WORTH REPEATING Redefining Groundcover Leslie van Berkum From New Hampshire Landscape Asso- ciation Newsletter, December, 1994. The good old-fashioned criteria for a groundcover included: low maintenance, neat and uniform, short and preferably taking some foot traffic. The ideal groundcover? Why asphalt, of course, followed closely by lawn and mulches. Many used one of the "big four": pachys- andra, vinca, ivy or ajuga, espe- cially on hard-to-mow slopes or un- der trees. Most plantings were large in scale and often boring. I'd like to point out some of the trends and changing ideas of what constitutes a groundcover, as well as mention a few of our favorite ones. Most of these are underutilized, but growing quickly in popularity. I Many people are disillusioned with lawns, finding them high main- tenance and not necessary in such large expanses. Lawns are shrinking and gardens are expanding. 2. Groundcovers do not need to be only up to eight inches tall. Many taller herbaceous plants such as Hemerocallis, Lysimachia, Gerani- ums and even small shrubs do a great job and lend well to a transi- tion (with shorter groundcovers) to lawn or walkway. 3. Complete uniformity is not re- quired in a groundcover. One of the loveliest groundcovers is a well-bal- anced meadow. Or a diverse plant- ing of Hosta. As long as the plants are similar in texture and height, variation can be very interesting. 4. Texture is a popular design con- cept now. Gardeners are looking for interesting combinations of two or three leaf forms to make a tap- estry of groundcover in their often smaller house lots. Uniformity and tying together with groundcover does not have to mean one species. 5. Many people have been asking lately for a showy bloom and long blooming season when they select a groundcover. Hybridizers are coming up with different leaf tex- tures, colors, and improved flowers for the "big four" and for many other less-used groundcovers as well. 6. Native plants (and improved forms of natives) are being used much more. People are realizing that many of the lowest mainte- nance plantings use indigenous ground-covers where they are natu- rally apt to grow (e.g. Phlox divaricata in a woodland setting). 7. With natural gardening so popu- lar now, comes the realization that a groundcover is a living mulch, keeping the ground cool and moist, slowly enriching the soil as dead leaves decompose, keeping weeds down, hiding decaying bulb leaves and controlling erosion. Although groundcovers have accomplished these things for centuries, and the "big four" are some of the best, I'd like to look at a few less-used but wonderful groundcovers, hardy to this region of New Hampshire. Arctostapfiylos uva uris 'Massachusetts' (Bearberry) 6-10" evergreen and drought toler- ant with small glossy leaves. Likes hot dry sandy sites. Red berries in fall. Astilbe cfiinensis 'Pumila' Many of the low astilbes will spread stoloniferously. Astilbe c. 'Pumila' has fine foliage and showy 12" raspberry flower spikes. Asarum (Ginger) Both Asarum europeaum and Asarum canadensis (our native ginger) have heart-shaped leaves and look nice in a woodland setting. Slower grow- ing, but very choice. Campanula poscharskyana or C. portenscftlagiana (Bellflower) Both great choices for rock walls in sun or shade. Low (4-8") and long blooming in summer. These will take a dry sandy spot and have wonderful blue bell flowers. Chrysoganum virginianum (Green & Gold) For sun or part shade. Nice dark foliage and bright yellow flowers all summer. 6-9" tall and needs good drainage. Great groundcover. Epimedium (Barrenwort) One of the few groundcovers for dry shade, with graceful "quaking" leaves on wiry stem. Delicate spurred flow- ers in early spring. 8-12" and some have nice fall color Very lovely! Geranium (Cranesblll) The hardy geraniums are becoming very popular with their handsome deeply-cut leaves and simple but striking blooms. The best ground- covers include Geranium sanguineum 'New Hampshire', Geranium sanguineum var striatum, and for large areas, Gcra- nium macrorrhizum. Virtually pest free and easy care groundcovers. Pachysandra procumbens (Allegheny Pachysandra) Our native pachysandra, with hand- some larger foliage, emerging light green and darkening to forest green. Much underutilized. Deciduous. continued on page 26 CAa FORFREE CATALOG! Quality Greenhouses & Equipment • Gutter Houses and Quonset Houses — with the highest insurance rating in the industry • HAF Fans •Greenhouse Filrh & Fastening System • Poly-Patch Repair Tape • Cooling & Heating Equipment • And Much More! Enameling Ideas for Your Greenhouse Needsl CALL TOLL FREE l-800'258-71 71 Bob Rimol; Northeast Sales Representative ■. 1-803-798-4000 PO Box 685 • • FAX 1-803-798-6584 Irmo, SC 29063 USA Red Maple 1 .5-3" caliper Varieties: Red Sunset"', Autumn Flame "' (P.P. 2377), and Armstrong specimen quality, own root (no incompatibility problems), high limbed for street and commercial use 604 Main Street, Cromwell, CT 06416 Phone (203) 635-5500 FAX (203) 635-3685 j^Bfe. Trees Since 1929 J^Ulaxie 9fursenes,%c. Growing 500 Acres of New England s Finest Trees & Shrubs J.D. Power and Associates ranks International Best conventional medium duty truck in customer satisfaction. ^ INnRNATIONAL Built For Your Business. LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS. INC. 1400 South Willow Street, Manchester, NH 03103 (603) 623-8873 NE WATS: 1 -800-562-381 4 Fax #1-603-641-9486 TWILIGHT MEETING AllGro", Rochester Wednesday, April 19, 1995, 5-7 pm. Composting is being done by a lot of people right now, but what makes the IPS/AllGro Composting Facility in Rochester unusual is the scale— its a 44,000 square foot facility in which 22,000 wet tons of biosolids and 1 1,000 tons of yard waste are pro- cessed to produce 30,000 cubic yards of biosolids-based compost yearly. This twilight meeting — the first of the year — will give NHPGA members an opportunity to tour this complex and learn about the products made there AllGro'^' compost is being used in topsoil production and as potting mix and even as a dark mulch. Previ- ously sold only in bulk, it is now available in bags as well. After the tour, there will be refreshments and a chance to talk with friends. For more information, call |eff LeBlanc at 1-800-662-2440. DIRECTIONS — from South: Q5 N to Exit 4. Follow Route 16 north for approximately 25 minutes. Go through two toll booths and take second exit after second booth (Route 125 Rochester-Gonic). Go south on 125 for two rtiles and take left at blinking yellow light onto Rochester Neck Road. Take first entrance to the Turnkey Re- cycling and Environmental Enterprises (TREE) facility. Go through first gate and take left down dirt road. The IPS/AllGro facility — a tan building — will be visible in the distance. ASSOCIATION OFFICERS Prciident BOB DEMERS, |R Demers Nursery & Garden Center 656 South Mammoth Road Manchester, NH 03103 625-8208 Secretary I Treasurer CHRISTOPHER ROBARGE UNH / TSAS Horticultural Facilities Manager Durham, NH 03824 862-1074 Directors ANDREA CAPRON Box 332 Center Ossippee, NH 03814 53Q-b030 TAMMY HATHAWAY bl Squamscott Road Stratham, NH 03885 778-3012 ANN HILTON Gateway Gardens 430 Loudon Road Concord, NH 03301 220-0655 HENRY HUNTINGTON Pleasant View Gardens RFD #3, PO Box 3701 Pittsfield, NH 03263 435-8361 ROBERT RIMOL I 7 Wyndmere Drive Londonderry, NH 03053 603-425-6563 PETER VAN BERKUM 4 lames Road Deerfield, NH 03037 463-7663 ROGER WARREN Box 318, Meriden, NH 03770 460-3226 (HI; 448-61 10 |W1 NH PLANT GROWERS ASSOCIATION The Plantsman Editor UNH Research Greenhouses Durham, NH 03824 NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 43